All posts by Joanne

Young Entrepreneurs Create Learning Marketplace

March 15, 20163-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kids ActivitiesEntrepreneurs, Erin Albanese, Godwin Heights, School News Network, T21 Marketplace, Team 21, West Godwin ElementaryJoanne

By: Erin Albanese – School News Network

West Godwin Elementary first- through fourth-grade students spent an evening working as mini-entrepreneurs at the T21 Marketplace, selling candy and other goodies, masks and chances to shoot hoops and bowl.

The event, hosted by the after-school program Team 21, introduced students to real-life concepts of buying and selling goods or services, said Betsy Berry, West Godwin Team 21 coordinator. While Berry purchased materials, students cooked, created their products, advertised and cashed out at the end of the evening. Each good or service cost one Berry Buck, fake money students had earned for good behavior.

“The purpose of learning about being a consumer as well as a producer was beyond achieved,” Berry said.

Connect

Team 21

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

Tri-Unity Christian moves on as Godwin Heights is sent packing; Girls prepare for State Quarterfinals

March 15, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Regional, Girls Quarterfinal, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, State Semifinal, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

And then there was one. After a heartbreaking overtime loss, Godwin Heights was eliminated from the playoffs in the Regional Semifinal. The loss leaves one area boys team, Tri-Unity Christian, left in the tournament.

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are in action for the girls tonight in the State Quarterfinals.

Boys Recap

Class B – Regional Semifinals

Williamston – 57 (OT)
Godwin Heights – 55

The defending Class B State Champions weren’t going to go down easy. In fact, it took an extra stanza to outlast the Wolverines, but Williamston pushed through thanks to a 37 point performance from Riley Lewis.

Trailing by five entering the fourth quarter, Williamston was able to stifle Godwin Height’s potent offense and allow for the overtime period. Leon Redd notched 23 points for the Wolverines, but it wasn’t enough down the stretch.

With the loss, Godwin Heights’ season is in the the books. Over the past three years, the Wolverines have a stunning 71-6 record.

Class D – Regional Semifinals

Tri-Unity Christian – 52
Marcellus Howardsville – 38

After a high-scoring first quarter, Tri-Unity Christian put the clamps down on defense and propelled themselves to the Regional Final. The Defenders found themselves down 19-18 after the first eight minutes due to uncharacteristic defense.

Marcellus Howardsville could only muster 19 points the rest of the way.

Tri-Unity Christian evened out the scoring load with 12 points coming from Willie Otole and 10 each from Javi Cuevas and Braydon Sherrod.

The Defenders will play Benton Harbor Countryside for the Regional Final on Wednesday.

Girls Preview

Class B – State Quarterfinals

South Christian (23-2) vs Dearborn Heights Robichaud (18-6) – 7:oopm at Fowlerville

The Sailors sit three wins away from a State Championship, but they must get through Dearborn Heights Robichaud first.

The Bulldogs enter the quarterfinals having won Districts and Regionals for the first time in program history. They have also won 11 of their last 12. In those 11 victories, their average margin of victory is 21.5 points.

South Christian has only lost two games all season and knows how to close out games. Seniors Jennifer DeBoer and Markayla Vander lead a unit with their eyes on the ultimate prize.

Winner will play either Detroit Mumford or Detroit Country Day in the State Semifinal.

Class D – State Quarterfinals

Tri-Unity Christian (21-4) vs Pittsford (24-0) – 7:00pm at Springport

After capturing their first-ever Regional Title, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for their biggest task yet against No. 1 ranked Pittsford. The Wildcats have beaten their opponents this season by an average margin of almost 45 points.

The Defenders defense has been one of their calling cards all season, the team only gives up 37 points per game. The defense will need to be on point tonight for Tri-Unity to pull the upset.

Winner will face either Waterford Our Lady or Kingston on Thursday in the State Semifinal.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – Benton Harbor Countryside

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Poems from the dark side: actress Amber Tamblyn presents at Schuler Books

March 15, 2016Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming EventsAmber Tamblyn, David Cross, Laughfest, Schuler Books and MusicJoanne

It seems wherever comedian David Cross shall be, actress Amber Tamblyn is sure to follow.

Tamblyn, who has starred in “Joan of Arcadia,” “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” and “Two and a Half Men,” has been touring with her husband Cross, whose “Making America Great Again!” tour is part of this year’s LaughFest lineup.

And the arrangement works out well for area residents as Tamblyn, who is a writer and acclaimed poet, will be at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, discussing her latest book “Dark Sparkler.”

“[What drew me to poetry] I think, like anybody, is being able to have a feeling that’s expressed and reciprocated — to be able to make others feel and emote,” Tamblyn said in a recent article with Boulder Weekly. “It’s also what’s powerful about acting — that you get to affect people. Writing to me, when I was younger, had the same power that acting did.”

“Dark Sparkler” started with Tamblyn digging into the life and death of child star Brittany Murphy. Murphy died in 2009 from pneumonia and anemia. Tamblyn, also a child star who got her start on “General Hospital,” did not know Murphy but was moved by Murphy’s death as she was the first female contemporary of Tamblyn’s to die.

Tamely wrote a poem about Murphy that appeared in [Pank] magazine. The overwhelming interest in that poem encouraged Tamblyn to delve deeper into the topic of the female actresses who were gone before their time.

In total, more than 30 actresses, both famous and obscure, are featured in the book such as Murphy, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. The poems are paired with original artwork, commissioned for the book, by David Lynch, Adrian Tomine, Marilyn Manson, and Marcel Dzama.

Tamblyn’s talk and book signing is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. Also that evening, her husband, David Cross, will be at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. His LaughFest show is at 8 p.m. with tickets running from $39.50 – $32.50. Tamblyn’s talk is free.

TV celebrities Sheree Wilson and Clarence Gilyard speak about their on-stage reunion in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’

March 15, 2016Local EntertainmentClarence Gilyard, Driving Miss Daisy, Sheree Wilson, Van Singel, Walker Texas RangerJoanne

Sara Bower

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

Coming in March, the Van Singel Fine Arts Center will host “Driving Miss Daisy,” the Pulitzer prize-winning comedy-drama written by Alfred Uhry. This production reunites TV stars Sheree Wilson and Clarence Gilyard, both of “Walker, Texas Ranger” fame.

Wilson, who is also know for her role on the hit series “Dallas,” plays Daisy, the strong-willed Jewish matriarch whose unlikely friendship with her African-American driver, Hoke, eclipses the social norms upheld by mid-century Southern culture. Hoke is played by Gilyard, whose roles on “Matlock” and in “Left Behind” have earned acclaim.

Having both built incredible careers in film and television, Wilson and Gilyard are thrilled to collaborate on stage. Gilyard, after his success on screen, returned to the theater to hone his craft before live audiences. “To be in the theatrer with all these people; watching creatures on stage taking you through history and through time as they age…laughing and crying with them. And this play—which is why it won Pulitzer—is truly a beautiful piece that travels well,” Gilyard said.

This successful production hit the road in 2016, playing to packed theaters and engaging communities nationwide with its storytelling.

“We need to tell these stories, the good and bad, transparencies…theatre scrutinizes transparency so that we can evolve,” Gilyard said. “There’s a reason why it is part of our human experience to have theater as part of a healthy society.”

For Wilson, the show will be her first live production since high school. The poignancy of the material—and the opportunity to work with former “Walker” co-star Gilyard again—made for a wonderful opportunity. “It’s so magical, doing this play and picking up with a dear old friend, taking off on a new adventure,” Wilson said. “You already have the chemistry, familiarity, knowing how the other works. It’s a comfort…you trust the person you’re on stage with. And audiences are so responsive. Standing ovations, packed houses…it’s an affirmation of why we do this.”

“It’s a fun process and a blessing,” Gilyard said.

“Driving Miss Daisy” is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, the corner of Burlingame Avenue and 84th Street. Reserved seating is available. Adult tickets are $42.50, students are $22.50 (college and younger – may have to show student ID). Seats can be reserved in person at the box office or by calling 616-878-6800. The box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available at www.vsfac.com. Group ticket discounts are available.

Terence Reuben: Running Inspired

March 14, 20163-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Terence Reuben, WKTVJoanne

By: Alan Headbloom – Feel Like You Belong

Terence Reuben discusses discrimination and racial segregation growing up in Durban, South Africa. Rising above his Apartheid roots, he earned a physical therapy degree and landed a career an ocean away. At Metro Health Hospital, therapist Reuben helps patients recover from injuries. On weekends, triathlete Reuben pushes wheelchair “captains” over marathon courses and across finish lines.

Alan Headbloom hosts Feel Like You Belong, a show filmed at WKTV that is focused on sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States.

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian move on to Regionals

March 14, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Regional, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian added a District Championship to their already successful season on Friday night. Tonight, they both look to make a claim for a regional title.

Boys Recap (& Preview)

Class B – Regional Semifinals

Godwin Heights – 88

Kelloggsville – 46

The first two meeting between these two squads ended with Godwin Heights winning in dominating fashion. The third game was much of the same. The Wolverines were led by 20 points from Lamar Norman. By the end of the game, every single Wolverines scored.

Kelloggsville found themselves down 51-27 at halftime and never found a way to get the game any closer.

Godwin Heights will play Williamston in the Regional Semifinal tonight at 6:00pm. The game will be played at Eaton Rapids.

Class D – Regional Semifinals

Tri-Unity Christian – 61
Holland Calvary- 47

Tri-Unity Christian defended their District Title and also topped Holland Calvary for the third time this season.

The Defenders have a tough game tonight against Marcellus Howardsville (19-3) in the Regional Semifinal. The game will be played at 6:00pm at Portage Northern.

Girls Preview

Both South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian play in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian crowned as Regional Champions, Boys ready for District Finals

March 11, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian kept their seasons alive with Regional Championship victories. For Tri-Unity Christian, it’s the first time in program history.

On the boy’s side, three area teams have an opportunity at a District Championship.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian – 62
Portland – 49

Last season, South Christian found themselves in a precarious position. The team struggled relative to program expectations when they struggled to even make it out of districts. Fast forward a year later and things are back to normal as the Sailors wrapped up another Regional Championship with a win over Portland.

Markayla Vander scored 18 points and Jennifer DeBoer added another 17 in the win.

South Christian will play Dearborn Heights Robichaud in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 58
Climax-Scotts – 46

For the first time in school history, Tri-Unity Christian can call themselves Regional Champions! The Defenders were led all season by Sarah Buffum, and this game was no different. Buffum scored 29 points, with most of her damage coming from the free throw line where she went 15 for 23, in the biggest win in program history.

After falling short last season, Tri-Unity Christian came in to 2016 with eyes dead-set on the next round. They now have that chance. The Defenders will play Pittsford on Tuesday.

Boys Preview

Class B

Godwin Heights (19-3) vs Kelloggsville (6-14) – 7:00pm at South Christian

Godwin Heights is looking for their 5th straight district championship. In two games this season, the Wolverines have outscored Kelloggsville by a score of 189-105.

Winner will face either Lansing Catholic or Williamston in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (16-5) vs. Holland Calvary (11-10) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

The Defenders are looking to repeat as district champions. Tri-Unity Christian and Holland Calvary have played twice this season, with Tri-Unity coming out on top in both contests. The combined score of those two games? 133-73.

Winner will face either Mendon or Marcellus Howardsville in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

A boy and his book: Michigan author William Anderson shares his love for Laura Ingalls Wilder

March 11, 20163-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming EventsLaura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie, Schuler Books, William AndersonJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Like many students, William Anderson first was exposed to the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder through school.

“For me, like many American kids, it started in elementary school,” said Anderson who will be discussing his latest book “The Select Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder” at Schuler Books & Music March 15. “In those schools, especially the upper elementaries, it wasn’t uncommon for a teacher to read a book to the class. Wilder’s books were popular because she offered a very good window into frontier life.”

Born Feb. 7, 1867, as Laura Ingalls – she later married Almanzo Wilder – Wilder is known as the author of the classic “Little House on the Prairie” series which are based on her childhood memories as a settler family from 1932 to 1943. In the 1970s, a televisions series “Little House on the Prairie,” was loosely based on the books starring Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Michael Landon as her father, Charles Ingalls.

With a shift of school goals over the years, the practice of teachers reading to their classes has somewhat disappeared, but the books have remained popular having never gone out of print since first being released in 1932. There have been numerous authors, including Anderson, who have written on Wilder’s life and times. Anderson has done a travel book on Wilder’s homes as well as picture books on her life. Earlier this year, it was announced that a “Little House on the Prairie” movie was being discussed.

“She certainly has staying power,” Anderson said. “It is a topic that people like and enjoy.”

Wilder was, and still remains an American icon, with communities naming facilities after her and in fact the first to do so was Detroit. The Detroit Public Library Wilder Branch, which was dedicated in 1949, still exists today.

In fact, in his new book “The Selected Letters,” Anderson said he selected many letters that had strong Michigan ties. Some came from the cities of Kalamazoo, East Jordan, and Mt. Pleasant. Michigan schools were one of the school systems that had adopted Wilder’s books and used them heavily in its curriculum, Anderson said.

“Wilder often credited the librarians for the popularity of her books,” Anderson said. “When the books were released in the thirties and forties, they were immediately adopted by teachers and librarians.”

Wilder also was dedicated to responding to every letter she received which means there is a lot of correspondence from Wilder – much of it is housed at the Hoover Public Library – available to pull from. “There are still letters being found,” Anderson said, adding that this is happening as people clean out old family homes.

While it might seem like a Herculean task to decide which of the 500 to 600 letters to include in a book, Anderson said he spent his time focused on what would tell the story of Wilder.

The book, “The Selected Letters,” is Anderson’s swan song, said the author, who has written about Mark Twain, Mt. Rushmore and the VonTrapp family and is currently working on other projects. He said while the author helped launch his career into writing about unique American icons, he feels he has pretty much covered the gamut of Wilder’s life and travels.

“It’s time to let other people find different spins on her story and life, if there are any left,” Anderson said.

Anderson is set to present his book “The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder” March 15 at 7 p.m. at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. For more information, visit www.SchulerBooks.com or call 616-942-2561.

Hypertension the subject of a free seminar at Metro Health

March 10, 2016Community Healthhypertension, Metro Health, seminarJoanne

By Metro Health Hospital

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, with medications and lifestyle changes, many people are able to control their hypertension.

How do I know if I have hypertension?

A person can have hypertension for years without symptoms. Because of this it can be a silent killer, leading to a heart attack or stroke without ever presenting itself earlier. However, there are many risk factors that contribute to hypertension, which can be an indicator for your physician:

Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age – eventually everyone develops a degree of hypertension.
Race: Hypertension is particularly common among African Americans and Hispanic Americans, as is the risk for stroke and heart attack.
Obesity
Family history
Low physical activity
Tobacco use
Excess salt in your diet

What treatments are available?

Despite the lack of symptoms, hypertension is easy to diagnose. Once diagnosed, you and your physician can work together to manage it with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Learn more:

Dr. Eric Walchak – a cardiologist at Metro Heart & Vascular who is board certified in hypertension care – will be presenting a FREE seminar about hypertension and will talk about causes, prevention and the latest treatment options.

Metro Health Hospital will be hosting a seminar on hypertension tonight, March 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Metro Health Conference Center, 2225 Main St SW, Wyoming. Register by clicking here or by calling 616-252-7117.

History! Unity! Camaraderie! César E. Chávez Social Justice Activities planned for March 17

March 10, 20163-bottom, Beer, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Eventscesar chavez, cesar chavez day, civil rights, Community Awareness, edge urban fellowship, festivities, march, march 17, march 31, unity luncheonJoanne

By Victoria Mullen
victoria@wktv.org

When César Chávez was 11 years old, his family’s home was lost after his father made a deal to clear 80 acres of land in exchange for the deed to the house. The agreement was broken, and when Chavez’s father tried to buy the house, he could not pay the interest on the loan and the house was sold back to its original owner. It was the Great Depression, and Chávez and his family were forced to became migrant farm workers. The family would pick peas and lettuce in the winter, cherries and beans in the spring, corn and grapes in the summer, and cotton in the fall.

Chávez worked in the fields until 1952, when he became an organizer for the Community Service Organization (CSO), a Latino civil rights group. Chávez urged Mexican Americans to register and vote, and he traveled throughout California and made speeches in support of workers’ rights. In 1958, he became CSO’s national director.

Dedicating his life to workers’ rights, empowerment of the poor and disenfranchised, civil rights, economic justice,
environmental justice and peace, Chávez always used non-violent methods to further his causes. He organized strikes and boycotts, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW) along with Dolores Huerta, and undertook a number of fasts.

After his death, Chávez became a major historical icon for the Latino community. Many streets, schools and parks are named after him. He has since become an icon for organized labor and leftist politics, symbolizing support for Hispanic empowerment and for workers based on grassroots organizing. Barack Obama adopted Chávez’s slogan, “Sí, se puede” (Spanish for “Yes, one can” or, roughly, “Yes, it can be done”), as his 2008 presidential campaign slogan.

Each year across the country, César Chávez Day brings together hundreds of thousands who participate in celebrations, service and learning projects, and other activities that further Chávez’s many causes. Michigan is among the eight states that observe the holiday.

César Chávez National Holiday was established by Los Angeles volunteers who organized and led the effort in California. The legal holiday bill was signed into law on August 18, 2000. The holiday is celebrated in California on César E. Chávez’s birthday March 31st. This marked the first time that a labor leader or Latino has been honored with a public legal holiday.

In Grand Rapids, the Committee to Honor César Chávez plans several events throughout the year to honor the best-known Latino American hero, and the festivities begin March 17 when, at 11 am, the César E. Chávez Social Justice March begins at The Potters House School, corner of Grandville Ave. SW and Van Raalte Dr. SW. Participants will march north on Grandville to The Edge Urban Fellowship.

A Community Gathering follows at 11:30 am at The Edge Urban Fellowship, 735 Ritzema Ct. SW in Grand Rapids. Lead Pastor “PT” Troy Evans will officiate.

The festivities culminate in a luncheon at 1 pm at the Maya Mexican Grill, 1020 28^th St. SW, Wyo
ming. The 2016 César E. Chávez Unity Luncheon will congratulate and welcome new Grand Rapids mayor, Rosalynn Bliss; and students from elementary to university level will showcase their musical talent and leadership abilities with special music, poetry and presentations. There will be a special tribute to Kathleen Straus, member of the State Board of Education, who has fought discrimination and worked to build bridges between races, religious and ethnic groups, and to promote social justice and education. A $25 donation per person is requested.

For more info about the march, community gathering and luncheon, go here. For a list of upcoming events, go here.

District Finals are set for the boys as the girls look for a Regional title

March 10, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional FinalJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Three boys teams took the next step forward in achieving a district crown, while five area teams had their season hopes dashed in the semifinals.

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are looking to keep their season churning along in the Regional Finals tonight in Class B and D, respectively.

Boys Recap

Class A

Hudsonville – 55
Wyoming – 52

Wyoming found themselves down 15 points and needed to dig deep to try to save their season. The Wolves did just that in the fourth-quarter by forcing overtime behind a 20 point performance from sophomore guard Grant Nabors. Wyoming had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation, but a three-point attempt by Chase Vander Klay couldn’t find the bottom of the basket.

In overtime, Hudsonville’s Riley Costen and Adam VanLaar were too much for the Wolves to handle.

For the third straight season, Hudsonville put an end to Wyoming’s season. The Eagle’s are seeking their sixth-straight District Championship.

Class B

Godwin Heights – 64
South Christian – 43

The Wolverines continue to go about their business as usual, beating South Christian by 21 in the District Semifinal. After getting passed Wayland Union on Monday night, the district looked to be Godwin’s to lose. That’s the way it’s shaping up as well.

Godwin Heights will play Kelloggsville in the District Finals on Friday night.

Kelloggsville – 65
Grand River Prep – 60

Grand River Prep received another inspired performance by Shahadah Camp to the tune of 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep Kelloggsville from taking the win and a spot in the District Final. Camp made 8 three-pointers but only converted 5-13 from the free throw line. Those missed opportunities ended up being costly down the stretch.

It was a tightly contested game that went back-and-forth for all four quarters. In the end, the Rockets have their season extend a couple more days.

Kelloggsville will play Godwin Heights in the District Finals on Friday night.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central – 70
Wyoming Lee – 24

The Rebels season comes to a close with a blow-out loss at the hands of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. A tough end to a long season.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 65
Potter’s House – 60

Tri-Unity Christian beat Potter’s House by two early in the season and defended their crown when the two schools met a second time. Potter’s House found themselves down 17 in the second half but cut that deficit to 3. However, it was too little, too late as Tri-Unity Christian held on for the win.

The Defenders will play Holland Calvary in the District Final on Friday night.

Girls Preview

Class B

South Christian (22-2) vs Portland (15-9) – 6:00pm at Wayland Union

After taking consecutive trips to the State Semifinals and Finals in 2013 and 2014, South Christian dealt with a rare let down last season when they didn’t even make it out of the first round of districts. Oh, what a difference a year makes! The Sailors are cruising through the season with a 22-2 record and find themselves in the Regional Final once again. Senior sensation Jennifer DeBoer is looking to lead her team to the State Quarterfinals.

Portland is coming off of a close win over Eaton Rapids in the Regional Semifinal. It’s never efficient to use the transitive property when comparing teams, but Portland lost to Williamston twice this season, and both times by over 20 points. South Christian bested Williamston in their last playoff game by six.

Winner will face either Dearborn Heights Robichaud or Flat Rock in the State Quarterfinal.

This game will be filmed live by WKTV and aired on Comcast channel 24

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (20-4) vs. Climax-Scotts (20-2) – 6:30pm at Climax-Scotts

Last season, Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Final before bowing out of the tournament. The Defenders are looking to take that next step this season, but it won’t be easy. Climax-Scotts comes into the game with only two losses on the season and they get to host the Regional Final game.

It’ll be a tough one from start to finish.

Winner will face either Pittsford or Hillsdale Academy in the State Quarterfinal.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Deadpool Review: Hard-R Superhero Romance for the win!

March 10, 20163-bottom, Editorial, Movie ReviewBrett Wiesenauer, Deadpool, In Theaters Now, marvel comics, SuperherosJoanne

Superhero movies have been in a bit of a creative slump. Marvel Studios has created the new standard in the post-Chris Nolan years of superhero adventures, for better or worse. But with a record five Marvel properties receiving a theatrical outing in 2014, it has been postulated that the formula Marvel has imprinted on each of the entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is growing stale in the over-saturation of such films released each year.

Thank goodness for Ryan Reynolds and company convincing Fox to up the ante by making the first R-rated Marvel movie. This is a unique step for a company that has been making the X-MEN movies, the most consistently challenging and socially conscious series based on Marvel properties.

With Deadpool, the socially conscious moralizing is tossed out as soon as the opening credits roll. Set to Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning,” the opening showcases the carnage Mr. Pool is most ready to indulge in, including torturing bad guys with cigarette lighters and atomic wedgies. This opening really conveys all the gleefully subversive brutality one will find in the feature to follow. But the whole of the movie is not just decapitated heads and one-liners, oh no. This flick is also a romance movie, the posters were not lying.

That’s right, a key plot of this movie revolves around the smart-mouthed mercenary attempting to reconnect with his fiancée, while also hunting down his nemesis, Francis. The romance is introduced after the initial opening action scene in a flashback to Wade Wilson’s life pre-red costume. Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a low-rent mercenary who meets an equally acerbic escort, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), at his favorite dive and strikes up a romantic interlude, complete with things I cannot mention in this review due to decency standards, but all things aside, it is hilarious, provided you like joy.

Unfortunately, the twosome’s romance was cut short by that mood-killer of a diagnosis, cancer. At his wits’ end, Wilson leaves his girl in the teary rain and signs up for an experimental program that will give him superpowers while curing his cancer. But there is a cost – his personal freedom. Driven bonkers by his treatment at the hands of the vicious Francis (Ed Skrein) and his cool-as-ice assistant, Angel Dust (Gina Carano), Wilson adopts the persona of Deadpool to track down his nemesis with the aid of his bartender pal Weasel and a couple of X-Men who show up to critique Deadpool’s violent, anarchic methods. Along the way, he works himself into getting enough courage to visit his old flame and hopefully rekindle their kinky escapades.

The flick revels in tapping into childish exploitations of brutality and smugness that could easily backfire, as some disappointed audiences noted in reviews on various social medias, including Letterboxd, the social media for film lovers. To be fair, most of those critics likely had no idea what they were in for.

Deadpool has a history of subversive cultural savviness that frequently pokes fun at anything and everything – think South Park style. While the film does consider itself a superhero movie, it really is a fascinating hybrid of all sorts of genres: romantic comedy, action thriller, gross-out comedy, and superhero movie. The tone is still playfully anarchic, with star Reynolds as the titular anti-hero pointedly breaking the rules of movies constantly, looking to the audience, making smart comments, and cuttingly criticizing the studio that unwittingly gave Reynolds and the writers free rein to make the movie that Deadpool fans deserve, for better or worse.

The character of Deadpool originated as a straight-laced satire of 1980s and 90s action movie stereotypes, continuing this way until around 2004, when Marvel Comics executives chose to heavily exaggerate the already over-the-top cultural references and invincible self-awareness. While his escapades have attracted an audience of devoted followers, his character has not always received proper mainstream treatment. The 2009 film X-MEN Origins:Wolverine did include Ryan Reynolds as the pre-weaponized Wade Wilson, but in the third act decided it would be best to sew Deadpool’s mouth shut and turn him into the strange love-child of Frankenstein’s monster and the Abomination from Incredible Hulk comics. To put it mildly, fans were very displeased with the film, especially its treatment of the beloved ‘Merc with a Mouth’.

What should be taken away from this review is that Deadpool is a breath of fresh immaturity that comic book movies have been lacking. The pace is frenetic, the romance is cute and pleasing, the action is over-the-top and fun, and Ryan Reynolds has finally found a property to showcase his talents. It is a good time to be a fan of comic books and their adaptations…for now.

Denise Kolesar: Wife, Mother, Fire Baton Twirler

March 10, 20163-bottom, Local Entertainment, Local FacesDenise Kolesar, Sabo PR, Tom Rademacher, Women's ExpoJoanne

Denise Kohler-Kolesar

By Tom Rademacher

For nearly 20 years, Denise Kohler-Kolesar of Kohler Expos has been following a magic formula of connecting with people on a personal level. This mantra endears her to legions of businesses and individuals eager to showcase their products and services at any one of eight expos Denise and husband, Brian, stage in Lansing and Grand Rapids.

And constantly seeking signs from above doesn’t hurt, either.

“Every big decision I make, I pray about it,” says Denise, “and if I don’t get an answer, I don’t do it.”

Such faith was instilled in her as a child, growing up the fifth of eight children raised by Bernard and Mary Kohler in the Eastern Michigan town of North Branch.

“My dad was in the insurance business, and later served as mayor, then owned other businesses with his brothers – a grocery store, car wash, movie theaters. And there was an intentional concept – to employ their children so they always had a job.”

In fact, Denise remembers being responsible for her own expenses as far back as the fourth grade, when she started pitching in to earn her way. “There was work if you wanted it, and if you didn’t work, you didn’t get anything.”

That work ethic stuck. So, too, did a penchant for serving others. And it began close to home, and at an early age.

“My father had a heart attack at 37, and later a stroke, so I became his right-hand person. I was expected to open the insurance office, and I’d visit him bedside in the evening to find out what to do the next day.”

Bernard continued to serve his community as county commissioner, even while partially paralyzed. Denise’s challenges were compounded when her mother contracted cancer. For five years, she and her siblings – now grown and scattered throughout four states – rotated to spend time at the homestead, caring for their parents. They died 12 weeks apart.

To this day, they serve as her greatest role models and mentors, because they handed down to her the value not only of hard work, but the rewarding ripple effects that emanate from investing in people.

“Contributing to community has always been a part of my life,” Denise says, “helping to make things happen for others.”

In high school, she was the over-achiever who scored reasonable grades and also served as cheerleader and drum major, mastering the art of twirling batons while they were on fire. “One of these days, I have to haul those batons out,” she says. “I think I’ve still got ‘em.”

Denise admits she was a goody two-shoes during her schooldays, and that meant standing up to bullies. “I would have never stood on the sidelines if someone was being teased,” she says. “I’m not a big person – I stand but 5 foot – but I didn’t care. I stood up to people.”

She stands up for her country as well. “I used to make our kids say the Pledge of Allegiance before school, and because the neighbor kids gathered on our porch in the morning, they said it, too.”

After graduating North Branch High School in 1979, Denise freelanced as a court reporter for two years. At one point, her work ethic nearly did her in. “I worked on my wedding day,” she says. “A firm needed me, and I couldn’t say no. I worked in my wedding dress. And for those two years, I worked 90 hours a week.”

Mercifully, she left that job and signed on with John Loeks, serving as his personal assistant, learning the movie theater and trade show business.

It was prayer that convinced her to start her own business in 1998 – Kohler Expos – involving her husband, Brian Kolesar, as partner. Their first venture together was a Women’s Expo in Lansing. Over time, they’ve extended their reach through a total of eight annual shows – two Women’s Expos, three Bridal Shows, a Kids & Family Expo, and a pair of West Michigan Mom’s Sales that debut in Grand Rapids each spring and fall.

Preparing for those eight dates is a year-long task that requires complicated networking and precision planning. And being consumed by a quest for perfection, Denise is constantly seeking ways to improve the shows and its offerings.

In what little spare time she has, Denise enjoys spending time with family at the home in North Branch, now owned by a sister who keeps a bedroom intact for everyone who ventures back for visits.

She and Brian also own an 80-acre farm just outside the town where she grew up, and it boasts a barn refurbished by Amish craftsmen that now serves them as a country getaway. She calls it their “Babin,” because it’s “part barn, part cabin.”

These days, though, she’s attending to the upcoming Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids, set for March 11-13 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. The Spring Bridal Show runs concurrently at the same location March 12-13.

For a full slate of offerings at both – and a closer look at the other shows featured throughout the year – visit KohlerExpo.com.

And keep your eyes peeled for a diminutive woman throwing flames. “I was really something in the dark,” she says with a laugh – “twirling that baton on fire, marching with folks who had flashlights taped to their ankles.”

This story is reprinted with permission from SaboPR.

Regional Finals set for the Girls, Boys looking to fill out the District Finals

March 9, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional FinalJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Two area girls teams have advanced to the Regional Finals with close victories. Seven boys teams from Wyoming and Kentwood are looking to set a date to the District Final.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian – 59
Williamston – 53

With the game knotted up at 49 with two minutes to play, South Christian dialed up a play for their leader Jennifer DeBoer. The senior struggled with her shooting touch throughout the game but she found it when it mattered most. Coming off a quick screen behind the arc, DeBoer sank a deep three to put South Christian ahead for good.

The Sailors finished out the rest of the game a perfect 6-of-6 from the line to ice the victory. South Christian never trailed.

With the win, the Sailors head to the Regional Finals on Thursday to play Portland. A date in the State Quarter-finals is on the line.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 46
Athens – 44

The Defenders find themselves in the same position they were last year, one win away from a Regional Championship. With the win over Athens, Tri-Unity extends their win streak to 12 games, and 17 of their last 18.

Tri-Unity Christian will face Climax-Scotts in the Regional Final on Thursday.

Boys Preview

Class A

Wyoming (15-6) vs Hudsonville (15-5) – 7:30pm at Grandville High School

Wyoming has had Hudsonville dash their district title chances in each of the past two seasons. The Wolves are hoping the third time’s a charm. After upsetting West Ottawa 60-58 in the first round of districts, Wyoming is playing solid basketball with a lot of confidence. They’re playing as hot as anyone right now.

Hudsonville is looking for their sixth straight district crown. The Eagles hold wins over Godwin Heights, Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood and West Ottawa. This team is no slouch. Expect a tightly contested battle for all 32 minutes.

Winner will face either Jenison or Zeeland East in the District Finals on Friday night.

Class B

Godwin Heights (18-3) vs. South Christian (7-13) – 7:30pm at South Christian

As the Wolverines keep on rising with the tide, the Sailors are hoping to stay afloat. Godwin enters as one of the best teams in the state and looking to defend their State Championship from a year ago.

South Christian has struggled all year against teams at the top of the totem pole with loses to Wyoming, Wayland Union (twice), Ottawa Hills (twice), and East Kentwood. The Sailors will need to put together their best game all season if they want to upset the Wolverines.

Winner will face either Kelloggsville or Grand River Prep in the District Final on Friday night.

Grand River Prep (14-5) vs. Kelloggsville (5-14) – 6:00pm at South Christian

Shahadah Camp scored 34 points – 32 in the first three-quarters – against West Michigan Aviation Academy in the first round of districts. Grand River Prep is hoping that hot hand stays in the semi-final.

Kelloggsville has struggled mightily this season and will need an inspired performance to overtake Grand River Prep.

Winner will face either Godwin Heights or South Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Class D

Potter’s House (16-4) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (15-5) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

Potter’s House put a thumping on West Michigan Lutheran in the first round by a score of 81-6. The semi-final should be much more competitive for the Pumas.

These two teams met way back at the beginning of the season where Tri-Unity Christian won a close game 41-39. The Defenders are looking to defend their district crown.

The last time these two met in districts was back in 2014. Potter’s House walked away with a win and the District Championship.

Winner will face either Holland Calvary or Byron Center Zion Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

WKTV to rebroadcast Girl Scout program in honor of organization’s 104th birthday

March 9, 2016Kids Activities, WKTV ProjectsGirl Scouts, Media Experience, WKTV, Women's History MonthJoanne

Girls Scouts from the Byron Center area ride on the float in the Byron Center Christmas parade.

Girl Scouts all over the world are marking the organization’s 104th anniversary with Girl Scout week, running through March 12.

To help celebrate this special occasion, WKTV will be rebroadcasting its Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore Media Experience program March 9 at 4 p.m.

The program, a collaboration between the local council, Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, and WKTV, was designed to give area Girl Scouts a taste of what it was like to produce a television show. The girls operated cameras, used the video switcher, monitored audio, and loaded graphics to produce the interviews featuring many of the crew members.

Girl Scouts, interviewed by local media experts, discussed their Girl Scout experiences from earning awards to their favorite memories about Girl Scouting.

March 12 marks the official birthday of Girl Scouts. This is the date that commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia. Today, the organization boosts of 2.7 million Girl Scouts – 1.9 million girl members and 800,000 adult members – in about 92 countries, according to Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., which was officially chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950.

And this being Women’s History Month, it should be noted that it is estimated that more than 59 million women in America today have participated in Girl Scouts during their childhood.

To learn more about Girl Scouts, including how to get involved, visit the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore website. For more on WKTV programs, visit wktv.org.

District games offer heart stopping finishes

March 8, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Finals, Full Court Shot, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, RegionalJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

The boys tipped off the postseason with fireworks in the first round of districts. Heart stopping plays, incredible performances, and down-to-the-wire finishes were the standard.

Two area girls teams prepare for their upcoming regional tilt.

Boys Recap

Class A

Ottawa Hills – 58
East Kentwood – 56

East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills battled all night, and then some, in a tight game from start to finish. With the score knotted up at 50 at the end of regulation, both schools needed an extra period to battle it out.

With the score tied at 56, East Kentwood missed a pair of free throws that would’ve given the Falcons the lead. Following the missed free throws, Bengals guard Ojani Echevarria took the ball the length of the court and made a shot as the buzzer sounded.

It was a tough way for East Kentwood to end the season.

Wyoming – 60
West Ottawa – 58

In a game as tightly contested as this one was, making the freebies at the charity stripe can decide a winner and a loser. Wyoming ended up a perfect 9-9 from the line. Contrast that with West Ottawa who struggled, 3-for-8, from the free throw line in the final 2 minutes.

The game was back and forth all night with both teams making plays and answering back. Wyoming senior Edwin Martinez made a three-point play in the final 15 second to put the Wolves up two. West Ottawa had a chance to tie things up but couldn’t get a bucket to fall as the clock wound down.

With the win, Wyoming will play Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night. Hudsonville has won six-straight district championships.

Class B

Godwin Heights – 65
Wayland Union – 52

Up 34-29 with the final second waning down in the third quarter, sophomore Markeese Hastings picked up a ball underneath his own basket and fired it towards the other end. The ball looked pure from the moment it left it left his fingers and hit nothing but net with the buzzer sounding. The gym erupted and the shot gave Godwin Heights three points to add to their lead entering the final stanza.

Behind the play of their strong first half defense, Wayland Union entered halftime with a three-point lead, stifling a potent Wolverines offense and holding them to only 16 points. Then came the third quarter where Godwin Heights put things together and outscored Wayland Union 21-10.

With the win, Godwin Heights is one step closer to defending their Class B State Championship. They play South Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night.

A replay of this game will be aired on WKTV on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:00pm

Grand River Prep – 65
West Michigan Aviation Academy – 44

Shahadah Camp scored a game-high 34 points as Grand River Prep defeated West Michigan Aviation Academy. Camp drained six 3-pointers and scored 32 points before the 4th quarter.

Grand River Prep will play Kelloggsville on Wednesday night in the District Semi-finals.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian – 81
West Michigan Lutheran – 6

The game was close when it was tied 0-0 at the opening tip. Potter’s House plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday.

Girls Preview

Class B

South Christian (21-2) vs Williamston (19-3)

After scoring 31 points in the District Final, Jennifer DeBoer looks to keep the wind in South Christian’s sails. They play Williamston, winners of 11 of their last 12, in the Regional Semi-final.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (19-4) vs Athens (16-7)

The Crusaders look to keep their season alive in the Regional Semi-final against Athens. They ended 2015 in the Regional Final, they’re looking to take the next step in 2016.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

LaughFest Looking to Reclaim World Record

March 8, 2016Community Health, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsGilda's LaughFest 2016, Gildas LaughFest, Largest rubber chicken toss, world recordJoanne

LaughFest is hoping to reclaim the rubber chicken toss record

By: Eric Snoek

Who wouldn’t want to laugh, break a world record, and help support an amazing organization within your community? Gilda’s LaughFest does exactly that!

LaughFest is in its sixth year of bringing enjoyment and excitement to the community of Grand Rapids. The festival runs for ten days starting with the Community Kickoff on March 10 at 5:30 pm at the Calder Plaza.

What better way to kick off such an incredible event then breaking a world record?

Gilda’s LaughFest has done an amazing job over the past six years by finding silly ridiculous records that are exciting and fun for the community to achieve together. This year they hope to redeem themselves by taking back the Guinness World record for “largest rubber chicken toss.”

“This will be our sixth attempt to set a world record. We’re hoping to take back our original world record we set tossing rubber chickens in our first year of LaughFest,” said Wendy Wigger, President of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “We’ve broken four out of five world records for most people wearing sunglasses in the dark, wearing false mustaches, wearing animal noses at a single venue and of course, the number of rubber chickens tossed.”

Back in 2011 Gilda’s LaughFest broke the rubber chicken record with 925 rubber chickens tossed. That same year, a church in Ontario, Canada broke the record by tossing 999. LaughFest plans on providing the first 1,200 participants with rubber chickens so they can shatter the previous record.

LaughFest is designed to bring the community of Grand Rapids together for laughter and a bigger cause. There will be 200 different entertainment events throughout the city, many of them free, during the ten-day festival. There are events for all ages.

By attending LaughFest, you are not only helping yourself by adding more laughter to your life but you are always helping many community members in needs. About 15 percent of the profits go towards Gilda’s Club. Gilda’s Club helps support grieving children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death due to any cause. The organization runs solely on charitable donations and currently helps more than 10,000 individuals every year.

Make sure to enjoy LaughFest in its entirety! It only comes once a year.

Community Awareness: Going to WAR against human trafficking

March 7, 2016Citizen Journalism, Volunteers, WKTV ProjectsCommunity Awareness, Donna Kidner-Smith, Jenn Amo, WAR, Women at riskJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For many, human trafficking seems like something that takes place in a faraway land when in reality it could be happening right next door.

“There was a mother who was human trafficking her own daughter,” said Women At Risk Youth Ambassador Jenn Amo, who is the featured guest of the Community Awareness’s upcoming show on Women at Risk, International show set to air this month.

Amo tells Community Awareness host Donna Kidner-Smith that there is a lot of misconceptions about human trafficking in that those involved in the trade will target just about anyone: age, race, income and gender really don’t matter.

“In West Michigan, at any given time, about 2,400 minors are for sale,” Amo said, adding that while most of these are online, the number is appalling.

The goal of Women at Risk, International (WAR), a non-profit headquartered in Wyoming, is to provide protection around at-risk women and children. The organization hosts a number of programs designed to help those in need along with educating the public on a variety of issues such as human trafficking.

Amo visits schools and other organizations talking to students and parents about the signs of and how to prevent becoming a victim of human trafficking.

“We call it our wheel of risk because everybody, no matter who you are, faces multiple things in a lifetime,” Amo said. “Sometimes you can handle it on your own and at other times you don’t know where to turn.”

Through the Community Awareness program, Amo discusses the signs of human trafficking, safety steps people can take to avoid or prevent it, and the importance that the entire community must stay vigilant in reporting questionable activities.

“The traffickers have always been there,” Amo said during the program. “As marijuana was legalized, people thought it would just eliminated what the traffickers do. Instead, we saw an increase in human trafficking. They basically just changed what they were trafficking.”

Amo also discusses what WAR is about, volunteer opportunities and the WAR Chest Boutiques located at 2790 44th St. SW, Wyoming, and 25 Squires St. Square NE, Rockford. These stores are the retail arm of the non-profit featuring hand-crafted items created by at-risk-women (and some at-risk-men) in WAR’s partnering programs that are in more than 40 countries including the United States.

For more about WAR, visit www.warintertnational.org. The Community Awareness program featuring Women At Risk runs Monday, March 7, at 9 p.m. , Wednesday, March 9, at 11 a.m. and Friday March 11, at 10 a.m.

For a complete WKTV lineup, visit www.wktv.org.

After 31 years, Thom Vander Klay and the Wyoming Wolves are still making history

March 7, 20163-bottom, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, SportsBob Henning, Brendan Berg, Edwin Martinez, Mike DeWitt, Thom Vander Klay, Wolves, Wyoming Basketball, Wyoming Park, Wyoming Rogers, Wyoming Wolves, Zach MannJoanne

WyomingBBall4 — Coach Vander Klay giving his team direction

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Ten minutes before practice starts and not a voice is heard. The only sounds coming from the Wyoming High School gym are the hard dribbles of basketballs and the sweet sound of the ball touching nylon. Eventually, a word is spoken to put an end to the verbal silence, “Ball!”

It’s all about efficiency. Not a second is wasted.

When you close your eyes and focus solely on the sounds coming from a team’s practice, an accurate picture on the team’s identity begins to take form. After 31 years, Wyoming Head Coach Thom Vander Klay has a keen sense on how his team operates.

“This team is quiet and constantly thinking,” described Vander Klay. “While they may be quiet, they’re extremely aggressive and confident. It’s a quiet confidence, but it’s definitely there. It’s a healthy confidence that doesn’t spill over into being cocky.”

That quiet confidence is taken directly from their head coach. Throughout practice, Vander Klay takes a backseat as players organize themselves into drills for the day. He trusts his system and his players to waste no time getting as many reps in as possible. When a teaching moment is available, the coach steps in with the knowledge and passion that easily commands a room.

“He instilled a very good work ethic, not only in basketball, but in life,” said former player Bob Henning, who played JV ball for Vander Klay at Wyoming Park in 1992. “He never took it easy, not even during the off-season. He taught you that you have to work to get the things you want in life.”

There’s a reason Vander Klay was voted the best basketball coach in Grand Rapids.

Coach Vander Klay has pretty much seen it all in his time roaming the sidelines. He remembers a time when the three-point shot was considered a wasted possession. He coached the JV basketball team at Wyoming Park for 10 years before taking over as the Varsity coach. When Wyoming Park and Rogers merged into what is now Wyoming High School, Vander Klay took the reins of the basketball program and the new challenge of merging red and blue.

“When we merged, we had to rid of everything red and blue. It had to be purple everything,” remembered Vander Klay. The merge has been successful and the student section even hosts “throwback” games where students wear the old uniforms from Park and Rogers. “There’s no more animosity. We’re all wolves.”

For the seniors, the first four-year class to go through Wyoming High School, being a “wolf” is all they know and it’s not something they take lightly.

“It has been pretty special to see how the sports evolved from when everyone was a rival,” explained senior Edwin Martinez looking back on his four years. “It feels great to be a part of the history of the school.”

“We became more of a family,” added senior Brendan Berg.

While the class of 2016 has a lot of history to their name just for entering Wyoming High School at the right time, they have also earned some special history on the court as well. Wyoming has had some extremely talented teams in the past – twice finishing second in the conference – but this season the Wolves were finally able to bring home the O-K Bronze Conference crown.

“Winning that first conference championship for Wyoming [boys basketball] is something we’ve talked about,” Coach Vander Klay said. “It was unfinished business after taking home two second-place finishes [2015 and 2014] and one third-place finish [2013].”

The importance of adding a historical first to a coach with such a prestigious record isn’t lost on the players either. After winning seven conference championships at Wyoming Park, Coach Vander Klay has kept the winning tradition alive at Wyoming.

“It’s very cool to be the first team at Wyoming to win a championship under Coach Vander Klay,” exclaimed senior Zach Mann.

While some coaches may experience burnout after 31 years, Vander Klay, a graduate and former player at Wyoming Park, continues to live his dream, “I just love it. It’s my hobby and something that I personally like to do. I enjoy the kids.”

Update – In the District Semi-Final on Wednesday night, Wyoming fell to Hudsonville 55-52 in overtime. The Wolves came back from down 15-points in the final quarter to force OT.

Eclipse Awards are Coming, Prepare Yourselves

March 7, 2016Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsEclipse Awards, West Michigan Film Making, WKTVJoanne

By: Brett Weisenauer

The 5th Annual Eclipse Awards will be hosted on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the City Flats Hotel ballroom, starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 for everyone but the nominees. While the glamour, excitement, and beautiful statuettes return, the details behind the scenes changed dramatically this year, starting with the selection process of this year’s winners. The Eclipse Awards Board of Governors elected to invite past nominees and winners of the Eclipse Award to become judges.

Previous nominees and/or winners in the competition know personally what it takes to produce the kind of quality that makes West Michigan’s regional Film, Television and Crafts awards program continue to grow. Previous nominees and winners received official invitations to become voting members at the end of 2015. Becoming a voting member did not disqualify former nominees and winners from entering their work in the current awards year, because judges did not judge entries in categories they may have entered.

The Board of Governors also decided to publicize the national and international judges who participate in evaluate Eclipse Award winners. The judging participants give their time and expertise to the process of defining and recognizing the best examples of production achievement in West Michigan.

Eclipse Awards nominees become winners after their entries go through a two-step process starting with judges who are past nominees and winners for each particular category and craft. The first round of voting decides the 2016 nominees for all given categories and crafts. After nominees are announced on April 4th, voting proceeds onto the second round where national and international judges in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Australia, and others participate in the selection of Eclipse Award winners. The results are kept secret until the night of the awards ceremony.

After the announcement of nominees, all nominated works will be posted on the Eclipse Award Face Book site and made eligible for the People’s Choice Eclipse Award. The People’s Choice Eclipse Award has one winner. There is no student category or craft consideration though students are encouraged to compete.

For a complete list of national and international judges, visit the Eclipse Awards website at www.TheEclipseAward.com.

And be sure to attend, the future of West Michigan film-making might just depend on it.

Girls Wrap Up Districts as Boys Prepare for Postseason

March 7, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Five Wyoming-Kentwood area girls basketball teams entered the District Finals looking for a championship, two went home with a trophy intact.

Tonight marks the first round of districts for the boys as they begin their march to glory.

Girls Recap

Class A

Grand Rapids Christian – 54
East Kentwood – 39

East Kentwood struggled shooting all night, especially from the free throw line where the Falcons only converted 11-27 free throws. The game was close at halftime with the score at 25-20, but a lackluster third quarter saw East Kentwood get outscored 22-6.

After a successful 2016 campaign, the Falcons lose three seniors and look to reload heading into next season. Grand Rapids Christian heads into Regionals on an 11-game winning streak.

Hudsonville – 50
Wyoming – 28

Wyoming has dealt with a lot of adversity this season and still made it to the District Finals. However, for the second straight year, the Wolves fell to Hudsonville in the finals. The Eagles were never threatened.

With a healthy Claire Hendrickson next season, look for Wyoming to be a solid contender.

Class B

South Christian – 63
Wayland Union – 42

South Christian move onto Regionals thanks to a huge performance by Jennifer DeBoer. DeBoer poured in 31-points and also rewrote the record book at South Christian for most points scored in a season.

The Sailors improved to 21-2 on the season and will face Williamston in the Regional Semi-finals on March 8.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 54
Potter’s House Christian – 38

Tri-Unity Christian defeated Potter’s House for their 11th straight victory and is eyeing that elusive Regional Championship. After finding themselves down three at halftime, the Defenders exploded into the second half with a 25-point third quarter. Potter’s House couldn’t mount a comeback.

Tri-Unity will play Athens in the Regional Semi-final on March 8.

Boys Preview

Class A

East Kentwood (15-5) v Ottawa Hills (11-9)

East Kentwood comes into the playoffs having won 8 of their last 9 since the start of February. Can they keep the good vibrations going into the postseason?

Don’t let the 11-9 record fool you, Ottawa Hills can play with anyone. Their regular season consists of close loses to two of the better teams in the area – Wayland Union and Hudsonville.

Winner is set to take on the winner of East Grand Rapids/Middleville Thornapple Kellogg in the District Semi-Finals on March 9.

Wyoming (14-6) vs. West Ottawa (17-3)

Wyoming is coming off their first ever conference championship in the OK Bronze. As winners of 7 of their last 8, Coach Vander Klay has the Wolves playing well. They’re in a tough district with West Ottawa in the first round and Hudsonville in the semis.

After winning their first 15 games, West Ottawa hit a slight dry spell to close out the season. One loss quickly turned into three as the Wildcats looked to rebound heading into the playoffs. After righting the ship by winning their last two regular season games, and taking a share of the OK Red for the first time since 2004, West Ottawa looks to keep their special season cruising along.

Winner will face Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

Class B

Godwin Heights (17-3) vs. Wayland Union (18-1)

Two of the best teams in the area are set to face up in round 1. Godwin Heights is on their usual tear through the regular season. The Wolverines high-flying and athletic offense is too relentless for most teams to handle. Their three losses – Hudsonville, Grand Rapids Christian, and Portage Northern – are nothing to be ashamed of.

Wayland Union dropped a game way back before the start of 2016. Since the New Year, it’s been all Wildcats as the team has rattled off 15 straight victories.

Whichever team escapes this dogfight will have a date with South Christian on March 9 in the District Semi-finals.

Grand River Prep (13-5) vs. West Michigan Aviation Academy (9-8)

Grand River Prep has won 9 of their last 10 games. The lone loss in that span? A one point defeat to Kalamazoo Heritage Christian Academy.

It’s been an up and down year for the Aviation Academy with the largest win and loss streak extending to 4 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency as a team.

Winner plays Kelloggsville on March 9 in the District Semi-Finals

Class D

Potter’s House Christian (15-4) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (2-16)

The last time these two teams faced off, Potter’s House Christian won by a convincing score of 84-7. Could be a long game.

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Big Screen Cuisine: ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ March 13 at the Downtown Market and UICA

March 6, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Food, Non-Profits, Upcoming EventsBig Screen Cuisine, chocolate, class, courtesans au chocolat, dinner, Downtown Market, grand budapest hotel, pastry, UICAJoanne

By UICA

Join the Downtown Market and UICA for Big Screen Cuisine, the scrumptious series and hands-on cooking lessons at the Downtown Market inspired by your favorite food-focused films.

Enjoy dinner and a movie, Wes Anderson style. Learn how to make Courtesans Au Chocolat inspired by the film’s pastry shop, Mendle’s. After indulging in delicious pastry treats, head to the UICA Movie Theater to watch the film.

About Grand Budapest Hotel:
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular European ski resort, presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s friend and protege. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel’s guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave’s lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.

Sunday, March 13, 2016
Class/Dinner: 3:00-5:00 pm at Downtown Market, 435 Ionia St. SW, Grand Rapids.
Call 616.805.5308 for more info and to register.

Movie: 5:30 pm at UICA, 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids.
Call 616.454.7000 for more info.

TICKET PRICE: $38

Includes class registration, snacks, and movie admission.

It’s recognition season, so WKTV gives a big ‘thanks’ to all its volunteers

March 6, 2016Citizen Journalism, Volunteers, WKTV Projectsappreciation dinner, Nate Diedrich, Volunteers, WKTVJoanne

Some of the volunteers from the 2015 Appreciation Dinner who recognized for their contributions. — Some of the volunteers from the 2015 Appreciation Dinner who were recognized for their contributions.

For more than 40 years WKTV has been providing quality programming for the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood thanks in large part to the many residents who volunteer their time at the station.

On April 1, the station will honor those volunteers at WKTV’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia.

“It’s an opportunity for us to express our appreciation for all the hours put in by the volunteers in all the various aspects to the station,” said WKTV Community Media Coordinator Nate Diedrich.

In 2015, about 319 volunteers logged almost 9,000 volunteer hours. Through the effort of those volunteers, WKTV has been able to provide a variety of programs including the very popular Senior Exercise program, which was started in 1993, and High School Sports, which has been a part of the station’s line up for more than 30 years. A few years ago, seeing the need for hyperlocal news, WKTV added a citizens reporter section, now.wktv.org.

At the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, volunteers will be recognized and honored for programs and projects done at the station in 2015.

Some of the awards that will be resented at the dinner include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Community Service Programming Award and Volunteer of the Year. Years of service are recognized and there is a 100-Hour Club awarded to those who have volunteered more than 100 hours within the year at the station.

The April 1 event starts with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the award presentation at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Reservations must be made by March 24. To RSVP, visit www.wktv.org or mail to or visit in person, WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, Michigan, 49509.

Michigan Maple Weekends Celebrate Sweet Agricultural Heritage

March 6, 2016Area Education, Food, Upcoming EventsDianna Higgs Stampfler, Maple Syrup, Michigan Maple Syrup, Promote MichiganJoanne

By: Dianna Higgs-Stampfler

The Michigan Maple Syrup Association is once again planning three weekends of celebrations focused on the state’s oldest agricultural activity during the 4th Annual Michigan Maple Weekend. Overall, more than 25 sugar makers are participating in the festivities.

Due to the state’s diverse weather and geographical elements, events are first held in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula (south of US10), March 19-20, followed by events in the upper half of the Lower Peninsula (north of US10), March 26-27 and throughout the Upper Peninsula, April 2-3.

“The weekend provides the people of Michigan and surrounding states a chance to see how our oldest crop is produced,” says Joe Woods, event coordinator. “For many people it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where their food comes from and the work and expense that goes into bringing a crop to market. For the producer it is a chance to meet new customers, educate consumers and display the workings of a sugar bush. Together this brings awareness of the maple syrup industry to the public.”

The family-friendly events held around the state are a great time for people to get out and get a firsthand look at how maple sap is collected, boiled down and turned into sweet maple syrup and other maple treats. Many of the farms will offer tours of their operation including tree tapping demonstrations, samples of their products, recipes for the use of maple syrup and local maple syrup products available to purchase.

Visitors to local farms can meet the farmers and their families that produce maple syrup and to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s early spring weather. Attendees are reminded to wear boots as mud and snow may still be abundant at this time of the year.

Michigan Maple Syrup Facts:

▪   Michigan ranks 5th in maple syrup production in the United States.
▪   Average maple syrup production in Michigan is about 90,000 gallons per year.
▪   Economic contributions of the pure maple syrup industry to Michigan are nearly $2.5 million annually.
▪   Maple syrup is a Michigan tourist benefit. It is a “thing” to buy.
▪   Maple syrup, as an agricultural commodity, benefits Michigan farm markets.
▪   There are an estimated 500 commercial maple syrup producers in Michigan with some 2,000 additional hobby or home use producers.
▪   Michigan law requires that processor of maple syrup must be licensed.
▪   The production of pure maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States.
▪   Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply.
▪   Only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resource is used in maple syrup production.
▪   In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure Michigan maple syrup.
▪   Maple sap is a slightly sweet, colorless liquid.
▪   It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
▪   A gallon of standard maple syrup weighs 11 pounds and has a sugar content of 66 percent.
▪   Maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year.
▪   Maple syrup is not the recipient of any crop support or subsidy programs.
▪   A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended.
▪   Warm sunny days and freezing nights determine the length of the maple season.
▪   The budding of maple trees makes the maple syrup taste bitter. Thus, production ceases.
▪   Freezing and thawing temperatures create pressure and force the sap out of the tree.
▪   A very rapid rise in temperature (25 to 45 degrees) will enhance the sap flow.
▪   While the sugaring season may last 6-10 weeks, during this period, the heavy sap may run only 10-20 days.
▪   Average sugar concentration of maple sap is about 2.5 percent.
▪   Maple sap is boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugars in a process called evaporation.
▪   In a conventional evaporator one cord of hard wood is required for every 25 gallons of syrup produced.
▪   Tubing collection systems with vacuum can increase average sap yields approximately 50 percent.
▪   Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
▪   Pure Michigan maple syrup has 50 calories per tablespoon and is fat-free. It has no additives, no added coloring and no preservatives.
▪   Maple syrup has many minerals per tablespoon: 20 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.2 milligrams of iron, 2 milligrams of sodium, 35 milligrams of potassium.
▪   Maple syrup is classified as one of nature’s most healthful foods.

Other maple syrup events in Michigan this spring include:
▪   March 5-27 — Afternoons at the Sugarhouse – Chippewa Nature Center, Midland
▪   March 12-13 — Maple Sugar Festival – Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo
▪   March 13 — Maple Sugaring – Hillside Homestead, Suttons Bay
▪   March 19 — Maple Syrup Day – Chippewa Nature Center, Midland
▪   March 19 — Maple Syrup Festival – Fenner Nature Center, Lansing
▪   March 28 — Maple Sugaring Days – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Newberry
▪   April 22-24 — Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
▪   April 22-24 — Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!

Technology makes our reading lives easier but can’t replace the library

March 5, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Upcoming EventsDeidre Doezema-Burkholder, goodreads, KDL, kindle, march reading month, overdrive, Public Library, reading rainbowJoanne

Diedre w: Librarian — Book, libraries, and especially librarians have always been a big part of my life

By: Deidre Dozema-Burkholder

I’ve had a library card since I was in kindergarten. Thinking of the library always brings back fond memories of trips with my Dad to the local book heaven to check out books. I would select a few different books for my Dad to read to me at bedtime. I still enjoy reading at night before I fall asleep. There have been more than a few times where my husband has come to bed only to find me asleep with a book in my lap or on his pillow.

Over time, my choice in books has changed as well as how I choose to read those books. For a while I strayed away from the library and opted to purchase books directly from retailers and Amazon, back when books were pretty much the only thing they offered. Then in 2007 Amazon launched a digital reading device called the Kindle.

The idea of digital books wasn’t something exactly new – a patent from 1949 shows the idea for a Mechanical Encyclopedia – and books on Tape/CD had been around for years. However, the Kindle was a game changer. It was the idea of holding something tangible in your hand and reading for enjoyment and knowledge.

The first Kindle cost $399.99 and sold out in less than 6 hours. It remained out of stock for five months. While I would have loved a Kindle, the digital experience of reading books didn’t seem worth the $400 price tag.

With that, I rediscovered the library, and soon the library discovered technology. My local library had already placed computers into their realm but now it really looks like the libraries are catching up with the technological curve. Certain libraries can checkout Kindle or iPads just as easy has checking out the latest James Patterson novel.

Libraries offer other options through technology as well. There are a handful that I highly enjoy.

The first is called Overdrive, it’s an application which you can download on to your computer or mobile device and “checkout” books from the library. You can even request a book just the same as you would before. If you prefer picking up an album or movie at the library, you should try Hoopla. Hoopla offers movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and comics. If you prefer browsing magazines, take a look at the application Zinio.

I love all three of these applications because they’re so easy. I don’t have to worry about returning the item since many of these applications have auto-return. The item simply returns itself after the allowed checkout time. The one downside to auto-return happens when you’re midway through a book and the time is up. You end up having to go through the process of downloading or requesting it again the book again. However, that’s something I’m okay with because I no longer have late fees!

Of course, if you’re an avid reader it can be easy to lose track of what you have read or what you want to read. For this, I like to use the website called GoodReads. I was introduced to GoodReads several years back, and it’s something I like to keep in my back pocket to find books from authors I like.

On top of finding books from authors, GoodReads also offers the ability to check the order of your favorite book series, give notice when a favorite author is releasing a new book, and suggest other authors or books based on your reading history.

Sometimes when I’m wandering Schuler’s Book Store, I pull out the app and scan a book so I can remember the book when I’m at the library next. I also use it to check reviews from what others who have already read the book had to say about it. My reading list currently sits at 41 books and includes everything from classics like The Maltese Falcon and Gone with the Wind, to “beach reads” which will remain nameless.

I can’t write this without making note of a show way back in the day called Reading Rainbow. I watched this show growing up and would often go to my local library to find the book featured on the show. For over 23 years this show aired on PBS and featured specific books or a centered theme which was explored throughout the show.

After the show stopped airing in 2014, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to help fund an App. Within 24 hours the campaign reached $5 Million with over 100,000 thousand donors. The campaign set an all-time record for the most backed kickstarter since its inception. It seems that a lot of people still wanted to take a look in a book and see the butterflies in the sky.

If you don’t have the iconic Reading Rainbow theme song in your head by now, you should do so by clicking here.

As for me, I don’t think I will ever stop reading. While technology continues to evolve, I still enjoy picking up a book and holding it in my hands. It’s something tangible. Plus, reading an actual book is easier on the eyes than a digital screen. Trust me, your eyes need a break from the screen!

I still take the time to visit my local branch to see the same librarians that have helped me find books all my life. Their help and suggestions have helped enrich my life. Now, instead of just asking for books, I take time to talk to the librarians that mean so much to a community. They are more important than the books they recommend.

With March being National Reading Month, take a look and rediscover your local library.

Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West Michigan area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.

Five area teams, Four District Finals

March 4, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District Finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

It’s a dogfight to get through districts. The bracket is littered with teams familiar with one another; A team’s strengths, weaknesses, game plans, and counters. Tonight, five Wyoming-Kentwood area teams have the opportunity to bring home a District Championship.

One championship game will be filmed an aired on WKTV.

Class A

East Kentwood (14-8) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (16-5) – District 5

Things weren’t looking pretty for East Kentwood at the beginning of February. The Falcons stumbled through the first month of the new year with a 4-4 record, but the girls were able to dig deep and find a second gear that has propelled them to the District Finals.

Since the start of February, the Falcons have won 8 of their last 9, including a revenge win over East Grand Rapids – the teams only loss in February – in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday. This team is rolling right now, but they’ll have their hands full in the finals.

On the other bench sits a team that has traveled a very similar path. Grand Rapids Christian is currently riding a 10 game win streak after dropping 4 of their first 5 games in January. Their last loss? The same Caledonia team they beat in a rematch in the District Semi-Finals.

East Kentwood beat Grand Rapids Christian in the first game of the season. With the way both teams have stormed into the playoffs, it’d be silly to look at that first game for any indication about how this one will go. A champion will be crowned tonight.

Wyoming (7-14) vs. Hudsonville (19-3)

The teams haven’t changed, but what was a clash of two titans in last year’s District Final has morphed into an uphill battle for Wyoming.

At the turn of the new year, the Wolves suffered a potentially fatal blow with the loss of MSU-commit Claire Hendrickson to a knee injury. In the aftermath after the injury, it looked to be the end to a once promising season. The Wolves lost 12 straight games to limp into the postseason. The playoffs are a new season, a slate wiped clean, and Wyoming sits at 1-0.

Hudsonville has been going full throttle since the season started. The team sits at 19-3 with win streaks littered throughout. Those three losses include two early in the season by a combined 7 points and a loss late in the season to East Kentwood, another District Final participant.

It’s going to be a tough game for Wyoming, but hey, they call it March Madness for a reason.

Class B

South Christian (20-2) vs. Wayland Union (9-11)

Both squads laid down the hammer in the District Semi-finals, winning by a combined point total of 124. Now they’re matched up with a team of equal caliber.

This District Final is also a rematch from last season. Last year, Wayland Union came in as the favorite and won handily, 59-39. This year, the roles are reversed.

South Christian is sitting on two losses by a combined 9 points. The Sailors are not only looking for revenge, but further down the line as well. This team has potential and very little weakness. Wayland Union will have to relish the underdog role.

Don’t let the under-.500 record fool you, the Wildcats have some pretty impressive games on their resumè. They currently own wins over District Final participants Wyoming (before the Hendrickson injury) and Hudsonville, and they’ve played Caledonia and Grand Rapids Christian to close losses. This is a dangerous team.

South Christian has already beaten Wayland Union twice this season, but it’s hard to beat a team three times. The game will be filmed live and aired tonight on WKTV.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian (7-13) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (18-4)

The theme of districts so far has been a rematch in the finals, this one is no different. Last season Tri-Unity beat Potter’s House handily to a tune of 21-points.

The Crusaders are currently on a 15-1 run in the last 16 games and don’t show any signs of slowing down. They won their last playoff game by 72(!) points and this one might play out similarly. Tri-Unity won the first meeting between these two 61-19.

Potter’s House will need to play some flawless basketball and force Tri-Unity into an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers. Regionals await.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

The educators are coming—5,000+ of them!

March 4, 2016Area Education, Education, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Eventsadministrators, classroom teachers, conference, devos place, educational technology, knowledge, MACUL, school board members, workshopJoanne

From Wednesday, March 9 through Friday, March 11, thousands of educators will take over the DeVos Place Convention Center. It’s not an invasion. It’s the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning’s (MACUL) 40^th annual Conference for Educational Technology.

One of the nation’s largest conferences for educational technology, the event will gather more than 5,000 teachers, administrators and school board members from Michigan, neighboring states and Canada. National leaders and classroom teachers will present more than 350 sessions on best practices and trends in educational technology, along with special events and featured speakers planned to meet the needs of every attending educator in Michigan.

“The MACUL Annual Conference is the highlight of the year for educators who strive to explore and utilize innovative teaching tools and strategies,” said Kevin Clark, president of the MACUL board of directors. “With the constant influx of new technology, it can be a challenge for teaching professionals to keep their practice relevant. The MACUL Annual Conference provides the opportunity to see ideas in action, get hands-on professional development, and make connections with colleagues from around the state.”

Kent County school districts attending and participating in MACUL include Grand Rapids Public, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, Grand Rapids Catholic Central high school, Forest Hills, Kentwood, Kenowa Hills and East Grand Rapids. The Student Technology Showcase, highlighting he projects of K-12 students from across Michigan, will be held on Thursday, March 10 from 11:00 am to 1 pm. The showcase will feature some of the top technology projects being used by students in their classrooms. Students and teachers will be available to discuss and share their projects.

The exhibitor section of the MACUL conference will feature more than 200 booths, representing nearly 150 companies. Displays of the latest and greatest in hardware, software, and services will highlight how technology can enhance teaching and learning. Exhibit days and times at DeVos Place will be Thursday, March 10 from 9:30 am – 5 pm and Friday, March 11 from 8:30 am to 1 pm. The exhibits are open to the public with a $20 admission charge at the door.

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors, go here.

Most excellent kudos for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport

March 4, 2016Beer, Our Cities, Travelaccess, Chinese food, customer satisfaction, customer service, facilities, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, GFIA, high marks, kudos, parking, securityJoanne

By Victoria Mullen
victoria@wktv.org

You probably don’t give it a second thought—until you need it, that is. Nonetheless, it bustles about its business, transporting travelers to and from myriad destinations with first-class services and amenities. Over the years, it has been revamped, remodeled and reconstructed. Today, it bears absolutely no resemblance to its humble beginnings.

All these improvements have not gone unnoticed—or unrecognized—in an industry that’s fraught with cut-throat competition.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has achieved the first-place ranking in the “Best Airports by Size and Region-North America” (2-5 million passengers per year) category, and tied for second place ranking in the “Best Airport by Region – North America” (all airports over two million passengers per year) category as a part of ACI’s 2015 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. These awards are granted by the Airports Council International (ACI) each year.

1963 GFIA — Kent County Airport (n/k/a Gerald R. Ford International Airport) circa 1963

Maybe you don’t think it’s any big deal, but it really is. The ACI ASQ program is unique as the airport industry’s only global bench-marking program measuring passenger satisfaction in real time while passengers are at the airport. Implemented at over 300 airports worldwide, the ASQ Program delivers an in-depth assessment of the quality of the customer service experience, covering 34 key service areas such as access, parking, check-in, security, airport facilities, food and beverage, and more.ervice areas such as access, parking, check-in, security, airport facilities, food and beverage, and more.

“Customer service is a top priority for our entire team at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and we are thrilled to be recognized as the top performer of our size in North America,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “We’re dedicated to ensuring continued progress in this area as we make significant investments in personnel, services, and facilities focused on providing a first-class experience from the vehicle curb to the aircraft gate. We are working to improve the passenger experience every day, and this award reflects that effort.”

“We see ever-greater competition among airports, and with it increasing pressure to optimize performance across the operation, especially when it comes to the passenger experience,” said ACI Director General, Angela Gittens. About GIF’s high marks, she said, “Your airport’s results in the 2015 ASQ Survey demonstrate your professionalism, commitment, and success in delivering that high level of customer service. Your airport is a credit to our industry and I thank you and your team for this splendid achievement.”

GFIA today — My, how things have changed

GFIA has continued to improve the customer experience from adding concession updates, complimentary, faster Wi-Fi, airport ambassadors, a therapy dog program, updated parking and valet services, new skycap services, and more. The airport has recently commenced its $45 million Gateway Transformation Project to consolidate security screening, update restrooms, new flooring, lighting, business centers, retail and food and beverage space.

“We are thankful for all of the tenants and stakeholders who are the front-line service providers behind this award,” said Ryks. “From the airlines to our parking services, law enforcement, and curb front security, to TSA and airport ambassadors – they do a tremendous job day-in and day-out to ensure the passengers have a quality experience at our airport. We are planning a celebration to thank and recognize these employees for their efforts.”

So, next time you visit GFIA, tip your hat–or mittens–to the men and women who strive to provide us with the best possible service.

For more information on ASQ, please go here. To view details of the 2015 ASQ results, please go here.

The story of one B-17 Bomber, some high school students and Virginia’s most photographed spots

March 3, 2016Local Entertainment, Local History, Upcoming EventsB-17 Bomber, Blue Ridge Parkway, Gerald R. Ford, Sandra Warren, South High SchoolJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

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While Grand Rapids’s South High School has been closed for almost 50 years, the school’s spirit remains strong as its Varsity Club still meets regularly along with other alumni get-togethers.

No one can deny that the spirit of South High School is just as strong now as it was when the school was open and one person who can attest to that is author and 1962 graduate Sandra Warren.

“It was quite an amazing school,” Warren said. This might be an understatement since within its graduating classes were former president Gerald R. Ford (1931) and singer Al Green (1966). And the students did some amazing things such as raise $375,000 through the sale of war bonds and stamps to purchase a B-17 Bomber – aptly titled “The Spirit of South High” – for the World War II effort, the subject of Warren’s latest book.

“The students did all of this work to raise this money for the B-17 and there was a dedication on April 6, 1944 and from there it flew off with no one ever really knowing what happened to it,” said Warren, who will give a presentation on her book “We Bought a WWII Bomber: The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & the Blue Ridge Parkway” on Monday, March 7, at Grand Rapids Public Main Library, 111 Library St. NE.

“There were these wonderful stories that it had won all these battles in defending our freedom,” Warren said. One South High alum took it upon himself to find out what happened to “The Spirit of South High” and with the aid of another – Ford – he discovered its history was not that glamourous. The bomber was used for training in the United States and was dismantled in Columbus, Ohio, according to a military report.

“Many of the alums were disheartened to learn the end of the story was it was used for training,” Warren said, adding that during one of her presentations about South High she stated “I wonder how many pilots it had trained. It could have had far more of an impact on the war as a trainer than if it had gone off into the war.”

A classmate, who also was a veteran, heard that comment and decided to see if he could find a list of those who had trained with South High’s B-17 Bomber. What he discovered was the bomber had a much more colorful past than originally reported.

“The Spirit of South High” never fought in the war, nor was it dismantled as reported, instead it had crashed during a training exercise in the area that today is considered one of the most photographed places in Virginia – Mabry’s Mill. What made it even more interesting is that no one from Virginia’s Patrick County Historical Society or historians for the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road where Mabry’s Mill is located, knew anything of the crash.

“I had one historical member say to me that he had been involved with the group for decades and couldn’t figure out why he did’t know about the crash,” said Warren, who has copies of the reports made by those involved in the crash. “I went on a local radio station in Patrick County asking people if they remember the crash to contact me and we started getting calls.”

At the time of the crash, Oct. 1, 1944, the land was a pig farm. The original accounts talk about how the neighbors helped the pilots all of whom got out of the plane safely. The six-member crew were being retrained to lead their own combat units, Warren said, adding that all of the crew members had amazing records with one being involved with the atomic bombing of Japan.

“The military took what it could savage from the plane after the crash,” Warren said. “The farmer had to sign a paper stating it was OK for the military to leave the smaller pieces of metal on the land.”

Warren visited the crash site last May and discovered that much of those small pieces are still there. The area has been marked as an archeological dig site and Warren said she hopes to have a national marker placed there.

“It really is a magically story,” Warren said. “It is quite amazing what these students did and in the end, just how much of an impact the bomber did have on the war effort.”

Sandra Warren’s presentation on her book “We Bought a World War II Bomber: The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & the Blue Ridge Parkway,” is at noon March 7 at the Grand Rapids Public Library. For more information on the presentation or other library activities, visit www.grpl.org or call 616-988-5400.

“And The Oscar Goes To…”

March 3, 2016Citizen Journalism, Reviews88th academy awards, Academy awards, Chris Rock, Katelyn Kohane, Leonardo Di Caprio, OscarsJoanne

By: Katelyn Kohane

“Quellek, by Grabthar’s hammer, by the Suns of Worvan, you shall be avenged.” – Alan Rickman in Galaxy Quest.

The Academy hosted the 88th award ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles this past Sunday. Before we dive into this year’s ceremony, let’s go back to the first ever presentation.

The very first year the Awards were held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel right across the street from the Award’s present location. That first night, a ticket to the Awards cost $5 a piece, had only 270 people in attendance, and ended its ceremony in only 15 minutes.

Today, tickets are acquired by the movie studios and can cost up to $750, the Dolby Theater seats 3,400 people, and the ceremony lasts a whopping three hours. The Academy Awards has become a huge event not only in America, but around the world. The Oscar itself stands 13.5 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds.

I love watching the Academy Awards, but host Chris Rock was a little too outspoken about the lack of nominations for black actors and actresses. We all knew the commentary was coming, but it was mentioned too many times throughout the ceremony and felt like the beating of a dead horse.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love Chris Rock as an actor and a comedian. I loved him in the movie Grown Ups.

The attendance of the Girls Scouts came across as odd to me. It’s nice that many of the celebrities supported the Girl Scouts, but strange that they were at this caliber of an event. It had the same out-of-place feeling as the selfies and pizza from last year. Personally, I feel they should bring The Academy Awards back to its original grace with a more dignified evening.

The Awards had a few great performances from the category of Best Original Song. Sam Smith preformed his piece “Writing’s on the Wall” from James Bond Spectre. The Weeknd performed second and Lady Gaga put a final cap on the performances from Best Original Song.

Every year, the In Memorium segment is a nice touch on the evening. Many great people were lost in the past year including Christopher Lee, Alan Rickman, Gene Alan, and Leonard Nimoy.

While some presenters can leave you wanting more, I loved the inclusion of R2-D2. C-3PO, and BB-8 from Star Wars. The Minions, Buzz and Woody, Kevin Hart, and Whoopi Goldberg made for a good show as well. One I personally found funny was the presentation from Margot Robbie and Jared Leto because of their upcoming roles as Harley Quinn and the Joker in Suicide Squad.

It’s impossible to talk about the awards without congratulating Leonardo DiCaprio on finally getting his Oscar! Personally, I thought he should have had one long ago because of all of his great films. I had thought he would have received one last year either for The Great Gatsby or the Wolf of Wall Street, but he finally got one this year for The Revenant.

Upon receiving his award he was very proud, and I thought his speech was exceptional. He made mention to climate change, which was encouraging to hear him speak about because he has been working to support that cause.

Another year has come and gone for the Academy Awards. I can’t wait to see what this new year has in store for in regards to films, performances, and preparations for the 89th Academy Awards.

In Honor of Leonard Nimoy; “Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life forms and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

Congratulations to all the Oscar winners!

In case you missed it, the full list of categories and winners of the 88th Academy Awards are as follows:

Best Picture: Spotlight
Actor in a Leading Role: Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant
Actress in a Leading Role: Brie for Room
Actor in a Supporting Role: Mark Rylance for Bridge of Spies
Actress in a Supporting Role: Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl
Animated Feature Film: Inside Out
Cinematography: The Revenant
Costume Design: Mad Max: Fury Road
Directing: The Revenant
Documentary (Feature): Amy
Documentary (Short Film): A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness
Film Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul
Makeup and Hairstyling: Mad Max: Fury Road
Music (Original Score): The Hateful Eight
Music (Original Song): “Writing’s On The Wall” from Spectre
Production Design: Mad Max: Fury Road
Short Film (Animated): Bear Story
Short Film (live Action): Stutterer
Sound Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Sound Mixing: Mad Max: Fury Road
Visual Effects: Ex Machina
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): The Big Short
Writing (Original Screenplay): Spotlight

Katie works in the film industry as a camera operator and has worked on films like ‘All You Can Dream’, ‘Set Up’ and a TV show called ‘American Fallen Soldier.’ She loves helping WKTV with the Citizen Journalism team and working as a tech at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Katie loves working in the film industry and loves watching movies just as much!

Tickets Punched to District Finals

March 3, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District semi-finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

District Semi-Finals are officially in the books. Five Wyoming-Kentwood teams have yet to reach the expiration date on their season, and they have a big opportunity to add a District Championship to 2016’s resumé.

Class A

East Kentwood – 53
East Grand Rapids – 51

The first time these two teams met, East Grand Rapids left with a narrow four-point victory. Fast forward to the District Semi-Finals, and it was the Falcons from East Kentwood leaving the gym with smiles.

Kentwood lead by 10 with under four minutes left, but the Pioneers weren’t going to let their season end without a fight. East Grand Rapids stormed back and had an opportunity to tie the game with 10 second left on the clock. It would all be for naught as they couldn’t convert the ensuing inbound pass into points.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 14-8 overall and find themselves in the District Final. The game will be played against a very strong Grand Rapids Christian team. The Eagles pulled off a big 48-40 win over 18-4 Caledonia in their semi-final matchup.

The District Final game will be played at Byron Center on Friday night.

The Wolves are headed to the District Finals once again.

Wyoming – 53
Jenison – 47

Even though the season has taken a different journey with the injury to Claire Hendrickson, the Wyoming Wolves find themselves in a familiar spot: a date with Hudsonville in the District Finals.

Wyoming took home a hard-fought victory, their 7th of the season, against Jenison behind the scoring hand of Kayla Hinton and her 24 points. The Wolves will need another big game from Hinton against Hudsonville this Friday.

The District Final game will be played at Holland on Friday night.

Class B

South Christian – 79
Kelloggsville – 7

While the victor wasn’t necessarily a surprise, the final score is a little eye-popping. South Christian came out strong from the opening tip. The rest was just a formality.

The Sailors will play Wayland Union in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

Wayland Union – 67
Grand River Prep – 15

Different teams, same story. The District 48 Semi-Finals were lopsided on both sides. Wayland Union handled Grand River Prep and finds themselves in the District Final for the second straight year.

The Wildcats will play South Christian in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian – 62
West Michigan Lutheran – 55

West Michigan Lutheran entered the District Semis sporting a 17-3 record. One of those three regular season losses came in a 5-point game against Potter’s House Christian. At halftime, it looked like West Michigan Lutheran was too much for Potter’s House. The Mustangs were in control and up 11.

However, the Pumas turned things on in the second half.

Behind 23 points a piece from Cassie Wielhouwer and Anika Huizenga, Potter’s House clawed their way back on the offensive end. The Pumas also shut down the Mustang’s offense, holding them to only 20 second half points.

With the win, Potter’s House advances for a rematch of last years District Final against Tri-Unity Christian. The game will be played at Byron Center Zion Christian on Friday night.

Tri-Unity Christian – 72
Holland Calvary – 36

For Tri-Unity Christian, it was a night of career highs. Sarah Buffum tied a career-high with 28 points and Cierra Smith added her own career-high with 27.

The game was never in doubt for the Crusaders as they continue to storm through the season. They will play Potter’s House on Friday night at Byron Center Zion Christian

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

New and Classic Japanese Animations to debut in West Michigan

March 3, 2016Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventsanimation, at the movies, Brett Wiesenauer, Japanese AnimationJoanne

I love to promote animation from anywhere and everywhere that’s not Disney. Audiences have grown lazy in supporting flicks that don’t descend from the House of Mousecapades. I for one will always look to view things that challenge me asides from hammering messages into me like “RACISM AND CLASSISM ARE BAD, Even With Animals”.

Luckily, the next two weekends hold promise to showcase wonderful Japanese treats that, while not implicitly for kids, look like exciting experiences for animation fans and non-followers alike to feel free to dive into.

Opening this Friday at Woodland Mall is the latest from Japanese artiste Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and the Beast. The tale concerns a boy who falls into a strange apprenticeship to Kumatetsu the Beast Lord, who is currently involved in a competition for succession with another beast warrior who is more popular in standing than our Beast Lord.

The film was the second-highest grossing film in Japan last year and is from a creative talent who has been honing his skills over the last decade with visually pleasing and stimulating projects like Summer Wars and Wolf Children. As a fan of the whole of the directors work, going back to Digimon The Movie back in 2000, I look forward to exploring a whole different culture (of animal-warrior hierarchy) via the lens of another culture (Japan), and seeing how Hosoda seeks to delight audiences with a good story and unique character archetypes.

If you are in the mood for a less fantastic trip into Japanimation-Land, boy do I have good news for you. West Michigan is also receiving a dose of classic, classy Studio Ghibli within the week, in tandem with The Boy and the Beast.

Opening at the Kalamazoo Alamo Drafthouse this weekend and spreading to Celebration Cinemas and select AMC theaters on March 11th is a special revival of the previously unreleased-in-America Studio Ghibli work, Only Yesterday. Featuring the voice talents of Star Wars – The Force Awakens ingenue Daisy Ridley and helmed by Ghibli legend Isao Takahata (director of the Oscar-nominated Tale of Princess Kaguya as well as the tearjerker classic Grave of the Fireflies), the film promises to be a beautiful adult tale of nostalgia in youth and adapting to womanhood. Animation circles have whispered on the beauty and grace of Only Yesterday for years, due to it never acquiring proper release outside of Japan due to its non-fantastic story and setting, which is the image Ghibli has presented internationally for most of its filmography.

Best of all is the relic quality of Only Yesterday, being released in Japan in 1991, when cel animation and hand-drawn family flicks was still the prominent animation style before computer animation made a hostile takeover thanks to Disney and Friends deciding putting pen to paper was old-hat and wasn’t worth the effort of maintaining. I miss classically drawn epics like the original Sleeping Beauty and Princess Mononoke. I want to see actual effort onscreen rather than glorified computer coding. Yes, computer animation can be impressive, as Tangled and Frozen showed in slow spurts, but due to the shrinking successes of mid-2000s releases like Home on the Range and Princess and the Frog, the Disney studio gutted the hand-drawn department and decided to focus more on computer technologies. But the companies mistook the failure of their products to be good and memorable films as the failure of the medium rather than the product.

Hopefully the two flicks will live up to the unearthly expectations I have planted on them as an animation fan.

RIP Brett’s Oscar Picks

March 2, 2016EditorialAcademy awards, Brett Wiesenauer, Oscar Review, OscarsJoanne

By: Brett Wiesenauer

Well, Oscar season has come and gone. This year was a ridiculous year, good and bad, for films of all ranges of quality. The final showcase of such occurred on February 28th and landed with a few surprise aces up its pre-packaged sleeves.

Chris Rock made his monologue count with a takedown of the accusations of institutional racism by outside critics earlier when the nominations were announced. The only issue I had with his hosting was I could have done with less of the easy race jokes he made every time he was on-screen. Apparently everyone else thought he went far enough with his prodding of the stodgy Academy demographic, but I remain dubious in my belief that he could have been a bit more cutting in his commentary. That being said, I loved the payoff of the Girl Scout cookies gag with Michael Keaton scarfing them down after Spotlight stuck the landing, winning Best Picture. Long Live Betelgeuse!

Aside from Rock, I won’t be commenting on the presenters and various cameos spurred by his hosting (*cough* Stacey Dash), but I will say that there was still fat that could have been trimmed from the telecast. I noticed certain advertisements were repeated throughout the commercial breaks, showing there is an overlong amount of advertising time, which needs depleting, or the red carpet ceremony needs to start way earlier. I like my beauty sleep, thank you very much.

As for my personal ballot, I nailed 16 of the 24 categories, surprisingly getting the non-animated shorts and documentaries correct, though I was least sure of their chances. I missed both the Supporting categories, due to the surprise upset of sneaky spy Mark Rylance stealing the thunder from Sylvester Stallone’s gracefully aged perfromance in Creed. Alicia Vikander ended up impressing audiences and Academy voters who still rewarded her for the least of her work released last year, over Kate Winslet’s solid performance in Steve Jobs.

In addition, I lost faith in Mad Max: Fury Road over Costuming and VFX at the last minute, voting for The Martian in the latter category through my mLive ballot on Saturday night. Turns out Ex Machina had an effect on people after all, which is more than acceptable. I am more than happy to lose to a film I willingly support even though I made the mistake to count it out of my personal nominations.

Of all the surprises, the most pleasant was George Miller’s own wife, Margaret Sixel, winning Best Film Editing. In hindsight this makes sense, as Fury Road‘s breathless pace and structure deserved recognition. I still feel it was wrong that while the majority of the crew under Georgie was recognized, the Academy didn’t have the guts to give it to the director for organizing those people. Meh, I know in my heart who the real hero of the night was.

Regarding Best Song, I admit I was shocked to see the Spectre song “Writing’s on the Wall” win over the likes of Lady Gaga’s sexual assault survivor ballad “‘Til it Happens to You”. I was sure Gaga was on her way to finalizing her EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), but apparently that was not to be. D’oh! I’m pretty sure Gaga and Weeknd split the vote, leading the way for Sam Smith to sneak his way onstage and snatch it away.

With Best Animated Short, I’ll admit it was neat to see someone besides the soulless company that is PIXAR win the Oscar. I still wish Cosmos or World of Tomorrow had won, but a loss for PIXAR is a win for those of us who want more diversity in Academy Awards nominees.

It was an okay ceremony. I am sure that everyone else and their dog has written up better summaries of the ceremony than I could at the moment, as I am content that The Revenant didn’t win Best Picture. That being said, I am still upset that it won Best (Hamhanded) Director, considering how much of a sore loser Iñárritu is.

FINAL SCORE: 227/ 300

Letter to the Editor: Random Act of Kindness

March 2, 2016Citizen Journalism, EditorialDorothy, letter to the editor, random act of kindnessJoanne

By: Dorothy Simon-Tibbe

An angel was spotted yesterday at Blodgett Spectrum hospital. His name was Bob.

He was sitting in the Radiology waiting room next to me for well over three hours. I asked him if he also had a partner undergoing tests like my husband. Bob replied that he did not know the young woman that he brought to Blodgett for an ultrasound.

As we continued to wait, and visit with each other, he told me he was driving between job sites when he saw a young woman trying to walk in the heavy snow. She was stumbling, so he stopped to ask her if she needed help. The woman stated that she was walking to Blodgett Hospital. She was pregnant and had a 9 o’clock ultrasound appointment.

Bob drove her to the hospital and waited for well over three hours for the young lady to return from her test. She would never have been able to walk that distance from Kentwood to Blodgett.

I know I talked to an angel yesterday. He was disguised as a contractor.

You never know who you’re going to help with any random act of kindness.

Girls District Semi-Finals set to square off with Eight Wyoming-Kentwood teams in action

March 2, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District semi-finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

The girls play their District Semi-Final games tonight, and the Wyoming-Kentwood area has a number of teams looking to be one step closer to a district championship.

Class A

East Kentwood (13-8) vs. East Grand Rapids (16-5) – District 5

The last time these two teams met, East Kentwood found themselves down 11 at half, but they wouldn’t fold that easily. An 18-point third quarter gave the Falcons a one-point lead entering the final stanza. However, the furious comeback was too little too late as East Grand Rapids came out with a hard-fought 49-45 victory. Round 2 between these two squads looks to be just as exciting.

East Kentwood is coming off of a 19-point victory over Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. As winners of 11 of their last 14, the Falcons are looking to keep the positive vibes going for at least another couple of days.

East Grand Rapids defeated a very strong Byron Center team in the first round and is currently riding a 5-game winning streak.

Winner plays Caledonia or Grand Rapids Christian in the District Finals this Friday.

Wyoming (6-14) vs Jenison (5-16) – District 6

Wyoming came into this season ready for big things after having an extremely successful 2015 campaign that saw the season end in the District Finals. Behind junior star player – and Michigan State commit – Claire Hendrickson, the Wolves were primed for a special season.

Early on, everything was going according to plan. The Wolves were 5-1 and playing very well when they traveled to Calvin Christian on January 5. It was then that adversity struck, Hendrickson went down with a torn ACL and meniscus and a sprained MCL. After the injury, the Wolves slogged to a 1-13 finish. They enter the postseason on a 12 game losing streak.

Jenison hasn’t fared much better than Wyoming. The Wildcats handled Holland in the first round of districts to break a five game losing streak. Jenison hasn’t struggled scoring points this season, it’s on the defensive end where they’ve lost games. In their 16 losses, the Wildcats have surrendered over 54 points a game.

Winner plays Grandville or Hudsonville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class B

South Christian (19-2) vs. Kelloggsville (2-12) – District 48

After suffering only their second loss of the year in the season finale, South Christian got things back on track in a big way in the first round of Districts. The Sailors were able to quickly get the wind back in their sails and Godwin never stood a chance. South Christian won their 19th game of the season handily, 60-38.

Things haven’t been easy for the Rockets this season. Kelloggsville currently sits at 2-12 and has lost nine straight. They’ll have their hands full against the Sailors.

Winner plays Wayland Union or Kentwood Grand River Prep in the District Finals this Friday

Grand River Prep (5-13) vs. Wayland Union (8-11) – District 48

Grand River Prep and Wayland Union each look to end a long string of losing to reach the district finals. Grand River enters the postseason having lost 10 of their last 11, while Wayland Union has lost 5 of their last 6.

No matter how you look at it, Grand River Prep is facing an uphill battle. Wayland Union may be under .500 on the season, but the Wildcats have nabbed a few impressive pelts this season. The Wildcats have wins over Wyoming – before the Claire Hendrickson injury – and Hudsonville.

Winner plays South Christian or Kelloggsville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class D

Potter’s House (6-14) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (17-3) – District 110

Although Potter’s House comes in with a much less impressive record than West Michigan Lutheran, the Pumas hold the all important ‘W’ in the only head-to-head meeting between the two squads. The first time these two teams met, things were very close. Potter’s House had a strong second quarter and was able to hold on to the lead until the end, resulting in a 5-point victory.

West Michigan Lutheran has rebounded quite nicely from that last game. Since the loss, the Mustangs have rallied off 9 wins in their last 11 games. Expect another back and forth battle between the two squads.

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian or Holland Calvary in the District Finals this Friday.

Tri-Unity Christian (17-4) vs. Holland Calvary (8-7) – District 110

Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Finals last season before falling to St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran. This season, they have their eyes set even further, they just need to make sure they don’t stumble looking ahead.

The Crusaders have already played, and defeated, Holland Calvary twice this season by a combined 62 points. Holland Calvary is hoping third times a charm!

Winner plays Potter’s House or West Michigan Luther in the District Finals this Friday.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – East Grand Rapids

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Jenison

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (60-38) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House