What's New in Sparta?

Sparta Businesses are Lookin' Good

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:07:00 +0000

Sparta Businesses are Lookin’ Good
Notice the amazing changes in Sparta commercial buildings lately? Some of the major changes are due in part to the Village of Sparta Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Property Enhancement Grant program for exterior enhancements to commercial buildings within the DDA District. The program has generated over $250,000 of investment from business owners into the exterior of their buildings over the past two years. The investment from property owners in their buildings is important for the vitality of Sparta business and the enhancements are having a major effect on the image of Sparta.

Round Again, the downtown business at 213 E. Division, has become a historical focal point for downtown Sparta after the completion of the DDA grant program in 2007. By taking the architectural history into account, the property owners, Howard and Joan Lettinga, decided to restore the exterior to its original size as built in 1907. By removing a 1940’s addition, the Lettinga’s found the original building sign in the façade of the building as the doorway header reading “N.A. Shaw Palace Livery 1907”. As a building that has served many different businesses over the years, including a Drayage Business (the hauling of a load by a low built cart by horses), a Livery Barn, Fields Transfer Line, a farm implement business, a John Deere equipment repair operation, a beauty shop, real estate office, accounting business, and photo shop, the building was finally purchased in 1984 as a consignment/ resale business by the Lettinga’s. As 2007 marked the hundredth year for the historic building in downtown Sparta, the Lettinga’s celebrated by restoring the building to its historic exterior and continuing the legacy of the historical building in downtown Sparta.

Another example of the DDA grant program is the major exterior improvements on the building at 530 S. State Street that currently houses Spectrum Health, Mel Trotter, LA Insurance, and the Secretary of State. Through the DDA Grant Program, the 530 S. State Street building underwent major façade improvements that included adding new façade materials, raised the height of the front façade to hide equipment, and correlated the businesses on the property. The improvements are remarkable and the project has made major improvements to the South State Street corridor.

Maxine’s Family Restaurant, at 370 N. State Street, is another example of success for the DDA Grant Program. Through major façade improvements, parking lot enhancements, streetscape improvements, and landscaping work, the business has made a major impact on the North State Street corridor and improve the exterior of the visual appeal of the restaurant. Maxine’s Family Restaurant has changed their image and look through the DDA Grant Program. The before and after photos show the extreme results of the project undertaken in 2008.

Interested in the 2009 DDA Property Enhancement Grant program? Businesses must meet grant guidelines and meet with the Property Enhancement Grant committee before applications are accepted. Grant guidelines are online under Assisting Businesses at www.spartami.org.

Milestones on Mainstreet: December 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:05:00 +0000

The Big Shakeout of ‘79

In January of ’79, Jose Cruz keeps things moving in the Sparta Foundry. Jose, known as Joe, works second shift. A straight eight from 3:00 to 11:00 at night. Life in the foundry is hard and dirty. But the money and benefits are good.

Twenty men work behind noisy presses to make the steel and dirt piston ring molds. It’s tedious, twisting work. Several men take aspirin for chronic back pain. Tethers keep their hands out of the presses. But a few are missing fingers.

A lineman for the foundry
Joe is a lineman. With an iron hook he pulls the heavy molds out onto the foundry floor. Joe puts his back into each move, like a football lineman. He works four lines, moving fast from line to line.

Joe prepares the molds for the molten iron. He puts heavy weights and pouring boxes on each. The iron pourer arrives, pushing a heavy ladle of molten iron down a ceiling rail.

Rivers of Hades
The iron pourers wear safety helmets with dark masks. The iron flows from the ladles in glowing orange streams. Steam rises and sparks fly when it hits the cool molds. Several pourers are busy. It looks like the Rivers of Hades.

The foundry is dark but Joe wears sun glasses to protect his eyes from the iron and sand. Joe is one of four linemen working the large floor. Everyone is in a hurry to make production. Fast and furious.

Within minutes the iron solidifies and turns gray. Its still 1200 degrees. Joe removes the running boxes. Hot sand burns his arms, but Joe is used to it. And the money is good.

Down to shakeout
Joe pulls the heavy molds down to the shakeout man. Shakeout is the dirtiest job in the place. Each mold is broke open by hand. Steam rises and scalding black dirt falls over the shakeout man’s boots through grates on the floor.

He pulls the rings from the mold with a noisy air-pressure lift. More hot black dirt shakes out. More steam. He lifts the molds on to the return line. Back breaking work. Joe pushes them back to the molder and the whole process starts again.

Set for life
Jose Cruz was born in Mercedes, Texas in 1947. The second of nine children. In 1965, with the rise of refrigerated rail cars, his father Santana Cruz lost his long-time job in a Texas ice factory. So the family came to Michigan where you could “rake money from the ground like leaves.”

Back in Texas, Joe earned a football scholarship from Corpus Christie University. But he joined the Marines, spent 22 months in Vietnam, fought at the Battle of Hui and earned a Purple Heart. After the war, he returned to Michigan.

At Bolthouse Farms in Grant he met Toni and got married. He attended Central Michigan on a Veteran’s Grant. But in 1977 he heard the Sparta Foundry was hiring. When you got a job at the Sparta Foundry, you were set for life.

The Oil Stopper Piston Ring Corporation
The Sparta Foundry began in 1921 as the Oil Stopper Piston Ring Corporation. It was soon acquired by the Muskegon Piston Ring Company. From the 1940’s through the 1970’s it became one of the largest piston ring factories in the world.

From lineman to mailman
By January 1979 the glory days of the Sparta Foundry were peaking. Global competition would rock the automotive industry. The great shakeout of the Michigan economy had begun. In 1984, Joe was laid off.

In December 1984 Joe joined the Post Office and became the familiar, friendly face on Sparta’s Village Route. Through snow and sleet and gloom of Sparta nights the post arrived, always with lollypops for the youngest residents along the way. In 2005, Joe retired with a bad knee. For more than 20 years, he was a real milestone on main street in Sparta. Just like the Sparta Foundry.

Today Jose Cruz lives with his wife Toni on Schultz Avenue in Sparta. He has five children and five grand children. The Sparta Foundry officially closed in 2004.

Milestones on Main Street is produces specially for Sparta Today. Input and contributions to this column are welcome. Please send your ideas to Dean Lettinga at hlet@hetnet.nl or contact Joan Lettinga at 887-2414.

Milestones on Mainstreet: November 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Sparta Booming in 1876
Today, Sparta is a booming town which boasts a hotel in downtown Sparta, a large, two story building situated on the corner of Mill and Division Street. The town is growing due to the railroad bringing in businessmen and travelers to and through the area. The depot is located near to the large elevator owned and run by Mr. E. Bradford where grain is stored in large quantities. Plans are in sight for some folks to build another Railroad Depot with the future Toledo, Saginaw, & Muskegon rail line that will be installed in about 10 years. It will be difficult, say many folks, to have the T.S. & M. rail line actually reach Toledo or Saginaw as many small railroad companies are starting up but not many seem to be surviving.

A Future School
The property that will eventually have the Myers School Museum building was recently sold three years ago for $50 by Hiram & Barbra Myers to build a school. It will eventually serve Algoma and Sparta area as a one room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse will have students K -8 for many long years ahead. Perhaps eventually, the school location will become a museum for students to see what it was like to be a student in the Sparta area in 1876 in the future.

Businesses in Town
Throughout town there are many established businesses, including a few doctors offices including Dr. Emmons, Dr. Hinman, and Dr. Babcock, and a saloon, Ostrom and Sons meat market, Olmstead & Sons saw and grist mill, a “fair” country store, Betterley cigar and tobacco store, and many more businesses throughout downtown. A new type of soda pop called “Root Beer” came out this year, and many kids and adults alike have taken a liking to the new type of Soda pop.

Baseball here?
Baseball's National League was founded. According to the newspapers, before the organization of the National League, amateur games were riddled with illegal practices such as bribery and betting. The creation of professional teams, subject to one set of enforceable rules, resulted from the foundation of the League. Some day we may have a professional baseball team in Michigan, but that probably won’t occur until after the turn of the century.

A Passing Trend
Instead of neighbors walking to meet at a coffee shop or at church, the new invent of a contraption called a telephone, by a Mr. Alexander Graham Bell, has been patented this year. Some of the locals are worried that if folks are able to talk to each other by a wire in real time, they will not need to leave their house again! We will see how quickly this passing Trend moves on or if people in Sparta will have the contraption hooked up to their homes.

The Country
Much as changed in these United States since the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War has ended. Over the past 10 years, Nevada, and Nebraska have joined these United States and there is even rumor that Colorado will join these United States yet this year. Though it will take a while for a copy of the book to reach the hands of many here in Sparta, Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” has been published and sold by subscription. Most likely, the book will become a best seller.

Milestones on Main Street is produces specially for Sparta Today. Input and contributions to this column are welcome. Please send your ideas to Dean Lettinga at hlet@hetnet.nl or contact Joan Lettinga at 887-0013.

Believe...

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:29:00 +0000

Believe…
The holidays are about more than simply getting presents or about Santa Claus. It’s about spending time with friends and families, sharing in the spirit of giving, and the sense of compassion that is evident in many people in our community. Here in Sparta alone, we have many different ways to donate toys to families less fortunate and numerous ways to help with food donations to those in need. The traditional values found in our community that are so important during the holidays and year round gives us the reason to continue to believe in the goodness in people and the importance of the giving of yourself. Especially during the holidays, lately it seems, people can get caught up in the commercialism that the holidays have become- dashing to the mall to wait half the night to get the latest and greatest electronic toy is quite the norm. During the hustle and bustle period this year, it’s nice to know we live in a community that still believes in the values connected to the holiday. When we hear the word “believe”, we know it means more than in “Santa Claus”, but to believe in hope, compassion, in the spirit of giving and the goodness of people.
The Holiday Season in downtown Sparta is special, too. Homes are decorated with holiday lights and family’s together to meet Santa at the Santa House or take a stroll through candy cane lane, there truly is nothing like this time of year. While downtown, take a moment to see if any of our local businesses would save you the hassle of the traffic and crowds elsewhere. You may just find a perfect gift for a loved one from restaurant gift certificates, antique collector’s items, customized framing, men’s work ware and tools, auto accessories, and holiday collectibles.
This season, we have many activities for you and your family to enjoy. Visit Santa as he arrives with Mrs. Claus on the Santa Express train or bring your furry friend to pet night with Santa. Looking for a fun evening with Santa and his elves? Bring your little ones to the Santa Party where we will be making crafts, decorating cookies and taking photos with Santa! And if you and your family would like a real holiday treat, take a free trolley ride through Harper Drive on Christmas Eve. All of the events that are scheduled throughout the month are brought to you because of the generous local businesses that support the community events. These events continue a tradition of the holiday spirit in the Village of Sparta. Please remember to thank the businesses that bring you events throughout the year. Please visit the website for more information or contact us at (616) 887-2454.

Long Time Resident & Business Man

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Albert George (A.G.) Meyer, 91, a well known and respected businessman in Sparta for over 40 years passed away from an extended illness on November 11, 2008 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tim Sartore in Gainesville, GA surrounded by loving family members. A.G. was born January 19, 1918 in Ensley Center, MI to Albert G. and Janie Meyer. He graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1937 where he had been President of the Senior Class and a member of the championship basketball team. A.G. married the former Viola Christine Feldt of Greenville on July 17, 1941 prior to reporting for active duty in the U.S. Army. He served overseas in and around Italy during WW II. He returned to Sparta after receiving an honorable discharge in 1945 where he later began a business partnership called Carlson & Meyer with the late Harry Carlson. They became a Firestone Tire distributor and then opened a Marathon Service Station. Later A.G. and Harry became jobbers for Marathon. In 1948 A.G. began a 40-year service of snow plowing for the local churches, the village parking lots, and most of the village businesses and factories. During his lifetime A.G. was very active in the Sparta community serving as a member of the American Legion Post 107 for more than sixty years; a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars until that chapter disbanded; and an active member of both the Sparta Lions Club and the local Chamber of Commerce. In 1971 A.G. was elected to the Sparta Village Council, and in 1980 he was invited to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Independent Bank. For over fifty years A.G. marched in the Sparta Memorial Day Parade and placed flags at the gravesites of fallen veterans until his health finally prevented that activity a few years ago. Over the years A.G. has been honored with the following awards: Lion of the Year in 1959; Honorary Rotarian of the Year in 1979; Grand Marshall - Sparta Town & Country Days in 2005. A.G. loved the community of Sparta and gave back to the community over the years through generous donations of real estate, time, and money. Antics and happy times shared with his friends and his coffee shop group created many happy memories for him during his lifetime that he loved to relate to others. And he and his wife, Viola, had over 50 years of friendship and wonderful times with members of their potluck group friends. A.G. also attended the Sparta United Methodist Church during their lifetime in Sparta. A.G. leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Viola, and three children who adored him, William C. Meyer and his wife, Cheryl, of Sparta, Linda K. (Meyer) Sartore and her husband, Tim, of Gainesville, GA, and Richard A. Meyer of Gainesville, GA.; five grandchildren, Shawn and Kristina (Meyer) Morton of Sparta, Josh and Elizabeth (Meyer) Boroff of Belding, Brad DiFiore of Atlanta, GA, Todd and Heather DiFiore of Roswell, GA, and Angela DiFiore of Oakwood, GA; six great-grandchildren, Amber and Alexandria Morton, Dominic and Dylan Boroff, A.G. DiFiore and Zachery DiFiore; brother-in-law, Bernard Cooper of Greenville, MI; numerous nieces and nephews; close friends from his coffee shop group, potluck group, and dear friends, Fern and Roger Alberts and Bill VanLyon, and special adopted daughter from Sweden, Jannika Roeck Hansen. A.G. was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Janie Meyer; his three brothers, Cecil, Dana, and Loan Meyer, and his three sisters, Crystal Stark, Lucille Day, and Lillian Ellerick; mother and father-in-law, Nora and Oluf Feldt; and sister-in-law, Arlene Cooper. Visitation for this kind and gentle husband, father, grandfather, and friend will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 14 at Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. at the Sparta United Methodist Church. Military Honors at Graveside with The Kent County Veterans Honor Guard will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Sparta Library or the Sparta Historical Society. Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, Sparta

Milestones on Mainstreet: October 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Sleepy Hollow
During the days of the horse drawn carriage, Sparta was booming and Mr. McGowan had elevated dreams when he began building his hotel. The farming community was considered the next best thing to the big city of Grand Rapids; therefore his capital venture seemed a
sure bet. Up until the advent of the auto, Sparta was a good stopover; whether by rail or trail, salesmen traveling their territories could always use a room. However, as life sped up remotely, it faded locally and there was no longer a reason to stop and stay in a sleepy, little bygone town. Or so it may appear. Beyond Division Street, could there actually be a division between the here and the hereafter?
Creative Divide
Currently the home of Print Metro and Creative One Gallery, the original exterior of the McGowan building remains undisturbed, but the same cannot be said for the interior. Looking through the elegant spindles and up the graceful banister highlighting the lost lobby, it’s easy to imagine the mortals who have crossed over those portals above; but what about the immortals that cross our paths in Sparta’s present Downtown Historic District?
It is said that ghosts return to places where their earthly counterparts enjoyed life and perhaps our local unexplainables need none other but to remain in that happy place. How else to explain a non-operating vacuum cleaner discovered running all night long while not even warm to the touch the next morning? Who would’ve turned it on after hours, was it purely an inquisitive interest in a contemporary contraption?
Then there are the giant, double doors that take a genuine shove to open; to the amazement of two witnesses, why would they suddenly swing wide? Nothing malevolent, but the apparent locking and unlocking, opening and closing of doors seem to be the work of an imperceptible prankster. While seeing may be believable, believing may also be in feeling a presence within. What does a surprised spectator say to a curious specter; fully dressed as a butcher, complete with long, white apron, rolled up sleeves and rumpled pant legs above untied boots?
Whodunit
Today’s Around the Corner Antiques displays its movie theater history in its vaulted ceiling where the projection room was once housed. If the upper floor is uninhabited, what explanation is there or the noises and constant commotion therein? Brimming with age old objects, why would they be continually misplaced? Are long-ago owners still attached to cherished possessions and unwilling to bury the past? Or is there an unseen projectionist at work?
Happily Ever After
Nelson Shaw appropriately named his spacious livery the Palace. Going ‘Round Again as a consignment department store, Moonlight Madness may not be so farfetched. Invisible footsteps have been heard so often from below that it’s become commonplace and hardly worth the effort of calling up, let alone walking up, to the second floor to check if anyone’s there. Broad expanse as it may be, double checking is always unrewarding. Upon hearing inexplicable squeaking hangers or possibly a moving rack, one still can’t help but wonder if Mrs. Shaw is looking for something special to wear. Who knows what she would be partial to these days?
Night at the Opera
Even into her nineties, plenty of stage presence kept Myrtie Brown in style long after her husband had passed. From the theater at the top of the Opera House to the Knights of Pythias and dance studio at the bottom, her theatrical residence overflowed with garments. While spending the night in Myrtie’s upstairs bedroom a young guest was astonished to be awakened from a deep sleep. Standing in the doorway before her was a man in full regalia, complete with plumed hat! With buried head in pillow, she trembled in fear and prayed herself back to sleep. The next day she cautiously wandered the halls and discovered Myrtie’s magnificent millinery, but it was what
was hanging behind the showcase that sent shivers down her spine. Amidst the costumes on display were the very clothes that her theatrical apparition had been wearing! Was her dramatic visitor Orly Brown, wondering who was sleeping in his bed or merely a dressed-to-impress vaudevillian?
History’s Mysteries
Full of history as well as mystery, present-day Sparta is haunted with many memories. Whether it’s a past remembrance of Arzie Pinckney’s from the Sparta Sentinel Leader or a more recent happening, local haunts have always been an interest to young and old alike.
Be it a favorite place of visiting or a place of supernatural visitation, both old and new accounts of our hometown hangouts are only meant as considerations as well as entertainment. As we face our future by reviving our past, we are simply making the village of Sparta what a neighborhood should be.
Do you have news to share of an ethereal event? Contributions are welcome, please contact toni@tonipayne.com or call (616) 887-0911.

Spend in Sparta ... The Trend You Can't Afford to Ignore!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Are you easily lured by the flashy attractive ads of big chain stores? The “huge price drops” on inventory that usually require some fine print? As the age old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

With the increase in gas prices today, driving from downtown Sparta to the Alpine shopping district, let alone to “The Mall”, may be more expensive than you imagined… big time. The distance from Downtown Sparta to Interstate 96 is 15 Miles (Thank you Mapquest). This means that after driving 15 miles to your destination and then 15 miles back to Sparta, you’ve just added 30 miles to your gauge. With a vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon, that is 1.5 gallons of gasoline round trip, and it makes you feel the crunch at the pump. You can do the mental math on this one: although this month gas is down to 3.00 per gallon, a “quick” round trip jaunt to Alpine will cost you $4.50 in fuel expenses. Remember when gas was nearly $4.50 a gallon?

AAA Breaks it down
When you break it down even further, according to the 2007 AAA annual study “Your Driving Costs”, experts found that motorists pay an average of 62.1 cents per mile after taking into account gas, oil, maintenance and tires, as well as insurance, depreciation, financing charges, license, title and registration. (The make and model of the vehicle would have a direct impact on the cents paid per mile as well.)

Here are the estimated numbers for a 2003 vehicle:
62.1 cents per mile x 30 miles from Sparta to Alpine and back = 1,863 cents ($18.63)

$18.63! Nearly $20 for a round trip “just” down to Alpine and back.

Time is Money
And what about your time spent? For going 30 miles at an average of 55 mph you spend almost 33 minutes on the road. That is, if there isn’t construction, an accident, or rush hour delays, either.

Now let’s say a big box store on Alpine is having a sale. You see an ad for a great item that is on sale for $10.00 after a mail-in rebate. Maybe you could find it in Sparta for $20 regular price. After all is said and done, if you run down to Alpine to pick up your one item, you would have paid $28.63 because of travel expenses (not to mention postage for that rebate and your precious time you would have spent on the road, polluting the air)! You could have saved $8.63 by just shopping locally, purchasing the same item yet spending in Sparta.

Ask yourself if you are really saving enough to venture down to Alpine or Grand Rapids after a “deal” next time, if you could find the same items here in Sparta.

Thinking Local
Need an even bigger reward for shopping locally than merely saving money and lots of time? Simply put, that much MORE of the money you spend locally stays local. It is a great way to support the local businesses that sponsor community events, whose name you see on your kids’ Little League Team tee’s, and who buy the raffle tickets for your school fundraiser.

Here is a list of top reasons to “Spend in Sparta”:

*Significantly more money re-circulates
When you purchase at local businesses, more money is kept in the community because local businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and local growers.

*Non-profits organizations receive greater support from local businesses

*Environmental impact is reduced
Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

*Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.
Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. The workplace, pay, and benefits tend to be better as the owners live in the same community as their employees.

*Local business owners invest in community.
Local businesses owned by people who live in this community are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community’s future.

*Competition and diversity leads to more consumer choices.
A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Research shows that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

While considering Holiday Shopping this season, give a second thought to our local businesses here in Sparta to see if there isn’t something you can find on everyone’s gift list that will support our community and our local businesses. And be sure to take another look in Downtown Sparta for your everyday needs-- this may be something you can’t afford to ignore! (Sources: www.localfirst.com, www.mapquest.com, and www.aaaexchange.com )

posted by Elizabeth Gorski, DDA Director and Gabi Amaya-Baron

Things are Happenin' in Sparta!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Things are happenin’ in Sparta. After a successful visit from Santa by the Marquette Railroad Train, a great Business Expo and this summer’s Town and Country Days with our greatest ever attended Concerts in the Park, we were looking at a pretty good string of popular projects. We have a new program that financially assists business owners within the DDA District in beautifying their store fronts. Many have taken advantage of this program and I have to say that the efforts of those businesses are paying off as storefronts are sprucing up! Incredibly, when you stand back to realize, the Village of Sparta has welcomed 9 new businesses that opened this past year, giving Sparta residents other shopping options allowing them to shop locally, stay in town, and save time and gas.

A COMMUNITY IS MOVED
Our latest endeavor was the visit by the Viet Nam Moving Wall Memorial. This project not only gave Sparta area residents a rare chance to see the memorial, which travels all around the country, but also brought in visitors from all over West Michigan to pay their respects and give long overdue honor to those who fought in the Viet Nam War.

The original idea of hosting the site for the Moving Wall was hatched after viewing ‘The Wall’ in White Cloud last summer. A hard working committee was formed and proceeded to take the next 9 months to put together a well thought out program. Amazingly, a 50 plus member choir formed specifically for The Wall, and the performance sounded so sweet that the Village President for Kent City, John Petruska, asked about having them come there for one of their functions. I can see it now; soon they will be signing autographs.

John and Lisa Grey from White Pine, Michigan, drivers for The Moving Wall delivered The Wall to Sparta, with a 300 plus motorcycle escort which had folks lining the streets to see the 3 mile long parade of bikes. After all the motorcycle volunteers arrived at Balyeat Field, most of the bikers joined in to help set up panels of The Wall. Watching hundreds of bikers strip off their leather jackets and vests so as not to scratch the panels of the wall, and stand in a line to carry the panels to the platform was an awe inspiring site. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped escort and set up The Wall on August 21, 2008. John and Lisa have traveled all over the country and said that our Escort and Opening Ceremony were among the best they had seen, and the community spirit and support was second to none, another reason I am so pleased to live in Sparta.

The Opening Ceremony itself was quite an affair. Dignitaries and special speakers, one of which could be our next Governor, lined Rogers Park Bandshell to pay tribute to the men and women who served their country in Vietnam. The ceremony began and ended with the Kent County Sheriffs Department Honor Guard with a display of flags that reminded us why they are considered the best around. Just before they marched out, the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard did a 3 volley 21 gun salute and then played “Taps”. Hundreds of people followed the Memorial Pathway to Balyeat Field for the placing of a wreath by the Boy Scouts. When the West Michigan Pipes and Drums changed their tune to Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, the emotion and awe was visible in every person present, at finally seeing the 252 ft Wall that carried the names of over 58,000 American Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

Probably the most important thing that could be noticed though, was the outpouring of the community at large. Everyone seemed interested in the success of this memorial and showed it by committing their time, skills, goods, services and finances to the success of hosting the memorial in our community. There never was a time when there wasn’t enough personnel to man the stations or share the work load. Volunteers stayed past the ends of their shifts and came early to begin their shifts. Community members made dozens of cookies and snacks to keep the volunteers fed. There was even enough food donated for the volunteers, that at the end of the Closing Ceremony we had snacks for everyone there who wanted them!

It was an emotional four days. It was incredibly humbling to see families gather at the wall, pointing at one particular name, lying mementos and flowers for their fallen soldier. It was wonderful, to see parents teaching their children the importance of freedom and respect for our solders. And, it was very uplifting to see community members, businesses, and organizations, pull together to be the host of a memorial of this magnitude. If you'd like to post something to the online guestbook, please visit here: http://www.spartachamber.com/movingwall/movingwall_guestbook.html

WHAT IS NEXT ?
So what is in the future for Sparta? The best word I can think of is “much” and more coming after that. Fall is arriving fast and with it, Halloween, and we are planning a Halloween Costume Party on Oct 18; back up one week to the 11th and we are having our Daffodil Hill thrill, a project to put a little more color in Roger’s Park. The Chamber of Commerce and the DDA, are still working to help keep our businesses growing and also to attract new businesses, and whatever they are doing seems to be working quite well. We have a new waste water treatment plant ready to be built giving us room to grow and insuring that whenever we pull the lever, the bad stuff goes away, and goes safely.

In overview, I think we can know that as we work together as a community, we can accomplish much. As Councilperson Bill Taylor stated during the Moving Wall weekend describe our community, and to me it seemed extremely fitting: “Expect great things when you unleash the talent of a community.”

The Sparta community is vibrant and growing and we are always trying to find more things to do right here in our neighborhood. I encourage all to attend as many of these functions as you can, meet your neighbors, shop locally and if you can think of something we haven’t, let us know. With all of us working together, we will continue to make the Village of Sparta what a neighborhood should be.

Sincerely,
Skip Meyer
Village President

Shaping Up Downtown Sparta

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:41:00 +0000

The Village of Sparta Downtown Development Authority would like to invite the community to attend a Downtown Streetscape Construction Project Open House and a chance to view the exciting revitalization efforts which include new streetscape lighting, new downtown benches, paved crosswalks, street gardens, and much more! The Downtown Streetscape Construction Project is set to begin April 1, 2009 and last through the beginning of July 2009 from State Street to Prospect on Division Avenue. To find our more details about the project, please join us at the open-house between 6:00 and 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 at the Sparta Civic Center • 75 N Union • Sparta, MI 49345. Stop by to see what the excitement is about in downtown Sparta!

The Moving Wall in Downtown Sparta

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:57:00 +0000

The Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial in Sparta August 21 through August 24, 2008
Balyeat Field in Downtown Sparta
190 Olmstead Sparta, MI 49345

The Moving Wall in Downtown Sparta, a half size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will be arriving in the Village of Sparta for public display Thursday August 21 through Sunday August 24, 2008. The memorial is an opportunity for those who have not experienced the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. to see the names of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom.

The Moving Wall in Downtown Sparta will be open 24 hours a day for visitors to view and show respect. A special Opening Memorial Ceremony for the Moving Wall in Downtown Sparta will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:30 pm in Rogers Park in Downtown Sparta at 75 N. Union Street, Sparta, MI 49345.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the memorial is welcome to contact Volunteer Coordinator Dwayne Pride at dpride@deanboiler.com to sign up for volunteer duties which include:

Set up
Name Look Up
Food and Bottled water Donations
Security and
Teardown

Financial Donations can be made through the Sparta Chamber of Commerce - The Moving Wall at: PO Box 142 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345 or by contacting Elizabeth at ddadirector@spartami.org or by telephone at (616) 887-2454.

Other program details

MILESTONES ON MAIN STREET SPARTA!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Summer 1908 Looks Great

For Nelson A. Shaw, things look great in July of 1908. His new business, the Shaw Palace Livery, is doing well in its first year of operation.

In the fall of 1907, he finished construction of a two-story building on main street Sparta to house his livery. The American flag, now with 46 stars since the admission of Oklahoma, waves proudly in front. A blacksmith is right next door. The harness shop is across the street. The railroad depot is just around the corner to the east.

Things to Move
Horse drawn wagons from Shaw’s livery move supplies that arrive by train to the farms and small manufacturing businesses around Sparta. The late summer will be busy. Many German and Swedish immigrants have settled in the Sparta area. They are growing fruit, mainly apples and peaches, on their farms. As the harvest ripens, these products must be transported to markets in Grand Rapids.

22 Cents an Hour
So business in July 1908 looks promising for Nelson Shaw and his wife Jessie. They need that. The building, horses and wagons are large investments that need to be paid off. And good help can cost as much as 22 cents an hour.

Living expenses at the Shaw home just south of Main Street are increasing as well. Sugar is up to four cents a pound, coffee 15 cents a pound and eggs 14 cents a dozen. Plus there is a delicious new product on the market, Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes, from a new company down in Battle Creek. Nelson and Jessie have never tasted anything like it.

Imagine the Profit
As their business flourishes, they dream of the things they can do with the profits. Perhaps attend a baseball game. The Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers in the 1907 World Series. The way things are going, the two teams will meet again in the 1908 Series. Or maybe visit the Grand Canyon someday, which President Roosevelt has just designated as a national monument.

Down in Detroit
There is, however, one thing that concerns Nelson Shaw. Down in Detroit, a man called Ford is making horseless carriages. Shaw has seen one in Grand Rapids. They are the strangest things. They make an awful noise and smell terrible. But maybe there is a future for these contraptions. How will they affect his livery?

A New Business Model T
By the summer of 1908, there are 8,000 cars in the United States. That same year, Henry Ford introduces the Model T. In 1909, its first full year of production, about 18,000 units are built. By 1920, Ford produces more than one million cars a year. What will all this mean for Nelson and Jessie Shaw? For the Shaw Palace Livery? For east Sparta?

From Palace Livery to Transfer Line
East Sparta remains a transportation center for several decades. Shaw Palace Livery becomes “Fields Transfer Line.” Horse drawn carriages are replaced by motored vehicles, but still operating from the two-story structure that Shaw built.

The building is a cornerstone in Sparta as one of the first erected on main street. It is renovated in 2007, exactly 100 years after construction, to restore the original materials and display the original header: “N.A. Shaw Palace Livery 1907.” It has been a downtown business location for more than a century. Today it houses ‘Round Again consignment shop, a dance studio, a used book store, and an ice cream shop.

Enterprising in 1921
As for business in east Sparta, the harness shop, the blacksmith and the train depot disappear with the rise of the automobile; but not without economic compensation. Just south of main street, a new enterprise begins in 1921, an important supplier to the industry that Henry Ford is driving.

It’s the Sparta Foundry, an iron foundry that becomes one of the largest piston ring manufacturers in the world. It also becomes a major employer in the area and backbone of economic activity in Sparta throughout the 20th century.

Nelson A. Shaw was born on 18, May 1856 and died on 8, January 1933, 26 years after he started Shaw Palace Livery on main street Sparta. His wife Jessie was born on 18, December 1862 and died on 4, April 1932. They are both buried in Sparta’s Greenwood Cemetery.

This is the first in a series of Milestones on Main Street articles specially produced for Sparta Today. Input and contributions to this column are welcome. Please send your ideas to Dean Lettinga at hlet@hetnet.nl or contact Joan Lettinga at 887-0013 in Sparta.

Celebrate Central!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:18:00 +0000

Celebrate Central
A heartfelt farewell after 50 years.

This year marks the last year Central Elementary will be educating the youth of Sparta. As this is a sad occasion to some as the building is home to so much history and many loving memories, it is also a joyous occasion to know our students will be in refurbished, high tech classrooms next year. Some of you may have gone to school in this building or perhaps your parents or your own children as well.
There is a long history behind Central’s brick and cinder blocks. This has not always been a K-2 building, nor has it always been known as Central Elementary! The original building that stood on this plot of land was a white brick building built in 1875 and housed kindergarten through twelfth grade students. (This was after the school moved from a much smaller building in 1849 that was later turned into a store.) In 1883, a small wooden frame building was added to the white brick building for the lower grades. Fourteen years later, in 1901, everything was torn down and replaced by a much larger, red brick building. This is the structure many remember as the “original” high school. In 1910, 1925, and 1936 additions were made to the red brick as additional classrooms and a gymnasium were built. This building stood erect in the current parking lot at Central Elementary. In 1949 an elementary building was built on the east side of the red brick building and connected to the high school by a single hallway. Some of this new addition still stands as the current first grade hallway. In 1954, a new section of nine classrooms opened with a dedication ceremony that was held to welcome “Sparta Elementary”, changing to ”Central Elementary” in 1957. In 1959 the high school moved out and the junior high followed in 1969 leaving kindergarten through fourth grade at Central Elementary. By 1970 renovations to the building were again made as they tore down the old high school and added five new classrooms, multipurpose room, and two storage rooms. In 1981 there was another reconfiguration of grades and Central housed second and third grade students. Then in 1990, Central made its final change to the kindergarten and first grade building which it remains today.
On Saturday, May 3, 2008, we are going to give a heartfelt farewell to Central Elementary. “Celebrate Central” will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 2:00 pm. When the doors open the community is welcome to visit old classrooms, sign memory books, view a DVD of old pictures, have refreshments, listen to music and visit the “interview room” –former students and staff will be recorded sharing their special memories of this wonderful building. These recordings will be added to the historical DVD.

The highlight of the day will be an aerial photograph of everyone in attendance surrounding the school to give a farewell “hug”. This will take place promptly at 1:00 pm. Sparta Airport is donating their services and time to provide the photograph. The community can sign-up to purchase the historical DVD and or aerial photo for a nominal price at the Celebration on May 3. The paid photos and/ or DVD’s will be mailed out as soon as they are finished. We will also be taking donations for new books as we are adding another grade level and the books in our current library have aged a great deal.
Central Elementary holds a specials place in the hearts of many and we want to say goodbye in a well-deserved way! We hope you and your family will join us as we “Celebrate Central” by meeting and greeting friends and families at this special event.

Events for Saturday, May 3, 2008
10:00am to Noon
Walk down memory lane and visit your classroom
Take a moment to write on a amemory page
Visit the "interview Room" in Room 10 to record your memories on a historical DVD
Shop at the Book Table to donate a book for our new K-2 Library
Pre-purchase the historical DVD and/or aerial Photo
View Celebrate Central student artwork
Stop in Gymnasium for refreshments and music by Ass. Supt. Mark Kasmer & Teacher Jeff Schroeder

Noon
Go to Gymnasium to hear short remarks from honored guests
Listen to Central Elemenatry Students and staff sing Roger Day's "Good-bye Song"

At 12:40pm, go outside to hold hands around the buidling to give "Great Farewell HUG" for the aerial photograph!

We really hope your family will participate in this historic celebration!

Creative BOWLing for Charity!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:58:00 +0000

The unique wooden bowls are ready for picking and ripe for embellishment of your
choice! The Regional Arts Guild in Sparta is honored to be offering fully seasoned wood bowls for a community-wide fundraising effort compliments of
The Holland Bowl Mill. By teaming with the American Cancer Society, RAGS is looking for artistic support from local artists for the Relay for Life event that will be held in June in the Village of Sparta! Click HERE
to find out more information about other ways to get involved with Relay for Life!

Expectations for fundraising at the 2007 event were doubled, with all the efforts of the Sparta community working together to reach the $80,000 total. The success of the event designated the Village of Sparta the Rookie of the Year throughout the nation.
Organizers are planning to showcase the decorated bowls from local Sparta artists at their silent auction and as gifts for special volunteers. The bowls are already beautiful as they are turned from natural wood from real trees. They're dried with all the knotty elements that make each a one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality, earth-friendly gift. With the 2008 Relay for Life Luau Theme and the Relay for Life 'Remember', 'Celebrate' and 'Fight Back' mottos, designs and materials used to decorate the bowls will be easy to find! This is a chance to be creative in your usual medium or venture out of your comfort zone and go wild. At 7", these bowls are small enough to do in one sitting; go with the flow or cover up what doesn't fit your vision - there are no rules! If you would like to use your artistic talents (amateur to professionals welcome!) in a fun way for a good cause, please stop by the RAGS headquarters at CreativeOne Gallery, we're ready to play! Questions? Contact toni@creativeonegallery for more information.

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:56:00 +0000

Downtown Sparta is celebrating with an Old Fashioned Christmas throughout the month of December. Horsedrawn Trolley Rides for luminary tours and Santa pictures for pets with Santa are just a part of the wonderful activities going on! Don't miss out on Candy Cane Lane, located behind the Library or the Santa Train bringing Santa in straight from the North Pole!

While in Sparta, participate in our Downtown Strolling Sticker program where participating businesses hand out stickers. Fill your sticker card with a sticker from each business and receive a FREE Sparta Christmas Ornament! Also, you will be entered into win the Downtown Gift Basket, worth over $800!

Check out the printable PDF fliers:

Xmas Bakeoff http://www.spartachamber.com/pdf/XmasBakeoff.pdf
Chili Cookoff http://www.spartachamber.com/pdf/Chili2007.PDF
Pet Night with Santa http://www.spartachamber.com/pdf/PetNight.pdf
Downtown Strolling Sticker Cards http://www.spartachamber.com/pdf/downtown_stamp_card.pdf.
Event Flier (all events) http://www.spartachamber.com/pdf/SpartaEventsFlier1.pdf

Rotary in the Clean Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:31:00 +0000

The Sparta Rotary Club was thrilled with the work completed in a three hour period on the banks of Nash Creek. With the hands of many, the work was still laborious, but very rewarding. These local business people and high school students from the Interact Club volunteered their time on a Monday afternoon to clean up the banks of Nash Creek picking up garbage, cleaning debris, weeding, and creating a beautiful view of the slow moving creek. Conversations led from the beauty of Nash Creek to other project that could be done to keep the community looking great. The Rotary Club meets every Monday at 12:10pm to discuss "Service Projects" around the community and around the world. This group of people definitely made a significant change for Nash Creek in downtown Sparta. Thank you, Rotary!

Sparta Town and Country Days 2007!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:56:00 +0000

Sparta Town and Country days was a big hit for the Village of Sparta again this year. With five days of non-stop activities, it was a bustling town!

Thousands of people lined the streets for the spectacular parade at 2:30pm, the car show expanded to Balyeat Field and winners were announced with cash prizes, and the carnival saw record numbers enjoying the rides throughout the weekend. It was a fun Town and Country Celebration for everyone!

Photo courtesy of Tom Scott.

The Visual Arts show had record numbers entered and was held in a new location this year. CreativeOne Gallery hosted the new location for the Visual Arts show. A record number of artists participated in the event of all ages.
Photo courtesy of Tom Scott.

Saturday night to the crowd who enjoyed the free event! Lawn chairs covered Balyeat field as the concert began Saturday Night. Daryle Singletary played a rip-roaring concert and the crowd sang along for the free event. For information on next years Town and Country Days event see the Fair website at http://www.spartafair.com/.

Photo courtesy of Tom Scott.

The Garden Club Does It Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:15:00 +0000

The Garden Club crew met in the parking lot on the evening after the last expected frost to sort out the hundreds of flowers purchased from Ostman’s Floral to fill the downtown flower pots. Sounds like a simple job, but not when you have over ten varieties of flowers to sort out and plant throughout downtown Sparta. Yet, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Garden Club, this crew made it happen, and not without the additional help of some young gardeners too! To the Sparta Garden Club, THANK YOU for all your hard work in keeping out downtown looking beautiful with flowers.

Sparta Golf Outing.... A "Wild" Sucess!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:07:00 +0000

The Sparta Chamber of Commerce held its 13th Annual Golf Outing at The Rogue Golf Club on Friday, May 18th, 2007. The weather was perfect, the food was great, and the golf was… at least it was fun as you can see by the Independent Bank team . Everyone enjoyed the “Wild” scramble, including the winner of the five-card Poker Run, Marty Anderson from Anderson Insurance. Golf sponsor Kent Power brought in the big lawn mower to display at their sponsored Tee.

The “Traveling Trophy” was taken home by the team from Clark Insurance from Casnovia, pictured at left. Clark Insurance tied with Austin Realty, and the 16th hole broke the tie; the hole that you had to use only your 5 iron throughout the entire hole. What a tie breaker that is!

Thank you to all of the community sponsors and donors for providing over $900 in prizes for the golf outing. We had a great time, plan on joining us next year at our annual Golf Outing!

Historical Downtown Sparta

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:22:00 +0000

If you were in downtown Sparta today, you may have seen the historically dressed characters and older model vehicles talking with Sparta students on the the fifth grade historical tour of Sparta. Mr. Larry Carter correlates the tour with Sparta businesses and residents to incorporate a true historical feel of our community. On the left is a picture of one group looking at the Lamoreaux Grave Site and learning the significance of the history behind the three brothers from Sparta that all perished in World War II. The 5th grade classes also learn about proper gravesite etiquette in the historical exploration of their community. This picture below is of Paul Badgerow, better known as Sharky, describing to the 5th graders the specific historical aspects of the building that currently holds the Reunion Street Cafe. Below is a picture of Norma Gene Chapman describing the Cheslek Funeral Home building history and the downtown mainstreet fire of the 1970's to a group of students.

With period specific music playing downtown, the students learned about their community and their heritage through the school led program but only with the help of area residents who took the time to help make Sparta truly "What A Neighborhood Should Be".

Special thanks to all the volunteers who took the time to help share their memories and knowledge about the history of our community.

Sparta Rotary Celebrates 70 years!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 07 May 2007 12:54:00 +0000

The Sparta Rotary Club celebrated 70's years of service in the Sparta community last monday. Guests of honor included past Rotary members who established major foundations of the current Rotary foundation. The Interact Club, a new service minded group of Sparta High School students, was founded this year with the help of the Sparta Rotary Club. The High School Interact Club attends Rotary meetings, participates in service projects such as raising money for international aid, and colaborates with Sparta Rotary service efforts, such as Nash Creek Cleanup.
To learn more about the Sparta Rotary Club or the Interact Club, contact the Sparta Rotary at 616-887-8255.

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:50:00 +0000

Chamber Golf Outing!

Want to play?? For a chance at winning the TRAVELING TROPHY, call Elizabeth Gorski to sign up your foursome. A great fundraiser, supporting the events in our community!

The golf outing is Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Rogue Golf Club. Tee off at 11:00am! Join us for golf, a steak dinner and prizes, or as a Tee Sponsor! Contact Elizabeth Gorski to find out details about the Golf Outing... we'll see you there!

Sparta Business Watch: Getting Involved in Our Community

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:15:00 +0000

Tuesday morning brought the first Business Watch meeting for Sparta businesses. Officer Darcy Balahoski spoke to a few of the business owners about the benefits of a business watch program and the topics that could be covered at a seminar. "We will discuss a topic or issue of your choice at the seminars, such as bad checks, reporting crime, and internal theft," Officer Balahoski explained to the group. The group discussed having the next meeting in May to discuss managing Summer break mischief for school aged kids. The next meeting will be held in May. If you would like your business to get more involved, contact Elizabeth Gorski, Chamber Director for details.

Spring Clean Up at Nash Creek!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:00:00 +0000

On Monday, April 23, 2007 community and business members from the Sparta Rotary Club gathered on the banks of Nash Creek to clear up the brush and debris during the bi-annual "Nash Creek Cleanup Day". Through the slight drizzle that came down throughout the afternoon, the leaders of the community cheerfully kept up to clean up the creek- no small task by any means. Village President, Skip Meyer said, " What a great way for a community to work together!"

Spring is In The Air!

noreply@blogger.com (Sparta Chamber of Commerce) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:42:00 +0000

The 5th grad historical tour has been postponed to Friday, May 11, 2007!

Sparta Middle School's 5th grade classes will be taking a tour of downtown Sparta with historical photo books to analyze the changes that have taken place over the past 150 years in Sparta. Around downtown you will see antique cars and prominent historic community members such as Johnathan Nash (founder of the Village of Sparta).

Take a walk on Friday and enjoy the sights of our history!