Free Meal for Northern Kent County Families—6 to 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Consolation Family Center, 4865 Eleven Mile Rd., Rockford, every Thursday. No charge; no registration required. Provided by a partnership between Our Lady of Consolation Parish and God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

Rockford Area Historical Society Meeting—7 p.m. at the Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford. Jon Stamp will present “The Arms of Our Fathers.” Hostesses will be Janet Matthews and Carlene Stamp.

Thursday-Saturday, November 3-5

Huge Book Sale—Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall, corner of 5th and Lake streets, to benefit the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library. There will be over 45 tables!

Saturday, November 5

Annual Christmas Art & Fine Craft Sale & Show—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple St., Rockford, held by the Rogue River Artists Association. Members’ artwork will be on display and for sale, featuring watercolors, acrylics, oils, mixed media, pottery, fabric art, jewelry and woodcarving. Light refreshments will be served. More information is available online at artsrockford.org.

Flu Shots—11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bostwick Lake Church, 7979 Belding Rd., Rockford, during their Bazaar for All Seasons. Shots are free for Medicare patients, or $25 for non-Medicare; administered by Ace Home Healthcare.

Remembering Elizabeth Slack-Pignatello—9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Rockford Corner Bar, 31 N. Main St. There will be a silent auction, and 15 percent of total proceeds of Corner Bar sales will go toward college funds.

Holiday Craft Bazaar—9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Parish, 425 S. State St., Sparta. Enjoy 30 booths, homemade luncheon, live music, drawings every 15 minutes, free kids’ crafts and activities.

Saturday-Sunday, November 5-6

Annual Sight-In Days—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockford Sportsman’s Club, 11115 Northland Drive, between 13 and 14 Mile roads, Rockford. There will be 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-yard ranges, pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders. Admission is $5 per gun. Public welcome. Visit www.RockfordSportsmansClub.com.

Sunday, November 6

Swiss Steak Dinner—noon to 2 p.m. at the Rockford Masonic Lodge, 1430 Northland Dr., Rockford. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children under age 10. Dinner includes Swiss steak, choice of vegetable, mashed potatoes with gravy, salad, dinner roll, piece of pie, and beverage. Open to the community.

Monday, November 7

Griefshare—7 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, fireside room, on 10 Mile Rd., Rockford. This grief recovery support group, where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one, meets every Monday through December 5. No sign-up is necessary. Learn more at www.griefshare.org.

Tuesday, November 8

Rockford Rotary Club Meetings—7 a.m. at Rockford High School, and 12:10 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin. For more information, call Mark Bivins at (616) 866-1470.

Country & Gospel Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, 8540 Shaner Ave., Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. For more information, call Keth at (616) 866-2459.

Thursday, November 10

Rockford Lions Club Meeting—6 p.m. social, 6:30 dinner and 7 p.m. meeting at the Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford. Meetings held every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Free Meal for Northern Kent County Families—6 to 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Consolation Family Center, 4865 Eleven Mile Rd., Rockford, every Thursday. No charge; no registration required. Provided by a partnership between Our Lady of Consolation Parish and God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

Saturday, November 12

Euchre Club—6:30 p.m. at the Peppermill Grill, 8 S. Squires St., Rockford. New players welcome. Donations will be accepted for North Kent Community Services. For more information, call (616) 884-0757.

Monday, November 14

Griefshare—7 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, fireside room, on 10 Mile Rd., Rockford. This grief recovery support group, where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one, meets every Monday through December 5. No sign-up is necessary. Learn more at www.griefshare.org.

Tuesday, November 15

Rockford Rotary Club Meetings—7 a.m. at Rockford High School, and 12:10 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin. For more information, call Mark Bivins at (616) 866-1470.

Country & Gospel Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, 8540 Shaner Ave., Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. For more information, call Keth at (616) 866-2459.

Wednesday, November 16

Blue Star Moms—6 p.m. at 669 Mead Road, Orleans, Mich. Meetings held the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, call Sally at (616) 761-2042.

Thursday, November 17

Free Meal for Northern Kent County Families—6 to 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Consolation Family Center, 4865 Eleven Mile Rd., Rockford, every Thursday. No charge; no registration required. Provided by a partnership between Our Lady of Consolation Parish and God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

Monday, November 21

Griefshare—7 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, fireside room, on 10 Mile Rd., Rockford. This grief recovery support group, where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one, meets every Monday through December 5. No sign-up is necessary. Learn more at www.griefshare.org.

Tuesday, November 22

Rockford Rotary Club Meetings—7 a.m. at Rockford High School, and 12:10 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin. For more information, call Mark Bivins at (616) 866-1470.

Country & Gospel Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, 8540 Shaner Ave., Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. For more information, call Keth at (616) 866-2459.

Thursday, November 24

Rockford Lions Club Meeting—6 p.m. social, 6:30 dinner and 7 p.m. meeting at the Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford. Meetings held every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Free Meal for Northern Kent County Families—6 to 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Consolation Family Center, 4865 Eleven Mile Rd., Rockford, every Thursday. No charge; no registration required. Provided by a partnership between Our Lady of Consolation Parish and God’s Kitchen, a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

Monday, November 28

Griefshare—7 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, fireside room, on 10 Mile Rd., Rockford. This grief recovery support group, where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one, meets every Monday through December 5. No sign-up is necessary. Learn more at www.griefshare.org.

Tuesday, November 29

Rockford Rotary Club Meetings—7 a.m. at Rockford High School, and 12:10 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin. For more information, call Mark Bivins at (616) 866-1470.

Country & Gospel Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, 8540 Shaner Ave., Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. For more information, call Keth at (616) 866-2459.

Rockford Riptide celebrated the end of its summer session with a successful trip to the state meet, held at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti, Mich.

The USA swim team sent 17 of its members to the meet, a result of hard work paid off during the summer. The swimmers include Jacob Fase, 13, Sara Fredricks, 12, Rachel Gamm, 8, Andrew Haid, 12, Daniel Haid, 14, Christina Hanssen, 12, Kennzie Hartmann, 11, Benjamin Hoffmeister, 14, Timmer Hoffmeister, 14, Delayni Kornak-Kotarba, 14, Marissa Marion, 14, Sydney McDowell, 12, Dakota Noble, 14, Peyton Rayburn, 11, Hannah Raymond, 13, Megan Schremp, 14 and Meegan Snyman, 11.

Four Riptide swimmers also represented the club at the 15-and-over state meet held at Jenison High School. Kennedy Cutler, Hannah Loesch, Derek Mead and Sam Tinsley have provided leadership in practices and at meets, and have inspired the younger swimmers to excel as well.

At EMU, Riptide boasted Gamm, the youngest swimmer at the state meet this year at eight years old. She competed in the 10-and-under 50 freestyle race, and the 10-and-under 100 freestyle race, where she dropped .65 seconds.

“Watching eight-year-old Rachel Gamm in her first state championship meet was a lot of fun,” said Head Coach Michael Cutler. “Not many eight-year-olds make it to that meet and have to compete in the 10-and-under age group.”

Riptide had a first-place swimming in McDowell, who won top honors in the female 11-12 100 breaststroke. She also placed third in the female 11-12 50 breaststroke.

Fredricks competed in nine events, where she shaved off time in every race, including 2.86 seconds in the female 11-12 100 freestyle, placing third, and 6.19 seconds in the female 11-12 200 freestyle, placing fourth.

Fourteen-year-old Daniel Haid competed in eight events, as did 14-year-old Timmer Hoffmeister. Haid placed ninth and cut 5.33 seconds off in the 13-14 male 200 backstroke, while Hoffmeister placed 10th and took 3.38 seconds off his time in the male 13-14 100 butterfly.

Hartmannn also swam strong, competing in 10 events and dropping time in all but two. She cracked the top 10 in two events, with her highest placement being sixth in the female 11-12 100 freestyle.

The team is currently on its August break as swimmers get ready for the fall and winter sessions.

“I can’t wait to see what the kids do during the fall and winter short-course season,” Cutler said. “As this group of swimmers continues to develop, they will continue to do amazing things in the pool.”

Rockford Riptide is a USA Swimming sanctioned competitive swim club based in Rockford, and is open to all communities. The club also provides a pre-competitive group (Jr. Riptide) for swimmers interested in exploring competitive swimming for the first time. The Riptide fall session begins on August 29, and Jr. Riptide starts on September 7. More information is available at www.riptide.org.

Rockford Riptide’s mission statement is “to introduce children to the benefits of competitive swimming and encourage our swimmers to reach their highest level of potential in and out of the water, while demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship skills.”

The sport is popular and there will be 12 sanctioned regional and state Rimfire matches in 2011, reported Scott Fries, match director. “We had 77 registered shooters. A .22 caliber pistol and rifle were required. Each of the six unique stages involved all steel targets, which allows the shooter to instantly tell if they had a hit or a miss,” Fries said.

Winners of a prize table with over $3,000 in donated items from 19 national and local sponsors were chosen by a random drawing. Among the prizes shooters could win were three Ruger firearms. A junior competitor won a $350 bow package from the Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation. All shooters that completed the courses of fire took home a prize that included gift certificates and firearms accessories.

“This match was made possible by twenty RSC member volunteers that step up again and again to ensure that our events are fun, well organized, and safe,” said Fries.

Winners included: first place Men’s Limited Division, Reuben Mishler of Kalamazoo (first place, men’s limited division), and Jake Wedge of Belding (second place). First place in men’s open division was Terry Waskul of Richland, with Garrett Beck from Port Huron in second. First in women’s limited division was Tiffany Wedge of Belding. All junior shooters received a participation award plaque.

“It was truly a great way to celebrate Armed Forces Day!” reported Fries. “We have received dozens of 100 percent positive e-mails and comments about this match, and we all very much look forward to hosting this event again next year,” Fries said.

For more information and pictures regarding this and future events, check out www.rockfordsportsmansclub.com. RSC is a 501-C3 organization and all events are open to the public.

More information about HAVA may be obtained online at www.honoredveterans.org.

Pajama Storytime—6:30 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. For families who can’t come to the library during the day. Pajama Storytime offers an evening of stories and fun. Bring your teddy bear or other snuggly friend; pajamas optional. For children ages 3 to 6.

Wednesdays, through November 3

Toddler Time—10 to 11 a.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Nurture your toddler’s love of books through music, movement and stories while helping to develop his or her language, motor and social skills. For children ages 3 and under with a caregiver.

Thursday, October 28

Rockford Lions Club Meeting—6 p.m. social, 6:30 dinner and 7 p.m. meeting at the Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford. Meetings held every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Friday, October 29

Fundraiser Showcase Banquet—6:30 p.m. at the Postma Center on the Pine Rest campus, 300 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, for a dinner and entertainment by Master Arts Theatre. Donations will be received to directly support the work of the ministry. Please RSVP by calling (616) 455-1001 or by e-mailing director@masterarts.org. For more information, visit www.masterarts.org.

Saturday, October 30

Craft/Bake Sale, Lunch & More—9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Leisure Village Lodge, near the corner of Chauncey and Cannonsburg roads.

Rockford Farm Market—8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October 31, in the South Squire Street parking lot, off Main St., downtown Rockford, featuring Michigand-grown produce, fresh baked goods, flowers and plants.

Halloween Party—7 p.m. at Rockford American Legion Post 102, 330 Rockford Park Dr. (corner of Northland Dr.), to benefit the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. This year’s theme of “Hollywood” includes live music by The Outer Vibe at 8 p.m., a costume contest (prizes awarded at 10 p.m.), a cash bar, food and raffles. Tickets in advance are $15, or $20 the day of, and are available at the Rockford American Legion Lounge. Must be at least age 21. Open to the public. For more information, call (616) 745-4896 or visit www.rockfordlegion.org.

Saturday–Sunday, October 30–31

Annual Sight-In Days—10 a.m. to 3 p.m., also Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 6-7, at Rockford Sportsman’s Club, 11115 Northland Dr., Rockford. A donation of $5 per gun includes 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-yard ranges for pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders. For more information, visit www.rockfordsportsmansclub.com.

Sunday, October 31

Candy at Church—5:30 to 8 p.m. at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple Street, Rockford. The church would like to share Halloween with your little ghosts and goblins. Stop by during Rockford’s trick-or-treating time and candy will be handed out.

Monday, November 1

Blood Drive—noon to 7 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford.

Tuesday, November 2

Mended Hearts Meeting—7 p.m. at Spectrum Health Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center, 100 Michigan St., Grand Rapids, room 8815 on eighth floor. This nonprofit support group—affiliated with American Heart Association—offers hope, information and encouragement to heart patients, families and caregivers through those who have experienced heart disease. For more information, contact Jim Oldfield at (616) 891-9395.

Country Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

Wed., November 3

Business Counseling—Starting a new business or have questions about your existing business? The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) would like to help. SCORE is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is dedicated to helping the small-business community through no-fee mentoring, business counseling and low-cost workshops. A SCORE counselor will be at the Chamber starting at 9 a.m. Please call the Chamber at (616) 866-2000, Mon.–Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to schedule an appointment

Thursday, November 4

Rockford Area Historical Society Meeting—7 p.m. at Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford. Jon Stamp will present “In the Arms of Our Ancestors.” Hostesses will be Arlene Obetts and Janet Matthews.

Friday–Saturday, November 5–6

“Contents Under Pressure” Comedy Improv—7:00 p.m. both days at Master Arts Theatre in Grand Rapids. This is good, clean, family comedy. Tickets are $5 each. After the improv, stay for the stand-up and comedy skits, which will begin about 8:45 p.m., for free! For more information, call (616) 455-1001 or visit www.masterarts.org.

Saturday, November 6

Euchre Club—6:30 p.m. at Peppermill Grill, 8 S. Squires St., Rockford. Admission is $5. Bring a snack and non-alcoholic beverage. New players welcome! For more information, call (616) 884-0757.

“The Wonder of Christmas” Silent & Live Auction—registration from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Cedar Springs High School (just one mile east of US-131, off Exit 104), sponsored by Pine Ridge Bible Camp, Cedar Springs. Enjoy one-stop shopping for gift certificates, mountain bikes, Disney tickets, homemade items, gift baskets, scrapbooking items, and much more! Auctioneer will be Art Smith. Childcare for ages 2 and up is free. An RSVP is appreciated.

For more information, call (616) 696-8675, e-mail to info@pineridgecamp.com, or visit www.pineridgecamp.com.

Public Sight-in Day—10 a.m. at Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club, 13218 Long Lake Dr., Sparta. For more information, contact Morrie Seites at (616) 678-4523.

Holiday Bazaar—9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Parish, 425 S. State St., Sparta. There will be 30 vendors, live music, raffles, homemade luncheon, baked goods, kids’ activities, door prizes and a cake walk! For more information, call Candy Fodor at (616) 887-1342.

Saturday–Sunday, November 6-7

Annual Sight-In Days—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockford Sportsman’s Club, 11115 Northland Dr., Rockford. A donation of $5 per gun includes 25-, 50-, 100- and 200-yard ranges for pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders. For more information, visit www.rockfordsportsmansclub.com.

Country Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

Codes, Secrets and Adventure: A 39 Clues Party—6:30 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Uncover secrets, solve codes and mysteries, and enjoy activities related to the popular book series “39 Clues!” For school-age children, ages 6 and up.

Wed., November 10

Rhyme Time Music and Movement—10:30 a.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Move and groove together with action rhymes, songs, games, and hands-on musical activities that will help children develop motor, listening and literacy skills. For children ages 6 and under with a caregiver.

KDL Summer Reading Club—Make reading fun and rewarding this summer, and sign up for the “Make a Splash at your Library” Summer Reading Club at any Kent District Library branch—for kids entering grades five and under, readers and pre-readers. For more information visit www.kdl.org. 

Thursday, July 15

Alive & Well Performance at Lowell Summer Sizzlin’ Series—7 to 9 p.m. at the Lowell Riverwalk. This classic rock band includes Roger MacNaughton of Bostwick Lake Congregational Church.Free admission. 

Wildlife Safari—2 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Go wild with the Animal Guy and encounter exotic animals from around the world! For all ages. For more information, call the library at (616) 647-3940. 

Friday, July 16

Nature Discovery Hour—10–11 a.m. at Howard Christensen Nature Center, 16190 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to explore the Red Pine Center, visit “nature stations” indoors and hear a story. Afterward, families are encouraged to take a hike and bring a sack lunch to eat back in the interpretive center. This event is free. Please contact the Nature Center online at www.kentconservation.org/hcnc or call (866) 675-3158 to RSVP so we know how many children to expect (child’s name, age and phone number or e-mail address). 

Saturday, July 17

Christmas in July Sale—noon to 5 p.m. at the Rockford American Legion, 330 Rockford Park Drive (just off Northland Drive), Rockford, sponsored by the Rockford American Legion Auxiliary. Books and gifts for all ages. 

Sunday, July 18

Roast Beef Dinner—11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at VFW Post 3946, located at 4195 Thirteen Mile Road, Rockford. Cost is $8 for adults; $3 for children. 

Monday, July 19

Free Food for Needy Families—5 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 6070 Kuttshill Drive, Rockford, with a Mobile Food Pantry providing free food for needy families in the North Kent community. For more information, call the church at (616) 866-1556.

Beyond Magic with Magician Tom Plunkard—2 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. This high-impact magic show is loaded with new tricks! For all ages. For more information, call the library at (616) 647-3940. 

Tuesday, July 20

Country Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks.

Wednesday, July 21

Teen Iron Chef—2 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Are you an aspiring world class chef? Enter Kitchen Stadium and battle other teens in preparing dishes with a secret ingredient. Registration is required and participation is limited. For grades 6–12. For more information or to register, call the library at (616) 647-3940 or visit www.kdl.org. 

Thursday, July 22

Rockford Lions Club Meeting—6 p.m. social, 6:30 dinner and 7 p.m. meeting at the Community Cabin, Rockford. Meetings held every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Monday, July 26

WaZoBia—2 p.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Hear the beat! Feel the rhythm of Africa! You won’t sit still for this program full of percussion play and dance for all ages. For more information, call the library at (616) 647-3940. 

Tuesday, July 27

Country Music—9:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Rockford Ambulance Community Center, corner of 10 Mile Road and Shaner Avenue in Rockford. Music by the Rogue River Band. Enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. 

Wednesday, July 28

Interactive Story Adventure—10:30 a.m. at Krause Memorial Library, 140 E. Bridge St., Rockford. Help the book “In the Small, Small Pond” by Denise Fleming come to life by wiggling through a tunnel, stacking like a beaver, and much more! For children ages 6 and under with a caregiver. For more information, call the library at (616) 647-3940.

Thursday, July 29

Summer Archery League—7 p.m. at Rockford Sportsman’s Club. Outdoor shooting with targets from 18 to 70 meters. Open to compound bows, recurve bows and crossbows. For more information or to sign up, visit rockfordsportsmansclub.com or call Bill at (616) 485-7373.

Monday, August 2

Blood Drive—noon to 7 p.m. at Rockford Community Cabin, 220 N. Monroe St., Rockford.

On Northland Drive north of 13 Mile Road, drivers may have noticed a sign for the Rockford Sportsmans Club. Neighbors may hear the report of gun shots as members practice their aim.

What you won’t see driving by or hear is the swish and thunk of arrows hitting the target. Every Saturday morning a group of talented athletes have been honing their skills as members of the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program.

SHARP SHOOTERS—Stars of the Rockford Junior Olympic Archery program include (front) Alice Billin, Tyler Glenn and Raija McIntyer and (back) Mikaela, Corinne Giersch, Mikayla Venoms, Hayley Giersch and Katerina.

Archery has been a Rockford Community Education program for years and is so successful classes are often full the day registration opens. Four years ago local sportsmen, including 1984 Olympic archery athlete Glen Myers, decided to crank up the level of competition by starting JOAD at Rockford Sportsmans Club. Since, the team has earned two national championships and is competing at a world-class level.

“It’s cool. It’s like an unspoken sport,” said Mikaela (last name withheld by request), 16, who shot her way to 13th place in Indoor Nationals.

Mikayla Venoms, 10, and Alice Billin, 15, are two other stars in the program. Both took first place in national competition.

Billin said she has been shooting her recurve bow for four years. “I fell in love with recurve and look at that, I’m a national champion.”

Most of the archers said they practice daily in addition to the Saturday practice with coaches. In winter the practices are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. In summer they are outdoors from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Our coaches are the best,” said Raija McIntyre, 18. McIntyre is a coach herself and placed eighth in Junior World Trials. She said archery is more than just a sport. “It’s also the friendships we make. We exchange e-mails and see the same people in competition so we keep in touch. They aren’t our competition, they are our friends.”

Marti, mother of two of the girls, said archery is more a mental sport than physical, and the archers often help their competitors. If one has an equipment failure, it is not uncommon for another, competing archer, to offer use of their gear. “We aren’t competing against each other,” said Arn McIntyre, Raija’s father. “They are trying to beat their own last best score.”

It is also a sport that any student can do well with if they are determined to practice and learn. National Champion Mikayla Venoms is a little bit of a girl, a petite winner who proves you don’t have to be biggest to be best. The Rockford athlete took first in the female recurve bowman division at nationals. Archery is also an excellent sport to receive a college scholarship, particularly to Michigan State University, which has a huge archery program.

Of the 52 students in the JOAD program—from all over Kent County—many are taking state titles are adding to a growing reputation. “People are starting to sit up and take notice when they see that Rockford orange show up at a competition,” said coach David Hinkle.

Hinkle said the program supplies equipment to new members and the cost is small for a sport—under $10  per weekly lesson. Eventually parents will want to buy a child their own gear, but a decent setup can be had for around $250. Hinkle said anyone interested in the sport is more than welcome to come watch the arrows fly on Saturday mornings at the club, 11115 Northland Drive. “It is statistically the safest sport. It is safer than bowling,” he noted. Otherwise, watch the news as these shooting stars continue to rise on their way to someday competing on an Olympic level.

“You don’t realize how big it is until you are in it,” said Raija. To find out more, visit the Rockford Sportsmans Club online at Rockfordsportmansclub.com.

Swimmers who qualified and competed in individual events included Ethan Babcock, Russell Brown, Alec Cutler, Jacob Fase, Daniel Haid, Christina Hanssen, Kennzie Hartmann, Julian Kipke, Delayni Kornak-Kortoba, Marissa Marion, Sydney McDowell, David Newberger, Jacob Newberger, Dakota Noble, Peyton Rayburn, Abigail Setterington, and Meegan Snyman.

“Many of our swimmers were relatively inexperienced going into the highest level meet for this age group, but they had what other teams didn’t: a drive to succeed,” said Coach Mike Cutler. “We shattered several club records, and many swimmers delivered personal-best times at the state event.”

J. Newberger placed in the top five in each of the 11 events in which he competed and took first place in the 10-and-under 100-meter backstroke events, setting a new Riptide club record in the process. Snyman also placed first in the 10-and-under 50-meter breaststroke event.

The girls 10-and-under 200-meter relay team of Setterington, McDowell, Snyman, and Hartmann placed second and also beat the previous club record by more than five seconds. The boys 11-12 200 free relay team of Brown, Cutler, Haid and D. Newberger placed first. Other swimmers placing in the top five in events during the state meet were McDowell and D. Newberger,

Swimmers ages 13 and up competed in their state meet March 19-21 and some will go on to sectionals in Indianapolis the last weekend of March.

Riptide is currently registering swimmers for its spring conditioning season, which runs April 12 through May 27. Riptide’s purpose is to introduce children to the benefits of competitive swimming and encourage swimmers to reach their highest level of potential in and out of the water while demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship skills. For more information, visit www.riptide.org.

Rockford Riptide swimmers perform the Hokey Pokey at a recent competition.

The Riptide team is winding down its winter competitive season with some strong performances. More than 70 local Rockford Riptide competitive swim team members competed in the club’s recent Super Splash Stroke Championship.

Eleven Riptide swimmers took first place in one or more events. They are Russell Brown, Alexa Caster, Stephan Cress, Jessica Cutler, Rachel Gamm, Daniel Haid, Marisa Marion, Sydney McDowell, David Newberger, Jacob Newberger, and Craig Wasberg.

Also placing in Super Splash events were Riptide swimmers Grace Badinovac, Yousef Bennett, Erica Cutler, Jessica Cutler, Sara Fredricks, Rachel Gamm, Daniel Haid, Julian Kipke, Marissa Marion, Sydney McDowell, David Newberger, Jacob Newberger, Rachael Romain, Meegan Snyman, Noah Stallworth, Karrington VanderMolen, Craig Wasberg, and Madelyn White.

Riptide swimmers are almost midway through the very competitive winter season. Upcoming meets include the Junior Olympics trials in Holt, plus the 12-and-under state championship at Waterford and the 13-and-over state event at Jenison.

Riptide’s purpose is to introduce children to the benefits of competitive swimming and encourage swimmers to reach their highest level of potential in and out of the water while demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship skills.

Rockford Riptide swim team is now registering swimmers its spring session, which runs April 12 through May 27. Riptide is a United States Swimming competitive swim program and part of Rockford Aquatics.

A registration session is scheduled for Monday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 17, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Rockford High School pool.

Competitive swimming experience is not necessary, and swimmers new to Riptide will be evaluated during the registration session so they can be placed in the program that best fits their skills and goals.

Riptide is comprised of several swim sessions over the course of the year. These sessions vary in length and involve some meet opportunities in addition to practices. Fun events like beach parties and pizza and pool game nights are included during the sessions. For complete information about Riptide programs, visit www.riptide.org.

This year's Rockford Michigan State Police Explorers group includes Alex Kilvington (center, front), who helped a fellow teen with a diabetic reaction during Rockford’s Santa Parade December 5. Also pictured are (not in order) Christian Bomer, Samuel Griswold, Zachary Johnson, Grant Longberg, Zachary McKale, Joseph Punt, Sgt. Amber Sauer, Jacob Scheib, Lt. Jonathan Spanding, and Joshua VanKammen (Joseph Flores not pictured).

Alex Kilvington joined the Michigan State Police Explorers because he’d like to someday have a career helping others. Apparently he’s ready to start doing that right now.

Kilvington was working in his role with the youth Michigan State Police Explorer program at the Santa Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, when he realized something was wrong. One of the Rockford High School band members was having trouble seeing and breathing. Kilvington said he asked if the boy had eaten. When he found out he hadn’t, Kilvington suspected a diabetic reaction.

Kilvington saw a Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper, flagged him down, located an ambulance, and cleared traffic from the crowded parade staging area by the Rockford Community Cabin on Monroe Street.

MSP Explorer coordinator Trooper Roberto Anaya is very proud of his teen squad leader. He said Kilvington was able to summon an ambulance and get the other teen to the hospital for treatment.

Kilvington said his experience as an MSP Explorer made a difference when he was called to act. “I didn’t really even think about it,” he said, crediting his first-aid training.

Kilvington said his three years in the program have changed him, and he can’t say enough about the value of the experience. The Rockford senior is headed off to Grand Rapids Community College next year and plans to go into law enforcement.

“I recommend the MSP Explorer program to anyone,” he said. “It is a great overview. It amazes me all the things I’ve learned in the last three years. I can’t even describe how well this program is organized.”

The MSP Explorer program is in its fifth year, and is designed to introduce teens to the world of law enforcement. It provides hands-on training in patrol, defensive tactics, firearms, evidence collection, and first-aid. The Rockford group meets weekly at the Rockford Sportsmans Club on Northland Drive.

Anaya said Kilvington has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and acts as a squad leader. He is much more qualified to handle a medical emergency than most young men his age, and perhaps more than most adults.

Kilvington, along with other Explorers, has learned Citizens Emergency Response Training, a program which teaches ordinary people outside of law enforcement how to be of help in a disaster or emergency situation.

“He has really grown a lot, really matured during his time as an Explorer,” Anaya said of Kilvington.

Anaya said the Explorers work actively in the community as in their role as Explorers. During Rockford’s Relay for Life, the Explorers act as security during the night hours and Kilvington was working Santa Parade as an Explorer when this emergency occurred. Kilvington acted exactly as Anaya hopes his team would in such a situation.

“They are very much aware that when you put on a uniform, you are in a glass house. Everyone looks at you,” he said of the responsibility of the position. “When people see the uniform, they don’t see Explorer, they see Michigan State Police. They are representing us. When we accept an Explorer, we are very careful, very selective.”

Anaya said members of the first group of Explorers he worked with are now graduating from college and may be looking for a job in law enforcement. He said the Newaygo Explorers has a graduate of the program who was recently hired by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.

“We might end up hiring one of our Explorer graduates if we are ever in a position to hire again,” said Anaya, pointing out that the MSP has unfortunately had to cut 100 officer jobs statewide.

Explorers need to be high school students and do not have to be from Rockford. The program takes place during the school year, and teens are encouraged to be in the program more than one year. The Michigan State Police has over 1,000 applicants for a recruit school and only 80 to 120 are accepted. Being an Explorer gives potential law enforcement candidates a great advantage in all fields of law enforcement. To find out more about Explorer Post 2610, call Trooper Anaya at (616) 866-4411.