2017-03-19 Grand Rapids South Get-Together
Contributed by Judy Beal
The Grand Rapids South Snowbirds met again for their annual get-together In Ellenton, Florida in March 2017 at Popi's Restaurant. It was great to see all the old friends from GR, catch up on the news, and see who had the best tan. For the first time we welcomed John & Marcia Neagley, along with Dan & Sue Tanner, Tracy & Greg Ludwig, Gary & Lee Beal, Chet & Mary Vollmar, Diana Baumbarger, Frank & Cindy Baumbarger, Rick & Mary Snyder, Judy Beal, Joe & Sharon Kirkham, David & Holly Bortel, and Jim & Rae Thomson. Regrets were received from Rodney & Kathy Carson. Also, we deeply missed long-time friends, Warren Baumbarger and Marilyn Sproull, who recently passed away.
If you will be in Florida in March of 2018 and would like to attend the GR South get-together please contact Jim & Rae Thomson: [email protected] or Judy Beal: 313-461-3350 for information.
Contributed by Judy Beal
The Grand Rapids South Snowbirds met again for their annual get-together In Ellenton, Florida in March 2017 at Popi's Restaurant. It was great to see all the old friends from GR, catch up on the news, and see who had the best tan. For the first time we welcomed John & Marcia Neagley, along with Dan & Sue Tanner, Tracy & Greg Ludwig, Gary & Lee Beal, Chet & Mary Vollmar, Diana Baumbarger, Frank & Cindy Baumbarger, Rick & Mary Snyder, Judy Beal, Joe & Sharon Kirkham, David & Holly Bortel, and Jim & Rae Thomson. Regrets were received from Rodney & Kathy Carson. Also, we deeply missed long-time friends, Warren Baumbarger and Marilyn Sproull, who recently passed away.
If you will be in Florida in March of 2018 and would like to attend the GR South get-together please contact Jim & Rae Thomson: [email protected] or Judy Beal: 313-461-3350 for information.
2017-01-15 Ohio National Guard Deployment
Contributed by Lisa Hatfield
About 360 soldiers from the Ohio National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Bowling Green, are deploying overseas in support of both Operation Inherent Resolve in Jordan and Operation Spartan Shield in the United Arab Emirates. They had a "Call to Duty" Ceremony on January 11th, 2017.
Before the soldiers deploy to their overseas locations, they will undergo mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas.
While deployed, the unit’s primary mission will be conducting training operations with the Jordanian armed forces.
Two of these soldiers are from the Grand Rapids area - Andrew Hatfield and John Hannewald. Please keep them and all of these men and women in your prayers during their time overseas.
Contributed by Lisa Hatfield
About 360 soldiers from the Ohio National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Bowling Green, are deploying overseas in support of both Operation Inherent Resolve in Jordan and Operation Spartan Shield in the United Arab Emirates. They had a "Call to Duty" Ceremony on January 11th, 2017.
Before the soldiers deploy to their overseas locations, they will undergo mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas.
While deployed, the unit’s primary mission will be conducting training operations with the Jordanian armed forces.
Two of these soldiers are from the Grand Rapids area - Andrew Hatfield and John Hannewald. Please keep them and all of these men and women in your prayers during their time overseas.
2016-06-28 Blog Post from a Visitor to Grand Rapids
Contributed by Marcia Neagley
Do you wonder what visitors think of our village? Here's a travel blog post shared by Linda, a retired English school teacher from Michigan, who now resides in Fort Myers, FL. She came through Grand Rapids on her recent travels in June. We're glad that she enjoyed her visit!
Contributed by Marcia Neagley
Do you wonder what visitors think of our village? Here's a travel blog post shared by Linda, a retired English school teacher from Michigan, who now resides in Fort Myers, FL. She came through Grand Rapids on her recent travels in June. We're glad that she enjoyed her visit!
| 2016-06-28_grand_rapids_visitors_blog.pdf |
2016-03-23 Grand Rapids South Get-Together
Contributed by Judy Beal
On March 18, 2016 several Grand Rapids snowbirds gathered again in Ellenton, FL for visiting and celebrating Jim Sproull's 85th birthday. Some of you might remember that Jim was a former Grand Rapids fire chief & ran the local grocery store with his wife, Marilyn. In addition to the Sproulls, those present were Warren & Diana Baumbarger, Rick & Mary Snyder with 2 grandsons, Chet & Mary Vollmar, Dan & Sue Tanner, Gary & Lee Beal, Joe & Sharon Kirkham and granddaughter, David & Holly Bortle, Jim & Rae Thomson, and Judy Beal.
Next year, the GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH get-together will be held in mid-February 2017. If you will be in Florida and would like to attend, please contact Judy Beal: 313-461-3350 or Rae Thomson: [email protected].
Contributed by Judy Beal
On March 18, 2016 several Grand Rapids snowbirds gathered again in Ellenton, FL for visiting and celebrating Jim Sproull's 85th birthday. Some of you might remember that Jim was a former Grand Rapids fire chief & ran the local grocery store with his wife, Marilyn. In addition to the Sproulls, those present were Warren & Diana Baumbarger, Rick & Mary Snyder with 2 grandsons, Chet & Mary Vollmar, Dan & Sue Tanner, Gary & Lee Beal, Joe & Sharon Kirkham and granddaughter, David & Holly Bortle, Jim & Rae Thomson, and Judy Beal.
Next year, the GRAND RAPIDS SOUTH get-together will be held in mid-February 2017. If you will be in Florida and would like to attend, please contact Judy Beal: 313-461-3350 or Rae Thomson: [email protected].