Betty Blase, District Coordinator for Michigan State University Extension was the speaker at this week's meeting of the Comstock Park Rotary. She talked about the organizational changes that have occurred over the past few years.

From their website:

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSUdirectly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to...

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George Schweitzer, Alpine Township Supervisor from 1970 until 1980 passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the age of 93. George is survived by his wife Marie, 4 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

George served Alpine Township for 23 years in various capacities. He was first elected clerk nearly 55 years ago in 1957, when Alpine Township had a population of less then 2,500 residents.

In 1958 the Township passed a millage to build its first fire station. Until then, we shared a station (Comstock Park) with Plainfield Township. That same year, building began in the Westgate subdivision, almost doubling the Township's population by 1960. Building of our first fire station was completed in 1961 and by 1963 a Township office and hall were attached. In 1965 a contract was signed with Plainfield Township to supply water to the Township.

As part of the commemoration of Women's History Month, The Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council sponsored a presentation Thursday night titled "Women of the Ridge: Handling the Business and Politics of West Michigan Agriculture". The event was held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

Participating in the program as honored guests were Sharon Steffens and JoAnne Thome, two of the 1972 leaders known as the "Fearsome Foursome." Steffens was elected the first national coordinator of the American Agri Women organization, a coalition formed in 1974 of farm women and farm women's organizations. The Thome family name is well known on The Ridge as well for its successful farming enterprise. Joining them were Ginny Ebers, Pat Rasch Cederholm and her sister Mary Rasch Alt, all Alpine Township women.

Meanwhile, other members of the Ridge Economic Agricultural Partners were meeting at the Alpine Township Hall about promotional opportunities...