Newsletter

SPRING 2004

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED AT CITY HALL  

            The City Clerk’s office is pleased to announce that U.S. passports may now be applied for at Grandville   City Hall .  Each member of the City Clerk’s staff completed training as passport acceptance agents through the Chicago Passport agency and has been serving in that capacity since January 5 of this year.  The public is encouraged to make use of this new and convenient service now being offered by the City.   

 Applications are accepted in the City Clerk’s office weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and noon and between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.  Information on passport services can be obtained from the official U.S. Government website at http://www.travel.state.gov or by inquiring at City Hall.  Applicants must appear in person and provide proof of identity and citizenship as well as two identical passport photos.  For most adults, a certified United States birth certificate and a driver’s license will serve.   Eighty-five dollars in fees will be collected at the time of application (cash or money order):  $55.00 payable to  the U.S. Department of State and $30.00 payable to the City of Grandville .  When applying for a child’s passport, the child must appear in person.  Consult the U.S. Department of State website or telephone the City Hall switchboard (531-3030) for further information regarding passports for minors. 

DDA MASTER PLAN VISIONING SESSIONS

              The City of Grandville and the Downtown Development Authority held Visioning Sessions with the help of consultant, Beckett & Raeder, Inc. on February 10^th and 11^th at First Reformed Church of Grandville. Those in attendance enjoyed sharing their own hopes for the downtown and listening to new thoughts from others. The purpose of these meetings was to gather ideas on what Downtown Grandville should look like in the future. There were various exercises that the attendees went through to decide what areas were open for change and how that change could occur. The two sessions provided city leaders, the DDA, and consultants with numerous ideas to analyze for future use. The next step is to sift through the ideas and return to the DDA for finalization of the plan.  Once that occurs, the plan will be presented to the City Council for approval.

            In the near future, the community will have an opportunity to be involved with another Master Plan. The Recreation Plan for the City of Grandville is up for renewal. At this time city leaders are deciding on a consultant to lead this project. Once the consultant is in place more information will be distributed on how City of Grandville residents, leaders, and friends can give input on this plan. The ideas gathered from the DDA visioning sessions were so useful that a similar format will be used for the Recreation Plan. Do not miss out on your opportunity to be a part of development and change in Grandville!

  CITY EMPLOYEES RECENTLY RETIRED

Ivan Singleton, Maintenance, DPW, Retired 01/14/2004, 26 years of service  

Stephen Slagter, Maintenance, DPW, Retired 02/01/2004, 21+ years of service  

Steve Grace, Maintenance, DPW, Retired 07/03/03, 15+ years of service

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

We, the Historical Commission, are serving our community by working at our museum, #10 schoolhouse and collecting many historical documents and pictures. We look forward to all the students who will spend a day of school at our #10 Schoolhouse in the spring. It is a fun and learning day for our Grandville elementary students. They experience school as it was in the 1800's. If you would like to help in this area, we would love to have you join us. We appreciate it when people come in to visit our museum, and for those who help us out at the schoolhouse during the springtime.  

We are interested in your collection of pictures concerning past and present Grandville Churches, Pastors, Priests and church pictorial directories. We are willing to copy them so you can keep the originals.  Also if you lived or live in one of the older houses in Grandville, we are interested in a copy picture of that house and a little bit of history along with it. We are trying to get pictures of all our new and old businesses for our collection.  

MAYOR'S NOTE

It took winter a while to arrive, but once it did it certainly reminded me of the “good old days”.  I’m looking forward to spring and all of the activities that will be taking place.   

Be sure to mark your calendars for the week of May 18^th, 2004 for our annual MICHIGAN WEEK CELEBRATION.  This will be a special week as we dedicate the new 2 ½ mile addition to the Kent Trail .  This is tentatively planned to take place on May 17^th, more details will follow.  On Wednesday the 19^th we’ll gather in the area adjacent to the library to celebrate our Michigan Week BBQ.  This is also National Public Works Week – so they will be joining in the celebration.  This is a great party – so mark your calendars!  

Memorial Day is special here in Grandville and this year will be no exception.  The parade will originate at Wedgwood Park followed by the ceremony at the Grandville Cemetery .  This special day is possible thanks to Bill Schrader and members of the American Legion Fonger Post along with Chuck Schultz, and the students at Prairie View and Grandville Middle School .   

The Grandville Park and Recreation Board is already busy planning our 35^th Annual Fourth of July Celebration.  The tentative schedule is enclosed in this newsletter.  You’ll note that the Galyan’s/YMCA run, the Little League all star game, and the Guns and Hoses baseball game all take place on Saturday the 3^rd.  On Sunday the 4^th we’ll observe our community worship service on the front lawn of the Grandville Middle School .  Monday the 5^th will be a big day, the pancake breakfast, the parade, the arts and crafts show, band concert, concluding with a super fireworks display.  It promises to be a great weekend!!  

The past several months afforded us the opportunity to welcome World Market to Grandville.  In addition we braved the snow and cold to participate in the ground breaking ceremony for Famous Dave’s Barbeque.  This restaurant is due to open in May and will be a great addition to our community.  

The months ahead will be busy as we bring together the Park and Recreation Master Plan Committee to study and recommend what should be done in the next five years.  There will be ample opportunity for our citizens to participate in these discussions and we sincerely hope that you will join us.  

A similar Master Plan is evolving from our Downtown Development Authority, so please take the opportunity to review the article which is included in the newsletter.  

The spring and summer of 2004 will certainly include a substantial amount of road construction.  All of us will need some patience and understanding as we move through these busy months and witness substantial improvements to Wilson Avenue, Kenowa and the northern section of Ivanrest.   

In the months ahead take the time to avail yourself of all of the amenities of Grandville.  To tour our parks, to walk our trails and sidewalks and to visit our stores in the Downtown area and Rivertown Crossings Mall.  We are all very blessed to live in such a great community.   ENJOY!!  

PS. A special word of thanks to our Department of Public Works for a fantastic job on our streets and sidewalks.

GRANDVILLE POLICE BEAT

It has been a very busy time for the members of the Grandville Police Department since the last newsletter.  The continued commercial growth in the City continues to attract many people to the area.  The mall and other businesses have reported record numbers of shoppers.  Once again, there have been very few reported problems either relating to crime or to traffic issues when the number of people visiting the City is considered.  

Traffic problems continue to be the most frequently heard concern from residents of the City.  Members of the department have attempted to respond to specific complaints from residents and have participated with other departments on cooperative projects targeting seat belt and drunk driving enforcement in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths.  In response to the large number of accidents caused by drivers disregarding red lights, the Grandville Police Department initiated and coordinated a local red light enforcement project that was conducted by local police departments from June to October.  A recent fatal accident on the East Beltline at Knapp Street in Grand Rapids has been the topic of many news articles, particularly since the driver of a large SUV is alleged to have run the red light while talking on her cell phone.  While many have blamed the needless death on cell phones and large SUV’s, the primary cause of the accident is the fact that the driver ran the red light.  This tragic accident should serve as a reminder that driving is a full time activity and that there is no time for distractions while driving.  The Grandville Police Department was recognized recently for their involvement in traffic safety.  For their efforts in the cooperative seat belt and drunk driving enforcement, the department received an additional $5,000 grant from the Office of Highway Safety Planning with which to purchase equipment for traffic enforcement.  Additionally, for initiating the local red light enforcement project, the department received a Traffic Safety Award from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.  

SENIOR NEIGHBORS

April is Volunteer Month!  

Volunteers work together at Grandville Senior Neighbors to help provide essential services to persons age 60 and over which allow them to remain independent in their homes and active in their community.  They are a group of incredibly dedicated individuals who are committed to the Senior Neighbors mission of Enhancing Senior Lives.  This past year volunteers cumulatively put in over 7,000 hours at the center serving in the following areas:  

• Preparing noon on-site meals
• Helping in the kitchen
• Packaging and delivering meals to homebound seniors
• Transporting seniors to medical appointments and shopping
• Leading Crafts, Social Activities, and Special Events
• Distribution of Commodities to low income Seniors
• Serving on the Advisory Council and Special Committees
• Clerical and Reception
• Fundraising and Public Relations

Without the help of volunteers, the Grandville Senior Neighbors center would not be able to do as much or help as many seniors as it does today.  In the spirit of National Volunteer Month, we would like to thank all of the Grandville Senior Neighbors volunteers who gave their gift of time and energy to help the seniors in our community over the past year:  

Char Ansorge, Marilyn Beek, Lester Berkenpas, Al and Bettee Boeve, Meta and Bill Bok, Frank Block, Carmen Colvin, Marv and Cherie Curtis, Lois Danielson, Al Davis, Thelma DeKraker, Mel Dill, Emerald Dood, Edie Dunnette, Jan Faber, Marilyn Fahner, Rick Fish, Robert Galt, Don and  Delores Gary, Elfrieda Goodman, Ann Hans, Mink Herrema, Connie Huisjen, Marilyn Huizen, Dave & Alison Johnson, Barb Klaver, Thomas Koon, Dan & Char Kovats, Jean Meyers, Lucy Kruez, Max and Norma Lautenschleger, Linda Lupo, Gerry Nederhood, Cliff and Marian Nederveld, Vera Ondersma, Ray and Carolyn Peck, Stan Popielarz, Doris Pruitt, Pat Puskala, Robert and Delores Rennison, Liz Romkema, Larry Schwandner, Pauline Shinn, Virginia Smith, Robert Spaanstra, Shirley Thompson, Lois Tigchon, Thelma Trostle, Pearl Valentine, Irene Vanderklay, Don VanDyke, Gerrit Van Leeuwen, Dick VanTil, Lou and Betty Vanvels, Emily VanVurren, Ann Vertregt, Bill VerWys, Harley Vredevoogd, Jim Walsh, Clare Ward, Jean Warner, Evelyn Welmers, Evonne Woodcox, and Imogene Zandbergen.  

Thank you for all that you do!   

If you are interested in seniors and senior issues and wish to give the generous gift of your time, please give Dawn White a call at the center (531-5250).   

GRANDVILLE LIBRARY

DO YOU HAVE TREASURES IN YOUR ATTIC?

Would you like to know more about that china teapot you inherited from your great-aunt?

Did you ever wonder if the lunchbox you carried back in second grade could be worth something? The Grandville Library has a special collection of materials about antiques and collectibles. We have books, magazines, and videos on almost every area of collecting, from toothbrush holders to coins to furniture. If you have an item you’d like to learn more about, focus your research with these questions:

·        What exactly is the item?

·        How was the object made and used?

·        Who is the manufacturer?

·        Does it have a mark?

·        Can you find a value in a price guide?

Library staff can help you find the materials you need to answer these questions – just ask! 

COVERED BRIDGES & ONE- ROOM SCHOOL HOUSES

Tuesday, May 18^th at 7:30 PM

Celebrate Michigan Week with Diane Stampler of the West Michigan Tourist Association. She will be sharing a slide show focusing on covered bridges and one-room schoolhouses found throughout West Michigan . Bring a picture of a one-room schoolhouse if you have one. Call the library at 647-3890 to register for this program.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER BOOK DISCUSSION

Thursday, April 29^TH at 7:00 PM

Mothers and daughters (age 12 and older) are invited to read a book together and join us at the library for refreshments and lots of good “booktalking.” Pick up at copy of the featured book at the circulation desk.

MEET THE AUTHOR – HERBERT WONG YEE

Tuesday, May 4^th at 9:00 AM

Michigan children’s author and illustrator Herbert Wong Yee will present a program for children ages 6 and up. Mr. Yee will discuss his work as a writer and illustrator. His most recent books include Tracks in the Snow, Did You See Chip?, and Fireman Small. Sponsored by the Kent District Library and Grandville Public Schools . Call the library to register at 647-3890.

STAFF PICKS FOR SPRING READING  

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

In this gripping and beautifully written narrative, the lives of two families are brought together and torn apart by tragedy, misunderstanding, resentment, and ultimately family love.  

High Country by Nevada Barr

In the newest novel featuring the intrepid National Service ranger, Anna Pigeon endures the toughest 72 hours of her life in a wilderness search to solve the mystery of 4 young missing park workers.  

These Granite Islands by Sarah Stonich

A woman on her deathbed reveals a many layered, suspenseful story as she recalls an ill-fated friendship in the summer of 1936.  

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Described as a comedy, a heartbreaker, and a mystery rolled into one great story, this novel delves into the autistic mind of 15-year-old Christopher as he uses the logic of Sherlock Holmes to solve a crime of which he is falsely accused.  

HEY GRANDVILLE TEENS  

CALLING ALL GRAPHIC NOVEL AND MANGA ENTHUSIASTS:

Make Your Own Minicomics Workshop – at the Grandville Library

Today, some of the most groundbreaking and interesting comics are minicomics; small, photocopied digests of a creator's work. Learn how to make a minicomic, from start to finish, with graphic novelist Jane Irwin. For ages 11 and above. Registration is required.

Saturday, March 27^th at 2 p.m.

Call the library at 647-3890 to register.  

NEW AND NOTABLE TEEN BOOKS:  

Need a hand in finding a good book to read?  Try one of these new titles:  

Eragon – by Christopher Paolini

Have you read the Lord of the Rings books, and are looking for something similar?  Then try this tale of a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon who finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.

A Great and Terrible Beauty – by Libba Bray

After the suspicious death of her mother in 1895, sixteen-year-old Gemma Doyle returns to England , after many years in India , to attend a finishing school where she becomes aware of her magical powers and ability to see into the spirit world.

Brian’s Hunt – by Gary Paulsen

Brian Robeson is back for another adventure in the Canadian wilderness.  Two years after having survived the plane crash made famous in Hatchet, sixteen-year-old Brian returns to the wild to befriend a wounded dog and hunt a rogue bear.

The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley – by Martine Murray

When Cedar loses her dog, it sets off a chain of events leading her to find a new friend, become an acrobat, and learn some bittersweet truths about family, community, and herself.

WATER RATES DECREASE  

The City’s water tank will soon be paid for.  As a result, water rates have been decreased!  Residents and business owners will find that the tank debt charges as well as the tank ready-to-serve charges have been eliminated from utility bills effective March 1, 2004.  This will result in an average residential water bill reduction of approximately 10%!  (This rate reduction will not effect the sewer portion of the utility bill.)  Now there should be no reason not to take that extra shower!

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