The Grand Valley Writers Series, which brings award-winning authors from around the world to campus each year, continues for the winter season with a two-for-one showcase of works by two Grand Valley faculty members: Amorak Huey and Caitlin Horrocks.
Grand Valley Writers Series presents Amorak Huey and Caitlin Horrocks Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 6 – 8 p.m., Cook-DeWitt Center located on the Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus.
Huey, assistant professor of writing at Grand Valley, is the author of the poetry collection Ha Ha Thump (2015) and the chapbook The Insomniac Circus (2014). His poetry and essays have appeared in The Best American Poetry 2012, The Southern Review, Brevity, Poet Lore, The Collagist, The Cincinnati Review, and many other print and digital journals. The written works of Huey recently received prestigious validation when he was one of 37 authors out of a pool of 1,800 to be awarded a Creative Writing Fellowship in poetry from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA). Huey said the $25,000 fellowship grant will provide him with the time and space needed to create, revise, conduct research and connect with his readers. Before coming to Grand Valley, Huey worked for more than a decade as an editor and reporter for newspapers in Florida, Kentucky and Michigan, including serving as assistant sports editor for Grand Rapids Press.
Caitlin Horrocks
Horrocks, associate professor of writing, is a writer of fiction and creative nonfiction. Her debut story collection, This Is Not Your City, was named a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice, a Barnes and NobleDiscover Great New Writers selection, and one of the best books of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle. Her stories and essays have appeared in anthologies, such as The Best American Short Stories, The PEN/O, Henry Prize Stories, and True Stories, among others. Horrocks’ works have also appeared in journals, such as The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Atlantic, and One Story. She also currently serves as the fiction editor of The Kenyon Review while crafting a novel and a second story collection.
Although Yukio (born in spring of 2014) came in with fellow Siamese Fujiko (born in the spring of 2013) and Yoshimitsu (born in spring of 2014) as a presumed family, they really aren’t that interested in hanging out together, but more so in roaming and running rampant from one end of the building to the other with pure, unadulterated glee.
You couldn’t ask for a more stunning sample of Siamese/tabby cat if you tried — Yukio is THAT drop-dead gorgeous! And not only is he incredibly easy on the eyes, but he has an absolutely amazing personality and has adjusted to indoor shelter life with enthusiasm and eagerness. This guy and his fellows were door-darters from the minute we set them up in the intake suite, awaiting their photo ops and allowing them to acclimate (which they didn’t really need at all)!
Siamese cats are popular and we don’t see them here at Crash’s Landing all that often. The trio arrived in December 2016 and already, Fujiko has been adopted, so Yukio just might get snapped up quickly. If you love Siamese cats — or mixtures thereof — don’t wait too long!
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.
As the new Congress began work late last week, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), whose district includes much of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, issued statements both praising the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States and voicing his continued support of limits on federal abortion funding.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R)
“Millions of Americans, including the majority of West Michigan, voted to change the direction of our nation and we have already begun to see the results,” Rep. Huizenga said in supplied material on Jan. 20. “I look forward to working with President Trump and Vice President (Mike) Pence to strengthen our economy, end the ‘Washington knows best’ mentality, and make it easier for hardworking families and small businesses across West Michigan to succeed.”
Then, on Jan. 24, Rep. Huizenga voted in support of H.R. 7, The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017.
The act “is an incredibly important step in the fight to defend the unborn while also protecting taxpayers,” he said in supplied material. “This significant legislation extends the Hyde Amendment to all federal programs, while also prohibiting the use of ObamaCare subsidies to purchase plans that include abortion coverage. We must defend those who cannot defend themselves. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to end the life of unborn children.”
On Jan. 25, the representative also spoke on the house floor on “defense of the unborn, the upcoming March for Life, and how Congress must do more to prevent late-term abortions.”
“I commend President Trump for making one of his very first actions protecting unborn children around the world by preventing U.S. taxpayer dollars through foreign aid from being used to fund groups that promote abortion under the guise of ‘family planning,” he said.
Sen. Peters opposes President’s cabinet selections, supports TPP withdrawal
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, on Jan. 24, released a statement in opposition to former Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil Rex Tillerson’s nomination to be Secretary of State.
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters
“I am extremely disappointed that President Trump chose Rex Tillerson — an individual with extensive ties to business and political leaders in Russia — as his Secretary of State nominee,” Sen. Peters said in supplied material. “While Mr. Tillerson may have received Russia’s Order of Friendship award from Vladimir Putin, make no mistake: Russia is no friend to the United States.
“Additionally, I am concerned about Mr. Tillerson’s failure to fully recognize the extent of climate change as a top national security threat that must be addressed through American leadership on the world stage. For these reasons, I cannot support Mr. Tillerson’s nomination to be Secretary of State.”
Also on Jan. 24, Sen. Peters addressed his opposition to the nomination of Michigan’s Betsy DeVos to serve as Secretary of the Department of Education.
“We need a Secretary of Education who is dedicated to improving access to quality public education based on sound evidence and ensuring the proper implementation of federal laws designed to protect and help all our children,” he said in supplied material. “That is why I am deeply troubled by President Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos of Michigan to serve as Secretary of Education.
“Mrs. DeVos’ resume contains no experience in public education at any level, not as a teacher, not as an administrator, not as a student or parent, not as a school board member and not even as a borrower of public loans for college. … Her only experience in education is her work lobbying for the transfer of taxpayer money to private schools and the rapid expansion of charter schools without sufficient accountability to parents and students. … I cannot, and will not, support Betsy DeVos’ nomination.”
Sen. Peters on Jan. 23, also voted against the nomination of U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Sen. Peters did, however, voice support for the President’s action to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific partnership.
“I have long opposed the TPP because it fails to address unfair labor practices and foreign currency manipulation that puts our American manufacturers and automakers at a competitive disadvantage, and I’m pleased the President took this step to withdraw from the agreement,” he said in supplied material.
Senators Stabenow, Peters voice concern over EPA spending freeze impact on Flint
U.S. senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters, and U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee, on Jan 24, sent a letter to President Trump asking him not to jeopardize much-needed federal funding for Flint following his directive to halt all Environmental Protection Agency grants and agreements. The lawmakers asked the President whether his decision applies to the funding Congress passed with strong, bipartisan support to help address the City of Flint’s drinking water crisis.
“We write to request clarity on a reported freeze imposed on all new Environmental Protection Agency grants and contracts, and in particular, to inquire as to whether this decision applies to the funding Congress approved with strong bipartisan support to help address the City of Flint’s drinking water crisis,” the lawmakers wrote, in supplied material.
A good, hearty stew prepared with the right combination of vegetables, spices and meat can combine into a gourmet winter delight, tasty from the first bite to the last. Gary Schmidt’s youth book Okay for Now is like wonderful winter comfort food. The ingredients of this story combine to produce a most hearty read, from the first page to the last.
Fourteen-year-old Doug Swieteck has no choice when his family relocates to a small town in upstate New York. His troubles stay with him, like a bad aftertaste. His emotionally abusive father, his delinquent brother, and a reality he soon loves to hate. The people who surround him are so often completely caught up in their own pain that they are unable to reach out to him. Doug meets townspeople who take a special interest in him, and in turn, he begins to take an interest in others. He stumbles into the local library where expensive Audubon art prints and drawing lessons are savory tidbits that begin to transform his life, forever.
The author artfully stirs together an emotional but satisfying mix of humor, pain, redemption and hope into a memorable story. This combination of humor and pain create that same scrumptious blend of a sweet and salty dish.
Okay for Now is one of those books that cross generational lines. After you devour this novel, please recommend it to a teen you know, perhaps a grandchild or a friend — you will be full and completely satisfied!
Every year West Michigan Works! publishes its Hot Jobs list. We analyze online job posting data and survey employers to create the list of 100 high-growth, in-demand jobs in West Michigan. These jobs pay at least $13 per hour and are estimated to have 50-3000 openings in the next ten years.
If you entered 2017 looking for a career change, use this list to help guide you to new employment. Don’t forget: West Michigan Works! can connect you with resources and help you create a plan that can lead to new opportunities.
The full list will be released later this month. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek at a few of the jobs on the list:
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a series of Craft Beer 101 classes starting this week. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
It is not too late to fill your Monday calendar with a little beer (education) as the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department beings four weeks of its Craft Beer 101 adult education program Monday, Jan. 23, with a program at Jaden James Brewery.
The program — continuing on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 and 13 — is for people 21-years-old and older who want to learn more about what goes into beer, how beer is made and the various kinds of beer, according to supplied information. The class will include tasting.
The classes are led by Ben Darcie, founder of Experience Beer WM and a beer writer, educator and self-proclaimed “beer geek extraordinaire.” The classes are for the beginner as well as the advanced home-brewer.
The program at Jaden James Brewery, located at 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, is called “Intro: Beer Ingredients and Process” The other classes, in order of date, are “Beer Tasting: Lager, Pale Ale & IPA; Hops and Brewing Them” at Schmohz, 2600 Patterson SE; “Beer Tasting: Belgian, Porter and Stout; Alternative Yeast and Recipe Design” at Railton Brewing, 3555 68the St. SE; and “Infection and Off-flavor” at Horrock’s Market at 4455 Breton SE.
Cost of the four-class program is $50 or $15 per class; and night-of registration is available. For more information call 616-656-5270 or visit yourkprd.org
In WKTV’s featured high school sports games this week, the coverage crew will be at Godwin Heights for a boys basketball game against Godfrey Lee at on Tuesday, Jan. 24, and then a girls and boys basketball doubleheader at Byron Center Zion Christian against Grand River Prep on Friday, Jan. 27.
In the Tuesday game, Godwin Heights enters the week with a 10-0 record after an 81-20 win over Belding on Jan. 20 which pushed the team’s OK Silver Conference record to 4-0. Wyoming Lee enters the week with a 7-3 record (2-2 in conference).
In the Friday night games, the Zion Christian girls entered the week with a 5-3 record and Grand River Prep at 0-6.
WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.
Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.
It was the first day of school during Byron Garrett’s second year as principal when he met a kindergartner who spoke no English.
Garrettt spoke no Spanish. He had no way to tell her how to get to the playground, to the bathroom, ask if she ate breakfast or had her school supplies. He remembers feeling unprepared, looking at the girl and thinking, “You didn’t come with any instructions. You’re standing right in front of me, though.”
On the playground, the girl fell down. “She stood up, started crying and immediately reached out,” Garrett recalled. “I instantly thought, ‘Oh, that’s right. You’re human just like me. You’re a little human, but that’s OK.’
“So I picked her up.”
Brookwood Elementary School Principal Lorenzo Bradshaw, Shirley Johnson, assistant superintendent of student services, and Byron Garrett meet after the in-service session. (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)
During a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day multicultural in-service program, Garrett spoke about the need for educators to connect with students and their families in ways that tap into community and culture, in a society where technology is a huge part of everyday life and old systems need to be constantly modified.
He spoke of helping students feel confident and empowered, and to aim for high achievement.
Garrett is author of several books, including “The ABCs of Life,” a blogger for the Huffington Post, and chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance, a nonprofit aimed at student success. He led the session in front of 1,200 district teachers, administrators and support staff.
“You cannot teach who you do not know… so you should know your community and where they live,” said Garrett, of the Washington, D.C. area.
He complimented Kentwood as one of the few districts he’s spoken to where all staff attended his session. That way, everyone hears the same message, he said: “It takes all of us to make this work.”
Kentwood Public Schools includes students from nearly 80 countries and who speak 61 languages, said Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff. It hosts professional development based on diversity every year for the King holiday.
Byron Garret speaks with Kentwood staff about engaging with students. (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)
“Let’s continue our work of showing a world where people of all races, creeds and religions and whatever they throw at us will continue to strive for excellence and achieve that excellence,” Zoerhoff said to his staff.
“I wish that anyone who’s struggling would watch us. I believe we will become even more of a beacon of light for those who don’t feel like they have a place where they can go and feel accepted.”
Fulfilling King’s Mission
A native of North Carolina, Garrett can rattle off the names of teachers who connected with him in unforgettable ways: fourth-grade teacher Connie Martin, fifth-grade teacher Candace Hayes and sixth-grade teacher Barbara Twitty. “The three of them really helped shape foundationally how I would navigate life in the school system moving forward.”
Garrett told the group that educators are living King’s message of serving others by shaping the lives and views of young citizens.
“(King) fundamentally believed and contended that education is an equal right amongst all and it’s also the great equalizer, the one common denominator if we all have the same quantity, the same context, the same experience and the same environment.”
But he cautioned, “It doesn’t mean everything is equal right now, because it’s not.”
Garrett travels all over the nation to speak, experiencing a great cross-section of the population. Pushing for equity in education in a divided country is a challenge, he said.
“I am eternally optimistic and hopeful as I encounter folks in the education space who realize they are not waiting for some magical answer or solution. Never have they waited for a magical solution to emanate from the nation’s capital or the state house, but instead they’ve stayed focused.”
Still, there’s a different undercurrent and divisiveness that exists right now, he said.
“For too long we’ve ignored some realities that have existed,” he asserted. “Now we have no choice but to confront them head-on. We can’t do that with a spirit of hate. We can only do that as Dr. King said and admonishes us, with a spirit of love.”
Grand Rapids’ Barnes & Noble, Inc. has announced the start of its 2017 My Favorite Teacher Contest, which for the past seven years has provided middle and high school students the opportunity to tell their communities how much they appreciate their teachers.
According to supplied material, students can nominate their teacher by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters that share how their teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them. Local participating schools will collect the essays and submit them to Barnes & Noble at Woodland Mall, in Kentwood, for consideration. Entries are judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s inspiring qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation and the quality of expression and writing.
The local winning teacher will be recognized in the spring at an event held at the Barnes & Noble, where they will receive a award acknowledging their achievement, as well as additional recognition. The student who wrote the winning essay or poem will receive a certificate of recognition and will also be honored at the ceremony.
The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest submission period ends March 1. Students who want to participate must submit their essay or poem to Barnes & Noble at Woodland Mall by March 1. Only middle and high school students and active teachers employed in local elementary, middle or high schools are eligible to win. More details on the contest rules, and the winning essay from the 2016 Contest, can be found at www.bn.com/myfavoriteteacher.
The story of four chaplains who went down with their ship has served as an inspiration for Wyoming resident Harriet Sturim, so much so that for the past several years she has been part of the Grand Rapids’ American Legion Post 459’s annual memorial of the World War II heroes.
“We do it because we want to keep the story of these four chaplains alive, because each time you here their story, you learn something from it,” Sturim said.
It is the story of Father John P. Washington, Reformed Church Rev. Clark V. Poling, Rabbi Alexander D Goode and Methodist Rev. George L. Fox and their actions on a on cold Feb. 3 day in 1943. These actions have been so revered that a 3-cent postage stamp in their likenesses was issued, Congress set aside Feb. 3 as Four Chaplains Day, and honored the four posthumous with a Special Medal for Heroism, The Four Chaplains’ Medal, which has never been given since.
The story, according to survivors and those who knew the four men, is that Washington, Poling, Goode, and Fox were all drafted as chaplains to serve during World War II. The four met and became friends at Harvard Divinity School where they were sent for training before entering the war.
The friendship was unusual, according to Struim, because in the 1940s people tended to stay within their own social group. “If you were Catholic you stood within your enclave of Catholics and if you were Jewish, it was the same,” Sturim said. “There was very little crossover.”
They were assigned to the U.S. Army transport Dorchester and on Feb. 3, it was in transit to an American base in Greenland when a German U2 submarine fired on the ship, causing it sink.
“The four calmed those on board and personally handed out the life preservers, giving out every one, including their own,” Strum said. “Those who survived remember seeing them on the ship, arm-in-arm, singing as the ship went down.”
For many years, the National American Legion has encouraged posts across the nation to host a Four Chaplains Day event, something that Grand Rapids’ American Legion Post 459 has been doing for the past 14 years.
This year’s event, set for Saturday, Jan. 28, from noon – 2 p.m., will focus on the story of the four chaplains, their friendship and sacrifice. Taking place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, the event includes the Grand Rapids & District Pipe Band, the Freedom Voices, and guest speaker retired Capt. Paul Ryan, who is the state chair emeritus/military outreach director for the Michigan Committee for Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve.
Refreshments will be served following the service. Struim also noted the Ford Museum will be free to program attendees.
After chronicling his escape from rural life growing up gay in the Ozarks with his memoir, America’s Boy, Wade Rouse finds himself on three acres in the middle of the woods just outside of Saugatuck, Michigan. While vacationing in Michigan, Wade and his partner, Gary, decide on the spot to leave their hectic urban life in St. Louis, build a home and create Dz Wade’s Walden.
Dz Wade faces raccoons (literally head-on), wild turkeys (which he comes to adore), his addiction to tanning, cable and lip gloss and his real relationship with Gary. In the end, he finds himself disgusted with the tourists who act . . . exactly like he did when he first arrived in the country. Reading and re-reading Thoreau, Wade sets out to learn 10 life lessons along the same path as Walden.
At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a funny, heartfelt, sincere memoir that will appeal to anyone, gay or straight, who finds themselves outside of their comfort zone.
By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University
Yoo Jin Noh made her debut with the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra as a soloist in 2017. She also performed at the United Nation Headquarters in New York City for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015. Her recent performances include appearances with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Halfner Symphony and a solo recital at Azusa Pacific University.
Noh, who was born blind, pursued her interest in music in early childhood and began her piano study at age 14. Despite her late start, she has received many awards from local competitions. In 2005, she received a grand prize at the U.S. String and Piano Concours of Hymn and played at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York City. In 2008, she received the VSA Young Soloist Award and was invited to play at the National Federation of the Blind Convention.
What: Yoo Jin Noh, piano
When: Jan. 31, at 7:30 pm
Where: Sherman Van Solkema Hall (room 1325), Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
Last year was a big year for the Kent County Board of Commissioners with 2016 including such accomplishments as the approval of the 70 cents per month increase in dispatch surcharge to improve dispatch services and the .44 mill property tax increase for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the John Ball Zoo.
The new financial support for the John Ball Zoo was one of the accomplishments of the Kent County Board of Commissioners last year. (Supplied)
Board Chair Jim Saalfeld and County Administrator/Controller Daryl Delabbio, in a recent press release, recently detailed several other major tasks achieved by the board and county staff during the year, as well as upcoming 2017 efforts and plans.
“While there will certainly be other issues that we face during the course of a year, as you can see, it is already shaping up to be a very busy 2017,” Saalfeld said in supplied material. “This Board remains committed to providing effective services to our residents while operating transparently and with a balanced budget. We look forward to great results in 2017.”
Along with the dispatch and the museum/zoo millage, those tasks include implementation of a “space needs” study for the detention facility, correctional facility and new Circuit Court courtrooms; a Lakeshore Regional Partnership; successful negotiations of the corrections officers and court employees contracts; receiving a triple-A credit rating; creating the first Renaissance Zone to enable Switch to move into the area; and transitioning the airport from a county department to an airport authority.
Several items will continue in 2017, including the “space needs” study, the Agri-Business Work Group, the Lead Task Force and the FOC Engagement Task Force. Also this year, the board will appointing a new administrator/controller as Delabbio will be retiring on July 1. This is the first time since 1998 that the Board of Commissioners will be faced with the selection of a county administrator/controller.
Also up for 2017 is more collective bargaining; discussions of the potential merger of the Area Community Service and Employment Training Community Action Agency with the County’s Department of Community Development and Housing; a review of the board’s standing rules; and the 2018 budget.
Secretary of State details ExpressSOS advantages to citizens
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and a rapping kangaroo are teaming up to encourage Michigan residents to hop online to do their Secretary of State business as part of an online effort to spread the word about its ExpressSOS.com website.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and a rapping kangaroo are teaming up to encourage Michigan residents to hop online to do their Secretary of State business. (Supplied)
“I am asking you to help out and share the video and the message of hopping online at ExpressSOS.com with as many people as possible to help shorten the wait times at Secretary of State branch offices,” Johnson said in supplied material. “The more people that know about using the online services the shorter the wait times are for those who must visit an office in person.”
Residents can renew their registration/tabs for your car, truck, motorcycle and watercraft. Most people can renew or replace a standard driver’s license or state ID. And with its Print ’N Go feature, customers can print their receipt and drive legally until they get their card or sticker in the mail. (Every eight years, customers need to visit an office to get an updated photo).
Customers can get a duplicate vehicle registration or title, and change/update their address and personal information. You can even join the organ donor registry, all from the comfort of your home, library, office or on the go.
ExpressSOS.com, launched in 2011 and having conducted 9.6 million online transactions, saves customers the trip and avoiding standing in a line.
Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) kicks off its 2017 Fashion and Tea programming on Saturday, Feb. 11. Learn about fashion, customs and culture from the Civil War Era into the 20th Century and explore the Museum’s Education Collection of vintage clothing, down to the tiniest detail.
3-piece champagne silk dress
The programs will begin in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibition which transports guests back in time to the Victorian era. The program will continue in a classroom at the Museum where guests can indulge in sweet treats and tea, while enjoying a visual feast.
Fashion and Tea programs will be held from 2-4 pm. Additional Fashion and Tea program dates are March 4, April 22 and May 13. Tickets are $15 for non-members and $13 for members. Tickets are limited, purchase early online at www.grpm.org, by phone at 616.456.3977 or at the Museum’s front desk.
Imagine a world of broken down cars, underemployed people, dreams deferred, and you will get an idea of the National Book Award finalist American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell — a collection of short stories of various characters and settings strewn across Southwestern Michigan. Within these stories and characters are the forgotten people, the people consumed with just getting by, with finding enough work to put food on the table, finding enough love to get through another day.
American Salvage shares its title with one of these stories. Within this story one is taken to a junkyard on the outskirts of Kalamazoo. Here the reader is introduced to the Junkman King and his nephew Johnny. They take in only American cars to be scrapped and sell the pieces off for a profit.
Each car is broken down. Little love or attention has been given to these machines in a long time. Yet, within each vehicle are parts that are still like new, that still have value in the eyes of the Junkman and his nephew. Much like the cars, the people throughout this book are flawed, beaten down, and beat up by the many valleys of life. And, much like the vehicles they strip each person still has a redeeming part of them that is virtually left untouched by the struggles of life. It is these parts that the author, Bonnie Jo Campbell, skillfully unveils and reveals to the attentive reader.
Áo Dài is the name of a dress that is not only traditional in the Vietnamese culture; it has been deemed the Vietnamese National Dress. Although the design is not unisex; it does offer a female and a male version. The female Áo Dài is more form fitting and the men wear their version of Áo Dài in a loose fashion.
There is no reliable record of exactly when the design and introduction of Áo Dài to the populace occurred. It is believed that Áo Dài came into existence in the 1920s. It bears vague resemblance to the Chinese Xường Xám. However, it is neither a copy of the Xường Xám dress, nor is it a derivative of this dress in any way. The Áo Dài is as ethnically Vietnamese as it can be.
The design of the lady’s Áo Dài hugs the body with delicate fabrics. People use thin, flowing fabrics to make every day Áo Dài. For formal events and occasions, the employment of fabrics would lean toward fancier varieties such as silk or velour. Áo Dài is best described as a tunic with a full coverage from the neck down to the waist. Then it splits on both sides at the waist revealing a tiny bit of bare skin, and it gives way to a front and back flap or tab. The original Áo Dài had an old-fashioned tall and formal looking collar. Later on, designers introduced other neck arrangements such as square, low cut oval necks, etc. The sleeves were straight and slim in the beginning. Now we see flared sleeves, puffy sleeves at the top of the arms, tapered sleeves, and other designs. The front and rear tabs also change back and forth in lengths. Many people still stick to the classic design of Áo Dài because it is pretty and timeless. Áo Dài were mostly plain in single color in the olden days. Nowadays, Áo Dài are more colorful with embroidery, prints, hand-painted artwork on them. They now come in many more colors as compared to the past. Originally, women wore Áo Dài with black or white pants made of satin or silk. In modern days, colorful Áo Dài may be worn with pants in matching or contrasting colors. The pants, in any case, must not overpower the dress with their colors or designs. The entire outfit also looks good with high heels. There are also headgears to compliment different styles of Áo Dài. The simplest one is the cone-shaped hat made of woven dried leaves. The fancier headwear to go with Áo Dài would be like a queen’s crown. The hair wraps in velvet of different colors are also pretty and popular, especially in North Vietnam. There is also a variety of other headwear more associated with an occupation such as a wide-brim hat that used to be worn by performing artists.
The Áo Dài has been the Vietnamese National Dress for a century; therefore, many public all-girls high schools mandate that students wear Áo Dài as the school uniform. The Áo Dài uniform is usually white with the small school’s insignia sewn on near the neck. There are also schools that adopt blue or purple-colored Áo Dài as their uniforms.
The men’s Áo Dài comes generally in two styles: the fancy style and the diplomatic style. The fancy style is tailored using rich fabrics such as thicker silks. The men’s Áo Dài also looks like a tunic with front and back flaps or tabs. These garments are tailored to be worn more loosely over the body. This style would be a touch colorful, but not quite as colorful as the lady’s Áo Dài can be. The common colors are blue, gold, burgundy, and sometimes purple. They usually have embroidered or printed round gold or silver seals on them. The diplomats and government officials prefer the diplomatic style. This style is always black in color. The thinner, veil or mesh-like fabrics are employed here. The see-though diplomatic men’s Áo Dài is worn over a white underlying suit. Men would wear the diplomatic-style Áo Dài to work in governmental offices, to go to formal meetings, or to visit higher-ranking officers. Even scholars and teachers like to wear this style at any given time. The fancy-style Áo Dài is worn during big fancy events like New Year, weddings, parties, holidays, etc. In the modern day, Vietnamese men do not wear Áo Dài as readily on a normal day as women would. They save their Áo Dài for special occasions. To be properly dressed, a men’s Áo Dài would not be complete without the matching headwear to accompany it. The men’s headwear would resemble the women’s formal headgear that comes with their Áo Dài. However, playful men wear Áo Dài without the hat to show a little bit of a carefree attitude.
To the eyes of the non-Vietnamese observers, Áo Dài may appear to be pretty, interesting, or even weird. Much of it really depends on who tailored the outfit, and who is wearing it. Just like any kind of attire from any part of the world, fashion’s positive or negative is owed very much to the designer and who wears it, and how it is presented to the judging public. The best traits of the design have to be properly exhibited. We have very good looking Áo Dài-clad people, and a few not so impressive Áo Dài wearers. To be fair, please attend a sizeable Vietnamese gathering where one has the opportunity to see many Áo Dài floating around and arrive at your own judgments. Nevertheless, we know now when we see Áo Dài out there in public. It is a Vietnamese design, and the Vietnamese folks are downright proud of it for a century to this date! If you like what you see, perhaps you should have one made for yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised!
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), recently announced that registration is open to host a science booth at this year’s Science Night at the Museum, taking place on Tuesday, April 18.
GRPM is inviting local and regional researchers, students and faculty to host a hands-on table display related to their research or field of study, according to supplied material the event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. The vision is to have lab groups or individuals putting together innovative ways to engage the public and communicate their research to the community.
A cash award will be given for the most innovative and hands-on interpretation of their research. One winner will be chosen by public vote and a second chosen by the Museum’s education staff.
Bánh dầy and bánh chưng are the two kinds of cakes prepared by the Vietnamese folks predominantly during the time of the Lunar New Year that they call Tết. These offerings date back to the ancient times of the eighth generation of the first royal dynasty in the Vietnamese history. These two dishes are delicious; therefore they are popular and are still being made and offered to this date. Besides being palatable, bánh dầy and bánh chưng have historical values, and they have become a part of the Vietnamese tradition.
The Legend:
The Hùng Vương Dynasty was the first to start building the foundation for the country of Vietnam, nearly five thousand years ago. There were 18 generations or kingdoms in this dynasty. Each generation or kingdom would carry the common name of Hùng Vương, differentiated only by the sequential number, for example: The 5th Hùng Vương Kingdom. The king of each kingdom would pass it down to his heirs, usually the most talented or deserving prince in order to maintain the royal family name. It was a common belief that kings were godsends from heaven. Sometimes people addressed to their king as the Son of God. Therefore, the king’s family was very much like the “holy family” descended from heaven to help the people.
Toward the end of the 6th Hùng Vương Kingdom, it was time for the ruler to carefully select and assign a successor among his princes to rule over the country. All the princes were talented, so the king must come up with a way to decide who would be the next king to inherit the throne.
One day, the king called all of his princes into a solemn meeting so he could give them a common challenge or a “test” to fulfill, and the ultimate prize would be the throne to begin the next kingdom. All princes would have an equal chance in the competition. The king gave them a prescribed amount of time to present to him the most meaningful and delicious dish of prepared food.
The princes set off in quest of the most delicious and meaningful food in hope to win over the throne. The older princes traveled to far places to hunt down what they thought would satisfy the king’s challenge. The youngest prince, unlike his brothers, would stay in his own country to seek what the local areas would provide. Time was running out. The older brothers already had returned with fancy provisions acquired from all over the world. All of the items consisted of precious, difficult to find, expensive ingredients. There were only a few days left; the youngest prince was still empty-handed. One night, in his dream, the youngest prince saw a genie who came to him and gave him advice of how to make his entry with his own two hands. He showed the prince how to use rice, an item that was abundant and grown by the people in the kingdom to make two kinds of cakes. The first cake will be called Bánh Chưng. It shall be made in a square-shaped block to represent the Earth. The outside was cooked rice; the stuffing was also prepared using locally raised ingredients such as beans and pork; the entire cake was then wrapped in green banana leaves which also grew in abundance locally.
Bánh Dầy
The other kind of cake was more like a dumpling, a base food such as bread to be used with other food. This was to be named Bánh Dầy. This dumpling shall take on a circular shape that was flattened. The whole circular dumpling would average about three inches in diameter and flattened to about three-quaters-inch thick. The dumplings were also wrapped in banana leaves, and they were typically wrapped in pairs. Each serving would have two Bánh Dầy wrapped together so the consumer could put any suitable stuffing in the middle, the like of a hamburger. Bánh Dầy was plain and simple, but the beauty lay in the way the rice powder was processed to give this dumpling an amazing sticky texture, a delicious taste, and such an alluring aroma. The round shape was meant to represent the blue dome over our heads, the sky or “the heavens.” The duo of Bánh dầy and Bánh Chưng are, to this day, referred to as the “Heaven and Earth” cakes. They honor and praise God, the creator of all things.
On the day King Hùng Vương the Sixth must judge the entrees, he was not impressed by the delicacies that the older princes brought. They were merely expensive, extravagant items that carried with them no meanings, and they were simply bought from other people around the world. There were no originality to them. King Hùng Vương the Sixth was delighted when he was presented with and tasted the Bánh dầy and Bánh Chưng, the Heaven and Earth cakes. They were delicious; they were meaningful, they were lovingly prepared by the youngest prince. And also, the ingredients were readily available locally, and the people could easily learn to make and enjoy Bánh dầy and Bánh Chưng. The king deemed that his youngest prince had his heart, his mind, and his spirit in the proper places in order to lead the people of the kingdom for the next generation.
The decription:
Bánh Chưng is about eight inches square on top as well as bottom. It is about three inches thick. Unopened, it is wrapped in green banana leaves with two strands of strings going around the cake in each direction from side to side to keep the whole package tightly wrapped. The cake feels solid and weighs approximately two pounds. When unwrapped, the outer layer looks green from being wrapped in banana leaves. It serves as a natural and healthy food coloring, and it does add to the flavor of the cake. The outer layer is sticky rice, about an inch thick, and it provides an aromatic flavor of sticky rice and banana leaves. The original stuffing is usually yellow beans and pork. This layer is normally an inch-to-inch and a half thick. It complements the outer layer that wraps around the cake. Those who can afford to will sometimes eat side items with Bánh Chưng such as shredded pork, meat loaf, leeks, or other items. But Bánh Chưng is plenty delicious by itself.
There is a derivative of Bánh Chưng in South Vietnam called Bánh Tét. It is, in essence, Bánh Chưng in cylindrical shape. People also make quite a few of these cakes for Tết
Bánh Dầy is much simpler as compared to Bánh Chưng. Typically, the consumer will find a pair of Bánh Dầy in each wrapped unit. It is like the two halves of a hamburger bun. The package is loosely contained by two squares of banana leaves, one on the bottom, and one over the top. These round-shaped dumplings are about three inches in diameter. The consumer peels off the banana leaves wrapper and uses the dumpling much like the halves of the hamburger buns. People eat Bánh Dầy mostly with meat loaf in the center. Sometimes good quality Bánh Dầy are eaten plain to enjoy the natural flavor that they offer. As mentioned above, the beauty of Bánh Dầy lies in the way the rice powder is processed to give it the proper texture, the natural aroma of sticky rice, and the amazing taste of fresh rice powder. Nothing fancy, but Bánh Dầy is amazingly delicious. The danger here is the over-consumption of Bánh dầy!
Try some Bánh Dầy and Bánh Chưng this Tết if you have not already done so!
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts opens its 15th anniversary season with an exhibition featuring works by designer Alexander Girard. “TEXTILE PLAY: The Magnificent Eye of Alexander Girard” opens Jan.27 and runs through Mar. 24.
The opening reception for the show is Friday, Jan. 27 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public. The exhibition is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and during evening events.
“We’re thrilled to bring this visually stunning exhibition to the West Michigan community,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “It shares wonderful stories about Girard’s fascination with color and pattern – stories that fit squarely into our current conversations about the intersection of math, design thinking, and art.”
Armstrong noted that the SCA worked with both the Herman Miller archives as well as private collectors to gather works for the exhibition.
Girard was one of the most meaningful textile designers and interior architects of the Twentieth Century. He had a gifted eye for both the extraordinary and the little details of the world.
As the manager of the Material and Textile Department at Herman Miller, the American-Italian designer created more than 300 different graphic designs in 20 years. Every one of his designs expresses Girard’s affection for strong colors and abstract forms. His textile designs range from brightly colored, floral elements to monochromatic patterns – always including a playful element. Seemingly simple stripes, circles, and triangles became wonderful patterns – and their influence is still felt today.
“Textile Play” features Girard fabrics, screen prints, furniture, and books from Herman Miller’s archives and local collectors. The pieces, along with stories about Girard’s design process, celebrate his vision for using “everyday” shapes and objects, strong colors, and elements from pop art and folk art to create a rich, playful world that continues to be his lasting legacy.
A series of interdisciplinary educational opportunities related to the exhibition are available for children and adults throughout the run of the show. For more about those events or the show, visit www.sc4a.org. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.
Pianist Alessio Bax. (Supplied/Lisa-Marie Mazzucco
WKTV Staff
It will be an evening of chamber music master musicians playing chamber music master composers Jan. 26 as St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2016-17 Chamber Music Series continues with four of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s brightest stars playing works by Brahms, Fauré.
The artists scheduled to perform are pianist Alessio Bax, violinists Ani Kavafian and Yura Lee and cellist Paul Watkins, each of whom are among the most respected — and most exuberant — chamber musicians in the world, in the opinion of St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook.
“The many artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center are some of the most fun and outgoing people I’ve met,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “And this exuberance shines through during their exquisite performances. I’m very excited to have these four artists here and to introduce them, up close and personal in the intimate Royce Auditorium.”
The audience will be able to hear and see their skill and exuberance when the four takes the stage Thursday, Jan 26, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available.
The program includes Brahms’ “Scherzo, WoO 2, from ‘F-A-E’ Sonata for Violin and Piano”; Fauré’s “Quartet No. 2 in G minor for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello”; and Brahms’ “Quartet No. 2 in A Major for Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello”.
This season’s St. Cecilia Chamber Music Series will conclude March 16, with a program titled “French Virtuosity” and featuring Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center co-artistic director and pianist Wu Han performing with colleagues Kristin Lee, Yura Lee and Arnaud Sussman on violins, Richard O’Neill on viola and Nicholas Canellakis on cello.
On Jan 26, there will be a pre-concert wine and hors d’oeurves reception from 6-7 p.m. (for a $15 fee), a pre-concert artist talk with the musicians performing that evening moderated by Grand Rapids Symphony President Peter Kjome from 7-7:30 p.m., and a complimentary post-concert wine, coffee and dessert reception for the audience to meet the artists and obtain signed CDs.
For more information and tickets, call 616-459-2224 or visit scmc-onlilne.org.
Historic Bath, England was only a short bus ride away from my house sit in Corsham, so I took a day after my house hosts returned to explore. The main attraction, ancient Roman baths, are accessible via self-tour with an informative audio guide, and definitely worth a visit.
Wandering through the Roman Temple, Bath House and Sacred Spring — surrounded by the smell of sulphur — hot water bubbled up in green pools, as it did in ancient times, from rain falling on nearby hills. It filters down through layers of limestone to be heated by geothermal energy, then pressure pushes it to the surface.
The first shrine on the site was Celtic, dedicated to the goddess Sulis (Minerva to the Romans), and signs tell of the later history of the Roman occupation of Britain. Glass cases house artifacts that were thrown into the pools as offerings to the Goddess, including colorful gemstones and over 12,000 coins.
Also thrown into the pools were curse tablets — messages written to the Goddess on pewter or lead, some related to thefts of clothing while the owner was occupied in the baths. The temple pediment and Gorgon’s head, originally supported by four large columns, now hang on a wall, part of this impressive collection of antiquities, including scores of sculptures, mosaics and friezes.
Uphill from the Baths, the Royal Crescent sweeps the scene in a great curve of Georgian architecture. Built in the 1700s, the golden facade connects thirty terraced houses. Some are still townhouses, some are split into flats, part forms a museum and in the center is the elegant Royal Crescent Hotel.
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you can check out a museum dedicated to her and her work — she lived in Bath from her father’s retirement in 1801 until his death five years later. Bath is mentioned in all of her novels. You can even dress up in costume for a virtual trip back in time.
Bath is a lovely town in and of itself, just to wander around. Stone streets lead to bookstores, cafes, and galleries and scenic spots on the river to linger.
Also near Corsham is the village of Lacock, another step back in time. Lacock Abbey was a home for nuns, until somebody bought it for private use. The cloisters remain untouched, a square of vaulted hallways surrounding a grassy courtyard, with several rooms off to the sides where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. You can stand where Severus Snape held his potions classes.
Nuns were privileged at the time as they were literate and expected to study the Bible along with other religious texts. Not many people in medieval times could read, and books were very expensive as they were all handwritten. One book could be as costly as a farm.
Winding my way upstairs, I toured elaborately decorated rooms full of fancy furnishings, where the family lived after the nuns were forced to leave. Henry Talbot, the private owner, was one of the fathers of modern photography, along with Louis Daguerre.
Out back stands the old brewery, where beer was brewed because it was safer to drink than water.
The village itself is a medieval town, full of peaked-roof houses with criss-crossing beams and several small shops, and I was pulled — not unwillingly — into the chocolatier by the scent of rich, sweet cocoa. I’ve avoided much shopping on my travels, but the dark-chocolate butter honeycomb got me.
Fall was in the air, crisp and cool, calling colors to flame the trees. Both Bath and Lacock are worth a look, if you’re ever in merry old England.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50+ free spirit whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.
“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Health care providers continuously strive to meet the needs of those they serve, and the problem-solving process of design thinking is becoming an integral part of developing those solutions.
This idea will be explored during “Design Thinking in Health Care Services” at Grand Valley State University, presented by Ryan Armbruster, vice president of innovation, research and development at Optum, a UnitedHealth Group company.
“Design Thinking in Health Care Services” will take place Jan. 23, from 6-7 pm, in Loosemore Auditorium located in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
In his role at Optum, Armbruster leads a design group that is focused on designing health services that provide better value and experiences for people.
Prior to his position at Optum, Armbruster co-founded and served as chief experience officer of Harken Health, a health care organization designed to provide a caring environment to health care services and experiences. He also created enterprise-wide programs to improve innovation while serving as vice president of innovation at UnitedHealth Group, including creating and leading its Design Studio. In addition, he created and directed the SPARC Design Lab at Mayo Clinic, a center for innovation in health care services.
For the past decade, Armbruster has taught health care service design and innovation at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a master’s degree in health care administration.
For more information about this event, contact John Berry, director of Grand Valley’s Design Thinking Initiative, at berryjr@gvsu.edu.
John Weitzel, who lived in Kentwood for almost 30 years, has been a musician for the majority of his 92 years — as a musical student, teacher and high school band leader. And he has no intention of stopping.
The St. Cecilia Grand Band in rehearsal at the music center’s Royce Auditorium. (WKTV)
So, with is baritone horn in hand, John has spent the last two years as part of St. Cecilia Music Center’s Grand Band, one of a series of community youth and adult music programs offered by the center.
“I was one of those people who started playing early in my life, I was eight years old when I first started playing the trumpet, became a member of the high school band a little early and had quite an experience there. Then I went to college and played trumpet there,” John said in a recent interview during a break in rehearsal with the band.
He has a masters degree in music from Columbia University in New York, still majoring in trumpet. Then became a high school band director in Alliance, Ohio, and was there for 35 years, as director of the band and supervisor of music. “After I retired from that, my wife and I moved to Grand Rapids and I joined up with several bands and have been in the (St. Cecilia) Grand Band for a couple years. It has been a great experience.”
His life has been full of great musical experiences, however. One of his fondest is his relationship with world-famous composer, conductor and arranger Henry Mancini.
Friends in music, life
“We met when we were in junior high school in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. We were both 12 years old. We hit it off right away because we were both only children,” John said. “He had quite a personality, even at that age, and I was attracted to him. We had quite an experience together, in high school, through our music. He was a life-long friend.”
Even when Mancini was at the top of his fame, and John a high school band director, they shared musical moments.
“He played a concert at Blossom Hills, Ohio, with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he was kind enough to introduce me during that concert,” John said. “Then we met after, in the Green Room, and we were able to renew our friendship at that point. … unfortunately, he passed away at just 70 years old. I was always curious about the music he might have written had he been allowed to live a little longer.”
And speaking of long life, John credits his continuing love of music as one reason for his longevity.
“I just feel that physically, and mentally, it is a great outlet,” he said. “I have been extremely happy, in my old age, playing in three different bands and I feel that the Grand Band is my favorite. … (it was) attractive to me for a lot of reasons: the atmosphere, the fact that we play on the same stage where world-class musicians perform, great directors. It is a fund band, and I have met a lot of friends.”
Weitzel’s attraction to the band is shared by other members, as is the feeling that it helps senior players keep or renew their musical skills.
Many members, many musical stories
Tom Ennis, a 70-year-old trumpet player, also started playing when he was eight and played through high school. But then life got in the way.
Tom Ennis is a trumpet player with the Grand Band. (WKTV)
“I joined the Army. Went over to Vietnam, and then got stationed in California and raised my family there. I kind of fell out of it,” Tom said. “When I retired from work, out in California, I wanted to play my horn again, but they don’t have community bands out there. When we moved back to Michigan, I found out about the Grand Band.
“For myself, I think you can continue to improve and improve, as you get older and older, you don’t have to just stagnate. … but, like anything, it is very hard if you just do it by yourself. You can’t play a trumpet by yourself and enjoy it a whole lot. The enjoyment comes with playing with a full band.”
Weitzel’s and Ennis’ stories are just two of the many stories of the St. Cecilia music programs, according to Grand Band director Paul Keen.
St. Cecilia Music Center Grand Band director Paul Keen. (WKTV)
“There is a wide variety of musical talents in this band,” Keen said. “It is not exclusively an elder band, we invite musicians of all ages. In fact, the young person … (in the band) is home schooled. He is the son of one of our percussionists, and we welcome him.”
But Keen, 70, sees special benefit to older musicians.
“It is an opportunity to continue to socialize with people with similar interests. There is also a benefit in terms of cognitive functioning,” her said. “If people, as they get older, stimulate their brains, whether it is through board games, through art, music, other intellectual pursuits, it really does help our frame of mind, our physical and mental wellbeing. I know from my own personal situation, all the aches and pains I feel, I never seem to feel them when I am playing an instrument or standing up here (leading the band).”
St. Cecilia Music Center. (WKTV)
The St. Cecilia Music Center’s Grand Band rehearses Monday mornings and performed in concert in December. The Grand String Orchestra, conducted by Cyndi Betts, rehearses on Wednesday evenings. No auditions are needed for either group. For more information about joining one of the adult ensembles visit SCMC-online.org or call the education director at 616-459-2224.
A beautiful, compelling memoir about an exceptional life and a relentless disease, Jamison’s fast-paced story of her struggle and triumph over manic depression opens a window onto a mysterious and ever increasing diagnosis. If you have ever wondered why someone with a serious mental disorder won’t take their medication, Jamison hits this issue full-on, as she weighs the euphoric seductions of the hypomanias against the sometimes punitive and toxic effects of the drugs.
Her memoir is especially fascinating because she has a dual perspective; having studied and become an academic expert in Bipolar Illness and Mood Disorder, while experiencing the devastating effects of it in her own life. Oliver Sacks says about An Unquiet Mind, that “It stands alone in the literature of manic-depression for its bravery, brilliance and beauty.”
Here’s what Dr. Jen had to say about Maury Pawvich:
Sometimes you cross paths with a cat so flipping adorable and outgoing that you cannot fathom why on earth he was wandering around town, aimless and abandoned. Seriously, this guy right here? Totally AWESOME! You all know my affinity for the fat-heads, but it just isn’t my penchant for pinchable cheeks that drew me in, but rather magnificent Maury’s alluring aura and his gentlemanly nature. Born in late 2010, the marvelous specimen of all things feline somehow ended up homeless and in search of a place to call his own, when a Wyoming resident took it upon herself to take him in temporarily until we were able to.
Although upsetting, it was really no big surprise when this studmuffin tested a very strong FIV+, considering he was ‘all boy’ and had been roaming the mean streets for who knows how long. I don’t think Maury was the aggressor in any skirmishes he was involved in, but he did suffer a nasty injury to his left rear foot that tore one of his claws completely off, leaving him with a nasty, smelly infection that needed immediate treatment, lest he lose that toe. After antibiotics, neutering, flea treatment, vaccines and deworming, my handsome tuxedo (former) tomcat was ready, willing and able to head on down to our sanctuary and become an official Big Sid’s Kid.
Again, not astonishing that he made fast friends with anyone he came into contact with, charming the other cats and the volunteers alike with his come hither gaze, affability and eagerness to be best buds — forever! Of all of the newbies we had taken in in December of 2014, Maury adapted the easiest, settling in like a champ and quickly learning and engaging in the daily routines and rituals with great enthusiasm.
He is SUCH a gracious, gorgeous guy that you can’t help but fall for him, hook, line and sinker, within mere minutes of making his acquaintance. Maury is absolutely delightful and I speak for all of us when I say how thrilled we are to have him as one of our own, that is until we to find him the kind of purr-fect home he deserves!
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.
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation announced the appointments of Eva Aguirre Cooper and Meg Goebel to its Board of Directors. The three-year terms began January 1, 2017.
“Both Eva and Meg are two of the community’s most regarded leaders and community supporters, and their collective experience, deep connections and involvement will only further enhance our board and vision forward,” said Mike Damstra, chairperson, Metro Health Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Meg Goebel
Cooper has been the Community Affairs Director at WOOD TV8/WOTV 4/WXSP since 1998. Her responsibilities include community outreach efforts, on-air reporting for 24-Hour News 8 and special station projects including the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program and Connecting With Community.
Meg Goebel is president of the Paul Goebel Group, an insurance agency providing comprehensive insurance solutions to association members in the legal and accounting professions along with individuals and businesses throughout Michigan.
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi.) on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, issued a statement urging Michiganders “to join together … (to) follow Dr. King’s example and give back to their communities so we can help make his dream a reality for future generations of Americans.”
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)
“As we honor the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember his steadfast dedication to the pursuit of justice, equality and tolerance for people of all different backgrounds and beliefs, and celebrate his commitment to protecting our fundamental civil rights,” he said in supplied material. “At a time when our nation is deeply divided, we cannot allow ourselves to turn against one another. We must strive to bridge our differences and work together to ensure that every American — no matter who they are or where they live — has access to clean air and clean water, quality schools, opportunities for economic advancement, affordable health care, and the ability to make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Senators Stabenow, Peters support decision on foreign appliances
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mi.) and Sen. Gary Peters on Jan. 12, voiced support for a recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Committee that foreign manufacturers of washing machines were engaging in unfair trade practices, deliberately undercutting the Michigan-based Whirlpool Corporation.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
“Today’s ruling is a victory for American manufacturing and our talented workers,” Sen. Stabenow said in supplied material. “I have fought aggressively to enforce our trade laws to stop companies in China and South Korea from cheating, and today’s action is an important win in this continuing fight.”
As a result of the ITC decision, South Korean based producers Samsung and LG must now pay duties of 52 percent and 32 percent, respectively, to offset their actions of unfair pricing tactics. Whirlpool employs 22,000 workers across the United States, with nearly 15,000 of those employees in manufacturing.
Sen. Peters votes to move Defense Secretary nominee forward
On Jan. 12, Sen. Gary Peters voted to pass legislation providing an exception to the limitation on being appointed Secretary of Defense within seven years of serving as an active duty commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. Defense Secretary nominee General James Mattis retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2013, short of the seven year requirement.
But he did so with some reservations.
“Our men and women in uniform and their families make immense personal sacrifices on behalf our nation, and I deeply respect General Mattis’ long record of military service,” he said in supplied material. “Unfortunately, our nation is facing these extraordinary circumstances today. We have an incoming President who is unpredictable and whose words and actions cause both our allies and adversaries to question America’s commitments to global security. While General Mattis’ experience and qualifications alone do not justify lifting this requirement, I believe it is necessary to add a steady presence and moderating force to President-elect Trump’s national security team.”
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Intriguing Conversation Series reboots for 2017 with a new morning time. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 8 – 9:15 a.m. for a cup of coffee, breakfast nibbles, and a forward look at work spaces of the future at the SCA, located at 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.
Michelle Kleyla, manager of corporate marketing at Haworth and Shawn Stenberg, workplace solutions strategist for Haworth’s Bluescape technology talk about the melding of furniture, architecture, and technology to create work spaces that feel more like home spaces. They’ll also discuss how successfully merging all three segments can enable people to maximize performance and truly enjoy being at work.
“We’re very excited to move “Intriguing Conversations” to this new morning time slot,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This gives people an opportunity to start their day with creative conversation and networking. Michelle and Shawn will give us a fascinating sneak peek of how our work lives will change in the next five years because of the intersection of technology and office or home spaces.”
For more information on this free event, visit sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.
This year, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the city of Kentwood decided to honor the civil rights leader by partnering with The Pantry and opening a “little free pantry” where people can take or leave food and household supplies.
“This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley to an audience at the KDL Kentwood Library where the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. program took place on Monday.
“Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”
With a population of more than 50,000, the city has approximately 60 different cultures speaking more than 70 different languages. According to Kepley, this diversity probably would never have happened without King’s vision of people “…one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.”
Kepley said King taught people to “love their neighbors as yourself…Because how can you hate them if you love them?”
Noting that King was not a man of just words but actions, Kentwood leaders decided to follow King’s actions by partnering with The Pantry, located at John Knox Presbyterian Church, for the community’s first Little Free Pantry.
Staff work to fill the Little Free Pantry
Started in Arkansas with the motto “Neighbors serving neighbors,” the Little Free Pantry is similar to the little free library movement. The pantries are designed to be small and fill an immediate and local need. Basically, take an item or items when needed and leave an item or items when you can.
“It’s residents helping residents, neighbors helping neighbors,” said community leader Jessica Ann Tyson, who was the host at Monday’s event. “If you are going to the store and you are picking up some macaroni and cheese, pick up an extra one for the pantry.”
Tyson said there is a need within the city as 9.8 percent of the families in Kentwood live below the poverty line. For a family of four, the poverty line is $24,300. For an individual, it is $11,880 or less. Other figures Tyson had was that 14.6 of the Kentwood population live under the poverty line, including .6.8 percent are under the age of 18 and 7.6 percent are over the age of 65. Tyson also noted that there are about 5,000 food assistance cases in Kentwood.
She said the Little Food Pantry is anonymous, with people not required to fill out an application to receive items.
Located inside the Kentwood Activities Center, the Free Little Pantry is open year around. Donations of food items such as brown rice, cereals, canned goods, pasta, and peanut butter, and personal care items, such as deodorant, disposable razors, laundry soap, shampoo, toilet paper, can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or to The Pantry, 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Other items accepted are crayons, small toys, games and school supplies.
The Free Little Pantry is open during the Kentwood Activities Center regular hours. For more information about the Little Free Pantry, call the Kentwood Activities Center at 616-656-5270.
The Grand Rapids Pops will perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert with three performances Jan. 27-28 in DeVos Performance Hall as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. The concert will feature the Grand Rapids Symphony performing, to picture, every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’s unforgettable score.
CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, a new global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films, in April 2016. The Harry Potter Film Concert that kicked off in June 2016 is another magical experience from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.
Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, “The Harry Potter film series is one of those once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomena that continues to delight millions of fans around the world,” It is with great pleasure that we introduce for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. It will be an unforgettable event.”
Freer has quickly become one of the most sought-after conductors of film music with a long list of full symphonic live to projection projects. He has appeared with some of the world’s leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
For more information on the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, please go here.
Tickets
Tickets for Harry Potter in Concert start at $18 and are available at the GRS ticket office, weekdays 9 am-5 pm at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)
Tickets are available at the DeVos Place box office, weekdays 10 am-6 pm or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.
Students wearing áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit.
By Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh
It is about Tết’s time again. This time, the Lunar New Year will fall on January 28on the western calendar. Being true and loyal to their traditions, Asians who observe the lunar calendar are busy preparing to celebrate their upcoming New Year. Individual ethnic groups from various Asian-American communities are planning celebrations of all sorts and sizes to welcome the new Year of the Rooster. The current Year of the Monkey is ending soon. Each year of the lunar calendar carries the sign of one of the twelve Asian Zodiac animals in proper sequence. The animal-based signs are: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Cat (or Rabbit), the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig. Although there are many similarities, this article will focus more specifically on the Vietnamese way of celebrating the New Year, which they call Tết
People set off firecrackers to chase away any old evil spirits leaving the remains in their home. (Photo from author.)
The proper celebration, in general, involves many aspects to be prepared for. People make certain that their homes are cleaned and repaired to their tip top shapes. Many folks repaint their homes from the inside out to welcome the new year. There are many chores in food preparations to offer the best dishes during the celebration of Tết. The food preparation must start several weeks ahead to finish in time for Tết. The prominent offerings would be bánh chưng (sticky-rice cake), bánh dày (white rice dumpling), and many kinds of sweet goods which consist mostly of candied fruits). The rice cake, square and blocky in shape would represent the earth (the world was thought to be square), and the round rice dumpling would represent the sky or the heavens according to Vietnamese legends and tradition. The Vietnamese people offer these two baked items to honor the creator of all things, the divine God. Everybody should acquire new clothes and wear them during the first three days of the new year. This practice shows respect for the new year; it also shows pride and bring good luck. Poorer families try to tailor their own new outfits if they could not afford to buy new.
The Vietnamese áo dài is the preferred attire during Tết time. It is as traditionally and nationally “Vietnamese” as one can get. It is a tunic that was designed circa 1920. There is a male and a female version of the traditional áo dài. The men’s áo dài is worn more loosely in more subtle colors while the lady’s áo dài is more form fitting, and it comes in more vibrant colors and derivative options. It neatly enhances and shows off the beautiful shape of the female’s body while it is quietly elegant but not revealing at all. The áo dài has been around for about a century, and it is still popular. Its original design has not really changed much. Now that we have more Vietnamese people residing all over the world, women from many countries are taking to wearing áo dài also. American women from all heritages look really good in Vietnamese áo dài. Between the food and the new clothes alone, Tết may get to be very expensive. It is not uncommon for some families to go into debts after the Tết celebration. People actually borrow money to celebrate Tết “properly.”
A more formal styling of áo dài.
In modern time, people keep the festivities down to three days. In the past, it could last as long as three months in some parts of the world. People respectfully usher the current year “out” and joyously welcome the new year “in.” People set off firecrackers to chase away any old evil spirits from the last year that are still lingering around, and firecrackers also keep new bad spirits from attempting to enter. The artful dragon dance also serves a similar purpose: it chases away bad spirits and brings good fortunes.
The first day of Tết is the most important day. It is reserved for the closest and highest ranking family members. Lower ranks would go to higher members, usually elders, to show respect and extend to them the best wishes for the new year. In return, the high-ranking family members would wish the visiting members well and hand out “lucky money” in beautiful little envelopes (usually red in color). Folks would visit extended family members and close friends on the second day of Tết. On the third day, they go to other friends and acquaintances.
Every year, the Jade Emperor (or the Divine God) would send a different “supervisor” or observer to each household to observe, record, and make a report at the end of the year. Each event that occurs within the household will be reported to God. This character always resides in the kitchen to watch over everything that goes on in the dwelling. On the twenty-third day of the twelth month (12/23), every residence would arrange a ceremony to send off the current year’s “Kitchen God.” By tradition, and according to the ancient legend, this god rides back to heaven on a carp (fish). Therefore each household would provide a nice-size live carp in a water container, the like of a kid’s plastic splashing pool, for the reporting god to use as transportation back to heaven. Upon arriving in heaven, the Kitchen God will report to the Jade Emperor the year’s worth of occurrences within the residence off a long scroll of paper. The Kitchen God kneels down in front of the Jade Emperor and reads the report in a very poetic and rhythmic way. At the turn of the year, the Jade Emperor will send a newly assigned Kitchen God to each household again for the following year. “Clear for taxi to runway 2017 and hold short until 12/23”. “Clear for takeoff at midnight 12/22 and proceed on course”. “Roger that!.” And off he will go, accurate to the split of a second. Have you ever seen a carp taking off flying at more than light speed?
The Monkey brought with him many interesting things. The nature of the Monkey was, well…to monkey around. He brought us some good events. He also brought us some questionable events. And true to being a “Curious George,” he has sprung some quite peculiar events on us before he would leave us alone and let the Rooster take over. However, we must be thankful for the Monkey, but it’s time for him to go. Happy New Year of the Rooster. May all be blessed with good health, and may all your wishes come true.
Set in a gas station and diner, the “Double Cupp Diner,” on Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, NC, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” stars four gas station attendants (L.M., Jackson, Jim, and Eddie) and two waitresses (Prudie and Rhetta Cupp) who perform onstage with guitars, a piano, bass and, yes, even kitchen utensils. The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rock-a-billy, swing, rock and roll, and jazz. Best of all, this terrifically fun national tour is set to make a pit stop at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center Jan. 26.
On February 4, 1982, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” boasted as the “friendliest, happiest show in town,” opened on Broadway at the Princess Theatre. There had been nothing like it before and audiences and critics fell in love with its downhome, earthy celebration of friendship and the simple things in life. With songs that celebrated the gifts of friendship, vacations, hard work, fishing, and color TV, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” garnered three Tony Award nominations and two Drama Desk Award nominations. One of the songs from the show, “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine,” reached number 67 on the Hot Country Songs charts.
“Pump Boys and Dinettes”was created by two friends, Jim Wann and Mark Hardwick, who experimented with the concept while playing five nights a week at a New York steakhouse. The idea took off from there and with the help of contributors and fellow performers; John Foley, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, and John Schimmel, they made their way from Off-Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway and on to London’s West End. Subsequent productions have been seen across the country including long runs in Chicago and Minneapolis, and an award-winning run at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Pumping out the tunes in “Pump Boys and the Dinettes.”
“Pump Boys and Dinettes” will be at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seats are $42.50 for adults and $22.50 for students (high school and younger). Reserve tickets in person at the Van Singel box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. or by visiting www.vsfac.com.
The Van Singel Fine Arts Center sits at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, located at 8500 Burlingame SW, at the corner of 84th Street and Burlingame Avenue, in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131. The Van Singel features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.
In eyeing the needs of the district and planning for the next 30 years, administrators are considering a November bond request that would not raise property taxes.
But first, they are seeking input from parents, teachers, students and community members concerning what facility improvements they would support –– and which ones they want most.
Parents and staff members were emailed links to fill out by the end of January, and a postcard with information about the online survey is being mailed to residents. The board could vote to approve ballot language in late spring.
Voters will be presented with a millage proposal that won’t result in an increase in taxes because existing debt will be expiring. The new millage request will be for the same number of mills or fewer than the mills saved from the expiring debt. A new levy would generate some dollars in 2018, with the balance to come in 2022, to fund upgrades and improvements at its aging facilities.
Because voters rejected two attempts to pass major bond requests in August and November 2013, the district is taking a long-term approach to the plan. If voters approved a request in November, the sale of bonds in spring 2018 would generate about $20 million. When existing debt expires in 2021 and 2022, the district could sell the remainder of the bonds to generate approximately another $45 million, said Matt Lewis, assistant superintendent of finance and administrative services.
The multi-series arrangement allows flexibility, Lewis said. “We can control the amount of the sale so we don’t raise taxes.”
That’s key, said Superintendent Tom Reeder, because “We said we would not return to the public if it would cost them any more in taxes.”
Reeder noted that a favorable market has made it possible to move ahead with a new request. “We said, ‘If the money is available without raising taxes next year, could we start the projects that much earlier?’ ”
The majority of bond funds generated in 2018 would most likely be invested at Wyoming High School, at 1350 Prairie Parkway. “It is the building with the most needs,” Reeder said. “We want the high school to be the flagship of the community.”
Some district needs have changed since the 2013 bond requests failed. The district moved forward with securing school entrances. A 10-year sinking fund levy passed in May — also with no tax increase — generates about $400,000 a year for maintenance such as roof and parking lot repairs.
The survey questions gauge community opinions on immediate and future needs in the district, which enrolls about 4,300 students. It asks for input concerning the following:
enhancing landscaping and elementary playgrounds
improving curb appeal of buildings
upgrades to the fine arts center located at the junior high
adding a new fine arts center on the high school campus
upgrades to outdoor athletic facilities
adding artificial turf at the high school stadium
upgrading indoor athletic facilities
updating labs to support science, engineering, technology and math
dedicated music and art space at the elementary schools
improvements to parking and traffic flow at schools
adding windows to allow for more natural light
technology
grade configuration at schools
In moving forward, the district will form a planning committee involving parents, staff and community members. Community forums will be scheduled.
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.
The Interview: Answers to Common Questions
You did it. You nailed your resume and cover letter. You networked with the right people. You found great references. Now you have to prepare for the interview. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with a little practice, you can enter the interview with confidence.
Tell us about yourself.
Be professional. This question is not an invitation to tell your life story. Be specific; don’t talk about your career in broad, general terms. Focus on telling a story that demonstrates you are a strong candidate for the job. Have a clear beginning, middle and end. Close with a statement that connects the story to the position for which you are interviewing. For example, “and that is why I am excited about this opportunity.”
What is your greatest strength?
Here is your chance to stand out. Give a specific example of how you have used your strength in the past. Finish by explaining how this quality can benefit their company. For example, “I once took a call from an angry customer. Instead of immediately transferring her to the call center, I listened to her frustrations. She was calmer and ready to find a solution by the time I transferred her. Your company is known for excellent customer service. My ability to deal with difficult situations will support that reputation.”
What is your greatest weakness?
Answer honestly, but stay positive. Identify something you have struggled with but have worked to improve upon. Give a specific example of what you did to overcome the challenge. For example, “In my last position I was responsible for keeping a spreadsheet with up-to-date sales data. Using spreadsheets is not my strength. So, I requested additional training to increase my skills. I am still not an expert, but I now have the necessary skills to do my job well.”
The best way to ace an interview is to prepare and practice. Prepare answers to these common questions ahead of time. Practice answering the questions clearly and concisely. Your answers will feel more natural and you will be more comfortable during the interview.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
