Disc golf is big in West Michigan and is now on WKTV cable television. (U.S. Air Force photo)
By Elmer Cox, for WKTV
Citizens of Kentwood, Wyoming and the surrounding area can now find out about a relatively new sport on a program called Disc Golf Live, now on WKTV community television.
Disc Golf Live is produced by Hucker Report, and will air on Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at noon and at various times on Saturdays, beginning this week on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.
Each episode is designed in four sections: Disc golf world wide tournament highlights, instructional highlights for all levels of players, views of disc golf courses from around the world, and interviews with all the top players.
Beginning as early as the 1970s, disc golf began being popular all over the country. Some called it Frisbee or Frisbee golf. Others named it disc golf. Disc golf courses began to grow up all over the area including Brewer Park in Byron Center, Riverside Park in downtown Grand Rapids, Fallasburg Park in Lowell, as well as Johnson Park, Old Farm, Garfield Park, JC Park and Grand Isle Park Rotary Disc Golf Park in the Comstock Park area.
In recent years, the World Seniors Tour Disc Golf Tournament was held in Grand Rapids with entrants from most of the states in the U.S. and many foreign countries.
For a complete schedule of broadcasts on WKTV community television, visit wktv.org and click on the Programming tab.
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s three maestros, Associate Conductor John Varineau, Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, and Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, kick off the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops July 12 and 13.
In the summertime, when the weather is hot, nothing beats good food, good friends and good music in the great outdoors.
The sweet, symphonic sounds of summer in West Michigan return to Cannonsburg Ski Area with theGrand Rapids Pops’ D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops in July and August.
The 24th annual summer of picnicking at the pops will be back with orchestral blockbusters and fireworks, with the biggest hits of 1980s featuring Starship’s Mickey Thomas, and with a musical mashup of Beethoven and Coldplay.
Special events include high-voltage merengue and mambo from Tito Puente Jr., and the quirky songs of the one-and-only Ben Folds, back in Grand Rapids by popular demand.
The Grand Rapids Symphony opens the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops on July 12-13 with Classical Fireworks and The 3 Maestros featuring not one, not two, but three conductors. Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, and Associate Conductor John Varineau pass the baton and share podium for an evening of patriotic melodies and much more.
“It’s a chance to make the event something that’s ‘All in the Family’ with an Americana theme,”Bernhardt said. “I’m not sure that it’s legal to have three conductors on one program, but we’re going for it!”
The Grand Rapids Pops’ three-concert series, held on Thursdays and Fridays in July, opens with Classical Fireworks and The 3 Maestros at 8 p.m., 30 minutes later than then rest of the season’s concerts to allowfor the pyrotechnic display following Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture at the end of the show.
The D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops remembers the days of George Michael and Wham, R.E.M. and INXS with 80s Rewind! on July 19-20 at 7:30 p.m.
Ben Folds performs Aug. 3.
Hosted by Mickey Thomas, lead singer of Starship, the show includes such classic 1980s hits as theScorpions’ Rock You Like A Hurricane, Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl, and U2’s Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.
The Grand Rapids Pops pits classical music and pop/rock against each other in a mashup titled Beethoven vs. Coldplay on July 26-27 at 7:30 p.m.
Guest conductor Steve Hackman leads the Grand Rapids Symphony plus special guest singers inhighlights from Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony No. 3 juxtaposed against songs such as Paradise, 42and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by the British rock band.
Capping off the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops are two one-night only special events in August, one with the sultry salsa rhythms of Tito Puente Jr. on Thursday, August 2, and the other with the smart- alecky songs and whiz-kid piano playing of Ben Folds on Friday, August 3.
Tito Puente Jr. performs Aug. 2.
Puente Jr. carries on the musical tradition of his father, the seven-time Grammy Award winning percussionist and band leader Tito Puente Sr.
Folds, who appeared with the Grand Rapids Symphony in DeVos Hall in October 2014, led the Ben Folds Five to a series of platinum recordings and an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in 1998. He’ssince served as a judge on NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and currently is artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
About Cannonsburg Ski Area
Gates at Cannonsburg Ski Area open at 5:45 p.m. each night for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment, including free, kid-friendly activities such as face painting, crafts, and a musicalinstrument petting zoo. Kids’ Activity Area sponsor is Dave & Linda Mehney.
Pack your own picnic baskets and coolers or purchase food from the grill at the Cannonsburg concession stand. Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the grounds, and parking is free for concertgoers. VIP Parking upgrades will be available for a small fee beginning in June.
Concert Tickets
Lawn tickets to Classical Fireworks, 80s Rewind!, Beethoven v. Coldplay, or Tito Puente Jr., are $20 for adults ($25 day of show) or $5 for ages 2-18 ($10 day of show). MySymphony360 members can attend for $15 ($20 day of show). Active duty, reserve and National Guard members of the U.S. Militarymay purchase up to two tickets for $15 each ($20 day of show). Children younger than age 2 are admitted for free.
Members of the community receiving financial assistance from the State of Michigan or U.S. Military households can receive up to four free tickets through the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony Scorecard.
Other individual tickets are $30 for reserved chairs ($35 the day of the show), $51 for single table seats ($56 the day of the show), and $408 for a full table of eight ($448 day of show).
Lawn tickets to Ben Folds are $40 for adults ($45 day of show) or $5 for ages 2-18 ($10 day of show).MySymphony360 members can attend for $25 ($30 day of show). Active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Military may buy up to two tickets for $25 each ($30 day of show). Children younger than age 2 are admitted for free.
Other individual tickets are $50 for reserved chairs ($55 the day of the show), $60 for single table seats ($65 the day of the show), and $480 for a full table of eight ($520 day of show).
Tickets for the 3-Concert Series, Flexpass, and individual table and chair tickets can be purchased through the GRS box office by calling (616) 454-9451 ext. 4 weekdays or (616) 885-1241 evenings; or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100; or online at GRSymphony.org.
Lawn seats only also may be purchased through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or at Ticketmaster outlets at select D&W Fresh Markets, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
The Wege Foundation has awarded the Grand Rapids Symphony a four-year grant worth more than $1 million to enhance initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion to engage a broader audience and share live orchestral music with everyone in its community.
With help from the Wege Foundation, the Grand Rapids Symphony is creating a 21st century orchestra to serve a 21st century audience that’s made up, not just of classical music lovers, but of the entirecommunity.
Money will add new positions, create new concerts and events, and develop new educational opportunities alongside the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Gateway to Music, a matrix of 17 education and access programs that already reach 86,000 children, students and adults across 13 counties in West Michigan.
Music is supposed to be for everyone, and that includes music presented by symphony orchestras, according to Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger.
“Sometime people feel they don’t belong,” Lehninger said. “But I have a passion and a mission to reach the hearts and souls of everyone in this community. We’re trying to show them that, yes, they do belong.Hopefully, they’ll understand that it’s their orchestra, too.”
Marcelo Lehninger, GRS Music Director
The Wege Foundation’s total package of $1.1 million over four years will nurture the Grand Rapids Symphony by weaving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives into all of the orchestra’s activities.
“A symphony orchestra in the 21st century has become a service organization,” Lehninger said. “We’rehere not only to entertain our audience but also to serve our community.
Thanks to the Wege Foundation, the Grand Rapids Symphony will expand opportunities for more people to engage with orchestral music.
“The Wege Foundation is pleased to support the Symphony in enhancing the diversity of itsprogramming, musicians and staff, as well as the inclusivity of its outreach,” said Wege Foundation President Mark Van Putten. “By transforming itself the Symphony can help transform West Michiganin enduring ways that reach beyond the performing arts.”
President Peter M. Perez called the Wege Foundation grant “truly transformational.”
“In the past, a symphony orchestra’s goal was to perform great works of classical music. Today, theGrand Rapids Symphony aspires, not just to play music for the community, but to make music together with its community,” Perez said. “Truly serving our entire community means we have to genuinely and faithfully be a reflection of everyone in the community.”
Grand Rapids Symphony’s Mosaic Scholar program
Past successes in collaborating with community partners include the Grand Rapids Symphony’sSymphony with Soul concert, launched in 2002, and Celebration of Soul dinner and awards ceremony, which has fostered connections between the orchestra and West Michigan’s African-American community for more than a dozen years.
Though the Grand Rapids Symphony touches the lives of 200,000 attendees per year, many more in West Michigan have never experienced great orchestral music performed live.
“The Grand Rapids Symphony is a community resource that provides a venue for all community members to enjoy the art of the symphony and to come together as a community to do so. This grant willprovide the resources to make it happen,” said Paul Doyle, founder and CEO of Inclusive Performance Strategies, which develops and implements progressive organizational transformation.
Three years ago, the Grand Rapids Symphony launched Symphony Scorecard to open its concert hall doors to a wider audience by providing free tickets to those with financial challenges or economic barriers. Since 2015, the program launched with funding from the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation has supplied more than 8,000 free tickets to members of the community who receive financial assistance from the state or to the families of men and women serving in the U.S. Military on active, reserve or guard duty.
Grand Rapids Symphony Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
Opening doors and extending an invitation can be life changing, said Doyle, who grew up in Brooklyn and was introduced to classical music by his grandmother, who originally was from Trinidad. Doyle was in third grade when he attended his first concert in New York City’s Carnegie Hall, where the Grand Rapids Symphony recently performed. Doyle later played French horn through high school.
“Our community in Grand Rapids is growing. It’s exploding. But how do we make sure that everyone feels a part of it?” Doyle said. “We know the ‘why.’ This is working on the ‘how.’
Thanks to the Wege grant, the symphony’s next steps will be to take the orchestra out of the concert hall and into the neighborhood with a series of concerts and engagement events both large and small that foster authentic artistic and cultural expression by diverse communities within the larger community.
Community concerts begin in July with a free, outdoor concert in John Ball Park. Associate conductor John Varineau will lead a program of light classical music, featuring local special guests, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 in the park on the West Side of downtown Grand Rapids adjacent to John Ball Zoo. Future concerts will be held in familiar venues in other neighborhoods in the city.
Planning is underway to develop a series of neighborhood events that later will merge into a centralized major event, similar to Grand Rapids Symphony’s wildly successful LiveArts, which drew more than 7,000 people to the Van Andel Arena in 2015 for an evening of multicultural, multi-genre entertainment.
But the Wege grant also will transform the orchestra from within through new positions in the organization. Funds will establish:
A Community Engagement position on staff to develop, manage and coordinate all Grand RapidsSymphony activities to serve an audience that’s growing more diverse every day.
A Musician Fellow who will perform with the Grand Rapids Symphony. During the two-year fellowship, the musician will be mentored by GRS musicians and gain practical experience toward launching a career as a professional musician.
The Wege Grant also will fund the expansion of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s successful Mosaic Scholarship program, a mentoring program for African-American and Latino music students, created with funding by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Teens ages 13 to 18 are provided with musical instruments and private lessons with GRS musicians along with opportunities to perform and to attend concerts. A new component, Mosaic Music Majors, will collaborate with music students of color in local universities and colleges to mentor, advise and develop the skills and talents of musicians of color seeking to become professional musicians.
Over the next four years, the Wege grant will be a game changer for the Grand Rapids Symphony, according to Associate Conductor John Varineau, who just completed his 33rd season on staff with the Grand Rapids Symphony.
“It’s going to change the way we ‘do business’ and the way we approach all of our already outstandingartistic products. Without compromising our lofty artistic vision, and without sacrificing our dedication to the best in our symphonic heritage, I am confident that, with the help of the Wege Foundation, the GrandRapids Symphony is going to look and sound differently,” Varineau said. “In just a few short years, howand what we present will be even more representative of the entire Grand Rapids community so thateveryone will be able to truthfully call us ‘our Grand Rapids Symphony.’”
The challenge is to create and sustain intentional relationship building so that the wider community notonly participates in Grand Rapids Symphony’s activities, it also sees that it plays a role in supporting and providing for the orchestra.
“The key to this work is continuous commitment and effort. It’s about progressive improvement, not postponed perfection,” Doyle said. “I think we have the opportunity to create a best-practice model. For Grand Rapids to be on the front end of enhancing quality of life and community, I think is very cool.”
In the end, the goal is to have an orchestra in Grand Rapids that’s of the community, by the communityand for the community.
“The Grand Rapids Symphony is your symphony, and it’s my symphony,” Perez said. “And by workingtogether, we can make it our symphony.”
No matter how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) may alter your tax planning, we’d like to believe one thing will remain the same: With or without a tax write-off, many Americans will still want to give generously to the charities of their choice. After all, financial incentives aren’t usually your main motivation for giving. We give to support the causes we cherish. We give because we’re grateful for the good fortune we’ve enjoyed. We give because it elevates us too. Good giving feels great – for donor and recipient alike.
That said, a tax break can feel good too, and it may help you give more than you otherwise could. Enter the donor-advised fund (DAF) as a potential tool for continuing to give meaningfully and tax-efficiently under the new tax law.
What’s Changed About Charitable Giving?
To be clear, the TCJA has not eliminated the charitable deduction. You can still take it when you itemize your deductions. But the law has limited or eliminated several other itemized deductions, and it’s roughly doubled the standard deduction (now $12,000 for single and $24,000 for joint filers). With these changes, there will be far fewer times it will make sense to itemize your deductions instead of just taking the now-higher standard allowance.
This introduces a new incentive to consider batching up your deductible expenses, so they can periodically “count” toward reducing your taxes due – at least in the years you’ve got enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction.
For example, if you usually donate $2,500 annually to charity, you could instead donate $25,000 once each decade. Combined with other deductibles, you might then be able to take a nice tax write-off that year, which may generate (or be generated by) other tax-planning possibilities.
What Can a DAF Do for You?
DAFs are not new; they’ve been around since the 1930s. But they’ve been garnering more attention as a potentially appropriate tax-planning tool under the TCJA. Here’s how they work:
Make a sizeable donation to a DAF. Donating to a DAF, which acts like a “charitable bank,” is one way to batch up your deductions for tax-wise giving. But remember: DAF contributions are irrevocable. You cannot change your mind and later reclaim the funds.
Deduct the full amount in the year you fund the DAF. DAFs are established by nonprofit sponsoring organizations, so your entire contribution is available for the maximum allowable deduction in the year you make it. Plus, once you’ve funded a DAF, the sponsor typically invests the assets, and any returns they earn are tax-free. This can give your initial donation more giving-power over time.
Participate in granting DAF assets to your charities of choice. Over time, and as the name “donor-advised fund” suggests, you get to advise the DAF’s sponsoring organization on when to grant assets, and where those grants will go.
Thus, donating through a DAF may be preferred if you want to make a relatively sizeable donation for tax-planning or other purposes; you’d like to retain a say over what happens next to those assets; and you’re not yet ready to allocate all the money to your favorite causes.
Another common reason people turn to a DAF is to donate appreciated stocks in kind (without selling them first), when your intended recipients can only accept cash/liquid donations. The American Endowment Foundation offers this 2015 “Donor Advised Fund Summary for Donors,” with additional reasons a DAF may appeal — with or without its newest potential tax benefits.
Beyond DAFs
A DAF isn’t for everyone. Along the spectrum of charitable giving choices, they’re relatively easy and affordable to establish, while still offering some of the benefits of a planned giving vehicle. As such, they fall somewhere between simply writing a check, versus taking on the time, costs and complexities of a charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, or private foundation.
That said, planned giving vehicles offer several important features that go beyond what a DAF can do for a family who is interested in establishing a lasting legacy. They also go beyond the scope of this paper, but we are happy to discuss them with you directly at any time.
How Do You Differentiate DAFs?
If you decide a DAF would be useful to your cause, the next step is to select an organization to sponsor your contribution. Sponsors typically fall into three types:
Public charities established by financial providers, like Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard
Independent national organizations, like the American Endowment Foundation and National Philanthropic Trust
“Single issue” entities, like religious, educational or emergency aid organizations
Within and among these categories, DAFs are not entirely interchangeable. Whether you’re being guided by a professional advisor or you’re managing the selection process on your own, it’s worth doing some due diligence before you fund a DAF. Here are some key considerations:
Minimums — Different DAFs have different minimums for opening an account. For example, one sponsor may require $5,000 to get started, while another may have a higher threshold.
Fees — As with any investment account, expect administration fees. Just make sure they’re fair and transparent, so they don’t eat up all the benefits of having a DAF to begin with.
Acceptable Assets — Most DAFs will let you donate cash as well as stocks. Some may also accept other types of assets, such as real estate, private equity or insurance.
Grant-Giving Policies — Some grant-giving policies are more flexible than others. For example, single-entity organizations may require that a percentage of your grants go to their cause, or only to local or certain kinds of causes. Some may be more specific than others on the minimum size and/or maximum frequency of your grant requests. Some have simplified the grant-making process through online automation; others have not.
Investment Policies — As touched on above, your DAF assets are typically invested in the market, so they can grow tax-free over time. But some investments are far more advisable than others for building long-term giving power! How much say will you have on investment selections? If you’re already working with a wealth advisor, it can make good sense to choose a DAF that lets your advisor manage these account assets in a prudent, fiduciary manner, according to an evidence-based investment strategy. (Note: Higher minimums may apply.)
Transfer and Liquidation Policies — What happens to your DAF account when you die? Some sponsors allow you to name successors if you’d like to continue the account in perpetuity. Some allow you to name charitable organizations as beneficiaries. Some have a formula for distributing assets to past grant recipients. Some will roll the assets into their own endowment. (Most will at least do this as a last resort if there are no successors or past grant recipients.) Also, what if you decide you’d like to transfer your DAF to a different sponsoring organization during your lifetime? Find out if the organization you have in mind permits it.
Deciding on Your Definitive DAF
Selecting an ideal DAF sponsor for your tax planning and charitable intent usually involves a process of elimination. To narrow the field, decide which DAF features matter the most to you, and which ones may be deal breakers.
If you’re working with a wealth advisor such as Grand Wealth Management, we hope you’ll lean on us to help you make a final selection, and meld it into your greater personal and financial goals. As Wharton Professor and “Give and Take” author Adam Grant has observed, “The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” That’s one reason we’re here: to help you successfully incorporate the things that last into your lasting, charitably minded lifestyle.
By Maria Millett, Michigan State University Extension
Navigating through teenage years presents many personal challenges as youth are striving for peer-acceptance. Today’s youth also face the hardship of bullying, particularly youth who are in the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning sexual identities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a nationwide study on middle and high school students found that lesbian, gay and bisexual youth were more than two times as likely to have attempted suicide when compared to heterosexual students.
There are many ways to support LGBTQ youth to reduce the risks of discrimination, bullying, substance use and suicide. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides resources and strategies for foster families, which can be applied in any home. The following are just a few suggestions that can be implemented right away:
Respond in an affirming and supportive way
Respect your youth’s privacy
Welcome your youth’s friends or partner to family gatherings
Connect the youth to community supports and events
Stand up for your youth when they are mistreated
It can be challenging to support youth in ways that we might not identify with personally. However, the Family Process Journal shares positive outcomes parents experience when supporting their child who identifies as LGBTQ. This research reports on five positive themes:
Personal growth
Positive emotions
Activism
Social connection
Closer relationships
Though it may stretch us out of our comfort zone, supporting our youth can be a win/win for all involved. Know your community resources, utilize positive mentors and listen to your child with love. As you support your child, you may find you need support too. Michigan State University Extension offers workshops on healthy relationships and other social-emotional health programming. Be sure to explore the MSU Extension Bullying Prevention Programs in your area to strengthen you and your family.
It is hard to find anything close to reliable numbers as to how many Grand Rapids area persons of the Muslim faith will be celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just after sunset on Thursday.
But after being invited into, and sitting quietly through, a mid-day Ramadan prayer and service June 8 at Kentwood’s At-Tawheed Islamic Center and masjid (mosque), with an estimated 500 male and 200 female worshipers of all ages, the community’s quiet local presence is undeniable.
Further consider that the Kentwood masjid also hosted evening daily Ramadan prayers with as many and often more worshipers, and consider At-Tawheed is only one of at least five Muslim religious centers in the Greater Grand Rapids area serving congregations representing dozens of national and ethnic backgrounds ranging from Egyptian to Kashmirian to Bosnian to Somalian.
All Muslims, however, recognize Ramadan; it is, after all, a commandment of God.
Imam Morsy Salem of Masjid At-Tawheed Islamic Center. (Photo courtesy GVSU University Libraries.)
“During the days of Ramadan, from sunrise until sunset time, it is not allowed for them to eat or drink or have relations with their spouses,” Imam Morsy Salem, of the At-Tawheed Islamic Center, said to WKTV. “Our intention is to ask ourselves ‘Are we really willing to get closer to God?’ When we do fast, it is because it is good for our souls.”
Imam Morsy is of Egyptian origin but he proudly says his congregation has more the 35 national and ethnic backgrounds — not surprising give the fact that, according to a 2015 study, adherents of the religion of Islam are the world’s second largest religious group with about 1.8 billion followers, making up about 24 percent of the world’s population. And the followers spread around the world, with the largest Muslim country not being in the Middle East, as many think, but being Indonesia.
The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect religious background data, but looking at the numbers available, the latest Census estimates place the greater Grand Rapids total population at just under 1 million, while a recent study by a group called Muslims for American Progress estimates that 1 percent of the population of the United States is Muslim and about 2.75 percent of Michigan’s population is Muslim. Two other studies place the West Michigan Muslim population at about 1.5 percent, or about 8,000-to-9,000.
Local events planned for end of Ramadan
Whatever the actual local community numbers, a Ramadan prayer event planned at East Kentwood High School’s gym on Friday is expected to draw as many as 5,000 worshipers, according to event organizers.
Then, in the evening, local muslim communities will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, which, depending on who you ask, translates from Arabic as “the breaking of the fast” or “the feast of the breaking of the fast.” The celebrations will be family and community gatherings, some modest and some more grand.
This year, Ramadan began on or around May 16, with its ending, Eid-ul-Fitr, falling on or around June 15. (The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar cycle, so dates are subject to the sighting of the moon and change slightly each year.)
The East Kentwood gathering, and other Muslim community events, will be part of a celebration as Ramadan draws to a close after a month of fasting during the long days, light meals after sunset, and daily religious personal introspection and formal Islamic instruction focused on readings from The Qur’an Islamic holy book as well as imam instruction.
Islam and The Qur’an
Ramadan, in short, is a way for Muslims to become closer to God — which they call “Allah” but which is the same God as in Jewish and Christian beliefs. Muslims accept the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospels as the word of God, but believe that they are incomplete without The Qur’an. They also believe that Islamic prophet Mohammad is the final in a series of God’s prophets which include Adam, David and Jesus Christ — “Peace be upon them,” Muslims will often recite when mentioning their names.
And Ramadan is one of the most unique aspects of Islam.
Dr. Sahibzada (supplied)
“The purpose (of Ramadan) is because a person becomes more righteous, truthful and mindful of God,” Dr. Sahibzada, the director of the Islamic Center of West Michigan and Imam of the center’s masjid, said to WKTV. “When we are fasting, were are listening to the commandment of God — spiritually, materially, bodily, perception. Everything is attached to God. … We have to be close to God. We have to submit to the will of God.”
Dr. Sahibzada, who arrived in Grand Rapids in 2001 — just months before the September 2001 attacks on American — is of Kashmirian background (Kashmir being a region north of India divided and governed by India, Pakistan and China), but he points out that being the first Islamic center in West Michigan, dating from 1985, his congregation has varied over the years as new Muslim communities arrive and, sometimes, form their own masjids.
In addition to the Islamic Center of West Michigan on Burton Street and the At-Tawheed Islamic Center on East Paris Avenue, Dr. Sahibzada pointed out that there is also a Bosnian Cultural Center on Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids, another Bosnian Muslim community center in Kentwood, also on East Paris and not far from At-Tawheed, and a Somalian Muslim center on Eastern Avenue.
Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammad on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the “Five Pillars of Islam”.
Who fasts, who does not
While all devout adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan — which in Grand Rapids is almost 16 hours this year. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breast-feeding are not required to fast. Also, those who are “on journey” — on travel or at taxing daytime work — during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast until they have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
“Fasting is only for those who are healthy,” Dr. Sahibzada said. “Those who can afford it, those who can do it. Even if you are healthy, if you can do it, but you are on a journey, you are allowed to not fast. God is merciful.”
Fasting means more than simply food, beverage and smoking, Muslims also refrain from sexual relations as well as “sinful speech and behavior”.
During Ramadan, many Muslims pray every night, ofter reciting or being read different chapters each day until The The Qur’an is completed.
Retiring Superintendent Thomas Reeder spent his career devoted to Wyoming students like these in Maddy Cook’s second-grade class at Gladiola Elementary
Superintendent Thomas Reeder knows how to direct students toward success: remove barriers. He has taken it upon himself to clear pathways, whether it be to get a student to college or teach them to read.
“I’ve tried to implement things to give every kid a shot,” he said. “I feel this huge desire to give back to the community to remove barriers, whatever those are,” said Reeder, who retires June 30 after nine years at the helm of the district.
Superintendent Thomas Reeder hugs goodbye to Yamilet Valentin Poblano, left, and Princess Huff El, saying, ‘I’m going to miss all you guys!’
“When I speak about removing barriers, it is about challenging and ensuring equity and inclusion for all students and families,” he said.
From removing pay-to-play fees for athletics to starting the Wyoming Middle College dual enrollment program so students can earn a tuition-free associate’s degree in high school, Reeder has kept his eye on giving students opportunities they need to thrive. He was instrumental in a region-wide effort to boost reading proficiency and was the grant-writer who made a city-wide after-school program possible.
“Everything in Wyoming for me feels so personal,” said Reeder, from his office in the Wyoming Public Schools Administration Building, just a a street away from the house where he grew up. “I can’t imagine doing anything other than coming here. Our kids are so good…I will miss it tremendously and when good things happen I will watch from the sidelines and cheer.”
Current Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Services Craig Hoekstra will replace Reeder as superintendent July 1. “You have your time and your window. For me, my window has come to an end,” Reeder said. “New leadership, able to to take us to a better place than I could, is necessary. I think Craig will do a wonderful job and has the skill set to do that.”
Superintendent Thomas Reeder passes out a basket of 2-D shapes and shows Yalin Palomino, left, and Christian Pablo-Gomez how to fold them to make a 3-D shape.
Coming Together
Reeder led the district through a time of change, including difficult financial years when he and the Board of Education made tough – though ultimately successful – decisions. He led the consolidation of schools, including:
merging Wyoming Rogers and Wyoming Park high schools into Wyoming High School
consolidating seven elementary schools into four, and two junior highs into one.
adding Wyoming Intermediate School, a fifth- and sixth-grade building, at the former Jackson Park Junior High
adding early-education centers at two of the former elementary schools
closing two alternative education high schools
Blending the maroon of Wyoming Rogers’ colors and the blue of Wyoming Park’s colors, Reeder helped create a unifying mascot, the purple Wyoming Wolves. And he worked tirelessly to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population of students.
Reeder spent 27 years as a Wyoming educator. He graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1981 and received his bachelor’s degree at Aquinas College, his master’s at Grand Valley State University and his doctorate at Eastern Michigan University. After starting his career as a math teacher in Mason County Central Schools, he returned to Wyoming for a job as a math consultant in 1991. He went on to become the director of instruction and then assistant superintendent in 2002 until he became superintendent in 2009.
“I have wonderful memories of this community. I didn’t see a reason to ever work anywhere else,” he said. “I enjoy the people I work with; they are wonderful, dedicated staff. I love the community. I love the people.”
Board of Education Trustee Mary Vandewater said Reeder’s heart has always been in Wyoming.
“I’m sure everyone will tell you that Dr. Reeder will be known for being the one to combine our high schools, uniting our community. They will also say he’s the one who finally found a way to pass our bond. He’s a genius in math. He’s incredibly frugal and incredibly generous. I’ve worked with Tom for 17 years. (I knew him before his mustache turned gray). The first thing that impressed me about Tom was his deep love of his family. You can see it in his eyes whenever he talks about them. He also has great love and compassion for the children in our district and the struggles they face,” said Board of Education Secretary Mary Vandewater.
“Through the years I’ve known him to make decisions by asking, ‘What will this do for the kids?’ We could count on Tom to be completely honest and to always do the ‘right thing’ Even when it’s not the popular thing to do. I hope he enjoys retirement and all the great things it will bring, but I’ll miss him.”
Ready to Build
One of Reeder’s major goals was to put the district on solid financial footing. While his tenure included several years of budget-cutting, he is optimistic that Wyoming has weathered the storm. “Now we can start building again instead of surviving and reacting,” he said.
With the successful passage of a $79.7 million bond issue last November, following two failed proposals in 2013, Reeder is ready to watch the district transform through investment. Administrators are designing a major renovation of Wyoming High School, with ground-breaking in spring of 2019. District-wide renovations will continue through 2024-2025.
“I feel very blessed that the community supported the bond, the county millage, and the sinking fund. Those three (sources) put us in excellent shape moving forward to take older facilities and do some really good things for our students and staff.”
Superintendent Tom Reeder shows students what a rectangular prism looks like
Reeder considered the 4,200 students who now call themselves Wolves and reflected on the united district. Not only did consolidating schools allow for the addition and growth of programs like FIRST Robotics, Science Olympiad and many clubs, it brought together a family of students and staff, he said. The district enrolls a diverse population of students, representing many countries and languages.
“Our students embrace each other well enough that they are excellent role models for adults,” he said. “They don’t need all those other barriers that adults put in like religion and race and economic status.”
He’s seen the district’s demographics shift over the years and face the reality of a changing economy for blue-collar workers. In 1991, 8 percent of students qualified for free and reduced priced lunches, compared to more than 80 percent today. The number of English-language learners has increased from 25 to about 1,000.
But he always believed in embracing needed change, and said his staff always put children and families first. “I have seen staff, no matter their positions, step in to help parents and kids who have challenges at home, to assure our kids have the best chance they can get.”
Superintendent Thomas Reeder has a bag full of shapes for students to guess — Kaleah Lacy guesses hers is a cone, and it was!
Oriole Park Principal Jennifer Slanger said she has seen Reeder’s love for Wyoming families many times. “Dr. Reeder is one of the most passionate leaders I know. In the 15 years I have worked with him, he continually puts our students first and advocates for what is best for them. He has led out district through challenging situations and, it’s my opinion, we are better for the challenges we encounter,” she said.
“A few examples that come to mind,” Slanger continued: “the consolidation of our high schools; handling the untimely death of students; and persevering through failed bond attempts. All of these situations have worked to bring our district together; that would not be possible without his support and guidance. He is a man that genuinely cares for the staff, students, and families of Wyoming.
Pathways to Success
Despite closing buildings, Reeder created new opportunities to help shape the lives of students after high school. The Wyoming Middle College allows students to receive associate’s degrees by taking GRCC courses beginning in 10th grade, with a fifth year as a high school student on the GRCC campus. Some students double the courses up with Advanced Placement classes. “We’ve had kids who have left our school with 70 some credits and they have no bill,” he said.
One of the final programs he’s launching is a certification program for commercial construction and manufacturing/welding with GRCC to potentially start next winter at the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC Center.
Reeder has also worked to remove the barrier of low-reading proficiency in all of West Michigan. He was instrumental in the development of Reading Now Network, a collaborative effort in 20 counties to implement best literacy practices across West Michigan. The goal is to boost proficiency to a minimum of 80 percent of third graders through shared data and knowledge. “Certain things in school we should never compete about. We can raise the bar for every kid,” he said.
He also wrote the 21st Century grant application 15 years ago to secure funding for the after-school program TEAM 21, meeting the educational and recreational needs for hundreds of students each school year.
Reeder goes over his “math talk” about shapes with, from left at table, Oliver Hernandez-Ceja, Isis Fitzgerald and Clay Fischer.
Reeder plans to spend more time with his wife, Maggie Reeder, a retired Byron Center High School teacher, his four children and eight grandchildren, plus focus a little on some other goals. “I want to lose 50 pounds, read 50 books and do 50 things for my community,” he said. He said he has heard many “thank you’s” since announcing his retirement. “No one owes me a thank you, it is I who owes all of them thank you’s…for helping me, supporting me, and challenging me in developing our children to become their very best, academically and so much more.”
While he’s leaving the main office, one can guess Reeder will remain a Wolf on many levels.
“You can not think of Dr. Reeder without the word ‘passion’ attached. The district and our families within are his heartbeat,” said Board of Education Treasurer Lisa Manley, commenting that he approached changes, successes and defeats with passion and compassion. “He lived here; he went to school here; he taught here; he led here. No matter the sacrifice, there was always dedication, loyalty and endless hours of behind-the-scenes work. When I think of Wyoming, I think of Tom Reeder.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest June 11 at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions — which Rep. Huizenga, in the start of a reelection campaign season, faced during his visit.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The meeting for July will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
David Alicea knows firsthand the peaks and valleys of life. Homeless on the streets of New York at age 10, he bounced between several foster families before being taken in by a young couple who gave him his stability. They eventually took him back to their native Puerto Rico, where the hardscrabble kid learned discipline and the love of the church.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In mid-March 2016, Dr. Jen received an email from Sara at the Humane Society of West Michigan asking if Dr. Jen could take in a shelter transfer from Allegan County that tested double positive—meaning he had both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses. If that wasn’t enough, this fine fella (born in March of 2012) came to them sporting a nasty open wound on his left elbow that needed to be surgically repaired, was intact, teeming with fleas and greasy and grimy due to hormonally induced stud-tail.
When Dr. Jen got him two days later, he had been neutered and sutured but was still inhabited by those pesky buggers, needed a bath in a big way and would greatly benefit from a dental cleaning. No worries though, as suds and soaking spiffed him up nicely and his pearly whites were sparkling in no time! Although timid and shy, this guy proved to be quite sweet, just a bit out of his element—totally understandable considering the whirlwind events of the days prior to his arrival.
Dr. Jen and Tully embarked on a quiet friendship that involved reassuring head rubs and soothing praises while she encouraged him to spoil himself a little with the smorgasbord provided; we know the way to one’s heart is often through the tummy! This reserved, reticent boy had to be enticed to partake in the finer things in life, something that continued once he made his way down to our sanctuary.
Given his tendency towards reclusiveness and preference of the shadows versus the spotlight, our attentive volunteers make sure they calmly draw Tully out, literally and figuratively, each and every time they are in his presence, so that he realizes he is now safe and out of harm’s way. Considering how docile and demure he is, there is no doubt that he was not the aggressor, but rather the victim, when he was out and about on his own for who knows how long; this saddens us to no end. He is such a modest, non-threatening, tranquil creature that Dr. Jen chose his Irish name as it means ‘calmness’ and ‘peacefulness’.
Slowly but surely, under the gentle guidance of his devoted caretakers, Tully is coming out of his shell, poking his head out for those pets that he craves but doesn’t always ask for. That is OK because we are great at reading non-verbal cues and have no problem going to him and slathering him with affection! In time we have no doubt that this sweet boy’s true colors and inner strength will shine through, and he will fully grasp what that he is a fabulous force to be reckoned with.
More about Tully:
Large
Domestic Short Hair
Adult
Male
Black & White/Tuxedo
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Not declawed
Want to adopt Tully? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is the now retired Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief, as well as a candidate for a local state house seat.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is James Carmody. After an award-winning career spanning more than four decades, Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief Carmody retired a few weeks ago. Before he did so, WKTV’s Joanne Bailey-Boorsma walked with “The Chief” as he talked about his career and the Wyoming department he led.
Also on the episode, In Focus is Jennifer Antel, currently a Wayland City Councilor who is running in the Republican primary for the 72nd District state representative seat currently held by fellow Republican Steven Johnson. The 72nd district includes parts of Allegan and Kent counties, including the city of Kentwood.
The entire episode of “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.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, June 12, and will again air on Thursday, June 14, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of June 4. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Upon opening this book, I expected to find the typical chapters challenging the reader to identify personal shortcomings when it comes to diet, how to foster changes in behavior, and a slew of recipes containing specialty ingredients that are impossible to find in most grocery stores. There are a few recipes and the occasional multiple-choice test, but somehow it seemed to be less abrasive than other books I’ve read that promote this type of self-improvement.
What I actually found was a fairly practical approach to achieving balance in daily life. According to this book, like others of its kind, if you change your lifestyle good things will happen. While this is pretty much common sense, Dr. Cooper offers suggestions and explanations for changes that take the reader into consideration with his overall theme appearing to be based upon reaching a balanced state in daily life. He makes several recommendations in each chapter which are centered on research and practicality with an emphasis on improving the reader’s overall outlook and attitude toward life.
Instead of feeling like a failure before I began, High Energy Living offered me enough incentive to actually read beyond the first chapter and consider taking some of the recommendations to heart. I also had most of the ingredients for the recipes already in my cupboard… including those found in the recipe for Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Biscotti.
By Theresa Silm, Michigan State University Extension
Many families are looking to maximize their budget by cutting out the week-long get-a-way vacations during the summer, but still want to enjoy family time together and offer their children opportunities to learn and see new things. County fairs can offer one perfect solution for families all over the state.
From the first fair starting at the end of June to the last fair of the season in late September, there is probably at least one county fair within an hour drive of your home and each one offers lots to see and do. If you have more time and are willing to travel a little more, you can tour your area of the state and visit several fairs.
Local county fairs provide 4-H and FFA members with opportunities to show their cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, dogs, llamas, small animals, rabbits, chickens and cats, demonstrating what they have learned. Visitors have a chance to see animals they may not have seen before. The youth exhibitors like to talk about their animals, so take a minute and ask them what kind or breed the animal is, what it eats or how they take care of it. Sometimes the exhibitor might offer to let you touch their animal, but it is a good idea never to touch or pet the animals without the owner’s permission and their help.
Some fairs have petting tents or baby animal tents specifically designed for visitors to see and touch the animals, so that might be another option. Remember to be sure everyone washes their hands well after touching any animals. To make it easy, just stick a small container of hand sanitizer in your pocket and take it along when you go.
Walking around the fair is a great way to get a little extra exercise into your family’s day and provides lots of conversation starters for all ages. Check out the flower and vegetable displays and see what new types you can find. Ask children to look for something that they haven’t seen before or something they could plant in your family garden next year. Looking at all the exhibits is a good time for you to talk about skills your child might like to learn and to find out how to get involved in a 4-H club near you. You could even give each child a paper with the alphabet written down the left side of the paper and have them find something at the Fair that starts with each letter.
Of course, there are a lot of other things to see and do at a county fair, this is just a start, so check out the one closest to you. Find a list of Michigan fairs and let the fun and learning begin!
ByPaige Filice, and Tara Eavy, Michigan State University Extension
Some of the most memorable moments in the classroom are the ones shared with the class hamster, fish, gecko or other animal. Pets enrich classroom learning by teaching responsibility and sensitivity towards living things. A student exposed to animals in the classroom may have higher self-esteem, nurturing skills, social skills and interest in attending class. Integrating animals into the curriculum also encourages a greater appreciation for the complexity of life. Use of live animals helps students develop observation and comparison skills as they study the shared and unique traits of specific organisms.
Classroom pets enable educators to teach responsibility towards not only living creatures, but also their habitats and Michigan’s ecosystems. To demonstrate that responsible behavior, teachers should take steps to prevent the release of classroom fish, plants or other animals into the wild. As the National Science Teachers Association recommends, teachers should “refrain from releasing animals into a non-indigenous environment.” Many non-native plants and animals are used in the classroom, and some can become invasive in the wild. Once introduced, they can disrupt the food chain and out-compete native species for food and habitat. Even those that are ill-equipped to survive our Michigan winters can cause harm while alive, and can introduce disease to our native flora and fauna.
Some of Michigan’s notorious invaders, such as rusty and red swamp crayfish, have been kept as learning aids in classrooms. Crayfish are fun to watch and are easy to feed and care for, making them ideal additions to an aquarium. They play an important role in aquatic food chains as scavengers, cleaning up dead plants and animals for their food. However, both red swamp and rusty crayfish are now illegal to possess in Michigan and unfortunately are difficult to identify when young and can be accidentally sold by biological supply companies and pet stores by mistake to teachers. These crayfish compete aggressively with native species for food and habitat and can even reduce shoreline habitat and decrease water quality due to their aggressive burrowing. Both species have been found in the wild in Michigan and were likely introduced from an aquarium that was released into a river or stream.
Therefore, as we come to the end of the school year, it is important to be aware of alternatives to releasing classroom animals and plants into the wild. Even native species of crayfish, fish and birds that are caught in the wild and brought into the classroom for learning, should never be re-released into the wild because of their potential as vectors for disease. Investigate loaning or giving them to dedicated hobbyists, environmental learning centers, aquariums or zoos. Unwanted fish, plants and animals can often be returned to local, independent retailers, but be sure to inquire before arriving with a bucket full of fish! If unable to find a home for your classroom pets, contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal.
Michigan’s invasive species education initiative, RIPPLE (Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes) was developed by Michigan State University Extension and adopted by the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development. Through RIPPLE, educators can request free materials on invasive species that can be used in the classroom. More information about invasive species, regulations and prevention can be found on the State of Michigan invasive species website.
If you know the work of Japanese artist Masayuki Koorida exclusively from the polished, yet unfinished, stones of “Existence”, located in the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park’s Japanese Garden, you are in for a surprise.
Masayuki Koorida. (Supplied/courtesy of the artist)
WKTV had the opportunity to meet with Joseph Antenucci Becherer, vice president and chief curator, to discuss the latest exhibition at the garden’s indoor exhibitions space, Koorida’s “Beyond Existence”, which was unveiled late last month.
Becherer said that the new exhibit is really focused not only on the artist but on the audience’s interaction with the exhibit.
“What makes this exhibit unique we really tried to keep the text and information we share with the audience to a minimum,” he said. “So that the people have a greater opportunity to experience, whether the piece is in marble or granite or stainless steel or the drawings, just to take in the work, to understand the shape and understand the form.”
The idea behind this was to give the visitors a fully immersive experience; delving deep into what Koorida is truly about by first viewing the indoor exhibition then making their way outside and contemplating “existence” while viewing his permanent piece in the Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden.
Following last year’s exhibition of the works of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, and asked if it was a conscious decision to present diversity in modern Asian art and artists, Becherer said that the conscious decision on the Garden’s part was to “take the opportunity to host a sculptor who has a work in the permanent collection” and feature them with their own exhibition.
Koorida is relatively new to the American art scene; Becherer said the Gardens was first made aware of his artwork between 2010 and 2011. So it has been “a long journey” with the artist for the Gardens. Interestingly, though, he said he did not first notice Koorida’s work in his native country of Japan.
“Ironically having been born in Japan, and working in China today, we actually first saw his work in Germany,” Becherer said. “So there was a global path of what he is doing.”
His global path has now led Koorida to being prominently featured in one of his first major solo exhibitions here in the United States.
Masayuki Koorida’s “Alteration”. (Supplied/courtesy of the artist)
Although Koorida is relatively unknown to American art enthusiasts, Becherer believes that the “caliber of the work, the quality of the thought and the diversity of materials (used in his artwork) will really draw the attention of the visitors of Meijer Gardens.”
Sculptors physical requirements are much higher than most other art forms. They need a lot of space and adequate material which contributes to Koorida’s main base of operations now being in Shanghai, China, which, according to supplied material, is very close to some of that country’s stone quarries.
Becherer went on to explain the importance to sculptural artists of proximity to quarries is historic, even going so far as to mention the great Michelangelo in the same conversation and point out similar tendencies when he moved to Italy to be close to the stone quarries.
Koorida is also often inspired by nature and its simplicity. Having both his indoor exhibition and outdoor displays to witness allows guests to really contemplate both, as well as simply to contemplate “existence”.
The exhibit runs through August 19, for more information visit here. And see more of the interview with Becherer on the next WKTV Journal newscast on cable television and YouTube.
Capt. Jim Maguffee (right) with newly appointed Fire Chief Brian Bennett (left)
The City of Wyoming has promoted Lt. James Maguffee to administrative captain in police services. He takes over the position that was vacated by Chief Kim Koster upon her recent promotion. In this role, Maguffee will oversee the department’s administrative processes such as those related to accreditation, annual reporting, internal affairs, public information and grant funding.
Maguffee began his career with the Flint Police Department where he served for seven years before joining the Wyoming Department of Public Safety in January of 1998.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2005 and specialized in patrol operations, investigations and community services. He served as a member of the department’s motorcycle unit and is the current leader of the department’s Honor Guard. In 2012, Maguffee earned a promotion to lieutenant where he worked as a patrol commander, oversaw the department’s community policing efforts, and was eventually assigned as the investigative division commander.
“For the past three-and-a-half years, Jim’s leadership of the Investigative Division has been instrumental in the department’s ability to bring some of our most challenging and intricate cases to a successful conclusion,” Koster said. “I look forward to his contributions to the overall direction of the administration of our Public Safety Department.”
Maguffee is a graduate of Cornerstone University and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff & Command. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor for both the Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University police academy programs.
Recently, the City of Wyoming also promoted Brian Bennett to the position of fire chief. Bennett has been with the city since 2015. Bennett has served in fire services for more than 30 years and received his initial certifications from the Rockford Fire Academy. Bennett plans to continue working on the department’s commitment to customer service through the efficient delivery of emergency meeting services. For more on Bennett, click here.
There were a number of new business openings this month with the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosting several ribbon cutting events.
On June 6, Kellogg Community Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of one of its newest branches in the Metro Village at 2355 Health Dr., Wyoming.
Started in 1941, Kellogg Community Credit Union is headquartered in Battle Creek. It is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in West Michigan. KCCU serves more than 37,000 members in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, and Three Rivers. For more information, visit www.kelloggccu.org.
On June 7, Liberty Mailbox & Shipping marked its grand opening at 4445 Breton Ave. SE., Suite C, Kentwood. Liberty Mailbox & Shipping provides packing, shipping, printing and business services. For more information, visit libertymailboxandshiping.com.
On June 8, Grand River Signs had a grand opening at its new location at 5630 S. Division Ave., Wyoming.
Grand River Signs is a full-service custom-business sign company providing solutions for commercial signs, business signs, vehicle graphics, vehicle wraps, custom signs, indoor signs, window graphics, trade show signs, trade show exhibits, LED digital displays and banners. One of the company’s most recent projects was the signage for the KDL Kelloggsville branch located at the Kelloggsville High School.
Pokey LaFarge will return his sound and songs to the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café stage. (Supplied)
Pokey LaFarge, and the pairing of Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, must have liked taking the stage at Royce Auditorium as both will be returning to town as part of St. Cecilia Music Center’s Folk Series of concerts. Of course, who doesn’t like that stage?
Return engagements by LaFarge and Fleck/Washburn were recently announced at part of St. Cecilia’s 2018-19 season — a season celebrating the 135-year history as the oldest arts organization in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
LaFarge, who last appeared at St. Cecilia in early 2017, is scheduled for Oct. 4. Fleck and Washburn were on the venue’s just completed 2017-18 season schedule, appearing in February, and will return early next year, on Feb. 9, 2019. SCMC previously announced The Lone Bellow was scheduled for Nov. 29.
“Pokey LaFarge charmed our audience … (and) he’ll be returning … to begin his solo tour across the country,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, said in supplied material. “He’s a fabulous musician and totally engaging entertainer.”
And she is just as gushing over the return of Fleck and Washburn.
Banjo royalty and husband and wife duo Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn. (Supplied)
“We are so excited to have Béla and Abigail with us again,” Holbrook said. “Their sold-out concert together this year was one of our finest ever. … We are very lucky to have them together on stage again in 2019 to celebrate our 135th year anniversary.”
St. Louis-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Pokey LaFarge will come back to St. Cecilia for a more intimate, solo performance this time. (He was with his band in 2017.) LaFarge incorporates elements of early jazz, ragtime, country blues, Western swing, with a vivid storytelling sensibility are totally his own. Two of LaFarge’s albums have been named Best Americana Album by the Independent Music Awards.
Fleck and Washburn — not unjustly called “The king and queen of the banjo” — not only entertain with their music but with the often humorous, sometimes heartfelt stories about their lives and relationship.
Fleck is a 15-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the banjo across multiple genres, and Washburn is a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized it by combining it with Far East culture and sounds, according to supplied material. Together, the pair perform pieces from their Grammy-winning self-titled debut as well as their newest record, Echo in the Valley, from 2017.
As previously announced, The Lone Bellow is a Brooklyn-based band, now based out of Nashville, known for their transcendent harmonies, serious musicianship and lively performances.The trio features Zach Williams (guitar/vocals), Kanene Donehey Pipkin (multi-instrumentalist), and Brian Elmquist (guitar).
St. Cecilia’s Royce Auditorium “will be the perfect venue for this great band,” Holbrook said of The Lone Bellow. “Stay tuned for even more folk concerts to be announced as the fall approaches.”
Concert tickets for the Pokey LaFarge solo concert on Oct. 4 are $30 and $35, The Lone Bellow concert on Nov. 29 are $30 and $35, and the Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn concert on Feb. 9 are $50 and $55. They can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.scmc-online.org.
Sparklers may be a favorite for families with kids, but care needs to be used with any fireworks.
By Michigan State Police
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 240 people nationwide go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. Due to these injuries, the Michigan State Police is reminding citizens to take extra safety precautions if your July Fourth celebration includes fireworks.
“Fireworks pose a serious fire and burn hazard because they are unpredictable,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller, Rockford Post. “Even supervised use of legal fireworks can result in devastating injuries.”
If you choose to use fireworks at home, follow these safety precautions:
Read and follow all warnings and instructions included on the packaging.
Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Wear protective clothing, including eyewear.
Only ignite devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.
Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.
Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
The sale and use of consumer fireworks became legal on Jan. 1, 2012, when the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, Public Act 256 of 2011, went into effect. Low impact fireworks and ground-based items, such as sparkers, toy snakes, snaps and poppers remain legal for sale and use.
A list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks and novelties is outlined here.
To learn more about fireworks safety, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act or state-certified fireworks retailers, go to the Bureau of Fire Services website here.
Learning to read words in English is one thing. Understanding phrases like “a friendly sort of darkness” or “amazing photographic memory” is quite another for English-language learners.
But once students begin to comprehend the meaning behind metaphors, poetic phrases or, as freshman Carlos Borregos recently called “bad jokes,” they start to learn the nuances of the language, and in Carlos’ case, have a few chuckles.
He read dialogue in a children’s joke book:
“I can jump higher than a house,” said one character.
“A house can’t jump,” came the punchline.
Carlos stopped to absorb the knee-slapper with an amused Wayne Ondersma, his volunteer tutor. “These are really bad jokes,” Ondersma said.
Kelloggsville teacher Susan Faulk’s high-school English Language Arts for ELL students are benefiting from one-on-one time with tutors who listen to them read books, or from online reading programs. Many have been in the U.S. for from less than a year to up to a few years. Native languages include Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Swahili, among others. Their English abilities are developing.
Along with Ondersma, local church member Marlene Bouwkamp, and Kelloggsville Board of Education member Jane Ward, are volunteer readers, each committed to read with students during Faulk’s third-hour class one morning a week. Their help gives students an academic boost by giving them time to practice important skills, Faulk said.
“Most of my students don’t hear English when they go home,” she said. “Their parents don’t speak English. People in their community don’t speak English… They don’t have a lot of opportunities to one-one-one practice speaking and listening to English.”
Tutors ask questions, discuss meaning and help students with pronunciation to improve fluency, comprehension and conversation skills.
“Sometimes it’s just conversation, and that’s important too. It’s just having the opportunity to practice English with a native speaker,” Faulk said. “Any time a kid can have a positive relationship with an adult, it benefits them.”
Freshman Carlos Borregos laughs at what he calls “bad jokes” with volunteer Wayne Ondersma
Reading Impacts Lives
Ondersma is a pastor at The PIER, a church held inside The DOCK, an after-school program that meets in a building located across the street from Kelloggsville Middle School. He has worked with youth for 35 years and directed programs at The DOCK for nine years. He said he loves the Kelloggsville community, and that reading with Faulk’s students over the past four years has been another way to impact lives.
“It’s really fun because you get to know the kids through reading and learn their life stories,” he said. “Reading leads to life. As they are able to read better, they are able to experience more life and grow. Reading is a great foundation for ELL kids.”
Carolyn Garcia has been reading with Ondersma for the past four years, starting as a limited English speaker who spent seven years of her childhood in Mexico. She plans to to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall for nursing. She and Ondersma have enjoyed reading poems and discussing their meaning.
“She does a really, really good job with that kind of reflection,” Ondersma said. “When we started we struggled with basic communication. Her reading has really improved, but I think, too, her character has changed. She has become stronger… She has great people skills.”
Carolyn said she appreciates having someone to read to and talk with.
“Sometimes I have problems and he tells me to never give up,” she said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Senior Maria Cedillo reads about mermaids with volunteer Wayne Ondersma
Multiple opportunities exist to engage with malting barley research in Michigan in June. Photo by Ashley McFarland
Malting barley research has reached all corners of the state and researchers from the Michigan State University (MSUE) malting barley research program have developed a series of field days to showcase the research and to provide networking opportunities for those engaged with the industry. Three separate events will feature different programs targeting the stakeholders in the respective region. Those interested in malting barley and malt production in Michigan are encouraged to check out one or all three programs!
Luckhardt Field Day | June 19, 6 – 8 pm | Saline, MI Event features a winter barley collaborative project in Southeast Michigan, featuring farmer Ryan Luckhardt, a junior at Saline High School and active FFA member. Other partners include local food system consultant, New Growth Associaties; Fermenta, a women’s craft beverage trade organization; and Michigan State University. The showcased research trial is examining the performance of various winter malting barley varieties and their suitability for the local craft malt and craft beer market. Free dinner and refreshments provided. Event address – 5125 Braun Rd., Saline, MI 48176
MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Field Day | June 20, 8 am – 1 pm | Hickory Corners, MI Event features winter and spring performance and management trials and will include speakers from the seed industry and MSU researcher, Dr. Brook Wilke, who will present on research ventures underway to explore double-cropping options within malting barley production. Guided tours of the research plots will conclude the program. Free lunch provided to registered attendees. Event address – 9702 N 40th St., Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Thumb Field Day | June 25, 5 – 7 pm | Kawkawlin, MI Event features the winter malting barley trial, a performance trial evaluating over 30 varieties at the Don Shelagowski Farm. Speakers will include MSU Crop Educator, Martin Nagelkirk, and will discuss local farming opportunities for the local craft malt and beer industries. Dinner sponsored by Schmidt Farms of Auburn. Event address – 804 Wetters Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631
Registration is live and strongly encouraged for all three events, which are free of charge. Registration for each of the events can be accessed here. For questions about the event or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Sarah Hanks at lovettsa@msu.edu.
D’Angelo Green will graduate from Muskegon Heights High School Academy with a very bright future. But the outlook hasn’t always been so positive.
A bleak future
At the start of his senior year, D’Angelo lacked the essentials needed for graduation and success beyond high school: credits, motivation, maturity and basic employability skills. He was ready to drop the very program that would help him turn his life around—Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG).
Jobs for Michigan Graduates
The JMG program helps youth at risk of dropping out of high school get the skills they need to graduate, find a job and contribute to their communities. The program, which includes classroom instruction, adult mentoring and leadership development, has helped 98% of its participants graduate and 91% move on to employment, continuing education or both.
A fresh perspective
Fortunately, D’Angelo didn’t drop the program and after further engagement and several class assignments, his perspective changed. D’Angelo began to see opportunities for a brighter future. After his product presentation for the “Shark Tank” program activity—a virtual reality headset—one of the “Sharks” offered him a job and the mayor of Muskegon Heights offered free space to run his business!
D’Angelo is happy he decided to stay with the JMG program; he has made considerable improvements in areas where he once struggled and he is focused on his plans for the future. He recently accepted a position at AB Electrical Wires in Muskegon Heights and plans to attend Muskegon Community College to study engineering.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have opened up as a result of the JMG program,” D’Angelo said.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Wyoming: Delilah Dewylde’s Rockabilly sounds at Lamar Park on June 12
Delilah DeWylde (Photo by Tyler Steimle)
Delilah DeWylde and her band the Lost Boy brings a high-octane rockabilly sound to the next Wyoming Concerts on Tuesday, June 12, starting at 7 p.m., at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The performance is free.
Kentwood: Adams Family will kick off summer concert series June 14
The Adams Family (Facebook)
The Adams Family will be the first of a summertime full of music as the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
WKTV Voices: You love Marge’s donuts, and you will love her and her sisters stories
The WKTV Voices trailer is at Marge’s Donut Den the second Saturday of each month. In March of this year, Marge and her sister Marilyn sat down to record their oral history. Hear what these marvelously mischievous siblings had to say about the various pranks they pulled during their childhood.
Delilah DeWylde brings her high-octane rockabilly sound to the next Wyoming Concerts Tuesday, June 12.
Starting at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, DeWylde and her band the Lost Boys will take the stage. The performance is free.
A veteran of the West Michigan music scene and an alumna of rockability institution DangerVille, DeWylde has an out-sized stage presence that is the centerpiece of the show where as one minute she is singing sweetly and the next slapping her bass into submission.
Rounding out the group is Lee Harvey on electric guitar and Johnny HiWatt or F.B. on snare drum.
As part of the fun for this year’s Concerts in the Park, each night will have a theme. Those who participate in the theme will be eligible to enter a drawing for a gift card that will be given out at the end the concert. The June 12 theme is to decorate with flowers.
The Wyoming Concerts in the Park series are put together by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. The concerts are every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park through Aug. 7. The concerts are rebroadcast on WKTV Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
While society has taken great strides toward acceptance of LGBT citizens, what remains invisible are the issues and challenges that LGBT adults face as they begin to age. Too often, LGBT seniors have felt the need to go back ‘into the closet’ in order to receive services or deny themselves much need care in order to avoid having to do so. The LGBT Initiative, funded by the Michigan Health Endowment grant, is seeking to change that for LGBT seniors throughout the state of Michigan, by creating safe channels for LGBT older adults to seek services.
West Michigan is one of the three regions where this effort is taking place. Kendrick Heinlein, AAAWM Contract Administrator, is heading up this project for Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.
“Right now, the LGBT initiative is looking at different outreach strategies to reach members of the LGBT community” Heinlein states. Working with the other two regions: the Upper Peninsula and the Bay City/Saginaw region of the state, committee members recognize what works for Grand Rapids doesn’t necessarily work for the U.P., so finding the best methods for each region is the current focus.
Heinlein says, “We want to provide resources and reduce isolation for LGBT seniors and we’re working on the best strategies to go about that.”
There are currently about 1.5 million people age 65+ who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. There are also many aging LGBT people who live alone, without family to help with the aging process. This puts many LGBT seniors in the position of requiring income-based aging services available in their communities. Needing to ask for help though is often a difficult experience for these seniors.
Older adults who are LGBT don’t often find a warm welcome when they begin to participate in aging services. Sometimes this is due to the discrimination they encounter when seeking services; most times though, it is not hostility but cultural assumptions that can cause LGBT seniors to be reluctant to ask for help. An intake form might ask questions about marriage and children, but not about same-sex partnerships. A senior might be asked about their racial identification or religion, but not gender or sexual orientation.
Many older LGBT seniors carry with them memories of a time when they lost jobs, homes and family for being gay and could be jailed or committed to an asylum for being different. Because many seniors don’t want to “go back into the closet” but fear discrimination, they will avoid asking for help, which can result in a health crisis. This is what the LGBT initiative is working to alleviate. Through outreach to community service providers, AAAWM in partnership with the Grand Rapids Pride Center is in the process of creating a resource guide of senior service providers in West Michigan who are LGBT-friendly.
Anyone can call themselves LGBT-friendly, but what this means in terms of the LGBT initiative is that each provider in the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will be vetted to insure they will provide equal services to LGBT older adults that they would to any other seniors,
“A majority of providers are open to serving LGBT clients,” Heinlein highlights. “A lot of providers have been serving the LGBT community and consider being part of the guide recognition for services they have been providing all along.” By creating this resource guide, the committee hopes to provide safe avenues for LGBT older adults to find the services they need to age gracefully like their peers.
The debut of the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will occur at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival on June 16, 2018, beginning at 12 pm. AAAWM will have the guides available at their vendor table and they encourage people to stop by and take a look.
If you’d like to learn more about this project, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. To learn about their services, you can visit their website: http://www.aaawm.org.
As parents, we want to believe that our children will always do what we ask of them, but we quickly learn that is not the case. Especially as our kids grow older and assert their independence, what we ask of them and what they do are often in conflict. If you are a parent of a teen with type 1 diabetes, the choices they make can have serious health consequences when what they do and what you ask of them are in conflict. One common choice teens are faced with is whether or not to drink alcohol.
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, almost one-third of 9th – 12th graders report having at least one drink in the past 30 days. Again, we like to think our children will do what we ask and not drink, but how can we prepare our teens with type 1 diabetes to be safe when they decide to drink?
Bottom line: underage drinking is illegal, and underage drinking can have legal consequences if your teen is caught. For best results, you should talk to your teen about drinking before they decide to drink and when you both are calm. Having a talk after your child has come home drunk is not the best time. If you are having difficulty talking to your teen, ask a family member or friend that your teen trusts for help. Your teen’s healthcare provider is another place to turn. Their advice and guidance on diabetes care for your teen should always be followed.
If your teen decides to drink, they should understand how alcohol affects their blood sugar. Though there might be a temporary spike in blood sugar levels, drinking alcohol usually causes blood sugar to go down. Hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar) occurs because the liver kicks in and works on ridding the body of the alcohol first, and is slower to release glucose into the system causing low blood sugar. According to the Diabetes Teaching Center at the University of California, San Francisco, it takes approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours for the liver to process one drink. It’s during that processing time when people with diabetes are at risk for low blood sugar. If you have two drinks, you would be at risk for 2 – 3 hours. The more drinks you have, the length of time you are at risk for low blood sugar is longer.
An article from Diabetes UK provides additional information that parents can share with their teen to help keep them safe if they decide to drink:
Eat before drinking alcohol, and eat some carbohydrate-containing snacks such as a sandwich or chips while drinking.
Tell a trusted friend that they have diabetes and how to treat low blood sugar if it occurs.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other sugar-free drinks to avoid dehydration.
Wear a diabetes ID bracelet or necklace, because low blood sugar can be mistaken for drunkenness.
Eat before going to bed after a night of drinking. Alcohol stays in the system for a while, so low blood sugar can occur after going to sleep. Eat something with fat and protein, such as chips with dip, cheese, nuts, etc.
Test frequently when drinking. If your teen vomits, the College Diabetes Network suggests that he or she should test at least once an hour for several hours while drinking non-alcoholic beverages and eating some crackers, cereal, bread, etc. If your teen is not able to keep food down and hypoglycemia occurs, they should follow their diabetes care plan to raise blood sugar. If nothing is working, someone should call 911.
Be aware of contraindications of pain relievers while taking diabetes medication or using a continuous glucose monitor. Acetaminophen can cause monitors to read inaccurately for several hours.
We hope our kids make the right decisions. But when they don’t, we can help them by making sure they know what to do to stay safe.
By Megan Andres, Grand Rapids Public Library, Seymour Branch
Mary Boleyn, brought to court at fourteen, soon catches the eye of the lecherous Henry VIII. She begins a dashing affair with England’s king and begins to love her role as the unofficial queen. After the birth of two children, Mary begins to see her family for what they really are.
Her own uncle begins pushing Mary’s own sister Anne at the king. Soon, Mary is forced to step aside as her best friend and worst rival begins an affair with Henry. The world knows the story of Anne Boleyn—a young girl who twists a marriage out of King Henry VIII. But many do not know how she got there.
Mary is forced to find a life for herself and her illegitimate children while her uncle demands her support in bettering Anne’s position at court. She is present for all of Anne’s triumphs: Henry’s divorce from Katherine of Aragon, her marriage to the king, and the birth of Elizabeth. She is also present for the disasters: Anne’s miscarriage of a prince, her brother George’s arrest for treason and Anne’s execution.
Sibling rivalry takes on a whole new meaning between the Boleyn girls. Author Philippa Gregory takes the story and fleshes it out. She brings a morality tale to a historical event. This book is a real treat for any history buff.
Jeanette Mukampabuka doesn’t like to talk about what led her to flee Africa as a child refugee. But she will talk about what it’s like to arrive in a foreign country and start school when everything is new and different.
“It’s so hard here. It’s so hard,” Jeanette said. “When you come here you don’t even know the culture or how to approach people. You don’t know where to start from or what you have to to say to people. Most of the time I was quiet.”
Jeanette Mukampabuka had to learn to navigate life in America and complete two years of high school at once
She said things have gotten easier since she arrived in Michigan in 2015 without her parents, whom she also declined to talk about. She’s made friends, gotten help from teachers. She’s also learned that other people are unsure of how to approach her, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to get to know her.
It took a while to get used to verbal and non-verbal cues in English and feel comfortable enough to interact with other students. “Coming here and learning everything new is so challenging,” she said, noting that she came from an African tribe that is very close-knit.
In the fall, Jeanette will begin studying for an engineering or nursing degree at Western Michigan University and wants to eventually pursue her master’s degree.
To get through high school in three years, she completed 10th and 11th grades at the the same time, taking some courses online. She graduates with a 3.3 GPA.
Tish Stevenson, Godwin Heights guidance counselor, said Jeanette has shown amazing perseverance.
“When I first met her everything was difficult and, through time, by doing the right things working really, really hard, she has opened so many doors for herself,” Stevenson said. “I see a spectacularly future because of her hard work and character. Many people who have been through such difficult things would be crushed, but it’s just made her strong and vibrant.”
Jeanette Mukampabuka points to her name on a board celebrating seniors. She’s going to Western Michigan University
Finding Her Way
Jeanette, who lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo until age 9 and then in Kenya for five years, graduated from Godwin Heights High School May 23. It marked a significant milestone for a young woman who came from a troubled homeland.
In the DR Congo, displacement of people has occurred due to widespread militia activities, unrest and violence fueled by ethnic and political conflict affecting many areas. She speaks generally about the conflicts that uprooted families in Africa. “It was a war between tribes,” said Jeanette, who is from a tribe that was being attacked.
She arrived in Michigan three years ago with her sister, older brother and niece. She started ninth grade in Bloomingdale, Michigan, and came to Godwin Heights last year. She was supported by two refugee programs: Refuge Point, formerly Mapendo International, which focuses on saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people; and Heshima Kenya, which specializes in identifying and protecting unaccompanied and separated refugee children and youth, especially girls, young women, and their children living in Nairobi, Kenya.
Jeanette lived in foster care for two years and has lived independently with her sister, Mamy Ganza, 27, for a year.
“I like it here but I still miss my country. I miss it a lot,” said Jeanette, who speaks English, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, and several other tribal languages.
While she has excelled academically, Jeanette said she now sees the benefit in becoming involved in other ways. Advice she gives other newcomers: “Join clubs and sports because then you make friends.”
While her strength in math draws her to a career in engineering, Jeanette said she also is interested in nursing so she can help others.
Stevenson said she sees Jeanette in the future giving back to others, “because that’s just the kind of person she is.”
“I see her having a spectacular life full of friends and love.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is challenging. Memory loss strips victims of short-term memory, making familiar events and tasks, such as faith-based activities or worship very difficult. However, a strong faith can transcend memory loss, with an adapted approach based on the individual’s abilities.
Discover Strengths
People with memory loss still have the need to be known as a person—to receive self-validation even though suffering from dementia.
“Universal human needs don’t go away with memory loss,” says Joshua Baron, chaplain at Holland Home’s Fulton Manor. “We can communicate God’s love in ways that meet those needs. Discover the individual’s strengths and build on those.”
People who still have the ability to speak can be encouraged to lead prayers, sing hymns or play the piano, if they have retained those skills. Praying for others can engender positive feelings of self-worth.
Communicate Using Strengths
While someone with memory loss might not be able to remember what they ate for breakfast that morning because of the decline in short term memory, long term memories and things learned in the past are often still vivid and able to be recalled.
“You can tap into enduring memories with hymns and prayers learned in childhood, which are still familiar,” said Baron.
Providing a sensory experience, such as holding onto something special during a church service, can also be comforting and tap into old memories.
Attending Church Services
“It is important that those with memory loss have the assurance of God’s love, support for continued prayer and the opportunity to participate in religious services,” said Baron. “Research shows that attending church services has positive benefits for a person’s well-being, even for those with significant dementia.” Being a part of a religious community gives people a sense of belonging, and a feeling that “this is my family”.
If the person with memory loss is not able to attend church services, Baron recommends contacting the church to have a minister or church elder visit so that the person with memory loss can still partake in a service and celebrate communion.
Residential Placement
Sometimes it is not possible to care for a person with memory loss at home, and a residential placement needs to be considered. Baron recommends choosing a faith-based organization.
“Holland Home offers a worship service, Evening Star, which was created specifically for people with dementia and is a strength-based approach to worship,” said Baron.
Evening Star focuses on familiar hymns, prayers and Bible passages.
“At Fulton Manor, we offer two services on Sunday where memory care residents are welcome, and also hold services every Monday on our memory care floors using the Evening Star worship service.”
For more information about memory care at Holland Home, visit hollandhome.org/memory-care or call 616-235-5113.
Maybe the best known of the headliners at this summer’s City of Kentwood Summer Concert series are West Michigan favorites The Crane Wives, May Erlewine and The Moxie Strings.
But, starting with The Adams Family coming to town next week, there is not a sour note in a series that will feature an eclectic mix of indie, folk, country, blues and rock music.
The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
In addition to a variety of music, the concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.
“One of the best ways to embrace the warm weather with family and friends is to relax and unwind with live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We are thrilled with our lineup for this year’s summer concert series, and welcome concert-goers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us.”
Opening the series, The Adams Family play a blend of folk, doo-wop and classic rock by members Jerry Adams, Brian Adams, Cindy Adams Kropf and Dale Kropf. The band is out of Lowell and describe themselves as an “acoustic folkin’ rock” band.
“When you hear the intricate vocal blend that only close relatives can create, there’s no mistaking that The Adams Family really is a family,” a statement on the band’s website reads. “The band features three lead vocalists: Cindy Adams Kropf, her brother Jerry Adams, and Jerry’s son Brian Adams. Rounding out the group is Cindy’s husband, Dale Kropf, on bass and background vocals.”
For more information on the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series, visit here.
These concerts are cable rebroadcast on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99, usually on the following Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (or following the rebroadcast of a City of Wyoming summer concert. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature broadcast schedules.
The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.
City of Kentwood
With summer soon upon us, the Kentwood Police Department is offering tips to help protect residents and their property. According to Police Chief Tom Hillen, crime incidents and arrests rise during the summer months.
Tom Hillen (Supplied)
“As the school year comes to an end and the temperature rises, we typically see an increase in criminal activity as more people spend time outside,” Hillen said. “We want to remind Kentwood residents of some precautionary steps they can take to deter crime and protect their families and properties.”
Because theft is a crime of opportunity, Kentwood police recommends residents stay alert and follow basic crime prevention measures. Unlocked doors, open windows and open garage doors all provide a temptation to steal visible valuables. By closing garage doors and windows, locking car doors and concealing valuables, residents can help eliminate opportunities for criminals.
The Police Department also experiences a rise in disorderly conduct calls and arrests, which are related to any behavior that creates a threat or disturbance to others, such as a loud argument or altercation. Hillen says the increase in this type of behavior could be related to how heat can affect irritability.
“When the temperatures spike, so can people’s tempers. Immense heat can add to people’s feelings of stress and irritability — and make them snap. A solution to this is simple: get cool,” Hillen said. “Residents can visit the mall or see a movie where they can relax in an air-conditioned space.”
If families seek to cool down from the summer heat in water, Kentwood police encourages them to keep water safety precautions in mind. Enclose pools, ensure pool gates are locked and do not let young children near any body of water unsupervised.
Other disorderly conduct incidents could be about loud noises or other nuisances.
While enjoying the warm weather, residents are reminded to be courteous of neighbors, and to be aware of curfew ordinances for children.
In the City of Kentwood, anyone under the age of 12 years old must not be in any public place after 10 p.m.; for children older than 12 and younger than 16, the curfew is 11 p.m.; and for minors ages 16 or 17, the curfew is midnight.
“As always, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Together we can help prevent crime, so all can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” Hillen said.
For more information about Kentwood Police Department, visit here.
A recent emergency response training, during which Lee Middle School students learned the Heimlich maneuver, paid off when an eighth-grader saved the life of another who was choking.
Shortly after lunch in early May, Arturo Fierros-Cervantes noticed his friend Edgar Vazquez was bent over in the hallway and not breathing. Edgar was choking on a piece of bread for about 30 seconds when Arturo took action, using what he had learned during training to dislodge the food.
“I was I scared I was going to die,” said Edgar, expressing his thanks to Arturo.
“I’m glad because he’s my friend,” Arturo said. “It’s good to save a friend’s life.”
In January and early February, 140 middle school students were trained in emergency response including CPR, response to choking and how to use an automatic external defibrillator, or AED. History teacher Michael Donovan requested the training, which was led by Kevin McGraw, head safety officer at Amway, who started the School Emergency Response Coalition.
Donovan said the incident between Arturo and Edgar happened so seamlessly that few people knew it happened.
“Arturo’s non-assuming personality and belief in doing the right thing without fanfare or recognition also played into the day, and both students went about their business,” Donovan said.
Edgar, however, mentioned it to the school liaison officer, Pam Keen, who let Donovan know about the incident.
“I hope no one ever needs to use the CPR training again, but statistics show that many of our students will use it at some point,” Donovan said. “We may never know the real impact this training had on others, but we know that at least one life may have been saved.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Don’t forget that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th. This is a day all about celebrating dad. Many West Michigan businesses are hosting special events, discounts, or offers for the dad in all of our lives. No matter their interest, you’ll find something for him here. Give dad the gift of West Michigan this Father’s Day!
Father’s Day Specials
TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids is hosting their annual Father’s Day event, where dads can come out and climb for free with the purchase of a full-priced ticket!
For Father’s Day, Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo is offering a “Buy Dad a Beer Day” special. Purchase a tier one beer for only $4 for the dad in your life!
Dads golf for free with a paid round at Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont on Father’s Day. Waters Edge features a scenic and challenging 18-hole public golf course. Check out the course and book your tee times on Waters Edge’s website.
Father’s Day Events
Celebrate Father’s Day early with the Cars and Coffee at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids on Friday, June 15th. This special evening event is bigger than ever before, with an expanded display area and much more.
Courtesy Michigan Maritime Museum
The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven presents the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 16th. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats.
Virtue Cider has a special treat for dads and dad-types all weekend long. On Saturday, June 16th, they’ll have local barber Sharp Corners on-site giving haircuts, trims, and shaves. Dads will also enjoy a father-friendly Virtue Cider pork barbecue from 2-6pm, paired with buckets of Michigan Brut all weekend that you can enjoy on the outdoor cider house lawn.
Goodrich Park in Whitehall is home to the 40th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts on June 16th and 17th. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people this Father’s Day weekend. Those attending can purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, and more.
The Hilton Garden Inn in Benton Harbor is hosting their Classic Car Cruise on Sunday, June 17th. Your visit starts with the Father’s Day buffet at the Garden Grille Restaurant, located in the hotel. Afterwards, head out to the car cruise to check out all the cool cars on display.
Historic Charlton Park in Hastings is hosting their 37th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 17th. There will be over 800 vehicles on display for you and dad to check out together!
Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs is hosting their 34th Annual Father’s Day Festival on Sunday, June 17th. This event features live music, wine tasting, food trucks, a classic Corvette car show, kids games, and more. This festival is a great opportunity to get the whole family together outside in the Michigan sunshine and celebrate your favorite dad.
Outdoor Recreation that Dad Will Love
Celebrate the great dads in your life by visiting the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta for a summertime walk around Wintergreen Lake on Father’s Day. Dads get in free on their special day! The sanctuary is a great place to enjoy nature and learn about the wonderful world around you.
For the Electric Bike Place in Grand Haven, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate all the dads. Spend the day riding through Grand Haven together on these unique electric bikes, a perfect activity for the entire family.
Take dad out for a golf weekend at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta. They have six courses, making it a prime location for a golf outing. Their newest addition, Stoatin Brae, sports amazing views all around the course and vistas that rival courses across the country. Check out Stoatin Brae along with Gull Lake View’s other five golf courses this Father’s Day weekend!
Visit the trails of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings for Father’s Day. The institute is located on 742 acres with nine miles of hiking trails for you to explore. For more information on their trails, including a calendar of events, visit the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s website.
Golf in Mt. Pleasant is easier than ever with Michigan’s Central Swing’s Father’s Day promotion. By using the promotional code MCSDAD2018 in your quote request, you’ll receive a $50 gift card to local restaurants when booking your golf getaway. Treat dad to some of West Michigan’s finest golf in the Mt. Pleasant area.
Fathers tend to like the great outdoors, and Mecosta County is the perfect place to celebrate. The area is home to over 100 lakes and numerous streams, with the majestic Muskegon River being a big draw. If dad loves golf, Mecosta County has five beautiful golf courses, each with their own scenery and experience. To plan your entire trip, visit Mecosta County’s website.
A Feast Fit for a Father
Treat dad to brunch on Father’s Day at a local brewery like Thornapple Brewing in Grand Rapids! Thornapple will be serving up a delicious brunch alongside their beer, cider, mead, and wine.
A waterfront meal at Boatwerks Restaurant in Holland will be a real treat for dad! Their menu features everything from salads and seafood to burgers and pizza. Enjoy a great meal while taking in the lakeside views on beautiful Lake Macatawa.
Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall is the perfect place for the whole family to spend time with dad on his special day. On Sunday, June 17th, meet for an out-of-this-world smorgasbord that only Schuler’s can deliver. Make reservations early and share the experience with your #1 dad.
Stop by Zazios at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo for their Cooking with Dad class on Saturday, June 16th. This cooking class will be a fun and interactive way to spend time together on Father’s Day weekend. They’re cranking up the grill and learning a few tips on best practices for everyone’s summertime favorites.
Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo is celebrating Father’s Day by raising a glass to dad, just steps from where Larry Bell started his family-owned business in 1985. The father in your life will enjoy tickets to Bell’s special Father’s Day beer dinner on Monday, June 18th as a way to show your love and gratitude.
Visit Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids for a delicious meal with dad. They create European-inspired cooking in their scratch-kitchen, with an equally impressive beer lineup. Their seasonal beers include the Tropical Saison, with real pineapple and mango balancing the hop complexity!
The Perfect Gift for Dad
Your dad will love tickets to the Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids! They have a full season of shows, including Snow White, Fun Home, Leading Ladies, and On The Town. For a full list of shows and performances, visit the Circle Theatre’s website.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Gallery Shop specializes in solving your gift-giving challenges! You’ll find a wide variety of handmade gifts, many by local artists, that dad will cherish.
Treat your dad to an extreme outdoor activity this Father’s Day with MACkite in Grand Haven! Their kiteboarding lessons are a fun and unique gift for any dad that loves being out on the water. During these lessons, dad will be pulled by a kite as long as 19 meters on a board, right on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. For information on kiteboarding lessons, visit MACkite’s website.
In Deanne Basse’s classroom, portraits, paintings and drawings – serious, whimsical and thought-provoking – cover the walls. Sculptures rise from desks and countertops.
They were created by students who have learned to go deep with their feelings and experiences, to make art a reflection of themselves and their journeys.
“I encourage them to use art as a vessel for their voice,” said Basse, a 10-year Godwin Heights High School art teacher.
As a result, students sometimes put heavy themes into their work, Basse said, pointing out pieces that express their struggles with education, family, anxiety and other issues. One student used surrealism to express his conflict between going to college in the U.S. or returning to Mexico to reunite with his family.
“I do try to give them a good solid skill base, and then show them how to get out what they’re thinking,” Basse said.
Students, though, say Basse’s method of teaching goes beyond art and into making them feel good about themselves and able to grow their abilities.
“She is joy!” said senior Stephanie Lam. “She will fill your bucket if you are empty.”
Basse sees talent emerge from her students, including how they infuse their work with music and drama, or passion for advocacy or activism. Some have loose, free styles, others are very deliberate. All are reflective, a result of learning to think of art as more than lines, colors or clay.
Art teacher Deanne Basse challenges students to use ‘art as a vessel for their voice’
Perfecting Portfolios
Eighteen seniors, most of whom have had Basse as a teacher since ninth grade, showcased their portfolios recently at the school’s senior art show. They curated their own spaces, gallery-style, to display their work and growth as artists over the years. Though they had already completed final exams, several visited Basse’s classroom every day prior to the show to perfect and polish their work.
Basse is proud of how far her students have come and excited about what they will do next.
“This group in particular has a genuine thirst for more,” she said. “They are unafraid to experiment and they are unafraid to fix and try to reach out of their own comfort zones. Their work ethic is really outstanding.
“I am humbled by how advanced they are, and how much they push themselves and learn on their own by doing and doing and doing.”
At the back of class, two days before the show, senior Dino Celahmetovic worked on a drawing of a villain from Spider-Man. Being creative in Basse’s class always felt natural because of her “encouraging eye,” he said.
Deanne Basse chats with senior Kaitlyn McCourey in front of her work at the senior art show
“With Mrs. Basse, it’s not just about having the tools and environment; as a teacher she gives encouragement and compassion toward art. She helps nurture your art.”
Basse, who earned her bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University and master’s at Western Michigan University, has been an art teacher for 15 years. She taught for three years in Detroit and two in Battle Creek before starting at Godwin Heights.
“I got hired on Friday, married on Saturday and started on Monday,” she said. “So I say Godwin has been my honeymoon ever since.”
She teaches drawing, painting, ceramics, 3-D and calligraphy classes, as well as an introduction to art class. One of her goals is to write and illustrate children’s books.
“Ms. Basse has to be one of the most highly bright, influential teachers,” said senior Paul Kuchnicki, who is working on a graphic novel and hopes to become an animator. “She has very expressed ideas and knows how to lift someone up when they have a stormy cloud above them. She really knows how to brighten the room up… She seems to love her job and she seems to love her students.”
Basse starts assignments with personal-reflection questionnaires. She asks students to focus on vivid memories and feelings, even small things that have somehow shaped perceptions. They write and talk through their thoughts, considering how to symbolize them.
Senior Dino Celahmetovic finishes a drawing, days before the senior art show
Walking the Walk
Her effort to bring students’ experiences into art has spanned the district. She collaborated with other district art teachers last summer for students to create a mural for the annual Grand Rapids art competition, ArtPrize. Their entry was comprised of 70 individually painted shoes in an art piece titled, “You Can’t Know Who We Are If You Don’t Know Where We’ve Been.” Students decorated shoes to share their unique walks through life.
Godwin Heights has a diverse population, with the majority of students coming from economically disadvantaged families. Their stories are filled with hope, grit, heartbreak and everything in between.
“These kids are so full already, and I think it gives them a sensitivity to each other… a sense of family, beyond their immediate family, which is what Godwin becomes,” Basse said. “They genuinely will show they care if you open up. They hold you, just as much as you would hold them.”
Basse shares her own personal stories with her classes, creating a safe place for them to reflect. For example, she had a longtime struggle with infertility. But her students were like her own children, she said. “They fulfilled that part of my family for nine years.”
Then one of them changed her life forever.
Senior Laura Funes adds the finishing touches to a painting of sunflowers
She recalled the day a student came to her and shared that she was pregnant, asking if Basse and her husband would be open to adopting her child. It was an easy yes, she said.
The young woman miscarried, but the situation started Basse and her husband, Matt Basse, on a new path.
“It changed our mindset, and from that day forward we had adoption in our sights. Godwin changed our lives that way.”
They adopted their daughter, Emily, 4, one year ago.
Deanne Basse has helped senior Paul Kuchnicki develop his drawing skills
Along with art, Basse is passionate about baking. Each year, she leads students in an apple pie-making session so they can each have one to take home to their families for Thanksgiving.
“I love to entertain,” she said. “I am happy if people around me are fed, taken care of and healthy.”
While she has endless pride in the seniors who leave school with a portfolio of years’ worth of art, Baase said some of the best moments are reaching the reluctant art students. She finds inspiration when they first walk into her classroom and say they don’t like art and didn’t want to take the class.
She’s ready to encourage them, to open doors, to give them the chance to be successful and take pride in their work, To those students, she has a message:
“I say, ‘You are exactly where you need to be.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
An example of art by senior Paul Kuchnicki at the senior art showDeanne Basse and other district art teachers led a collaborative art project for which students decorated shoes to reflect their identities and journeys
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