Memorial Day, 2011

There will be a Memorial Day Program next Monday at the Cascade Branch of the Kent District Library. The program will start at 10am at the flag pole in front of the library, if the weather permits.  If the weather is wet, the event will be held in the Wisner Center which is attached to the library.

The speaker this year is Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Melvin A. Bauman.  LTC Bauman  has a long military history, having begun his career in 1965 with the United States Army.  He currently has the title of Reserve Army Ambassador, working out of the U. S. Army Reserve Center in Walker.

 The Third Michigan Infantry, Company F Reinactors (Civil War) will be on hand to handle the salute to the fallen military personnel.

The Forest Hills Central High school Jazz Band will provide music for the event.

The program is put on annually by the Cascade American Legion, McDonald-Osmer Post #451 and the Cascade Fire Department.

Bussing Options

Kent County is in the process of winding up a study of the future of bussing and bus service in the Greater Grand Rapids, area.  Public presentations of the transit needs assessment study will be made at various locations in the county during the week of May 23rd.  They are:

May 23rd - 6:30 p.m. - MDOT Grand Rapids Offices (Leonard & I-96).
May 24th - 6:30 p.m. - Lowell City Hall.
May 25th - 2:00 p.m. - Cedar Springs City Hall
May 25th - 6:30 p.m. - Gaines Township Hall
May 26th - 9:30 a.m. - Hope Network Offices, 755 - 36th St.
May 26th - 6:30 p.m. - Plainfield Township Hall

The study will be presented to the Grand Valley Metro Council Board on June 2nd, then go the the County Board shortly thereafter.  The final, written study will be published in July.

Hope you can attend one of the presentations!

Garlic Mustard

There is a Garlic Mustard pull scheduled for this Saturday, May 14th from 10am to Noon at the Cascade Peace Park.  Meet at the Grand River entrance to the park at10am.  What is Garlic Mustard?  Here is the definition from the Mighigan State University Extension Website:
     Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe that invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts forest biodiversity. In some woodlands, dense stands of garlic mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like spring beauty, trilliums and trout lilies. Other research points toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health. Many land managers consider it to be one of the most potentially harmful and difficult to control invasive plants in the region.

If someone will volunteer to be the 'team-leader', there is an opportunity to remove Garlic Mustard from the Burton Park.  I heard from Mr. & Mrs. Kramer (neighbors to the park) today; they filled four garbage bags with Garlic Mustard from Burton Park today.  but there is more there.  Any takers?  Call me (949-1500) to set up a pull.

Thanks!!!