Bev's Blog

The United State Coast Guard festival is over, the fireworks display of course was the highlight of the two week celebration. The 2010 CG Festival brochure shown, shows the fountain and the fireworks. It is always such a grandiose event and this year was no different. Warm weather and clear blue skies each day helped put the kitty in a better situation. It's hard work and numerous people who put such a great event on for thousands. I know their efforts don't go unnoticed.

The town of Coopersville has been alive with a Hollywood director and numerous extras from surrounding areas. Actor Kurt Russell has been there about 5 days making a movie about a small town football team. The coach for one of the teams is none other than Barry Sanders, the once standout player of the Detroit Lions. Try to imagine this scene: The weather every day of shooting was in the 90's with not even a leaf blowing on the surrounding trees. As you know, football is a fall game with usually pretty cool nights. The football players and the many extra's had to dress accordingly to what a fall night would be like. We know two people who were extras on the bleachers all those days, SWEATING like mad w/sweatshirts and long pants on!! They were paid $75.00 for an 8 hour stint and overtime if it went longer. The paper has been reporting how well it's been going. Along with the town alive w/extras and movie directors, it was Dell Shannon Festival weekend as well which made for hundreds of people taking in the fun things that the festival brings. As you know, Del was born in C'ville, graduated one year ahead of my husband Ken and went on to stardom with his famous 50's hit, Run away.

I guess it was a great success and all those who played a part in it, loved the experience. Kurt was very impressed with our city as well as many towns in the area. They had searched for a special location to film this story and found after trying Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon that a more rural area was what they were looking for - C'ville fit the bill perfectly.

The setting sun in this painting is a reminder that summer is coming to a close and we begin to mull over in our minds, what lies ahead. The beauitful colors of Fall - raking leaves for those folks that have yards, and those classmates who reside in Condo's certainly don't have that to worry about.

Owning a home, raking leaves or shoveling snow is part of the thoughts when summer begins to close it's chapter. It was a wonderful summer, some scorching hot days in July that made swimming at the beach a daily trip for many.

In early August, Ken and I drove out Grand Avenue one evening, making the turn and heading towards the oval, the beach and the water was filled with people enjoying what we who reside here, take for granted. We couldn't believe how many people at 7:30 p.m. were still enjoying the 'beach.' How fun it is to meet first time visitors and have them tell you what a gorgeous little quaint town we have.

Being a big drawing card, the festival is filled with activities for those arriving here on vacation, with many things that cost nothing!

This month also, you can turn the A/C/ off and let the breezes fill your home. Children are almost ready to head back to school and FOOTBALL season is about to begin. HOORAY.

Looking for something to view that will make you stomp your feet and clap your hands......this is amazing. Young talented girls jumping rope! (Click the link below to view.)

A new book is soon to be printed about the Interurban, the Railway that ran between Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon. It operated year round betwen 1902-1928.

It's informational book has been a 20 year project and it's almost completed. The interurban was the electric railway that transported hundreds of people and loads of freight every day on its 44 mile rounds. Traveling from city to city this trip took one hour or more, traveling at 60mph. The book will be filled with history, memories and photographs.

As of yet, the book title hasn't been selected and they are still in search of any photographs or other items of the interurban. It will be interesting to read when completed. Do you remember the tracks of the interurban, out by the beach, running along the river on Water street, and up and down Washington? Getting your foot or your bicycle wheel entangled in them as you crossed the street.

Many of you have e-mailed me wonderful 'oldies', stories and jokes from yesteryear. I appreciate them and some have become a fixture in the newsletters. Anything from our era is well worth reading and re-reading. Thus today Bob Lehmann sent me this wonderful reminder of long ago. Whomever wrote it did a great job in putting the right emphasis on things he's learned and those he doesn't care to learn.

I hope you enjoy it also. Thanks Bob and to you classmates, I'm sure you can relate.

I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.

I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grand kids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.

That was before one of my grand kids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world.

My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone. I am supposed to use it when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dashboard, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me.

To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden paper or plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them in with me.

Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.

I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I sure do toot a lot." Thanks Bob for sharing.

Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack?

This little fella everyone knows, he's a friend to all ........He told me that the car in the driveway is a 36 coupe. It's worth noting today he has a full head of gray hair but no curl on the top of his head like this photo. If you can guess, drop me a note......

I'll be searching for the next baby photo. Classmates: Wives for your hubby....or hubby for your wife.... please lend me a baby picture for the newsletters....

Numerous Pirates invaded our town a few days after Coast Guard festival was over. It's a huge drawing card for the children as well as many adults. They perform many short plays at the library which children just love to see and they provide plenty of things to entertain those who are interested. The pirates sailed into town on their Jolly Roger, with flags flapping in the breezes and were greeting by an estimated thousand on the waterfront. All pirates are dressed in their wardrobes and are very real looking. This is the fourth year it's been held here and has grown in popularity. These authentic sword-toting, scoundrels are hard to miss and will be around for years to come.

It used to be only death and taxes - Now, of course, there's shipping and handling too!

Pearl White Descant - Summer Picnic 07-31-2010..........Pearl, you certainly haven't changed! I know you had a great time because I could see you moving about the room talking to many classmates. It's been since HS days when she was here, imagine the fun checking out your home town and making re-acquaintences with classmates. It was wonderful you could make the trip.

Speaking of the 2010 picnic, if you attended, we thank you and hope you had a great time.We are saddened in remembering our 53rd year out of school and those classmates that have passed. They are lovingly remembered.

Next years event is already in the thoughts of some who are on the committee. We have representation from the 3 classes, 56, 57 and 58 to make the important decisions. It should be fun and it will be held, Friday Aug. 12th, 2011.

What a wonderful story about Ruth Kinkema's father. He was recognized by the Coast Guard in their 'walk of history.' Shown in the photo above is her brother Ed Kinkema and his sisters Molly and our classmate, Ruth. It's a great story and Ruth you have to be SO proud of your dad's desire to pursue the recognition of honoring the men/women of the United States Coast Guard. Thus all these years later, we enjoy his efforts. When the Festival comes around, I don't know very many residents that leave town to avoid the crowds, most enjoy being right in the thick of it!! I saw Ruth riding in the parade but couldn't make eye contact with her. Ruth you look WONDERFUL. I know she had lunch with several classmates a the Holiday that week. They all remaked how great it was she could make it. Maybe, just maybe, one of these times she'll come to a picnic so we all can see her. It's been TOO many years Ruth!

The GH Headlines read: The Holiday Road Christmas display will continue! A controversy surfaced when one of the families on the cul-de-sac, no longer wanted to participate in the enormous display. Every home has hundreds of lights and animated figures on this quiet little road off WSL road. It wasn't an argument over the beauty or content of the decorations, just that their quiet street hidden away from the main arteries, has become a winter wonderland every night with thousands entering and exiting the show. Last year over $35,000 was collected and donated to area charities. The disagreement finally was corrected when a mediator was called in and both sides now have agreed, "The Show will Go On!!". If you haven't ever driven over to West Spring Lake Road/ VanWagoner, you need to take in this brightly colored display on every home in the subdivision. It's a Beautiful sight.

I always love to find these old pictures......The Pavillion in Fruitport. With so many big bands playing here during the summer months, one thing that surprised me was that alcohol was not allowed. What a beautiful building and setting......only to be destroyed by fire. In the picture it looks like they are heading inside for a night of listening and dancing.

These two beautiful women were at our 2010 picnic. The gal on the right is Judi Ralya Saichek. She is the daughter of Gene Ralya and the late Judy Swingle. I made acquaintance with her on facebook. Finding out she graduated with our one son and she was heading to GH for her 30th HS reunion, I asked her if she would be so kind as to to stop by the picnic. She agreed and It was nice she was able to meet many friends of her parents. My thanks to Judi for coming and taking the time from her busy weekend schedule to stop by. She resides in Chicago. The gal on the left of course is Mary Lou Matzen....

Group Gardens have been a very successful story in our area. There are many local churches that have started one and it's growing in popularity. On M-104 out at Love INC, they grow enough organic items to assist the 6 area food pantries. The township garden provided more than 1,500 pounds of herbs, fruits and veggies last year. Their harvest of Love has helped those in need and what caring missions the gardens have proved to be. Vouchers for the food are available at Love INC. on Fulton Street for any of the six church pantries. They are: Ferrysburg Community, Harvest Bible, St. Pats, St. Anthony's, St. Marys and S.L. Presbyterian. What a great way to share with others when the going is tough........the tough always get going.

Central School - Miss Koster Kindergarten- - Rusty Schaubel, Bob VerDuin, Gary Van Eck, Joan Voss Foster and Mary VanHorssen McKinley

Jim and Nancy Solon w/ Connie Capitano. Gene Ralya and daughter Judi in back. Summer picnic 07 -2010

L to R: Doug/Kay Gardner, MaryAnn/Ron Barnes, Jean Engle/Dave Fischer.
Summer picnic 2010.

I was very fortunate when Barb VanSchelven was downsizing her residence. She had several pictures from the 25th Reunion. I've been including them in the last few newsletters. If you have 'old' photo's you would share with me, it sure makes interesting viewing. You can drop them here, I'll scan them and you may have them back. Thanks Barb for the wonderful pic's you had.

Trivia: Name 6 small convenience stores located WEST of Wallace/Beacon Blvd?

Are you a proud American? Is this American Flag displayed at your residence? Nothing makes my heart swell with pride more than coming into GH from the North or South and see those very large Flags flying in the breeze. Thanks to those two businesses that have them on their flagpoles, 365 days a year!

09/03 Russ Clark
09/04 Bill Ernst
09/06 Ron Haugen
09/10 Joan Voss
09/11 Frank Weiler
09/19 Gordon Knoll
09/23 Bill Colcord
09/27 Norm Davis
09/29 Ray Harz

I was very fortunate when Barb VanSchelven was downsizing her residence she came across several pictures from the 25th Reunion. I've been including them in the last few newsletters. If you have 'old' photo's you would share with me, it sure makes interesting viewing. You can drop them here, I'll scan them and you may have them back. Thanks Barb for the wonderful pic's you had.

We are saddened in remembering our 53rd year out of school and those classmates that have passed. They are missed.

This blonde was the hit of the picnic that year! She had our attention when she wandered into the Jaycee's building with her bag of clothing and other items. What a skit she put on. She claimed she was homeless.

Joyce MacKay/ 1368 Bent Tree Court/Hudsonville, MI. 49426
Mary Vivian / 506 Clinton St. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Diane Gignac / 15235 Millhouse Ct. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Gord Knoll / Seville / 16331 Robbins Rd. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Bev Crandle / 3446 St. Paul Blvd. / Rochester, NY. 14617
Barb Wolf / 755 E.16th St. / Waverly Meadows #218 / Holland, MI. 49423

The wind turbine issue continues to grow in the area with many meetings planned and well attended. I enjoy reading about it and want to share information with you. One writer talks about the wind turbines in the Upper Peninsula and driving right up to them in order to 'hear' that howling sounds that many have spoken about. Being at the base and directly underneath, the turbine sound was minimal, a soft whirling sound, a bit of a hum. She said it was no more offensive than the silo a mile away, or the cell towers scattered throughout the country side, or the endless rows of telephone poles.

In contrast to the GH power plant, the plume of thick gray smoke escaping the tall chimney, w/piles of black coal on the waters edge with the sounds of grinding and pumping. During the busy summer months the sounds from the river/lakes with power boats, car traffic on the roads are just some of the sounds one hears but are we bothered by it?

This massive multimillion dollar economic studies will be conducted at a cost of 4 billion. Many want the company proposing this, to proceed and noted if they don't meet the requirements for state and federal grants, they won't ever be able to obtain the permits required anyway. The study is 3 to 5 years down the road but the opportunity for this area to study the proposal is now. The project is now broken into three parts, 20-100 turbines 4 miles off shore for Mason and Oceana counties, 50-100 turbines 6 miles off Grand Haven shoreline and 30 to 60 to be placed at Muskegon County wastewater treatment site.

The pro's speak of the jobs offered, the effects of generating a portion of the power with out polluting the air, ground and water, and the prospect of reducing our dependency on foreign countries for oil.

Last year I wrote about the art show in Grand Rapids that drew 1,731 artists from all over the world. Out of those 1,731 with 168 venues, it ended up with 1,262 and 159 venues. Sixteen countries are represented as well as 47 states. 100 artists are from IL. and about 50 from NY. Quite a difference. This year 2,249 artists have shown an interest. About 150 artists from last year are in this one also. The GR museum will have 73 artists displays on the three floors as well as the city displays throughout downtown. There will be seven exhibition centers in neighborhood hubs displaying at least 25 pieces of art. This was an idea of the son of the Van Andel family, who have been so instrumental in their love of GR and the projects they've bestowed on the city. I've enclosed a photo of the winning piece from last year, 'Open Water no 24',which won $250,000. This was painted by an artist in CA. and it reminds me of a rough fall day with white caps on Lake Michigan. It's 19 feet long. This year ArtPrize is held in Sept/Oct. and the prize will again be $450,000 split among the chosen few.

Grand Haven is hosting it's first ever, ArtWalk which will be held the same time as Grand Rapid's ArtPrize. It will be held for three weeks, with 80 local artists displaying their venues in several locations. The public will be able to vote on their favorite and the prizes will range from 3 to 5 thousand dollars. The four areas displaying will be: waterfront, downtown, central park and centertown. There will be 3 categories consisting of photography, sculptures and mixed media.

WHERE ELSE BUT AMERICA
ONLY IN AMERICA: (This part is way too true!!!)

We are the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies. Imagine if we gave ourselves the same support that we give other countries. I feel bad for them, but I wonder who cares about America ..

It's time to close this months newsletter. I'll leave you with this: One thought driven home is better than three left on base.


bev@macleod.com	Welcome to Bev's Blog Created out of the love and passion of Bev MacLeod Bev got her start in 2002 (her 45th class reunion.) She wanted to create a means by which classmates, friends, and family could stay connected. With the support of many, she strives to maintain that sense of community.
Other projects of Bev's: GHHS Class of 1952 www.macagency.com/1952 Coopersville Class of 1955 www.macagency.com/1955 GHHS Class of 1957 www.macagency.com/1957 Tri-Cities Reunion Englewood, Florida Tri Cities Trivia Newsletter Sign-up: click here to add your email address to Bev's address book Newsletter Archive	September 2010 The United State Coast Guard festival is over, the fireworks display of course was the highlight of the two week celebration. The 2010 CG Festival brochure shown, shows the fountain and the fireworks. It is always such a grandiose event and this year was no different. Warm weather and clear blue skies each day helped put the kitty in a better situation. It's hard work and numerous people who put such a great event on for thousands. I know their efforts don't go unnoticed. The town of Coopersville has been alive with a Hollywood director and numerous extras from surrounding areas. Actor Kurt Russell has been there about 5 days making a movie about a small town football team. The coach for one of the teams is none other than Barry Sanders, the once standout player of the Detroit Lions. Try to imagine this scene: The weather every day of shooting was in the 90's with not even a leaf blowing on the surrounding trees. As you know, football is a fall game with usually pretty cool nights. The football players and the many extra's had to dress accordingly to what a fall night would be like. We know two people who were extras on the bleachers all those days, SWEATING like mad w/sweatshirts and long pants on!! They were paid $75.00 for an 8 hour stint and overtime if it went longer. The paper has been reporting how well it's been going. Along with the town alive w/extras and movie directors, it was Dell Shannon Festival weekend as well which made for hundreds of people taking in the fun things that the festival brings. As you know, Del was born in C'ville, graduated one year ahead of my husband Ken and went on to stardom with his famous 50's hit, Run away. I guess it was a great success and all those who played a part in it, loved the experience. Kurt was very impressed with our city as well as many towns in the area. They had searched for a special location to film this story and found after trying Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon that a more rural area was what they were looking for - C'ville fit the bill perfectly. Trivia: There were two shoe repair shops in GH. Can you name them both? The setting sun in this painting is a reminder that summer is coming to a close and we begin to mull over in our minds, what lies ahead. The beauitful colors of Fall - raking leaves for those folks that have yards, and those classmates who reside in Condo's certainly don't have that to worry about. Owning a home, raking leaves or shoveling snow is part of the thoughts when summer begins to close it's chapter. It was a wonderful summer, some scorching hot days in July that made swimming at the beach a daily trip for many. In early August, Ken and I drove out Grand Avenue one evening, making the turn and heading towards the oval, the beach and the water was filled with people enjoying what we who reside here, take for granted. We couldn't believe how many people at 7:30 p.m. were still enjoying the 'beach.' How fun it is to meet first time visitors and have them tell you what a gorgeous little quaint town we have. Being a big drawing card, the festival is filled with activities for those arriving here on vacation, with many things that cost nothing! This month also, you can turn the A/C/ off and let the breezes fill your home. Children are almost ready to head back to school and FOOTBALL season is about to begin. HOORAY. Looking for something to view that will make you stomp your feet and clap your hands......this is amazing. Young talented girls jumping rope! (Click the link below to view.) http://blip.TV/play/Ae+9MJOSSA Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there? A new book is soon to be printed about the Interurban, the Railway that ran between Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon. It operated year round betwen 1902-1928. It's informational book has been a 20 year project and it's almost completed. The interurban was the electric railway that transported hundreds of people and loads of freight every day on its 44 mile rounds. Traveling from city to city this trip took one hour or more, traveling at 60mph. The book will be filled with history, memories and photographs. As of yet, the book title hasn't been selected and they are still in search of any photographs or other items of the interurban. It will be interesting to read when completed. Do you remember the tracks of the interurban, out by the beach, running along the river on Water street, and up and down Washington? Getting your foot or your bicycle wheel entangled in them as you crossed the street. Many of you have e-mailed me wonderful 'oldies', stories and jokes from yesteryear. I appreciate them and some have become a fixture in the newsletters. Anything from our era is well worth reading and re-reading. Thus today Bob Lehmann sent me this wonderful reminder of long ago. Whomever wrote it did a great job in putting the right emphasis on things he's learned and those he doesn't care to learn. I hope you enjoy it also. Thanks Bob and to you classmates, I'm sure you can relate. I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter. I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grand kids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space. That was before one of my grand kids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world. My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag. The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone. I am supposed to use it when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it and I got a little loud. I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dashboard, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good. When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me. To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings. The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden paper or plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused but I never remember to take them in with me. Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look. I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I sure do toot a lot." Thanks Bob for sharing. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack? This little fella everyone knows, he's a friend to all ........He told me that the car in the driveway is a 36 coupe. It's worth noting today he has a full head of gray hair but no curl on the top of his head like this photo. If you can guess, drop me a note...... I'll be searching for the next baby photo. Classmates: Wives for your hubby....or hubby for your wife.... please lend me a baby picture for the newsletters.... Thanks Carol Vink for allowing me to use your photo in last months newsletter. Trivia: Do you know who owned the Glo Barbershop in the 50's? Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected? Numerous Pirates invaded our town a few days after Coast Guard festival was over. It's a huge drawing card for the children as well as many adults. They perform many short plays at the library which children just love to see and they provide plenty of things to entertain those who are interested. The pirates sailed into town on their Jolly Roger, with flags flapping in the breezes and were greeting by an estimated thousand on the waterfront. All pirates are dressed in their wardrobes and are very real looking. This is the fourth year it's been held here and has grown in popularity. These authentic sword-toting, scoundrels are hard to miss and will be around for years to come. It used to be only death and taxes - Now, of course, there's shipping and handling too! Pearl White Descant - Summer Picnic 07-31-2010..........Pearl, you certainly haven't changed! I know you had a great time because I could see you moving about the room talking to many classmates. It's been since HS days when she was here, imagine the fun checking out your home town and making re-acquaintences with classmates. It was wonderful you could make the trip. Speaking of the 2010 picnic, if you attended, we thank you and hope you had a great time.We are saddened in remembering our 53rd year out of school and those classmates that have passed. They are lovingly remembered. Next years event is already in the thoughts of some who are on the committee. We have representation from the 3 classes, 56, 57 and 58 to make the important decisions. It should be fun and it will be held, Friday Aug. 12th, 2011. What a wonderful story about Ruth Kinkema's father. He was recognized by the Coast Guard in their 'walk of history.' Shown in the photo above is her brother Ed Kinkema and his sisters Molly and our classmate, Ruth. It's a great story and Ruth you have to be SO proud of your dad's desire to pursue the recognition of honoring the men/women of the United States Coast Guard. Thus all these years later, we enjoy his efforts. When the Festival comes around, I don't know very many residents that leave town to avoid the crowds, most enjoy being right in the thick of it!! I saw Ruth riding in the parade but couldn't make eye contact with her. Ruth you look WONDERFUL. I know she had lunch with several classmates a the Holiday that week. They all remaked how great it was she could make it. Maybe, just maybe, one of these times she'll come to a picnic so we all can see her. It's been TOO many years Ruth! HOW CUTE IS THIS? The GH Headlines read: The Holiday Road Christmas display will continue! A controversy surfaced when one of the families on the cul-de-sac, no longer wanted to participate in the enormous display. Every home has hundreds of lights and animated figures on this quiet little road off WSL road. It wasn't an argument over the beauty or content of the decorations, just that their quiet street hidden away from the main arteries, has become a winter wonderland every night with thousands entering and exiting the show. Last year over $35,000 was collected and donated to area charities. The disagreement finally was corrected when a mediator was called in and both sides now have agreed, "The Show will Go On!!". If you haven't ever driven over to West Spring Lake Road/ VanWagoner, you need to take in this brightly colored display on every home in the subdivision. It's a Beautiful sight. This was taken in June early one morning. Very few at the beach but with temp. at 77 that day, we know it was packed later with swimmers, boaters and fisherman. Trivia: A bar in Ferrysburg across from Johnston Boiler. Can you name it? Judy Swingle Ralya with Russ & Pat Clark - - 25th Reunion 1982 I always love to find these old pictures......The Pavillion in Fruitport. With so many big bands playing here during the summer months, one thing that surprised me was that alcohol was not allowed. What a beautiful building and setting......only to be destroyed by fire. In the picture it looks like they are heading inside for a night of listening and dancing. These two beautiful women were at our 2010 picnic. The gal on the right is Judi Ralya Saichek. She is the daughter of Gene Ralya and the late Judy Swingle. I made acquaintance with her on facebook. Finding out she graduated with our one son and she was heading to GH for her 30th HS reunion, I asked her if she would be so kind as to to stop by the picnic. She agreed and It was nice she was able to meet many friends of her parents. My thanks to Judi for coming and taking the time from her busy weekend schedule to stop by. She resides in Chicago. The gal on the left of course is Mary Lou Matzen.... Gene Ralya, Jerry Lietzke and Bill Bucy at a Summer Picnic 2005.. Group Gardens have been a very successful story in our area. There are many local churches that have started one and it's growing in popularity. On M-104 out at Love INC, they grow enough organic items to assist the 6 area food pantries. The township garden provided more than 1,500 pounds of herbs, fruits and veggies last year. Their harvest of Love has helped those in need and what caring missions the gardens have proved to be. Vouchers for the food are available at Love INC. on Fulton Street for any of the six church pantries. They are: Ferrysburg Community, Harvest Bible, St. Pats, St. Anthony's, St. Marys and S.L. Presbyterian. What a great way to share with others when the going is tough........the tough always get going. Central School - Miss Koster Kindergarten- - Rusty Schaubel, Bob VerDuin, Gary Van Eck, Joan Voss Foster and Mary VanHorssen McKinley The next four pictures are from 2010 picnic Jim and Nancy Solon w/ Connie Capitano. Gene Ralya and daughter Judi in back. Summer picnic 07 -2010 L to R: Doug/Kay Gardner, MaryAnn/Ron Barnes, Jean Engle/Dave Fischer. Summer picnic 2010. Ray and Sandy Harz Summer picnic 2010 Bill MacKay, Jim Schippers, Tom Brigham, Pat and Howie Bekins. picnic 2010 I was very fortunate when Barb VanSchelven was downsizing her residence. She had several pictures from the 25th Reunion. I've been including them in the last few newsletters. If you have 'old' photo's you would share with me, it sure makes interesting viewing. You can drop them here, I'll scan them and you may have them back. Thanks Barb for the wonderful pic's you had. Trivia: Name 6 small convenience stores located WEST of Wallace/Beacon Blvd? Are you a proud American? Is this American Flag displayed at your residence? Nothing makes my heart swell with pride more than coming into GH from the North or South and see those very large Flags flying in the breeze. Thanks to those two businesses that have them on their flagpoles, 365 days a year! Jim Reinking, Grace Ann Weiler, Pat Grabowski Ord, John Beernink - 25th reunion John Beernink, Dale and Ilona Levandowski. Whatever John said made Dale laugh. SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 09/03 Russ Clark 09/04 Bill Ernst 09/06 Ron Haugen 09/10 Joan Voss 09/11 Frank Weiler 09/19 Gordon Knoll 09/23 Bill Colcord 09/27 Norm Davis 09/29 Ray Harz I was very fortunate when Barb VanSchelven was downsizing her residence she came across several pictures from the 25th Reunion. I've been including them in the last few newsletters. If you have 'old' photo's you would share with me, it sure makes interesting viewing. You can drop them here, I'll scan them and you may have them back. Thanks Barb for the wonderful pic's you had. We are saddened in remembering our 53rd year out of school and those classmates that have passed. They are missed. This blonde was the hit of the picnic that year! She had our attention when she wandered into the Jaycee's building with her bag of clothing and other items. What a skit she put on. She claimed she was homeless. Please drop a line or card. It does wonders to lift spirits. Joyce MacKay/ 1368 Bent Tree Court/Hudsonville, MI. 49426 Mary Vivian / 506 Clinton St. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Diane Gignac / 15235 Millhouse Ct. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Gord Knoll / Seville / 16331 Robbins Rd. / Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Bev Crandle / 3446 St. Paul Blvd. / Rochester, NY. 14617 Barb Wolf / 755 E.16th St. / Waverly Meadows #218 / Holland, MI. 49423 The wind turbine issue continues to grow in the area with many meetings planned and well attended. I enjoy reading about it and want to share information with you. One writer talks about the wind turbines in the Upper Peninsula and driving right up to them in order to 'hear' that howling sounds that many have spoken about. Being at the base and directly underneath, the turbine sound was minimal, a soft whirling sound, a bit of a hum. She said it was no more offensive than the silo a mile away, or the cell towers scattered throughout the country side, or the endless rows of telephone poles. In contrast to the GH power plant, the plume of thick gray smoke escaping the tall chimney, w/piles of black coal on the waters edge with the sounds of grinding and pumping. During the busy summer months the sounds from the river/lakes with power boats, car traffic on the roads are just some of the sounds one hears but are we bothered by it? This massive multimillion dollar economic studies will be conducted at a cost of 4 billion. Many want the company proposing this, to proceed and noted if they don't meet the requirements for state and federal grants, they won't ever be able to obtain the permits required anyway. The study is 3 to 5 years down the road but the opportunity for this area to study the proposal is now. The project is now broken into three parts, 20-100 turbines 4 miles off shore for Mason and Oceana counties, 50-100 turbines 6 miles off Grand Haven shoreline and 30 to 60 to be placed at Muskegon County wastewater treatment site. The pro's speak of the jobs offered, the effects of generating a portion of the power with out polluting the air, ground and water, and the prospect of reducing our dependency on foreign countries for oil. Last year I wrote about the art show in Grand Rapids that drew 1,731 artists from all over the world. Out of those 1,731 with 168 venues, it ended up with 1,262 and 159 venues. Sixteen countries are represented as well as 47 states. 100 artists are from IL. and about 50 from NY. Quite a difference. This year 2,249 artists have shown an interest. About 150 artists from last year are in this one also. The GR museum will have 73 artists displays on the three floors as well as the city displays throughout downtown. There will be seven exhibition centers in neighborhood hubs displaying at least 25 pieces of art. This was an idea of the son of the Van Andel family, who have been so instrumental in their love of GR and the projects they've bestowed on the city. I've enclosed a photo of the winning piece from last year, 'Open Water no 24',which won $250,000. This was painted by an artist in CA. and it reminds me of a rough fall day with white caps on Lake Michigan. It's 19 feet long. This year ArtPrize is held in Sept/Oct. and the prize will again be $450,000 split among the chosen few. Grand Haven is hosting it's first ever, ArtWalk which will be held the same time as Grand Rapid's ArtPrize. It will be held for three weeks, with 80 local artists displaying their venues in several locations. The public will be able to vote on their favorite and the prizes will range from 3 to 5 thousand dollars. The four areas displaying will be: waterfront, downtown, central park and centertown. There will be 3 categories consisting of photography, sculptures and mixed media. An e-mail I received recently. Food for thought! WHERE ELSE BUT AMERICA ONLY IN AMERICA: (This part is way too true!!!) We are the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies. Imagine if we gave ourselves the same support that we give other countries. I feel bad for them, but I wonder who cares about America .. It's time to close this months newsletter. I'll leave you with this: One thought driven home is better than three left on base. Until next time from Class Central, Bev

September 2010