Monthly Archives: June 2021

Kent County Gates for Growth looking for Welcome Plan coordinator

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Lori Latham
Kent County

The Kent County Plan Coordinator Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hire a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.

Grand Rapids/Kent County was one of 13 communities throughout the U.S. who participated in the national initiative, Gateways for Growth, with each community developing a localized plan. The community-led plan is structured around helping refugees and immigrants overcome barriers in five categories: civic engagement, economic development, safe and connected communities, education, and equitable access to services.

 

“Between 2016 and 2018, our immigrant community grew by more than 5,000 residents. With nearly $1.1 billion in spending power, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans is both the right thing to do and economically beneficial,” said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Sales & Marketing Omar Cuevas. “These neighbors are making critical contributions to the local economy and adding to the rich cultural fabric that collectively creates a great community.”

 

The Steering Committee is now accepting applications for candidates to work with community stakeholders to implement the plan’s recommendations and strategies.

 

“The Welcome Plan Coordinator will play an integral part in executing initiatives geared toward making Kent County more welcoming to immigrants and refugees,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “We are excited to fill this important position and to work with community members to bring this plan to fruition.”

 

This part-time contracted position will be under the supervision of the newly established Kent County Inclusion Office with guidance and direction from the Welcome Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, the coordinator will collaborate with community stakeholders.

Qualifications for this position include: 

  • Project management, budget management, and community engagement experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to effectively coordinate the implementation of long-term projects
  • Skills in organizing complex projects with multiple components and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills
  • Ability to effectively promote and engage people during events both in the community and during
    interactions with key stakeholders
  • Ability to be creative and flexible
  • Ability to facilitate a consultative process with individuals, sub-teams, and large groups.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and cross-cultural experience
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms
  • Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Social
    Work, or related field preferred
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  • Grant writing experience preferred 


“Our immigrant community has faced and overcome challenges and systemic barriers, but much remains to be done,” said West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros. “We look forward to selecting a Welcome Plan Coordinator to help us implement the plan and bring meaningful change to our immigrant community.”

Those interested in the Welcome Plan Coordinator position can apply at https://www.accesskent.com/RFPWorkbench/LoadPublicTableAction.action by 5 p.m. on July 13. Applicants with questions about the position can attend a pre-bidding conference on June 29.

Thursday is Princess Day at John Ball Zoo

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Whether fairy or wizard, prince or princess, everyone is invited to come in costume to Princess Day on Thursday, June 17 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at John Ball Zoo.

While dressed as your favorite character, guests can meet special royalty rotating throughout the day – Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, Snow White, Elsa, Anna, Merida, Elena, Rapunzel, Moana, Mulan, Raya, and Tinker Bell.

Princess Day meet and greet is included in regular admission. Zoo members can meet the princesses for a special members-only meet and greet from 8 – 9 a.m.

Along with meeting princesses, guests can also visit the Zoo’s animals including their new Toco toucan named Mango and the red panda family of five including the three cubs.

Guests can make their Zoo visit more regal through special Princess Day only opportunities. With themed tiaras, wands, swords, crowns, necklaces, and flower headbands, guests can complete their princess day look with a visit to the Zoo’s Gift Shop. Guest can also top the day with a themed arm painting.

Zoo admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors, with children 2 and under are free. It is recommend to purchase tickets online prior to arrival to make entry quicker and easier. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information www.jbzoo.org or 616-336-4301.

LPGA chaplain visits Marge’s Donut Den for special program

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Cris Stevens, the chaplain for the LPGA

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series resumes this week at Marge’s Donut Den with a special program featuring the chaplain of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Cris Stevens.

Stevens will discuss her role in the LPGA and how she counsels, supports, and ministers to the world’s best professional golfers. She will present her program on Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Stevens is in town this week for the Meijer LPGA Classic, which starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday at the Blythfield Country club.

 

“Not sure if Sid ever swung a golf club, but likely he would be interested in what the chaplain of the LPGA would have to say,” said Tom Sibley, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Wednesday After Video Series. The series is named after longtime Wyoming resident and World War II veteran Sid Lenger. Lenger hosted video and other programs every Wednesday at Marge’s Donut Den until he passed away 2019.

Lavoone Ritzema, Lenger’s daughter, met Stevens when she worked with the LPGA and said Stevens is looking forward to meeting the group as she has a special interest in veterans.

The program is open and free to the public.

WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20: leader of oldest local Muslim mosque, Islamic center saw local support in days after

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Local Faces, Local History, Upcoming Events, Voices, WKTV Journal In Focus, , ,
WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 Interview Imam Dr. Sharif Sahibzada, Islamic Center of West Michigan

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Imam Dr. Sharif Sahibzada, the spiritual leader and director of the Islamic Center of West Michigan, the first mosque and Islamic center in West Michigan, dating from 1985.

He has a wide-ranging perspective on the local Muslim American community as his mosque has often been the local landing point for Muslim immigrants from all over the world. But he also has a unique experience associated with the September 2001 attacks on America as he arrived just  months before that terrible day.

However, his strongest memory is not one of the bias he and his fellow local Muslims faced in the immediate aftermath, but the support he and they received.
 

Imam Dr. Sharif Sahibzada (WKTV)

“Overall, and in general, our host community, the Christians, they welcomed us, spoke with us,” Dr. Sahibzada said on the set of the WKTV interview. “There was one example at that time, there was one church, on Kalamazoo and 36th Street … they invited our whole community over for a dinner.”
 

This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. After initial background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, we will present the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.

Among the topics Dr. Sahibzada discussed was the history of his mosque and Islamic center, his journey here to West Michigan and his Kashmirian background, and how the local Muslim American community is not just immigrants from the Middle East but of such diverse backgrounds as Bosnian and Somalian.
 

He also talks about his deep belief that God brought him to this place and this time 20 years ago, and brought him here for a reason.

WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org. You can also search the web with the Hashtag #voices911at20.

As national touring concert scene awakens, Meijer Gardens announces complete concert series

Beer, Entertainment, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
How you know its summer … and fall this year … a concert at Meijer Gardens. (Supplied/William Hebert)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It has been almost two years since Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series promoter Chris Mautz last arranged an act on tour to stop in Grand Rapids — if you guessed Calexico and Iron Wine, in September 2019, you were probably there.

But with the national touring band concert season awakening as the COVID-19 pandemic ebbs a little more with every vaccination shot, and concert venue attendance limits are expanded or removed, Meijer Gardens this morning announced the complete lineup for 2021’s late-arriving season.

And despite its late start and abbreviated lineup, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens’ 28-show lineup, arranged as always by Mautz and his company, delivers a little something for everyone, from the opening night of Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18, to the closing night of Lettuce and Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph on Sept. 19.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will play with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18 (Supplied/Patrick Melon)

In between are 26 other shows including returning favorites The Beach Boys on Aug. 20,  Pink Martini (featuring China Forbes) with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 29, and O.A.R. on Sept. 9.

The highlights of the season — from this deprived concertgoer — may well be a great two-night blast from the ‘90s past will be The Verve Pipe on July 24 and Collective Soul on July 25, the pairing of the great Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos on Aug. 8, and the return of the “bring-the-house-down” sounds of St. Paul & The Broken Bones on Aug. 27.

Nobody, though, is more glad to see the business of live concerts returning than Mautz — after all, it is his business.

“This 14-, 15-month pause is certainly not something any of us expected to happen, right? But it sure does feel good to be coming back,” Mautz said to WKTV. “There has been a desire from both sides (music venues and touring acts) to be engaged again.”

And things have been moving, cautiously, in the right direction for opening up the national touring scene for a few months.

“For so many of us, it has been the last three-ish months that we have been on a good positive trend — for the most part — case rates going down, vaccine rates going up, hospitalization rates going gown. … That consistency of heading in the right direction has given a little opportunity, for me personally, to get that engine cranking a little bit.”

Capacity restrictions no longer in place

According to the Meijer Gardens announcement, “Consistent with current COVID-19 guidance, as of July 1 there will be no capacity restrictions and 1,900 general admission tickets will be available for each concert.”

Emily Lou Harris. (Supplied/Kat Villacorta)

And that means there is likely to be full houses for many, if not all, of the aforementioned concerts and well as the rest of the lineup.

Among the other Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens are:



The Grand Rapids Symphony conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor on July 22; Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), Aug. 5; Kansas, Aug. 6; Harry Connick, Jr. and His Band – Time to Play!, Aug. 9; America, Aug. 11; Umphrey’s McGee, Aug. 12; Mat Kearney, Aug. 13; Shakey Graves, Aug. 16; Blues Traveler + JJ Grey & Mofro, Aug. 18; 38 Special, Aug. 19; Squeeze, Aug. 22; Ani DiFranco, Aug. 23; Colin Hay of Men at Work, Aug. 26; Old Crow Medicine Show, Aug. 29; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Sept. 1; Indigo Girls, Sept. 2; Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama, Sept. 12; Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sept. 15; and Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo, Sept. 16.

Some bands back on the road, but not all

While the Meijer Gardens lineup is well represented with different musical genres and acts, and other local venues are beginning to schedule as well, there will be a time lag for the touring bus to get back to full throttle, Mautz believes.

The Verve Pipe (Supplied)

“A lot of people think there will be a flood of activity from the touring world, and the  public will want to get back out there,” he said. “But I think, like many things with this pandemic, it will be different shades of grey. … 

“Certainly a lot of bands are itching to get out there, but some are working and have been working throughout the pandemic, while others have been a little more patient and will stay that way. I would not be surprised to see that have a reflection on the business in general.”

Details of getting the tickets

Tickets for the concerts, via Meijer Gardens’s new new ticketing partner, Etix, will be available online at Etix.com (preferred method) with handling fee of $10 per order, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $10 per order. There will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens.

Gate and show start times vary. Check MeijerGardens.org/concerts for details. All information is subject to change. All shows will take place rain or shine, weather delays are possible. There are no ticket returns or refunds.

Kansas (Supplied/Emily Butler Photography)

Meijer Gardens has created an Insider’s Guide to Buying Tickets to help with ticket purchasing. The Insider’s Guide is available at MeijerGardens.org/concerts.


Members can buy tickets during the members-only presale beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26, through midnight, July 9. Members save $5 per ticket during the presale. After July 10, members save $2 per ticket. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. To join or renew a membership before June 26, visit MeijerGardens.org/membership or call the membership department at 616-977-7689.


Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., July 10. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. Again, there will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens. Ticket can be purchased online at eTix.com with a handling fee of $5 per order (not per ticket) and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $5 per order and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Recreation, , , , ,

I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.

Entrepreneur and Businessman Bill Gates



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Where’s Curi?

One of the Kent District Library’s beloved buddies, Curi, has decided to tour the local parks this summer. If you want to catch up to where he is, then you need to find him. KDL will provide clues to those participating in the Summer Wonder program a partnership between KDL and Kent County Parks Department. For more information about the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org.

Pollinators and POPnology

If the temperatures get too hot, then cool off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which is featuring two new exhibits this summer, “POPnology” and “Amazing Pollinators.” “POPnology” combines pop culture and technology, showcasing how science fiction has become science fact. “Amazing Pollinators” is a maze that visitors follow taking 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups, including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. For more on the exhibits, visit grpm.org.

Big and Small

OR wander through the John Ball Zoo to visit the animals and check out the zoo’s latest BRICKLIVE exhibit, “Supersized!” featuring some of the word’s smallest creatures in large-than-life proportions. Or put it on the calendar to check out the next Adult Night Out series on Thursday which features brews from Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing. For more on the zoo, visit, jbzoo.org.

Fun Fact: Hey, Little Sister

We know that sometimes it can take a while to have family join you in the United States after immigrating here. For the Statute of Liberty, it took 136 years for her sister to finally make the trip. Wishing to emphasize the importance of the bonds between the United States and France, a group of French craft people created the nine-foot replica of the 181-foot one on Ellis Island. The statue is set to board a ship on June 19 to come to the United States. It will be on display for a short-time next to her ‘big sister’ in New York before heading to Washington D.C., where it will be on display for the next 10 years at the French embassy.

Godfrey-Lee schools name interim superintendent as process to replace Kevin Polston begins

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, WKTV Projects, ,
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Anybody who knows Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, who has been inside the walls of the middle/high school complex and its other schools, knows that the last four years have been extraordinarily good years under the leadership of outgoing Superintendent Kevin Polston.

But life, and the ‘legendary’ educational and facility advancement of the district, will continue its movement forward as Polston leaves later this month to take over leadership of the Kentwood Public Schools system.

Dirk Weeldreyer (Supplied)

And the first step in that continuing path is the June 11 announcement that the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Dirk Weeldreyer to become interim superintendent effective July 1.

While Board of Education President Eric Mockerman had nothing but praise for the departing superintendent, he and the board see the district continuing to move forward, both in the interim and longterm.

“We have been blessed to have Kevin with us for the last four years and with his leadership we have gotten through some very tough times. Kevin has helped to build a very strong team and prepare us for a bright future,” Mockerman said to WKTV. “I am excited to have Dirk come on board with us and help us through this process. His experience and knowledge of our district as well as his other interim experiences will help to make this transition easier.”

Weeldreyer is expected to serve for six months to allow time for the district to complete a search process and appoint a full-time superintendent.

“We will take this time to establish a profile for who we want for our next leader and go through the process of searching for the right candidate,” Mockerman said.

Weeldreyer comes to Godfrey-Lee with nearly 20 years of educational leadership experience including nine years as the superintendent of Fennville Public Schools where he retired in 2017, according to supplied material. His more recent school district service includes serving as interim superintendent at both Caledonia Community Schools and Muskegon Public Schools.

He currently serves as the Executive Director of the School Equity Caucus, a statewide organization of approximately 200 school districts that seeks adequate and equitable school funding in Michigan.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to serve the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools during this time of transition,” Weeldreyer said in supplied material. “The district has a well-deserved reputation for providing an outstanding educational experience for its students, and the many similarities between my previous district, Fennville, and Godfrey-Lee make me feel right at home.

“I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, families, and community as we continue to provide an excellent education for our children.”

While there will still be plenty of work to do for a superintendent, in the short and long term, at Godfrey-Lee, the district has in the past four years accomplished much. It has cemented its reputation as a making its “minority majority” student population a strong and proud reputation, transitioned is sports image and district outlook moniker to become “The Legends”, and survived a partial collapse of the middle/high school building by, in part, getting passed a local bond measure to not only repair the damage but to fund massive facility and infrastructure improvements.

All of which were led by Superintendent Polston.
 

“I have been fortunate to serve the Godfrey-Lee community over the past four years,” Polston said to WKTV. “It is a truly special place because of the amazing people that call this district home. It will always have a special place in my heart and I will take the Legend spirit with me long into the future.”

Jackson Park reopening makes quite the ‘splash’

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, WKTV Projects, , ,
Wyoming High School band members join area children in celebrating the opening of the splash pad at Jackson Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Saturday, June 5, was a sunny, 80-degree day with humidity – the perfect day to open a splash pad, which is exactly what the City of Wyoming did as it officially opened its fourth at Jackson Park.

Before the ceremony, members of the Wyoming High School band, there to help celebrate the reopening of the park, were making plans to jump in the new splash pad as soon as it was open. The minute that City of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt announced the countdown to start the water, the students were quickly joined by area children on splash pad’s edge for the race on who would get wet first.

“It has been 13 years of planning and fundraising,” Rynbrandt said, adding that coupled with the fact that the park has been closed for about year due to construction, she was not surprised by the excitement of residents to finally be able to enjoy Jackson Park.

“COVID made it clear the importance of our park and recreation usage,” Rynbrandt said. “It is about being outside, connecting with families, making sure we have healthy lifestyles whether it is the joy of being in an environment where nature soothes the soul to being active and physically fit.”

One of the targeted parks on the city’s improvement campaign, the City of Wyoming approved a $1.4 million investment to Jackson Park last year. This allowed for several new features at the park, such as the splash pad and playground equipment, along with playground shelter, parking lot and lighting. The features, especially the splash pad, came from residents who were given the opportunity to provide input on what they wanted to see at the park.

For the official Jackson Park reopening, Rynbrandt was joined by city officials, Kent County Commissioner Dan Burrill, State Representative Tommy Brann, members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Historical Commission, the Wyoming High School band, residents and, of course, lots of area children.

“This park really needed it,” said longtime Wyoming resident Gene Kurt who is on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. “They needed to bring the kids back to the park.”

Kurt, whose wife’s family has lived near the park for years, said Jackson Park has a long history. It was known as Lake Alexander, named after one of the first settlers in the area. According to Bill Branz, a member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, there were a number of lakes like Lake Alexander around the City of Wyoming, To eliminate each home having its own well, the city developed a water well system and eventually the water was drawn off and consumed, accord to the Wyoming history book “Wilderness to Wyoming.”

By 1966, due to a federal government mapping project, the name of the park had been changed to Jackson. With water from the lake decreasing, the city began to move dirt to the area to establish the park, Branz said.

From the splash pad, looking north past the new bathroom facilities, you can see signs of the water pumping station.

“I think this is great,” said Wyoming resident Chris Hall, who had students in the band and one running through the splash pad. Hall, who is on the city’s Community Development Committee, said it was wonderful that the city takes great care with its parks, which offer an array of activities for residents that are only walking distance away.

Funding for the Jackson Park project was provided through the City’s Capital Projects Revolving Fund, with staff support through the City’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.

Jackson Park is the third park in a period of four years to have been redeveloped. The pocket park Ferrand Park, located along Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018 with Ideal Park completed in 2020.

The city continues its work on the parks, turning its focus to Gezon Park with bids out for the next phase of work at the park which will include a larger splash pad. Also, Rynbrandt said the city will be opening up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW.

“We are hoping for 2,000 responses,” Rynbrandt said the Marquette Park project. “We had 1,800 for [Jackson Park] and as you can see, it made it happen.”

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple and BBQ Festival returns for 2021

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Andrea Wiggins
Silver Lake Sand Dunes

The Apple & BBQ Festival will make a comeback as the largest festival to return to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area after a forced cancelation in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Located at the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes on Silver Lake Road, this exciting two-day festival will take place outdoors on Sept. 10 and 11 with a culmination of live entertainment, events, and delicious food!

The festival will do the right thing about health and safety protocols to make sure people feel comfortable.  Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the festival.  Guests, volunteers, and vendors are encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands frequently.  Mask will not be required but are welcomed.

Families and festival goers can expect an expanded Arts & Crafts Fair and an increased number of Food Vendors.  Other popular features returning are the Classic Auto & Buggy Show, Kids’ Activities, Apple Pie Contest, Apple A Day 5K, Live Entertainment, Amateur BBQ Contest, Beer Tent, and more.  The KCBS Professional & Amateur BBQ Cooking Contests are still being worked on, information regarding these events to follow soon.

  

Proceeds from the festival benefit organizations and programs that serve the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area.  The festival gives back to various community events such as Silver Lake Fireworks, beautification projects including the flags and flowers at the Silver Lake roundabout, and funding projects that further the growth of the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

“We hope everybody comes and has a great time”, says Scott Beal, Executive Director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes- Hart Visitors Bureau.  “We are excited for the events return and the positive economic impact it has for the area”.  If you would like to attend, volunteer, sponsor, or be a vendor at the event, please call 231-873-2247 or visit www.applebbqfestival.com.  

‘Where’s Curi’ latest summer adventure by Kent District Library

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kids Activities,

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

As part of its Summer Wonder program, Kent District Library has teamed up with Kent County Parks to present “Where’s Curi?” Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt through local parks to find Curi, KDL’s Summer Wonder mascot.



Where’s Curi? is a fun opportunity to get outdoors and explore and learn this summer! Use clues to find Curi in five park sites throughout the county — Lepard Preserve in Caledonia, Palmer Park in Wyoming, Pickerel Lake Park in Rockford, Wahlfield Park in Comstock Park and Millennium Park in Walker.

Curi is on an adventure. Can you figure out where Curi is?

To get started, pick up a Summer Wonder workbook at any KDL branch or visit kdl.org/findcuri. Each time someone finds Curi and answers the coordinating question, they will be entered to win an outdoor fun basket!

“The Kent County Parks Department is so pleased to be partnering with KDL on this fantastic program,” said Cori VanderHart, Parks Operations Supervisor for Kent County Parks. “We can’t wait to be part of your summer adventure!”

KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing. Summer Wonder is the annual summer program from Kent District Library that helps prevent the “summer slide” that students often experience when they’re not in school. 

Summer Wonder includes activities such as reading challenges, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects and entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Summer Wonder is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. Visit kdl.org/summer for more information.

It’s back to summer fun in Kentwood as the Food Truck Festival returns to library parking lot

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events.

The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11.

A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

“We’re pleased to expand the Food Truck Festival to two dates and double the opportunity for community members to come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic local food and music,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We’re delighted to again partner with GR8 Food Trucks, vendors and musicians to provide this wonderful all-ages event for our community.”

The free-to-attend community event will feature 16 food trucks, live music and a beer tent, according to supplied material. The food trucks will offer everything from Filipino cuisine to Indian food, as well as barbeque options, hot dogs, fries and a variety of dessert options. While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

The event also will have community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, which will honor the day and educate the public about Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Workforce Employment Specialists, United Healthcare and others will be on-site as well.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Boogie Woogie Kid, followed by DJ Snax, Hazy Past and Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Among the food trucks expected to participate are Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Detroit’s Original Coney Island, Kona Ice of Lowell, Kool Breze, Little Mamma’s Ultimate Dessert & Snack Truck, Nick’s Gyros, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Pressed in Time, SANSE Filipino Cuisine, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch and UCC Dessert.

“Food trucks offer a great way to sample a variety of cuisine in a relaxed and outdoor setting,” Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks, said in supplied material. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival provides an opportunity for residents to have fun while supporting local businesses, which is especially important during the pandemic.”

More information about the Kick-off to Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.

Volunteers are also needed for the event. Those interested can sign up online.

West Michigan’s ghostbusters team: the dynamic Du Shane duo

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, , , ,

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

South West Michigan has a rich history when it comes to ghost stories, local urban legends, and paranormal folklore. Some investigating teams and authors are not content in just repeating unsubstantiated details and are on a mission to separate fact from fiction. Responsibly and collectively asking the questions, how many local legends are just myth and how many ghost stories are pure fabrication, is a lofty goal. Kathleen Rydel Tedsen and Todd Clements were previously highlighted as authors seeking the truth.

 

Two more names of paranormal authors that have emerged to the forefront as myth busters are the married couple Nicole (Bray) and the Reverend Robert Du Shane. The dynamic Du Shane duo has authored an impressive list of spooky books including; “Michigan’s Haunted Nightlife,” “Haunted History of Kalamazoo,” “Paranormal Lansing,” and also co-authored “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” with Julie Rathsack. “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” details the real truth of the often told Hell’s Bridge urban legend and uncovered the actual facts of the Michigan Bell Building and the Ada Witch legend. Through their research, the paranormal detectives discovered that the infamous villain of Hell’s Bridge never existed and there is no historical record of a mass murder of children.

 

Nicole and Robert Du Shane

One of Grand Rapids’ most sensational ghost stories revolves around the old Michigan Bell Building and the murder/suicide victims, Warren and Virginia Randall. Tedious research revealed the names and dates in this tragedy have been changed. Did an insanely jealous husband brutally bludgeon his wife to death with his wooden leg? The truth is in the book.

What of the Ada Witch legend? A secret love affair where a cheating wife, her lover, and her enraged husband all end up dead and have haunted the general area ever since. Although no one has been able to prove the grisly details of this legend, the story continues to spread as fact, resulting in disrespect of the dead and the senseless destruction of their final resting place.

The Du Shanes both grew up in homes that were haunted and have shared their paranormal interests for several years. Nicole formed the West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society and the Reverend Robert Du Shane founded WPARanormal Talk Radio, where the couple works together on these and other projects and, eventually, married one another. Each year the Du Shanes also host Ghosts of Grand Rapids Tour and Haunted History of Kalamazoo Tours. Check out these two living legends of the paranormal on WKTV Journal episode #33 of Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast. The Du Shanes are scheduled to be on WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast in August.     

On Tap: Bell’s mural goes up, Gov. gets down with distilled, GR’s ‘Wine, Beer and Food’ fest returns

3-bottom, Beer, Food, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo is now sporting a fitting mural by Dream Scene Placemaking, and mural artists Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas. (Dream Scene Placemaking)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The next time you are in Kalamazoo, looking for Bell’s Eccentric Café, and your Siri directions have your running in circles, just stop and look for the wall of hops — the big wall of big hops.

A new outdoor mural at Bell’s Eccentric Café, created and installed by Dream Scene Placemaking, is now one of the largest murals in downtown Kalamazoo and the imagery reflects the brewing process — including a wall of hops — as well as Bell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The murals are part of the the Café’s celebration of its 28 anniversary, officially set for on June 11. (Fun fact: Did you know that Bell’s was the first Michigan brewery to sell beer by the glass, on site, since Prohibition?)

Anyway, back to the murals …

Even before the Eccentric Café opened in 1993, Bell’s Brewing has “been committed to its community and re-vitalizing its areas in downtown Kalamazoo,” according to supplied material, and the murals are another example of “that commitment to breathe new life into the community.”
 

The Kalamazoo-based Dream Scene Placemaking, and mural artists Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas, began working on the mural on April 19.

Another wall of the Bell’s Eccentric Café mural by Dream Scene Placemaking. (Dream Scene Placemaking)

This mural project had been in the planning stages for a few years. Work was scheduled to begin just before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in March 2020. It was completed on May 14.

The mural incorporates images and messaging that represent what Bell’s is passionate about, according to supplied material, including the highest quality ingredients (hops), innovation along with high quality and consistent craft beer no matter how much the brewery grows over time (silhouette of our original brewery).

It also features the Brewers Associations’ Independent Seal, which can only be used by breweries who fit the trade group’s definition of small, independent craft brewers. Bell’s is proud to remain 100 percent family-owned and “fiercely independent.”

The company’s commitment to being “Open to All” is also well-represented.

“‘Open to All’ greets everyone who visits any of our buildings, whether that’s our pub, store, or our Comstock Brewery,” Carrie Yunker, Bell’s executive vice president, said in supplied material. “We are firmly committed to an environment that is rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion for our employees and our guests. This mural makes that statement loud and clear.”

For more information visit bellsbeer.com.

Gov. Whitmer signs bills benefitting Michigan Craft Distillers

Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer saddled up to the bar at Grand Rapids’ Long Road Distillers and … wait for it … signed a series of senate bills which “will make it easier for distillers and retailers to distribute and sell mixed spirit drinks, offering consumers more choices and growing our economy,” according to a statement from her office.

Canned cocktails represent a growing part of the spirits industry, and Senate Bills 141-144 will allow for an expanded array of canned cocktails to be sold in Michigan. Previously, canned cocktails were capped at 10 percent alcohol-by-volume. These bills will allow for private wholesalers — often distilleries based in Michigan, such as Long Trail — to distribute canned cocktails up to 13.5 percent alcohol-by-volume.

Jon O’Connor, owner of Long Road Distillers, (middle), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids, and others at the singing of several state bills supporting the craft distilling industry. (State of Michigan)

“We thank the governor and the bi-partisan efforts in both the House and Senate for recognizing the importance of the craft distilling industry in Michigan as well as the need to make these changes which create new opportunities to get products to market,” Jon O’Connor, co-founder of Long Road Distillers and president of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA), said in supplied material. “We believe this is the beginning of continued and expanded support for future efforts related to enhancing opportunities for Michigan small distillers.”

One of the bills was sponsored by state Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.

“This is commonsense legislation to allow our small businesses to distribute new products to people all over Michigan,” Sen. Brinks said in supplied material. “Grand Rapids may be known as ‘Beer City,’ but we have many innovative craft distillers who contribute to our economy and culture in West Michigan. Now that many national sellers are pushing seltzers and canned cocktail drinks, it’s only practical that we give our local businesses a fair chance to get their products in front of consumers easily and quickly.”

After a year off, GR International Wine, Beer & Food Festival set for November

The 14th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival has announced its 2021 dates as Nov. 18-20 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. And this year it will “kick off the holiday season with an unprecedented and diverse display of food, beverage and culinary entertainment presented by the area’s finest chefs, restaurants and purveyors of libations from around the globe,” according to supplied material.

Since its inception in 2008, the festival — named in 2019 as one of a dozen “Fall Wine Festivals In North America You Don’t Want to Miss” — has grown to be the largest and of its kind in the Midwest.

“Following the brunt of the pandemic, people will be looking to finally spread their wings and gather with their friends,” Henri Boucher, show producer, said in supplied material. “We are excited to once again welcome our exhibitors, presenters and the public to join us as we celebrate the return of events in a safe and welcoming venue.”

For more information visit here.

Rockford Brewing Co. plans to add pizza pub near its brew pub

When Rockford Brewing Co. first opened its doors patrons could order a beer from the bar and order a pizza from nearby Vitale’s Pizza. Both would magically show up at your table.

Who would have thought beer and pizza would go together? Like everybody!

Malphs Pizza Pub rendering (Rockford Brewing Co.)

Anyway, it was announced last month that Malph’s Pizza Pub, created by the owners of Rockford Brewing Co., will take the place of Vitale’s Pizza of Rockford by spring of 2023 and will contain a new pizzeria, distillery and brewery inside a historic building “following an extensive restoration.”

According to multiple media reports, the remodeled 5,764-square-foot space will offer “substantial seating, including two separate bars and gorgeous views of the historic Rogue River Dam and downtown Rockford. Building plans also feature expansive outdoor seating complete with a large beer garden patio and an elevated deck.”

Malph’s Pizza Pub, we are told, takes its name from Rockford Brewing’s Malph’s Premium Beer, a throwback to the lager styles popular in the post-war era.

Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing featured brewery for John Ball Zoo adult events

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,
There will be limited animal interactions during the Adult Night Out events, which kick off this Thursday. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

They have been a longtime member and this month, Wyoming’s Two Guys Brewing will be giving back to the John Ball Zoo by providing the zoo a specialty brew for its Adult Night Out event series.

“To be a part of this is just an honor,” said Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne.

Payne said the zoo was one of his family’s main sources of entertainment, especially during their times as a young struggling family.

“We would give the family the gift of a zoo membership,” Payne said. “We would do the Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Public Museum and the zoo. So it was three big bills at Christmas time but we would have entertainment throughout the entire year.”

Payne said they were approached by the zoo about the opportunity for the specialty brews because zoo officials had been impressed in how the brewing company handled the pandemic, working with residents by offering pack-and-go meals and other options.

 

The Adult Night Out series is designed to give guests age 21 and older the opportunity to experience the zoo at night without any kids. There will be select animal encounters for guests to enjoy, along with beer and wine selections.

 

Payne said the brewery decided to pair some of its well known beers with the themes of each program. For example, for this Thursday’s program, the John Ball Zoo will be featuring barbecue on its menu, something that Two Guys Brewing offers and that brewery’s IPA Mosaicquest pairs well with.

John Ball Zoo will be hosting six Adult Night Out evenings throughout the summer with Two Guys Brewing pairing a beer with each night’s theme. Besides this Thursday, there will be Adult Night Out events on  June 24, July 15 and 29, and August 12 and 26. Each Adult Night Out is from 6 to 9 p.m. The zoo offers four times to enter, 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 6:45 p.m.

Tickets for all dates are available online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Limited tickets are available for each evening, and capacity is limited, so the zoo officials highly recommends reserving tickets before the event. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.

 

John Ball Zoo is located 1300 Fulton St., about a mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information about John Ball Zoo or upcoming activities, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.

Adults 21 and older have the opportunity to enjoy the John Ball Zoo without children present during the Adult Night Out series. (Supplied)

New CEO of The Rapid talks mobility spectrum, community development on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, Travel, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,
Deborah Prato, new CEO of The Rapid, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Deborah Prato is the new CEO of The Rapid, the public transit system for the Grand Rapids metro area — a large area and an equally large transit system. But Prato, who took the position early this year, has leadership experience in what can only be described as huge transit systems, including New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Prato recently visited the set of WKTV Journal In Focus to talk about what drew her to West Michigan, some of the similarities of services and differences of scale she now faces at The Rapid, and what the pubic needs to know about the present and future of the local transit system — including how articulated busses and motorized scooters can and should co-exist on the streets of Kent County.

“We are consistently reviewing, conducting analysis — what do we need, where do we need it, how do we serve the most?” Prato said. “I think it is not just mass transit, there is interest in a transportation network, and that includes personal mobility.”

Among the topics discussed in detail were how two of the special lines provided by The Rapid — the SilverLine and the Laker Line — are really cooperative ventures with The Rapid working with regional entities to satisfy specific transit needs while also working for the general public.

In addition, she discussed personal mobility and how — as pointed out on The Rapid’s website — “Beyond its fixed routes, The Rapid also operates demand response services for people with disabilities, and for those living outside the fixed-route service area.”

Deborah Prato, CEO of The Rapid, with host Ken Norris, in the WKTV studios. (WKTV)

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

How an anti-racist art project in a neighboring community may have an impact on Wyoming, Kentwood

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There is no part of the 49507 zip code that is in either the cities of Wyoming or Kentwood. On a map, it borders the two communities, but the 49507 neighborhood is located in the City of Grand Rapids.

But the borderlines can only be seen on a map with residents of the 49507 zip code as well as those from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood moving freely between their neighborhoods to live, work, play and even go to school.

“Every single morning, when I would drive in for our first classes at Godwin Heights High School, I would see students walking in from my neighborhood, from South Division and, even more south, to Godwin Heights High School,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, the executive director of The Diatribe, the organization that is working to change the narrative of the 49507 zip code through an anti-racist art project, which has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts along with a number of local organizations such as the Wege Foundation.

 

“When we were in the class and talking to students about where they live, there were students that lived by Kalamazoo and Eastern that were going to Godwin Heights High School,” Price said with The Diatribe teaching artist Foster “AutoPilot” chiming in “there were even students coming from as far as East Grand Rapids area to come to Godwin Heights.”

The result being is that there are many people who live in the 49507 zip code that are active in the Wyoming and Kentwood communities and who are directly impacted by what is taking place in the 49507 community.

Getting the conversation started for the 49507 Project was The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program offered at various high schools including Godwin Heights. (Supplied)

“So although this project is called the 49507 Project and people might go ‘Oh no that is not necessarily me,’ I think once we start to zoom out and go oh but these are our kids, but this is our community,” Price said.

What is taking place is the launch of the 49507 Project, a combination of student responses and community input that will shape murals to be painted by Black, brown and LGBTQ+ artists on the sides of predominantly seven Black- and brown-owned businesses that are located in the 49507 neighborhood.

 

The 49507 program started with The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program, a partnership with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan that teaches students about gentrification and redlining in neighbors, something that has happened in the 49507 area, according to Price.

“A lot of people moved to Wyoming and Kentwood over time because the City of Grand Rapids started to increase rent so much that it became inaccessible,” Price said. “So people moved next-door so they could start anew, could raise their families and afford to do so and that is something Wyoming and Kentwood has done so well.”

The next step in the 49507 Project, which will be taking place over the summer, will be five listening sessions, one of which will be in Spanish, Price said, adding that the reason for this is they want as many different voices from the community to be a part of the process. Artists will be there to soak in what residents are saying and from the Writing to Right Wrongs and the listening sessions, produce works that reflect the neighborhood.

This is “100-percent centered on the voices of the people who have something to say but for far too long have been ignored, “ Price said.

 

The goal is to have seven to 20 pieces of art that are “truly a reflection of the vibrance of the community” and that “kids could drive by and say, ‘I helped make that. My thoughts went into that,” he said.

Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well, may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)

Foster added that through the process, a web is built so that everybody is connected, everybody can respond and everybody has a voice and stake in the project. To encourage involvement, The Diatribe is paying people to be part of the listening sessions because “intellectual property has value and people should be paid for that value,” Price said.

Billboards about the project are scheduled to go up in July with the first murals being completed toward the end of August.

 

Both Foster and Price emphasized that people can still get involved in the project, whether they have roots in the 49507 area or not. People will be needed to canvass the community about their ideas and opinions to those willing to help scrape paint off the buildings in preparation for the murals. Financial contributions are also welcomed. To support the 49507 project, visit thediatribe.org/support.

 

But the biggest thing people could do is “just come and see the art,” Price said.

‘Best of Broadway’ kicks off Tibbits’ summer season

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Tibbits Opera House

Tibbits Summer Theatre will open its 58th consecutive season of professional performances on June 16 with a fun and elegant musical theatre revue, The Best of Broadway, at The Ponds of Coldwater.

Last summer while the historic opera house remained shut down due to the pandemic, Tibbits became one of the few theatres in the country to produce a summer theatre season. This year, amid continued uncertainty, presenting outdoors at The Ponds became a certainty from which the theatre could guarantee the best possible season.

In this opening show, professional actors will showcase the greatest hits from Broadway—melodies that are guaranteed to have audiences humming and tapping their toes to the most memorable moments in musicals throughout the ages! With a variety of solos, duets, and ensemble pieces, the performance will showcase selections from classic favorites like Showboat, Hair, and Phantom of the Opera, along with new pieces from Hamilton, Waitress, and Dear Evan Hansen.

This original show is conceived by Tibbits Artistic Director Peter Riopelle and written and compiled by director Charles Burr and musical director Matthew Everingham. Burr and Everingham also collaborated last year to create Sing Happy, A Popped Potpourri, and When Radio Was King.

While Burr has a long list of revues and collaboration on his resume, the process for The Best of Broadway was his first long distance creation. Burr explained, “It began in March with weekly phone meetings to Matthew in New York to create a balanced show that flows seamlessly in (mostly) chronological order. The difference in our ages [40 years] helps create a more comprehensive show. The songs we’ve chosen are great for the performers we have as well as for honoring the best of Broadway.”

Tibbits Summer Theatre will feature a core group of professional company members from across the United States. The Best of Broadway will include veteran Tibbits actors Stephanie Burdick, Liz Davis, Max Gonzalez, Brooke Jackson, and Michael Motkowski along with newcomer Nile Birch. The production will be directed by Charles Burr with music direction and music arrangement by Matthew Everingham. It will feature lighting design by Catie Bencowe, set design by Stephanie Burdick and Peter Riopelle, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, and sound design by Henry Sendek. Lexa Walker leads the technicians as technical director with Rachel Marengere as stage manager, and Josh Rockwell, Scott Pauley, and Leon Kriser rounding out the technical staff.

The Best of Broadway, along with the rest of the 2021 TST Season, is presented through the generous sponsorship support of Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C.; Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; The Bushouse Family;  ASAMA Coldwater Manufacturing; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; Great Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; and Vested Risk Strategies. Additional funding is provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets for The Best of Broadway are $28 (including fees) for all seats, with discounts available to Tibbits members. Performances will run June 16, 18, 22, 24 and 25 at 7:30pm and June 17 and 23 at 2pm. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits admin office at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater 9 am to 5 pm weekdays or by calling 517-278-6029.

All summer theatre performances will be held at the beautiful outdoor event pavilion nestled among 30 acres of lush landscaping at The Ponds of Coldwater, just minutes from the historic Tibbits Opera House in downtown Coldwater. Golf carts are provided to transport guests who need assistance from the parking lot to the pavilion. Please note that Tibbits will follow COVID guidelines at the time performances take place. This may still include universal masking while entering and moving throughout the venue as well as social distancing. For more information call or visit Tibbits.org.

Responding to community interest, Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returned for summer of food, fun (and music!)

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Kentwood Farmers Market manager Kristina Colby on opening day 2021. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.

“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.

“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20: GVSU professor details Muslim-American social, political challenges and changes

3-bottom, Local Faces, Local History, Voices, WKTV Journal In Focus, , ,
WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 interview with GVSU professor Dr. Dr. Gamal Gasim. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Grand Valley State University professor Dr. Gamal Gasim visited the studios to give some background on Muslin American culture and politics in the two decades since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Among several topics discussed was the current increase, if still small, influence of Muslim American political power.

“Like many other minorities who were subject before to discrimination in this country, from African-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Irish-Americans … other ethno-religious groups, Muslim Americans felt that in order for them to protect their civil rights, and to advance their own causes, they needed to engage politically, throughout the political process,” Gasim said.

(An “ethno-religious group” is defined as an ethnic group whose members are also unified by a common religious background.)

This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. After initial background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, we will present the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.

Dr. Gasim’s field of study is comparative politics and Middle Eastern Politics. WKTV first met Dr. Gasim when lectured at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan on the subject of the Arabian Peninsula country of Yemen, and he has written or contributed to many scholarly works, as well as articles for the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera and the Arab Daily News. He has also extensively studied and written on the subject of Muslim American culture and politics.

WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org.

Car Fest 2021 set to return in June

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Connie Koepke
Mecosta County Vistiors Bureau

The Mecosta County Visitors Bureau and the River Valley Car Club proudly present Car Fest 2021 Downtown Big Rapids. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, from 1 until 5 p.m.

“It is great being able to start bringing back outside events to the community,” stated Connie Koepke – Executive Director of the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau. “This is also a perfect tie-in with the Big Rapids Air Fest at Roben-Hood Airport taking place earlier in the day from 9:00am-1:00pm. Guests will be able to spend the entire day Exploring the Big Rapids Region not only enjoying both events but local shops, restaurants and maybe even spend the night at a local hotel.”

Sponsors for this year’s event include the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau and media sponsor Big Country 100.9 Radio. The event is facilitated by the River Valley Car Club of Big Rapids.

“On behalf of the River Valley Car Club, we are all excited at being able to bring our prized vehicles back out for not only our own enjoyment but to share them with the public as well,” noted Duey Parsons of the River Valley Car Club. “It’s always thrilling to see these spectacular cars up close as well as engaging in the comradely that goes along with them.”

Other activities happening at the Car Fest 2021 Car Show include a 50/50 raffle, (30) trophy presentations at 4:30pm, live musical performance by Chris Jane from 2:00pm-4pm, food and fun for all! Kids and grownups alike are invited to stop downtown to enjoy the event and all that beautiful downtown Big Rapids has to offer.

If you have a prized vehicle that you would like to enter for a chance at one of the coveted trophies up for grabs, or just enjoy socializing with other car lovers, you can register on the day of the event from noon – 2:00pm in front of TFC Bank. Cost is just $15 per vehicle to enter.

For more details on the first annual Car Fest, you can visit BigRapids.org/CarFest or reach out to Duey Parsons directly at 231-499-8196 with any questions or for more details.

Golden Glove boxing returns to West Michigan June 5, and WKTV sports coverage returns as well

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Golden Glove boxing action is covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied/from previous event)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Community Media has been a broadcast partner with Michigan Golden Gloves for more than two decades, and Bob Serulla has been the announcing part of the team all that time.

So, as the West Michigan Golden Glove Preliminaries begin this weekend at the DeltaPlex Arena, with boxing set to begin Saturday, June 5, at 7 p.m., Bob and the WKTV team will be back ringside as well.

“I started broadcasting boxing 22 years ago for WKTV, and we have built a great team of broadcasters and staff and we put on a first class show,” Serulla said. “It has been a great pleasure watching the young talent grow into professionals and seeing the difference boxing can make in a young life.

“Trainers and coaches that act as mentors for these young men and women should be recognized and thanked for their service to the community. It’s always a pleasure to interview a young fighter and give them a chance to gain confidence grow as a person.”

WKTV’s recording of the bouts of Saturday, June 5, will be rebroadcast on WKTV cable television on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 on Sunday, June 6, at noon, as well as Wednesday, June 9, at 5 p.m. Video copies of WKTV’s coverage will be available for purchase by emailing kelly@wktv.org or calling 616-261-5700.

Tickets to the June 5 live event are available. The DeltaPlex Arena is located at 2500 Turner Ave. NW, Walker. For more information visit michigangoldengloves.com/events or call 616-784-0862.

The West Michigan Golden Gloves Championships will continue though June and into July, with WKTV there as well.

The West Michigan Semi-Finals will be Saturday, June 12, and airing Sunday, June 13, at noom, and Wednesday, June 16, at 5 p.m.

The West Michigan Finals will be Saturday, June 19, and airing Sunday, June 20, at noon,  and Wednesday, June 23, at 5 p.m.

The State Semi-Finals will be Friday, July 9, and airing Saturday, July 10, at 11 a.m., and Wednesday, July 14, at 5 p.m.

The State Finals will be Saturday, July 10, and airing Sunday, July 11, at noon, and Wednesday, July 21, at 5 p.m.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.

J.K. Rowling


By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Park Party

The new playground at Jackson Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

This Saturday, the City of Wyoming will be hosting a reopening event for Jackson Park, located at 1331 33rd St. SW, right next to the Wyoming Intermediate School. The event will start at 10 a.m. and include the official opening of the park’s new splash pad. The park has a new playground, shelter area, bathrooms, and parking lot. Also taking place will be a free yoga class at 11:15 a.m.

Festival Returns

Festival of the Arts will be a little different this year.

The first weekend in June has always meant Festival of the Arts, which has returned this summer albeit a little different. Because of uncertainty in social distancing guidelines, the organization is offering Plein Air and performances this weekend. Artists will be out Friday, Saturday and Sunday with musicians performing on Saturday only on Monroe Center and Ottawa Avenue. Saturday is scheduled to be a beautiful day to walk around downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday and Sunday to soak it all in. Oh, and if you are out on Saturday, we recommend Total Eclipse of the Harp featuring Emily Smith, who will perform at 10 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m.

Splash Pads Now Open

The splash pad at Oriole Park.

Summer is here! How do we know? The splash pads in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are now open. The City of Kentwood has two splash pads, one at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Dr. SE, and Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE. Both are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Wyoming has three splash pads,  Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW. Wyoming’s splash pads are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A fourth splash pad at Jackson Park is set to open on Saturday during the park’s reopening ceremony.

Fun Fact: I’m Your Venus

With NASA’s recent announcement that it is planning two missions to Earth’s other neighbor, Venus, we thought it might be fun to share a few facts about the second planet closest to the sun. Besides the fact that it is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty:

  1. Venus is hotter than Mercury despite the fact that Mercury is closer to the sun.

  2. A day on Venus is longer than a year on Earth.

  3. Venus has about 90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth, which is the same pressure at about 1 km depth in the Earth’s oceans.

  4. It is believed that Venus had a celestial collision early in its history which caused the planet to get flipped upside down. This resulted in the planet rotating clockwise unlike the rest of the planets in our solar system which rotate anti-clockwise.

  5. Humans have been studying Venus since the second millennium BC because it is one of the brightest objects in the sky and easy to spot with the naked eye. In the upcoming Venus explorations, which are scheduled to launch in 2028-2030, NASA aims to understand how Venus became an inferno-like world when it has so many other characteristics similar to ours – and may have been the first habitable world in the solar system, complete with an ocean and Earth-like climate.

Nearly 400 acres of riverfront land acquisition done, expands Kent County parks system

3-bottom, RECREATION B,
A rendering showing the additional acre to Chief Hazy Cloud Park (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Kent County Parks Department has completed a series of land acquisitions that will expand the county’s Chief Hazy Cloud Park into a 395‐acre natural preserve which will include woods, wetlands and three miles of frontage along the Grand River.

Leaders from Kent County, Ada Township, the Kent County Parks Foundation, and others shared details at the park on Tuesday morning. Chief Hazy Cloud Park is located on Pettis Avenue in Ada Township and expanding it has been part of the Kent County Parks Master Plan for more than two decades. A shared goal of the partnership is to continue conservation efforts to preserve the Grand River and nearby upland and wetland habitats.

“The past year has reinforced the importance of having spaces where people and families can enjoy outdoor activities,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter. “For years, we’ve been committed to expanding this park to offer more opportunities for residents and we now look forward to giving people the chance to see this beautiful, natural green space for themselves.”

Chief Hazy Cloud Park was originally established in the late 1920s. By the early 1990s, it had grown to 24 acres and Kent County Parks began considering expansion plans for the property. Now, with 395 acres, most of the property is largely undeveloped but currently allows excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

A series of acquisitions of additional property near the current park were recently completed and represent another successful public‐private partnership as the funds for the land acquisitions came from Kent County, Ada Township, private investors and a series of Michigan Department of Natural Resources grants. The long‐ term vision for the expanded 395‐acre park is to transform the land into a major regional park, continuing to preserve the Grand River and upland and wetland habitats with the trails and natural areas eventually connecting, via a pedestrian bridge, to Roselle Park, a 240‐acre park located on the opposite side of the Grand River.

The trails and natural areas will eventually connect, via a pedestrian bridge, to Roselle Park, a 240‐acre park located on the opposite side of the Grand River. (Supplied)

“We’re excited about the idea of a future bridge connecting these two remarkable parks with each other and with the township and county trail systems – allowing interconnected access to more than 600‐acres of park and trails available to residents and visitors alike” said Ada Township Supervisor Ross Leisman. “Our township residents recently passed a millage to grow and maintain our trail system, and we look forward to continuing to partner with Kent County on developing and connecting this unique, natural outdoor area.”

“Kent County will develop and run a master plan process to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback on the development of the park,” said Kent County Parks Superintendent Dan DeLooff. “We are excited about the opportunities this park has to offer, and we look forward to hearing resident ideas on how to develop the green space.”

In 1928, the Park’s name was changed to Chief Hazy Cloud from Grand River Park to commemorate the great Indian Chief Mnobbinnakizhick, or Hazy Cloud. He and his tribe worked and traveled the banks of the Thornapple River and Grand River, and their tribal home was near where the Thornapple River enters the Grand River.

Business Spotlight: Williamson Employment Services, Inc.

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, WKTV Projects, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Having been open for almost 30 years, Williamson Employment Services, Inc., has been helping to fill staffing needs for area residents. A member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization continues to build on its reputation for building endearing relationships with its client companies and its employees in order to find the perfect match.

Name of business: Williamson Employment Services, Inc., 3940 Broadmoor Ave. SE.

What is your business? Full service staffing, recruiting, and human resources.

How long has your business been operating? 29 Years

How did your business get started? Peg Williamson started Williamson in 1992 when she saw a need for a business that assisted people in finding the right job. Since opening the corporate office in St Joseph, Michigan, she opened our office in Kentwood in 1998, and another office in Niles, Michigan, which is now located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Her daughter and son-in-law, Judee and Jeff Hopwood, have owned and operated the company since 2012.

Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area? The previous owner, Peg, opened an office in Kentwood because she felt it had a good market for employment agencies.

What has been the greatest challenge for your business? In the most recent year, it has been finding candidates for our open positions. The pandemic has definitely played a huge part in that challenge.

What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant? Since we don’t offer an actual product, but instead a service, I would say entry level positions are the most sought out position that we assist with.

What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time? Our staff frequently visit local businesses! A few worth mentioning would be The Candied Yam, Shanghai Ichiban, Woodland Mall, and Craig’s Cruisers. I’m sure there are many more worth listing as both cities are full of great businesses!

Hopes for 2021: Our hope for 2021 would be a shift in the candidate market. I know we are not the only business that is experiencing a serious need to fill vacancies, so our hope is that more candidates become available for work and seek employment assistance with our office.

In Love and Health: If you have a brain, you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s

3-bottom, Health, ,
There are lots of purple ribbons as June is Alzheimer’s and Brian Awareness Month. (Alzheimer’s Association)

Dr. Erik Johnson DC
Love and Health Chiropractic

Are you seeing purple? If yes, that’s because June is designated as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Those purple ribbons remind us of the fight against Alzheimer’s dementia. Everyone is at risk for Alzheimer’s. However, you can take action to reduce that risk.

While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, physicians can prescribe medications that can address its symptoms. And, as a chiropractor, I can’t help but point out the value of chiropractic adjustments. The brain and the spine work together to message and manage the entire body. An aligned spine can better relay the messages that the brain sends to the various organs and body parts. Many of my colleagues have reported success in supporting the journeys of their patients with Alzheimer’s.

What else can you do? Diet has been shown to be a big factor in brain health. Some experts are even calling Alzheimer’s disease Type 3 diabetes. Studies have found that some cases of Alzheimer’s disease were triggered by a form of diabetes in the brain. An Alzheimer’s gene variant, APOE4, seems to interfere with brain cells’ ability to use insulin. As a result, those brain cells seem to eventually starve and die. Mayo Clinic researchers have even tested an insulin nasal spray that has been developed to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day will be June 21. (Alzheimer’s Association)

While treatments like this are wonderful, wouldn’t it be even better to reduce risks for the disease? That’s where choosing foods that do not lead to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes come in to play. In addition to avoiding sweets and carbs that wreak havoc on blood sugar levels, choose fatty fish, leafy greens, eggs, and legumes. When you make your stop at the farmers market this summer, stock up on strawberries, broccoli, squash, and avocados. In between meals, snack on trail mixes that include chia and flax seeds. Cook with extra virgin olive oil and don’t be shy about using lots of fresh garlic.

When you eat healthier, you’ll not only reduce your risks for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but you’ll also improve your overall health. These other suggestions for reducing risk of Alzheimer’s from the Alzheimer’s Association do the same: Physical and mental exercise, smoking cessation, getting plenty of sleep, enjoying the company of friends and family, and avoiding head injuries.

Back to the color purple. If you see an extra flourish of purple ribbons this month, they may also be promoting the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fight Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day® campaign, taking place on June 20, the summer solstice. “The day with the most light is the day we fight®.” For information, visit ALZ.org.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

Kent District Library presents Summer Wonder

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

This year, Kent District Library will take participants on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and exploring through the great outdoors right here in Kent County. KDL has teamed up with Kent County Parks to bring patrons a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, STEAM activities and lots of fun for everyone.

Participate in Summer Wonder by picking up a Summer Wonder Workbook at any KDL branch or signing up online at kdl.beanstack.org. It’s free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing.

“Summer Wonder is back with more outdoor adventures than ever before,” said KDL Branch Programming and Outreach Specialist Kris Vogelar. “If your kids think summer learning is boring, Summer Wonder will certainly prove them wrong!”

Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills, and in many cases do better on standardized tests.

For more information, visit kdl.org/summer.

Lee high, East Lee grads share special night, stories of overcoming, with family and friends

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Local Faces, WKTV Projects, , ,

The Lee High School and East Lee 2021 graduation. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

As with any high school graduation, including the dozens of local ceremonies this week and last, Lee High School and East Lee Alternative School seniors celebrated with fiends and families after of year of overcoming hardships including the pandemic.

But some of the stories of positive outlook despite hardships overcome relayed by members of the “Legendary” Class of 2021 were extraordinary — and none more so than that of Wilson ‘Rocky’ Lopez-Ramos.

Wilson ‘Rocky’ Lopez-Ramos. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“Rocky” may not have been one of the East Lee “Top Three Students” — those were Ashia Hernandez, Eliot Argueta-Rebolledo and Santiago Miguel-Garcia — but Lopez-Ramos was the most honored, chosen to be the Class of 2021 Representative/Speaker while also gaining the GLEA Scholarship and the Principal’s Award.

“This year was very difficult because most of it was online,” Lopez-Ramos said to WKTV on the night of the graduation, May 27. “I think the hardest part was to focus in (that) environment … for us this was our toughest year because we have to push ourselves to graduate. To graduate on time and graduate with our friends.”

The Godfrey-Lee Public School’s East Lee Campus is the district’s alternative school for students that are not on track for graduation. There are smaller class sizes and additional supports to help students find success and graduate on time.

College may or may not be in the future for Lopez-Ramos, he said, as he already works in automobile repair, loves doing so, and plans to open his own repair shop. He said studying at Grand Rapids Community College is possible.

And while he credited several of his teachers for helping him, pushing him to graduate, he gives special credit to his girlfriend — “She is graduating with me this year. She reminds me everyday to be proud, whether I do well or not. She says: ‘Please do your best. I’m always here for you if you need me’.”

And what advice would he give to others who are struggling to finish high school?
 

“Think about what it would mean to their family. … Do your best to focus. Find guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

Other top grads, other good advice

While the Lee graduation ceremony included more than 100 Lee high students, several were given special honors and several offered their advice to their fellow graduates.

Regan Mockerman was not only the Salutatory, and addressed the crowd, but also gained several other awards including the English Language Arts department award and the Si Jelte Award given to a female athlete. (The top male athlete honor, the Harold Sabin Award, was given to Gerardo Montañez.)

Maybe Mockerman’s highest hurdle to overcome, however, was the expectations of being the daughter of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education president Eric Mockerman.

Then again, the senior Mockerman, in his address to the crowd, admitted that he “was not the smartest” member of his household.

The valedictorian of the class was Christian Loredo-Duran, who talked about not only the challenge of the classroom but of life.

“If you ever get knocked down, but are given a second chance, get back up quickly,” he said in his address. “Take advantage of the opportunity you are given. … To the class of 2021, our life is there in front of us.”

Class president Alfredo Medina-Ortega, in his address to the crowd, also touched on the support he gained both from home and his advice for the other graduates.

“I am beyond grateful to have siblings who love me for who I am …,” he said. ““The scariest part of this evening is knowing that it is actually just a beginning … Be the person who makes you happy.”

WKTV Journal In Focus talks past, present and future with soon-to-retire KPS Superintendent Zoerhoff

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, Education, Going Local, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Local History, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,
WKTV Journal In Focus recently welcomed Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff in to talk about his years of service to the school system and its students. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Michael Zoerhoff has held many titles in the Kentwood Public Schools community over the last three decades, the latest of which has been Superintendent of Schools since 2013. He started as a teacher and, people will tell you, never quite got that out of this system. At the end of this unusually trying school year, he will be retiring.

Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)

WKTV Journal In Focus recently welcomed Superintendent Zoerhoff in to talk about his years of service to the school system and its students, about ending his tenure during an unprecedented, unpredictable time for education, and — of course — we’ll find out what’s next on his journey.

Recently, when the KPS Board of Education announced its selection to become the district’s next superintendent, board president Mimi Madden said about about Zoerhoff that he “has nurtured and developed strong leaders on his administrative team.” Talking to WKTV, we go in-depth about his accomplishments, including always being teacher to students and a mentor to younger educators.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Yes Toto, Grand Rapids Civic did just announce its 2021-2022 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,
Grand Rapids Civic Associate Director Allyson Paris and Executive Director Bruce Tinker announced the 2021-2022 season for the company. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Associate Director Allyson Paris admitted she had quite a different feeling this morning than she did about year ago.

“It was definitely much more joyful,” Paris said. Joyful because today, June 1, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced its 2021-2022 season which includes “The Wiz,” the production that had to be canceled last spring due to the pandemic.

“We had just cast it and had to make that decision that we would not be moving forward with the show,” Paris said of the announcement that was made to the cast and volunteers in the spring of 2020. But with regulations changing daily as more people get vaccinated, the show will go on with most of the original casted actors and crew planning to return in the spring of 2022 for the production.

“There are going to be some changes as some of the original cast members will be away or at college,” Paris said, “but most of the original cast will be returning.

“The Wiz” will wrap Civic’s 2021-2022 season. (Supplied)

“That has been true for most of the our performers who were rehearsing and preparing and then everything just shutdown. It has been a waiting period to see if that show would return and if it fits into their schedule.”

Grand Rapids Civic there certainly has a schedule for its 96th season which includesthree shows from its scheduled 2020-2021 line up, “The Sound of Music,” “Shakespeare in Love, and “Dragons Love Tacos” along with “The Wiz,” which was originally part of the company’s 2019-2020 season.

 

The season will start off with the musical “Once” and is based on the 2007 film of the same name. It is a love story of “Guy” and “Girl” and centers around the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Civic will then feature the musical concert Black Bold and Beautiful: Onward Together, which Paris described as a celebration of African-American music. Wrapping up 2021, will be the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music,” a musical celebration of the lives of the Von Trapp family with such familiar hits as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Maria.”

 

Shakespeare finds his muse in the fun “Shakespeare in Love,” which kicks off 2022, followed by the children’s production “Dragons Love Tacos,” which is based off the popular Adam Rubin book. Because of the popularity of its “Ten for All” playwright competition this past February, Civic will again be hosting the competition in 2022.

“Sound of Music” will be Civic’s holiday offering. (Supplied)

Executive Director Bruce Tinker said there are still some variables in regards to health guidelines such as seating capacity and masks requirement for performers. But that aside, Tinker said it was an “honor” to announce the new season.

“After over a year of uncertainty surrounding our calendar, we truly feel this announcement and new season is a gift to ur community,” Tinker said. “We can’t thank them enough for their continued support and encouragement over the past year.”

As for the community excitement, Civic received 690 page views during its June 1 Facebook announcement and Paris said within a few minutes of the announcement, she had received three to four emails asking when auditions would be and who would be directing.

 

“It is joyful because It is much more of a return to normal,” Paris said of the announcement. “It is a celebration as we are are reminded that what we get to do is so special.”

Season tickets for both new and renewal will be on sale start Aug. 3 and individual tickets will go on sale starting Aug. 17. All season packages, such as Flex, will be available. For more information, visit tickets@grct.org or call 616-222-6650.

The Rapid to host Wave cardholder appreciation event

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
From June 20 to 30, The Rapid will host a Wave card appreciation event where people with Wave cardholders will get to ride the The Rapid for free. (Supplied)

By Bill Kirk
The Rapid

Rapid riders that show a Wave card when boarding the bus will ride for free from Sunday, June 20 through Wednesday, June 30 as part of an appreciation event for Wave cardholders.

The event leads up to changes in how the Wave card will operate for riders beginning on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

On March 24, The Rapid’s Board of Directors approved changes to the Wave card, following staff analysis and public outreach. The main changes to the Wave card are as follows:

• “Fare capping,” the system that allows Wave card users to earn a daily or monthly pass as opposed to paying for the full cost of the pass upfront, will transition from a “rolling” system to align with the standard monthly calendar.

o All fare capping for Wave card users will reset on the first day of every month starting on July 1.

• The 7-day fare capping option will be eliminated.


o Historically, riders have been able to earn a 1-Day, 7-day, or 31-day cap via fare capping; as of July 1, only a 1-day and monthly cap will be available. • Wave cards will no longer be allowed to go into a negative balance.

o Historically, if a Wave card user had at least $ 0.01 on their Wave card, they could tap their card, ride the bus, and their Wave card would be allowed to carry a negative balance. With this change, if a Wave card does not have enough funds for at least one ride, the customer will not be permitted to board the bus, and their Wave card will not be allowed to carry a negative balance.

“These changes are intended to simplify and improve the riding experience for our customers,” said Brittany Schlacter, acting communications manager at The Rapid. “They were informed by feedback from customers, as well as industry-standard best practices.”

After introducing these proposed changes to the Board of Directors in January, The Rapid team conducted three virtual public meetings and posted information on buses, at Rapid Central Station, and to all digital channels to spread the word and gather additional feedback.

“In addition to all of the service adjustments made due to the pandemic, our customers have been wonderful through many other changes to the Wave card and fare payment in the last couple years, so this is a chance to show our appreciation as an agency by rewarding that resilience with free rides for all Wave cardholders from June 20 to June 30,” Schlacter continued.

Rapid riders that have a Wave card will simply need to show their card to the bus operator upon boarding during the appreciation event, and they will be allowed to board for free.

Customers who do not currently have a Wave card can purchase one at Rapid Central Station, a local retail outlet, or online. A list of retail locations and online purchases are available at wave.ridetherapid.org.

City of Wyoming makes it official: the splash pads are open

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, Recreation, ,
As of June 1, the City of Wyoming’s three splash pads, located at Lamar Park (above), Oriole Park, and Southlawn, are officially open. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A sure sign of summer is when the City of Wyoming officially opens its splash pads, which is today.

As of June 1, the city’s three splash pads are open, according to city officials and the announcement made on the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Wyoming has three splash pads, one at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW.

This weekend the city will open its fourth splash pad with a special reopening ceremony on Saturday at Jackson Park. One of the wishes of residents when discussing the redesign of the park was to include a splash pad, city officials said. The rededication is set for 10 a.m.

Current social distancing guidelines will be followed at all city splash pads.

Wyoming hosts reopening celebration for Jackson Park June 5

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Environment, Going Local, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Among the new features at Jackson Park is the playground located near the new splashpad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Walk or drive past Wyoming’s Jackson Park and you can not help but notice that there has been a lot of activity over there.

 

One of the targeted parks on the city’s park improvement campaign, the City of Wyoming approved a $1.4 million investment to Jackson Park last year. This allowed for several new features at the parking such as a splash pad, playground shelter, parking lot, and security lighting. These are all features that came from resident input into the designs, said City of Wyoming Director Rebecca Rynbrandt.

 

After being closed for about a year due to construction, Wyoming residents are invited to celebrate the grand reopening of Jackson Park at a special event this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the park, 1331 33rd St. SW. The hour-long celebration will feature family activities and opportunities to play on the new constructed splash pad.

When the city talked to residents about what they wanted at Jackson Park, many stated a splash pad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“We are excited to reopen Jackson Park for our residents”, said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, who added the redevelopment has been highly anticipated by area residents with the city happy to have the park complete.

Design work on the park started in 2015, with the city collecting input from residents, Rynbrandt said. But the economy and mother nature forced the city to reprioritize funds to Ideal Park which had been severely impacted by tornadoes and flooding, she said.

Last spring, during the pandemic, the city approved a $1.3 million contract with Katerberg Verhage for the work at Jackson Park. Katerberg Verhage also lead the redevelopment of Ideal Park.

Crews were able to keep working on the park through the pandemic with construction completed on time for the planned reopening this summer.

“We are pleased to celebrate the grand reopening of Jackson Park,” Rynbrandt said. “We pride ourselves on excellent facilities and know that the improved accessibility of Jackson Park will be a great asset to the families of our community.”

Also new at Jackson Park are the covered seating areas. WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Jackson Park is approximately 22 acres. It resides in a densely populated residential area of the City of Wyoming which is made up of single-family homes and borders the Wyoming Intermediate School.

Along with the new additions, Jackson Park has eight tennis courts, a basketball court and a play area located by the school. The park also hosts a large green space which provides for storm-water storage for the neighborhood during heavy rain events.

Funding for the project is being provided through the City’s Capital Projects Revolving Fund, with staff support through the City’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.

Jackson Park is the third park in a period of four years to have been redeveloped. The pocket park Ferrand Park, located along Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018 with Ideal Park completed in 2020. The city has a total of 21 parks. 

Saugatuck Center for the Arts host free event to kick of the summer

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Megan Scheerhorn
Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Dust off your dancing shoes because the seasonal kick-off celebration Jump Into Summer at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is right around the corner. Join SCA on June 4 for a free, socially-distanced event featuring live music, visual arts, community art projects, all-ages activities, local vendors and, most importantly, opportunities to connect with community members and friends.

Mike Mains and The Branches

After a cold-weather pause on live music at the SCA, the Outdoor Plaza Stage is ready to be rocked by Mike Mains & The Branches at 6 p.m.. Texas-born, Michigan-bred and Nashville-based, this electrifying indie-pop outfit has built a reputation on intricate instrumentation, aggressive vocals, and unforgettable live performances.

While dancing isn’t required, the music of Mike Mains & The Branches will have you moving and grooving, which is enthusiastically encouraged in the designated dancing areas.

“We are so excited to be bringing this festive, celebratory event back to Saugatuck,” says the Center’s Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This event is a step closer to what we have always known and loved about gatherings, including safe social distancing practices.”

In addition to the tunes, don’t miss the opportunity to meet esteemed Chicago muralist Sandra Antongiorgi, who will be on site for the opening of the SCA’s summer exhibition, “Elevating Humanity: Forging Healing Through Connection.” This collection of works encourages visitors to recognize what we all share and open their minds and hearts to connect with those most marginalized by systemic oppression.

Sandra Antongiorgi

Want to leave your mark on the SCA space? Visitors of all ages have the chance to be a part of a community art project inspired by Antongiorgi’s work. The SCA Education Team invites guests to join a collaborative project building a magnet mural, inspired by Sandra’s work, on the SCA’s soaring arches. Add your unique piece and see the mural grow! There will also be make-and-take activities available if families prefer to create at home.

Guests can also follow the dancing, costumed crossing guards across the street to Coughlin Park for a variety of family-friendly art activities as well as booths, manned by community volunteers, featuring fun games, engaging learning opportunities, and giveaways.

Soak up the Saugatuck sun while enjoying this event on the SCA’s newly-renovated and refreshed Outdoor Plaza Stage. Grab a drink from the bar and a delectable snack from an array of food trucks then relax with your family and friends and dance to live music – all in the fresh air.

Keeping the community’s safety in mind, safe distancing will be strictly enforced and thorough cleaning procedures implemented throughout the event. Masks are mandated for all guests over the age of 2.

For additional information about Events at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, exhibits and resources, visit sc4a.org or contact Megan Scheerhorn by email megan@sc4a.org

City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series set to return to city complex in late June

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will host The Bootstrap Boys’ harmony-rich country on July 8. (Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.

“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:

June 24 — The Soul Syndicate: Award-winning classic soul, R&B and funk.

July 8 — The Bootstrap Boys: Harmony-rich country.

David Gerald’s blues and R&B will be prefect for a summer night in July. (David Gerald)

July 15 — Benzing Graves Collective: Blend of old-school country and other genres.

July 22 — Dalmatian Stone: Soul/funk-rock with elements of R&B and fusion.

 

July 29 — David Gerald: Blues, R&B and rock. 

Aug. 5 — The Accidentals: Mix of indie rock, pop and orchestral arrangements. (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.