Inside this Issue:
Third Annual Softball Charity Tournament

Saturday, September 22 the Hudsonville Fire Department held its Third Annual Softball Charity Tournament at Hughes Park. The ball teams were made up of firefighters from Kentwood, Wyoming, East Grand Rapids, Zeeland, Blendon, Jamestown, Georgetown and Hudsonville. East Grand Rapids was the tournament winner, and after playing seven games, Hudsonville was runner-up. It was a great day with food, raffles and a home run contest.
This year donations were also taken for the fallen firefighters’ families in New York. When the day concluded, we were able to raise about $3,000.
We would like to thank all the businesses that donated gifts and food and all who donated money. In addition, thanks to all the participants and our faithful umpires who donated their day. Although we all went home tired and sore, we were able to return to our kids, wives, and family members. Please continue to pray and remember the firefighters and their families in New York.


Hudsonville Annual Holiday Parade

The Hudsonville Holiday Parade Committee is planning their annual holiday parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 10:00 a.m.
Parade entries, volunteers, and sponsors are needed for the 2001 Holiday Parade. Entries can be floats, singing groups, bands, or walking groups representing clubs, churches, organizations, etc. There are also opportunities for people to volunteer to help with entries or sponsor a group.
The Annual Holiday Parade seems to get better and better each year, and this is done by all the wonderful support from the community. We hope that this year will be no exception.
The parade marches down 32nd Avenue beginning on New Holland Street and ending on Central Boulevard. Afterwards you are invited to join Santa Clause at the City of Hudsonville Fire Station for refreshments.
For more information or a parade packet contact the City Offices at 669-0200.

Veteran’s Memorial

The City of Hudsonville is in the process of establishing a Veterans Memorial on the east side of the City Hall where currently the USA flower bed lies. The current Veterans Park property on the corner of Chicago Drive and School Street was leased from Hudsonville Public Schools. This lease ran out last year and the City of Hudsonville has decided not to lease the property again from the school but to establish a Veterans Memorial on City Hall property.

There are several elements at the Veteran’s Memorial Park that will be moved to the City Hall property. They are:

These items will become part of the new Veteran’s Memorial that we will be establishing. If anyone from the community knows of any other remembrance from that park that we are missing please let us know.
The City of Hudsonville is striving to establish a Veteran’s Memorial that will possibly have some semblance to the one currently established in Allendale by their community park and Allendale offices off of 68th Avenue. We are attempting to make contact with the artist that designed the sculptures of the soldiers to design something similar for us.
The area will be laid out with the idea of holding outside programs with some seating planned. We are looking for other ideas from the Veterans and residents of the community. If anyone would like to make their ideas known to us, please give a call to Pauline Luben or Jan Wiersum at City Hall (669-0200). If there is an architect or others of the community that would like to donate their services for this community project or any contributions to be used for this project, please give us a call. More information will be coming to the community as the project develops.

New Arrival

It’s a pumper, it’s an aerial, it’s a tanker, it’s a truck, it’s a rescue machine! Yes, it’s all of the above. The Hudsonville Fire Department welcomes our newest vehicle in our fleet, a Spencer built “Quint” fire truck on an H.M.E. chassis. Taking about a year to custom build, this truck has the capabilities of doing five functions. First, it’s a front line pumper with a 1500 gallon a minute pump. Secondly, it carries 400 gallons of water. The third function is the aerial -- a 75-foot ladder on the top of the truck that has a nozzle which can be controlled from the ladder control area at the end of the ladder or by using a remote control. This ladder also gives us rescue capabilities by reaching second floor motels or churches as well as proving greater reach at larger commercial buildings. Finally, the truck can carry medical supplies as a backup for our present squad.
By purchasing this vehicle in a combination form (pumper, aerial, rescue, etc.) we saved approximately $500,000 based on purchasing these vehicles separately. Presently our department is busy training with the new truck. As you can imagine, many hours of practice must take place. We would like to thank our citizens for their support, and we will continue to serve you the best we can.

Meet Ted Jeske, DPW Superintendent

Hello Hudsonville,
I have been in Public Works since 1986, and have enjoyed it from the start, I plan to give you the high quality services that you have become accustomed to. I am originally from the Grand Haven area and have lived in Michigan all my life. I look forward to meeting you and forming long lasting friendships with all of the residents of Hudsonville. Please do not hesitate to call me with any Public Works concerns that you may have, or just to introduce yourself and say hi.

Taking it to the Streets… The BATmobile

The Mobile Breathe Alcohol Testing unit (BATmobile) is used in saturation patrol efforts to arrest those who choose to drink and drive and travel Michigan roadways. The BATmobile is located on site in an area where heavy police patrols are being conducted to apprehend intoxicated drivers. People who are tested for drunk driving are taken to the mobile testing unit for processing and then transported to the nearest jail facility. This allows patrol officers a faster return to the enforcement area.
The vehicle will also inform and educate the public of the dangers of drunk driving and the procedures used by law enforcement officers when processing violators.

FACT: Michigan law enforcement officers routinely arrest more than 60,000 people annually for drunk driving offenses.
FACT: Nearly 40 percent of Michigan's traffic fatalities each year involve alcohol.
FACT: One in every 25 Michigan drivers has one or more alcohol convictions on his/her driving record.

Click it or Ticket Enforcement

All signs indicate Michigan’s first year with a standard enforcement safety belt law has been a big success, both in terms of increased safety belt use and a decrease in traffic fatalities. Belt use was at a record-high 83.5 percent in March 2000, jumping from the 70 percent the state experienced with a secondary enforcement law. And, higher belt use rates are equating into fewer fatalities. Although fatality statistics for 2000 are still preliminary, current figures show 76 fewer fatalities from March through December 2000 compared to the same period in 1999.
Instead of continuing to increase, safety belt use statewide is starting to slip slightly. It is critical that we maintain our commitment to support increased belt use. Your efforts to promote the importance of buckling up is one way to continue the reduction of fatalities and injuries and move toward protecting even more Michigan drivers and passengers.
The state’s law enforcement community will also support increased belt use by continuing periodic high-visibility enforcement efforts all summer long.
Drivers not buckling up will receive a ticket from a police officer if they do not click it. Remember Click it or Ticket!

Boards & Commissions Vacancies

Are you interested in getting involved in the operations of the City of Hudsonville? Currently the City has several vacancies on various boards and committees. At the present time there are vacancies on the Parks and Grounds Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Downtown Development Authority. Anyone interested in serving on one of these boards or committees, please contact the Hudsonville City Offices at 669-0200.

Hudsonville’s 2nd Annual Carol Sing & Candlelight Walk

Last year was the first year Hudsonville held a candlelight walk. The event was well attended and many suggested that we make this an annual event. A Christmas Tree will be lit in the Downtown Plaza area. Our candles will be lit and we will follow the luminary walk to City Hall while singing Christmas Carols to celebrate the season. After arriving at City Hall, hot chocolate will be served while more singing takes place. This is a nice evening to socialize with the residents of the community and enjoy the joyous Christmas season.
If you have Dickens Carols costumes please wear them; otherwise dress warm.
Because of the September 11th incident and the war that our county is in, we will take time to let our FREEDOM RING as we join also in some patriotic songs in support of our country and the land that we so freely take for granted.
The walk will take place on November 30 and start at 6 o’clock in the plaza area by the Christmas tree.

Fall Leaf/Brush Disposal

The City of Hudsonville is hosting a leaf and yard debris disposal program for city residents only (I.D. Checked). The program is for leaves, grass clippings, branches, small bushes, etc. Small debris must be brought in boxes or plastic bags. A maximum trunk diameter of 4 inches and length of 4 feet will be allowed.
The program will be held Friday, November 9 from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The disposal site will be at the Hudsonville Public Works Facility 5713 Balsam Drive. Volunteer help will be available on site.

New City Assessor - Jan Sal

I have lived in the City of Hudsonville for twenty-seven years and consider it an honor and a privilege to serve my community as its assessor. I served as an assessing assistant at the City of Zeeland before performing that role here in Hudsonville. I am certified by the State Assessor’s Board as a Level II Assessor and also by the Michigan State Tax Commission as a Personal Property Examiner. I am married to Al and have two adult sons, James and Aaron. I enjoy golfing, reading, and just about any outdoor activity.
The encouragement and support I have already received from the community has been uplifting and I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers as I settle into and carry out the responsibilities of my new position.

Gutter Pans

One common problem that exists in every community is the collection of rainwater on streets after a heavy rain. The streets are designed to have catch basins in the gutter pans to handle the rain after a downpour. The Department of Public Works periodically will clean out the catch basins so that the water can flow freely. However, because of the enormous amount of grass clippings and debris that people mow or throw into the street, it is becoming harder and harder to keep these basins clean.
The City of Hudsonville DPW would really appreciate your help by avoiding blowing grass clippings, raking leaves, etc. into the streets. If each resident would take a little care by their catch basin, the roads would be safer for all.

Music to Benefit Music Series

Music to Benefit Music Series is a concert series brought to you by the Pinnacle Center. Some of the talent that will be presented in these concerts are Glen Campbell and Windham Hill.
Another featured concert will be Winter’s Grace December 6. Laurie Lewis and Tom Roxum with Todd Sickafoose are the artists who will be performing in this concert. Performing the music from their critically-acclaimed Winter’s Grace album, from Signature Sounds, they explore winter’s beauty, joys, and hardships.
Accompanying themselves on fiddles, guitar, mandolin, mandola, and singing in harmony as only they can, Laurie and Tom are joined by bassist/pianist/vocalist Todd Sickafoose. The combination of these performers produces some of the most outstanding and accessible music that this season, filled with music, has to offer.

The Pinnacle
Center
Windham Hill - Winter Solstice Concert December 4
Glen Campbell December 5
Winter’s Grace - Family Concert December 6
Mustard’s Retreat - Family Concert January 20
Eddie from Ohio April 19

Tickets, Season Tickets, and Corporate Sponsorships are available at the Pinnacle Center Box Office (616) 662-3330 or visit www.thepinnaclecenter.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (616) 456-3333, any Ticketmaster retail outlet, or www.ticketmaster.com.

Adult Book Discussion Group

Adult Book Discussion Group – meets the third Thursday of each month, September – May, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the library. Come into the library or check out our web site to see the titles of the books that we will be reading and discussing this year. This is our fifth year of lively discussion!

Access Your Library from Home!

Would you like to look up books by your favorite author, see if the latest bestseller is available, or find out if we have any new books on your favorite hobby? How would you like to renew your books, see if you have any fines, or even make your own booklists and bibliographies?
Well, it’s all available and waiting for you at our website:

2ndAnnual Summer Reading Club for “Perennial” Readers

The Second Annual Summer Reading Club for “Perennial” Readers was a great success this year with 60 participants. Twenty-nine hardy people made their goal of 8 books in 8 weeks. Each finisher received a bag of goodies including a gardening book. Congratulations to these “perennial” readers!
Judy Bohl Nancy Johnson
Judy Schmitt Diane Bordewyk
Wilma Keuning Sue Schut
Pat Borton Iva Klawiter
Laurie Sneden Pat Diekema
Brenda Kooienga Deb Sprague
Lorraine Dykstra Loni Landefeld
Brenda Strikwerda Kim Felknor-Edwards
Ellie Mazor Tammy Tuinstra
Sherri Gibbs Nancy Noteboom
Marilyn VanTatenhove
Charlene Horling
Leslie Paul
Dot Vruwink
Melissa Huisman
Jeannette Pollatz
Sharon Warne
Mary Hulst
Marcia Poortenga

Internet Classes at the Library

Is the Internet intimidating you? Are you afraid the big technology spider will catch you in its World Wide Web? Are you threatened by URLs, ISPs, FTPing, and DSL? Scared to put your hand on a mouse? You’ve never surfed before?
Your fears can be avoided by taking an “Introduction to the Internet” class at the Gary Byker Memorial Library. The class is offered each Wednesday morning at 9 am at the Library.
Depending on class size, subjects can be customized to what you already know, and want to learn. From the very basics of computer usage, we can explain what the various parts of a computer do, up to how to get the information you’re looking for on the Internet. You will sit at one of our Internet terminals, learn how to use the Browser, and be surfing the World Wide Web, all within the hour!
Sign-up is required--just call the Library at 669-7172, during the week prior.

Mother/Daughter Book Club

Mother/Daughter Book Club – for mothers and their daughters (4th grade and up). This club meets the first Thursday of the month from October – April, from 7-8 pm in the Library Program Room. Come discuss a book, perhaps play a game, and have refreshments. The first meeting is October 4, where participants will discuss a short story and select the books for the rest of the year. This program is led by our Children’s Librarian, Elizabeth Mazor.

32-degree Club

32-degree Club -- Reading program for adults. If you can read 32 books between October 1st 2001 and March 30, 2002, then this program is for you! Come into the library to sign up and receive your “reading log.” All participants will receive a coffee mug with our club logo, sponsored by Ebels Construction. In addition, when you sign up – make a guess as to when the temperature will first fall to 32 degrees. If you are correct you will win a great prize bag!

Holiday Home Tour 2001

The Friends of the Gary Byker Memorial Library are proud to present their 4th Annual Holiday Home Tour.

We have some unusual homes and settings this year so mark your calendar now. You won’t want to miss these.
Tickets will be available at the Gary Byker Memorial Library or call Wanda Giem, (616) 896-9376 or Marcia Wierda (616) 669-6608 and of course each participating home. When you purchase your ticket, you will receive a brochure which includes the names and addresses of participating homes as well as a map. Six homes will be featured. Cost-$7.00. All proceeds benefit the library.
If you are interested in your home being on next year’s tour (2002) please call Wanda Giem (616) 896-9376 or Marcia Wierda (616) 669-6608.


Notice of City General Election

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a CITY GENERAL ELECTION will be held by the City of Hudsonville, Ottawa County, State of Michigan, within said City on

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2001

THE PLACES OF HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID CITY AS INDICATED BELOW, VIZ:

WARD 1:

CITY HALL, CITY COMMISSION CHAMBER
3275 CENTRAL BLVD

WARD 2:

CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
3275 CENTRAL BLVD

WARD 3:

HERITAGE REFORMED CHURCH
4995 32ND AVENUE

FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONERS, VIZ:

One 1st WARD COMMISSIONER - 4 YEAR TERM

  • GARY RATERINK, INCUMBENT
  • TRUMAN PETTY, CHALLENGER

One 2nd WARD COMMISSIONER - 4 YEAR TERM

  • KRISTEN RITSEMA

One 3rd WARD COMMISSIONER - 4 YEAR TERM

  • LARRY BRANDSEN, INCUMBENT
  • RICHARD HONHOLT, CHALLENGER

Any person/s deciding to become a write-in candidate shall file an "affidavit to be a write in candidate" with the City Clerk by 4 O'CLOCK PM, Friday, November 2, 2001. Forms are available.

To QUALIFY as a candidate, a person shall have been a RESIDENT of the City for one (1) year immediately prior to the last day for filing petitions for such office (May 15, 2001) … and, shall be a QUALIFIED REGISTERED ELECTOR of the City on such day. HUDSONVILLE CITY CHARTER, CHAPTER V SECTION 5.1 ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT, VIZ:

"CITY OF HUDSONVILLE CHARTER AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE A DETERMINATION BY THE CITY ATTORNEY AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF AN INITIATORY PETITION FOR A CITY ORDINANCE PRIOR TO CIRCULATING THE PETITION FOR SIGNATURES."

The purpose of this Charter amendment is to require a determination by the City Attorney as to the legal sufficiency of an initiatory petition for a City ordinance prior to circulation of the petition for signatures.

Shall this amendment be adopted?

YES ______
NO ______

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