In a world where food and film are the modern expressions of culture, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and the UICA announce “Big Screen Cuisine,” an interactive culinary and cinematic experience that seeks to bring dishes to life that are inspired by classic and modern foodie film favorites and accompanied by a same-day movie screening.“Big Screen Cuisine” makes its debut on Sunday, September 27. Ticket prices will vary and will allow attendees to engage in a hands-on, top-level culinary food experience with fantastic food from local chefs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the UICA, relax in the theatre, and watch the paired movie with a new and very personal understanding of all the culinary scenes they’re viewing. Depending on the experience, the culinary portion of the night may fall before or after the screenings.“Big Screen Cuisine will utilize films from all over the world while exploring diverse cultures and food histories through hands-on connection and interaction,” said Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Downtown Market. “Our goal is to help educate cooks of all ages and experience by bringing to life the flavors from the big screen.”Over the course of the year-round, once-monthly film series, guests will be treated to various lessons in creating delicacies such as chocolate, pastries, cocktails, French cuisine as well as wine tastings and charcuterie, an all-ages cooking class and even an occasional succulent chef’s dinner.
“UICA and the Downtown Market are creating a deliberate connection between the sights and sounds of the film experience with the tastes and aromas of the local food culture,” said Miranda Krajniak, executive director of the UICA. “Audiences can explore the UICA and broaden their knowledge of not only art, but food, film and how they translate into a unified experience.”
New buildings means new businesses, and new businesses signifies a pulsing economy and job opportunities. The 13 acres of land formally known as Majestic Towne Centre on Clyde Park Avenue south of 44th Street, are being transformed with construction of new businesses. A new hotel, a power sports dealership, and a gas station will be new additions to Wyoming.
A new 126-room, 4 story WoodSpring Suites Hotel is being built on the 13 acres of land. The chain operates 200 hotels in 31 states and already has locations in Holland and Kalamazoo.
The site of Fox Powersports
Fox Powersports will make a new home in a 56,000 square-foot facility that will combine their Grand Rapids and Kentwood stores. The new facility will showcase watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs, scooters, motorcycles, and UTVs.
The new J&H Mobil Station will have a Tim Hortons – complete with drive-through – attached. It’s an exciting time for business developers in Wyoming!
Crestwood Middle School psychologist Kathy Lennon was feeling surly. She was not about to listen to social worker Cathy DeHaan lead a session at the EKConference 2015.
Lennon sat at her desk and picked loudly at the cardboard on her coffee cup. “How are you doing?” DeHaan asked as she approached Lennon to see what the problem was.
“Fine!” Lennon said.
“It looks like maybe you’re stressed out,” DeHaan said.
“It looks like maybe you’re stressed out, and you’ve got a class to teach so you might as well teach it!” answered Lennon.
The professionals were reenacting how a student escalates into defensiveness, and how best to respond to their behavior in the workshop titled, “Mental Health Issues in School and Verbal De-Escalation.” It focused on how a student’s mental health impacts success in school, touching on depression, anxiety, marijuana use and related behaviors.
Teachers match gender and sexual orientation terms to their definitions during the workshops, “Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ Students” (Courtesy of SNN)
Playing to their Strengths
The EKConference allowed DeHaan to share her knowledge with other East Kentwood High School and Crestwood Middle School teachers. Educators chose from 74 workshops spread over five sessions.
Co-created last year by teachers and academic coaches Luke Wilcox and Tracey Kooy, the purpose of the conference is for staff members to tap into one another’s knowledge. Sharing expertise ultimately leads to better teaching, they said, and educators are carrying what they learn into the classroom.
“It’s great for the teachers because we are learning from each other and we are able to hear from different areas of specialty,” Lennon said. “There are so many different subjects to hear about.”
Throughout the day, educators covered topics on technology, art, history, writing, leadership, special education, reading, test preparation, speech, fundraising, math, science, teaching, English-language learners and new teaching approaches.
Counselor Jennifer Bailey shakes a pop bottle, symbolizing growing stress which leads to an explosion during a workshop on mental health (Courtest of SNN)
Workshops were as diverse as exploring ways to use GoFit heart sensors in physical education, and how teenagers use American music and pop culture to establish voice, identity, craft and civic responsibility.
The goal is to give teachers a place where they can easily collaborate, follow up and feel comfortable doing so, said Kooy, an English teacher who has been involved in a research project with the University of Toronto for three years based on professional development needs. Traditional professional development sessions are led by visitors on a one-time basis.
“When teachers can choose their learning, they are more invested,” Kooy said. It’s not everyone learning the same thing, because that marginalizes learning and it doesn’t allow us to seek out where we have a weakness. If we can visit sessions where we feel we can learn the most, it’s empowering.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
The Nutcracker is a holiday classic that comprises a massive effort behind the scenes. Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) will hold auditions for The Nutcracker on Saturday, September 19 from 12pm-3pm. Dancers must be registered as a full-time student in Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) to audition.
All students interested in auditioning for The Nutcracker need to sign up at the School Office prior to the audition date. The School Office is located at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance at 341 Ellsworth Ave SW and is open Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm.
The Nutcracker, re-imagined in 2014 by Polar Express author Chris Van Allsburg, is a magnificent production featuring choreography by Val Caniparoli and sumptuous set design by Eugene Lee. Sugar plum fairies, fighting mice, and toy soldiers make this enchanting story the perfect tradition for the entire family.
It is preferred that both parent and student be present to sign-up (a parent signature is required to complete the form). In addition, students need to provide an audition photograph meeting the following qualifications:
4 x 6 OR 5 x 7 portrait
Full body, wearing classroom attire (class leotard/shirt, tights, ballet shoes, and hair pulled back from the face)
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local dance students to take part in a beloved holiday classic by an internationally renowned, professional dance company,” said Patricia Barker, Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet. “The creative team of Chris, Eugene, and Val have created such an enchanting story that truly is a product of Grand Rapids.”
“The Nutcracker” will take place at DeVos Performance Hall with show dates: December 11-13 and 18-20, 2015. For more information on Grand Rapids Ballet, visit www.grballet.com or connect with on Facebook.
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today encouraged people across the state to participate in the 25th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive.
Johnson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette joined the Food Bank Council of Michigan in promoting the campaign during an event at the Lansing City Market today. Schuette and his wife co-founded the annual effort in 1991.
“For 25 years, the Harvest Gathering campaign has seen the people of our great state stand together to not only feed the hungry but to bring them hope,” Johnson said. “Michigan families saw some dark days during those 25 years but Harvest Gathering has never let those families down. I want to thank everyone here today, from the people working the food banks to the truck drivers, sponsors and office workers, for keeping the momentum going.”
Johnson also praised Secretary of State staff for making the food drive so successful every year. Since 2011, Secretary of State offices have collected almost 30 tons of food donations. The Secretary of State portion of the Harvest Gathering campaign runs through Nov. 25 this year.
“Secretary of State offices throughout Michigan have provided vital outreach into local communities for this campaign,” said Phillip Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Michigan Harvest Gathering could not be celebrating this milestone year without the support of such dedicated partners in hunger relief.”
In Michigan, 16 percent of households struggle to put food on the table and 21 percent of children don’t know where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The organization coordinates the program, which supplies the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.
In 2014, the entire Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign collected 386,922 pounds (193 tons) of food and more than $375,000. This year, the campaign’s goal is to collect enough food and funds for two million meals.
Nonperishable food items with a valid expiration date can be dropped off at any Secretary of State office.
Food items especially needed include: canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Other items include baby food or formula, diapers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. The Food Bank requests donors avoid items in glass, as they often break in transit. Financial donations may be made online at www.feedmichigan.org.
ArtPrize has revealed details for its 2015 hospitality spaces. Provided by CWD Real Estate Investment, the ArtPrize Clubhouse, ArtPrize HUB, Hospitality Center and Access Art Lounge are designed to serve as beacons within the ArtPrize district, providing visitors with places to meet, relax and gather information throughout their ArtPrize journey.
ArtPrize Clubhouse
The ArtPrize Clubhouse, presented by Wolverine Worldwide and located at 9 Ionia Ave, will once again serve as a key downtown resource for ArtClub and ArtFan members as well as credentialed Artists, Venues, Sponsors and Media throughout the 19-day event. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
ArtPrize HUB
The ArtPrize HUB provides the perfect starting point for visitors to ArtPrize Seven. Located at 41 Sheldon Blvd, The HUB will serve as the flagship ArtPrize retail space and central meeting place. The HUB Theatre will house all Critical Discourse programming, including “Why These Finalists?” — a two-part, televised event taking place October 5 and 6, during which art experts will compare and speculate upon the Jurors’ Shortlist and Public Vote Final 20 artist entries. Photo of The HUB by Joel Bissell | MLive.com
At The HUB, ArtPrize visitors can register to vote, get comprehensive assistance from on-site ArtPrize concierges, browse the ArtPrize Seven retail store and view the stunning realization of Anila Quayyum Agha’s ArtPrize 2014 winning piece Intersections.
“I am thrilled to show Intersections at the HUB for ArtPrize Seven. It will be a wonderful homecoming!” said Anila Quayyum Agha. “Over the past year, I have often thought of the deep and lasting impact this art competition has had on my career, and I feel heartfelt gratitude — and am still slightly stunned.”
ArtPrize Retail
The new ArtPrize retail line, designed in conjunction with Conduit Studios, includes Michigan-inspired designs, with a vintage feel. Merchandise will be on sale at the HUB starting September 19 and at 11 additional locations throughout the ArtPrize district during the 19-day event.
Pop Up Park
Returning for ArtPrize Seven is the Pop-Up Park designed and provided by Landscape Design Services. The Pop-Up Park will be located outside the ArtPrize HUB and will take over the West side of Sheldon Blvd. Created to provide visitors with a fun, temporary green space to relax in during the event, the Pop-Up Park will also host a variety of daily education programming, including scavenger hunts and after-school activities.
Access Art Lounge
The Access Art Lounge at 50 Monroe Avenue has been designed, in partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County, to ensure that visitors who need a wheelchair, a quiet space, or resources to accommodate their individual needs, have an easy access point to the event. The Access Art Lounge is equipped with resources to help visitors with specialized mobility needs make the most of ArtPrize Seven. Hours are September 23 to October 11, from 12-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday and ArtPrize Awards day.
ArtPrize Hospitality Center
The ArtPrize Hospitality Center located at 40 Pearl (entrance at 130 Ottawa) is where credentialed ArtPrize visitors including Artists, Sponsors, Venues and Media, will go to pick up their pre-printed badges. Hours are 12 – 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12 – 6 p.m. on Sundays and ArtPrize Awards day, starting September 19 and running through October 11.
Michigan House
Following a successful residency in Austin, Texas at SXSW, Michigan House is coming to ArtPrize Seven — located at 40 Pearl and highlighting Michigan creativity across a wide variety of disciplines. The brainchild of Creative Many — a Detroit-based statewide economic development organization for the arts, culture and creative and design industries — Michigan House will provide visitor experiences including concerts, speakers and panel discussions as well as a variety of classes including yoga and photography. Michigan House will be open September 23 to October 11 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
Important Dates
ArtPrize Seven: Sept. 23-Oct. 11, 2015
Round 1 Voting: Sept. 23 at Noon – Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m.
Final 20 Announcement: Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
Round 2 Voting: Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. – Oct.8 at 11:59 p.m.
ArtPrize Awards: Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.
For detailed information, visit the ArtPrize website. Images courtesy of ArtPrize, except where noted.
Independent film making is like taking a trip into the wilderness where the goal is survival. The big wigs aren’t there with seemingly limitless pockets to be a buoy when problems occur, actors and actresses are getting paid very little, if anything at all, and creativity is a must. The ultimate goal is completion, and it takes dedication and flexibility.
Survival isn’t a choice, it’s the only option.
For Dustin Bacon and David Scott Lopez – and their 2011 short film Hunting Trip – a trip into the wilderness built a friendship, and a survival instinct, that continues to create independent films. On October 29, their newest work, an idea transcribed back in April of 2014, will be released for public consumption.
It started as a 24-page script designed to pay homage to the 1985 film Return of the Living Dead. It has since grown into a film almost an hour and a half in length.
Filming began in June of 2014 and wrapped up a few months later in September. Although, the ending did need a re-shoot that was filmed just this past month!
Courtesy of Michael Thayer/Thayer Photography
With the filming completed, the work was far from over. 400 hours of editing and special effects were necessary to get the film up to the standards Dustin and David set for themselves.
Dustin and David have separate roles that makes their partnership, their friendship, work cohesively. Dustin likes to focus on the work behind the camera. The editing, equipment, and directing are his forte. Don’t write Dustin off as an actor though, he will dabble in front of the camera if the movie needs it.
David is the main talent on screen. Not only does he take on a large acting role, but he also acts a teacher to the other actors on set. While David’s IMDB page is littered with small, independent films, he recently had a speaking part in the future blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Many challenges meet an independent film: money pitfalls and technological limitations are two big ones, but Dustin has discovered the biggest hurdle of all… time.
“It’s so difficult to find time for everyone to come together and film,” Dustin explains, “Everyone has busy schedules. You end up using all your weekends to get everyone together. We had one scene where we filmed a party and then staged a fight scene outside of the garage. We ended up filming until 3 a.m. the next morning because we had to get it done! We didn’t have time to per-choreograph the fights either.”
Dustin and David made things easier on themselves by using equipment they already owned. No extra equipment was needed, so no sponsors had to be found. In all, the final cost for the movie ended up being what was spent on food for the cast, a whopping $600.
When Dustin takes a step back, he let’s the accomplishment sink in, “We made a feature film on a shoe-string budget. We took a concept we had and put it into reality.”
ArtPrize, the radically open international art competition decided by public vote and expert jury, today launched the ArtPrize Seven mobile app, developed in partnership with Atomic Object for both iOS and Android. Combined with a streamlined and newly updated website, the ArtPrize suite of technology-based audience engagement tools will deliver a seamless user experience, with the voting module as its centerpiece. The ArtPrize Seven mobile app is now available for download via the Apple and Google Play stores, allowing visitors to begin planning their experience for the 19-day event.
The intersection of art and technology is central to the way that ArtPrize was founded and continues to run to this day, powering the public vote and the artist-venue connections process, as well as influencing the way that artists make and share their work. Since the close of the 2014 event, ArtPrize has worked to refine both the mobile app and website, ushering in a sleeker, leaner design and surfacing the most sought-after content, features and functionality on both platforms.
“This year we really focused on presenting our app and website users with a more streamlined experience, not only in terms of aesthetics but in functionality,” noted Jonathan Hunsberger, ArtPrize Director of Technology. “Our hope is that these tools will become a focal point for visitors throughout the event, enhancing and informing their ArtPrize journey.”
The popular List feature returns to the ArtPrize mobile app and artprize.org, allowing everyone to browse the 1,550 artist entries competing in ArtPrize Seven and create unlimited lists of the artwork that they most want to see. Lists are easily shared via social media, text message and email, and ArtPrize-goers can browse and follow Lists that have been made available to the public. The mobile app easily generates detailed walking directions between venues, encouraging visitors to explore more of the event and form their own experiences off the beaten path.
Also returning to the mobile app are the ArtPrize event and blog integrations, keeping visitors in the know about what’s happening around the event. The continuation of the interactive map feature at artprize.org and within the mobile app gives greater context to the location of venues, events, restaurants and brewpubs that are in their vicinity. The mobile app will be continuously updated throughout the 19-day event, providing users with real-time useful information to plan their visit.
And of course the public will cast their votes, and ultimately decide the winners of $250,000 in prizes, via the mobile app, at artprize.org, and by text message (SMS). Voters will be able to register while downtown via the mobile app, skipping the lines at designated voting sites — and then cast their votes either from within the event boundaries or wherever their day may lead them.
ArtPrize Seven will take place from September 23 to October 11, 2015 when three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan will become an open playing field where everyone can join the conversation about art, and where the public decides the winners’ circle.
For kids and the kids at heart ages 6 to 96, Kent District Library is proud to introduce the new series Fun with Grandkids!. The series includes three programs:
DIY Spa — where participants make their own pampering products to take home
Zentangle Connect — a class on creating intricate, black and white, abstract art through the Zentangle method intended for children ages 8 and up
Nostalgic Gaming — where we provide the classic games like Jacks, marbles, checkers and more.
“We’ve created hands-on programming, aimed at an intergenerational audience and scheduled for the weekend hours so that out-of-town grandparents, as well as local grandparents, can participate in fun, library-centered activities with their grandkids,” said Lynda Austin, Youth Services Paraprofessional at KDL.
The program is open to children with a parent, grandparent or guardian. Pre-registration is required for DIY Spa and Zentangle Connect and can be completed by calling (616) 784-2007.
Schedule
DIY Spa
Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township Branch
Saturday, October 17, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, October 22, 4:00 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch
Nostalgic Gaming
Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch
Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Wednesday, November 18, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 21, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, November 28, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch
Zentangle Connect
Saturday, September 19, 1:00 PM – Englehardt ( Lowell) Branch
Saturday, September 26, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, October 7, 4:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Monday, October 26, 6:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM – Alto Branch
Saturday, November 28, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Kent District Library is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.
Bluegrass music is American music, pure, honest and beautiful in its simplicity. It came out of the mountains of Appalachia from a rich musical heritage of Scotch/Irish immigrants and was passed down from generation to generation.
Come, celebrate and enjoy this most American music at Fallfest 2015. Join us on September 18-19, 2015 at the Kent County Youth Fairgrounds in Lowell, Michigan for a music festival that the whole family can enjoy. We will have instrument workshops, food vendors and lots of campsite jammin’.
Actually, jammin’ will be the main focus for this entire festival. Bring your instrument and join in. There will be something for all levels of ability.
Also, there will be an open stage on Friday and Saturday for bands and/or individuals that want to perform before an audience. Be sure to bring lawn chairs for the great show inside our concert building. It’s Bluegrass music, come rain or shine.
The great news, admission for the festival is just your donation! Campsites are available for just $15 per night.
Just the Facts:
Fallfest Bluegrass Music Festival Camp & Jam Event
September 18-19, 2015
Kent County Youth Fairgrounds, Lowell MI
West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association
Dave Simmonds-Promotion and Publicity Chairman
Phone (616) 897-6220
Fallfest 2015 is sponsored/produced by the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association. For more information or interview, call WMBMA President Lee Strassburger at (616) 891-8825 or visit our website at www.wmbma.org
As ‘your mission,’ “Is not this simpler? Is this not your natural state? It’s the unspoken truth of humanity, that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life’s joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel.”
You came back to see what I accomplished on Sunday., and as I mentioned in my last article, I will dive into the shopping and vendors at Comic-Con.
But first, I did attend one last panel on Sunday called The Art Directors Guild Illustrators. There were five panelists who all work for the film industry and the Local 800 at the discussion. The panelists were Ed Natividad whose credits include Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Transformers: Age of Extinction, Amy Lynn Umezu – Kong: Skull Island, Patrick Rodriguez – The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, Jeffery Errico – Terminator Genisys and Straight Outta Compton, and Tim Burgard – Jurassic World and Fantastic Four.
Seated left to right is Jeffery Errico, Amy Lynn Umezu, Patrick Rodriguez, and Ed Natividad
The panel was asked some fun questions by the crowd. One of the questions asked was “How is the art department changing?” There were several answers. Jeffery Errico mentioned the use of a Lightbox as the tool of choice in the art department. They used to use thumb nails, post-it, and scans to communicate with the rest of the crew.
Patrick Rodriguez mentioned that 2D and 3D applications were easier to use than the other choices, but most of the time he still prefers to draw.
The panelists were then asked to describe their favorite project. Jeffrey Errico’s favorite projects that he worked on were Burlesque and This is the End. Amy Lynn Umezu’s enjoyed working on Jurassic World and This is the End. Patrick Rodriguez’s liked working on the action movies Cowboys and Aliens and Iron Man 2. Last, but not least, Ed Natividad’s favorites were Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
My favorite quote from this panel was when Amy Lynn Umezu said, “Keep going for it; do what you love to do.”
Different Costumes at Comic-Con
The most important thing they mentioned was the benefits of being a part of the union because you will end up getting more work. It’s tough getting into the film industry, but well worth working for once you make it in.
After the panel, I went to check out the vendors and do some shopping. The vendors had some pretty cool items for sale, including costumes!
The 501st and Rebel Legion were both there. Those are two different Star Wars groups that you can join and do volunteer work while dressed in Star Wars costumes. They had some great looking headpieces. Many people were dressed up in crazy costumes and there were life size sculptors.
Comic-Con was just as amazing as everyone always says it is. Being Press was definitely awesome and I was able to get a few more perks such as guaranteed seating in the Her Universe Fashion Show. It is certainly Fanboy central out in San Diego and something that every geek should experience at least once in your lifetime.
Different headpieces at the venders
Signing off until next time, “Live long and prosper.”
Katie works in the film industry as a camera operator and has worked on films like ‘All You Can Dream’, ‘Set Up’ and a TV show called ‘American Fallen Soldier.’ She loves helping WKTV with the Citizen Journalism team and working as a tech at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Katie loves working in the film industry and loves watching movies just as much!
Adult cancer survivors have a new program available to them through local YMCA centers and the LIVESTRONG program to help reclaim health and fitness. The LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA is offered for free to help turn around the effects of the disease, which take a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected.
According to the National Cancer Institute, chances are that someone you know, maybe even you, will be diagnosed with cancer during a lifetime. The numbers may seem shocking – one out of two men and one out of three women.
The good news is that figures show the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024. Coping with cancer, and the return to normal life, is more manageable with a network of support. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA supports cancer survivors, while emphasizing a survivor’s health, rather than the disease.
SONY DSC
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12 week program with free membership at the YMCA, reintroduces participants to a variety of physical activities in a safe and supportive environment. Activities include: weight training, cardiovascular exercise, water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. YMCA LIVESTRONG instructors are trained to meet the needs of cancer survivors with exercises and supportive care, and work with participants to develop a program that meets their specific needs.
Research shows that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity reduces fatigue, boosts self-esteem, improves muscle strength, and increases physical endurance in individuals after cancer treatment.
Cancer survivors are encouraged contact one of the YMCAs offering the LIVESTRONG program. Check below for locations, next session schedules, and possible late sign ups.
Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA
616.363.3000 6555 Jupiter Ave Ne, Belmont, MI 49306
September 13 – December 1, 4:30 – 5:45pm
September 13 – December 1, 11:00am – 12:15pm
Lowell YMCA (616) 897-8445
35 YMCA Drive Lowell, MA 01852
January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm
January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 10:45am – 12:00pm
September 12 – November 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm
Set in a world of privilege, prohibition, decadence, wealth, colliding social worlds, and the incompatible contradictions, The Great Gatsby portrays an ill-fated quest for the American Dream.
Kicking off its 90th year, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (GRTC) opens this stage play Sept. 11, which runs through Sept. 27. Described as a cautionary tale, the production is recommended for teen and adult audiences. It closely follows the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald and includes original dialogue.
First published in 1925, Fitzgerald’s 50,000-word novel focuses on 10 individuals living in the non-existent town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. Mysterious, self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby is consumed by his passion and obsession with a beautiful, high-society girl, Daisy Buchanan. Driven to recreate himself as something astounding, and believing that fiction can be transformed into truth, the young man becomes ensnared in a trap of deception that costs him the ultimate sacrifice, as he passionately pursues the enigmatic Daisy Buchanan in a story of danger, greed, and obsession.
Inspired by the wild parties he reveled in on Long Island’s north shore, Fitzgerald started planning the novel in 1923. Writing was slow going, and the author completed his first draft after he moved to the French Riviera in 1924.
Fitzgerald died thinking his book was a failure
Upon publication, The Great Gatsby received mixed reviews; it sold only 20,000 copies the first year. When Fitzgerald died in 1940, he believed himself a failure and his work forgotten. Then, the novel enjoyed a resurgence during World War II and became required reading in American high schools. Over the years, many stage and film adaptations were produced, including the 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Fitzgerald based many of the novel’s events on his own early life experiences. He grew up in Minnesota, and like Nick, he attended an Ivy League school, Princeton (in Nick’s case, Yale).
As with Gatsby, Fitzgerald was seduced into a life of decadence as he sought to prove himself to the object of his obsession. As a second lieutenant stationed at Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, Alabama, Fitzgerald met and fell in love with a tempestuous teenaged beauty named Zelda Sayre. Zelda’s insatiable desire for fun, leisure, and wealth caused her to delay marrying Fitzgerald until he could prove to her that he was a success.
As he attained celebrity status, Fitzgerald tumbled into a wild, irresponsible lifestyle of parties and self-indulgence, all the while writing to earn money in a desperate struggle to please Zelda. Similarly, Gatsby amasses a great deal of wealth at a young age, and applies himself to procuring possessions and hosting lavish parties designed to win him Daisy’s love.
Gatsby embodies Fitzgerald’s struggle to confront his clashing feelings about the Jazz Age. As with Gatsby, Fitzgerald was propelled by his obsession for a woman who epitomized everything he wanted, even as she led him toward everything he loathed.
The case of The Great Gatsby
The GRCT production stars Brian Peerbolt as Jay Gatsby, Audrey Filson as Daisy Buchanan, Whitney Dykhouse as Myrtle Wilson, Sydney Doorbos as Jordan Baker, Matthew Swartz as Tom Buchanan, David Cobb as Nick Carraway, Patrick Hendren as George Wilson, Linnae Caurdy as Mrs. McKee/Michaelis, Liam Tichelaar as Mr. McKee/Cop, and Leo Zainea as Meyer Wolfsheim.
WHEN: September 11-27 WHERE: Grand Rapids Civic Theater, 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Call 616.222.6650 or purchase tickets ($16-$28) online
Link to commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIV1PjRWaYk&feature=youtu.be
The 2015/16 Season Ticket Pages are on sale now. Learn more here.
Born to South Korean immigrants, Christine Lee has always been aware of her “otherness” as a child growing up in white America. From “strange” lunches brought to school to the disappointing launch of Margaret Cho’s All-American Girl, Lee has been waiting for Asian-Americans’ glimpse of inclusion in America’s grand mosaic. It finally arrived when she watched–with her white boyfriend–ABC’s novel Fresh Off the Boat, a weekly sitcom featuring a Chinese-American family and their everyday culture clash in Orlando, Florida. Alan talks with Christine about diversity, inclusion, and the function of storytelling.
Mike DeWitt and Colleen Pierson got a chance to tell the story of Marge Wilson’s–from Marge’s Donut Shop– life. Becoming a Citizen Journalist offers opportunities to share stories.
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Wyoming, Kelloggsviile, Godwin Heights and Godfrey Lee Public Schools students fill their summer days with fun and activities through TEAM 21, which blended summer school and recreation
By: Erin Albanese – School News Network
In recent years, Michigan school children have enjoyed a three-month summer break, by law not returning to the classroom before Labor Day. But as administrators work to add days to the school calendar, that soon may change.
Paradoxically, the state prohibits schools from starting before Labor Day unless they are granted a waiver, but it is also bumping up the required number of school days. Districts must be in session 180 days and 1,098 hours for the 2016-2017 school year. That’s up from 170 last year and 175 this year.
Kent County superintendents are meeting in mid-October to fit more days into the schools’ common calendar for the 2016-2017 school year, with several ideas on the table: a pre-Labor Day start (by applying for waiver county-wide unless the law is changed), a shorter winter break and eliminating mid-winter break. The common calendar aligns winter, spring and mid-winter breaks so area children have the same days off.
Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Caniff said adding days to the school calendar in June may mean an overall benefit to tourism dollars created by the Labor Day mandate may no longer hold true. Students are already involved in sports, band and extracurricular activities before Labor Day. Most of all, starting school earlier makes sense for many schools.
“At the elementary level, a compressed summer schedule also could be beneficial to prevent regression of learning that occurs over the summer months,” Caniff said.
Wyoming Public Schools’ calendar has stretched from late May or early June until the Tuesday after Labor Day for several years. That will soon change, and Superintendent Tom Reeder, who is on the committee, said starting before Labor Day would align the start of school with extracurriculars.
“I would like to start earlier than Labor Day, when things are back with band and sports and the students have had a break,” he said.
For Kelloggsville Public Schools, the added days won’t change anything, said Tammy Savage, the district’s director or instruction. The district’s school year goes later into June than surrounding schools.
Wyoming students meet a goat during Team 21
“Kelloggsville has 180 student days in their school year and always has,” Savage said. “It is our belief that in addition to the academics, being in school provides social and emotional support as well as numerous after school activities.
“Additionally, with a high (number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch) we are able to provide two healthy meals each day,” she said, noting that she would like to see the Labor Day law reversed so school can start a week or two prior to the holiday.
Bill Passage Would Change the Law
House Bill 4396 would allow Michigan’s school boards to set their own start date instead of a mandated start after Labor Day. The bill is co-sponsored by Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. The bill would lock in a four-day holiday weekend, giving students Friday before the holiday off.
For this school year, 100 of the state’s 900-plus districts have applied for waivers to start early anyway, including Greenville Area School District.
Former Superintendent Pete Haines, now Ottawa Area ISD superintendent, said he applied for the waiver because many of the high school students are dual-enrolled at Montcalm Community College, which starts classes before Labor Day. Many other Montcalm County schools also received waivers. Greenville Area School District opened its doors Aug. 31.
Aligning the calendars makes sense, Haines said, but there are other reasons an earlier start works better.
“Frankly, kids are ready to get back,” he said. “They are just ready.”
The issue of snow days also factors into fitting in school days and hours, he said. The last two years have been especially snowy.
Students in TEAM 21 spend a summer day swimming
“There is a concern over summer slide,” Haines said, referring to learning lost during vacation. “This does open the dialogue for what a more balanced calendar would do.”
More or Less School? History Shows Different Trends
As a way to buoy tourism, the post-Labor Day start law was enacted in 2005 to give families one last summer hurrah before school. This year, with the holiday falling as late as it possibly can on the calendar, most students don’t start school until Sept. 8, following more than three months off.
At the time the law came into effect, former Gov. Jennifer Granholm said it would not affect children because districts will continue to spend the same number of hours at school, with wiggle room for vacation days and how late in the spring districts remain in session.
The change is another about-face for the state. Michigan increased its school calendar requirements through the 1990s, bumping the mandated minimum classroom hours from 900 to 1,098, with a minimum of 180 days in session, according to the report, “School Daze: Michigan’s Shrinking School Year,” created by The Center for Michigan, an Ann Arbor-based think tank.
The goal was to incrementally increase the minimum-day requirement until it reached 190 days in 2006-07. Instead, legislators dropped the day requirement completely as of the 2003-04 school year, leaving a 1,098-hour mandate in place. Lansing told districts that they could shorten the school year by making each school day a few minutes longer, according to the report.
“Eliminating the days requirement coincided with single-state and then the national recession, and some districts dropped back to as few as 145 days a year in their efforts to save money,” according to The Center for Michigan report.
Across the country, many states require 180 days of instruction, and many are in school well before Labor Day. Minnesota and Virginia also have the post-Labor Day start-date law.
Another thing to consider is the oft-cited problem of summer slide, when students who aren’t engaged in dune climbs or museum tours slip back reading levels and forget their math. Many districts already work to make summer more enriching for students through various summer programs.
Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten said the reasoning behind the Labor Day law is “stupid,” but students experience learning loss as a result of not receiving instruction in an in-depth, meaningful way. As for the Labor Day start, he’s not convinced it’s much of a factor.
“I don’t think it matters,” Britten said. “I think it’s what we do during the school year that makes the difference, and that’s what we want to focus on.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
In honor of those who sacrificed their lives during the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001, the exhibit 9/11: A Day That Changed America, on loan from the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City, and a rescue vehicle used following the attacks, on loan from the Henry Ford Museum, will be on display at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (GRFPM) in downtown Grand Rapids. The exhibits will be on display as part of the 14th annual Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute on Sept. 11, 2015.
In addition, Wounded Warriors from the West Michigan region, and the flag that will be flown at the museum during the commemoration, will be escorted into Grand Rapids by fire and police personnel, and more than 200 motorcyclists. Several other events are scheduled during the commemoration.
For the 14th year, the President Ford Council, Boy Scouts of America will lead the West Michigan community in a day-long “Scout Salute” at the GRFPM on Sept. 11 to pay respect to all those who died during the terrorist attacks. The day of remembrance has been held annually from sunrise to sunset since Sept. 11, 2002, at the GRFPM and has been supported by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation each year.
“Each year the Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute are commemorated here in Grand Rapids so children and their families have the opportunity to learn about the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001,” Joe Calvaruso, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation said. “This year’s events and exhibits allow the West Michigan community to honor and remember all those who gave their lives because of the terrorist attacks 14-years-ago.”
To honor the arrival of the flag that will be flown during the Scout Salute, during the afternoon of Sept. 10, Wounded Warriors, members of various police and fire departments, the Patriot Guard Riders, members of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle group and the Boy Scouts of America will escort the flag to the GRFPM from the National Guard Armory located in Belmont, Mich. Upon the flag’s arrival to the museum at 5 p.m., it will be raised during a ceremony which is open to the public.
During evening ceremonies on Sept. 11, SpartanNash will present a personalized Honor and Remember flag to the parents of Army Specialist 4th Class Brian K. Derks, who was killed in action August 13, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq.
“SpartanNash cares deeply for those who protect our families and defend our freedoms, and we are committed to ensuring that these brave men and women’s sacrifices and stories are not forgotten,” said Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash vice president, corporate affairs and communications. “The Honor and Remember flag pays tribute to all our soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country, paying the ultimate price for our freedoms.”
While the exhibits are on display in Grand Rapids, the GRFPM, located at 303 Pearl Street N.W., is free and open to the public to visit. The museum and exhibit will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 11.
The schedule of events for the day includes:
7:18 a.m. (sunrise) Scout Salute begins – the community is encouraged to participate at any time during the day
8:40 a.m. Honor Guard lowers flag from full- to half-staff
8:45 a.m. Moment of Silence and Remembrance
8:46 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 1 (the time the first plane hit the first tower)
8:50 a.m. Introduction of speaker Mayor George Heartwell
9:03 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 2
9:37 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for the Pentagon
10:03 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for United Airlines Flight 93
Noon Ceremony to honor Police, Fire, EMS and Military members
12:30-2 p.m. Canine unit demonstration, meet and greet at Ah-Nab-Awen Park
7 p.m. Evening ceremonies begin
· Performance by The Salvation Army Brass Band
· SpartanNash Honor and Remember flag presentation
· Remarks from keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley
· Remarks from Boy Scout Council President Wayman Britt
· The final salute and the flag being raised to full-staff
It’s time to honor our local law enforcement officers and firefighters!
Join Steve’s Antique Auto Repair and other local businesses on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, for their Second Annual Police & Fire Appreciation Day from 12-3 pm at 1803 Farragut SW, Wyoming, Mich. Area restaurants like Main Street Pub, Tommy Brann’s, and others are providing food and refreshments. Expect a most excellent cake from Marge’s Donut Den.
Lately, the media has focused on the acts of a few bad cops. That gives people a skewed perception and often incites violence against law enforcement officers. Steve’s Antique Auto Repair wants to help change that perception.
“The police are always here for us, and we never take the time to give a big thank-you to them,” says Harriet Sturim, PR Manager of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair.
Husband, Rick, and son, Steve own the business, which repairs cars 1972 and older—before the advent of computers and catalytic converters, back when you could put an ear toward the engine and figure out the problem.
“The police are very involved in our community,” says Sturim. “They come to business meetings and keep us informed about crime in the area or bad checks circulating. They patrol our businesses at night and leave a business card letting us know that all was well at 2:00 a.m. We need the police, and we support them.”
Expect to see some cool cruisers, crime scene vans, EMT rescue ambulances, and big fire trucks. The public is welcome to join in the festivities, but no unescorted kids are allowed. “Parents must keep an eye on their small children at all times,” says Sturim. “This is an active garage, with machinery, tools, and cars.”
So far this year, 47 suicides have been completed in Kent County. Six of those who died so far in 2015 were 19 years of age or less, the same number of suicides for that age group in all of 2014. We can work now to prevent another lost life. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and Thursday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Kent County Health Department wants you to know there is help available.
People considering suicide will sometimes talk or write about death or dying. Some will actually look for items to use in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs. You may note dramatic mood swings or personality changes in someone who is suicidal, a loss of interest in daily activities, and/or hopelessness. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suggests if you suspect someone needs help:
– Begin by telling the suicidal person you are concerned about him or her.
– Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide.
– Ask if the person is considering suicide, and whether he or she have a particular plan or method in mind. (These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.)
– Ask if they are seeing a clinician or are taking medication so the treating person can be contacted.
– Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Let them know you care, that they are not alone and that
If you think someone is considering suicide, call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency department for professional help. “There are many professionals in Kent County committed to helping people who are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts,” said Adam London, Administrative Health Officer of the Kent County Health Department. “We need to be sure that people can easily find these important resources.”
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and one call connects you to local resources. This line is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, and your call is free.
The moment one life ends from suicide, the pain and struggles begin for those left behind. The Healthy Kent Suicide Prevention Coalition is teamed up with Network180 for a “Survivor Outreach Program.” Trained volunteers offer support to family members and friends who are struggling with loss. The hotline—which can be reached at 616.336.3909—will put you in touch with a coordinator, who will contact the family in person or over the phone in the next 3-5 days.
*There will be a free screening of a new movie that follows a boy’s journey after he finds out his father died by suicide. The movie Hope Bridge begins at 6:30 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema South in Grand Rapids. Seating is based on a first come, first serve basis. If you can’t make Thursday night’s event, there are several other screenings happening throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month.
One to my favorite places to to use technology is in the kitchen. I’ve found ways to utilize my laptop, iPad, and my phone in the kitchen as a reference while cooking. Just recently, we delegated a first generation iPad to the kitchen. While the iPad itself is considered out of date, because it doesn’t run the current iOS, some Apps still function on this old piece of technology.
So, what still works?
Well, for starters, the web browser still functions with no problem. That’s all I need to pull up any cooking website or blog I want. I was also able to download older versions of apps like Pinterest, How to Cook Everything, and Allrecipes’ Dinner Spinner to name a few. I was very pleased to be able to access Pinterest because there are so many great recipe links that people share.
The iPad also has the Kindle App, so I’m able to access all of the cookbooks that I’ve already purchased from Amazon.com. I was able to get the one’s I’ve already downloaded as a free download!
Of course, before I even get to the kitchen, I try and have my meal plan already in my calendar complete with links to the recipe I’ll be making. I try and list the main dish with 1 or 2 side dishes that I would like to make with it. Sometimes the recipe link is the main dish, and sometimes it’s a link for the side dish.
While the iPad is a great technology to have in the kitchen, there’s a company that makes cooking even easier by delivering groceries! That’s right, Doorganics is a local company that specializes in delivering fresh, local, and organic food right to your home. I took the option to receive deliveries every 2 weeks. The Thursday before the food is delivered, Doorganics sends an email with a list showing what is planned for the delivery. If I need to, I can login to their website and change the order.
Measuring is made so much easier by technology, and because of that, my digital scale has become a mainstay in the kitchen. I use it for measuring everything from the correct amount of flour for Great Grandma’s recipe to the correct portioned size piece of steak to have for dinner – 3 ounces isn’t as big as you think it is!
Of course, some of the basic apps on your phone can be helpful too. The clock app has a built in timer, and when I am cooking a lot of items for bit events like Thanksgiving, I will use the Alarm setting in the app to keep watch on multiple items.
Last, but certainly not least, is the camera built right into my Phone. Yep, I’m one of those people that shares their food. I usually post it on my Facebook page with a link to the recipe. Occasionally, the picture might be shared on Instagram, but I promise it is few and far between!
Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West MI area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.
National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino American heritage and culture. The month long celebration begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The month long celebration was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The 2015 theme is “Honoring our Heritage.”
In keeping with the theme, there are several events taking place around the neighborhood, most free to attend. Check out the list below compiled by the Diversity and Inclusion Office for the City of Grand Rapids. For more information call 616‐234‐3390.
Hispanic Festival 2015 – September 11, 12, & 13, 2015
Celebrate the diversity our region has to offer with the Hispanic Festival benefiting the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The Festival features an exciting mix of culture, music and food from different Latin American countries with three days of stage performances, traditional and artisan wares, children’s activities and food vendors. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information check with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
Fiesta Mexicana – September 18‐19, 2015 from 11am to 11pm
One of the largest and oldest festivals in the region. Fiesta Mexicana celebrates the Mexican community and has been celebrated for over 45 years. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information find details at http://mexican‐heritage.org/
Latino Culture & Identity Lecture – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Henry Muñoz III will present a lecture on Latino Culture and Identity as part of the Diversity Lecture Series, intended to give insight and understanding of multicultural issues to the West Michigan community, helping audiences consider perspectives other than their own, encouraging civil debate and promoting cultural understanding. Held at Fountain Street Church on 24 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids.
The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meets every Tuesday from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at 1167 Madison Avenue SE, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 . Walk‐ins welcome or call 616‐452‐3960. Find more information at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website.
Some of the craziness in the lines for Hall H and one inside Hall H
By: Katelyn Kohane
As “your mission,” – “You see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push!” – You came back to see what I accomplished on Saturday. It was justice… Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
I arrived early at Comic-Con, around 8 am, and got in line for Hall H. After hearing that the movie’s director, Zach Snyder, showed up the night before driving the new Batmobile, I knew it was going to be a long shot getting into Hall H.
I got in line far from the front. In fact, I was across the street and around the corner down by the marina. Just to clear up how crazy this line was, there were people camped out over night!
When the line finally started moving and I inched closer to the main entrance, I noticed one of the Comic-Con employees holding a counter to tally the total attendance and stop the line when the Hall fills. I asked him what number he was at and he responded with a number that was music to my ears, “4,400.” I was going to get into Hall H for Batman!
It was around 10 am by the time we finally entered Hall H.
Will Smith for “Suicide Squad.”
Once seated inside, it did not take long for the presentation to start! The presentation started with The Man From U.N.C.L.E. – which is currently in theaters now. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer both showed up in Hall H.
Next they showed us Pan, which opens in theaters on October 9th. Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund, and director Joe Wright all came for the presentation. They said, “Pan is completely new for 2015. It’s an origin story of how Pan became Pan.”
Joe Wright said, “Their inspiration was the strangeness of JM Barrie’s book.”
After Pan, we were shown the Suicide Squad. Margot Robbie, Will Smith, director David Ayer and a few others showed up. David Ayer made a bold claim and stirred up excitement when he said, “These are the best villains ever.”
Suicide Squad led us to the main event for Hall H.
First two rows: Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill. Bottom left: Gal Gadot, bottom center: Jesse Eisenberg, and bottom right: Amy Adams.
When it was time for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the trailer was shown twice because everyone loved it so much! The presentation opened and closed with the trailer.
Once the trailer played, the actors came out on stage and the star power was truly amazing. Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck and Zach Snyder all showed up to talk to the crowd. It was incredible to see them all. Zach Snyder said, “It’s not the story revival of Batman v Superman, it’s their own version.”
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” is to stay tuned and see what I did on the final day of Comic-Con. As a spoiler, I will be talking more about some of the crazy costumes and vendors at Comic-Con. “I’ll be back.”
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he will be cosponsoring the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to ensure pregnant women and new mothers can continue to work and support their families by requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for their health needs and limitations.
“Women in the workforce should never be forced to choose between a healthy pregnancy and their paycheck,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation helps ensure that pregnant workers can continue to provide for their families throughout their pregnancy. I’m proud to cosponsor this important measure that will give workers in Michigan and across the country the workplace protections they deserve.”
In Michigan, approximately 65 percent of pregnant women and new moms are in the labor force, but under current law pregnant workers can be placed on paid or unpaid leave, or even fired because of a pregnancy.
This legislation would prohibit employers from discriminating or retaliating against workers who may have limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions, and require employers to make reasonable accommodations for these employees. Employers would be prohibited from forcing pregnant employees to take paid or unpaid leave, or to leave a job against their will when an accommodation can be made for employees to continue working. These reasonable accommodations are similar to the accommodations required for employees with disabilities by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The legislation would apply to businesses with more than 15 employees and provide protections for both job applicants and employees. It also provides an exemption for businesses in the event an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer.
ArtPrize begins in just under three weeks, and we want to make sure you have all the details on how to plan your ArtPrize Seven experience and make the most of this year’s event. Scroll down to get the lowdown on transport, ArtPrize Tonight, education programming, this year’s jurors, and how you can help out this fall. Be sure to follow us on Facebook + Twitter for the most up to news and announcements.
We can’t wait to see you all soon for ArtPrize Seven, right here, in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
ArtPrize Tonight
Every year, we hear the question, “What’s happening at ArtPrize tonight?”. That’s where ArtPrize Tonight comes in — designed to offer local and visiting ArtPrize-goers alike a comprehensive rundown of what’s happening every evening during the event this fall.
Get details around ArtPrize Tonight’s three facets — On Stage, On Screen and Critical Discourse — and the partnerships that make it all possible.
Alternative ArtPrize Transportation
To help you plan your ArtPrize experience, we revealed the affordable, accessible alternative transportation options that local and visiting ArtPrize-goers alike can take advantage of to get to, and around, ArtPrize with ease — whether it be by bus, bike or on foot.
The entire ArtPrize event is a hands-on contemporary arts experience, filled with opportunities to experiment, discover and create. Learn more about how ArtPrize and our partners will engage youth from PreK to 12th grade this fall.
Artprize Labs
Families are encouraged to check out the new ArtPrize Labs — year-round programming supported by Amway, Grand Valley State University and Herman Miller Cares, launching at ArtPrize Seven. All programming offers hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for all ages — including events, educational resources, workshops, and more. And it’s free!
Interivews with ArtPrize Jurors
Kevin Buist, ArtPrize Exhibitions Director, chatted with this year’s jurors — sharing his conversations on the ArtPrize blog.
Last month we held our annual Volunteer Kick Off Party | Seven Neighborhoods, Seven Stories — to celebrate the upcoming ArtPrize season and the many volunteers that make the event possible, with the support of Lake Michigan Credit Union. Volunteer registration is open, as well as the self-scheduling system.
ArtPrize Seven begins this year on Sept. 23 and runs until Oct. 11. Check out the artprize.org Events Calendar for a comprehensive rundown of all ArtPrize Seven events.
Thanks to Labor Day, over 500 employees at the General Motors Plant in Wyoming have the chance to be home with families today. Production Manager Rick Demuynck, says employees are a critical part of the GM worldwide success and more than deserve a special day off. “Labor Day recognizes the importance of family,” says Demuynck. “Our operations run regularly sometimes 6 days a week. Our folks spend a lot of time away from family, and that requires family sacrifices sometimes because it’s hard to be in two places in the same time. This is a chance to be with families.”
Employees at the GM Plant are just a small segment of the nearly 200 million American workers honored by Labor Day, though some employees will be on the job during special sales or other holiday events. Our 24-7 life style guarantees that Labor Day looks much different now than when it first began, the result of an often turbulent history between labor, management, and the formation of unions.
Rick Demuynck, GM Plant Mgr, Wyoming
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Congress declared the first Monday in September Labor Day in 1894. The national holiday “constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Demuynck agrees that the recognition is fitting. “Obviously, the basic wages and benefits of workers in this community – and that’s about $50 million this year – that money goes right back into the community. Beyond that, investment for operations will double in size over coming years. “
Demuynck, whose father worked in the automotive industry for 47 years, says he is “proud and humbled” to be in charge of the GM Plant. “My earliest memories from my father are the importance of hard work, the importance of labor. We (GM) are the best in the world measured in quality, productivity, any way you want to measure, a direct result of women and men who work here.”
Even though technological advances have reduced jobs over the years, Demuynck claims it would be a mistake to think people are not critical to plant operations.
“Technology is present in different forms of assembly and manufacturing, it helps in quality, which is important in manufacturing. But at the end of day, this is still a people system. We will never be any stronger than the people in the operation in every department.”
So if you’re shopping today, eating at a restaurant, in need of a hospital or any of the other services that keep people on the job today, be sure to thank them. No matter how technical our world gets, people still make Labor Day worth celebrating.
After raining all morning – and most of the afternoon – the sun finally broke a few hours before game time and made for a beautiful night to usher in Comstock Park’s home opener against Wyoming.
The Panthers notched a win in week one after beating Cedar Springs in an offensive shootout 48-38 at the Gridiron Classic hosted at Grand Valley State University. Quarterback Pat Naughton finished that game with 330 yards and 3 touchdowns.
First year Wyoming Head Coach Sam Becker had his home opener spoiled by Byron Center in week one 44-26, but the Wolves showed flashes in their first game, especially from Michael Williams. Williams ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a 90-yard kickoff return.
When these two met on Thursday night at Comstock Park High School, Williams showed his spark while Naughton – and the Panther passing game – stayed relatively quiet.
On Comstock Park’s opening possession, Naughton orchestrated a brilliant drive into the red zone. Led by a handful of jet sweeps from Kiemon Cater, the Panther’s caught the Wyoming defense off-guard. Deep in Wyoming territory, Naughton was popped on a designated quarterback plunge and fumbled the ball. The fumble was recovered by the Wolves.
After a quick Wyoming 3-and-out, Comstock Park quickly took the ball down the field and scored on a 1-yard jet sweep from Keiman Carter to go up 7-0 with 3:49 left in the first quarter.
Michael Williams returns a kickoff in Week 1 against Byron Center
Not even a minute and a half later, Michael Williams took a hand-off off the left tackle 69-yards to the house. A play action pass to Edwin Martinez Diaz on the 2-point conversion gave Wyoming the 8-7 lead.
Early in the second quarter, after a Panther three-and-out and with Wyoming moving the ball consistently, Comstock Park linebacker Brett Taylor made momentum swinging play. He stood up the ball carrier during a routine 5-yard dive behind the right guard and ripped the ball away. 55 yards later, Taylor was in the end zone and gave the Panthers a 14-8 lead.
Comstock Park would tack on a 24-yard Nik Nava field goal with 20 seconds left in the half to extend the lead to nine.
With only 20 second left before half, the Wyoming offense went to work from their own 38-yard line. After a 12-yard Justin Seitz run, quarterback Brendan Berg eyed Michael Williams screaming down the right sideline. The ball was pushed a little far, but Williams extended his full body and pulled it in at the Panther 12-yard line. With 5 second left, and no timeouts, the Wolves handed it to Williams off the left tackle once again, Williams made two defenders miss and dove towards the pylon for a touchdown with no time remaining. The ensuing 2-point conversation brought the score to 17-16 going into halftime.
The third quarter finally saw Monterio Smith – 265 total yards and 4 TDs in week one – get some touches for the Panthers. On a third-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Coach Chapman called a timeout and drew up a drag route to get Smith open in the left corner of the end zone. The play worked to perfection as Naughton hit Smith on the 4-yard pass to give Comstock Park a 23-16 lead with 3:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Comstock Park would fail to convert the PAT as the Wolves attacked relentlessly and were able to block the attempt.
Quarterback Brenden Berg and Coach Sam Becker
Wyoming would answer right back with a touchdown of their own behind the running of Justin Seitz. The senior running back picked up chunks of 7-yards at a time and finished off the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run with 11:53 left in the game.
The Wolves decided to try for two to take the lead, but would come up short to find themselves down 23-22 early in the fourth quarter.
Senior quarterback Pat Naughton took over in the fourth quarter with consistent yardage on designated runs. Late in the fourth quarter, Naughton punched in a touchdown run from 4-yards out to give the Panthers a 30-22 lead
With one final opportunity to tie things up, the Wolves sputtered on fourth down and gave the ball back to the Panthers. Comstock Park would finish off the game in the victory formation and win their home opener by a final of 30-22.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced that he has cosponsored the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act, a bipartisan bill to improve Veterans Administration (VA) health care services to better meet the unique needs of women veterans. According to the VA, as of January 2015 there are more than 46,000 women veterans in Michigan, and nearly 2.3 million women veterans nationwide.
“Every veteran has earned access to the best care, and we must ensure that VA facilities and personnel are prepared to provide those services to the growing number of women who have served our country in uniform,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “Women veterans have specific health care needs, and this legislation will help them access the safe, effective and high-quality services they deserve within the VA system.”
The legislation would require the VA to establish and integrate standards in VA health care facilities that focus on the specific needs of women veterans. Every VA medical center would also be required to have full-time obstetricians or gynecologists to provide services for women veterans.
Senator Peters
The bill also seeks to improve women’s health outcomes by including them as a performance measure that must be reported by VA executives. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would also be required to study the VA’s ability to meet the health, security and privacy needs of women veterans, including the availability of gynecologists and a women’s health clinic in each VA medical center.
Women are a growing demographic within America’s armed forces, and currently make up 15 percent of the U.S. military’s active duty personnel and 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces.
As a former Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserve, Senator Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for Michigan’s veterans and service members. Peters recently joined the bipartisan Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, which focuses on understanding how to best serve the 21st century veteran, specifically those that served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, which includes historically large numbers of women, National Guardsmen and Reservists.
Earlier this month, Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to help veterans who may have been erroneously given an administrative discharge due to behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Peters also cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation signed into the law by the President to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs for veterans.
Two more Grand Rapids-area Secretary of State offices now allow you to reserve a spot in line via the Internet or by phone, saving you time.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced today that customers can schedule appointments and get in line from a home computer, with a phone call or text message at the following offices:
Northeast Kent County PLUS, 3742 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids
Southwest Kent County PLUS, 1056 Rogers Plaza SW in Wyoming
The offices are the latest in the state to offer the innovative customer-service technology called MI-TIME Line. By September’s end, 18 of the busiest Secretary of State offices will offer the service.
When you check in with MI-TIME Line, you’ll get calls or texts updating you on when your turn is coming up — meaning you don’t have to wait in the office.
“MI-TIME Line has revolutionized the waiting experience for Secretary of State customers,” Johnson said. “Get in line online and then do what you want to do. We’ll contact you when it’s almost your turn at the counter.”
To get in line at the Plainfield office from anywhere, customers may call 616-710-3315 or text “plainfield” to 571-414-0207.
To get in line at the Wyoming office from anywhere, customers may call 616-420-8608 or text “wyoming” to 567-455-7660.
The service has been offered since 2014 in the Grand Rapids Area SUPER!Center at 3601 28th St. SE. For that location, call 616-988-3421 or text “grandrapidssos” to 616-710-3915.
Kentwood Community Church together with Michigan Works! are hosting a Community Job Fair on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, at the WYOMING CAMPUS of Kentwood Community Church, located at 2950 Clyde Park Ave SW in Wyoming, Michigan (just south of 28th Street).
September’s event is expected to include 40 businesses. Employers will be on hand, recruiting for over 700 jobs in professional & trade industries, which include sales, customer service, health care, auto tech, manufacturing, truck driving, management, quality assurance, warehouse, marketing, skilled industrial, construction, security, food service and more.
Current registered employers include:
· Advance Security (U.S. Security Associates, Inc.)
· Pearson Foods
· Best Buy #409
· Snelling
· Compass Point Labor Management
· Stratosphere Quality
· Electro Chemical Finishing
· The Avon Shop
· Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
· The Job Post
· Holland Home
· Williamson Employment Services Inc.
· Manpower
· Workforce
· Panera Bread
Workshops
Michigan Works! is facilitating Job Fair & Career Workshops. These free workshops will be held hourly at 9, 10 & 11 AM, during the Community Job Fair in Room #3. In these workshops, participants will learn what to expect at a job fair and tips for success. Also included is how to present and communicate with employers at the job fair and in future interviews. Help to create an elevator pitch to concisely explain work history, career aspirations, education and skills and will provide several tips to take-away for successful interviewing.
Community Job Fair is held the 2nd Wednesday of EACH month
Kentwood Community Church hosts these job fairs as a way to bless and serve the community, also to facilitate great connections between employers & job seekers. Each month the Community Job Fair consistently welcomes an average of 200+ job seekers who participate in this event.
For additional information, contact Kristina Herron, Community Engagement Coordinator, at 616.455.1740 ext.504 or visit www.grjobfair.com.
Hop Head Farms, breweries to showcase flavor, aroma of the Michigan hops
Late August and early September mark the end of summer and the peak of the hop harvest season.
Of the four main ingredients in craft beer, none of them boast the rabid following of the humulus lupulus, or hops. West Michigan Beer Tours, in collaboration with JW Marriott Grand Rapids, Hop Head Farms, of Hickory Corners, Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro, of Hastings, and Founders Brewing Co., of Grand Rapids, will offer a unique immersion into the exciting season with our Hop Harvest Beer Tour.
Registration for the Hop Harvest Beer Tour will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Six.One.Six restaurant inside the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. The bus will depart at noon for Hop Head Farms, a 30-acre farm in Hickory Corners outside of Kalamazoo that is growing and providing hops for breweries all over the country, as well as internationally. Several Michigan breweries will provide samples of their beer using hops from Hop Head Farms to be tasted as part of the unique tour of the hop fields and processing equipment.
“This is a rare opportunity to get a look into what happens to bring our hops to harvest. We do not offer public tours during harvest because of the sheer busyness of the time. We have only a few short weeks to get all of the hops down, picked and dried at their peak maturity. Our facility is the only of it’s kind in the United States, German engineered and chosen to handle our hops to result in the best end product,” Hop Head Farms co-founder Bonnie Steinman said.
After Hop Head Farms, the bus, with Bonnie Steinman on board to answer questions about hops, heads to the Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro in Hastings where brewer Brett Hammond frequently uses Hop Head Farms hops, including in Walldorff’s Harvest Ale. We’ll deliver fresh hops to Hammond. Guests will receive samples or a pint, as well as a tour of the production space.
The trip also visits Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, a frequent collaborator with Hop Head Farms, before returning to the JW Marriott Grand Rapids at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Beer City USA Hotel Packages are also available at the JW Marriott. For more information, contact Brian Behler at brian.behler@jwgr.com or by phone at 616-242-1462.
Tickets for the tour are on sale now. They are $69 for the standard ticket, which includes samples or a pint at Hop Head Farms, Founders and Walldorff, or $85 for premium tickets, which includes everything from the standard ticket as well as a beer at the JW Marriott during registration, a logo’d pint glass from Hop Head Farms and a West Michigan Beer Tours T-shirt.
As “your mission,” “the Force is strong with this one.” You came back to see what I accomplished at Comic-Con on Friday. As I mentioned in part two, I went to all things Star Wars.
Clearly you can see where my allegiance lies in the battle of Star Wars verses Star Trek.
Unlike Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Raj in The Big Bang Theory; I did not get kicked out of Comic-Con for doing something stupid. Unfortunately, I got in line for Hall H just a half hour too late, and since it only holds 6,5000 people, I did not make it inside. However, I did get into four smaller Star Wars panels.
Left to Right: Ashley, Alex and Tom
The first panel I sat in on was called “Star Wars Publishing 2015 Part 1.” Ashley, Alex, and Tom lead the panel as three new publishers writing new books.
Ashley is writing her own version of A New Hope with a new twist on the story. Ashley’s story will go deep into the characters past and will be like the Breakfast Club.
Alex is writing his own version of Empire Strikes Back and calling it, So You Want to Be a Jedi. Alex’s story will be in the second person and it will take the angle that you are being trained by Yoda. In the end, you – yes, YOU – will fight Darth Vader.
Tom is writing Return of the Jedi. He mentioned that there would be a lot of footnotes in his story.
The second panel was called “Star Wars Publishing Part 2.” This was my favorite panel of the day because I was actually familiar with some of the authors and their books. Adam Gray, Christy Golden, Frank Parrse, and CB Cebulski rounded out the panel.
Left: a recent book that Adam Gray helped write. Right: a new comic book talked about during the panel.
Adam Gray, who works for DK Publishing, is a Michigander! It’s always great to have someone from your home state.
Frank Parrse works for Lucasfilm, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics. CB Cebulski spends his time in New York working on Star Wars books. They mentioned a lot of new comics coming out on September 4th 2015. They are also making a new comic series about Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Lando Calrissian.
“Hasbro Star Wars” was the next panel on the docket. Basically, all they talked about were the new toys coming out this fall.
Steve Evans, Chris Gollaher, Sam Smith, Chris Dern, and Chris Nadea filled out the table for this panel. Also, Ashley Eckstine – the voice of “Ahsoka Tano” in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Her Universe – was a special guest appearance on the Hasbro panel.
The panel’s big announcement was that their new toys would be coming out on “Force Friday”, which is September 4th 2015. They have a new Force FX Lightsaber and a Tie Fighter that will be coming out at midnight on Force Friday.
Left: Tie Fighter Right: the new ForecFX Lightsaber
The last panel for the day was called “Star Wars Collectables Update with Lucasfilm.” EFX, General Giant, and Slide Show Collectables all had members represented. General Giant announced that they had a mini bust coming soon of Boba Fett, Jabba The Hutt, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker – just to name a few. EFX is putting together studio scale ships with one being a Tie Fighter.
There was supposed to be a fifth panel, but ILM 40th Anniversary mixed up their flights and didn’t make it to Comic-Con! So, I decided to head over to Hall H to get in line for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
As I waited in line, I quickly realized that there was no way I was going to make it in. People in line had been camped out overnight just to see Star Wars. With Star Wars being one of the biggest draws around with fanboys solely devoted to the films, of course it was going to be almost impossible to get in!
While I tried my luck at getting into Hall H for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I ended up missing a panel I was hoping to catch. On that panel sat director Kyle Newman from Fanboys.
Turns out, that wasn’t the only panel I missed while chasing dreams at Hall H, The Big Bang Theory had a panel with Amy Farrah Fowler and Raj Koothrappali – played by Mayim Bialik and Kunal Nayyar – joining the fun. I suppose Raj was not kicked out of Comic-Con after all!
Kansas City Barbeque where they filmed Top Gun. Pictured is the original piano Goose plays.
Once reality hit me, that I wasn’t going to be one of the lucky 6,500 in Hall H, I decided to head for some lunch to recover and think things over. I wound up at a small place call Kansas City Barbecue. It’s right across the street from the convention center heading toward Sea Port Village. Not only is it nearby, but it’s also where they filmed a scene from Top Gun where Maverick and Goose sing Great Balls of Fire! It helps that they have some of the best BBQ in town.
I headed back to the convention center and went to the exhibit center to find “Bioworld.” This was the booth of the man I had met in the airport in Texas! They had some really cool merchandise. I also found a “Lucasfilm” booth that Adam Gray, one of the authors from the panel: Star Wars Publishing Part 2, was sitting at. I quickly said hello, and told him that I had enjoyed the panel discussion and reading many of his books over the years.
I toured the exhibit hall. There were many great deals and cool booths. Here were a few that I saw: Future Dude, Mattel Inc., Lionsgate, Dark Horse Comics, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Hasbro Inc, Her Universe, ThinkGeek, and Marvel Entertainment.
Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it” is to stay tuned to see what I accomplished on Saturday. As a spoiler, I will mention “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
“Introduce a little anarchy. Upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos.”
Gwenn Dangerfield meets third-grade student Cardell Harmon at registration for the new school year
By: Erin Albanese – School News Network
Name: Gwenn Dangerfield
School: Wyoming Public Schools West Elementary School
What will be your first priorities as principal?
My priorities as the instructional leader of West Elementary are to support teaching and learning and a safe learning environment, and to improve learning outcomes for all students.
I also feel that it is important to support an environment of an inclusive school, whereas all students, staff, parents and the community feel as if they are a part of the West Elementary family.
What are you most looking forward to as principal here?
I am most looking forward to working with the staff students and community of Wyoming Public Schools as a whole to serve as the instructional leader for West Elementary.
What and where was your previous job?
With 26 years as an educator, I worked for Kalamazoo Public Schools for 23 years, serving as an elementary teacher for five years, an elementary assistant principal for five years and an elementary principal for 13 years. I also served as an elementary principal in the Calhoun Intermediate School district for three years.
What are your hobbies and interests?
During my spare time, I like working with my church choir, reading, traveling and enjoying family. Although I am not the best at it, I also enjoy dabbling at the game of golf! I also find the sport of “shopping” to be particularly invigorating as well.
What inspires you?
Psychologist Abraham Maslow (is quoted as saying a variation of) “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to treat everything like a nail.” I am inspired by equipping myself with various “tools” to support the concept of teaching and learning. I absolutely love working in education, and I continue to be inspired by contributing to the success of all students. I am also inspired by the natural goodness of people.
What makes you laugh?
I often find the innocence, as well as the natural sense of humor of children quite funny! Children will consistently make you smile if we take the time to talk with them and listen.
I also enjoy a good comedy every now and then.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am extremely competitive. I love challenges, and don’t accept defeat very well. I played competitive softball for 25 years!
What college degrees did you earn?
Bachelors of Arts (Speech Pathology/Audiology) – Western Michigan University
Masters of Arts (Audiology) with a minor in Education with Special Education emphasis -Western Michigan University
Masters of Arts – (Educational Leadership) – Western Michigan University
Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) – Curriculum & Instruction – University of Michigan
What other positions you have held in education?
I have also had the wonderful opportunity to work as an part-time instructor for Western Michigan University in the department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology, teaching graduate level courses.
Spouse and children?
Husband, Johnny Dangerfield, and five children, three who are graduates from Grambling State University, one from the University of Kentucky and the youngest now entering her senior year at Western Michigan University.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
The discovery of fire gave man the ability to harness heat and light. With fire, the human race can cook, heat their home, and light fireworks on the 4th of July! While fire is a powerful tool, it can also be a hazard if not handled with care. As Uncle Ben wisely told Spider-Man, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
With summer winding down, and fall just over the horizon, City of Kentwood Fire Marshal Tim Maday was kind enough to give us the low-down on staying safe with fire.
Did the use of firework on the 4th of July cause any fires, deaths or injuries this year?
The biggest issue with fireworks on July 4th actually deals with the noise pollution they cause. They’re loud and people don’t like hearing them. Three times as many fireworks were sold in Michigan this year, and as a result, injuries and deaths resulting from fireworks increased. With most of these accidents, alcohol is involved. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix well! On a positive note, there were no fires as a result of Independence Day fireworks!
When it comes to grilling, is it safe to use gas or charcoal? How many grill calls do you get a year?
Gas is safer, because you can turn off the heat source. There fortunately aren’t many fires as a result of grilling gone wrong. Maybe 1 or 2 a year.
Make sure to cover a grease fire
How about cooking fires? What’s that usually a result of?
Cooking fires usually happen when the stove or oven is left unattended. Never leave your stove or oven unattended! Grease fires are usually the cooking fires that get out of hand. If you ever have a grease fire in the kitchen, SMOTHER IT! Make sure it’s smothered with a top of equal size to the pan.
Do not put water on it. Water will enhance the fire and cause an explosion. Throwing baking soda or flour on a grease fire won’t squelch it either. If you don’t have a lid to cover a grease fire, turn off the stove, call 9-1-1, and get out of the house. No personal item is worth dying over.
With fall coming, and the weather dropping, people are going to start using their chimneys more often. How often should you clean your chimney?
You should clean your chimney once each season if you’re a heavy chimney user. If you’re going to get your chimney cleaned or inspected, make sure you call a licensed professional to do the job!
Wrapping paper, for the birthdays and holidays, can it be burnt in the chimney?
Yes it can. It’s very similar to newspaper. Just make sure you burn a reasonable amount at a time. Don’t just throw all of it in at one time!
Don’t let your Christmas tree dry out!
Are Christmas trees problematic to have in the house?
Christmas trees are a huge fire hazard. You need to make sure you keep it watered. If a Christmas tree gets dry, it’s much more likely to catch fire. When it comes to lights on the tree, the new LED lights are a very safe choice. They burn cooler and aren’t as hazardous as older lights.
Where’s the best location for a smoke alarm? How often should they be changed?
Every bedroom on every floor should have a smoke alarm. Even the hallways should have one. Smoke alarms only have a 10 year shelf life. So, switch them out after a decade. There are new smoke alarms that come with a built-in 10 year battery. When the battery is about to die, the alarm beeps and lets you know it’s time for a new one!
If a fire breaks out in the house, what steps should be taken?
First off, every family needs to have a plan. Where to meet, how to get out of the house, etc. Have the family meet up down the street or at a neighbor’s house. Some place where you’re away from the house and can get a quick headcount. Go through the different paths to get out of your house, whether it be doors or windows. Let your children know that if they’re stuck in the house, they need to find a window and stay by it! Windows are a firefighters quickest entry into the house and the safest place to be if you can’t get out. Don’t hide under the bed or in a closet.
Takes these fire safety tips and stay safe the rest of 2015!
Brewery Vivant celebrates the art and science of barrel-aging beer with its 5th Annual Wood-Aged Beer Festival (WABF) Saturday, September 19th in the parking lot behind the Brewery. Vivant will hold two tasting sessions: Afternoon (1-4p) and Evening (5-8p) to allow for more people to enjoy over 20 limited, rare, and exclusive beers in an intimate beer-centric environment.
The Vivant scratch-kitchen will have festival foods available should hunger arise. Tickets are $35 and include 10 tokens, a collector’s edition tasting glass, and access to some incredible beer. Limited tickets available online at www.breweryvivant.com or directly through wabf15.brownpapertickets.com.
Fittingly, this will be the “Wooden anniversary” (as per Victorian tradition) of WABF at Brewery Vivant as they celebrate their 5th festival and 5th year in business in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Opening the festival up for two identical sessions will give more beer drinkers a chance to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, particularly more beer tasting. “We’re hoping with more tokens in your glass from the start, less people on the grounds at once, and a map to guide you, this year’s festival will be the best one yet,” says Kate Avery, Abbess of Beer and Director of Sales & Marketing, “The brewers have been plotting for this unveiling since last November. It’s their big party with big flavors. We’re glad to share it with more enthusiasts by offering two sessions this year.”
Wood-aging beers harkens back to the earliest beer brewing traditions when vessels were all made of wood and brewers worked to blend flavors into drinkable liquid. Unique flavor profiles arise in the already flavor-forward craft beers when aged in wood. Brewery Vivant will be hauling out old favorites from the vault, as well as new never-before-tasted experiments. Love Shadow, the bourbon barrel-aged Imperial stout makes a triumphant return to tap handles, as well as a cellared Wizard Burial Ground (2014 vintage bourbon barrel-aged quadruple).
Get your tickets early as this event is the highlight of the Fall beer season and will sell out. The Pub will be open for business as usual on Saturday, 11am-midnight. The festival grounds are separate.
About Brewery Vivant
The brewery is located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in a renovated funeral chapel built in the early 1900’s. Their staff of around 50 employees specialize in Belgian/French inspired beers and fare in a completely unique setting. Husband and wife partners Jason and Kris Spaulding opened the doors for business in December of 2010. They are the first commercial brewery in the nation to receive Silver LEED Certification from the USGBC. Additionally they are 100% renewable powered, a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business, and are a certified B Corporation. Beer the Change®!
Jorge Gonzalez is a community connector. Born in Michigan to immigrant parents, he spent part of his youth in Mexico and part in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. With a background in banking and community development, he is the perfect choice to lead the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce into its next phase of growth. Join us as he talks about the power of education and the need for all citizens to be culturally competent in today’s marketplace.
In a world where food and film are the modern expressions of culture, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and the UICA announce “Big Screen Cuisine,” an interactive culinary and cinematic experience that seeks to bring dishes to life that are inspired by classic and modern foodie film favorites and accompanied by a same-day movie screening.“Big Screen Cuisine” makes its debut on Sunday, September 27. Ticket prices will vary and will allow attendees to engage in a hands-on, top-level culinary food experience with fantastic food from local chefs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the UICA, relax in the theatre, and watch the paired movie with a new and very personal understanding of all the culinary scenes they’re viewing. Depending on the experience, the culinary portion of the night may fall before or after the screenings.“Big Screen Cuisine will utilize films from all over the world while exploring diverse cultures and food histories through hands-on connection and interaction,” said Mimi Fritz, president and CEO of the Downtown Market. “Our goal is to help educate cooks of all ages and experience by bringing to life the flavors from the big screen.”Over th
e course of the year-round, once-monthly film series, guests will be treated to various lessons in creating delicacies such as chocolate, pastries, cocktails, French cuisine as well as wine tastings and charcuterie, an all-ages cooking class and even an occasional succulent chef’s dinner.
