Despite its announcement of layoffs earlier this week, Grand Rapids Plastics officials said they are planning to forge ahead and continue to make precision plastic injection molding components and products.
“While we are disappointed in the loss of the [Fiat Chrysler] contact, it’s important to note that Grand Rapids Plastics continues to produce parts for customers,” said Grand Rapids Plastics Chief Operating Officer Fred Cini in a statement to WKTV and media. “With a skilled team of 125, we are making automotive components, consumer goods and other products for customers in – and beyond – West Michigan.”
On Feb. 24, Grand Rapids Plastics sent a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice to the Michigan Workforce Development Agency stating that “on or around February 24, Grand Rapids Inc. (Grand Rapids Plastics) will begin permanently laying off a number of its employees…” The number affected is 85. The letter went on to state that the layoffs were to occur in two waves with the first wave’s last date of employment Feb. 24 or within two weeks thereafter and the second wave, May 6 or within two weeks after.
The reason for the layoffs, according to the letter, was that Fiat Chrysler (FCA), had notified the company it “is canceling additional contracts with Grand Rapids Plastics.” The noticed said Grand Rapids Plastics reached out to FCA seeking clarification and was told all orders would cease immediately. WKTV reached out to FCA but the company has not responded at this time.
According to the notice, because FCA is the main customer for the Grand Rapids campus, with an official address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee, Wyoming, “FCA’s actions result in the need for permanent layoffs that were previously announced as indefinite and temporary in nature.” Because of FCA’s short notice, Grand Rapids Plastics was unable to give 60 days advance notice of the layoffs, according to WARN act letter.
Company officials confirmed that 125 employees would remain at Grand Rapids Plastics. The focus now, according to Cini, is on diversifying the company’s portfolio.
“In the past six months, we have taken a number to steps designed dot forty operations,” Cini said in his statement, adding that those steps have included strengthening operating infrastructure, making significant investments in technology and safety, and expanding sales efforts to further diversity the company’s customer base.
“Our leadership team is focused on ensuring we have the tools to deliver results so that our production team can focus on what it does best: making precision plastic injection molding components and productions,” Cini said.
Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt said the city has not had any formal communications with Grand Rapids Plastics other than the WARN Act letter that was filed. Holt said that the company does have a couple of tax abatements with the city and that city officials would be reviewing them to determine if Grand Rapids Plastics is meeting its obligations. If not, the city could revise or revoke the abatements.
This is the second setback in two years for Grand Rapids Plastics, which was started in 1976 by Arthur J. Bott Sr. In 2015, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company $558,000 for safety violations related to the death of a worker. MIOSHA issued 32 serious citations, nine willful-serious citations, and 14 other-than-serious citations as a rule of the investigations.
Bott sold the company and retired in 2001 but when the company went into bankruptcy, bought it back and re-launched it in 2003. In 2014, at the age of 80, Bott was honored as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Bott still owns the company.
Youth Librarian and workshop presenter Kristen “Kris” Siegel demonstrated how to cook easy, delectable vegan comfort foods this past weekend, proving that opting for vegan does not equate a sacrifice for the palate. The spread included demos and taste samples for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert, using a multiple-table spread spanning half the width of the Wyoming KDL community room.
“I’m a vegan for animal rights, environmental and health reasons,” said Kris, who has been vegan since 2009. She admitted to the audience that switching to vegan wasn’t easy, initially. It took practice, preparation, trials and errors and a great deal of help from her ever-growing collection of vegan cookbooks. She’s found a routine, formed her own adaptations, and she’s willing to share her tips for cooking vegan with all who seek the knowledge.
Being a taste-tester myself of each of the samples, I’d say it is absolutely time for Kris to write her own cookbook. Who knew the secret ingredient in Tofu Scramble was the sulfury-smelling black salt? Or that pulverized cashews could replace cheese for a creamy, comfort-food pasta? Or that nutritional yeast can be substituted for cheese in thousands of recipes, including Vegan Basil Pasta?
Vegan Pesto
But wait, did I mention there was dessert? A 95-calorie serving of Genius Chocolate-Chip Blondies, created with the unlikely combo of a 15-ounce can of white beans and peanut butter, among other ingredients.
After successfully entrancing us with the kind of spell only expertly prepared comfort food can induce, Kris sent us on our way with an impressive list of her favorite Vegan resources in Grand Rapids (email Kris Siegel at ksiegel@kdl.org for a copy), a brochure highlighting her favorite vegan cookbooks (circulated by KDL!) and eight pages of vegan honorable mention comfort food recipes. The recipes included her own addendums with tips on substitutions and meal leftover uses.
While the Wyoming KDL Vegan Cooking Demo left vegans, omnivores and multi-faceted dabbler like me, dazzled and impressed, Kris finds a comfort of her own in her vegan venture. “It makes me feel like I’m in alignment with my beliefs,” she said.
The workshop was not only impressive and educational, but also incredibly genuine.
Next up for Wyoming KDL: Parent and Child Yoga. Visit the KDL Events Website for more info on upcoming events.
Carrie Bistline is a freelance writer, blogger and marketer with an MFA in Creative Writing. She divides her free time amongst family, work, sports and Jane Austen, and uses what’s left to chip away at her every-growing bucket list.
Girls basketball tipped off the post-season last night with the first round of districts. Three Wyoming-Kentwood area teams advanced to the semi-final round while one had their season come to an end. District semi-finals will be played on Wednesday.
Class A
East Kentwood – 58
Thornapple Kellogg – 39
East Kentwood extended their winning streak to four games and 11 of their last 15. The Falcons look to get revenge against East Grand Rapids in the District Semi-Finals on Wednesday. When they met in the regular season, the Pioneers took home a close four-point, 49-45 win.
Class B
The Sailors will face Kelloggsville on Wednesday
South Christian – 60
Godwin Heights – 38
South Christian kept a stellar season rolling right along with a big win over Godwin Heights in the opening round of districts. The Sailors’ experience, depth, and height was too much for the young senior-less Wolverine squad to handle.
Jennifer Deboer led all scorers with 17 points and also chipped in seven rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Isabella Scott helped South Christian with her first ever double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Ravinear Koppenhofer led the Wolverines in scoring with 11 of her own.
South Christian looks to keep the ship sailing against Kelloggsville in the district semifinals on Wednesday night at Godwin Heights.
Class D
Tri-Unity Christian – 50
Byron Center Zion Christian – 40
Tri-Unity Christian kept the season moving forward on Monday night. Led by Sarah Buffum and her 20 points, the Crusaders extended their winning streak to nine with a ten-point victory over Byron Center Zion Christian.
Tri-Unity Christian will take on Holland Calvary, a team they’ve already beat twice this season by a combined 62 points, in the district semi-final on Wednesday 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 – East Grand Rapids
Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/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 – Godwin Heights/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
As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson makes his way to Grand Rapids this month, the Grand Rapids Public Museum sets the mood with a number of family activities in March all centered around science.
This week, the GRPM hosts its annual celebration of engineering week with school groups participating in an integrative Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics experience featuring activities from science and engineering. The week culminates in a public day Saturday, March 5.
“Basically all the stations that the school groups go through during the week are available for the public on that Saturday,” said the museum’s Marketing Manager Christie Bender.
Saturday’s programming focuses on STEM applications to create real world solutions to human problems and needs. Stations include creating underwater submersibles, design bridges, exams biomedical devices, manipulate robots, experiment with water systems and create concrete cookies using household ingredients.
“There are also special audience interactive events on the fifth where they can help drive an underwater rover that is in Florida waters from the Museum’s Theater,” Bender said. Underwater researcher and scientist Chris Olstad,and Grand Valley State University Professor Mark Gleason will be hosting live presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. from thirty feet below the water’s surface in Florida waters.
The GRPM also will be continuing its new, ongoing program Science Tuesdays, focusing on Zoology for the month of March. Stations will include hands-on activities, microscopes, animal x-rays, honey bee information and live animals every week. Today and March 8, animals from the John Ball Zoo will be at the GRPM from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blandford Nature Center will bring in animals on March 15 and 22 from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Rebecca Vincent will have animals from noon to 4 p.m. March 29 and she is also scheduled to be the guest speaker at 6 p.m. that day. Vincent will discuss wildlife rehabilitation. Presentations are free with general admission.
Also this month, the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association with the GRPM will be hosting the Winter Star Party March 11 and 12 at the Cascade Recreation Park, 3810 Thornapple River Dr. SE. The program is from 7:30 – 9 p.m. both days.
GRAAA members will have telescopes set up to allow public viewing of the crescent moon, Jupiter and various other sky features visible only during winter and early spring. During warm weather season, these features are below the horizon making them unable to be seen. Those attending this event are encouraged to dress for cold weather and to bring flashlights, binoculars and telescopes if available.
This event is weather dependent and will only take place if the sky is clear. Status updates will be posted on the GRAAA website, graaa.org.
For more information on these events, upcoming exhibitions or other activities at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. SW.
Neil deGrasse Tyson comes of Grand Rapids March 21. He will be at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. SW.
By Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority
Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, March 4 at 10:00 am for Def Leppard’s GR tour stop at Van Andel on July 9.
Thanks to overwhelming demand, Def Leppard will return to the road this summer for an extensive tour across North America. The Live Nation-promoted outing will storm through 55 cities across all parts of the U.S. and Canada. It is set to kick off on May 1st in Orlando, FL and stop in Grand Rapids, MI at VanAndel Arena on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Joining Def Leppard on their mighty summer outing are REO Speedwagon and Tesla.
Ticket prices are $29.50, $59.50, $79.50, $99.50 and $125.00. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, all Ticketmaster ticket centers, online at Ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 1.800.745.3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to each order, and prices are subject to change.
Said Def Leppard front man Joe Elliott, “I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and playing some great music with some great people for some of the most appreciative audiences in the world. It really is always a pleasure.”
Def Leppard—Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums)—continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. With 100 million records sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, the group’s spectacular concerts, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. For the past thirty years the band’s epic live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.
Def Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum release’s—including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria. The band’s 2015 US tour was one of the year’s highest grossing, hitting 70+ cities nationwide. In addition to the tour, Def Leppard debuted their self-titled new album in October 2015. The album secured the #1 slot on Billboard’s Top Rock Albumschart. It features the #1 Classic Rock chart single “Let’s Go” and their new single “Dangerous” out now.
Joy Tatum said she decided Leap Day is a great day for her daughter’s birthday. “It makes it more special,” she said. “She is unique. So, I’m happy.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Victoria Mullen
The chances of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,461. So for brand-spanking-new Grand Rapids-area babies, Skylar Tyler, Luke VanWoerkom, and Riley Ann Schiefla, the odds were in their favor this year.
Just for the record, there are about 187,000 people who were born on what many call Leap Day, Feb. 29, which occurs only once every four years. Although according to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who took to Twitter to debunk Leap Day naming, the day is not about leaping anywhere. “The calendar is simply, and abruptly, catching up with Earth’s orbit,” according to Tyson’s tweet.
We’re fans of Neil’s just like the next guy, but geeze, what a wet blanket.
Actually it takes the earth 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds to go around the sun. In order to even out the calendar, a day was added every four years. Otherwise our calendar would be off by about 25 years every 100.
The VanWoerkoms said they plan to let Luke choose the day he celebrates his birthday. They might even celebrate two days – from Feb. 28 to March 1- in years when his birthdate is not on the calendar. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
On the plus side, Leap Day babies have an awful lot of freedom with their birthday. Some may choose to strictly adhere to Feb. 29, while others elect to melt in with the crowd with Feb. 28 or March 1. Tatum said her family plans to celebrate Skylar’s birthday on March 1. We’ll have to ask Skylar how she feels about that when she’s old enough to have an opinion. By then, she’ll be either 8 or 2. Or maybe 4 or 1, depending on how precocious she turns out to be.
Aside from these fun facts, what can leaplings look forward to throughout their special lives? Here are but a few of the emotional and psychological benefits:
Leaplings may be buffered from the emotional pressure of aging one year at a time. Instead, they’re reminded only every four years. (But we must take into account petty annoyances, which we address below.)
Some may choose to take advantage of this quirk in time and celebrate their birthdays on both February 28 and March 1 in off-leap years. More cake and ice cream. And maybe more presents, too.
Others make the most of a fabulous thing and pull out all the stops, throwing an amazing party every four years on their real birthdays. One leapling’s parents rented a pony for her when she turned 4 on her first real birthday. And for her 16th birthday, her parents sent a limo to pick her up from school.
Having a Feb. 29 birthday is a great conversation-starter at parties, on first dates, while waiting in line, etc.
Holly Mercer and her husband laughed about the chance they would have a Leap Day baby. “I said, ‘Oh, that will never happen,'” she recalled. “I always go late.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)
On the minus side, there are way too many documented cases of tasteless jokes by well-meaning friends, such as gifts of coloring books and crayons on a leapling’s “real” birthday; being told they look old for their age (e.g., 24, or 6). Etc. In our opinion, these stunts are merely displays of ill-concealed envy.
But life isn’t easy for any of us, and this shouldn’t scare any baby away from being born on Leap Day.
Thankfully, our three little leaplings won’t have to worry about any of these things for a few years. For now, let’s just welcome these little cutie pies into the world and wish them all the best. Being a leapling can be enormous fun, and that’s what we hope for Skylar, Luke and Riley Ann.
While Leap Day may be able to push March back 24 hours, it can’t stop playoff basketball from starting. March Madness is here, and the girls are getting ready to kick off Districts in a big way. Below are all the District First Round games for Wyoming-Kentwood Area teams:
Class A
East Kentwood (12-8) vs. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (5-14) – District 5
East Kentwood stumbled into the season, losing 4 of their first 6 games. However, after the New Year, the Falcons went on a terror. East Kentwood finished the season strong by winning 10 of their last 14 games. The team’s four losses during that stretch came by a combined 10 points.
Thornapple Kellogg started the season slow, losing 7 of their first 8, and never seemed to find a grove. The Trojans have struggled to score the ball, only topping 40 points in 5 of their games.
Winner plays on Wednesday, March 2 against the winner of East Grand Rapids and Byron Center.
Class B
Godwin Heights (12-7) vs. South Christian (18-2) – District 48
South Christian has been on a rampage all season. How far will they go?
Godwin Heights is hosting District 48 and finds themselves in a tough draw in the opening round. The Wolverines have been extremely resilient when coming off a loss. Their longest losing streak only lasted two games back at the very beginning of December. Something to watch, Godwin Heights is coming off of a loss in their last game.
South Christian is firing on all cylinders in 2016. The Sailors started the season on a 14 game winning streak before losing their first game of the season to Caledonia by 2 points. South Christian then proceeded to win their next four before falling in the season finale against Catholic Central.
With both teams coming off of a loss, which one will get off the mat? This game will be televised on WKTV. Winner plays Kelloggsville on Wednesday, March 2.
Class D
Byron Center Zion Christian (12-8) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (16-4) – District 110
After hitting a dry spell and dropping their first three games at the beginning of February, Byron Center Zion Christian brushed things off and proceeded to win their next four straight. Having only broken 40-points six times this season, the Mountaineers win with defense while doing just enough on the offensive end.
Tri-Unity Christian currently sits at 16-4 but could easily be 18-2. Early in the season, the Crusaders dropped two one-point games by the same margin, 42-43. Last season, Tri-Unity made it to the Regional Finals before falling to St Joseph Michigan Lutheran. The Crusaders are looking to take it one step further this year.
Winner faces Holland Calvary on Wednesday, March 2.
Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results
Girls
Class A
East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/Jenison
Class B
Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – South Christian
Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union
Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/South Christian
South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – Godwin Heights
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 – Zion Christian
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
Members of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department participating in the “High Five” Challenge
By Tyler Lecceadone
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, has announced their upcoming “HighFive” Corporate Challenge Day open to all West Michigan businesses, offices and organizations to participate.
The “High Five” campaign celebrates the importance of emotional health and the role laughter plays in our lives. It creates visibility for the cancer and grief support programs offerfed through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and Gilda’s Club Lowell. This year they’re illuminating their children’s programs – cancer, grief and in-school emotional health programs.
Organizations may collect donations by inviting employees to wear jeans to work, or a hat, or a tee shirt, or the color yellow (for LaughFest!) or any other seriously fun and funny thing they can offer their team as “special” that fits with their culture and work environment. This year’s Grand Prize for the organization that raises the most money in High Fives on March 4 includes LaughFest tickets, merchandise, and goodies, along with restaurant gift certificates and more.
How the “High Five” campaign works is simple. Each participating business or organization is asked to give Gilda’s LaughFest a “High Five” ($5 donation or greater per person that wishes to participate). Their goal is to generate $50,000 for children living with cancer or grief, and for their in-school emotional health programs. All proceeds raised go directly to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
“We’re very grateful for all the past companies who participated and helped us raise funds for our children’s programs,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapidsand LaughFest. “We’re hoping to get many more local businesses and organizations to participate this year.”
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFestfeatures free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. PastLaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Iliza Schlessinger, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit the website, or call 616.735.HAHA(4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.
To sign up to participate in the “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day on March 4, please contact Shawn Ruetz, Director of Development atsruetz@gildasclubgr.orgor 616.453.8300 ext. 137 for details and materials.
Meet Maria Erazo: Entrepreneur, business woman, author, motivational specialist…and the new Face of Siegel Jewelers. Maria’s story is remarkable and in many ways is similar to story of Joseph Siegel, the founder of Siegel Jewelers.
“I have fallen in love with the history of the family and the legacy that it inspires,” said Maria.
Maria was born in Michoacan, Mexico. She came to the United States when she was 15 years old, hoping to be reunited with her parents who had moved to the U.S. earlier. She came to be settled in the Grand Rapids area with relatives she had never met.
Joseph Siegel came to America from Russia at the age of 17. He worked as a clock and watchmaker and opened the first Siegel store in 1889. Both Maria and Joseph experienced the struggles of living in a foreign country with a limited ability to speak English. Both used hard work and perseverance to build successful careers.
Maria is a highly motivated young woman who is the founder of The ME Marketing Agency. She works to help entrepreneurs develop their own brand, based on their personal story. Utilizing digital marketing and social media, Maria leads business owners through training in personal development and sound business structuring. On top of her marketing agency, Maria is the founder of the Farmers Insurance Agency, located at 2435 Eastern Avenue, boasting more than 15 years in the insurance industry. She has also authored two books.
So, how exactly did this highly successful young woman become associated with Siegel Jewelers?
Maria will be the first to admit, she didn’t know Siegel’s existed two years ago. It was by the very social media that she utilizes every day that Maria came upon a contest looking for someone who would represent Siegel Jewelers at community events, in-store, and through the media. The winner would receive $200/month in jewelry allowance and the ability to borrow jewelry for events, photo shoots, and advertisements. Maria saw it as the perfect opportunity not only to promote the store, but also to reach out to the Hispanic community.
The Face of Siegel Jewelers was the inspiration of Amanda Gilbert, who works marketing and community outreach for Siegel’s. “Siegel Jewelers has been in Grand Rapids for 127 years,” explained Amanda. “Community relations and involvement are very important to Siegel’s.”
“We needed to modernize our outreach,” Amanda confided. “Facebook, Instagram, and other social media were the perfect path.”
As a model herself, Amanda had many contacts in the modeling and photography world. After the first contest post was made on the Siegel Jeweler’s Facebook page, they had over 100 applicants within 24 hours. “The response was amazing!” Amanda shared.
Finding a “local” face was important, as was the contestant’s commitment to the community.
Out of all the applicants, twenty were chosen to move on to the next round of the contest. After the official contest photos were taken, they were each tasked with getting as many “likes” and “shares” on Facebook as possible. After a long process of photo shoots and interviews, plus the Facebook outreach, a panel of judges (2 representatives from Siegel Jewelers and 3 members at large from the Grand Rapids community) named the top 3 candidates. Maria Erazo was ultimately chosen as the Face of Siegel Jewelers for 2016. Two other models, Liv Jackson and Jenna Coller, were also chosen to represent Siegel Jewelers in photo sessions this year.
“I see this as an opportunity to bring people in the community together,” stated Maria when asked what being the Face of Siegel Jewelers mean to her. “I would like to be an inspiration to young women, I want them to see that opportunities surround them every day.”
For Maria, empowering young women, especially minorities, is her motivating factor. Her early life story and the struggles she has faced are contained in a book she wrote entitled, En Busca de Mi Padre (In Search of My Father).
“I am honored that Siegel has given me this opportunity,” said Maria, “It gives me the chance to reach out and bring us all together.”
Always looking forward, Maria shared that she would love the opportunity to mentor the women who become the Face of Siegel Jewelers in the future. “I am the first!” she laughed.
Keep your eyes out at community events for Maria Erazo. She will be the outgoing, beautiful lady who is always looking to help others believe in themselves. Oh, and she will be showcasing some of the most gorgeous jewelry Grand Rapids has to offer!
Kathy is a long-time employee with Spectrum Health. She has been married for 28 years to her wonderful husband, Duke. Together they have 2 children, Emily and Daniel. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with the Casting Bread Mobile Food Pantry at Kentwood Christian Church, making sandwiches at Kids Food Basket, and leading Ladies Bible Study on Thursday nights. Writing has been her passion since elementary school and she loves to write about how others enjoy what they are passionate about!
Civic Theater has done it again. They have assembled amazing Grand Rapid’s talent, chosen the perfect actors, created a fabulous set, and put it all together with incredible music for Sister Act.
Julianne Howe-Bouwens has established herself as a powerhouse of talent and continues to amaze, this time in the lead role as Deloris Van Cartier. With comedic timing and that voice (that voice!) she leads the cast through this very entertaining rendition.
Deloris Van Cartier witnesses murder and is sent into hiding in a convent. No one would think to look for this outgoing, sequin-wearing showgirl under the same roof as nuns. Deloris’s zest for performing soon takes hold of the nuns, and before they know it, they are packing the pews of the nearly closed church. It seems that the church has caught “Sunday Morning Fever”.
Deloris stays with the sisters until it is safe for her to leave. Once free, she returns to the convent for one last performance, realizing that she needs the nuns’ friendship as much as they need her voice. They are sisters.
Julianne Howe-Bouwens shines in Sister Act (Courtesy of GRCT.org)
Civic Theater was awarded the right to perform Sister Act along with playing Alan Menken’s original music from the Broadway show. The singing and choreography are perfectly matched with the music’s disco beat. Deloris and her back-up singers perform “Fabulous, Baby” in the beginning of the play. The song is then reprised later in the show with Deloris and the nuns. The music, directed by Wright McCarger, weaves in and out of the story line seamlessly.
Sister Act is directed by Allyson Paris who is the Associate Director of Grand Rapids Civic Theater. She also recently directed the travelling troupe production of The Hundred Dresses. You may remember her as the mean nanny from Mary Poppins.
Much of the glitz and glamour of the show is emphasized by the ensemble dance numbers. Choreographer, Torrey Thomas worked with the groups nightly to perfect the routines. Whether in sequins or pajamas, the nuns put on quite a show.
If you like to laugh, enjoy great music, and are amazed by talented singers, then make sure to catch Sister Act at the Civic. The show runs through March 20 with ticket available online at GRCT.org.
Between 1894 and 1948, some of the most beautiful and functional art objects of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements were created at the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise in New Orleans. The Pottery was an innovative educational experiment as much as an operational facility: it was conceived in the late 19th century at Newcomb Memorial College, Tulane University’s coordinate institution for women, as an income-generating venture for women training in the applied arts.
The Newcomb School operated under the philosophy that no two handcrafted objects should be alike, as evident in the wide-ranging works of the exhibition. The selection of handcrafted objects showcases the Pottery artisans’ unique interpretations of animal and botanical subjects, including the flora and fauna of the American South.
Sadie Irvine at the Newcomb Pottery Studio
Women, Art, and Social Change includes examples from the full range of the Newcomb collection, from the naturalistic, blue and green tones, to the signature design of vertically banded spatial divisions, to the austere, modernist aesthetic that celebrated the vessel form. The exhibition is rounded out with historical photographs and artifacts that lend additional insight into the Newcomb Pottery story.
The exhibition serves as a retrospective of the works of the students and teachers of Newcomb Memorial College, and their important contribution to women’s rights and social change. The Newcomb model proved successful during a time of economic hardship, providing financial stability and economic autonomy for numerous women, who established themselves vocationally as independent artisans, instructors, activists, and businesswomen. This pioneering cohort of self- reliant women not only made a lasting impact on the art community, but also proved the value of an education, during a time in which learning opportunities for women in the Deep South were lacking.
Over 125 rarely exhibited Newcomb ceramics, tableware, jewelry, textiles, bookbinding, and graphics, from one of the most remarkable collections of 20th century American pottery, are on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), 101 Monroe Center NW. Call 616.831.1000 for info.
Participants check out the 2015 Taste of Kentwood event.
Every wonder what a Smash Burger tastes like? How about a sub from Boardwalk Subs? Or just curious about what food items Celebration! Cinema has to offer?
Thursday, March 3, area residents will have the opportunity to find out as the Kentwood Park and Recreation Department hosts its 15th Annual Taste of Kentwood at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
“It is a nice opportunity to sample several different offerings from various local places,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
This year, about 13 restaurants from the Kentwood area will participate. Each restaurant brings in samples of some of its well-known food items. Participants sign up for one of the two sessions, 4:30 – 6 p.m. or 6:30 – 8 p.m., and during the session go from table-to-table trying the various foods.
“There will be a nice variety from soup, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, curry dishes and Mexican food,” Barbrick said. There are about 13 restaurants participating in this year’s event. Those restaurants include Peppino’s Grille and Pizzeria, Zoup!, Bloop Frozen Yogurt, Rak Thai, Pizza Ranch, Smash Burger, Jet’s Pizza, Potbelly, On the Border, Boardwalk Subs, Dave & Buster’s and Celebration! Cinema.
The annual event, which is marking its 15th year this year, is quite popular, bringing in about 500 people to the 2015 event, according to Barbrick. On average, Taste of Kentwood raises about $3,000 – this includes money from a silent auction – which is used to provide scholarships to programs at the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
Tickets for the event are$5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children 5 & under are free. For more information or other City of Kentwood Park and Recreation programs, visit the department’s website.
What is the difference between the following statements?
1. Latinos are closed to outsiders; they only do business among themselves.
2. Trust is important in the Latino community; to do business, you first need to build relationships.
In intercultural conversations, we make a big distinction between stereotypes and generalizations. If you remember only one idea from this conversation, remember this:
• Generalizations are helpful.
• Stereotypes are hurtful.
These two concepts are often confused because they both involve making broad statements about a group of people. This is where the similarity ends.
When we make a generalization, we are attempting to look at the behavior of many people and note similarities. While we do this, we focus on being descriptive and not judgmental. We are also able to modify this broad view if we encounter new examples which disprove the description we are trying to make.
On the other hand, stereotypes tend to lock people into categories with the idea of limiting that group. Stereotypes seek to make judgments rather than to describe. Once we make stereotypes, we then are reluctant to modify them.
In the examples we mentioned earlier, statement #1 uses judgmental words like “closed” and “only.” By contrast, statement #2 gives examples to describe (and not judge) interpersonal behavior. We can use this second statement to inform how we might approach Latinos for the purpose of doing business.
The first statement gives us a negative view which doesn’t allow any flexibility or growth; this negative view will be retained in our subconscious (where we don’t think about it) and can influence our future interactions. On the other hand, the generalization of #2 gives us actionable knowledge which may (or may not) be borne out in individual interactions with, say, Venezuelans or Mexicans, for example. We don’t take the generalization as iron-clad, but it gives us principles to consider when we enter into relationships with members of that group.
Here’s a useful summary to keep in mind.
Generalizations are helpful because they
1. Are used consciously and analytically
2. Are descriptive and flexible
3. Seek to be accurate
4. Are an attempt to capture similarities and principles
5. Are constantly modified by new input
Stereotypes are harmful because they
1. Are used unconsciously and reactively
2. Are judgmental and rigid
3. Seek to be simple
4. Are an attempt to limit and pigeonhole
5. Are fixed and not open to revisiting
I hope this distinction is useful to you. Let us know if you have good examples of generalizations that have helped you in intercultural situations.
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.
No, Virginia. There is no St. Baldrick. Nope, no such saint. But there is a St. Baldrick’s Foundation. And every year, people around the U.S. and in some countries shave their heads to raise awareness and money to fund childhood cancer research.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Its name is a combination of “St. Patrick’s Day” and the word, “bald.” People who shave their heads are known as “Shavees.”
Things sure have changed since the event’s inception on March 17, 2000, at Jim Brady’s Bar and Restaurant in New York City. What began as a challenge between three friends has morphed into the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraiser to benefit childhood cancer research.
Childhood cancer affects thousands of kids and families around the world each year. It’s the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. The statistics are sobering: Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every three minutes. (Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.) And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined.
Approximately 1 in 285 kids in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20. What’s particularly tragic is that at the average age of 6, kids will lose 71 years of life to cancer. They won’t grow up, marry or have children of their own.
“I can’t wait for the event!” said Patrick Schrager, who is organizing the March 6 event. This will be his eighth year as a Shavee and his third year running an event. His fundraising goal is $15,000. If you’re interested in making a donation on Schrager’s head, go to St. Baldrick’s website or call 888.899.BALD.
Now you won’t be blindsided when you happen across a bunch of bald folks Sunday, March 6, at 84th Street Pub &Grille (8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, Byron Center). Au contraire. You’ll know that they stand in solidarity with kids being treated for cancer.
For Laurel Scholten her favorite part of seeing the butterflies is watching them emerge from their chrysalis.
“If it goes just perfectly, they will slide right out and then there they are,” said Scholten, who this year is overseeing the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibition, which officially opens March 1.
In its 21st year, the exhibition will feature about 60 different species flying freely in the Gardens’ Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. The balmy environment, which is 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, is a perfect setting for the butterflies, according to Scholten.
“They tend to emerge more in the morning and especially when it is bright and sunny,” Scholten said. “This is because it signals to them that they are going to have better conditions to survive in.”
Approximately 7,000 – 8,000 butterflies will be released in the conservatory during the two-month exhibit with anywhere from 500 to 800 in the conservatory on any given day. The life cycle of a butterfly is about two to three weeks.
The Butterflies are Blooming remains one of the Gardens largest exhibitions with more than 150,000 visitors expected to come through, said the Gardens Public Relations Manager Andrea Wolschleger
“I think it is because of the timing,” Wolschleger said. “It’s a warm, sunny exhibition, a good reason to escape the cold and it signals spring.
“Also, I think it appeals to just about anyone. Whether you are 5-years-old or 55-years-old, you can appreciate it.”
A “Crocodile” by Mimmo Paladino is on display in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
New this year is the addition of more than 900 nectar plants that will add vivid blooms along with providing nectar for the butterflies. Also make sure to explore the conservatory for two crocodiles sculptures that have “wandered” over from the “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” exhibition that opens Friday, Feb. 26, in the Gardens’ gallery space. The exhibition will feature iconic sculptures from across the artist’s repertoire and new, never before seen work.
“The butterflies really educate people on a variety of topics,” Scholten said, such as pollution since butterflies are the first to be impacted by pollutes. The exhibit also showcases the life span of the butterflies emerge from chrysalides and cocoons in the Butterfly Bungalow, spread their wings for the first time, and are released into the conservatory. Also there is a Caterpillar Room located within The Seasonal Display Greenhouse featuring Monarch caterpillars.
“In fact, one of the number one questions I have is when are the butterflies going to be released,” Scholten said, adding that a sign will be on the Butterfly Bungalow with release times.
A butterfly spreads its wings in Butterfly Bungalow.
The Gardens also hosts a number of family events in conjunction with the exhibit. Various Children’s Activities take place daily during daylight hours in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, Tuesday Night Lights allow visitors to bring flashlights until 9 p.m to see the nightlife in the conservatory, and “Who am I” A Butterfly Ballet, presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet, is March 12 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the ballet are $5/members, $8/non-members, and free/children 2 and under.
Butterflies are Blooming will be up through April 31. The “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” runs through Aug. 14. For more information on either exhibit or on the Meijer Gardens, visit the Gardens’ website or call 616-957-1580.
The intersection of 52nd Street and Burlingame Avenue in Wyoming.
Thanks to early warnings from the National Weather Services, warm ground temperatures, advance preparation by local Public Works Departments and the coordination from various municipalities, most travelers had an easy commute this morning.
A storm, forecasted by the National Weather Service, hit West Michigan around noon yesterday, leaving about seven to eight inches of heavy wet snow in both Wyoming and Kentwood, with some areas south of 44th Street receiving a little more.
“The National Weather Service really got this one right,” said Kentwood Public Works Director John Gorney. “Because of the early alerts, we were able to reorganize our work schedule so we were ready to go when the snow came.”
The same held true for the Wyoming Public Works Department, said Wyoming’s Assistant Director of Public Works Aaron Vis.
“Because we knew it was going to be a heavy wet snow, we were able to approach it a little differently,” Vis said. Starting about 2:30 p.m., Vis said the Wyoming Public Works department began to work on all of its major roads, salting and clearing them. Once those roads appeared to be staying clear, the plows were redirected to the city’s secondary and local streets.
“This way, as we went back out this morning, the plows would be only moving about three to four inches of snow instead of seven to eight,” Vis said. “The goal was to make sure residents wouldn’t get hung up on the instructions and were able to get out of their homes and to work.”
Gorney said Kentwood Public Works Department tackled its snow removal similarly by first working on the city’s major roads and the collector roads, which are major roads through the neighborhoods.
“The various communities do work together to make sure we are all providing similar services,” Gorney said. “The goal being that if a person is heading down 44th Street, which means they will be going through Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood, that the plowing is such it appears seamless as the person drives down the street.”
Gorney said plows were working through the night with the department’s goal of having all the streets cleared along with the city’s 300 cul-de-sacs, the 20 locations with city sidewalk, all city-owned parking lots, and two miles of bike trails cleared within 24 hours after the storm. This one officially was done by 8 a.m. today, so it should all be cleared by 8 a.m. tomorrow, Gorney said.
Vis said Wyoming should be pretty much cleared by 2 p.m. today depending on whether a second lake effect storm comes through as predicted. That storm warning advisory is up through 4 p.m. today.
A few things to keep in mind as the plows continue to work on the streets are to slow down, keep a good distance away from the plows, and Vis said for Wyoming residents, keep in mind the odd/even parking rule as it helps the plows clear streets faster.
With temperatures expected to jump to the upper 40s by Saturday, the snow will be melting fast. Ground temperatures are also warm which has not allowed the precipitation to freeze.
Both Vis and Gorney said residents should not experience any problems as it melts since the drains are clear. However, if residents do see problems, they should contact their respective municipalities.
This year is probably more straightforward in the big categories, but quite the troublesome hedgemaze in terms of technicals and short films and such. Here be my picks, complete witommentary, a confidence-inspired ranking system*, and binary Who Will Win/Who Should Win tags:
*The ranking system is based on confidence in each category. A score of 24 – since there are 24 categories – carries the most confidence, and therefore the highest point value. As the score lowers, start loading up on grains of salt. A perfect score will only make me look all the Wieser…
Documentary Short (2)
This is tough, as the offerings really run the gamut in terms of content. We have a Holocaust eulogy, an Ebola crisis piece, a piece on domestic violence in Pakistan, a Vietnam vet think piece, and a short on a Vietnamese teenage artist affected by Agent Orange. My gut tells me to go with Body Team 12, the Ebola one, though I feel A Girl in the River, the Pakistani film, deserves a look for the cultural horrors it produces on viewing.
Will Win: A Girl in the River // Should Win: A Girl in the River
Documentary Feature (20)
Amy is the one that will win. It’s inevitable, like other awards later on. Cartel Land and the Nina Simone piece were intriguing, but they lack the controlled manipulation that director Asif Kapadia holds in the tragic overview of the short starburst of a career that belonged to Amy Winehouse.
*The Hunting Ground was nominated for Song, and while I acknowledge some of its content is dubious and controversial, I feel the content and filmmaking should be acknowledged for its headway in dealing with collegiate sexual assault cases.
Will+Should Win:Amy
Should’ve Been Nominated: The Hunting Ground
Live Action Short (1)
I really have no opinion, having not seen any yet. But research is edging me towards Stutterer. Eh, might as well.
Will Win: Stutterer (??)
Animated Short (12)
History has taught me that if it has Disney plastered on the product (Sanjay’s Super Team), bet on it stealing the Oscar over usually much more interesting and rewarding things like Don Hertzfeldt’s jaw-dropping World of Tomorrow and the equally inspired Russian entry We Can’t Live Without Cosmos. They’ll listen to me eventually.
Will Win: Sanjay’s Super Team
Should Win: World of Tomorrow/ We Can’t Live Without Cosmos
Animated Feature (22)
Pixar has had this one in the bag since the film made a splash back in June when it was released. It is sad, because it was a really extraordinary year for feature animation, between the Ghibli coming of age drama When Marnie was There, the mimed hijinks of Shaun the Sheep, and the intriguing headpiece Anomalisa. Still mad that Peanuts wasn’t nominated, by the by.
Will Win: Inside Out
Should’ve Been Nominated: The Peanuts Movie
Sound Editing (19) +Mixing (8)
Source: variety.com
Fury Road really should have this in the bag, but research tells me assorted experts expect The Revenant to steal one or both for some reason that is unfathomable by me. Thing is, I remember the hellish soundscapes of the furious roadway, but aside from the bear attack, I remember nothing remarkable from The Revenant. Ugh, you people are all crazy, Academy.
In one corner, we have Best Picture front-runners The Big Short, The Revenant, and Spotlight. In the other, we have wild-card options Fury Road and the latest in the legendary Star Wars series. What to choose, what to choose…?
Twist my arm and I’d say The Big Short. If not, I blame John Serba.
Another one that I am proud to say Fury Road has in the proverbial bag. Just look at the level of creativity and imagination given to ol’ Immortan here.
Long Live Mad Max! Long Live The Wasteland! Sing, Brothers! Sing, SING!!
Will+Should Win: Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Original Song (4)
Please don’t let Fifty Shades of Grey get past Oscar-nominee status. Just give it to Gaga and spare us the pain of remembering. My heart can’t take the strain.
Will+Should Win: “Til It Happens to You”, from The Hunting Ground
Best Original Score (21)
Tarantino’s little outburst at the Globes, spouting that Morricone has never won an Oscar, (technically untrue, he won an Honorary Oscar at the 2007 ceremony) basically ensured that H8ful Eight will garner one, and only one, award over the course of the evening.
That being said, Carter Burwell’s score for Carol was an exquisite treat that deserves to be recognized above Maestro Morricone, sorry to say.
Carol was a truly gross oversight by the Academy on two of the big categories (Director and Picture) and deserves every nomination and more. But I really want Fury Road to walk away with the night.
George Miller and his crew of lunatics crafted one of the craziest worlds ever in Fury Road. Frankly, nothing else comes close to its achievement in sheer world-building, even with its non-existent exposition.
Ex Machina and the under-seen Crimson Peak could also have benefited from some love here, but the Academy can’t help but shovel nominations out to lackluster things like The Danish Girl and Bridge of Spies. Heaven forbid we don’t give credit to the movies that will be remembered down the years as the best alternatives for sleep aids.
Ugh. Look, I like pretty pictures as much as anybody, but ‘Chivo’ has already won 2 consecutive Oscars, and his work on The Revenant proved more distracting than masterful. I much preferred the laid-back grain of Ed Lachman’s photography in Carol. Plus, lots of soft focus to increase the romantic tension.
Will Win: Emmanual Lubezki, The Revenant
Should Win: Ed Lachman, Carol
Foreign Language Film (18)
Son of Saul has been picking up a ridiculous amount of hype and awards buzz since mutterings of its power escaped the festival circuit early last year. Plus, it’s a Holocaust tale, and y’all should know how much the Academy loves that subject matter.
*Note that I haven’t seen any of the nominees yet, as foreign releases are negligible outside of the big, big cities (LA and NY), and Saul won’t see the silver screen in MI until March 4th. This is all gut instinct based on patterns in other award circuits. This is why there is no “should win” below. I feel I haven’t seen enough to make a confident choice.
Will Win: Son of Saul
Original (14) +Adapted Screenplay (15)
Another tough call. Typically, the Best Picture winner will pick up its assigned screenplay award, as with the case of the last few ceremonies. However, this is not always the case, as neither Million Dollar Baby nor The Artist picked up a screenplay award the night they won big.
In terms of original work, the Straight Outta Compton script could pick up the win as a peace-offering from the Academy for the #OscarsSoWhite debacle. But, Spotlight is the clear-cut victor of the bunch, seeing as it is neck and neck with The Revenant for the big prize. And Ex Machina gets a sympathy nomination knowing it won’t win anything. Cursed anti-science fiction Academy voters.
In the realm of Adapted work, critics and audiences have shown a lot of love for Brooklyn, the little movie that could, which could manifest into it’s only award of the evening. On the other hand, The Big Short had one of those scripts that was equally nutty and rage-inducing in all the right ways. Plus, Drew Goddard’s clever writing made The Martian the box office smash of the third quarter of 2015. This is a literal crapshoot, but with unbelievably high-quality pigeons.
Original, Will Win: Spotlight // Should Win: Ex Machina
In addition, Kate Winslet has been picking up mucho praise for her work in Steve Jobs; she even picked up the Golden Globe and was honestly shocked. This category, along with Best Picture, could go either way.
Will Win: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Should’ve Been Nominated: Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina
Best Supporting Actor (23)
For the longest time, it seemed like Mark Rylance’s quiet spy from Bridge of Spies was the easy choice, but Sly Stallone is another one of those inevitable picks that only became apparent to me once the Golden Globes hit. When Sly picked up the Globe, there was a standing ovation. If that’s not a guaranteed in for Sly, I don’t know if such a thing exists.
Add in the fact that his performance is one of his personal best up there with his work in the seminal Rocky as well as his turn in James Mangold’s Cop Land. His Rocky Balboa is aged, but not down and out quite yet. Stallone’s journey through Hollywood has been a fascinating one, and it’s time he was rewarded for sticking the landing in such a graceful way.
Will+Should Win: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Should’ve Been Nominated: Jacob Tremblay, Room
^+Steve Carell, The Big Short
Best Actress (16)
Brie Larson is, along with Leo and Sly, a shoo-in for her award.
She brings a true gravitas that speaks of her patience in the Hollywood landscape so far, and her role as ‘Ma’ was a star-making performance like nothing else offered to the Academy this year.
Now, that is not to say I wouldn’t be disappointed to see Saorise Ronan grab something for her delightful turn in Brooklyn. Both are equally deserving.
Will Win: Brie Larson, Room
Should Win: Brie Larson or Saorise Ronan, Brooklyn
Should’ve Been Nominated: Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor (24, Guaranteed)
Leo has finally got his Oscar, all for scowling over 2-½ hours.
11 years too late, as well.
–
sigh-
Will Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Should Win: I dunno. . .Fassbender?
Should Have Been Nominated: Michael Keaton, Spotlight
Best Director (9)
My dubious research into the depths of Oscar predictions gave me one significant bright spot/potential upset: George Miller will win Best Director.
At first I was in shocked denial, but then I thought on it more. The Academy loves to hand out career awards, and for once, this could work in ol’ Georgie’s favor. He’s been pulling his weight for nearly 40 years in the business after coming to it from being an emergency surgeon. And this career achievement award would coincide with his greatest, most impressive directorial work since Mad Max 2/The Road Warrior. Plus, AMPAS could see his effort as pulling off what Linklater did with Boyhood last year, with all his struggles, genius choices, and smart editing shining through his action-packed opus. Thank the Academy for that small relief.
Will+SHOULD Win: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Should’ve Been Nominated: Sir Ridley Scott, The Martian
+Alex Garland, Ex Machina
and finally:
~BEST PICTURE~ (6)
All right, let’s get this outta the way at the start:
My two favorites, Brooklyn and Fury Road, don’t have a chance at the top prize, unless the Big Three Choices split the vote, like what happened with Crash back in 2006. Frankly, that would delight me, but I’m gonna be safe and narrow it down from the Big Three: Spotlight, The Revenant, and The Big Short.
Of the three, The Big Short has been picking up the most momentum since it was a surprise Golden Globe nominee. It also won the Producer’s Guild Award, but that is it so far. It could be the surprise winner that takes the audience off-guard, having built up speed over the holiday and corresponding awards season.
The heavy hitter out of the gate is The Revenant, having won the BAFTA (British equivalent of the Oscar), the Director’s Guild Award, the Golden Globe for Best Drama, and numerous others. But, it has no script nomination, and no film has won Best Picture without a screenplay nomination since Titanic in 1998.
Spotlight is the tried-and-true pick of the trio, having won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble, the Gotham Award for Best Film, the Critic’s Choice Award, and the Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture. Its cast is legendary, its script has been lauded all over, and the direction was exceptional, considering the director previously made the universally-hated Adam Sandler vehicle, The Cobbler.
Taking all of this into account, here’s how I narrowed it down. Bridge of Spies leaves no noticeable impression upon viewing, it’s outta here! Room is out due to story structure problems I mentioned in my review. The Martian proved to be a crowd-pleasing box-office smash, but the Academy is still notoriously and inexplicably anti-science fiction. My beloved Fury Road is just too weird for the old fogies of the Academy, so I’m resting on it picking up six other awards. Brooklyn is the quiet innocent among the cutthroat Oscar race, so it’s doomed from the start. On top of all that hype, I’m knocking out The Revenant due to superstition over that phantom screenplay, and plus Alejandro already won big last year.
Between Spotlight and The Big Short, my gut tells me to go with Spotlight, seeing as the Academy could give it to make up for snubbing All the President’s Men way back in ’76 (which lost to Rocky, humorously enough). Though, my subconscious instinct tells me that The Big Short could be the troublemaker that flips the night on its head.
Who knows anyway? We shall see, Sunday evening. Until then, Witness Me!!
Will Win: Spotlight, I guess.
What I Want to Win: Brooklyn // Mad Max: Fury Road
U.S. Senator Gary Peters payed a visit to the Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University campus on February 22 to announce the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA). The MEAA is a new bipartisan legislation intended to expand options for high school students to obtain college credit, making higher education more affordable and accessible while improving high school and college graduation rates.
“The escalating cost of higher education should not deter hardworking, motivated students from obtaining a quality higher education,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan bill to help reduce the price tag for higher learning by allowing students to complete college-level courses while they are still in high school. Students will save time and money as they kick-start their careers through a personalized curriculum.”
The MEAA would expand access to dual and concurrent enrollment programs and early/middle college programs by providing grants to institutions of higher education. The National Alliance on Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships estimates 1.9 million high school students enrolled in a college course during the 2014-2015 school year.
Peters was joined by Ferris State University President David Eisler, Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Michael Shibler, and students enrolled in Rockford High School’s concurrent enrollment program with Ferris State University.
Currently, Ferris State has partnered with 20 schools across Michigan to give high school students a jump on their college requirements.
Ferris State president David Eisier
“We can help make college more affordable and more accessible by offering expanded opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school in a cost-effective manner,” said Ferris State University President David Eisler. “I thank Senator Peters for his efforts to support dual and concurrent enrollment and early college programs that will give students in Michigan more opportunities to start their college careers.”
Concurrent enrollment provides high school students the opportunity to take college-credit bearing courses taught by college-approved high school teacher, while dual enrollment involves students being enrolled in two separate institutions. These high schools and programs are located on college campuses or within schools, and they allow students to begin working towards an associate’s degree while they complete coursework for a high school diploma. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, early college students on average earn 36 college credits, and 30% of early college students earn an associate’s degree. There are 23 early/middle college high schools and 67 early/middle college programs in Michigan alone.
“Earning college credit in high school prior to graduation is a life changing experience for our students,” said Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Michael Shibler. “The opportunity to experience the rigor of college coursework, as well as prepare students to make more informed decisions about their postsecondary path, is invaluable.”
Senator Peters
The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act allows for money to be used to provide grants to institutions of higher education. These grants can be used to:
• Carry out dual and concurrent enrollment programs as well as early/middle college programming
• Provide teachers in concurrent enrollment programs with professional development
• Support activities such as course design, course approval processes, community outreach, student counseling and support services
Senator Peters introduced the legislation alongside Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, Colorado Congressman Jared Polis, and New York Congressmen Tom Reed.
“This legislation will help motivated students customize their coursework to create the learning environment that works best for them,” said Steven Ender, President of Grand Rapids Community College. “By introducing students to the academic expectations of college while still in high school, we can dramatically improve college preparedness and significantly boost graduation rates.”
So your Facebook friend posts about a tragic event in his/her life and you want to show support, but you don’t really like what has happened. Well all those 1.6 billion worldwide Facebook users will be thrilled to know that Facebook has come up with five new Reactions emoji to help you better express your feelings.
The new emojis – “Love,” “Ha Ha,” Wow,” “Sad” and “Angry” – were rolled out today creating quite the buzz on both social and regular media. Along with the well established “like” button, that makes a total of six different emojis users can use to express themselves.
Like any new item, user response has been mixed, mostly because we all have to get used to it first. Some people ❤️ it. Some people ? it and others just seem ?.
I did a quick survey of our office and response was neutral.
“I am kind of sad that my emotions are being boiled down to simple emojis,” said our young intern Brett Wiesenauer.
No worries Brett, there are still plenty of stickers.
“They really do need a dislike button,” said WKTV Managing Editor Mike DeWitt. That is correct, there is no “dislike” button that many have requested. According to Facebook, the social media company wanted to give users options to express their feelings and felt a dislike button would be too restrictive.
“I wish they had a middle finger,” said WKTV’s Victoria Mullen. I can honestly think of all the reasons Victoria would use this and totally get why Facebook did not and probably will never ever offer one.
As for me, I am happy that there is now a “love” emoji as often times there is something that I more than “like” and have to hit the like button and include “Love it” in the comments. I do wish they had an eye roll or “seen that” for those posts that get reposted umpteen times and then six months later someone reposts it again and all you can do is go “ugh.” I suppose the angry emoji would work as I am annoyed but I am not necessarily angry about it.
Calvin Christian High School would like you to be their guest as the high school’s Dramatic Society presents “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast” this weekend.
The production is set for Feb. 25 – 27 at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday.
The musical is from Disney’s animated 1991 film based on the French fairytale. A selfish prince is turned into a beast by a beautiful enchantress and his servants become common household items. The spell can only be broken by a maiden who can love the Beast beyond his apperance. Meanwhile, in a village not too far away, Belle is an odd duck but the most beautiful girl in her village. Gaston, the man everyone wants to be, has plans to marry her. But before Gaston can get Belle to say yes, she runs off to save her father from the Beast. Belle and the Beast are destine to meet, but will Belle be able to love the Beast and break the spell?
“This is a show that I have been interested in producing for awhile,” said Marilee Marsman, who is directing with Karel Malefyt as the musical director. And is it any wonder why? Besides the entertaining characters that include Cogsworth (the clock), Lumiere (the candlestick) and Mrs. Potts (the teapot), the musical is full of familiar songs including “Be Our Guest,” “Something There,” and the title track sung by Angela Lansbury in the original film, “Beauty and the Beast.”
Standing: Ashley Bylsma as Wardrode, Jared Ebels as Lumiere, Stephenie Griffin as Babs, Lucas Potter as Cogsworth and sitting, Katie Tanja as Chip and Lauren Gibbered as Mrs. Potts
More than 70 Calvin Christian High School students are participating in the production which includes cast members, back stage crew and musicians. Performing as Belle is Bethany Morse and as Beast is Scott VandenBerg. Rounding out the cast are Gabe Lamer as Gaston, Lucas Potter as Cogsworth, Jared Ebels as Lumiere, Ashley Bylsma as the Wardrobe, Lindsay Elliott as Lefou, Stephenie Griffin as Babette, Lauren Gibbard as Mrs. Potts, Katie Tanja as Chip and Josh Watkins as Maurice.
“The group really becomes like a family,” Marsman said. “It is really awesome to see them grow together and encourage each other.”
Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the Calvin Christian High School office, 3750 Ivanrest Ave. SW, or at the door. For more information, call 616-538-0990.
The Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library will host a vegan cooking demo and tasting workshop this Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2 PM.
According to the KDL website event description, it is possible to embrace—or dabble in, if you’re like me—veganism, without forgoing “comfort foods like macaroni, pesto and chocolate cake,” and bacon. Ok, maybe I added bacon to the lineup. (But PETA says there really is vegan bacon!)
Why vegan? Aside from the animal activist portion (disclaimer: this is in no way a statement for/against/towards animal activism), you may be surprised by the health benefits spelled out in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition like “a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.”
The “Vegan-ize Your Favorite Comfort Food” event at Wyoming KDL promises an entertaining and informative Saturday afternoon to all who join, from the devout vegans to the skeptic foodies with one toe testing the waters.
Maybe you’ll leave a born-again vegan. Or maybe you’ll go grill a steak. Either way, you’ll go home with a few party-pleaser recipes and the kind of satisfaction only learning new things can bring. Take it from a professional dabbler.
Carrie Bistline is a freelance writer, blogger and marketer with an MFA in Creative Writing. She divides her free time amongst family, work, sports and Jane Austen, and uses what’s left to chip away at her every-growing bucket list.
It’s often said laughter is the best medicine. Unfortunately for many, laughter simply isn’t enough. So for the fourth year in a row, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (GCGR) and LaughFest are partnering with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network to host blood drives during LaughFest. The drives will be held February 29-March 3, 2016.
“We are thankful for this partnership with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network,” said Wendy Wigger, president, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “Many cancer patients rely on blood product transfusions. Donating blood is a great way for loved ones, and even complete strangers, to make a real difference in the health of patients in need.”
For every person that donates blood, Blue Care Network (BCN) will donate $5 towards LaughFest’s High Five campaign, which supports the free emotional healthcare, cancer, and grief support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Individuals interested in donating directly to the “High Five” campaign may do so by clicking here.
“Hundreds of Michigan patients are in need of blood every single day,” said Jessica Iloff, manager of community responsibility at Blue Care Network. “Whether they suffered an accident or are receiving treatment for cancer, these patients depend on lifesaving transfusions. Blue Care Network is happy to partner with Gilda’s Club and Michigan Blood each year to make it convenient for LaughFest attendees to provide blood to those who need it most.”
Donors will also receive a t-shirt, along with a chance to win tickets to see Michael Palascak, Roy Wood Jr., and other hilarious LaughFest shows.
Please visit one of the following locations for your chance to save a life, support Gilda’s Club and share some laughter.
Grand Rapids Donor Center 1036 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids
Monday, February 29, 9 am – 7 pm
Grandville Donor Center Grandville United Methodist Church
3140 Wilson Avenue SE
Thursday, March 3, 12:00 – 7:00pm
Michigan Blood wants to remind the public that they are the sole provider of blood and blood products for the majority of hospitals in Michigan, including Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. Donations that are given outside of Michigan Blood do not stay local nor have a direct impact in your local community. Donate blood at Michigan Blood and help save the lives of patients in Michigan hospitals. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate.Blood donors should bring photo ID. For additional information on donating blood, and to make an appointment, click this link.
About Michigan Blood Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is a fast growing, independent, non-profit blood bank headquartered in Grand Rapids. It provides blood products and services for more than 50 hospitals throughout Michigan and is an established leader in quality and service. Michigan Blood collects more than 125,000 units of blood each year at nine permanent donation sites and more than 3,600 mobile blood drives in 40 counties statewide. Michigan Blood has a nationally recognized stem cell (marrow) program and created Michigan’s first public cord blood bank. In addition, Michigan Blood provides therapeutic apheresis, cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and transfusion medicine consultations. For more information, click this link.
About Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a free cancer and grief support community of children, adults, families and friends. Its comprehensive program includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit their website.
About Blue Care Network
Blue Care Network of Michigan features award-winning disease management programs and the largest HMO network of physicians and hospitals in the state, with more than 5,000 primary care physicians, 16,000 specialists and most of the state’s leading hospitals. Blue Care Network is the affiliated HMO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, go here and here.
The Wyoming and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department each hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance this past Saturday, February 20. Below are some pictures from the magical evenings.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance was a smashing hit with 171 participants and 12 volunteers making sure the event ran smoothly. While dancing was the staple of the event, crafts and games were also held in adjoining rooms.
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Kentwood
Those at the Kentwood Daddy Daughter-Dance had the opportunity to experience A Night In Hollywood by walking the red carpet and having their picture taken. 20 couples – 46 participants in all – got to bask in the movie star experience.
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The dances were a hit and a job well done by the Parks and Recreation Departments.
With spring just around the corner, a time when many people take advantage of the warmer weather and head outdoors, the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the first ever Wyoming Community Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, March 5.
“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This event was created to inspire the community to prioritize their well-being, and connect them to local resources.
The free event will run from 1 – 3 pm. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. About 20 different businesses, clubs and organizations from the Wyoming area will host tables and hand out samples, coupons, and other goodies. Fitness demonstrations, nutritious snacks, speakers, and health screenings will be some of the activities.
The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a sampling of its fitness programs such as yoga, Zumba and line dancing, said Valarie Mester, a recreation programmer for the department.
“We offer a number of programs through our offerings at the senior center and through our youth and family programs,” Mester said, adding this is a chance for people to try these programs and see what they are like.
Also on hand will be Shape for Life Studios, 1290 36th St. SW. Through its partnership with the recreation department, Shape for Life Studios offers spin classes and personal training. Mester said the studio representatives will be bringing in spin bikes for participants to try. Another recreation department partner is Metro Health, which will be providing health information.
Several other city departments will be at the expo such as the city’s water department, which will be covering the topic of clean water, and both the fire and police departments will be on hand to talk about related health and safety issues.
“It’s really about getting people more active, thinking about the food that they are eating and making sure they are visiting their physicians for regular check ups and screenings,” Mester said.
While a brand new event, Mester said organizers are expecting between 200 to 400 participants this year which is based on the number of current participants in the Parks and Recreation Department’s programs.
“The event is free and open to anyone, both residents and non-residents,” Mester said.
For more about the Wyoming Community Health and Wellness Expo or other programs offered by the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-3164.
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community
By: Mike DeWitt
What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.
“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”
That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.
Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.
Wyoming’s former tree planting program
A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.
“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.
Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.
On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.
While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.
According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.
With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.
That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”
Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.
Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”
With a mixture of returning favorites and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre premieres, Civic Theatre offers a season focused on the theme of equality with its 2016 – 2017 lineup.
“We kind of go through the selection process, put together the season and a theme just comes from there,” said Civic Theatre Artistic Director Bruce Tinker.
This year’s lineup ranges from David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2011 Tony Award-winning play “Good People,” about the disparages in class and social economics to the powerful musical “Ragtime,” a look at the equality of justice under the law.
“It’s our 91st season and I really love all of the selections,” Tinker said. “There a lot of first-time productions along with some returning like ‘Ragtime,’ which is one of my favorite musicals. The music is just gorgeous.”
Tinker, who directed Civic’s 2004 production of “Ragtime,” said he looks forward to reacquainting himself with the musical that delves into the hopes, dreams and struggles of the immigrants settling in America in the early 20th Century. The show runs Feb. 24 – March 19.
The season starts with “Good People,” Sept. 9 – 25, a look at class, poverty, wealth and privilege as Lindsay-Abaire contrasts the life of a single mother living paycheck-to-paycheck against her ex-boyfriend who successfully gets out of the neighborhood and becomes a prominent doctor.
“This is an incredibly timely piece,” Tinker said. “Lindsay-Abaire doesn’t write about heroes or villains. He writes about people. No one is great or awful, they are just human trying to make the right choices for them and their family amidst high pressure stakes.”
Civic Theatre then goes big in November with its premiere production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” “It was one of those things we had to wait for the right timing,” Tinker said of the company having never staged a production before. “It’s a great show for celebrating the holidays.” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which also contains an underlying message of acceptance, runs Nov. 18 – Dec. 18.
Dedicated to featuring a classic in every season, the Civic Theatre’s reading committee discovered the company had never done the 1930s comedy “The Philadelphia Story,” which became a 1940s film starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. This screwball love-triangle comedy, which became the fomula for many other romantic comedies, follows Tracy Lord as she prepares for her second marriage and the antics of her ex-husband who tries to remind her of love lost. The show runs Jan. 13 – 29.
Another classic Civic has never produced is “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the story of starry-eyed Millie Dillmount of Salina, Kansas, who has come to New York City to make her dream come true. “This is one that we always have just had to have the right mix and this year it just happened,” Tinker said. “We looked at the spring and thought, we need something fun and this show is it. Plus with all the graduations going on [during June], this show is a celebration of new beginnings and independence. It really just fits.”
The two family productions, both based on books, are “Holes,” Oct. 21 – 30 and “Fancy Nancy,” April 21 – 30.
Even the 2017 summer children’s repertory productions contain the theme of equality as the lineup includes the popular fantasy “The Neverending Story,” July 29 – Aug. 6, and “Hairspray Jr.,” July 28 – Aug. 5. “With ‘Hairspray, Jr.,’ even though it is set in the sixties, it offers not only a message of equality, but is about accepting who you are, mind and heart, over what you look like.
“Be who you are as everyone loves who you are as oppose to a certain type of person.”
For information about the upcoming season or for ticket pricing, visit www.grct.org o call 616-222-6650.
Feel Like You Belong is focused on helping migrants fit into America and feel like they belong.
Language is a barrier for many people. Not only is it tough for those learning English as a second language, but think of the many conversations you’ve had with others that just didn’t seem to click. Better yet, think of the conversations you have with your best friends and why they flow so freely. It’s because you both GET each other, right? Cultural references roll off the tongue, slang flows freely, and you both truly understand exactly what the other is trying to communicate.
For those new to the English language, it can be difficult to learn all the nuances that come with being fully immersed into a culture. That’s why Feel Like You Belongis trying to help. In this segment, Alan untangles 10 commonly mispronounced words that English has adopted from other languages.
Most of Asia observes the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon as compared to the Western solar calendar. The celebration of the lunar New Year is perhaps the single most important and prominent event over much of Asia. Western folks sometimes mistakenly call it the “Chinese New Year” for lack of knowledge. The Vietnamese folks call it “Tết”.
Each year carries the sign of one of the animals in the “Asian Zodiac”. These twelve animals, in proper sequence, are: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the cat (also called the rabbit in some countries), the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat (or ram), the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig. Year 2016 carries the sign of the MONKEY!
Since the lunar calendar staggers a bit when compared to the solar calendar, the lunar New Year usually falls into the late January or early February timeframe of our Western Calendar. In much of Asia, this would mark the beginning of spring time and, quite appropriately, the beginning of a new year, a new beginning.
In the modern days, people who observe the lunar New Year would limit their celebration to three days due to their busy schedules. There are still some quaint villages in Asia where people would celebrate New Year for as long as three months, in extreme cases. However, the first day is always the most important.
There are many aspects of the lunar New Year celebration. The Asian people politely usher the ending year “out”; then they respectfully and joyously welcome the new year “in”.
Starting a week before New Year’s eve, each household performs the ritual of sending off the kitchen gods back to heaven to report the year’s worth of happenings to the Jade Emperor (the divine God).
During New Year, we can really feel the seasonal change in the climate; it truly feels like a new beginning. The buds and new leaves are sprouting on trees and plants. The birds start laying eggs and animals give birth to young ones. People also join in and celebrate with the rest of nature.
Spiritually, it is time to look back and commemorate the family ancestors. Each person also reflects upon himself/herself to recognize the negative things and mistakes during the departed year to improve upon or get rid of, and he/she solemnly makes resolutions for the entire upcoming year. It is also time to revisit religious beliefs in each individual.
During Tết’s time, lower ranking family members traditionally go to all of the older or higher ranking members and present them with good wishes for the new year. In return, older folks will hand out “lucky money” in beautiful little red envelopes and also wish the younger members well. This tradition is also extended outside of the family to show respect, fondness and thoughtfulness to friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.
The first person who enters any home after the turn of the year is believed to bring his/her good or bad luck into that home. Residents of each home are very careful about who shall be the first person to set foot into their home. People really avoid sad or unlucky subjects during this special time of the year.
For celebration, there are usually plenty of food and beverages of the best varieties. People set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. The dragon dances also serve to bring luck and chase off any evil spirit from the last year. There are games that are reserved mostly for New Years time. There are also cultural shows in the performing arts discipline that are presented almost only during Tết’s time.
Happy Year of the Monkey. May you have tranquility in all aspects of your lives, and may all your wishes come true!
Of all the Oscar nominees, Bridge of Spies is the one I’ve been dreading writing about the most. My feelings on the latest Spielberg drama are complicated, due to my internal struggles to classify it by that terrible, outdated binary distinction of it being a “good movie” or a “bad movie”. It’s almost as if my inner film snob is trying to strangle itself, Dr. Strangelove-style.
In terms of technical craft, it is fine.
But I don’t talk technicals in my reviews. I talk about emotions, characters, stories, images, concepts, and interesting and memorable events. And when the first thing that comes to mind after a STEVEN SPIELBERG MOVIE of all things is the technical craft, the alarms start to go off. This is a director whose whole of his image is based in his innate ability to play the audience like the orchestra, swelling emotions like string sections under the hand of maestro John Williams. And yet, here is a film that left me feeling… nothing.
I walked out of the movie acutely aware that a craftsman, whom I have respected as an artist for years, had tried to manipulate my feelings for the characters and story before me, and he failed hard. Like the far, far worse The Danish Girl, I find that the more I think about it, the less I appreciate it. And I just loathed TheDanish Girl from frame one save for Alicia Vikander, while initially I did try to defend some of the more troubling aspects of Bridge of Spies as soon as I viewed it before Christmas.
The acting is just unimpressive on the whole. Tom Hanks played his role as you’d expect Tom Hanks to play any role outside of the realm of the Wachowski siblings, and I didn’t care. Amy Ryan as his wife makes no significant impression, whatsoever. Alan Alda makes his rounds as still relevant older actor, yawn. The kid playing Francis Gary Powers, of the U-2 Spy incident, doesn’t make any sort of impact that he’s supposed to. Character actors come and go portraying various degrees of hostility, strong-arming, and intolerance that you’d expect from any message movie.
Of the whole cast of characters, the only one who makes a substantial impression is Academy Award-nominee Mark Rylance as the incriminated spy Rudolf Abel. In a movie filled with stuffy and stale archetypes, he brings a quiet precision to his character, sighing at the complexities of American justice systems prejudiced against any semblance of equality for his petty actions. The direction is where this movie falls short in terms of audience sympathy for the American characters, or any characters actually.
Granted, a good portion of the screenplay was at one point in the hands of the Joel and Ethan, the Coen Brothers. They bring a fast-paced banter to the story that certainly lifts it above uninvolving period drama and upgrades it to a level of ambition that is still mildly entertaining, just not successful in winning me over. That being said, classy banter does not a good movie make. Take for example the 1992 remake of the classic, low-budget noir Detour; that movie had an excellent hard-boiled script, but the actors just couldn’t handle it and the movie completely fails as thriller and drama. The difference between Bridge of Spies and Hail, Caesar is there were characters and situations that intrigued me in the latter, while I was nearly bored to tears in Spies.
The direction is where I realized just how unhappy I was with the movie. Spielberg tries on multiple occasions to grab on to emotions that were nonexistent on my end throughout. At the big trial, Tom Hanks makes a grand old speech for liberty and justice for all, and it lands with a hollow thud. I wasn’t swayed to his side as I should have been because I was already there. I believe in liberty and justice for all, this isn’t that ethically dubious, spy or no spy. Later on, we view youths in East Germany being gunned down as they attempt to cross the Berlin Wall. And again, it felt hollow. I felt like I was getting reheated outtakes from Schindler’s List, in a lesser package. I felt Spielberg simply going through the motions rather than making an honest effort.
The reason I mentioned technicals above is that, on paper, this film works fine. The editing, camera work, sound, music all do their jobs, but they overshadowed the lacking sense of story and investment/stakes. That is the sign of a truly flawed script and directorial duties. Trying to get involved in the storytelling and coming up empty save for “it looked nice, and sounded nice” is not the reaction this movie needed.
~Now let’s change gears and talk about a truly excellent movie that was snubbed in categories Bridge of Spies picked up.~
Carol is a much smaller scale movie than the latest Spielberg project, being the tale of a unique relationship ignited between an amateur photographer/full-time department store clerk and a married housewife. The film stars Rooney Mara of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Social Network fame, alongside screen demigoddess Cate Blanchett, two-time Oscar-winner and patron saint of screen actors, whom audiences may recognize from the Lord of the Rings saga and The Monuments Men.
The story does concern itself with certain subjects that are still in contention throughout much of the United States. The unique relationship of mention is a close friendship that does evolve into lesbianism. The first hour is foreplay and character buildup for the ingénue Therese (pronounced Teh-rezz) and the lovely titular Carol Aird. The film doesn’t jump headlong into the intimacies of the bedroom, rather it explores the intimacies of female relationships in the early 1960s.
The acting is utterly top-notch. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are radiant whenever they get a chance to steal the focus from Ed Lachman’s gorgeous photography. Also along for the narrative are Kyle Chandler as Harge, Carol’s estranged husband and Sarah Paulson as Carol’s best friend and confidante, Abby. The characters transcend their performers and take on actual existence on the screen, which is the goal of all great film performances. Under careful, consolidated direction from Todd Haynes, the cast work alongside one another, moving the story along at a good pace, keeping the performances front and center in tandem with the imagery and Carter Burwell’s ingenious scoring.
Seriously, the music is incredible. As much as I loved the thrilling tones of Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack to The H8ful Eight, I feel the score to Carol is so much more moving and deserving of recognition. The score is most certainly Mr. Burwell’s most Burwellian score, since Fargo at the least. The best way to describe it is an Adagio for Love as influenced by Phillip Glass. The strings and piano combine to form a perfect ode of nostalgia and melodrama, like one’s memory of a first love.
Topping off my list of exquisite elements of Carol is the imagery, delivered through the lens of Oscar-nominated Ed Lachman. The film was shot on Super 16 millimeter film, exuding a sense of being shown a private stash of home movies. The generous amount of soft lighting and truly lush color adds to the dream-like quality of the pictures. I mentioned H8ful Eight previously, and I have to say, even with all of Tarantino’s grandstanding about his use of 70-mm film in that project, methinks this little film about love makes a better case for preservation of physical film elements than that film did in all of its bloated three hours.
Unlike Bridge of Spies, I was fully invested in the love story on-screen from the minute we are introduced to Carol and Therese. There wasn’t a single moment where I lost interest in what was unfolding between the lovers and struggled to reattach my attention to anything, be it a filmmaking or storytelling element. Through the emotional journey audiences are transported on, the romantic tension and surprising amount of dramatic involvement will catch audiences off guard.
See, Carol is going through a divorce over the course of the film, and her husband Harge does not approve of the relationship she initiates with young Therese. There is a single moment shortly past the halfway point where a betrayal takes place that truly puts the stakes of Carol’s marriage into focus. With such stakes present, the hardest of hearts will be hard-pressed to honestly say they can’t relate to Carol’s decisions, regardless of her lifestyle choices.
The Academy most ungraciously passed Carol over for Best Picture and Best Director. Initially, I felt
shocked and disturbed by the omissions. But then I thought about the Academy’s history with LGBTQ projects and then it hit me. The previous projects of queer intrigue recognized by AMPAS all contained a significant arc of tragedy. Brokeback Mountain, The Imitation Game, Midnight Cowboy, Dallas Buyers Club, and Milk were nominated for Best Picture, but only Midnight Cowboy took home the statuette, and all ended poorly for their characters. The sole exception to this pattern being 2010’s The Kids are All Right, but since that was a comedy, which the Academy has a terrible history of overlooking, it received nothing for its efforts.
Carol is not by any means a tragedy; it is a tad harrowing at times, but the tone of the film is not one of “woe is me, for I am queer”. And actually, the focus is not on the genders, but on the romance, something more queer movies should take note of. It’s an update on the Romeo and Juliet story with the tragic bits replaced with that of 1950s and 60s high melodrama, which director Todd Haynes mastered previously in the Best Director-nominated Far from Heaven.
The point of it all is that instead of gracing a daring and matter-of-fact presentation of queer romance with well-earned recognition, the Academy went with the lazy, easy choice of nominating the old-hat, typical choice that only points to how outdated and out-of-sync the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are with increasingly progressive movie audiences. For an organization that previously gave big awards and recognition to the likes of 12 Years a Slave and Philadelphia, the Oscars seem to act more like they are filling thematic quotas rather than actively recognizing quality film efforts that just so happen to push boundaries.
Choreographer Torrey Thomas, center in the black and white sweater, and Julianne Howe-Bouwens who plays Deloris is far right with the cast of ‘Sister Act.’
To say Torrey Thomas was excited about Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s plans to present “Sister Act” as part of its 2015 – 2016 season would be an understatement.
“When [Director] Allyson [Paris] called I didn’t even let her get the question out before shouting ‘Yes!’” said Thomas, a Grand Rapids choreographer who has worked on a number of local musicals including Civic Theatre’s “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Legally Blonde.” It was no secret Thomas was interested in working on the musical since as soon as he heard “Sister Act” would be in Civic’s lineup, he called Artistic Director Bruce Tinker to let him know he wanted to do the choreography.
“I had seen the show, and the costumes and choreography, I was just amazed,” Thomas said for his reason in wanting to be part of the production. “I really have to give credit to the original choreographers for what they brought to the stage and the production allows me to bring my own special touches to it as well.”
“Sister Act,” which opens Feb. 26 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, is based off the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg. The story centers around Deloris Van Cartier, a night club singer who witnesses a murder by her gangster boyfriend Curtis Shank. She ends up in witness protection with the only place the police feel she will be safe is the local convent called The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith.
“She really is lost,” said Julianne Howe-Bouwens who plays Deloris. Howe-Bouwens might be familiar to many local theatergoers as she stole the show as Gary Colemen in Civic’s 2015 spring production of “Avenue Q.” “She is really thrown into something that is so foreign to her. I mean, she is use to the glitz and glamour and is a showgirl and now she is in this place where the joy is waking up at 4 a.m.”
Julianne Howe-Bouwens as Deloris with the cast from ‘Sister Act.’
The clash of cultures creates for some very funny moments, but it also leads to much more: friendship and love.
“It really is a heartwarming story of a group of women who discover that they are so much more than what they believe,” said Director Allyson Paris, who was recently appointed as Civic’s new associate director and is directing her first full production for Civic with “Sister Act.”
“Deloris is destined to be there,” Howe-Bouwens said. “She is drawn to something.”
In fact, Deloris actually makes it to choir practice and after commenting on how bad the group is, the Mother Superior suggests she take it over, which leads to far more than anyone could have imagined. To discover the twist and turns to this story – along with checking out Thomas’s choreography – you’ll have to catch the show during its three-week run.
“Sister Act” runs Feb. 26 – March 20 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday with the theater being dark Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $18 – $35. For more information on the show, other Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions, classes and activities or to purchase tickets, visit www.GRCT.org or call 616-222-6650.
The Brothers Coen, or Coen Brothers as most describe them, are back in the out-and-proud business of entertainment with a rambunctious ride of a comedy, in the vein of Raising Arizona and the cult phenomenon that is The Big Lebowski. Their latest, Hail, Caesar!, is a period piece/melodrama/screwball comedy hybrid that functions as a nostalgia-driven look back at the celebrated Golden Age of Hollywood that produced epics along the likes of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, as well as the cheesy, but classy musicals featuring Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, and that guitar-playing gaucho, Roy Rogers.
Our leading player, Eddie Mannix, played to worn perfection by Josh Brolin, is a “fixer”, a man whose talents are put to use sniffing out and snuffing out potential scandals before they happen. A typical day involves a morning confessional at church, on-the-run schedule dictation with his world-weary secretary, multiple phone calls with studio heads and big-wig power players to keep the films on schedule, and meetings with actors and directors to work out their personal gripes.
On this day of days, a big name leading male star is kidnapped from his trailer, and that’s only the beginning of the shenanigans. Not only does Eddie have to pay ransom money for his missing male lead, he also has to deal with a furious director unsatisfied with his actors’ abilities, a pregnant starlet whose image is dependent on the public not finding out about her previous marriages and mishaps, twin gossip columnists on the prowl for juicy scoops, and on top of all that, he still has to make it home in time for dinner with the wife.
Eddie Mannix, the ‘fixer’ (Josh Brolin) Source: twitter.com/hailcaesarmovie
This film gets how to make a complicated narrative interesting to unravel, and still navigable without a color-coded map of characters, partially because they already are by their costumes. The Hollywood players wear suits to work, the mermaid has a tail, the kidnapped lead looks like a cosplayer from ancient Rome, and the song-and-dance men are all gussied up in their sailor outfits.
The cast of characters is eccentric to say the least, with a sizable portion of the film put aside to detail the confusingly offbeat path set for one Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich), prominent star of singing cowboy B-movies, who is suddenly thrust into a big and fancy, A-list prestige picture, complete with tuxes and tails. Doyle struggles to make do, but it’s obvious to all that he’s out of his element. But, a chance meeting with Eddie in his office leads to Hobie getting involved in tracking down the missing Baird Whitlock. Of all the key characters, Hobie is the only one truly intertwined with the kidnapped George Clooney story, unlike what the trailer sold to audiences: an all-star team-up of Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, and Jonah Hill to rescue George Clooney.
Many have accused the movie of being uneven and not unjustly so, as the film juggles many plot lines, mostly played for grins, dealing in sexy scandals, undercover communists, and kidnappings behind the scenes of a major Hollywood studio, Capitol Pictures. The story meanders around and jumps to different locations and character point of views as much as most rambling stories told to us by friends do. But, realistically, the changes in tone and pace make sense, as the main character is being escorted from problem to problem in the expectation that he can “fix” it with minimal trouble, but that’s not always the case.
One single, simple case of covering up an unwanted pregnancy ends up involving two trips to a law office to scope out legal solutions and a visit to a sound stage where the potential father is directing a musical sequence. Not all problems nowadays come in single events or day lengths. Some days, problems just proceed to pile on top of another until the poor schmo of problematic stature throws up his hands and reaches for the hooch. This is a filmed version of one of those days, and it’s being treated like it’s unbelievable fantasy. Harsh.
A particularly memorable sequence involves Eddie organizing a meet-up between local religious leaders to discuss whether the appearance of The Christ in the titular film would be considered tasteful by audiences of faith. “So a Protestant Minister, a Rabbi, an Orthodox Priest, and a full-blooded Catholic walk into a movie studio…”, you see where I’m going with this? The dialogue crackles with dry, witty barbs and argumentative personalities who just can’t agree on who The Christ was in context of the film, instead picking apart the stunts in the script for being “unbelievable”. It’s a really fun scene that makes the film feel heightened in hilarity, yet grounded in realistic human personalities. Late in the film, an actor, crucified on high, is asked whether he is a principal or extra by the lunch organizer. The actor wearily replies with uncertainty, as if to say even the cast doesn’t quite know what’s going on, which is a nice touch.
The movie itself looks fantastic. Roger Deakins, up for an Oscar this year for his haunting work on SICARIO (a vastly different Josh Brolin movie), brings a true touch of class to the proceedings, providing lush and vibrant recreations of Hollywood Old with a new twist. The cast plays well together, with not just the big established stars turning in great performances, from the likes of Clooney, Johannson, and Jonah Hill. The up-and-coming support shine through the action, with special mention to Alden Ehrenreich as the sure-footed cowpoke suddenly thrust into stardom. Besides Brolin and Clooney, not everyone else shares a lot of the screen time, with Brolin rushing from problem to problem and Clooney staring bewildered at his mischievously political captors from time to time. There’s a cute moment with Coen Bros. veteran Frances McDormand showing up as a chain smoking editor locked in a suite with her current project, the prestige picture that Hobie was thrust onto. But it is mostly a “hey, it’s [that actor]” kinda movie, with two kind of central characters navigating a never-ending pool of eccentrics.
Hail, Caesar! is a worthy addition to the Coen catalogue of manic and truly original works that straddle genre boundaries and don’t care if the audience can keep up with its brand of joyful noise. It rockets along at a gleeful pace and just packs in the homages to everything from Anchors Aweigh to Ben-Hur. I have a feeling this could be the Grand Budapest Hotel of 2016; it comes out early, entertains the crowds, and silently pokes its head up around Oscar season to snag some Oscar nominations later in the year.
If you are in the mood for a jolly old time revisiting the tone and imagery of Hollywood Classics of old, this movie will thoroughly entertain. If you are in a No Country for Old Men mood, you best stay home and watch the Coen’s version of True Grit, or the bleaker Josh Brolin movie, SICARIO.
LaughFest, the annual 10-day comedy festival, is bringing back some popular community showcases and events. But that’s not all. They’re adding some new experiences, too. All told, there will be more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids and Lowell. Headliners include Seth Meyers, Kathy Griffin, Ron Funches, Anjelah Johnson, Roy Wood, Jr., Chris D’Elia, Bert Kreischer and Heather McDonald.
There’s an awful lot to do, but do take the time to explore these fun opportunities:
“What Makes You Laugh?“ The Youth Art and Writing Competition entry deadline has been extended to February 26. Students K-12 are invited to write a short story or poem about what makes them laugh. All entries will be displayed in Grand Rapids during LaughFest. The top three winners in each grade division will be awarded prizes. No entry fee.
Celebrity Lip Sync
“What Makes You Smile Exhibit“ is a LaughFest campaign illuminating what makes GRPS students smile. Check out the smiles at the Gerald R. Ford Airport all 10 days of the festival.
The LaughFestCelebrity Lip Sync showcases local medial personalities vying for the title of best celebrity lip sync in this singing competition. It’s a free, Fast Pass ticket event on March 13 at 1 pm at The B.O.B. on the third floor.
Teresa L. Thome
She’s baaaack! Two-time Emmy award-winning producer, writer and storyteller, Teresa L. Thome, is back with her three-hour “Unleash Your Creativity“ writing workshop on March 14 at Campau Square Plaza, 99 Monroe Ave. NW, above Panera Bread. Take this opportunity to learn fun, creative writing and improvisational exercises to inspire your best creative self. Registration is $25.
Named 2013’s Funniest Person in Grand Rapids, Nardos Osterhart brings her one-woman show, Halfrican sharing her life story about moving from Africa to America when she was five years old and how she juggles the two different worlds. March 16 at 8 pm at the WealthyTheatre,1130 Wealthy St. SE. Tickets are $10.
Nardos Osterhart
Where’s festival headquarters?
Gilda’s LaughFest Central will open its doors on February 22 inside the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), located at 101 Monroe Center. Here you’ll find festival headquarters for all LaughFest information, as well as a site to purchase merchandise and pick up “Fast Passes.”
What the heck is a Fast Pass? Well, it guarantees you a seat for most free LaughFest shows as long as you’re seated 15 minutes prior to the event start time. After that, walk-up seating begins and Fast Passes expire, leaving you to scramble for a seat, assuming there is one to be found. A bit of an incentive here.
All LaughFest members will have a chance to get the passes before the public can get their hands on them.
Praised as “an excellent documentary… about basic human value” by The New York Times, Angela Peavey’s heartrending documentary, Our Beautiful Secret, follows the remarkable story of her brother Jonathan who has Cerebral Palsy and how he overcomes his medical and social issues through road racing, family, and his faith in God. You can view the docudrama on WKTV Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. More information can be found at www.ourbeautifulsecretmovie.com or on the films Facebook page.
Our Beautiful Secret has received international exposure with red carpet premieres in India, Canada, Taiwan, Europe, South Africa, and the United States. The film also beat box office numbers in its one-week run at Celebration Cinema theaters in West Michigan. Beating out major Hollywood movies such as Despicable Me 2, World War Z, and Grown Ups 2 (note: local numbers, not national).Our Beautiful Secret was also featured on Real Sports with ByrantGumble on HBO and seen nationally on PBS. In the last year the film has gone viral in Japan and South Africa. “We’ve gone so viral we’re now providing resources to organizations in Japan and South Africa on topics that are in the film,” Peavey said. “It’s humbling to know how this film has been seen all over the globe, but what really pleases me is the lives that this film has changed through telling Jonathan’s story.”
“People have told me to separate myself from being Jonathan’s sister while directing and producing this film. I don’t agree. Who else could be the best advocate for people living with disabilities than someone who lived right along side a family member struggling with it?” Peavey said. “I was there when my family got turned away from restaurants because of Jonathan’s disability. I was there when Jonathan was mocked and bullied. I was there when doctors told my family Jonathan’s value of life isn’t worth the procedures we wanted for him. I understand and that voice will not be silenced.”
The film stars cast members Scott Goudie (Transformers 2,3, & 4, Real Steel, Machine Gun Preacher, Detroit 1-8-7), Carrie Foster (A Dog for Christmas), Sophie Bolen (A Christmas Bunny, Mary’s Buttons, A Dog for Christmas, Rodeo Girl), Paul Tierney (Thirty Minutes or Less, A Dog for Christmas), Elonzo Peavey (Ralph & Me, The Redeeming Duck), and Elizabeth Foster (A Dog for Christmas, Mary and the Fox). “This is a story that the Peavey family has lived through,” said actor Scott Goudie. “The story is real, the characters are real, the emotion is real, and those tears on your Kleenex – they’re real.”
Our Beautiful Secret was filmed and produced in its entirety throughout West Michigan with production assistance from WKTV.
What does Beer City, U.S.A. do to escape the winter blahs? It hosts a week-long craft beer and even craftier cuisine celebration called Cool Brews. Hot Eats. From Feb. 17 through Feb. 28, nearly 50 local eateries will be showcasing special menu items, some made with beer, some paired with beer, all leading up to the 11th Annual Winter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park, Feb. 26 and 27.
Gravity Taphouse Grille
Gravity Taphouse Grille, 3210 Deposit Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, will be participating in Cool Brews. Hot Eats. for the second year. Chef Mary Hunter has been planning her dishes very thoughtfully for months, while General Manager, Jeremy Edwards–using his extensive experience with craft brews–worked to find the perfect pairings for each dish. Edwards explains, “The pairings offer a chance to compliment or contrast the flavors of each recipe.” Not only is each dish paired with a unique beer, beer is also incorporated into the recipe, used as a marinade, brine, or sauce.
Gravity will have three unique offerings during Beer Week:
—Beer-brined Chicken Wings using Unruly 21 Guns, tossed in a Sesame Shiso Glaze, served with a carrot and celery slaw (paired with Unruly 21 Guns)
Filet of beef marinated in New Holland Poet Oatmeal Stout
— Filet of beef marinated in New Holland Poet Oatmeal Stout, served on a bed of Butternut Stout grits, Gremolata, and a Stout Brown sauce (paired with New Holland The Poet)
—Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with a Black Pepper Fig Caramel sauce (paired with Founder’s Dirty Bastard)
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Brewers in West Michigan are a very collaborative and supportive group. With the explosion of the number of breweries in the state of Michigan, especially locally in the Grand Rapids area, the food industry is growing as well.
“Grand Rapids was well behind the curve,” said Hunter, “Our restaurant offerings were 10-15 years behind those of larger cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.”
The need for unique foods made especially to compliment the craft beer expansion has brought Grand Rapids to a new level in the restaurant world. Hunter explains that 17 years ago as a chef, she was the only female in the kitchen and that chefs were almost secretive about recipes and ingredients.
Aryana’s Restaurant and Lounge
“That is changing,” she states. “Not only are many women staffing the kitchens, but they are part of a more sharing and friendly environment.” Women are also a major clientele of the taprooms and breweries.
Cool Brews. Hot Eats. gives the local craft breweries a chance to showcase their styles, and livens up the restaurant industry in the dreariest month of winter.
“The relationship between beer and restaurants in West Michigan is pushing the limits,” states Edwards. “There’s nowhere to go but up.”
Across town, Aryana’s Restaurant and Lounge (found in the Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids) is participating in Cool Brews. Hot Eats. for the first time. Joseph Fragala, Director of Food and Beverage, states, “Restaurant Week was a huge success for us.” He hopes Cool Brews. Hot Eats. will entice people to come out during February.
Poached apple and rocket arugula
Fragala explains, “Being located in a hotel presents a challenge in some aspects, but it is also a wonderful location to showcase Grand Rapids upscale casual dining while highlighting the terrific numbers of Michigan craft beers to our visitors from out of town.” As with many local eateries, “farm to fork” local produce is a major part of their offerings for Beer Week.
Aryana, with Chef Andrew Sprite, is featuring these pairings:
—Poached apple and rocket arugula, toasted pecans, braised beer, and local honey vinaigrette (paired with New Holland Monkey Kingdom (saison/farmhouse ale)
Herb-marinated grilled duck breast
—Herb-marinated grilled duck breast, Michigan IPA-Asiago risotto, and fresh steamed asparagus (paired with Frankenmuth Brewery Batch 69 IPA)
—Dark chocolate flourless tart, flame-roasted orange coulis (paired with New Holland The Poet)
Dark chocolate flourless tart
Whether you are in the mood for just appetizers or want to add an entrée or dessert, this is the week to explore what the Grand Rapids food industry has to offer. Each chef has spent hours to meticulously plan the blend of flavors and special ingredients to tempt your palate. With the craft beer and brewery explosion in West Michigan, no doubt you will find the perfect taste to compliment your meal.
Do your part. Get out, eat yourself silly and beat the blahs!
Kalamazoo’s Big Boss Blues makes its first Concerts in the Park appearance this year.
After that brief encounter of chilly weather this past week, about everyone’s thoughts have turned to warmer weather. Well here’s something to warm you up: there is only 105 days before Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park returns to Lamar Park.
O.K., so it is a little more than three months, but to put together a 10-week concert series, the planning has to start almost when the last series ended. The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, which oversees the series, has been hard at work, lining up the performers for the 2016 Concerts in the Park and even have begun releasing a few teasers as to who is coming on the Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
“We like to say that we are continuing the tradition of good entertainment at Lamar Park,” said Brandon Simmons, who is on the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. Simmons is referring to Lamar Park’s history of hosting the rodeo at Fort Wyoming which was located at Lamar Park. The site also was host to numerous concerts featuring Bob Hope, The Oakridge Boys, Crystal Gale, and Huey Lewis & the News.
The Concerts in the Park series has done well attracting some of the most popular regional stars with this year’s line-up including the very popular folk/rock band The Crane Wives, Kalamazoo’s Big Boss Blues, Grand Rapids honky tonk group Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, rock ‘n’ roll group Foolish Plezyer, country group Kari Lynch Band, Tejano/Mexican/Conjunto music group Grupo Viento and The Legal Immigrants.
According to Simmons, more than 10,000 people were in attendance to last year’s fireworks show, always the Tuesday before July 4. This year’s fireworks will be on June 28 and feature two bands, one of which is Foolish Plezyer.
A total of 11 groups will perform over the 10 weeks. Simmons said the complete lineup should be available in March and that there is some big news to this year’s concert series, so make sure to be checking the series’ Facebook page and WKTV’s Wyoming/Kentwood NOW.
Also, the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission hosts the Music & More August event designed to give residents a last summer hurrah with three concerts, food dancing games and activities all in one night. For more on the August event, click here to visit its Facebook page.
Concerts in the Park is free. Lamar Park is located at 2561 Porter St. SW.
