THE 43522 COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary/February 2016 ___ Vol. 3 Issue 1

Brought to you by the Historical Society of Grand Rapids

WE’RE GOING GREEN!Effective March 2016, the 43522 Community News will no longer be printed and mailed to every address, but

will continue to be available to view/download on our website. “Going Green” will enable us to expand thenewsletter, publish it more frequently, and incorporate new content, such as photographs. Visit our website atwww.grandrapidshistoricalsociety.org. The newsletter is under “Resources”, as is the Community Calendar.The Historical Society will continue to focus on our Educational and Preservation Mission embodied in the Civil

War Reenactment Day and the Applebutter Fest Living History Experience, as well as community activities, suchas Rhythm on the River and the Old Fire Station. If you are interested in receiving an e-mail notification, when the 43522 Community News is available on our

website, please use the “Contact Us” form to let us know. We hope that our community organizations and business-es will continue to submit articles and apprise us of activities to add to the Community Calendar.

We understand that some of our readers will not have access to the Internet. If you will let us know, who you are, we will assess whetherwe can provide an alternative option on a limited basis. Please send a request to us at PO Box 124, Grand Rapids, OH 43522.

Harvest Moon GalaThe Harvest Moon Gala, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Arts Council, was held on October 25, 2015 at Nazareth Hall. Gary Loboschefski,

board member of the Arts Council, served as emcee. Guests present spent time perusing the forty-plus items of the silent auction, includingglass creations by Dominick Labino and Baker O’Brien; paintings by Becky Shepard and Ali Drozdowicz; and a mosaic glass window byGail Christofferson. The served meal was prepared by the Nazareth Hall Chef.Karen Zapiecki, who passed away this fall, was recognized with a special award. Chrissy and Alisa Zapiecki, daughters of Karen, accept-

ed the recognition award on behalf of Karen’s family. Karen was honored for her contributions to the Otsego community via Art Camp,Vacation Bible School, Otsego Music Boosters, and summer musicals.After the meal, Chuck Thomas, first recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, presented this year’s award to Tom Gordon. Tom was

born and raised in Grand Rapids and served in the Air Force from 1954-1958. He and his wife Betty are faithful members of Calvary UnitedMethodist Church, where Tom has served as treasurer and lay leader. Tom retired from Chrysler in 1999 after working there for 31 years.He currently serves as Master of the Grand Rapids Masonic Lodge. But he is still working – for anyone who needs assistance. He shovelswalks, fixes porches, installs lights, and the list goes on and on. Tom’s love of country is evident when he speaks on citizenship, heroismand sacrifice at Memorial Day services. Door prizes, including gift certificates to LaRoe’s Restaurant, Fernando’s, Knucklehead’s Kafe, and Visions Spa and Salon were drawn.Entertainment was provided by Dueling Pianos, and all enjoyed their entertaining, lively, and humorous program. In fact, they were award-

ed a standing ovation.The Gala is the main fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Arts Council. It provides funding for events of the council throughout the year:

children’s summer art camp in June, Art in the Old Fire Station craft for children in July, Sunset Jazz and Art Fest in August, Children’s Areaduring the Applebutter Fest in October, Holiday Crafts for Children and Silent Movie during the Village Christmas Open House in November,and Holiday Piano Recital in December. In addition, the Council supports dance classes, sponsors art classes for children and adults, andhelps fund activities of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

Grand Rapids Swimming PoolThe Grand Rapids Area Swimming Pool Board has re-elected Shaun Downey as President and Marcia Neagley as Treasure at the

November 10th board meeting.Items discussed included the need for five certified Life Guards and a Manager with Life Guard certification for next season. We

want to get word about these positions out early because certification can take some time and is available at the local Y’s and at BGSUStudent Rec Center. Please contact Shaun Downing at 419.409.0075 if interested in the Life Guard of Manager positions.

We would like to thank everyone who donated $5 for an Elder-Beerman’s Community Days fundraiser Coupon Booklet. We met ourgoal of 75 booklets, which have a $10 coupon and are provided to us by the store at no cost. It is an 100% profit for the Pool.

We are always looking for volunteers or if you are interested in being a member of the Pool Board stop by the Library at 7:00 p.m.the second Tuesday of the month. Or you can contact any of the board members: Shaun Downing, Frank Hunsberger, Kerry Berry, MarciaNeagley, Phil Snyder, Joey Rouse, or Debra Downey.

The pool had a successful year and we look forward to next season which will open the day after Otsego Schools close.

Events of Grand Rapids from 1991Below are some news tidbits from The Rapids Record edited by Betsy Boyle and June Huffman• High waters on New Year’s Eve closed Front St near Mill St.• New Post Office on Wapakoneta Road opens. • Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce has a treasure hunt.• Boy scouts can now collect plastic along with newspapers and aluminum cans• Grand Rapids Rainbows celebrate 25th anniversary• Norma (Mohr) Robert was in the Who’s Who Among American’s Teachers• Shannon Sorosiak and Jeena Sonnenberg represented the Alva N. Sidle Auxiliary at Buckeye Girls State.• Eric Fritz and Vincent Frantz represented the Alva N Sidle Legion at Buckeyes Boys State• Li’l Abner was the summer Musical Comedy for Rapids Rally Days• Easter Bonnet Parade winners were Marla Scott, Emily Wilson, Christopher Jadwesiak, Lauren Fitch, Dustin Brown, Ben Brott, Kelly

Sieczkowski, Joshua Cline, Zachary Cline, Sharon Carter and Debra Lowry• Election of officers for the Historical Society are President-Don Entenman, Vice President-June Huffman, Secretary-Irene Vollmar,

treasurer-Ann Laskey and trustees-Delores Miller, Ron Studer, Steve Kryder, Marilyn Stevens, Dave LaRoe, and Ed Wichman.• Ads found in the Rapids Record are First Federal Bank, Century 21 , Lee’s Hair Fashion, Rapids Nursing Home, Rapids Discount

Pharmacy, Grand Rapids Village Estates, Olde Gilead, On the Wind, Riverside Gift Galleria, Lo Jo Creations, River City Jewelers, Crafts byJane, The Apple Tree, LaRoes, Dandy’s Lane, Nantiques, The Front Door, Peper’s Flowers, Mid Am, Howards Auto Parts, Happy Times DayCare, Goods’ Thread & thimble, The Kerr House, Grand Rapids Medical Clinic, Village Hardware & General Store, Huffman Builders,Coburn Bookkeeping and Tax Service, Gerald Bowers, Chore NO More, Pisanello’s Pizza, Phase Electric Co, , Towpath Inn, and VikkiWharton Eby, artist.

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THE 43522 Community NewsP.O. Box 193Grand Rapids, OH 43522

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, OH

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THE 43522 COMMUNITY NEWSJanuary/February 2016 ___ Vol. 3 Issue 1

Brought to you by the Historical Society of Grand Rapids

8th Annual Doug McCabe Memorial Benefit DanceThank You

On November 14 the 8th Annual Doug McCabe Memorial Benefit Dance featuring the Five O’Clock Rush was held at the GrandRapids American Legion Post #232. The proceeds went to the Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW). The event was so successful with yourhelp it brought in over $7800. That will help many veterans who are wounded and have special needs. Some of the people who gave out-right donations are:, Amber Asmus, Douglas Box, Moosman Property Services LLC, Kenneth E. Knaggs, Joseph B. Box, T&B Industrial,Charles’ Automotive Inc., Rimer Enterprises, Inc, Fisher Tool & Die Corp., Kokosing Construction Company, Casey’s Sales and Service,and Yarnell Bros.. Thank you all for your support.

Calendar of Events:January 1, Happy New YearJanuary 2, Boy Scout Recycling pick up 10-12 corner of Mill and3rd St.January 15, American Legion Fish Fry,January 18, Martin Luther King DayJanuary 26, 4th Tuesday Meal Hosanna Lutheran Church 5 to 6January 28, Blood Drive, Hosanna Lutheran Church 1-7January 28, 4th Thursday Free Meal, Presbyterian Church, 5pmFebruary 2, Ground Hog DayFebruary 6, Boy Scout recycling pick up, 10-12 corner of Mill and 3rd StFebruary 7, Super Bowl 50February 10, Ash WednesdayFebruary 14, Valentine’s DayFebruary 15, President’s DayFebruary 19, American Legion Fish February 23, 4th Tuesday Meal Hosanna Lutheran Church 5 to 6February 25, 4th Thursday Free Meal Presbyterian Church 5pmFebruary 27-28, Winter Rendezvous, Seven Eagles LodgeFebruary 29, Leap DayEvery Tuesday and Friday 11:00, Otsego Senior Meals, HosannaLutheran Church, 419-832-3801; cell 419-266-7619. Email is:nanlee1642@gmail.com.

Where to find theHistorical Society

Have you visited the Historical Society’s website atwww.grandrapidshistoricalsociety.org? This is a great source of infor-mation on their activities. Check out the event schedules and photo-graphs, Community Calendar, 43522 Community News, and muchmore. The Historical Society are also now on Face book. Please visitand “like” their page.

Dear Readers,This is the last time I will be writing a letter to all of you. I am

retiring from the paper. The Historical Society, as you read above isgoing to do it on the internet and my little brain is not capable ofdoing internet stuff. It has been a joy putting this paper together. Be sure to send any information you would like to put in the paper

to the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, PO Box 124, GrandRapids, Ohio 43522. They will be glad to put it in the paper. Don’tforget to keep them updated on any events your organizations isplanning to do. I would like to thank all of you who contributed so many inform-

ative articles, and your encouraging words. And a Big Thank You tothe Historical Society for letting me do this. I know it was a verybig expense for them.Your Humble Servant, Judi Tonjes