More than 50 students from the Visual and Media Arts Department will showcase works that represent the culmination of their educational journeys at Grand Valley State University.
“x-height” is just one of these upcoming exhibits. Kendra Smith said the senior graphic design exhibition is meant to represent the starting point of the future careers of the eleven participating students.
“Graphic design is not always featured in shows, so it is even more beneficial that we learn the process through this experience in school,” said Smith, a senior majoring in graphic design. “I personally had no idea about all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating and promoting an exhibit. Everyone has really used their skills gained in the program to step out-of-the-box and create work they’re really passionate about.”
Smith’s contribution to “x-height” includes branding elements for a fictional design museum called the Grand Rapids Institute of Design (GRID), including visitor guides, tickets, membership cards, a mock website and more.
“From a young age, I have always enjoyed visiting museums and gaining more knowledge,” said Smith. “I also have not had the opportunity yet to create design work for a public space, so I wanted to challenge myself to try something new.”
The “Control and Creativity (100 Questions I Asked Myself)” exhibition runs April 9 -12.
Justin Nienhuis, a senior studio art major with an emphasis on jewelry making and metalsmithing, said his solo exhibit revolves around 100 questions he asked himself while contemplating his showcase.
“I just wanted to be aware of what I was thinking about while I was creating my work,” said Nienhuis, from Holland. “In my show, I explore how a vessel could be formed in metal versus ceramics.”
“Control and Creativity (100 Questions I Asked Myself)” will showcase 20 works by Nienhuis, mostly consisting of pieces created from copper, brass, bronze and nickel silver.
Nienhuis said the Visual and Media Arts Department helped him develop the skills necessary to succeed in his future career.
“GVSU has some amazing professors, like Beverly Seley, the head of the jewelry and metalsmithing program,” said Nienhuis. “The art program has really been formed to help students learn how to not only make art, but also prepare us for being professional artists in the future by teaching skills like how to build a resume, website, and professional portfolio, and how to apply for grants.”
Below is a full list of upcoming senior thesis exhibitions:
x-height Senior graphic design exhibition
Exhibition dates: April 9-12
Art Gallery, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
Reception: April 12, from 5-7 p.m.
Control and Creativity (100 Questions I Asked Myself)
Senior BFA thesis exhibit by Justin Neinhuis, jewelry and metalsmithing major
Exhibition dates: April 9-12
Padnos Student Gallery, Calder Art Center, Allendale Campus
Reception: April 12, from 5-7 p.m.
Emerge
Senior illustration thesis exhibition
Exhibition dates: April 14-May 18
Nomad Galleries by Richard App, 74 Monroe Center Street NW, Grand Rapids
*Hours by appointment
Reception: April 14, from 5-9 p.m.
Teammates How Do/The Wall is Not Solid/how to ollie
Three senior visual studies exhibitions
Exhibition dates: April 16-22 (Monday-Thursday, from 5-9 p.m.)
106 Division Avenue South
Receptions: April 20, from 6-9 p.m.; April 21 and 22, from 2-5 p.m.
Fractal
Senior photography thesis exhibition
Exhibition dates: April 17-27
Art Gallery, Haas Center, Allendale Campus
Reception: April 19, from 5-7 p.m.
Film and Video Spring Showcase
April 24, from 7-10 p.m.
Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
For more information, contact the Visual and Media Arts Department at (616) 331-3486.
Aging brings changes that may make your current home difficult to navigate or potentially unsafe. A smart home is one that uses traditional adaptive tools and smart home technology to create a safe environment. Smart homes make it possible for people to stay in their own homes and remain independent longer than ever before.
What is a smart home?
A smart home is equipped with technological tools and adaptive devices that make the home safer and more comfortable for older adults. These products offer an advantage to caregivers as well, by making their job easier and providing them with peace of mind.
There are options for every room in the house that can be customized to your unique needs, from simple grab bars in the bathroom to high-tech appliances that can be controlled with your mobile device.
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most common places for safety issues. Accidents in or around the tub or shower account for more than two-thirds of emergency room visits. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are particularly prone to injury while getting off the toilet. The bathroom can be made a safer place with a few adjustments such as grab bars around the tub or shower and toilet, a no-lip shower, higher toilets and anti-scald faucets. Flooring should be non-slip. In addition, motion activated nightlights are available to make middle of the night trips to the bathroom safer.
Kitchen
Kitchens are the number one area for home fires caused by cooking. Electric stoves and ranges are now available with an automatic shut-off feature that makes cooking safer. There are also devices that will allow you to control your appliances with your smart phone, making it possible to turn off an oven or stove burner remotely.
Living Area and Bedroom
According to the National Institute for Health, falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors. Fall prevention methods include dual handrails along stairs, stair gates, low pile carpeting or wood floors, and raised outlets. Motion activated nightlights are also recommended. Nightlights can also be positioned under the bed and can be programmed to go on as soon as an individual gets out of bed.
Health Safety
Technology has advanced to the point where it’s possible to monitor a person’s vital signs remotely, including blood pressure, weight, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and blood sugars, which allows for preventative and proactive care.
Numerous styles of medication dispensers are available, to keep medications safe, provide auditory and visual reminders, and dispense medication as needed. Some styles can be programmed to communicate with a caregiver as well, ensuring compliance.
“Some of this new technology and many of these adaptive devices are standard in our residences,” said Michael Loughman, Director of Sales for Holland Home, a senior retirement community with three campuses in Grand Rapids. “Other items are available upon request. We care about the safety of our residents and clients and want to help them maintain their independence as long as possible.”
For more information, call Holland Home at 616-643-2730.
Across the nation, youth are finding their voice in change-making and expressing it across a variety of platforms. Fed up with what they perceive as ineffective policy-making, youth are using their voices to make change. From walkouts to protests to editorials, youth are making their voices heard.
But are youth equipped with the knowledge needed to make a difference in politics and government? The answer may vary depending on the youth you ask, their experiences and the quality of their government and civics education in high school. According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, “Students who recall having received better civic education are more likely to be engaged.”
At least one youth feels under-prepared for participation in government. Despite attempts in her high school government class, Mackenzie Hubbard used her voice to write an editorial in the Ludington Daily News on her lack of understanding of government. Is Hubbard’s experience an anomaly? Or does it point to a broader problem? Are there better ways to engage youth in civic education and find their voice to be effective change-makers?
4-H Capitol Experience is a pre-college program that takes youth out of the classroom, providing a hands-on experiential opportunity to learn more about state government in Michigan. The four-day program held annually in Lansing, Michigan, engages high school youth throughout the state in exploring the process of making public policy. Youth who participate in this program learn about our state’s public policy through multiple experiences including mock bill writing, committee meetings, and house and senate “votes,” as well as visits with legislative aides, lobbyists, and state and community agencies.
Nominees for the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards were announced LIVE on Monday, April 2, and round two of judging has begun!
By WKTV Staff
Local personalities Aaron Noble and Jessie Hollett announced the 2018 Eclipse Award nominees on WKTV and Facebook LIVE Monday, April 2.
Each year, the Eclipse Awards celebrate West Michigan filmmakers and the films they create. Filmmakers can enter in several main Categories, such as Cinema Trailer, Documentary, and Narrative Short. There are also craft Categories focused on the expertise in creating a film, such as Acting, Directing and Original Score.
“The Eclipse Awards is a one-of-a-kind event in Michigan,” said Tom Norton, WKTV general manager. “Now in its seventh year, the Awards continue to recognize outstanding content and content creators right here in our state. The quality of the work submitted continues to be top-notch, proving that the Michigan production community continues to develop and retain incredible talent and skill.”
Aaron Noble and Jessie Hollett announced this year’s Eclipse Awards nominees on April 2 (photo courtesy of Jessie Hollett)
After an intense screening process, judges from across the country have narrowed the field down to the nominees listed below.
Nominees and their guests may attend the Certification Reception Monday, April 30, and winners will be announced at the Excellence in Craft Eclipse Awards Presentation LIVE, Thursday, May 3, from The Ballroom at McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids.
CONGRATULATIONS to the 7th Annual Eclipse Awards nominees!
Categories
Documentary Feature nominees are: Co-Operatively Yours–Kristin Ojaniemi, Jim Kurtti, producers; Newcomer Legacy: A Vietnamese-American Story–Alan Headbloom, producer.
Music Video nominees are: Nottingham–Jacob de la Rosa, Kathryn Postema, Joshua E. White, producers; Never One Thing–John Hanson. May Erlewine, DJ Viernes, producers; Small Town–Zachary Clark, Nick Turske, Andy Westra, producers; Flight School: Don’t Know–Chris Mac, producer
Narrative Feature nominees are: Into A Dark Mind–Harley Wallen, producer; Moving Parts–Harley Wallen, producer; Return of the Scarecrow–Adam Mikrut, Walt Lodes III, producers; Kid Brother–Bryce Cameron producer; The Incantation–Dan Campbell, producer; Thaw of the Dead–David Marek, Matthew Von Dayton, producers.
Narrative Short nominees are: Model No. Human–Harper Shecter, producer; Mino Bimaadiziwin–Carese Bartlett, producer; Drilling Dad–Jeff Vega, producer; Frankie— Josh Martin, producer; Four-Ninety–Scott Magie, producer; The House on Oak Street–Kyle Misak, Don Chase, Jesse Charles, producers; Deadbolt–Michael McCallum, William C. McCallum, Patric J. Arnold producers.
Promotional segment in television or online nominees are: Challenge Day 2017–Caleb Carson, producer; Memphis the Musical–Angela Peavey, producer; Benjamin’s Hope – Welcome Home–Eric Schrotenboer, Sara Hogan, producers.
Television and online Programming (30 min) nominees are: Mind Games – Tea & Sympathy–Jeff Vega, producer; The Michigan Experience: Vietnam Veterans–Rodney Brown, William Redwine, producers; Verify--Eric Schrotenboer, David Bailey, Emma Nicolas, producers; The Chaplain–Rhodes Short, Heather Fairbanks, producers.
Cinema Trailer nominees are: Death Island Paranormal retribution–Chris Penney, producer
Documentary Short nominees are: Stories of Us–Angela Peavey, producer; Ten Years Later–Nathan Roels, producer; Everything Happens Somewhere-Joppa–Eric Schrotenboer, producer
6th Annual Eclipse Awards ceremony
Crafts
Acting in a Supporting Role nominees are: Amanda Buhs–Dylan; Peter Herold–Kid Brother; Dean Cain–The Incantation; Michael McCallum–Deadbolt; Johnny DeMarc —Deadbolt; Brie Roper–Deadbolt; Matthew Dennis–White Hair; Rico Bruce Wade–Four-Ninety; Michael Gordon–Finding Home; Heather Fairbanks–Thaw of the Dead.
Screenplay Short Subject nominees are: Scott Magie–Four-Ninety; Kyle Misak, Jesse Charles, Don Chase–The House on Oak Street; Justin Muschong–Deadbolt.
Direction in Narrative short nominees are: Kyle Macciomei–Closeted Hemispheres; Shane McSauby–Mino Bimaadiziwin; Nabil Nona–Consequences; Josh Martin–Frankie; Scott Magie–Four-Ninety; Kyle Misak–The House on Oak Street; Michael McCallum–Deadbolt.
Cinematography in Documentary nominees are: Angela Peavey–Stories of Us; DT Kofoed–REACH Teen Open Studio 2016 Spring Mural Project
Animation nominees are: Garrett Bleshenski–Clearing the Smoke; Josh Reed–DoseDr.
Sound Design nominees are: Adam Mikrut–Return of the Scarecrow; Roy Wallace–Frankie; Andre Bottesi–Four-Ninety; Roy Wallace–Deadbolt.
Direction in Narrative Feature nominees are: Devin Cameron–Kid Brother; Jude S. Walko–The Incantation; Ryan Webber, Brett Christiansen–Finding Home.
Original Score nominees are: Gregory De Iulio–The House on Oak Street; Eric Schrotenboer–Cultures in Conflict.
Acting in Lead Role nominees are: Rhodes Short–The Chaplain; Michael McCallum–Angela; Jimmy Doom–Four-Ninety; Michael Empson–Finding Home; Elizabeth Moore–Deadbolt; Brad Stocker–Deadbolt.
Cinematography in Narrative Feature nominees are: Derek Street–The Incantation; Matthew Von Dayton–Thaw of the Dead.
Cinematography in Narrative Short nominees are: Dane Covey–Frankie; Travis Hayward–Four-Ninety; Erin Hughes–The House on Oak Street; Andrew K. Tebeau–Deadbolt; Dane Covey–Small Town.
Editing in Narrative nominees are: Kyle Misak–The House on Oak Street; Scott Baisden, Michael McCallum–Deadbolt; David Marek–Thaw of the Dead.
Hyperion Award — Mark Adler. The Hyperion Award acknowledges the contributions of unique individuals who maintain high standards in their craft while inspiring others to do so as well. At the same time, that individual works to expand the opportunities that benefit the entire creative and production community.
Winners will be announced live on Thursday, May 3rd on WKTV, Comcast channel 24, starting at 7:30 pm, hosted by Joe Anderson. The Eclipse Awards show also will be streamed live at theeclipseaward.com. WKTV News will be providing complete coverage of the entire event.
The annual Eclipse Awards are made possible by Sony, Key Code Media, Ferris State University, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and WKTV Digital Cinema. The Eclipse Awards seek to elevate content creators throughout Michigan by honoring their works through regional, national and international voting on entered works in film, television and on-line production. The Eclipse Award is given for story telling and production excellence in the production community.
Kent County’s “Honoring the Dream” memorial event, held April 4 at Grand Rapid’s Calder Plaza in memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination, held special meaning to many of the people in attendance.
But it also held a very personal meaning to Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller.
It did not escape Britt, an African-American recently selected to lead the daily operation of the county, that he, himself, was an example of the inclusion and opportunities Kent County leaders advocate for and work to embrace.
Wyman Britt, on the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus
“Dr. King meant a lot to a lot of us, and we remember what he stood for … I believe his dream is still alive, but we have to do more,” Britt said to WKTV. “What it does for me is it reinforces the role that I play as a leader in this community. That I do not need to be shy as to who I am: I am a black man who grew up in North Carolina and, one day, believed he would have a place in life to serve others. … I know the labor Dr. King and others put forth so that I could be in a place to serve.”
The event drew a crowd of several hundred despite the cold, wet noontime weather. It was hosted by the county Administrator’s Office, the Kent County’s Board of Commissioners and the county’s Cultural Insight Council.
The event began with a presentation of the colors by the Kent County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, the pledge of allegiance led by County Commissioner Robert Womack, and the invocation by Bishop Dennis J. McMurray. It ended with a prayer by Rev. Dr. Willie A. Gholston II.
Matthew Budd leading a poem of tribute at the Kent County event. (WKTV)
In between there was a poetic tribute by Matthew Budd and a musical tribute by Ashlie Johnson, as well as the reading of a proclamation by the County Commissioners and a moment of silence led by county Undersheriff Michelle Lajoye-Young.
There were also remarks by Britt, who, in part, discussed the county’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion, including the work of the Cultural Insight Council.
The Cultural Insight Council is a Kent County’s designed to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Formed in January 2001, the CIC is an interdepartmental work group sponsored by the Administrator’s Office. The council is comprised of employees of diverse backgrounds, representing all levels of the organization. Its mission, according to the county’s website, is “To act as a catalyst to foster a culture which recognizes, accepts and values the individual differences of its employees and is responsive to the changing needs of our diverse community.”
“We wanted to gather as a community and spend a few minutes reflecting on the lessons of Dr. King’s life and death,” Darius Quinn, county human resources manager and chair of the CIC, said in supplied material prior to the event. “The CIC is dedicated to providing an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are valued. This event is a reflection of the standard the County staff strives to achieve every day.”
An upcoming lecture at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will explore the importance of social justice in various religious communities around the world.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, will be the featured speaker during the 2018 Rabbi Phillip Sigal Memorial Lecture. In her role, Henry-Crowe oversees the church’s response to issues including civil and human rights, economic justice, environmental justice, health and wholeness, peace with justice, and women and children.
The free event will take place April 10 from 7-9 pm in the Eberhard Center (room 215), located on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus (401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). To register for this event, visit the Kaufman Interfaith Institute website, or call 616.331.5702.
During her presentation, Henry-Crowe will primarily touch on the importance of social justice in the Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), but her points will apply to many different religious, secular and spiritual traditions.
“With the rise of activism and an increase of literature on how religious, secular or spiritual traditions impact this activism, this lecture will be a good time to reflect on how social justice is imperative,” said Kevin McIntosh, Campus Interfaith Resources coordinator. “Susan will move from what justice means in these traditions to what social justice means now, and will focus on current issues, such as food, immigration and religious oppression.”
Two additional respondents will also participate in the lecture. Marlene Kowalski-Braun, assistant vice president for inclusion and student affairs at Grand Valley, and Muaz Redzic, Imam at the Bosnian Culture Center in Grand Rapids.
Kowalski-Braun will examine the definitions of the terms “social justice” and “inclusion and equity”, while Redzic will discuss how his Islamic faith pushes him to participate in social justice.
The annual lecture is named for Rabbi Phillip J. Sigal, a pioneer of the interfaith movement in West Michigan until his death in 1995. Aside from his duties at Ahavas Israel Synagogue, Sigal was instrumental in opening the lines of communication among several religions in the area. After his death, a group of local academic and interfaith enthusiasts established the Sigal Memorial Lecture in his honor. Since that time, the event has brought some of the most important voices in religion and social movements to churches, schools and other venues in West Michigan.
This year’s lecture is sponsored by Campus Interfaith Resources and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
The 20th annual Celebrating All Walks of Life Traditional Pow Wow will be at GVSU’s Fieldhouse on the Allendale campus. (Supplied)
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University will host a series of events to celebrate, and learn about, Native American traditions and culture through dance and song on Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8 at GVSU’s Allendale campus.
The 20th annual Celebrating All Walks of Life Traditional Pow Wow will take place in the Fieldhouse on the Allendale campus. Hundreds of people are expected to attend, including many traveling from Native American communities in the Upper Peninsula and Great Lakes region.
The event will celebrate traditional Native American dancing and music with Grand Entry performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., on April 7, and at noon on April 8. Doors open at 11 a.m., both days. There will be Native American handmade crafts and food vendors, as well as a silent auction to raise funds for Grand Valley’s Native American Student Association.
This year, the co-coordinator of the first Grand Valley pow wow will attend the celebration. Scott Herron, a Grand Valley alumnus and biology professor at Ferris State University, coordinated the first pow wow in 1998.
The celebration is free, family friendly and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Native American Student Association, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Division of Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley.
Adding seasonal greens, especially dark leafy varieties, to your salads provides an abundance of nutrients and flavor (see chart for flavor characteristics). Salad greens are vegetables harvested for their leaf and petiole, the stem portion of the leaf. The greens may be harvested at different stages of development:
Photo by Mariel Borgman, MSU Extension
Microgreens: Seeds are planted at high density and microgreens are harvested once the cotyledons, the first leaves to emerge when a plant germinates, have fully developed or when the first true leaves have emerged, usually when the plant is half to two inches in height.
Baby leaf: Seeds are planted at high density, and leaves are harvested when the plants have four true leaves and are two to five inches tall, still young and tender. Mixtures of various baby leaf salad greens are often marketed as mesclun, spring mix or field greens.
Leaf: Harvesting leaves beyond the baby leaf stage requires the greens to be cut into smaller pieces for use in salads. Many greens become less tender after the baby leaf stage, but lettuce and fresh herbs work well for salads in leaf form. Leaf-stage kale and Swiss chard can be chopped into bite-sized pieces for salad. Often leaves, such as mustard greens and collard greens, are cooked once they reach this stage.
Baby leaf
Head: This growing pattern is found in lettuce and some Asian greens such as pac choi. Typically, only lettuce heads are used as salad greens, as mature Asian greens are less tender and better suited for cooking.
Popular salad greens available in the springtime in Michigan include lettuces, mesclun mix, spinach, kale, arugula and chard. Asian leafy vegetables such as pac choi and tatsoi are also gaining popularity in the United States as salad greens in their baby leaf and microgreen forms. To reduce the risk of pathogen growth, store leafy greens in the refrigerator at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and wash salad greens under cool running water prior to use. It does not hurt to give them a quick rinse, even if they are labeled pre-washed.
Head lettuce
Michigan State University Extension’sCommunity Food Systems Work Team supports the development of local food systems in Michigan. The Michigan Fresh program has tips on growing, handling and preserving as well as healthful recipes to take advantage of the delicious Michigan-grown bounty from your back yard or your local farmer’s market. For more information, connect with your local community food systems educator by visiting http://msue.anr.msu.edu/or calling 1.888.678.3464.
Spring is here and it’s time to focus on health and wellness in the City of Wyoming!
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the annual Health and Wellness Expo at the Wyoming Senior Center — a free event for all ages on Saturday, April 21 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 De Hoop Ave SW. The event will be held from 1-3 pm. Local health organizations will be represented sharing services and local resources with community members.
“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness as the weather warms and outdoor activities begin”, said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This community event is a great way to connect the community with local resources focused on health and overall well-being. The Health and Wellness Expo gives everyone an opportunity to sample, explore and try something new.”
The Expo will feature free blood pressure checks from lead sponsor Med Express Urgent Care in Wyoming, yoga and Zumba demonstrations. There will also be a variety of vendors providing great resources and personalized interaction. There will be many samples and giveaway prizes for participants.
About Wyoming Parks and Recreation
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616.530.3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our web site at: www.wyomingmi.gov.
Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them new, forever homes. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Madison — Male Retriever/American Staffordshire Terrier
I am a handsome, 3-year-old dog looking for my forever home! I’m an active boy who enjoys lots of exercise and quality play time with people. I would do best in a home with older/respectful children and no other animals. If I sound like a good fit for you, please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!
More about Madison:
Animal ID: 37689979
Breed: Retriever/Terrier, American Staffordshire
Age: 3 years
Gender: Male
Size: Medium
Color: Black/White
Neutered
Minnie
Minnie — Female Domestic Short Hair
I am a 14-year-old, affectionate, little lady. I was surrendered to Humane Society of West Michigan because of my owner passing away. I live successfully with other cats and enjoy spending time with people. I am also part of the Silver Paws program for senior shelter pets — which means there is no cost to adopt me! Please come meet us at Humane Society of West Michigan.
More about Minnie:
Animal ID: 38027774
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: 14 years
Gender: Female
Size: Small
Color: Orange/White
Spayed
Not declawed
The Humane Society of West Michigan automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 (PETS).
Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.
How do you know if you have what it takes to become a professional ballet dancer? Give it a try, says dancer Yuka Oba. Taking her own advice, this peripatetic ballerina has pursued her dream from Japan to the U.K. to Slovakia, and finally to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she is in her seventh season taking on challenging roles and new ways to embrace the diversity the world’s choreographers have to offer.
By Mary K. Davis, Grand Rapids Public Library, Yankee Clipper Branch
Death as narrator. He doesn’t carry a scythe or wear a black robe. He doesn’t get involved in human lives—except once as he watches a young girl steal her first book. This is the story of that girl, Liesel Meminger.
Liesel is sent to live with a foster family in working class Mulching, Germany in the late 1930’s. It is World War II and Death is very busy. Still, he manages to tell Liesel’s story—her joys, sorrows, interesting cast of friends and family, and of her thievery. This is a beautiful and haunting story about the power of words.
Death does not enjoy his job; he carries children’s souls in his arms, and he doesn’t always welcome those souls seeking him out. Published as a young adult title, The Book Thief is a novel for adults as well, receiving starred reviews in School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews and critical acclaim on NPR’s All Things Considered. In this soulful book, Death may surprise you.
The new master plan for Wyoming’s Gezon Park was approved by the City Council Monday night, following what the city’s Director of Community Services called “arguably, the most vetted park development plan ever presented to the City Council for approval.”
Highlights of the new plan, which updates a 1996 park master plan, includes significantly less development in the center portion of the park than the original plan but expanded parking in the south end and more modern recreational amenities in both the north and south ends. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $6 million and would begin in 2020.
Gezon Park is one of four parks in line for improvements and renovations. (WKTV)
Gezon Park, which was a city-owned well field, encompasses about 94 acres between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. It has entrances from both Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. team sport fields and restrooms are currently located near the south Gezon Parkway entrance and the 52nd Street entrance has playground equipment and walking trails.
The southernmost portion of the park has been developed as an athletic complex featuring baseball, softball and football fields. The northernmost portion has been developed with a small shelter, playground and basketball court. The interior of the park is undeveloped.
“There is more development in the sense of shelters (than the original plan) but less development in overall active recreation, such as soccer fields,” Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services, said following the City Council action April 2. The middle portion of the mostly undeveloped portion of the park “is relatively undeveloped with the exception of the bike path.”
For the complete, approved design map, produced by Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, see the City of Wyoming City Council full agenda link. (It is the large graphic about halfway though the agenda package.)
The plan, designed by consultant Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, has been developed through extensive input from the community, according to a report given to the City Council, including more than 3,000 contacts via social media and electronic surveys, personal correspondence, and public input meetings.
“The final park master plan had been developed through extensive input from the community, through surveys, personal correspondence, and public input meetings. Complementary input was also received from staff, including representatives recreation programming, maintenance, engineering, and utilities,” the report states. “… The final development master plan concept has been reviewed by both the Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions and has been unanimously recommended to the City Council.”
“We want that participation and that transparency,” Rynbrandt previously said about the public input process. “I think, when we have that type of public focus, it reaffirms the values the citizens put on parks and recreation in our community.”
The construction cost estimate is just over $6 million, and construction of the new development proposal will occur in phases, initially using the recent, successful millage proposal to flex funds from the Library Maintenance Millage to park development. The library millage would be used to fund bonds for park development.
The City Council report stated that it is anticipated that the first phase of Gezon Park development will occur in 2020 at a cost of about $2 million, after current plans for repair and development of other city parks.
“That is just trying to balance our workloads” on planned city park improvements and restoration, Rynbrandt said. Future funding for the next phases of Gezon Park development “will most likely be from grants,” not from the library millage flex funds.
“We made a commitment that we are not going to to over-leverage (the library millage), we still need that core of the library maintenance funds to support library services. We are not going to do anything to hurt that,” she said.
With City Council approval, the new master plan will be used as the primary strategic planning tool for the redevelopment of Gezon Park, and is necessary for the City of Wyoming to seek and obtain grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the City Council report stated.
For 33 years, Joseph Cramer sent area residents on mind-bending treasure hunts. Not for the short on patience, each hunt began with a nebulous riddle and ended with a prize: a silver medallion from Cramer’s vast collection.
One riddle went like this: Riding my bicycle fast enough to almost soar; seeing plastic shredding from my shoelaces. I think not but doggone. I stop at the first just for safety’s sake. There you go. It’s there.
Yup. That’s it. But there was a method to this madness — a curious combination of silver and carbon monoxide.
First, the silver: Cramer grew up idolizing the Lone Ranger, who was all about silver. (Think: silver bullets. Even his horse was named Silver.) So, Cramer began collecting silver. To this day, he prefers it to gold.
But it was exposure to carbon monoxide in an industrial accident in the late 1970s that changed Cramer’s life forever and put him on the path to creating riddles. The poison affected Cramer’s memory, and he didn’t know who he was. He also lost his social skills.
“It caused amnesia for two years,” said Cramer. “I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. And I had no feelings. And then in 1980, I started to come out of it but I was confused. I thought in very strange ways. It was difficult.”
A friend suggested that Cramer create riddles that mirrored his thoughts. He did, and in this way, exercised his mind. The process helped him recover. It took months, years to get his memory back.
“The riddle is a fun way for people by chance or by intent to learn about carbon monoxide poisoning and what it can do,” said Cramer, who became known as ‘The Wyoming Riddler’. “I’ve never wanted anybody or their family to go through what my family and I did. And it brought me out of my shell.”
The riddles were designed to be difficult. And what better way to reward a hardworking riddle-solver than with a silver medallion?
But how could Cramer possibly foresee the immense popularity of his riddle-making? Well, he couldn’t. From a mere few folks at first, to hundreds of people from across the globe requesting riddles, the venture took on a huge life of its own.
But still, what remained at the heart of the matter was Cramer’s wish to warn people about carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ken DeHart listens as the Wyoming Riddler reveals his secrets on March 17 with WKTV VOICES
“When I talk about carbon monoxide poisoning, I want each and every person to get a little bit of an idea what it was like for me not to have any past,” said Cramer. “Without a past, you can’t create a future. And these riddles — nobody’s ever read anything like that before, so they didn’t have anything to go by. And so I kind of brought them in a little bit.”
VOICES, a personal and family history project collects, preserves, and shares the narratives and memories of West Michigan people from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. It’s absolutely free. The only cost is your time and your story, whatever that may be. VOICES offers a comfortable portable video recording studio within a relaxed atmosphere.
Know a few people who’d like to share their personal or family stories and experiences at your location? VOICES will come to you! VOICES is the perfect vehicle for collecting stories from retirement communities, schools or similar organizations where people are motivated and interested in preserving their memories for posterity.
It’s a great way to commemorate significant milestones, enrich relationships, and connect with people who are important to your organization.
To learn more, call 616.261.5700 and ask for VOICES, or email Victoria at victoria@wktv.org .
To reserve a time to share your memories, go here .
The Wyoming branch of the Kent District Library will be the location of a discussion series this month. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
The World Affairs Council of West Michigan, in partnership with the Kent District Library and located at the KDL’s Wyoming branch, will offer a three-part spring discussion series titled “Cultivating Community through Civil Discourse beginning April 10.
The series, according to supplied information, “explores ways to make our community one that’s characterized by civility and respect for all.”
All events in the series are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Wyoming Branch, Kent District Library, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, Wyoming. The time will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. No reservations are needed and there will be free parking.
The first discussion, on Tuesday, April 10, will be “Searching for a Reconfigured ‘We the People’: Embracing Counter Narratives for Just and Civil Discourse” and will feature David Hooker, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the University of Notre Dame.
Following events will be Tuesday, April 17, with Jack Lessenberry of Michigan Radio leading a discussion on “The Loss of American Consensus: Were We Better Off with the Cold War and without the Internet?”, and on Tuesday, April 24, Sarrah Buageila of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, leading a discussion on “Portraits of American Muslims: Civility in a Pluralistic Community”.
There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air while riding your bike on one of West Michigan’s many trails. With trails of varying length and difficulty, you can find something for any skill level. Are you looking for a relaxing ride along the lakeshore or a challenging trek from one city to another? There’s a trail for that! If you’re looking for an excuse to get out on your bike, then spring and summer in West Michigan are the perfect seasons to put on your helmet and hit the road.
Bicycling in Southern West Michigan
If you are a pedal pusher of any kind, the Kalamazoo County Parks should be on your list of places to check out. Kalamazoo is a hotbed of cycling activity that appeals to both mountain bikers and road bikers alike. A hidden gem for road cyclists is the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The KRVT offers more than 22 miles of paved trail that connects the Kal-Haven trail to the heart of Kalamazoo and beyond.
The KRVT is part of a greater vision called the “Great Lake to Lake Trail” that will connect South Haven to Port Huron when complete. If hitting dirt trails is more of your expertise, Kalamazoo has something new and exciting to offer too. Last summer, the Maple Hill Trail was officially opened to the public. This 5-mile trail offers bidirectional riding depending on the day, and has something to offer riders of all skill levels. These two trails are just scratching the surface of what Kalamazoo has to offer!
Virtue Cider is very bike-friendly and it’s often a stopover for cycling tourist all year long. They’ve added a small in-house menu for travelers needing to fuel up or refuel! Grab a gourmet grilled cheese or choose from their selection of packaged charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks in the Bottle Shop.
Make sure to download the Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app, including a 15-mile and 20-mile bike tours of the area. The app also includes local favorite things to see and do, along with places to stop for a bite after working up an appetite on the area bike tours.
River Country is known for its amazing outdoor beauty, and there’s plenty to enjoy. Outdoor activities are plentiful in all seasons, including plenty of biking. One must-visit place is the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Jones. This 10-mile paved trail is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders, but everybody will find something to love. The trail offers a very fast, tight, and twisty single track, which is great for control practice.
Hastings offers something for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. River Walk Trail is open to cyclists and is a pleasant excursion for those seeking an easy, scenic ride. Hammond Hill Multi-Use Trail offers more than six miles of trail through rolling hills, woods, and meadows. It is suitable for mountain and fat tire bikes. Year-round cyclists, whether training for an event or simply seeking a challenging ride, can follow the area’s local race’s permanently courses along Barry County’s scenic back roads.
Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app
Rent or bring your own bike to the Greater Lansing area and trek through over 15 miles of trails along the Lansing River. If you want to ride through the city, a trip through trendy Old Town and downtown Lansing is both bicycle-friendly and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to ride in a bustling downtown setting or want to visit the tranquil beauty that is the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, you’re already in the right place.
More bicycling in Southern West Michigan
Coloma-St. Joseph KOA, Riverside
Cranberry Lake Campground, Marcellus
Biking in Central West Michigan
Did you know that the Hart House Bed & Breakfast in Hart is cyclist-friendly? It’s located near the Hart-Montague Trailhead, offers secure bike storage, and has a repair area with the tools necessary to fix your bike. There’s also a brewery and pizza joint nearby for thirsty and hungry riders looking to load up on carbs and proteins for the next day’s ride. Return to your private room in the evening to relax after a nice long day.
If you’re visiting Grand Haven and wish to enjoy the sights in a different way, Electric Bike Place offers electric bike rentals. Rent by the half or full day and cruise in style through the area’s trails, along the lakeshore, or to and from downtown. Electric Bike Place even provides the bikes, locks, and helmets, making renting an electric bike and enjoying your day on the town even easier. Windmill Island Gardens is conveniently located very close to downtown Holland. Less than a mile separates great downtown shopping from acres of Dutch-themed fun. It’s a very quick bike ride and Windmill Island even has bike racks available at their entrance for visitors to stash their fiets (Dutch for “bike”!).
Enjoy paved trails or rustic single tracks for biking or hiking in Muskegon County. The Hart-Montague Trail and Musketawa Trail offer 24 and 26 miles of paved rail-to-trail recreation. And, three state parks, city and county parks offer options for hiking the signature sand dunes. Over 25 miles of single track winds through rolling hills, marshes, lakes and forests. Trailhead access is off Russell Road where a day pass or season passes are available. Beginners, choose the shorter two-mile green loop. The blue and black trails offer intermediate and experienced riders a 10-mile or 13-mile loop over roots, bridges, and ridgelines, with plenty of lake/stream views.
By Dr. Dana Reilly, Community Health & Primary Care Optometry Resident at Heart of the City Health Center Vision
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United states. Approximately 3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States have glaucoma, and about half of those people don’t know they have it. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve and can result in side vision loss and eventually blindness.
How does glaucoma develop?
Glaucoma develops when the eye cannot drain internal fluid. The eye’s internal drainage system is damaged, and this can cause the eye pressure to increase. This is similar to putting a kink in a garden hose; the water pressure builds up and has nowhere to go. This can then cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that is responsible for our side vision and our central vision. Damage to the optic nerve can first cause side vision loss, and eventually even total blindness.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma has no warning signs! Vision loss can happen over time, and people may not notice these changes until it’s too late. Once side vision loss has occurred, these vision changes can not be changed. We can not cure glaucoma, but we as optometrists can help slow down the disease.
What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?
There are many risk factors for developing glaucoma. They include: Age over 60, a family history of glaucoma, African American, Asian, or Hispanic race, diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, steroid users, or any previous eye injury.
How is glaucoma detected?
Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor is your first step! A dilated eye exam helps the optometrist fully assess the optic nerve. If the optometrist is suspicious of glaucoma based on the appearance of the optic nerve, there are other tools we can use to determine if there is optic nerve damage. We also check your eye pressure with a technique called Goldmann tonometry. If the eye pressure is high, we might be suspicious of glaucoma. We can also measure the corneal thickness and look at where the cornea meets the fluid-draining structures of the eye. We also might conduct a side vision test to assess if there is any side vision loss. With all of these tests combined, this gives us all of the tools we need to properly diagnose, treat, and manage glaucoma.
What are my next steps?
Schedule your eye exam today! Cherry Health provides comprehensive vision services at the Heart of the City Health Center, Montcalm Area Health Center, and Wyoming Community Health Center. Early detection is key with glaucoma. Since there are no early warning signs, it is important to have your eyes fully examined to test for any early signs of glaucoma. As mentioned above, there is no cure for glaucoma, but we can help slow down the disease with eye drops, laser surgery, or other surgical options in later stages of the disease. If you would like to be seen for an eye exam contact us at one of our locations!
Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Whatever brings you to the job search process, where do you start? A successful job search starts with a strategy — a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal.
Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and interests you. Begin by identifying your skills, interests and values. Here are some questions to get you started:
What were your favorite things about previous jobs?
Are there any moments that stand out or projects that you really enjoyed?
What were your favorite classes in school?
What work-related activities do you like doing?
The goal of this process is to dig into your motivations and passions. This exercise should act as a springboard for exploring careers that will be a good fit for you. Matching a job with your skills, interests and values will lead to higher job satisfaction. It will also save you time and help you organize the next steps of your job search process by narrowing down what fields to explore.
West Michigan Works! offers services, based on eligibility, to help you get started with your job search, including skills assessment, one-on-one career counseling, and assistance finding training to prepare for a new career. You can also check out these free, online career exploration tools:
O*Net Online provides information on careers you might be interested in — onetonline.org
Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Michigan Career Explorer offers career research and exploration resources — mitalent.org/career-explorer
My Next Move can help you narrow down careers based on what you like to do and offers tools specifically for Veterans — mynextmove.org
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
By Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
This story, told from three different perspectives through the voices of Rose, Son, and Sissy, asks as many questions of the reader as it answers. Is Rose running from her destiny, or to it? If you were in Sissy’s shoes, (or Rose’s or Son’s), would you make the same choices? Is there a path that each individual is designed to follow? Do we forge our life’s path through free will alone or by the choices we make? Or is it some combination of both?
Rose, a devout Catholic girl, believes that her two life choices in the mid-sixties are to become a wife or a nun, and that God will provide her with a sign at the appropriate time. It is immediately apparent that Rose believes she misunderstood the sign, for the story opens with Rose driving across the country, alone, three years into a marriage she entered at age nineteen. The narrative quickly unfolds, and the questions rise through Ann Patchett’s wonderful writing. She paints her characters with such depth and compassion that they become a part of the reader, and the reader truly shares their world. Patchett’s portraits and her vivid description work together to make this a book to read more than once.
The Patron Saint of Liars is Ann Patchett’s first novel and was made into a television movie in 1998. She has since written several more novels and most recently a work of non-fiction, Truth & Beauty, about women and friendships that endure beyond a lifetime.
“I want to adopt a child,” I told my husband over the phone while running errands. “I want to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Actually, there is this beautiful boy on the Reece’s Rainbow adoption site who I am in love with.”
I have replayed this conversation many times since adopting our sweet Armenian, Sam. Sam was born in Armenia, given up at birth, and lived in an orphanage for four years before we brought him home in 2016.
Before we started the adoption process I knew nothing about Down syndrome. My heart always gravitated towards the beautiful Down syndrome children with almond eyes, chubby fingers, and a gap between the big toe and the rest of the toes. I knew nothing more about Down syndrome than what meets the eye. I knew nothing about raising a child with special needs. And I knew nothing about what it meant to become a parent of a special needs child. And here’s a little secret I’ll share with you — after having Sam for almost two years, I am still learning what all this means.
My husband and I had great aspirations of bringing Sam home and changing the life of this little boy. But we never realized just how much we would change. We never realized how much we needed to change to raise this little boy. Sam has made great progress since April 2016, but our parenting had to change to help him be successful. We soon realized that we needed a team of people to help us. We couldn’t do it alone. This new parenting style required us to be vulnerable, humble, and intentional. We surrounded ourselves with some great therapists, enlisted family to provide us with much needed respite, and thanked our lucky stars for some amazing teachers and teaching staff who loved our kid even when he was hard to love. And lastly, we sought out an adoption counselor who helped change our mindset on what it means to be a parent, an adoptive parent, and a special needs parent to a boy who didn’t ask for any of this.
We are still learning, we don’t have all the answers. But the great thing is — we don’t have to. We are grateful for the other parents who share their stories and life lessons. We can only hope to one day pay it forward to the couple who is considering adopting a beautiful child with Down syndrome.
Kent County’s Board of Commissioners, Administrator’s Office and Cultural Insight Council are proud to host an event in memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination.
“Honoring the Dream” will bring the community together to demonstrate the unity and inclusion Kent County embraces. The event will be open to the public and held on Calder Plaza, April 4, starting at noon.
“For some of us, the terrible, tragic images of April 4, 1968 are forever etched into our minds,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller. “We — as a society — have grown over the past fifty years. Unfortunately, we still see racism, divisiveness, and prejudice today. The goal of this special event is to bring awareness of the life and work of Dr. King and to reflect on how we all can strive to eliminate hatred and bigotry.”
The event was the idea of the Cultural Insight Council (CIC), a self-directed workgroup of more than two dozen individuals from County departments.
“We wanted to gather as a community and spend a few minutes reflecting on the lessons of Dr. King’s life and death,” said Darius Quinn, Human Resources Manager and Chair of the CIC, which was formed in 2001. “The CIC is dedicated to providing an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are valued. This event is a reflection of the standard the County staff strives to achieve every day.”
The Board of Commissioners have voiced support for the King legacy and will present a Proclamation during the event.
“Kent County is ethnically and racially diverse,” said Jim Saalfeld, Kent County Board Chair. “Therefore, our ability to serve the public in a culturally-competent manner is critical to what we are called to do. I am proud of the work of the CIC and how the employees of Kent County are willing to address this important aspect of public service.”
For crowd planning purposes, the county asks for RSVPs at cic@kentcountymi.gov .
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be offering free admission to students.
Looking for something to do on spring break? Well, there are lots of camps and activities available through a variety of organizations. Here are just a few ideas.
Wyoming and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Departments
There is always something to do at a local park and with the weather warming, a chance to get some fresh air is always a nice option. Along with that, make sure to check out your local parks and recreation department for programs or activities taking place during the week. It is also a good time to check out the spring and summer leagues. For the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, click here.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Also, Kentwood is currently taking applications for the Kentwood Farmers Market, which opens in June. For Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, click here.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Family art projects, bounce houses, swimming, and climbing are just a few of the family–friendly activity options available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2018, April 2–6.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is located at 2500 S. Division Ave.
Open swim, climbing wall, and game room hours will be extended. Special guest presentations at 11 a.m. each morning include Blandford Nature Center, Binder Park Zoo, puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad, and interactive drumming with WaZoBia.
Day passes are only $7.50 for all ages, and Kroc Center members get unlimited free access to all activities. All children age 11 and under must be supervised by an adult while visiting the Kroc Center. New this year, the Kroc has added a “family room” where parents and kids looking for a break can have snacks, play games, and more.
Also new this year is an annual Family Pool & Play Pass, cost is $99, which provides day pass access to the Kroc Center for a family of up to five people during the most popular open swim times – Saturdays and Sundays, Spring Break, and Christmas Break.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will host two drop-in art studio programs, April 3 and 7.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will offer free admission to kids 17 and under during Spring Break, April 3-7.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located at 101 Monroe Center NW.
Free admission includes entry to all of the Museum’s current exhibits, as well as related programming offered at the Museum on the day of the visit. The Museum will offer two drop-in art studio programs during the week, April 3 and 7 from 1-4 p.m., as well as a drop-in tour, April 7 from 1-2 p.m.
GRAM’s current exhibits are “Alexis Rockman: The Great Lakes Cycle,” exploring the past, present, and future of North America’s Great Lakes; “From Wilderness to Resource: A Story in Pictures,” a selection from GRAM’s permanent collection designed to complement the Rockman exhibit; and “Tony Mendoza: Cats and Dogs,” featuring the work of Ohio-based photographer and writer of Cuban descent Tony Mendoza.
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, students can create a mermaid or unicorn puppet.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will have its two traveling exhibits, planetarium shows, hands-on activities and more from Spring Break, which will run from March 30 – April 8.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is at 272 Pearl St. NW.
Museum hours will be extended until 8 p.m. from April 2 – 6. The Museum will be closed Sunday, April 1 for Easter.
Special hands-on activities include creating your own Chinese dragons, make-and-take your own mermaid or unicorn puppet, playing BIG games, build structures with Keva blocks and Magformers magnetic shapes, and special Museum artifacts on a touch-it table. Visitors can explore the mythical creatures from around the globe in the “Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids,” and become a water droplet in “Water’s Extreme Journey.”
Keva blocks and Magformers magnetic shapes
On Tuesday, April 3, there will be a special Science Tuesday activity in the Museum’s Watershed Lab using an augmented reality sandbox. Visitors will change the topography of a land map, creating different terrains from lakes to mountains to learn how a watershed works. This Lab will be free with general admission.
The GRPM will be offering additional Chaffee Planetarium show times for the most popular shows. Planetarium shows are $4 with general admission, $5 for planetarium-only tickets and free to Museum members.
For more information on Spring Break activities including planetarium shows and for tickets visit grpm.org.
Grand Rapids Ballet
The Grand Rapids Ballet will offer two programs for youth during the week of April 2-6, a Spring Break for Kids day series of one-hour program of entertainment and activities, and a series of longer Day Camps focused on dance and physical fitness activities.
The Grand Rapids Ballet is located at 341 Elllsworth Avenue SW, Grand Rapids.
Spring Break for Kids will run Monday-Friday, April 2-6, from 10:30 to11:30 a.m., at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Doors open every day at 10:30 a.m. for fun activities including a Gymco obstacle course and costume dress-up, followed by a 30-minute kid-friendly ballet, “Mother Goose’s Friends”. Tickets are $7 per day.
Spring Break Day Camp will run Monday-Thursday, April 2-5, at the Grand Rapids Ballet School. Each day of Day Camp includes social and physical activity for boys and girls ages 3-6 years. In the camps, campers will learn the fundamentals of etiquette, cooperation, goal-setting, musicality, flexibility, strength, and more. Campers can enroll in one day or all four days For cost, call 616-454-4771 (Ext. 17). The camps are also available for entire weeks during summer vacation.
For more information call 616-454-4771 (Ext.10) or visit GRBallet.com.
Kentwood’s public trails welcome not only public use but also public volunteers being watchful eyes and ears on the trail. (Supplied)
By Kentwood Police Department
The Kentwood Police Department is looking for volunteers to become part of the Trail Patrol Volunteer Program.
Trail Patrol Volunteers patrol parks and trails in the City of Kentwood by providing assistance to trail users and reporting problems — signs of vandalism, damage, and illegal/suspicious activity. Trail patrol involves observing and reporting issues on the trail including maintenance and ordinance violations.
Volunteers may choose to walk or ride a bike to patrol and set their own schedule. A minimum one-hour commitment per week is requested (weather permitting).
Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a friendly demeanor, undergo application and screening process, pass a background check, and attend a one-hour Department training.
You can make a difference in your community’s parks and trails and have fun while doing it!
For more information, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571 or e-mail highlandv@ci.kentwood.mi.us.
The energy in the gym is electric. Mascots lead the crowds in cheers as the teams take the field. Someone runs in front of the bleachers with a team flag with others in the stands holding up illuminated signs of team numbers. It only gets quiet as the match is about to start. The buzzer goes off and the place erupts with noise.
This is March Madness not for basketball, but for robotics, specifically FIRST Robotics. This Friday and Saturday, the madness comes to East Kentwood High School’s field house as the district for the fourth year hosts the First Robotics event.
“I have been superintendent for the district for five years, so I have really gotten the chance to see this event grow,” said Kentwood Superintendent William Zoerhoff, who added that watching the students work as a team to figure out a problem using their STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math — skills is pretty amazing.
Color coordinated fans are ready to cheer on their team at GVSU’s FIRST Robotics competition.
Started in 1992, FIRST is an international high school robotics competition founded by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen — the man behind the Segway — and MIT professor emeritus Woodie Flowers. In fact, Kamen often has stated that FIRST is the invention he feels most proud of.
The program began with 28 teams in a New Hampshire high school gym, according to the FIRST website. In 2018, it is estimated that more than 400,000 students across the globe will come together and within six weeks, design, build, and program a functional robot which is able to fulfill the unique and complex challenges specific to that year’s game.
“But it is much more than just building a robot, “ said Grand Valley State University’s Dean of Engineering Paul D. Plotkowski. GVSU was one of the first organizations to host FIRST Robotic competitions with the university having its event last weekend. “It’s about teamwork. It’s about students coming together and solving a problem with each student having a specific task in accomplishing the goal.”
Teams are not only required to build a robot, but they have to come up with a business plan to help cover costs for parts and travel. In the cast of Kentwood’s Red Storm Robotics, Zoerhoff said when funding for the school’s program was needed, the students pitched the team and event to Switch which signed on as a major community supporter.
In the end, it is not about winning either, according to Kentwood’s FIRST Robotics Competition organizer Wendy Ljungen, who is a chief consulting engineer for GE Aviation Systems. It is about getting students interested in the field of technology and in fact, there are a vast array of scholarships available to students who participate in FIRST.
“When GE got involved, it was looking at how to get more women involved in technology,” Ljungen said. “GE has been a strong force in creating a balance by encouraging girls and building a better pipeline.”
So nine years ago, a GE group, called Women in Technology, began to look around to see what programs there were to encourage students and specifically pull girls into the pipeline of technology and engineering. They found FIRST and had about three months —which included the two-week Christmas break — to pull together a team. They did and Kentwood’s Red Storm Robotics team became the top seeded Rookie team that year.
Mentors work with the South Christian High School team
From there, GE branched out to help with establishing three middle school teams in Kentwood — one which went to the world competition last year — along with helping with the Wyoming High School’s team the Demons and this year, re-establishing the Ottawa Hills High School team. Those teams along with West Michigan Aviation’s Team Spitfire, Lee High School’s Rebel Robotics, and Potter’s House’s Tactical Hams are among the more than 40 teams that will be at this weekend’s event.
This year’s competition theme is based on a Mario game with the robots required to be able to pick up cubes that can be placed on a scale along with passing them out for stacking. Robots also need to be able to climb a structure with some able to load another team’s robot and climb.
The “game” floor has all the bells and whistles of the Mario game complete with a giant scoreboard showcasing who has the most points. There is a few minutes before a winner is announced as final scores are tallied.
Each team is required to attend two district competitions. Those teams that earn enough points or certain awards, then advance to the state competition which will be April 12-14 at Saginaw Valley State University.
“It has been quite a journey,” Ljungen said. “When we started there was about 200 teams. There are now more than 500 teams with the goal that ever listed high school in the state will have a team.”
The growth of FIRST is evident as to accommodate all the teams with Forest Hills Central High School added to the schedule this year as a new FIRST Robotics event site. That competition is next weekend.
Looking for something local to cap off your spring break week? Cedar Springs Brewing Company will host its third annual Starkbierfest — strong beer fest — on Saturday, April 7, with a heated tent with live music, limited beer releases, and a sausage party. And you know how well German beer goes with German sausages.
Never heard of Starkbierfest? According to the brewery, besides the famous Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest (“Strong Beer Festival”) is the second big German beer festival time during the year. Historically, monks brewed strong beer (Bockbier), which was higher in calories and a bit stronger to substitute for food during Lenten fasting. This “liquid bread” and annual brewing specialties have survived the times and re-emerged … at Cedar Springs Brewing.
Four beers are set to be released: Küsterer Maibock, a spring strong lager in collaboration with North Channel Brewing; Küsterer Pale Bock, a traditional Bavarian pale lager bock; Big Sid Rides a Buffalo, a Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrel aged barley wine; and Tim the Enchanter, a strong Belgian golden ale.
There are various party packages available, including the Starknaked Package (we will not delve further into the name) for $20 per person, and the four-person Sausage Party Package (again, no comment) for $60.
Live music will be provided from 2:30 p.m. until sometime after 8 p.m. or when the beer runs out, by Dave Salvinski (German/folk music), Fauxgrass (progressive bluegrass), and Delilah DeWilde (rockabilly).
The Starkbierfest will be held Saturday, April 7, from 3-9 p.m., at Cedar Springs Brewing Company, 95 N Main, Cedar Springs. For more information visit csbrew.com .
St. Cecilia fundraiser to feature Martha’s Vineyeard wine tasting
More of a fine wine palette? The “Eat. Drink. Be Merry!” Martha’s Vineyard Wine Tasting Annual Fundraiser to benefit St. Cecilia Music Center will be held on Saturday, April 14.
Wine more your taste? Check out the wine tasting event at St. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied)
Grand Rapids fine wine purveyor Martha’s Vineyard will supply the wine and food at the music center’s annual fundraiser, to be held from 6-10 p.m., on two floors at St. Cecilia’s historic building. The night will feature more than 100 wine varietals at various price points, we are told. Some of the wines to be featured are specific to the event and will only be available through special order at the event. Discounts on all wine orders at the event will be offered.
The event will include hors d’oeuvres from Catering by Martha’s and Nantucket Baking Company, as well as musical entertainment and a silent auction with many unique wines, wine-tasting trips, vacations, entertainment packages and dining packages up for bid.
St. Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom NE, downtown Grand Rapids. The cost is $40 per person and advance tickets can be purchased at Martha’s Vineyard, 200 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224. Tickets are limited.
Boatyard Brewing plans ‘Friends’ brew as Alzheimers fundraiser
It is still a month away, but summer weekend schedules fill up quickly so you may want to mark your schedule for Kalamazoo’s Boatyard Brewing Company release party of its New Friends Brew on Friday, May 11, which will benefit a September “Walk to End Alzheimers” fundraiser.
“I am the captain of our walk team and every year in September there is a big walk,” Corie Shireman said to WKTV. “So all year long we do fundraising as a company to raise funds for our walk team. Last year we made our goal of $5,000. So, every year, it becomes more of a challenge for me to think of new ways to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimers Association. So because of my love for craft beer I took it upon myself to ask a local brewery if they would consider naming a beer after us and the possibilities of any of the proceeds going to us.”
The result: New Friends Brew, the sales of which will benefit $1 for each draft beer purchased to the New Friends Walk team, and a party.
The beer release and tapping party will be Friday, May 11, 5-8 p.m., at the Boatyard Brewing Company, 432 E. Patterson St. The event will include live entertainment from Delilah DeWylde and Lee Harvey. For more information visit boatyardbrewing.com .
Grey Skies Distillery releases first straight bourbon whiskey
Grand Rapids’ Gray Skies Distillery released its first straight bourbon whiskey on March 22 and while its initial sales will be exclusively at their downtown Grand Rapids tasting room subsequent releases beginning fall of this year will be available through licensed retailers, bars, and restaurants around Michigan, according to the distillery.
Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey was aged in charred new, oak barrels for over two years and bottled at 90 proof, we are told. Following their Breakfast Rye and Single Malt Whiskey, Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the third American whiskey Gray Skies Distillery has released.
“Michigan Straight Bourbon Whiskey is simply named to highlight what it is – straight bourbon distilled and aged in Michigan,” Steve Vander Pol, co-owner of Gray Skies Distillery, said in supplied material. “The straight designation signifies the bourbon was aged at least two years and has no additional flavors added.”
Grey Skies Distillery is located at 700 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids. For more information visit grayskiesdistillery.com .
Since 2009, Grand Rapids Film Festival (GRFF) has championed collaborative film exhibition and education events in Grand Rapids. Using a community-oriented approach to celebrate film and its makers, the GRFFl aims to increase regional access to and production of quality films that provide meaningful, constructive and encouraging entertainment while harnessing the transformative power of film.
F&M Friday, April 13 @The Waldron
The festival kicks-off with a signature event dubbed “F&M” which stands for fashion and music for film. This event is hosted by The Waldron on Ionia Street. The program centers around six of the short films screening at the festival, which serve as inspiration for fashion studies students from Kendall College of Art and Design. A total of 13 looks are designed and displayed on live models during this unconventional fashion show. Music from the shorts films also serve as a focal point.
Film Screenings: Saturday, April 14 @Wealthy Theatre
120 films from all over the world were submitted, and 38 have been selected!
The international surprise this is year is the amount of films screening from the Islamic Republic of Iran! Five beautiful short pieces add the distinct cultural flair of this country to GRFF film blocks. Canada and France are additional cultures represented.
17 made-in-Michigan are exhibited, including seven from Grand Rapids.
“Almost Human” by Ayden Byrnes of East Lansing
“Chocolate and Cigarettes” by David Tappan of Detroit
“David” by Ben Lemmen of Holland
“Dreamer” by Jose Jimenez of Lyons
“FOUR-NINETY” by Scott Magie of Holt
“Peace During War” by Jennifer Machiorlatti of Paw Paw
“Secret” by Shana Gagnon of Rochester Hills
“Stigmatic: Our Opioid Crisis” by Garret Morgan of Essexville
Filmmaker Impact Stories Sunday, April 15 @The Waldron
Sunday, April 15 is the prime networking event for the regional filmmaking community. The Knickerbocker New Holland Brewing hosts GRFF’s Filmmaker Impact Stories from 5 to 8 PM. For this event, regional filmmakers share the story of how film transformed their lives.
Rhubarb is a springtime delicacy that is classified by botanists as a vegetable, but because it is so popular in desserts, it is often recognized as a fruit by many consumers. Rhubarb is traditionally made into sauce or pie, this led to it getting the nickname “pie plant.”
Hothouse, or forced, rhubarb is a pink to rosy-red color all the way to the leaf. It will have a milder, more delicate flavor than field or homegrown rhubarb. Use hothouse rhubarb only when fresh because it loses color rapidly when canned or frozen. Medium to thick stalks are best to use because they are the most tender.
Fresh field or homegrown rhubarb is available late April through June. It can be mostly green or have a rosy to dark red color and have medium to thick stalks. Homegrown rhubarb is more tender than hothouse, however, both provide a tasty source of calcium and potassium.
Remember to cut off and compost, or discard, all rhubarb leaves when you harvest rhubarb. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which is harmful to eat.
Enjoy rhubarb in pies and muffins or as a sauce
When rhubarb is combined with strawberries, raspberries, apples and other fruits, the flavor only gets better. Rhubarb also makes a terrific sauce for chicken, venison, halibut and salmon. Adding diced rhubarb to muffins and biscuit recipes not only adds nutritional value but makes the muffins and biscuits sing with flavor without making the batter runny.
Rhubarb (courtesy Michigan State University Extension website)
Store rhubarb in the fridge
Stalks of rhubarb can be placed in a perforated plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator crisper for two to four weeks. If you add a wet paper towel to the bag of rhubarb, it will help to keep the rhubarb from drying out.
Preserve rhubarb by freezing
Freeze homegrown rhubarb early in the season when the color is best and the stalks are almost tender. Freezing rhubarb is easy. Just rinse stalks well, dry them with a paper towel and cut them into one or two-inch pieces to fit your freezer containers or freezer bags. If you have an amount you need for a favorite pie, crisp or bread recipe, you can measure that amount into the freezer bag and label it with the date and amount, then when you take it out of the freezer you won’t have to measure the rhubarb before adding it to your recipe. You can also make cooked rhubarb sauce; pack it into containers, leaving one-half inch headspace, label and freeze.
Michigan State University Extension’s MI Fresh, has a range of information and resources about Michigan’s bounty of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals. Here you will find information on recommended varieties, storage, food safety and preserving techniques for many fruits and vegetables.
Imagine being a mother sent to a re-education camp — essentially a prison — where there is little food, no medicine and you are forced to do hard labor and knowing that your four-year-old son braving your war-torn country looking for you.
This is one of many stories that producer and filmmaker Diem Thuy collected for her documentary “Unforgotten,” the stories of the Vietnamese sent to live in the re-education camps after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The documentary will be screened Monday, April 2, at the Richard M. DeVos Center’s Loosemore Auditorium located on the Grand Valley State University downtown campus. There is a reception at 6:30 p.m. with the screening at 7:30 p.m.
“In 1975 Saigon collapsed and the communist took over,” Thuy said. “They took a million of the South Korean officers to jail. Basically, they say to ‘the re-education camp’ and there was hard labor and illness. For there families, it became difficult in how to find them and support them.”
GVSU Professor James Smither, who has interviewed countless veterans and some Vietnamese refugees through the GVSU Veterans History Program that he heads up, said even as a teenager, the re-education camps sounded a little “fishy” to him.
“A lot of the debate that went on in the United States had to do with the nature of the enemy,” said GVSU Professor James Smither, who helped coordinate the screening of the film. “There was a tendency among some of the counter culture people to make the North Vietmanese out as basically Asian flower children or something like that….And the fact of the matter is the communists were not nice people.
“They were very determined to accomplish what they believe was their mission and part of their mission was basically to eradicate American and Western influence to an extent. So they rounded up basically anyone who was a military officer, government official, police official of a certain level and they put them in these places they called re-education camps.”
Even though her own father was in a re-education camp for eight years, Thuy said she never heard any stories of the re-education camps. One day, she receive a phone call that a person she wanted to interview about the camps had died. Realizing that many of the survivors were in their seventies to nineties, Thuy decided she had to make the documentary.
“Basically I want to give them a voice to tell them what happened in their lives,” she said.
Between a million to 2.5 million Vietnamese were placed in the re-education camps. American studies estimate that about 165,000 people died in the camps, although Thuy said it is probably much higher as 10,000 people still remain missing. The camps were operated in 1986 and two years later, North Vietnam agreed to release all prisoners in the camps. It is estimated that more than 500,000 Vietnamese prisoners and their families resettled in the United States.
Thuy said she interviewed between 200-300 people with every story being just heartbreaking.
“Some people would still say ‘Oh I tell you but I don’t want it in the documentary because I’m afraid that the communists are still looking for us,’” Thuy said. “They are still afraid. So that is horrible. They are in a [free] country, but they are still afraid.”
Smither said for many who came to the United States, the war continued after 1975 with Thuy’s film serving as a reminder to what was taking place after the Fall of Saigon.
“It is part of the larger history that helps you understand the full picture better and in some ways it serves as a reminder of the people who served in Vietnam that there really were people in Vietnam who valued the American presence and what the Americans were trying to do even though it didn’t work in the end,” Smither said. Smither believed so much in the importance of sharing this part of history, what happened after the Vietnam War, that he arranged to move his seminar history class to Loosemore Auditorium to host the screening of the film.
“I didn’t hear much about the re-education camps until this documentary came out because my family came over by boat,” said Grand Rapids Community College student Tina Tran. “So these other ways that people have come in, I have never heard about them.”
Thuy said she hopes the film helps to educate the next generation about what took place in these camps and why so many Vietnamese chose to come to the United States.
“Bascially for the young people, ‘Unforgotten’ reminds people how the Vietnamese history is written,” she said. “Especially for the Vietnamese-Americans, ‘Unforgotten’ reminds why you are here and how you came here.”
The screening is free and open to the public. To learn more about the film “Unfogetton,” go to unforgottenfilm.com.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt, who has been serving as Interim County Administrator/Controller starting in July 2017 before being named to the county’s top management position in January.
While Britt’s impressive resume includes positions at Steelcase, Inc. and Michigan National Bank before joining the county — and management oversight for the Health Department, the Community Development and Housing Department, and Veterans Services with the county — he also played basketball for the University of Michigan, and was part of the school’s National Championship runner-up in 1976.
Given this week’s Wolverine return visit to the Final Four, In Focus host Ken Norris just had to ask Britt about the lessons he learned on the basketball court and how that impacts his management style today.
Also on the episode, Christine Mwangi, founder and president of the Grand Rapids based Be A Rose non-profit, which advocates for and educates on women’s health issues. She was born in Kenya, immigrated to American when she was 11, gained a bachelors degree in the United States and a masters in the United Kingdom. Now, while she is now firmly rooted in West Michigan, Be A Rose’s name and inspiration returns, again, to Africa and to Mwangi’s paternal grandmother.
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, March 27, and will again air on Thursday, March 29, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of March 19. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
Austrian-born Michael Auer merges two careers into a new art form, and the Grand Rapids Ballet is ever the better for it. Join us for a look at the intersection of professional dance and technology.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Big Sid’s Sanctuary. 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).
Meet one of the most introverted kitties we have had in recent years — Autumn. Sadly I have to repost her plea for adoption since her ‘happily ever after’ didn’t last.
On March 2, 2018, Dr. Jen received a call from a colleague at our local humane society stating that our pretty girl had been turned in to them by a friend of her initial adopter, stating that Autumn was no longer wanted.
It appears that the initial adopter gave this little lady to a friend (in violation of our adoption contract), and that person decided she didn’t want Autumn after all, despite promising the initial adopter that Autumn would be safe and sound.
Somehow in the shuffle, Autumn contracted FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, transmitted via a bite wound from an infected cat (she was either let outdoors or was housed with a positive cat that bit her). Since she hasn’t a mean bone in her timid tabby body, there is no risk of her spreading it to the other cats that she shares company with, thankfully.
Born in the fall of 2009, Autumn and her still-nursing offspring were originally dumped off in Saranac, and a kindhearted soul swooped in to the rescue.
All were hungry, cold, and flea-ridden. Even though she had just been tossed out like garbage with her young kittens, Autumn was relaxed and ate, fed her babies, and slept. Whoever dumped them did not care that they were pretty much ensuring a slow death to this family. There are so many dangers — including bad weather, coyotes, cars, stupid people, and other wild animals.
Autumn’s kittens grew, were spayed/neutered and vaccinated, then finally adopted out to great homes. Another older brother, Baelfire, was also dumped in the meantime, and was able to charm his way into Crash’s. This left Autumn, who now was suffering from pneumonia that was a result of her poor life prior to finding us and stress from having to remain in our foster kitten room for so long. She beat her pneumonia, and was able to secure her spot at Crash’s also.
Autumn is settling in but is still head shy and uncertain. Potential adopters must be willing to take things slowly, on Autumn’s terms. This sweetie deserves a kind, loving home.
More about Autumn
NOTE: A $825 grant from Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA will enable Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary, to fund comprehensive exams for five Big Sid’s Sanctuary cats before going to their new home. Each exam would include a full blood panel, dental care, radiographs, urinalysis, antibiotics and pain medication, if needed. Big Sid’s caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). FIV and FeLV are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. The shelter takes cats with FIV or FeLV from all over Michigan.
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.
Newly appointed 1st Ward Commissioner Sheldon DeKryger takes the oath of office presented by Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg. DeKryger’s family looks on.
The members of the Wyoming City Council openly admitted they had a tough decision between two potential candidates for the city’s open council seat but by the end of last night’s special meeting, the council made the unanimous decision to appoint business owner Sheldon DeKryger.
DeKryger will fill the 1st Ward Commission seat vacated by Bill Ver Hulst due to his resignation earlier this month. The appointment is through November when the seat is up for election.
“Looking over the resumes we received here, I said to my wife, we can’t go wrong with either one of them,” said Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt during discussions on the candidates, which were DeKryger and business owner and 18-year Wyoming resident Jennifer Franson.
Regardless of who was selected, Council member Dan Burrill said during the meeting, he hoped that both would continue to stay involved in the community.
DeKryger and his family have lived in Wyoming since 1995. He has three children attending Tri Unity Christian School, where he has been a board member for the past five years and was the building site coordinator for a recent addition at the school located on Wilson Avenue. He has one son attending Western Michigan University. He is a member of Resurrection Life Church, where he serves as a deacon and has been involved in the Powerhouse Ministry, an inner city Sunday school program that would set up at different sites in Wyoming, Kentwood, and the Grand Rapids area providing Bible lessons for local children.
DeKryger has a degree in economics from Calvin College and he currently owns and manages a residential building company that is based in Wyoming. According to DeKryger he got into construction due to his father-in-law and has enjoyed the field. He has served on the city’s Construction Board of Appeals for the last nine years.
He will serve out the remainder of the term which expires this fall at which time he plans to run for the seat.
“This is something that I have been taking about and my wife and I have gone back and remember a conversation I had with a person from six years ago,” DeKryger said during the his interview at the special meeting. “…we were talking about the city council back then and I don’t even know what seat it was for, but it was ‘hey, have you ever thought about running for City Council’ and it planted a seed and it is something that I’ve always wanted to do.
“I knew there was going to be opportunities this year so at that point I filed my paperwork. I was going to run this fall in the November election and the reason that I am here today is things got speed up and if I am running in November there is no reason I shouldn’t be sitting at this table hoping you guys will listen to me and try to get this appointment.”
DeKryger currently is the only candidate who has filed for the 1st Ward seat for the upcoming election. That area covers most of the eastern edge of the city which is Clyde Park Avenue to Eastern Avenue north of 36th Street and from Burlingame Avenue to Eastern Avenue south of 36th Street.
Beside’s the 1st Ward seat, two council member-at-large seats, currently held by Kent Vanderwood and Sam Bolt, and the mayor’s seat, currently held by Jack Poll, are up for election. Vanderwood, Bolt and Poll said they all plan to run for re-election for their current positions.
Those interested in running for any of the council or mayor seats need to file with the Wyoming City’s clerk office by 4 p.m. April 24. The clerk’s office is located in the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Candidate packets are available at the front desk.
By Melissa Fox, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch
In Barolo, Matthew Gavin Frank takes readers on a trip to explore the food and wine of the Barolo Region of Italy. Frank stays in a tent in a friend’s garden and works at a vineyard, picking grapes for vintner Luciano Sandrone.
This book is rich with details of the history and process of wine making, the Piemontese region of Italy, and of the many people the author meets, restaurants he eats at, and friends he makes along the way.
Barolo is both travelogue and memoir, unique to its time and place in Frank’s life, so that only he could share these stories in this way.
Every person who knew the late West Michigan artist Armand Merizon has stories to tell — stories of a complex man’s triumphs and struggles, of a brilliant painter with a sometimes struggling career, but ultimately of an artistic life well lived.
And every person who has seen one of his paintings has his or her own story to tell: the story the acclaimed artist constantly worked to convey in just about every work he created.
Muriel Zandstra — friend, repeated interviewer, and artistic advocate of Merizon for five decades — has her own stories to tell, and she has told them, accompanied by the most complete visual review of the artist’s work, in a new book, “Armand Merizon: His Life and Art”.
Armand Merizon in studio (with image of musical influence Beethoven). (Supplied)
“The reason for producing the book, for all it involved, was more than just good friendship,” Zandstra said to WKTV. “It was an overwhelming belief in the man and his art. I think he’s not just a ‘good’ artist, but a ‘great’ artist and his legacy should live on. I strongly believe, as do all the art professionals who knew him, that Merizon is a significant 20th century American artist who needs to be elevated to his rightful position in the art world.”
The new book was not Zandstra’s first effort to shine a light on Merizon. She co-produced with Jennifer Dornbush a documentary about the artist, “ARMAND”, in 2005, when he was 85 and in ill-health with terrible arthritis in his hands and advanced macular degeneration in his eyes. He died in 2010.
“Since I had already done so much research on him for the documentary, I was the best equipped to take on the challenge of creating a book,” Zandstra said. “Though it was a natural, it was still an unexpected and unsought-after project for my retirement. I needed the help of many professionals to pull it off.”
What they pulled off — she credits the work of Jan Keessen and Randall VanderMey on the book’s dust jacket — was a 240-page, oversized hardcover “coffee table book” of such beauty, such comprehensiveness that it deserves a place of more prominence than a coffee table. It contains photographs of more than 200 of the artist’s works, beginning with an early work from 1932, “Fall Tree”, a stunningly mature pastoral work for a 12-year-old, to one of the last of his paintings, the abstract “In D Minor”, from 2009.
“After coproducing and broadcasting the documentary “ARMAND” in 2005, people wanted to see more of Merizon’s art and learn more about the genius behind them,” she said. “There was not any one gallery or museum where I could direct them to go since so many of his paintings are held in private homes. It seemed the only logical way to get his artwork out there was for someone to come up with a catalog art book. … It would be geared for the general public though also suitable for professionals and serious artists to study and learn from.”
For a short video review of Merizon’s work, and an on-air WKTV Journal interview with Zandstra, see the following video.
Author shares personal stories of artist
Zandstra tells many stories about her interactions with Merizon over the years, both in the book and sitting in the living room of the rural Reed City home she shares with her husband, Dave. Two stories tell of the depth of their relationship: one of a painting given and returned, and another of the artist and his model.
Merizon had a habit of giving paintings in exchange for others’ services rendered — just ask any of a number of local doctors who have Merizon paintings in their offices. In Zandstra’s case, it was a seascape given during the years she babysit for the family; a painting given and then returned and destroyed.
“That painting was a delightful, photographic kind of painting, I was thrilled with it,” she said. “But I could tell over the years that he was doing something deeper. … Even though everybody liked the painting, I was thinking there is something not quite right in this painting.
“One day I said, ‘Would you like to see your paintings that I have? You paint them and then they are gone and you need to see them again.’ He said, ‘Yes I would.’ … I brought them the next time and when he looked at that one he goes ‘Yuck! The horizon line is too close to the center. And the shoreline is washed out.’ He said the only redeeming thing are the clouds in the sky. He said you know, ‘Could I have it back?’ And I said, ‘Yep’. So I just gave it back to him.
“This Was My Land” (1990). Armand Merizon gave this painting to Dave and Muriel in exchange for a Lake Michigan painting he wanted back and destroyed. (Supplied)
“Then a couple months later, when I visited him, he said, ‘I would like to upgrade your collection. I want to give one that Dave would like, that he would relate too as well, he is a farmer, a teacher.’ And he gave me that one painting,” she said, pointing to a wall in her living room and to a ghostly, deeply moving painting titled “This Was My Land”.
Another story led to a painting of Muriel herself by Merizon, included on the book’s dust jacket’s front flap. It is called “Portrait of Muriel” from 1966; it is a delicate facial portrait of soft colors that looks unfinished by design.
“He was always trying new things, as I have said, always experimenting,” she said. “He was doing portraits a lot during he 1950s and ’60s, to make money. But he wanted to try something new. So, I was babysitting for him at the time and he said, ‘Would you mind coming over, I want to try a new technique. I want to just capture the eyes, nose and mouth, because everything else changes in a person — hair styles, your clothing — everything changes, but your facial features stay the same.’
“Portrait of Muriel” (Supplied)
“He did an ink sketch first, then he did this more soft painting. So he had these two done and he said ‘Which one do you like better?’ I looked at them both, and I like the more finished one, with the color in it. So I picked that one, and he said, ‘Well you can have it for $35 dollars’.”
Merizon, Zandstra points out, made a living off his art. And she had no problem paying for his works then, nor later in their relationship.
“What Merizon has given to me personally over the years is invaluable,” Zandstra said. “Besides gifting me several art pieces, he has taught me a real appreciation for the fine arts, a reverence for the natural world, and a deep ethical sense with which to live by. His integrity was impeccable.
“I can never give back to him what he has given to me. I collect his art because I feel it is timeless, thought provoking and a real inspiration to me. It brings joy and peace.”
Leafing through Zandstra’s book one gets the same sense: Timeless, thought provoking, inspirational.
“Armand Merizon: His Life and Art” can purchased the book off E-bay and Amazon, as well as in person at Merizon Studio, Baker Book House, Meijer Gardens, the Grand Rapid Art Museum, Mercury Head Gallery, Perceptions Gallery, Calvin College and Kendall College. For more information on Zandstra and the book visit merizonbook.strikingly.com .
Passion meets culture. Service is honor. The culture at Sunset empowers its staff to do the right thing and make a difference in the lives of their residents through exceptional customer service and a heart for their mission.
To hear what it’s like to work at Sunset, meet Carol.
I am so glad you asked! I believe our commitment and passion for our residents sets us apart. We go above and beyond every day to make sure they are loved, respected, safe, well taken of and comfortable.
We have 14 individuals who have outlived their resources. We will never turn them away from their home at Sunset. We fundraise over $300,000 a year to ensure they remain in their homes because as our CEO says “if we don’t care for them, who will?”
We have amazing employees who give so much of themselves to this company and our residents! We have tuition reimbursement for our students, excellent benefits for all full-time employees and an excellent work culture.
What’s new or changing in 2018 for Sunset?
We are very excited to expand our memory care units in Ottawa County and to bring our excellent customer service to this underserved population in our community. We are intentionally focused on employee appreciation and internal promotions during this transition. Our employees are incredible and we want to help them grow in their health care career with us.
During an interview, what questions do you want an applicant to ask?
During an interview, I love when applicants ask:
What makes Sunset special?
Can I grow with this company?
What benefits do you have?
What’s your favorite staff event each year?
The Employee Recognition Banquet. This event recognizes all of our staff who have dedicated their lives to our residents and love what they do. Every five years of service, staff get to attend and receive a catered dinner at the Sunnybrook Country Club, a gift, a bonus for their years of service, recognition from our Executive Team, as well as fellowship with other co-workers and their families.
When I’m not at work, you can find me ________________.
When I’m not at work, you can find me reading about retention strategies, recruiting, knitting and caring for my family.
Sunset is hiring! See all their open positions here.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
