3rd Annual

Downtown Big Rapids, Michigan

June 18th & 19th, 2011
www.artworksinbigrapids.com
www.clayartandfire.com
2 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org
 Welcome to TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mecosta County!
T
here is no better place to
vacation, work or raise
a family. The county’s
prosperous rural economy
allows our residents to enjoy
a family friendly atmosphere,
supreme quality of life and,
with a diversified economy, a
high level of economic
stability.
We are proud to be the
home of Ferris State Univer-
sity, where students get big-
school resources with plenty
of extracurricular activities in
a relaxed, small-town setting
in the heart of west-central
Michigan. More than 170
degrees are offered through
the colleges of Allied Health
Sciences, Arts and Sciences,
Business, Education and
Human Services, Optometry,
Pharmacy, Professional and
Technological Studies and
Engineering Technology.
Mecosta County is a para-
dise for outdoor enthusiasts
and their families. Flush with
diverse natural, man-made
and cultural offerings, Mecos-
ta County has everything from
sports, arts, history and, of
course, Mother Nature at her
very best. Grab a tube or a ca-
noe and experience the mighty
Muskegon River, the second
longest river in Michigan, or
take a stroll along the Big
Rapids Riverwalk with its
scenic trails, fishing platforms
and beautiful footbridge.
Enjoy the wonders of
recreational biking, hiking and
snowmobiling on the White
Pine Trail, the longest rail-
to-trail Linear State Park in
Michigan, stretching 92 miles.
If you are more of an
indoor enthusiast, experi-
ence the conveniences of big
city stores along with one-
of-a-kind local and specialty
shops. All, of course, come
with friendly and personable
service. Enjoy a great variety
of local cuisine, sidewalk cafes
and of course your favorite
chain restaurants right here in
Mecosta County.
No matter what you are
looking for, we have it here in
Mecosta County, the “County
For Every Season!”
Visit us at www.michigan.
org to find out more about the
community!
CONNIE KOEPKE
Mecosta County Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau
PAGE 4 Resorting to luxury
8 Going green
10 Senior services
12 Staying fit
14 Making music
18 Banding together
28 Match Day donations
31 Community art
EDITOR IN CHIEF or comments about this magazine,
Dave Clark please contact The Pioneer Group at
(231) 796-4831 or by e-mail at dclark@
PUBLISHER
John Norton pioneergroup.com.
CHAIRMAN FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jack Batdorff Mecosta County Area Chamber
of Commerce
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Scott Shea 246 N. State St.
WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(213) 796-7649
Brad Klosner, Jon Eppley, fax (231) 796-1625
Martin Slagter www.mecostacounty.com
COMPOSITION MANAGER info@mecostacounty.com
Kym Roldan
Mecosta County Area Convention
ADVERTISING MANAGER and Visitors Bureau
Sharon Frederick 246 N. State St.
ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Big Rapids, MI 49307
Discover Mecosta is published (213) 796-7640
annually by Pioneer Group fax (231) 796-0832
Publications and is distributed www.bigrapids.org
through Mecosta County Area assistant@bigrapids.org
Chamber of Commerce and Mecosta
Anja Wing County Area Convention and Visitors
Bureau. A Pioneer Group Publication
Mecosta County Area
Chamber of Commerce For advertising information, questions www.pioneergroup.com

• MEDICAID
• ESTATE
PLANNING
• PROBATE
• VETERANS
BENEFITS
8800-395-4347
Specializing
in Elder Law
218 Maple St., Suite A
Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-796-4012
1020 Hastings St., Suite 105
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-935-4646

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 3

R
esorting to
luxury

Photo/Matt Yeoman
yeomanphotography.com

By Martin Slagter • Discover Mecosta Writer

River Ridge mixes the great outdoors with the comforts of home
Swaddled by
lush greenery, River
Ridge has built its
own self-contained,
luxury community
here on the banks
of the crystal-clear
Muskegon River.
On any given summer
weekend, Rick Stafford, the
community’s director of opera-
tions, sees 850 people or more
occupying sites with everything
from pop-up campers to Class
A motor homes. That number
can reach 1,075 on busy holi-
day weekends like the Fourth
of July, with people traveling
from Ohio, Indiana, Canada to
enjoy a day on the river and a
magnificent summer evening
under the stars. River Ridge sits on the banks of the Muskegon River in Stanwood.

4 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

 Yet the resort might be
one of the best-kept secrets
in West Michigan.
Until now.
These campers aren’t
exactly “roughing it.” Paved
and grass sites include a
built-in fire pit, water, sew-
er and electricity hookups
and cable TV access. When
families aren’t enjoying
each other’s company at the
sites, they can make their
way to tennis and basket-
ball courts, a swimming
pool or fitness and game
rooms. They also take their
boats on the Muskegon
River, with access to the
resort’s River Ridge Land-
ing Store and Marina.
“We cater to what
you would call the ‘prima
donna’ campers,” Stafford
joked. “There’s a difference When families aren’t enjoying each other’s company at the camp sites, they can make their way to several
between a park and a resort
outdoor activities. They also take their boats on the Muskegon River, with access to the resort’s River Ridge
— we’re a resort. We stress
Landing Store and Marina.
friendliness and cleanli-
ness, which I think campers in its network. There are Tim Lutes and his family resort’s amenities and first
appreciate.” 95 seasonal campers who traveled almost 400 miles service. He ranked River
“Trailer Life” directory stay on the 171 paved and from Massillon, Ohio, to ex- Ridge as one of the best
rated River Ridge one of 60 grass camping sites. perience the great outdoors resorts he’s ever been too.
the top 100 parks among Seasonal campers can stay at River Ridge. He wasn’t “It’s a phenomenally
the more than 12,000 parks from April 15 to Oct. 31. disappointed with the clean and friendly site,” he

Campers at River Ridge RV Resort enjoy an afternoon by the pool.

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 5

said. “When you combine
that with scenery you have
on the river, it’s been a great
experience.”
When campers aren’t
enjoying the resort’s ame-
nities, one of the biggest
attractions of River Ridge
is the Muskegon River.
Located on the banks of
the river, campers have ac-
cess to the resort’s landing
store and marina. Stafford
said there are 80 boat slips
available for people to
bring in their own house-
boats, fishing boats or rent
paddle boats for a trip
down the river.
The resort also boasts
the only store on the
Muskegon River in Me-
costa County. Campers can On any given summer weekend, River Ridge will see 850 people or more occupying sites with everything from
avoid making a trip to area pop-up campers to Class A motor homes.
convenience stores by shop-
ping there for food, marines waiting in line for ice cream Chamber of Commerce Ridge so much they decided
supplies, fuel and a resort on a Friday night,” he said. Director Anja Wing said to purchase a season camp-
favorite — hand-dipped ice “It’s a popular attraction.” the effect River Ridge has ing pass. The couple said
cream cones. River Ridge’s impact on the local economy is felt they enjoy the atmosphere
“When we first opened reaches far beyond its camp every summer. Wing said of being around other
up the store, we had be- sites in many instances. when they leave the resort campers, but also appreci-
tween 60 and 70 people Mecosta County Area campers are likely to make ate being in the outdoors
their way to specialty shops during the summer months.
and restaurants through- This year, they have
out Mecosta County, along rented a small summer
with other opportunities for home through the resort’s
entertainment. park model community — a
“It’s a great asset to group of permanent homes
tourism in Mecosta Coun- filling the perimeter of the
ty,” she said. “If they don’t site.
want to be on the water, “This is like a sec-
they might go on the Riv- ond home to us,” Brenda
erwalk or even head out to Dolkowski said.
the Outback Lodge.” For more information
Matt and Brenda on rates and accommoda-
Dolkowski, of Macomb tions at River Ridge, visit
Township, have enjoyed www.michcampgrounds.
Campers at River Ridge pick up groceries and supplies at the resort’s their experience at River com/riverridgervresort.
River Ridge Landing Store.

6 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

R ed Hacke
rules the court in Big Rapids!
Red Hacker Basketball is the premiere,
fully functional and completely mobile
basketball tournament for all ages. And
on Sept. 17, it’s coming to Downtown Big
Rapids!
Red Hacker travels across the country,
primarily through out the Midwest and
provides an outlet for basketball enthu-
siasts to participate in an actual bracket
style tournament organized by age and
gender as well as skill level.
The Mecosta County Area Chamber of
Commerce is bringing the tournament to
Big Rapids as part of its community out-
reach program. Basketball camps for kids
will take place throughout the summer
and culminate in the Sept. 17 event, which
also will feature local business booths,
food vendors, games, music and much
more. The Big Rapids Downtown Business
Association is preparing a day filled with
sidewalk sales, special promotions and
other fun activities. It promises to be a fun
event for players (both young and old),
spectators and parents of all ages.
Red Hacker, offers the traditional “3 on
3” half court style divisions, age categories
to accommodate those groups of players
that have proven interested in the various
styles, but all-in-all, the tournament offers
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
a variety of play that is unmatched in
basketball tournaments within the
R
Michigan native has recently stepped
in and committed himself to mak-
industry across the country. ing Red Hacker the best all around
Red Hacker began as the dream basketball tournament not only in the
of Redford “Red” Maust in the thumb Midwest but in the entire country,
of Michigan in the early 1990’s. What one state at a time.
started as a series of organized events Red Hacker consists of a fully-
for Red’s sons and their friends blos- staffed company equipped with all
somed into a tour and grew to span the items needed to put on a top
several states in the Midwest. Red notch basketball tournament includ-
developed a new twist on a popular ing steel framed basketball goals
event format and by the mid-1990’s, which are brought on site, assembled
Red Hacker had grown to cult status and ready to withstand the wear and
amongst “ballers” throughout Michi- tear of a long day of basketball.
gan and the Midwest. For more information call Red
Now after almost 20 years of Hacker Basketball (734) 284-4200 or
tournaments running strong, a new visit them online at www.RedHack-
owner, Mike Matkin, a Southeastern erUSA.com
William R. Mrdeza
Executive Director
Economic Development Services
Business Planning Assistance
Site Selections
Tax Free Renaissance Zone
Brownfield Redevelopment
Local Connections
Strategic Planning Services
Business Incentive Packages
246 N. State Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307
phone: 231-592-3403 • 1-866-MECOSTA
fax: 231-592-4085
wmrdeza@co.mecosta.mi.us
www.mecostaedc.com
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 7
Being environmentally
conscious

Pictured above is one of Ice Mountain’s high-speed lines, which was converted to the new bottle and cap
design last spring. The high-speed lines can produce up to 61,000 half-liter bottles of water an hour.

Ice Mountain upgrades facility

to save raw materials, money
By Jonathan Eppley • Discover Mecosta Writer

Although the Ice Mountain’s impact low is important to Ice Mountain

logo boasts a summit with and its parent company, Nestle Waters.
a snowy white peak, the Deborah Muchmore, vice president of
company is showing its Marketing Resource Group — the Lan-
Mecosta County neigh- sing public relations firm that represents
bors its green side at Ice Mountain — said the company is
its Stanwood bottling leading the way amongst food and bever-
facility. age producers to be environmentally
Over the last five conscious.
years, the Ice Moun- “The dedication to conservation,
tain has undergone recycling, efficient use of raw materials,
changes that reducing environmental footprint and
are good for the being energy efficient is all part of the
environment and company’s commitment from source
the company’s to bottle,” Muchmore said. “We know
bottom line. there’s still work that we have to do and
Keeping its the public expects us to continually im-
environmental prove. This company prides itself in

8 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

taking the lead on those
fronts.”
In keeping with those ide-
als, Ice Mountain has reduced
the size of the cap, label and
the amount of plastic used to
make its half-liter bottle — its
most common size.
The redesigned eco-shape
bottle takes 9.1 grams of
plastic resin to be produced,
which is a reduction from
15.5 grams when the facil-
ity opened in 2002. The size
of the caps and labels also
have been reduced to about
half their physical size when
the Stanwood facility first
opened.
“The goal with the
packaging is to always make
sure it protects the integrity,
quality and safety of the prod-
uct,” Muchmore said. “The
design has to address all of
that as well as be 100 percent
recyclable.”
Making the new bottles
is a two-step process. Five
plastic injection molding
machines produce 144 pre-
formed bottles each every
eight seconds. At this stage,
the bottles look like a test-
tube with a threaded top.
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
Ice Mountain’s re-designed eco-shaped bottle is made out of 9.1 grams of plastic resin which is a reduction from
15.5 grams of resin used when the Stanwood facility opened in 2002.
“When the plant first
started up we did not make
the pre-forms here — we had
a secondary source ship them
to us,” said Scott Goward,
the facility’s supply chain
manager. “Shipping millions
of partially made bottles has a
huge environmental impact.
We’re keeping trucks off the
road. Certainly its an environ-
mental thing, but there’s also
financial advantage.”
Those pre-formed bottles
are then heated to a near-
liquid state and run through
blow molding machines,
which use high-pressure air
lines to inflate the bottle to the
half-liter size. The bottles are
then filled with water, capped,
labeled and packaged.
Ice Mountain converted
four of its six high-speed lines
over to the new bottle and cap
design last spring, with plans
to convert the remaining two
lines in early 2011. The high-
speed lines can produces up
to 61,000 half-liter bottles of
water per hour.
“This thing is like a big
watch, because everything
has to be timed perfectly,”
Goward said.
The company would not
disclose how much money
was spent on the conversion,
but Goward said he expects
it to pay for itself within two
years.
Because the new bottle
uses less plastic, it had to be
re-designed for strength to be
able to support the weight of
other bottles when shipping.
“The ribs and the shape
of the bottle are not so much
aesthetic, they’re functional,”
said Steve LaBarge, safety
environmental manager at
Ice Mountain. “By making
the bottle lighter, obviously
you reduced the stability and
structure of it. In order to be
able to stack them up, we had
to come up with this design
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 9
to get a strong top-load, so
the bottles won’t be crushed
when stacked.”
To further reduce the
amount of raw material used
at the facility, a thinner film
and cardboard is used to
package cases of the bottled
water for shipping.
Consumers today are
looking for companies that
are environmentally friendly,
said Bill Mrdeza, execu-
tive director of the Mecosta
County Economic Develop-
ment Corporation. Not only is
it good for the environment,
it also can save a company
money, he added.
“It shows their dedica-
tion, not just to producing
a good product, but to go
above and beyond to be
environmentally conscious,”
Mrdeza said. “Companies
that can show they are taking
those steps are able to reap
some of those benefits in the
marketplace.”
In the future, Ice Moun-
tain plans to produce bottles
made entirely from recycled
materials. Goward hopes
to be able to reach that goal
within the next 10 years.
“The primary issue is
access to a supply of re-
cycled plastic,” Goward said.
“Because we don’t have
an adequate source that’s
reliable, the cost is actually
higher to produce a recycled
bottle than it is to produce the
new bottle.”
 Mecosta County
has many services
and programs to
offer seniors
By Brad Klosner
Discover Mecosta Writer

W
hen it comes to qual-
ity senior services
that suit all life-
styles, Mecosta County treats
its eldest residents well. In
fact, the community offers
more services than most
other counties in Michigan.
This commitment to
seniors, as well as the grow-
ing reputation of retirement
communities like Canadian
Lakes and the Nisbett-Fairman
Residences, is helping make
Mecosta County a destination
for many families’ golden years.
It all starts with the Mecosta
County Commission on Aging.
Whether clients have lived in Mecos-
ta County their whole lives or recently
retired to the community, the com-
mission works hard to help seniors
navigate an increasingly complicated ac-
landscape – from health concerns tive
to Medicaid benefits to offering help both in
completing one’s state and federal tax mind and body
returns. and are so well
“Our philosophy is: We offer sup- received.”
port and encourage independence,” Every time it comes to the ballot,
said Claudia Lenon, director of the Mecosta County residents continue to
Mecosta County Commission on Services for seniors
Residents, both young and old, pass a senior millage to support senior
Aging. “We promote healthy lifestyle services in the area. Although it is a .5
choices. Our programs keep people support this monetarily, particularly
when it comes to voting season. millage, it will bring in $647,000 to

10 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

the COA in 2011. The millage has been
the same for close to 20 years, Lenon
said.
“Every service we offer is touched
by those millages,” she said. “Without
those millage dollars, the services and
programs wouldn’t be offered.”
The COA offers a variety of pro-
grams and services, many of them
held in or based out of the Mecosta
County Senior Center. Some of the
programs include homemaker aids,
respite care, Meals on Wheels, medi-
cal transportation, home maintenance
programs, fitness programs, Medicare
help, tax preparation and many oth-
ers.
Seniors will find the senior center
has something for everyone. Some
of the more popular programs at the
center are the line dancing, tai chi and
Enhance Fitness classes.
“It helps (seniors) with their mo-
tion and balance,” said Beth Whyte,
senior center Activities Coordinator.
“It keeps their heart pumping (and)
gives them something to look forward
to.”
At peak moments, the line dancing
classes will have more than 30 people
dancing to hit country tunes. Tai Chi
offers seniors a chance for serenity
while building muscle strength and
balance. The enhance fitness class
puts seniors through a series of low-
impact exercises to promote cardio-
vascular activity and increase muscle
strength. However, it is not just the
body these programs enhance, but
also help to keep the mind strong and
active, Lenon said.
“All these things help mind and
body stay healthy,” she said. “We have
people in their 80s and 90s doing line
dancing and taking the exercise class.”
In addition to the fitness classes,
the COA offers a “Matter of Balance”
class, which gives seniors tools to use
to maintain balance as well as conquer
their fears of falling.
“It helps (seniors) maintain their
balance and teaches them not to fall,”
Whyte said.
However, seniors who want to
do a bit more for their community
are encouraged to join the Retired
Senior Volunteer Program. Located
out of the Mecosta County Services
program, RSVP gives retired seniors
opportunities to be proactive in help-
ing area organizations, residents and
their community, said Director Sandy
Dalrymple.
“By joining our program, those
that are retired have something to do,”
she said. “What’s nice about (RSVP)
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
is volunteers can volunteer when they
want to. It’s up to them.”
There were around 265 area
seniors who are actively volunteering
in January. The program is open to
anyone 55 and older. RSVP offers vol-
unteer services to more than 132 sites
in Mecosta, Osceola and Lake Coun-
ties. Even homebound seniors can
volunteer, with home knitters making
more than 500 pairs of mittens and
more than 50 hats to donate to area
organizations.
Seniors are encouraged to volun-
teer at the senior center.
“We couldn’t provide maybe half
of (the services) if we didn’t have our
volunteers,” Whyte said. “They are a
huge part of our organization.”
Volunteering with RSVP or the
senior center or any organization is a
way retired seniors can fill their time
but also feel like they are contributing
to the community, Lenon said.
“There’s been many times some-
one’s walked through the door and
just looked lost,” Lenon said. “(Volun-
teering) gives them a purpose.”
Complete care in a safe place to live
When it comes to medical care,
the COA can offer seniors a variety
of programs. The senior center hosts
blood pressure clinics, Medicare as-
sistance and medical transportation,
which will help seniors get to and
from doctors appointments.
One of the most underutilized
programs at the COA is the in-home
respite care. The program is to help
caregivers get a break when they are
caring for a disabled loved one.
“We have someone who will stay
with their loved one,” Lenon said.
“The best thing for that loved one can
do is take that break.”
When it comes to housing, the
Big Rapids Housing Commission has
a few affordable options for seniors.
The Nisbett-Fairman Residences,
located in historic downtown Big
Rapids, offers 47 units of senior
housing. Centrally located, the hous-
ing units come with air conditioning,
dishwashers, covered parking and
an in-house washer and dryer. Heat
and water utilities are included in the
rent while the residents only pay for
electricity.
Rent is based on income, and
is set up in levels, much like a tax
bracket. If a resident makes between
X amount and Y amount then they
will pay Z. For example, if a resident
makes $20,000 a year then they will
pay $548 in rent plus utilities, Miller
said.
“There are five level (brackets) of
income,” she said. “If your income is
between a certain amount then you
pay a certain amount of rent.”
The Parkview Senior Housing in
Big Rapids also offer seniors afford-
able housing. The housing, located
just east of the Muskegon River
in Big Rapids, is an income-based
public housing unit. Rent is based
on 30 percent of the resident’s gross
adjusted income.
For more information on housing,
visit www.bigrapidshousing.org or
call (231) 796-8689. For more infor-
mation on programs and services at
the COA, call (231) 972-2884. For
more information on RSVP, call (231)
796-4848.
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 11
 After three heart attacks, Jerry Gray
lifts kettlebells to stay fit, competitive
By Jonathan Eppley • Discover Mecosta Writer
BIG RAPIDS — Suffering a heart attack at
age 39 was a huge, healthy wake-up call for
Jerry Gray.
After his brush with death, Gray changed
his lifestyle.
He quit smoking, started eating right and
turned into a fitness fanatic.
To keep his body at peak performance,
Gray, 69, works out using kettlebells — a Rus-
sian weight training program that increases
the body’s range of motion. This exercise
program has been used in Russia for more
than 300 years, but has only gained popular-
ity in the U.S. in the last decade. It combines
weight-bearing, cardiovascular and flexibility
workouts.
“I had a workout room in my house. ...
Once I started kettlebell training, I got rid of
everything else,” Gray said. “It does a better
job of hitting the different muscles, because
you’re working in three dimensions and that’s
the way the body’s designed to work. In most
gyms, you’re training your extremities — legs
and arms. We train the core — everything
starts there and goes out.”
Kettlebells look like bowling balls with
handles. The competition kettlebells that Gray
uses are all the same size and range in weight
from 17 to 88 pounds.
Using six basic movements in an infinite
number of combinations, Gray is able to work
his entire body in less time than his old work-
out routine that consisted of many different
weights and machines. The basic movements
engage the entire body and mimic real world
activities, such as shoveling or farm work.
Those training with kettlebells repeat a single
movement as many times as possible in a
certain amount of time.
In 1980, Gray had a heart attack at age
12 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
39, because he took such poor care
of his body. As a result, he quit
smoking, began eating right and
exercising.
He tried all sorts of exercises. He
played racquetball, ran marathons,
lifted weights and more. Although
he physically felt better, his workouts
bored him.
“I was always looking for some-
thing to keep me more healthy,” he
said. ”There’s an infinite amount of lift
combinations — if you get bored with
kettlebells, you don’t have an imagina-
tion.”
Since starting kettlebells in 2004,
Gray has lost 40 pounds and kept it off.
He now weighs 168 pounds and has
roughly 10 percent body fat.
Gray had another heart attack
in 1999 and again this past March.
The heart attack last spring was
the result of a defective stint in his
artery. Although he fears having
another heart attack, Gray con-
tinues with his active lifestyle.
“More people have heart
attacks from sitting on the
couch than from exercising,”
Gray said. “I’m probably
more aware with what’s
going on with my body than
somebody that doesn’t
exercise. People look at me
like I’m crazy. The guys
my age that are pushing
70, they’ve got a whole
different mindset.
Those folks go for
a walk for exercise
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
Jerry Gray teaches kettlebell training with his wife, Liberty Gray’s, Big
Rapids business, Fitness XT, three days a week.
and they’re really not helping
themselves.”
Gray and his wife,
Liberty, began kettlebell
training more than six years
ago. Through their training,
they have earned certifica-
tions to teach others how to
effectively use kettlebells to
strengthen their bodies.
Jerry Gray teaches kettle-
bell lifting classes three days
a week at his wife’s business,
Fitness XT in Big Rapids.
The classes run 30 minutes
and work the entire body, he
said. Liberty Gray recently
opened a second location in
Grand Rapids. She teaches
classes at each location three
days a week. She opened the
Big Rapids location in 2007.
Katie Tomczyk has been
training under Gray for more
than a year. The special
education teacher at Big
Rapids Middle School has a
active lifestyle. She bicycles,
kayaks and enters triathlons.
She also is an assistant coach
for the high school’s cross
country team
Kettlebell training was
something she had heard
of and wanted to try out.
In warmer months, Tomc-
zyk lightens her kettlebell
training to be more active
outdoors. She said she has
seen improvement in her
running and cycling times
as a result of training with
kettlebells. The workouts are
intense, but she said Gray’s
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
Find out more
For more information At age 69, Jerry Gray uses kettlebell
on Club Liberty, visit training to keep his body in top physical
www.clublibertyvip. shape. He has lost 40 pounds since he
com or call (231) began using kettlebells in 2004.
679-0252 or e-mail at
info@fitnessrx.com
warm personality makes the
classes fun.
“He takes you where
you’re at and encourages you
to see your full potential,”
Tomczyk said. “If you would
have told me two years ago
that I would be competing in
weightlifting competitions,
I wouldn’t have believed it.
It’s just been amazing since I
started kettlebells.”
People who attend Gray’s
kettlebell classes are mostly
women. The majority of the
men who sign up for the
classes don’t last very long,
Gray said. Women are more
self-conscious and willing
to work through the pain to
achieve their desired results,
he added.
“Guys are scared of these,
because it exposes weak-
nesses in their training,”
Gray said. “Most of the train-
ing guys do at the gym is too
heavy and their range of mo-
tion binds them up. They’ll
come in here and struggle.
Big muscles are not always
the strongest muscles.”
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 13
 Galloup Guitars uses technology
and time-tested carving techniques
to make concert-quality guitars
By Brad Klosner
Discover Mecosta Writer

Music fans appreciate Galloup said. “If you make

how acoustic guitar play-
ers use chords and fills to
construct alluring sounds.
While most listeners ap-
preciate a great player or a
great song, Bryan Galloup
is captivated by a guitar’s
sound.
“It’s all about tone,”
a really great looking guitar
and it doesn’t sound good,
you’ll never sell it.”
Already a master acous-
tic guitar luthier, the devel-
opment of new technology
has sung out to Galloup
and inspired him to create The Computer Numerically Controlled wood lathe machine at Galloup Guitars
a new line of electric has streamlined the guitar-making process for the business.

14 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

Galloup guitars.
Galloup, owner of Galloup Guitars,
has built a business out of knowing the
intimate details of guitar making. In
fact, he has founded a world-renowned
school, the Galloup School of Guitar
Building and Repair located in Rogers
Heights. The school teaches its students
how to become luthiers, or guitar mak-
ers.
It draws students from across the
globe, with a recent graduating class
boasting luthiers from Virginia, Austra-
lia and South Korea.
“It’s been the single, most fulfilling
time in my life,” said Rameen Shayegan,
a student from Pennsylvania who just
graduated from the school. “You start to
feel your hand skills developing and your
ideas forming.”
Galloup Guitars, as well as the school
itself, prides itself in making hand-craft-
ed guitars by trained luthiers. However,
the guitar making facility recently made
a jump to incorporate new technology in
the process of fine guitar construction.
About a year and a half ago, Galloup
purchased a Computer Numerically
Controlled wood lathe machine that pro-
duces guitar components. However, the
machine only produces the basic parts
— luthiers still hand-carve the majority
of the instruments components in order
to produce the quality Galloup is known
for.
“We don’t have to prove we can carve
a (guitar) neck (from scratch),” Galloup
said. “The luthier makes the instrument.
The CNC just makes the components.
We can focus on more important things
(like tuning and voicing).”
The CNC machine operates through
a Computer-Aided Design and Com-
puter-Aided Manufacturing program,
CAD/CAM, a design program that com-
municates computer-generated guitar
Doug Babcock plays the first few notes on the guitar he made at the Galloup School of Guitar
Building and Repair.
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
For more information
on Galloup Guitars, visit
www.galloupguitars.com
or call (231) 796-5611 or
(800) 278-0089.
designs to the lathe. The designer plugs
in a component design, such as a guitar
body, neck or bridge, and the machine
cuts out the shape of the component.
Josh Garret, a Ferris State University
graduate of the Mechanical Engineering
Technology program, runs the machine
for Galloup. He begins by drawing the
basic design of the components and then
uses the drawings to create tool paths
for the machine to follow.
“It’s not cookie-cutter work like
working at an automotive company,”
Garret said. “I never thought I’d be using
the CNC machine to cut guitar parts. It’s
unique.”
Even though the machine cuts the
components to extremely precise mea-
surements, it is still up to the luthier to
finely carve the components by hand to
get the Galloup quality, Garret said.
“I get (the parts) real close for them,”
Garret said. “People here are world class
(guitar) builders so everyone knows they
can build guitars. I am trying to save
them some time.”
The CNC machine also is helping to
revolutionize the new line of Galloup
electric guitars that Galloup said is about
a month out from being introduced to
the world. Galloup used to make electric
guitars about 20 years ago, but stopped
because his passion was in making
acoustic guitars, he said. Although the
business has always repaired electric
guitars, the CNC machine will make it
Andrew White of Australia works on his final
guitar at the Galloup School of Guitar Building
and Repair.
a much simpler process to produce fine
electric guitars.
“It’s a great new tool we have,” Gal-
loup said. “The CNC is an electric guitar
making machine.”
The CNC also has helped develop
Galloup’s line of Great Lakes Guitars.
The guitars are designed to mimic the
look of a 1940s or 1950s vintage guitar.
The Great Lakes Guitars are still hand-
tuned and crafted but are not being made
with any custom work in the construc-
tion or design. The idea is to sell them
cheaper than the Galloup Guitars, which
start at $10,000 and go up. The Great
Lakes Guitars will be sold at around
$2,500.
“These are going to be a great players
guitar,” Galloup said. “These are hand-
produced guitars that are going to be
great.”
In addition, Galloup and his staff
have been working closely with com-
puter-generated sound imaging devices.
Using recording equipment and sound-
editing software, Galloup can now view
the different wavelengths of the pitches
in the guitars he manufactures.
“Now we can see sound,” Galloup
said. “This gives us such accurate tun-
ing.”
Working on the technology for nearly
five years, Galloup said that his business
is one of the few guitar manufactures in
the world who are using this technol-
ogy to produce such accurately voiced
guitars.
“It’s really kind of the future of every-
thing,” Galloup said. “You find the best
tune you want (for a guitar).”
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 15
For both the amateur and the pro, there
won’t be a single walk spoiled on any of
our local greens
Tullymore Club and Resort
11969 Tullymore Drive • Stanwood • (800) 972-4837
www.tullymoregolf.com
Tullymore was rated the “No. 1 Best New Upscale Public
Golf Course in the United States“ by Golf Digest in 2002.
Designed by award-winning architect Jim Engh, it features
holes for skilled players and novices looking for a challenge.
Tullymore is sure to challenge every level of golfer with its five
sets of tees.
The breathtaking beauty and challenge encompass imagi-
native bunkering, colorful wetland, lakes and oak sentinels
which will make it an unforgettable experience.
St. Ives Club and Resort
9900 St. Ives Drive• Stanwood • (800) 972-4837
www.tullymoregolf.com
St. Ives Golf Club is one of the premier public golf facili-
ties in the country. Golf Digest gave St. Ives a 5-Star rating in
2000-01.
Come visit the three-time, award-winning, golf shop,
named in Top 100 Golf Shops in America by Golf World Busi-
ness.
St. Ives is one of four courses in America to receive both
recognitions, the other three being Pebble Beach, Pinehurst
and Kiawah Island.
16 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
Boasting elevation changes of 40-80 feet throughout the
course, the vistas are spectacular on each hole.
Falcon Head Golf Club
13120 Northland Drive • Big Rapids • (888) 264-0407
Beautiful rolling hills, hardwood forest, creeks and
wetlands make for an enjoyable golfing experience. Driving
range, complete pro shop and friendly PGA staff will add to
your enjoyment. After your round, relax in our lounge, or on
the expansive deck overlooking the course.
Falcon Head also has elegant banquet facilities able to ac-
commodate up to 280 people. Tournament and outing rates
available.
FSU Katke Golf Club
1003 Perry Ave. • Big Rapids • (231) 591-3765
www.katkegolf.com
Play one of West Michigan’s premier public golf courses
and experience the full service golf operation. Katke is home
to the first PGA accredited Professional Golf Management
program in the country and boasts 18 championship holes
of golf designed over the beautiful rolling hills of Mecosta
County.
The golf course features many tree-lined fairways, strate-
gically-placed bunkers and water hazards, which offer a great
test for golfers of all abilities.
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
 Fighting cancer.
Making it harder for cancer and easier for you.

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital and Crossroads Radiation Therapy Center offer
advanced testing and treatments so patients and families do not have to travel far for
screenings, diagnostics, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We get to know patients
and families as individuals, providing personalized care that is close to home.
For more information, visit spectrum-health.org/reedcity.

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 17

 Business join together to support shopping in Mecosta County
By Jonathan Eppley
Discover Mecosta Writer
MECOSTA COUNTY — No matter
what outfit she’s wearing, there’s one
accessory Carlleen Rose is never without
— her blue Band of Locals bracelet.
It may not always match the rest of
her ensemble, but she wears it to show
support for the Mecosta County busi-
ness community and the program that
encourages people to shop local.
“I truly believe in shopping local,
taking care of one community after
another and concentrating our efforts
within the community,” she said. “That
is a good way of curing the ills that
Michigan faces.”
Rose is one of the founders of the
program that encourages people across
Mecosta County to think about shop-
ping locally first, rather than shopping
online or in another community. The
more that people change where they
think about shopping, the better off the
county will be economically, she said.
Big Rapids native Mary Waldron has
always been supportive of local busi-
nesses. Using her Band of Locals band
when shopping has taught her to think
about buying locally first. She thinks the
program
18 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
a monthly savings or discount to
customers. Businesses must also pur-
chase at least five bands to buy-into the
program. They can then sell those bands
at $10 a piece or give them to loyal
customers and friends. Each business
can buy more bands as necessary. More
than 2,000 bands have been sold in the
program’s first year. Proceeds from
the sale of the blue bands are used
for Band of Locals marketing.
Each month, a list of each
business’ discounts are
updated on the Band of
Carlleen Rose and Anja Wing wear bands to Locals website —
show support for local stores. www.bandoflocals.com.
has changed the minds of many local
shoppers.
“It’s very important to shop lo-
cal,” she said. “We live in a community
that needs our support. We live here,
our kids go to school here and we
should shop here to keep it vital.
I was never a big out-of-
town shopper anyway.”
For a business
to join the Band
of Locals, it
must of-
fer
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
 Many of the 115 participating
businesses have printed copies of the
list available at their stores. Printed
copies of the list also are available at
the Mecosta County Area Chamber of
Commerce office in Big Rapids.
While the Band of Locals is not
a chamber program, the chamber’s
board and staff have committed to
serve as the administrative hub for the
program. Businesses do not have to
belong to the chamber to join the Band
of Locals.
“Because we are the organization
that we are, we have the infrastructure
to help out other groups and sort of be
the mothership for it all. There’s a lot of
administrative pieces to it,” said cham-
ber executive Director Anja Wing.
Band of Locals recently passed two
milestones: signing up its 100th par-
ticipating business and surpassing its Pat Beetley uses her Band of Locals discount to purchase clothing from Fairman’s Apparel. Beetley
one year mark. Frank’s Sporting Goods regularly checks discounts available to customers on the Band of Locals website.
in Morley was the 100th business to
join the program. nesses had joined the Band of Locals, month she checks the Band of Locals
The program was started in August offering various customer savings and website to see what new discounts
2009 after Rose sent a mass e-mail discounts. are available at the 115 participat-
to members in the business commu- Sears Hometown Store in Big Rap- ing businesses. She frequently uses
nity. In the e-mail she expressed her ids was one of the first to join the band, her blue band at Fairman’s, The Sole,
concerns, as well as the concerns of recalls owner Tammy Weaver. For Schuberg’s Bar, Pepper’s Cafe and Deli
other entrepreneurs, with the flagging her, the challenge was to make people and at many other businesses across
economy. She asked everyone to share realize that even though her store is a Mecosta County.
their feelings, ideas, success and horror national chain, it is owned by a local She has always shopped local before
stories and asked what can be done to family. traveling to other cities, like Grand
help the local economy. Because Sears is a national chain, Rapids, Mount Pleasant, Cadillac or
What she got in return was a bar- Weaver cannot discount her merchan- Traverse City. To her, the Band of Lo-
rage of responses that other small busi- dise for the Band of Locals program. cals sends a feeling of community spirit
ness owners were just as concerned as However, she does offer a $10 discount to each participating business and the
she. A committee was formed to come on deliveries more than $699. customers who support them.
up with a solution. Joining the program also has “I believe in supporting the com-
The committee modeled Band of helped her with getting to know her munity,” she said. “As members of our
Locals after a similar program orga- fellow business owners and learn what community, we can work together to
nized in La Quinta, Calif. Ice Mountain it is they each sell. Weaver is one of 13 remind people what a savings it is to
provided the committee with $500,000 who sit on the Band of Locals Commit- shop right here in our community.”
in seed money to get the program off tee. For more information about the
the ground. Pat Beetley, of Canadian Lakes, has Band of Locals, contact the Mecosta
The idea was an instant hit. got more than her money worth using County Area Chamber of Commerce at
Within its first two months, 74 busi- her blue band over the last year. Each (231) 796-7649.

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 19

 1. NATURE’S CHAIN OF LAKES
CAMPGROUND Six Lakes, 989-365-3564
2. SIX LAKES AUTO PARTS
Six Lakes, 989-365-4030
3. U R LOVED CHRISTIAN BOOKS & ITEMS
Six Lakes, 989-365-4272
4. AUTO WAREHOUSE LLC
Blanchard, 989-561-5338

20 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011

5. THE INTERSECTION GLASSWERK
ANTIQUES Six Lakes, 989-365-3506
28
6. CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN RESTAURANT
Blanchard, 989-561-2212
7. THE LITTLE STORE GROCERY/BEER/
WINE/LIQUOR Six Lakes, 989-365-3824 26
27 25
8. SIX LAKES ACE HARDWARE 24
Downtown Six Lakes, 989-365-3000 23
21
9. GINGRICH TIRE CENTER 22 19 20
18
M-66 @ M-20, Remus, 989-967-3541
10.REMUS TAVERN STEAK/SEAFOOD/ 17
PASTA Downtown Remus, 989-967-8304 16

11.REMUS REPAIR, SIMPLICITY DEALER

Remus, 989-967-3624
12.REMUS LUMBER, DON’T DREAM IT, 15
BUILD IT Remus, 989-967-3570
13.JW’S PIZZA & MORE, DINE-IN/
CARRYOUT Remus, 989-967-8000
14.WELLINGS SERVICE
Remus, 989-967-3642 14 12
13 10
15.GRANDPA’S GENERAL STORE Across 9 11
from Chippewa Hills High School, 989-967-

www.mecostacountyalliance.org
8080
16.LOR PRODUCTS INC STEEL SALES &
POWDERCOAT Remus, 989-382-9020
Our Home, Your Destination... Over 35 Mil
TAKE A TRIP ON
 from Chippewa Hills High School, 989-967-
8080
16.LOR PRODUCTS INC STEEL SALES &
POWDERCOAT Remus, 989-382-9020
17.SMOKEY BONES PULLED PORK, RIBS &
CHICKEN Open year round, 989-382-5276
18.SCISSORS SALON & VARIETY STORE
4
Barryton, 989-382-5700 6

www.mecostacountyalliance.org
19.MACKERSIE BROTHERS BUTCHERING &
PROCESSING Barryton, 989-382-5600
20.BARRYTON HARDWARE Winter Hours:
Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, Downtown Barryton
21.FORK TOWNSHIP HALL
Barryton, 989-382-7816 3
2 8 5 1
22.PAPA LONNIE’S PIZZA & CHICKEN 7
Barryton, 989-382-7722
23.HOMETOWN GROCERY
Barryton, 989-382-7997
ON M-66

24.WILLIAMS CAFÉ
Barryton, 989-382-9602
25.KELLEY’S AUTO SALES & SERVICE
Barryton, 989-382-5595
26.PITT STOP GROCERY/BEER/WINE/
LIQUOR Barryton, 989-382-5466
27.FORK TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER
Barryton, 989-382-7693
35 Miles of Shopping, Eating & Fun!

28.R&R BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE

LLC Barryton, 989-382-7980

DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 21

 Stuck in a traffic jam. Feeling
lost amid a surge of humanity in
one of Michigan’s metro areas.
Burned out by running too hard,
and for too long without a pause
in the thing we call “The Rat Race.”
You need a break. For a week-
end or a long weekend. Maybe
even longer.
Let us entertain you. With
so much going on, all year long,
we are a community for all
seasons. We hope you decide to
visit us! We know you won’t be
disappointed.
For more information about
Mecosta County and all we
have to offer, please visit www.
mecostacounty.com or www.
bigrapids.org.
Festivals and activities
There’s always something fun
to do in Mecosta County! Come visit
22 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
us and find out why we are truly a
community for all seasons.
n Festival of the Arts (February)
n Taste of Mecosta (Fat Tuesday)
Holiday Inn, Big Rapids
n PDS Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(April) Hemlock Park, Big Rapids
n Pocket Park Concerts (June-Au-
gust) Downtown Big Rapids
n Ferris Community Summer
Concerts (June) Big Rapids Old
Jail
n Chippewa Lake Days (end of
June) Chippewa Lake
n Farmers Market (May-Oct)
Downtown Big Rapids
n Antique Farm and Power Club
Swap meet (May) Big Rapids
n Lilac Fest (mid-May) Barryton
n Catch-A-Fish Grant-A-Wish Fish-
ing Tournament (June free fishing
weekend)
n Free Concert Series (June-Aug)
Music on the River in Mecosta
n Free Concert Series (July-Aug)
Big Rapids Bandshell
n Freedom Fest (July 4) Big
Rapids
n Fourth of July Parade (July 4)
Big Rapids
n Mecosta County Agricultural
Fair (second week of July) Big
Rapids
n Remus Heritage Days (mid July)
Remus
n Michigander Bike Tour (July) Big
Rapids
n Public Library Summer Activi-
ties (July) Big Rapids
n Annual Antique Tractor & Gas
Engine Show (July) Big Rapids
n WAM Wish-A-Mile Bike Tour
(July) Big Rapids
n Wheels in the Field Car Show
(July) Big Rapids
n Mecosta Days (August) Mecosta
n Morley Celebration on the
Pond (August) Morley
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
n Barryton Homecoming Days
(August) Barryton
n Riverdays Festival (Labor Day
Weekend) Big Rapids
n Labor Day Arts and Craft Show
(Labor Day Weekend) Big Rapids
n Ferris Founders Day (Labor Day
Weekend) Big Rapids
n Wheatland Music Festival (Sep-
tember) Remus
n Red Hacker 3-on-3 Basketball
Tournament (September)
n Four Green Fields Farm Corn
Maze (September-October)
Rodney
n Tuba Bach Concerts (Septem-
ber-October) Big Rapids High
School
n Fall Festival (late October) Big
Rapids
n Morley Stanwood Holiday
Bazaar (November) Morley
Stanwood
n Festival of the Lights Parade
(late November) Big Rapids
n Santa visits downtown (mid
December) Big Rapids
n Chamber Holiday Gala (Decem-
ber) Big Rapids
Canoeing, kayaking and
tubing
With more than 100 lakes, nu-
merous streams and of course the
Muskegon River, Mecosta County
offers everyone a variety of water
fun activities.
n Sawmill Tube and Canoe,
230 Baldwin St., Big Rapids, MI
49307, (231) 796-6408.
The Sawmill Canoe Livery was
established in 1979 on the Muske-
gon River at the site of one of the
original sawmills in the Big Rapids
area. The area is rich in logging
history, as Big Rapids was one of
the first locations for milling of
the massive log drives coming
from upriver. In fact, most of the
timber used to rebuild Chicago
after the famous Chicago fire was
floated and milled on the Muske-
gon River. In the first 10 years of
operation, National Geographic:
World placed this business in its
list of “Top 12 Best Places in the
Nation to Tube.”
WELCOME TO
BIG RAPIDS!
Relax…It’s the Holiday Inn
• Indoor Pool & Hot Tub
• Exercise & Game Room
• Free Highspeed Wireless
Internet Access
• Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern
• Katke Golf Course
• On Ferris State University Campus
1005 Perry St. • Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
231.796.4400 ~ 800.999.9069
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
n Hungerford Lake Recre-
ation Area, Hungerford Lake Road
& Forest Road 5134, Big Rapids, MI
49307, (231)745-4631
A multi-use 13-mile trail
system. In spring, summer and fall
you may enjoy hiking, horseback
riding, canoeing, fishing and
mountain biking. During the win-
ter months, cross-country skiing.
Gravel boat launch.
n Morton Township’s Tri-Lakes
is located in “The Heart of the
Lakes” area of Central Michigan.
Totaling 700 acres of spring-
fed water, Mecosta, Blue Lake and
Round Lakes are all accessible by
navigable channels. All are sports
lakes with no wake between 7:30
p.m. and 11 a.m.
Camping
If you are looking for a vacation
in the Great Outdoors, you have
come to the right place! Mecosta
County is a paradise for outdoor
enthusiasts and their families as
well. Consider spending some time
in one of our clean, comfortable
campgrounds.
Mecosta County Campgrounds
n Brower Park, 23056 Polk
Road, Stanwood, MI, (231) 823-
2561
n Davis Bridge Park, 22250
Northland Dr., Paris, MI 49338,
(231) 832-3246
n Haymarsh Lake Game Area
Campground, 22250 Northland
Dr., Paris, MI 49338, (231) 832-
3246
n Mecosta Pines Camp-
ground, 550 Tallcott St., Morley, MI
49336 (231) 856-4556
n Merrill Lake Park, 3275 Ever-
green St., Barryton, MI 49305 (989)
382-7158
n Paris Park, 22090 Northland
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 23
Dr., Paris, MI 49338 (231) 796-3420
n Round Lake Resort, 11043
11 Mile Road, Mecosta, MI 49332
(231) 972-8351
n School Section Park, 9003
90th Ave, Mecosta, MI 49332 (231)
972-7450
n Tubbs Lake Resort, 5808
Madison Road, Mecosta, MI 49332
(989) 382-7480
Private campgrounds
n Riverside Camp, 14161 Mill-
pond Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-1144
n Wesleyan Holiness Camp-
ground, 6387 7 Mile Road Me-
costa, MI 49332, (231) 972-8490
n Fort Faith Baptist Bible
Camp, 5005 210th Avenue, Mor-
ley, MI 49336, (231) 823-2118
n River Ridge Resort, 22265
8 Mile Road, Stanwood, MI 49346,
(877) 287-4837
n Sarnes Resort, 4398
Newcosta Road, Morley, MI 49336,
(231) 823-2233
n Cran-Hill Ranch, 14444
17 Mile Road, Rodney, MI 49342,
(231) 796-7669
City parks
Big Rapids is fortunate to have
many acres of park land available
for recreational use. The parks are
in various stages of development,
some with ball fields, playgrounds,
picnic areas, while others remain
vacant land. Consider visiting:
n Centennial Park, located
between Mecosta County Medical
Center and River Street Park. It fea-
tures a Rotary gazebo and future
walking trail with picnic area.
n Charles E. Fairman Com-
munity Pool and Park located on
Hutchinson Street. It features a
community swimming pool, pavil-
ion and picnic area with grills and
a hiking area. The pool is in opera-
tion mid June to mid August.
n Hemlock Park is located at
the east end of Hemlock Street
and Warren Avenue. Features
playscape, tennis and basketball
courts, softball field, play areas,
picnic tables, grills, pavilion,
fishing area and a hiking trail. The
beginning of Riverwalk.
n Library Park is located at
the Community Library at 428 S.
Michigan Ave. and features the
Anna Howard Shaw Memorial
sculpture and play area.
n Linden Street Park is
located at the corner of Gilbertson
and Linden streets and includes a
play area for children.
n Mitchell Creek Park is
located at the corner of Pine and
State streets. It features walkways,
a bridge, wooden deck, picnic
areas, fishing areas and restrooms.
n Northend Riverside Park
is located at the north end of
Fourth Avenue. It features a picnic
area, fishing site, sand volleyball
court, play area, nature trails
and cross country skiing. A trail
guide is available at City Hall. Two
pavilions are available in this park.
The ending of Riverwalk. Two
pavilions are available in this park.
n River Street Park is located
between 300 and 600 blocks of
River Street. Features baseball
diamonds, soccer fields, picnic
tables, grills, a fishing area and
hiking trails.
n Swede Hill Park, on the
northeast side of town on Bald-
win Street, and is used for fishing
and picnicking. The park features
a historic marker dedicated to
early Swedish settlers.
n Vogel Field, located south
of Colburn Street on the west
side of Bronson Avenue, features
two ball fields, picnicking and
playground equipment.
The consumption or pos-
session of alcoholic beverages
is prohibited except in Hemlock
and Vogel Parks from 6 to 10 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and
from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday. For more information call
592-4015.
Sights to see
n Outback Lodge and Stables
in Stanwood is a working horse
ranch and bed and breakfast
built near 700 acres of state land.
Whether you are a greenhorn to
the western life or an experienced
sidewinder, everyone is sure to
enjoy this picturesque ranch. Af-
ter a long day out on the “range,”
hang up your saddle bag, sit back
and swap stories around a crack-
ling camp fire while sipping hot
cocoa or cooking s’mores. Open
365 days a year. Outback Lodge
and Stables, 12600 Buchanan
24 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
Road, Stanwood, MI 49346, (231)
972-7255. Visit them online at
www.outback-lodge.com.
n The Card Wildlife Educa-
tion Center is a 5,000 square foot
facility located on the ground
floor of the Arts and Sciences
Commons building (Room 011)
on the Ferris State University. The
Card Wildlife Education Center
serves as an educational resource
for Ferris students, K-12 school
children, and visitors. The animals
in the Card Wildlife Education
Center have been donated by
Ferris alumnus Roger Card and his
late wife, Debra. The main exhibit
area contains specimens from
Michigan, North America, South
America, Africa, Europe, Asia and
Australia. In addition, the center
contains an Educational Resource
Center and a meeting room that
can be used for small professional
or community gatherings. The
Wildlife Center is open to the
public during established hours.
Presently, educators and others
may make arrangements to bring
their classes or groups to the
center by calling Dr. Joseph Lipar
at (231) 591-5633 or 591-5387 for
an appointment.
n Civil War & Veterans Statue, Big Rapids (231) 592-5091. The
n Anna Howard Shaw Sculp-
Big Rapids, Courthouse, 400 Elm museum occupies the former
ture, Big Rapids Library, 428 S.
St., Big Rapids. Established in 1954 home of Fitch Phelps, a Big Rapids
Michigan Ave., Big Rapids.
and located at the Courthouse lumberman. The museum is the
Anna Howard Shaw and her
family moved to this area when
square. This statue features a Civil home of many historical displays
war soldier and honors the veter- telling the story of the Mecosta
she was 12 in 1869. After high ans that served in the Civil War. County area as well as research
school, she went on to become an n Eiffel Tower and Indian materials from the area’s historical
ordained minister and a doctor. Statue, 22090 Northland Dr., Paris, background. The museum hosts
One of the foremost daughters Fish Hatchery. The Eiffel Tower is private tours upon request.
of Big Rapids, she took an active a 20 foot high steel replica of the n The Old Jail, 220 S Stewart
part in the Women Suffrage As- structure which bears the same Ave., Big Rapids (231) 796-9507.
sociation with Susan B. Anthony. name in Paris, France. The tower The official Michigan Historic Site
In 1983, Miss Shaw was among was fabricated in 1980 by the in- was not only the county jail but
the first group of women to dustrial arts students of Chippewa the Sheriff’s residence from 1893
be inducted into the Michigan Hills High School. Aldo located at to 1965. The fence located around
Women’s Hall of Fame in Lansing. the park is an 8-foot concrete In- the premises is railing from the
The monument reads: “Distin- dian Statue. Remaining a mystery former Maple Street Bridge. Today
guished Daughter of the State of to all the meaning and symbolism it is used as a community center.
Michigan. Pioneer resident of the of the statue is yet unknown. Available for tours by
City of Big Rapids. World Citizen.” n Woodbridge N. Ferris appointment.
Statue, Big Rapids, Ferris State n Jim Crow Museum of Racist
Campus Quad. The statue com- Memorabilia, Star Building at
memorates the founding father Ferris State University (231) 591-
Of Ferris State University who 5887. Come on to the campus of
was also a governor of Michigan Ferris State University to visit this
(1913-1918) and a U.S. Senator museum that houses more than
(1922-1928). 4,000 pieces of racial memora-
n Barryton Historical Mu- bilia. The museum is open by
seum, 19730 30th Ave., Barryton, appointment only.
(989) 382-7678. This museum
features a one room school house Outdoor fun
as well as many historical items on n Riverwalk is a nearly 3-mile
display including cameras, hand stretch of nature at its finest that
tools, organs and pictures of the you can access through Hemlock
area. Park near Downtown Big Rapids.
n Mecosta County Histori- The pathway is completely ac-
cal Museum, 129 Stewart Ave., cessible as it rolls gently along
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
the majestic Muskegon River.
Riverwalk offers several connec-
tions to the White Pine Trail, part
of Michigan “Rails to Trails” system
that runs from Comstock Park to
Cadillac. Riverwalk features fishing
platforms, benches, bike racks
and picnic areas on either side of
the 250 foot wooden bridge that
spans the Muskegon River.
n The White Pine Trail is
Michigan’s longest Rail Trail State
Park (formerly the Grand Rapids
and Indiana Railroads), stretch-
ing a distance of 92 miles from
Comstock Park to Cadillac. The
trail is paved with asphalt for
22 miles from Comstock Park to
Sand Lake, for 13 miles from Big
Rapids to Reed City and for 1 mile
in Cadillac. The balance of the trail
has a surface of natural ballast and
hard-packed gravel. The trail is
open along its entire length for all
non-motorized recreational uses.
Snowmobile use is restricted to
the area from Russell Road (just
north of M-57) to Cadillac. For
more information, contact the
Mecosta County Area Conven-
tion and Visitors Bureau at (888)
229-4FUN.
n The Haymarsh Game Area
offers fishing enjoyment no mat-
ter what your age or skill level. This
nature preserve offers a bounty
of bluegill, bass, trout, walleye
and Northern Pike are among the
many species that thrive here.
There also is other wildlife
to behold such as deer, squirrels,
rabbits and turkeys. Take advan-
tage of Michigan’s Free Fishing
weekends in June and February
for residents and out-of-state
visitors. For more information call
(231) 832-3246.
Culture
n Artworks, 106 N. Michi-
gan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231)796-2420. Artworks is a
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
non-profit fine art gallery, gift
shop and art center where artists
exhibit, sell and teach their art.
Visit them online at www.artwork-
sinbigrapids.com. The facility is
open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday.
n Along with the sometimes
frigid weather that accompanies
the beginning of the month,
February is also a time for cultural
enrichment in Big Rapids with the
Festival of the Arts.
The 2011 Festival of the Arts
included a command perfor-
mance by the Grand Rapids
Symphony, free to the Big Rapids
community. Since reviving the
festival after nearly a 20-year ab-
sence, a renewed sense of passion
has been discovered for the arts in
Big Rapids focused on dance, the
visual arts and music.
“It feels different around
town,” Festival Committee Co-
chair Bruce Dilg said. “There is an
invigoration that I hadn’t noticed
until the festival came back ... an
enthusiasm for the arts that has
created a positive vibe here.”
Big Rapids Mayor Mark Warba
said February has become an
ideal time of year to hold the
festival.
“It’s typically a month you’d
rather forget than look forward to,”
he said. “But having a festival like
this, you begin to look forward to
it — it reinvigorates you.”
For more information about
the Festival of the Arts or Ferris
State University, please visit them
Visit Historic Downtown Big Rapids
Unique Shopping,
Dining & Entertainment
www.DowntownBigRapids.com
231-250-8177
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 25
online at www.ferris.edu/festival
n Michigan Art Walk, on the
campus of Ferris State Univer-
sity, (231) 591-5000. Enjoy this
dynamic collection of original
artwork created entirely by
award-winning Michigan artists.
The featured pieces of sculptures
and paintings comprise a diverse
art collection that includes one of
the largest free-standing canvases
in the United States. To visit the
Michigan Art Walk tour, acquire
a guest permit which allows visi-
tors to gain access to any of the
parking lots on campus. To obtain
a permit, visit the Department
of Public Safety at 1319 Cramer
Circle or call (231) 591-5000.
n STAGE-M, an area communi-
ty theatre group serving Mecosta
County. The organization boasts a
membership of over 170 families
and has presented over 100
productions ranging from dramas
by Tennessee Williams to comedies
by William Shakespeare and mu-
sicals by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin
and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
For more information about
Mecosta County and all we
have to offer, please visit www.
bigrapids.org.
 BIG RAPIDS – A check for $17,000 was presented to
Susan Wheatlake at the end of “Paint Big Rapids Pink,” a
week of events to create breast cancer awareness and
stress the importance of early detection through annual
mammograms for women over 40.
The events, began with a “Stiletto Sprint” down Michi-
gan Avenue in Downtown Big Rapids. Following the race
was a “Pink in the City” girls night out party and “BraCau-
se... We Care” art exhibit at the Blue Cow Cafe, featuring
bras decorated by various local artists.
Proceeds from the events and pink promotions at local
businesses benefited the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and
Wellness Center, a center for cancer patients and their
families that provides an overview of resources and servic-
es to enlighten, encourage and empower those seeking
cancer and wellness information and support.
For more information about these and other “Paint
Big Rapids Pink” events, contact the Wheatlake Cancer at
(231) 592-1034 or visit www.spwcenter.org.

26 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

 Advanced Care with a Personal Touch.
Mecosta Health Services
Family Medicine
Big Rapids (231) 796-3200
Canadian Lakes (231) 972-6000
General Surgery
(231) 796-7607
Internal Medicine
(231) 796-4406
www.mcmcbr.com
(231) 796-8691 www.mcmcbr.com
605 Oak Street Big Rapids “Where Caring Comes from the Heart.”
For physician information call (231) 592-4205

Big Rapids Public Schools

• Comprehensive Vision and Eye Health Evaluations

• Pediatric Eye Services • Infant Assessments
Educating • Contact Lens Services • Disposable Lenses
• Corneal Reshaping / Alternative to LASIK
• Low Vision Rehabilitation Services
Our • Diabetic / Wellness Services
• Complete Eyewear Services
• Large Selection of Frames
Future • Diseases of the Eye

We are extremely proud that our elementary

schools consistently receive A’s and B’s on Contact Us
the Michigan Education Yes! Report Card,
and are equally proud that our high school
21034 15 Mile Road
seniors received the highest ACT scores in
our area. Our middle school is one of only Big Rapids MI 49307
25 schools in Michigan recognized by
Standard and Poor’s School Evaluation (231)796-2627
Services for significantly narrowing the
achievement gap. WWW.BRPS.ORG

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 27

Match Day injects
quarter-million
into community
Foundation kicks in additional
$15,000 into match pool
By Jonathan Eppley
Discover Mecosta Writer
BIG RAPIDS — Former state Senator Joanne Emmons
arrived at the Big Rapids Holiday Inn and Conference Cen-
ter with a goal of earning thousands of dollars for the Care
Net Pregnancy Resource Center.
Taking their place at the front of the line on Sept. 23, she
and her husband, John, relieved a fellow volunteer while
waiting for the start of the Mecosta County Community
Foundation’s first-ever Match Day.
More than 1,000 individual gifts were donated dur-
ing the event, which injected a total of $252,982 into the
community’s non-profit organizations.
When the doors opened, the Emmons’ presented more
than $10,000 collected for Care Net, which claimed the
first spot in line more than 17 hours prior to the start of the
event.
“It’s terribly important to us,” Emmons said. “The
response we had from people that we asked (for donations)
was phenomenal. This is an opportunity we never thought

28 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

we’d have.”
Volunteers from Care Net
and nine other nonprofits
waited in line overnight to
ensure their organizations
would receive a share of
match money from the com-
munity foundation. The foun-
dation matched donations
up to 50 cents on the dollar
for donations from individu-
als up to $1,000 and dona-
tions from businesses and
organizations up to $2,500.
Organizers are waiting for do-
nation checks to clear before
releasing how much match
funding will be awarded to
each nonprofit. The event
injected $253,000 into the
Mecosta County nonprofit
organization community in a
single day.
Board members were
greeted with a rush of donors
to start the event. Representa-
tives from 44 area organiza-
tions cycled through the line
in the first half hour. A steady
stream of donors attended the
event throughout the remain-
der of the day.
The foundation initially
designated $50,000 for the
match pool. The foundation
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
board was so pleased with
how the event went through-
out the day, it kicked-in an
additional $15,000. The
extra money was going to be
saved for a second match day
sometime in the future, said
foundation President Gary
Trimarco.
“We had such an over-
whelming response from the
public,” Trimarco said. “We
wanted to make sure every-
body received match dollars.
This way, everybody who
donated will receive some
kind of match money.”
Match Day chair Tim people in line (after the first funding. To pass the time, he
Zehr, who is also store man- half hour of the event). It watched movies on his laptop
ager of Meijer in Big Rapids, enabled other people to go to and conversed with others
said many of the people who their jobs.” waiting in line.
arrived early to the event, He also was pleased with He presented about
were there presenting mul- the buzz the event created $11,000 to the foundation
tiple donations on behalf their within the community and on behalf of the school. St.
organization. He thought it surprised to see so many Peter’s plans to use some of
was “clever” of the organiza- people camp out overnight. the money for a new play-
tions to have one person “This was not much differ- ground at the school.
present multiple donations, ent from a ‘Black Friday’ in a “I told everybody we were
so others wouldn’t have to retail store,” Zehr said. “This going to get the match, so
wait in line. has been hugely successful.” I made sure we were here
“What we would have Brad Fath, of Rodney, early,” he said.
liked to have seen strung out held a place in line overnight For more information
over the whole day, came at in the lobby so St. Peter’s Lu- about the event, visit the com-
us early,” he said. “We’re not theran School could be sure munity foundation website at,
disappointed by the lack of to receive its share of match www.mecostagives.com.
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 29
 COME TO MECOSTA COUNTY
Convenient to U.S. 131, a major north/
south corridor, and M-20, an east/
west Michigan highway, it is easy to
get people and supplies to and from
businesses in Mecosta County.

30 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

 Robert Barnum aspires to make Mecosta
County a center for community art
By Martin Slagter with the work of Barnum, Ferris State
Discover Mecosta Writer University’s artist in residence. With
the help of Ferris’ welding depart-
Pablo Picasso had “Guernica.” ment, Barnum has constructed
Michelangelo had the “Sistene sculptures outside City Hall, Mecosta
Chapel.” County Medical Center and on the
Robert Barnum is in the middle campus of Ferris State University.
of planning a time-consuming and The initiative is an extension of
ambitious art project that may be his the Ferris State University ArtWalk
defining work. public art concept developed by Bar-
Barnum’s vision for the future has num during the past few years. Bar-
him expanding the themed sculpture num hopes the project include sculp-
collection he has created outside of tures across the county in areas like
Big Rapids, con- Remus, Rodney, Mecosta, Canadian
structing 15 sculp-
tures in the next five
years in a project he calls
the Mecosta County Public
Art Initiative or the “Lantern”
project.
“To be able to do something
like this across the county will
probably be the largest state-
ment I’ll make (as an artist),”
he said. “I see it as the ultimate
challenge.”
Anyone who has visited
downtown Big Rapids in the
last couple of years is familiar

FEATURING: ______________________________
• Gallery & Gifts
• Class Opportunities in the Arts & Humanities for
Adults & Children
Non-Profit Arts & Cultural Organization • Rental Space: Studios, Meetings & Receptions
Downtown Big Rapids
106 N. Michigan Ave. • (231) 796-2420 • www.artworksinbigrapids.com

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2010 31


“In this economy, public art has to rethink what it is about. The
idea is to make an important collection for a reasonable amount of
money.” — Robert Barnum ARTIST
Lakes and beyond to form a “road map”
of the county with themed, yet unique
sculptures representing those areas.
The focus of the project will be to
provide public art throughout Mecosta
County that is durable and low mainte-
nance, while allowing the Ferris com-
munity — students in particular — to
participate in the construction process.
Barnum hopes to fund the project
through corporate support, partner-
ships and donations from the public.
The entire project, fundraising included,
may seem daunting, Barnum said, but
he believes there will be enough support
for something that could make Mecosta
County different from the rest of the
state.
“We’re trying to prove we can build
something substantial for less than you’d
pay for a used car,” he said. “In this
economy, public art has to rethink what
it is about. The idea is to make an impor-
tant collection for a reasonable amount
of money.”
Barnum’s sculpture work already
has been well received in the Big Rapids
community, City Manager Steve Sobers
said. Barnum has completed four
sculptures in the Big Rapids area, most
of which were in conjunction with Ferris
State University’s Festival of the Arts
celebration in February.
“(The sculptures) add an enjoy-
ment for the people that are here and
also make this area a tourist attraction,”
Sobers said.
Barnum was born in Canada, but
grew up in Oregon, spending most of his
32 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
Robert Barnum works at bending steel for
a sculpture at his art studio in Mecosta.
life in the western United States before
moving to the midwest to teach art in In-
diana, Chicago and finally in Big Rapids Ferris State University
for the last 20 years. He holds a bach-
elor’s degree in fine art from Southern Affordable single family
Oregon University and a master’s degree housing
in fine art from Idaho State University.
He has chosen to settle down in Big The beautiful Muskegon
Rapids as Ferris’ artist in residence,
mainly because of the quality of life that
River offering tubing,
exists in Mecosta County. canoeing and fishing
“You really have to look hard at adventures
giving your family the ‘quality of life’
aspect, which is difficult to do in a city Recreational opportunities
like Chicago,” he said. “At Ferris, the arts including: Band shell,
here never really had much support, but parks, tennis courts, ball
the quality of life here — the ability to
live a high-end middle class life — has no
fields, play areas, the
equal. This is a place that offers families scenic Riverwalk and Rails
good (lives).” to Trails
Barnum’s ideas start with a sketch,
he said, and are translated into 3-foot Three neighborhood
miniature sculptures to see how the elementary schools
work fits together with steel. He then
replicates the sculpture with a 5-foot Unique downtown shops
model that will determine whether the with convenient parking
sculpture will hold together after being
welded. It is a seven day a week job Library with public access
working on the project that requires
patience and attention to detail — attri-
computers, preschool story
butes he hopes will pay off for Mecosta hour and summer reading
County. program
“When you have an agenda of creat- Visit us at
ing new objects of culture, the ideas have www.ci.big-rapids.mi.us
to be strong,” he said.
Anyone interested in learning more City of Big Rapids
or donating to the Mecosta County Pub- 226 N. Michigan Ave.
lic Art Initiative should contact Barnum Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231)592-4000 • Fax: (231)592-4059
at (231) 591-2744 or (231) 598-0284.
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
Ferris State University opens
state-of-the-art Michigan
College of Optometry
By Jonathan Eppley • Discover Mecosta Writer
BIG RAPIDS — After more than three decades of hop-
ing, years of lobbying and 13 months of construction, Fer-
ris State University opened the doors of its new school of
optometry facility in January 2011.
The 87,000-square-foot, three-level building is an
example of precision engineering crafted in brick, steel
and glass. The new the Michigan College of Optometry
provides access to the newest technologies available for
clinical teaching and learning. The new facility cost $26.9
million, most of which was contributed by the state.
“Before we were on the top two floors (of a converted
dormitory), which was not very convenient for our pa-
tients, doctors or students,” said Clinical Operations Su-
pervisor Lisa Roach. “Everything here is ... phenomenal.”
The state-of-the-art pre-clinic lab features 24 stations
for students to practice on each other using the latest tech- Optometry clinic clerks, Debra Luplow (left) and Connie Cusimano
nology, including computerized eye charts and electronic unpack items at the new Michigan College of Optometry moved from the
medical records. old Optometry Clinic.

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 33

 Professors will be able to monitor their
students’ progress much easier than they
did in the old Optometry Clinic’s pre-clin-
ic lab at Pennock Hall. The new pre-clinic
lab is divided into quarters, with each
section housing six lab stations. A profes-
sor can monitor each section together,
whereas in the old facility they could only
monitor one station at a time.
Other features in the new facility in-
clude an expanded retail optical dispen-
sary, where patients can choose from
1,100 different eyeglass frames. The
same space at old facility housed about
900 frame choices crammed into a room
about half the size.
In addition to much more space, the
Michigan College of Optometry features
more exam rooms as well as observation
rooms, where doctors can monitor a pa-
tient as they perform everyday activities.
Ferris had lobbied the state for fund-
ing to build the new facility for years with
no avail. When President David Eisler
came to Ferris in 2003, obtaining state
support for the project was his top prior-
ity. Funding for the building was vetoed
by the state Legislature on three separate
occasions — 1975, 2002 and 2007.
However, the university’s persistence
paid off in 2008, when the state contrib-
34 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011
uted about 75 percent of the funding for
the project — $20.2 million.
The old clinic, which treats students
and patients from the community saw its
last patient, Alyssa Grant, 15, was in for a
eye exam because she complained about
having blurred vision. Fourth-year in-
tern, Lyndsey Ferris performed the exam,
as Dr. Bob Carter watched.
Carter was the first faculty hired at
Ferris’ optometry college in 1975. He was
working the day the clinic opened at Pen-
nock Hall — which was converted from a
dormitory to accommodate the optom-
etry clinic. For him, moving into the new
MCO building has been a long-time com-
ing.
“It’s a little nostalgic and bittersweet
— it’s time though,” he said. “The tech-
nology it has is the latest educational and
clinical technology. It’s a great opportu- ing for the building was vetoed by the
nity for our teachers and our students.” state Legislature on three separate occa-
“This is unbelievable,” Bellingar said. sions — 1975, 2002 and 2007.
“They’ve done a nice job with the floor However, the university’s persistence
plan. The layout of the building flows paid off in 2008, when the state contrib-
nicely.” uted about 75 percent of the funding for
Ferris had lobbied the state for fund- the project — $20.2 million.
ing to build the new facility for years with “The professors I’m sure are all glad
little avail. When Eisler came to Ferris in to be here,” Sigmund said. “This is a long
2003, earning support for the optometry time coming, and it’s worth every penny
building was one his top priorities. Fund- put into it.”
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
 Jaycees take the lead on Muskegon River Water Safety Project
By Martin Slagter
Discover Mecosta Writer

BIG RAPIDS — With the Muskegon River Water Safety Project

in its hands, the Big Rapids Jaycees are working diligently to cre-
ate more awareness about river safety.
Jaycee Tyler Schuberg said the organization has big plans for
the project, which includes the creation of a new mascot, Sammy
the Salmon, a logo, installing a new call box at the south end of
Hemlock Park, creating a River Safety Week, launching a website
and working with community organizations. All of the new plans
are to further the mission of the project, Schuberg said.
“Gary and Char (Fitch) set the template for the Jaycees to take
this project to the next level,” he said. “We want to use this as an
opportunity to make learning about river safety a fun and educa-
tional experience.”

www.mecostacountyalliance.org DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 35

 The Fitches started the MRWSP
with a simple mission: install signs near
the river following the 2006 drowning
deaths of two young girls, Areilla and
Shelila Simmons. That quickly grew
into installing emergency phones, the
creation of a river safety DVD, buying
life jackets housed at sites near the river
and more. The couple handed over the
project to the Jaycees in 2009.
The group is focusing on creating
that awareness among a younger crowd
is one of the missions of the organiza-
tion, Jaycee Michelle Ramsey said. A
new mascot will go a long way in putting
a face on the river safety project. After
the costume for the mascot is complet-
ed, it will be able to take place in school
visits and community events.
“We want to create awareness about
water safety in general, not just river
safety,” she said. “Kids in our area use
the community pool and area lakes,
as well. We’re trying to expand the
market.”
Although there are no concrete
plans for a River Safety Week this year,
the Jaycees are working to establish its
presence in the community in hopes of
having a river safety week next summer.
That will be done by creating relation-
ships with area organizations and
sponsors and appearing at community
events to put the name and brand of the
The Jaycees are focusing on creating awareness of river safety with not just kids but Ferris students
Muskegon River Water Safety Project in
as well.
the public eye, Schuberg said.
“We’ve got plans to be at events like Ferris student population by speaking
National Night Out, Girls on the Run at orientation about the river safety Although it is not yet up and
and the Catch-A-Fish, Grant-A-Wish project. running, the Jaycees are
Tournament,” he said. “It’s all about Ramsey said Ferris students utilize
reaching out to other organizations in the Muskegon River as much as any lo- in the process of creating
the community.” cal demographic. That’s why it is impor- a website for the river
Other immediate undertakings of tant that they know about the potential
the Jaycees with the river safety project dangers of the river.
safety project. Visit www.
include the creation of a new logo and “The river is populated by Ferris muskegonriversafety.com in
its involvement with the Fourth of July students,” she said. “We want to make the coming weeks for more
parade. In the long term, Ramsey said them aware of the risks before they
the Jaycees will be reaching out to the come to campus.” information.

Conda Garner
Broker/Owner

Forward Realty, Inc.

Big Rapids Reed City
105 Linden St 201 W. Upton Ave.
Big Rapids Reed City
(231) 796-4808 (231) 832-1764
Home (231) 796-2243
www.century21forwardrealty.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

36 DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 www.mecostacountyalliance.org

Celebrating
local artists
By Martin Slagter
Discover Mecosta Writer
Though it already holds many
pieces of art, Artworks in Big Rapids
has itself become the gem in Down-
town Big Rapids’ gallery of unique
architecture.
Artworks displays and sells the
www.mecostacountyalliance.org
work of local artists, while offering a
wide variety of classes in all areas of
the fine arts. The art gallery, studio
and learning center has a new look,
after undergoing a remodeling proj-
ect in 2009.
All of these tasks that make the
organization a venue for creativity
will be enhanced by the renovations,
DISCOVER MECOSTA 2011 37
Artworks President Doug Haneline said.
Programs and activities supported by
Artworks include:
n A fine art gallery and gift shop for
art exhibits and a place where local art-
ists sell their artwork on consignment;
n Art classes for persons of all ages
and skills;
n Literature, art and other work-
shops forchildren;
n A dance studio for teaching ball-
room, ballet, jazz, and other dances;
n A Foreign FilmFestival;
n A Speakers Bureau for presenta-
tions and performances; and
n Various author and book presenta-
tions and workshops.
For newcomers to Big Rapids,
Artworks offers a pleasant surprise
that is nestled among the quaint shops,
restaurants and other businesses on the
city’s main street, Michigan Avenue. The
building offers a warm, inviting welcome
to visitors and draws praise from art col-
lectors, said Artworks Executive Director
Jeanette Fleury.
Among the highlights of the newly
remodeled venue are the new incubator
studios that will allow artists to work on
their pieces in an environment condu-
cive to creativity, Fleury said, as well as
ALL fired up
Big Rapids, and Artworks, will once again
be host to the only pottery folk art festival in
the northern United States on June 18-19 in
the downtown’s Mitchell Creek Park.
The top pottery folk artists in the nation
are converging on downtown for the third
annual “Clay, Art and Fire” pottery festival. Folk
artists come from Maine, California, Florida,
North Carolina, Wisconsin, Georgia, New
Mexico, Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama and
Pennsylvania and will join up to demon-
strate the art of throwing, glazing and firing
clay in all its forms, from – the funky to the
functional and decorative.
Experience the process of a late night
“raku” firing and learn about the history of
folk art pottery through a live presentation!
There is no admission to the festival, and art-
ists encourage parents to bring their kids!
Peruse the potters’ merchant booths to
take home a one-of-a-kind piece from the
only folk art pottery festival in the northern
Untied States. For more information visit
www.clayartandfire.com.
the community room, with its versatile
floor plan to hold a number of different
events.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“The (community room) is available for
anyone to use. We’ve already had a few
people inquire about having wedding
receptions in there.”
Artworks is a non-profit organization
for the humanities and the arts. Its mis-
sion is to initiate and support humanities
and arts activities that enrich lives, nur-
ture creative effort and vitalize the com-
munity. The ultimate goal of Artworks
is to provide a permanent venue for the
arts for the entire community.
“The whole idea of public program-
ming is that you shouldn’t have to be
enrolled in school to take advantage
of the arts,” Haneline said. “Artworks
recognizes that residents still may want
to learn how to paint with watercolors
or have a book discussion after they are
out of school. That’s what we are here to
provide.”
Other recent renovations include
new incubator studios for individual
artists to rent, an elevator, handicap
accessible bathrooms on all three floors,
two kitchenettes, a community room for
meetings, a performance area, dress-
ing room for dance recitals and a music
practice room.
For more information about Art-
works, visit www.artworksinbigrapids.
com.

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