Jan. 12 Update: The City of Kentwood has announced that due to the frigid temperatures forecasted for this weekend, the City “has just made the difficult decision to postpone the Unity Walk planned for this Saturday.” Details of the rescheduled event will be announced once finalized.
In celebration and remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday Jan. 17, the City of Kentwood will host several events in honor of MLK on Saturday, Jan. 15, including a unity walk, a proclamation, live music, coffee and cake, and a community service effort to stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry — which began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project.
A painting at the Kent County Administration Office unveiled in 2018. (WKTV)
Residents of all ages are invited to gather in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, at 9 a.m. for a 1-mile walk. The walk will end at Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, according to a statement from the City of Kentwood.
An indoor ceremony will follow, including a proclamation that will be presented by various community members, live music, coffee and cake. The event is free and open to the public.
Canned goods and other non-perishable items will be accepted at the event to stock Little Free Pantry, for which the City of Kentwood continues to host food drives to keep the pantry well-stocked.
“We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “We will walk in remembrance of his historic contributions leading the civil rights movement bringing needed changes to our nation and in reflection of what we all can do to honor his values today and every day.
The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
“The event also continues our MLK Day community service tradition of stocking Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry to support our neighbors in need. All are invited to join us.”
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The second Little Free Pantry was opened last year at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch for the community to visit during library hours.
Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
One of the fundamental financial concepts, the time value of money (TVM), says that the current value of a sum of money is worth more than the future value of that same amount. The principle of TVM comes from implicit costs, known as “opportunity costs.” It would be best if you evaluated when deciding whether it’s better to receive money now or take payments in the future. One way to think about opportunity costs is that they represent the value of what you stand to lose or possibly miss out on when you choose one possibility over another.
For example, a favorite uncle left you $100,000 in his will with the option to either take the whole sum now or get the money in equal payments over three years and receive an additional $500.00 for doing so.
For most of us, the instinctive choice is to take all the money right now and not wait three years to put it to use. By taking that money immediately, you can put it into an account that offers you continuous compounding interest that is likely to equal or exceed the $500.00 bonus you get for waiting. You could invest in an appreciating asset such as real estate or a cash-flowing business when you get the money right away. You might purchase stock with the potential to gain value or lock-in value with an annuity or life insurance policy. Because it provides immediate purchasing power, most people consider a present-day sum of money more valuable than a future sum.
Understanding the theory of the time value of money can help you avoid making costly mistakes with your money. You may one day face the decision to take a lump sum of money immediately or wait until later. Fortunately, there is an easy formula for the time value of money that takes the guesswork out of the decision. In this formula, the following variables are accounted for:
FV= Future value of money
PV= Present value of money
i=interest rate
n= number of compounding periods per year
t= number of years
Using the TVM formula, we can determine whether it would be wiser to accept the $100,000 from your uncle as a lump sum or in equal annual payments over three years along with the additional $500.
We have established that by not taking the lump sum, you stand to gain an additional $500. The question is, how much money could you earn over the three years if you were to receive the $100,000 and invest it today? Let’s say you take your $100,000 and invest it in a fund with an average annual rate of return of 6%. You want to know how much your investment will grow by the 3rd year. To figure this out, input the variables, and you will be left with the future value of your investment for a particular year.
119,101.60=100,000 x (1+.06)3
As you can see, after the 3rd year, your initial investment will have earned you an additional $19,101.60. Now that you know, taking the lump sum seems like a no-brainer.
If you are taking an active approach towards investing for retirement or other financial goals, do not be fooled by the allure of “free” money in return for splitting the sum into smaller payments. Carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each option while keeping in mind your own financial goals. Use the TVM formula, compare the potential gains and remember this; a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
This winter view comes from the collection of Earl Jourden. Earl owned Earl Jourden Auto Parts which was located on Clay Avenue in Wyoming. Earl said he believes the photo was taken during the 1978 blizzard, which had record 24-hour snow falls. During that storm, Grand Rapids received 16. 1 inches of snow in 24 hours.
According to the U.S. Census, there are about 22.5 million empty nest holes in the United States, however there is little material in helping parents weather the transition.
In November, Terri DeBoer released her book “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest.” The book provides personal insight mixed with humor on 50 strategies DeBoer has discovered for weathering that transition to an empty nest.
This Wednesday, DeBoer, who is a meteorologist for WOTV and a host of EightWest, will be the featured guest at Mr. Sid’s Video Series at Marge’s Donut Den. At the 2 p.m. program, DeBoer will discuss her new book and talk about some of her strategies.
Autographed books and the companion journals will be avail for sale.
Upcoming programs for the Mr. Sid’s Video Series are: Mike Martin’s presentation “Three Presidens and their Wives on Feb. 16; the Ireland video on March. 16 and WOTV Sports Director Jack Dole will be discussing his experiences of covering the Olympics on April 20.
We are all jumping for joy that theater has returned. “Hairspray” comes to DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
By John D. Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
UPDATE: The Tuesday show has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 17. Contact Broadway Grand Rapids for more information.
NOTE: We regret to report that the Tuesday, Jan. 11, performance of “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall is postponed due to positive COVID cases within the company. At this time, all other performances, Wednesday — Sunday, will play as scheduled. We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this scheduling change has caused Tuesday night ticket holders. Please hold onto your tickets while we work to rescheduled the show. Details will be sent to affected ticket holders by email as soon as they’re available.
It will take 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show to bring Broadway theater back to Grand Rapids.
“After two long years, we are excited to finally be back in the theater and have the inspiring support of so many in the community,” said Mike Lloyd, interim executive director at Broadway Grand Rapids.
“We expect 15,000 people to attend ‘Hairspray’ this week. What a perfect show to open the season, heartwarming and fun.”
“Hairspray” opens Tuesday (Jan. 11) at DeVos Performance Hall for eight performances over six days to kick off the 2021-2022 season at Broadway Grand Rapids.
In addition, Broadway Grand Rapids has announced $30 Student/Educator Rush tickets for all performances of “Hairspray.” A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per student/educator. All tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office at 303 Monroe Ave NW.
Health and Safety protocols, including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test as well as mandatory masks, will be in effect.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” centers on Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – who wants to change the world.
The reviews have been stellar. The New York Times said: “‘Hairspray’ is fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!”
The “Hairspray” cast is led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Toneisha Harris (from NBC’s “The Voice”) as Motormouth Maybelle and features the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” according to the company’s website.
This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.
Niki Metcalf is Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and ‘Hairspray’ is meeting this challenge full-on with even more joy and purpose. Our fable of ‘The Little Dancing Engine That Could’ is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene,” said O’Brien in a release.
“With the renewed, refreshed energy of the unforgettable Nina West as Edna and a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the various roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score! Come feel great and grateful once more!” he added.
Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said: “‘Hairspray’ has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this new company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You really Can’t Stop the Beat!’”
The opening of the Kent County Department of Public Works’ Grand Rapids administrative offices, including a SafeChem Swap Shop, on Wealthy Street Jan. 6. Addressing the crowd were, from left at podium, were Cynthia Janes, vice-chair of the Board of Public Works; Emily Brieve, Kent County commissioner; and Dar Baas, DPW director. (Supplied)
Operating by the often-used “3-Rs” recycling slogan of “reduce, reuse, recycle”, Kent County Department of Public Works opened its new Grand Rapids administrative offices on Wealthy Street Jan. 6 — a facility that also includes a soon-to-open recycling center, an education center, an electronics drop-off station and not only a SafeChem drop-of station but also a “SafeChem Swap Shop”.
Maybe it should be 4-Rs, with “reimagine” added to the slogan.
Continuing its efforts exemplified by its slogan “Reimagine Trash”, with the county’s Department of Public Works (DPW) website actually being reimaginetrash.org, Kent County officials and DPW leaders held a facility ribbon cutting Jan. 6 to officially open the facility, with its returning and new offerings.
“The new administration center brings our team together and makes it easier for the community to connect with our department and services,” Dar Baas, DPW director, said in supplied material. “The facilities are designed to foster collaboration.”
And that collaboration is exemplified by the new dual SafeChem operations.
The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off cleaning chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)
“The SafeChem Drop-off station and Swap Shop are a real asset for our community,” Baas said. “Not only do they keep hazardous materials out of area landfills and the environment, they also provide people free products to avoid them being discarded in the first place.”
The “drop and shop” operation is offered all five of the county-managed chemical drop-off locations, including ones in the Kentwood and Wyoming area.
The Wealthy Street Recycling and Administration Center located at 1045 Wealthy St. SW, adjacent to the Recycling and Education Facility, the SafeChem Drop-off station, SafeChem Swap Shop and electronics recycling services. The DPW offices were previously co-located with the Kent County Road Commission on Scribner Avenue and the property was sold in 2021.
All of Kent County’s SafeChem stations — there are several, with varying days and hours, including one each in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming — allow residents to drop off household waste like cleaners, garden or garage products. The Wealthy Street location also includes a Swap Shop where products that are in good condition can be offered at no cost.
(The reopening the residential recycling drop-off station on Wealthy Street, which has been closed during construction, will be announced soon on reimaginetrash.org, according to a DPQ statement.)
For more information on the DPW’s SafeChem program, visit here.
Also opening last week, on Jan. 8, at the Wealthy Street location, was its electronics drop-off station, planned to be open for drop-off during the same year-round operational hours as our SafeChem household hazardous waste drop-off and SafeChem Swap Shop. (For more information on the list of electronics accepted for recycling at DPW facilities, as well as other local electronics recycling locations, visit here.)
Kentwood, Wyoming, Byron SafeChem site information
According to the Kent County DPW website, the Kentwood location is 5068 Breton SE, Kentwood, with days and hours November-March, Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m., and April-October, Tuesdays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.
The Kent County Department of Public Works SafeChem Swap Shop includes dropped off automotive chemicals still good for use — and free pickup by the community. (Supplied)
The Kentwood SafeChem site remained open after the closure of the city’s satellite recycling-drop off.
“A special thank you to City of Kentwood for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Kentwood for hosting this SafeChem collection site.”
The Wyoming area location is 2350 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, with it open Mondays, 1-3 p.m., and Thursdays 7-9 a.m.
“A special thank you to City of Wyoming for their partnership,” the DPW website states. “We’re grateful to the City of Wyoming for not only hosting this SafeChem collection site but for staffing the SafeChem collections.”
The Byron Center location is 10300 South Kent Dr. SW, with its days and hours being November-March, Mondays, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and April-October, Mondays, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Nika, the Amur tiger at John Ball Zoo, is reported doing much better after testing positive for COVID. (Supplied)
The John Ball Zoo had good news today in that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger, Nika, is doing well after testing positive for COVID-19.
“Nika continues to do well and has been symptom free since approximately five to seven days after her initial presentation,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian. “No other animals at John Ball Zoo have shown signs of or tested positive.”
In December, John Ball Zoo announced that the Amur tiger had COVID. It is believed that a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team exposure the tiger to COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been worldwide reports of animals being infected with COVID by humans. At this time, it is believed that the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.
People can spread COVID to companion animals such as dogs and cats. At zoos and sanctuaries, several types of big cats, otters, non-human primates, and hyenas have been reported being infected. Also white-tail deer in several U.S. States have been reported as being infected as well.
According to John Ball Zoo, Ryan and his teams have now successful administer vaccinations to many animals at the zoo who are considered high risk of COVID infection as well as continue to monitor Nika for viral shedding.
Still on the hunt
Blandford Nature Center continues to search for its missing Bobcat, Artemis.
Artemis, the female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)
Artemis escaped from the Department of Natural Resources’ approved enclosure on Dec. 31. Her brother, Apollo, had escaped earlier in December but was captured in a live trap by a neighbor and returned to Blandford on Dec. 20.
“We know our community’s been eager to hear good news about our missing bobcat, Artemis,” it states on the Blandford Nature Center Facebook page. “We want to thank everyone who has contracted us with sightings and leads on her location or reached out with kind words, we are so appreciative of the help we have received so far.
“We are sad to report there are no new developments at this time, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to find her and bring her home safely.
According to Blandford’s wildlife staff, Artemis has been on Blandford’s property in the past few days and has been spotted by Blandford trail cams. Blandford has received several reported sightings near or on its property which gives staff reason to believe she won’t be traveling far and are hoping to catch her in one of the many live traps that are being placed on Blandford’s property.
Blandford Nature Center got the sister and brother bobcats in the fall. The cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed by a car. Because they did not receive the survival training from their mother, it was determined by registered wildlife rehabiliators that the cubs would not be able to survive in the wild.
Apollo, the male bobcat, at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)
Blandford had an existing bobcat enclosure that was built for two but only housed its former bobcat, Bob, who died in 2020. The cubs were placed with Blandford.
Bobcats are solitary. Their prey is usually rabbits. rodents or similar in size small animals. According to Blandford, due to Artemis’s age and size, that of a large house cat, she is unlikely to be a threat to humans or most animals. The main concern is for her safety.
If a resident does spot Artemis, they should not approach her but should call the Grand Rapids Police Department’s non-emergency number, 616-456-3400. The GRPD will notify Blandford. The social media and phones at Blandford are not monitored 24/7 which is why residents should contact the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Apollo is currently being housed at the John Ball Zoo where he is doing fine. According to the Facebook announcement, Blandford’s bobcat enclosure is scheduled to have more reinforcements made next week.
What a stretch of weather? How are you doing? It’s like we need another day off just to recover from all of this snow. Thank you to all those who had to work outside to make our lives more safe. We appreciate you.
How were your holidays? It seems like so long ago.
We had a great time with a house full of kids, grandkids, parents and in-laws. We loved every minute of it.
As you prepare for a new year, and resolutions, let’s look at some of the things to do the first full weekend of 2022 in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5. La Furia Del Ritmo Original at The Stray
Local act La Furia Del Ritmo Original is performing a show and also debuting a new video, “Besos Marcado,” at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Stray, 4253 S Division Ave., Wyoming. If your goal is to experience local music, especially banda music, here is your chance. The show is free for all ages thanks to Poncho’s Tacos GR. More info on La Furia Del Ritmo Original Facebook page.
4. Pop Scholars Improv
Love comedy improv? Pop Scholars Improv is a fast-paced 2-hour show that doesn’t go for the easy laugh. It will impress you with their wit and on-stage chemistry. The show is at 8 p.m. tonight (Jan. 7) at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 7 p.m. You must be vaccinated and wear a mask to attend. Organizers are also reducing capacity for social distancing. Tickets are $14 general admission at grcmc.org. Check out the event Facebook page for more info.
3. GRPD vs. GRFD Charity Hockey Game
Raise money for a good cause when the Grand Rapids Fire Department takes on the Grand Rapids Police Department in this charity game at 12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan.8) at Van Andel Arena. The game benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Attendees also get specially-priced tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ game later that night at 7 p.m. Get ticket and more info at griffinshockey.com/grfd-vs-grpd. (The Griffins also play at 7 p.m. Friday.)
Photo supplied by Jurassic Quest.
2. Dinosaurs in Grand Rapids
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America – “Jurassic Quest” – returns to Grand Rapids this weekend (Jan. 7-9) at DeVos Place. In a recent story on WKTV Journal, we reported that the exhibit is an indoor family education and entertainment show that features more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, and interactive science and art activities. There also will be a Triceratots soft play area, bounce houses, and inflatable attractions. Tickets are $22 for adults and children and $19 for seniors. There is also a $36-dollar ticket for kids unlimited rides. Tickets do include a 100 percent guarantee of refund if the show is canceled or postponed for any reason. For more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.jurassicquest.com.
It’s like they planned for all this snow! The World of Winter Festival kicks off today (Jan. 7) and provides interesting ways for people to experience and enjoy the season. All programming and activities are free and geared for both families and adults. It will continue through March 6 and is organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the City of Grand Rapids and numerous community partners. See a complete schedule of events at worldofwintergr.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Col. Eileen Collins is the featured speaker at this year’s “Roger That!” two-day program. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have announced the return of “Roger That!,” a multi-day event celebrating space exploration and the life of Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee.
In its sixth year, “Roger That!” will take place on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 with various components to the celebration, all themed around women in space — including remarks from pioneering pilot and astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to both pilot a spacecraft and command a space shuttle mission.
“After four in-person events and one virtual iteration of‘Roger That!’ we’re excited to combine the best of both with a hybrid conference in 2022,” said Deana Weibel, event co-organizer and GVSU professor of anthropology.
The two-part event will feature speeches on both days by Eileen Collins, who made history in 1995 as the first woman to pilot a U.S. spacecraft with the Discovery shuttle flight. In 1999, she was the commander for Columbia, making her the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. She ultimately logged 872 hours in space.
GVSU will host a free academy conference on Feb. 18 that is open to educators and the general public. Speeches will be available in person and virtually, over Zoom.
2022 speakers include: Computational Chemist Michelle Franci; Space Historian Catherine Newell; Planetary Scientist Louise Prockter; Space Educator Crzarina Salido; Bioastronautics Researcher and Spacesuit Technician Yvette Gonzalez; Space Media Archivist Megal Prelinger; Electrical Engineer Heidi Jiao and Space Historian and Eileen Collins’ Biographer Jonathan Ward.
The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is named after the Grand Rapids native who perished in 1967 on test of the Apollo 1 mission to the moon. (Supplied)
To attend the “Roger That!” Academic Conference, register at gvsu.edu/RogerThat. The events being held at GVSU this year will be free, as will the virtual talks, but guests must register. A reception with light refreshments will be held ahead of Collins’ talk at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Loosemore Auditorium on GVSU’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The lecture is free through registration at gvsu.edu/RogerThat; it will also be livestreamed.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum will have activities both days centered around local astronaut Roger B. Chaffee, who died in 1967 during a NASA test flight, and space exploration. Hands-on activites include build stations where attendees can design their own rockets and paper airplanes, astronaut challenges, artifact interactions including meteorite samples, and tektite and more.
Collins will speak at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the GRPM. Tickets for this lecture will be available free of charge at grpm.org beginning Jan. 14.
Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year resolutions this year? Many of us did. And most of us have failed to keep them in years past. In one study, 77% of people kept their resolutions for 1 week but by the end of two years, only 19% were still going strong— and 53% reported slipping up at least once. Yes, it can be difficult to stick to your resolutions.
Make a cue-based plan. For example, instead of generalizing that you will exercise, plan a time each day when you will exercise and have your electronic calendar remind you to do it. Or, if you want to eat healthier, plan a weekly menu and make a shopping list to support it.
Give yourself a fine. Make a deal with yourself, a friend, or a charity, that every time you slip up, you will pay them a designated amount of cash. Psychologically speaking, it seems penalties can be pretty motivating.
Make it fun. Watch your favorite TV show only when you work out. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink when you buckle down and learn that new subject or listen to your favorite tunes organize the house.
Give yourself a few “Get out of Jail Free” passes. If you miss a day at the gym or gorge on chocolate cake one night, give yourself a pass and get back on the wagon.
Find an encouraging friend. Including a friend on your journey keeps you more accountable. Also, they might have some wisdom for you as you seek to achieve your goals, and vice versa.
Whatever your 2022 New Year resolutions are, another good way to achieve them is to choose health in every choice you make. Even if your resolutions have nothing to do with physical health, being active, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support you in every other area of your life. So does keeping your spine healthy. Regular chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain that can discourage you from meeting your goals but keeps your whole body humming in tune.
Joshua Redman has a long list of impressive credentials on his musician resume, including being nominated for eight GRAMMY awards. But before that he had an equally impressive educational resume, including being a 1991 graduate from Harvard College after which he was accepted to Yale Law School.
But anybody who has seen him on stage, blowing his saxophone and conversing with the crowd, over the years of his now 30+ year career of playing, recording and writing music, knows he is a jazz man thorough and through.
If you already know, or are yet to find out, local jazz fans will undoubtedly get proof positive Jan. 22 on St. Cecilia ’s Royce Auditorium Stage when Redman and his trio lead off St. Cecilia Music Center’s Jazz Series as the first of three concerts in January, March and April.
And, least we forget, St. Cecilia will also debut Winterfest, a three-day winter jazz festival featuring host Christian McBride “and Friends” Feb. 24-26.
Joshua Redman Quartet (Supplied)
“We are so excited to launch four months of great jazz performances this year beginning with Joshua Redman,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “Joshua is one of the most talented and sought-after jazz performers around. Along with a prolific body of celebrated recordings over 25 years, Redman has worked with countless jazz contemporaries as a follow performer and bandleader.”
With the concert set to start at 7:30 p.m., tickets for Redman and his band can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) at 616-459-2224.
In addition to Redman, the SCMC Jazz Series includes Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap on March 10, and Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra on April 14. The first-ever WinterFest jazz program – three consecutive nights of jazz — will be hosted by GRAMMY-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride and feature the Christian McBride Trio, singer Cyrille Aimee, fellow bassist Edgar Meyer, and McBride’s legendary quintet Inside Straight.
Redman and his musical journey
Jazz fans can be a little prickly when it comes to their definition of the musical genre, but a supplied quote from JamBase does have a point when they say “When the conversation ensues about who is carrying on the great tradition of jazz musicianship today … if Joshua Redman’s name does not come up, the conversation is not worth having.”
The innovative saxophonist has made believers of critics and fans alike with his live performances and acclaimed recordings. One of his many-faceted musical ventures, The Joshua Redman Quartet, released an album titled “Come What May” in 2019. But his list of jazz collaborations over the years include ones ranging from McCoy Tyner to Brad Mehldau.
Joshua Redman, from a 2019 concert. (Supplied/Lisa Siciliano)
And the members for the original Joshua Redman Quartet are like a who’s who of the genre — Redman saxophone), Brad Mehldau on piano), Christian McBride on bass, and Brian Blade on drums —a group reunited to release the Grammy-nominated album “RoundAgain” in July 2020.
The son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. Joshua Redman was exposed at an early age by his parents to many genres of music — the story goes — jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, and African. He was also introduced to a variety of instruments: recorder, piano, guitar, gatham and gamelan. (I had to look those last two up too … they are south Indian and Indonesian percussion instruments.)
After starting off playing clarinet at nine years old, Redman switched to what is his primary instrument, the tenor saxophone. So, of course, his stated early influences were John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley and his father. But, the story goes, academics were always his priority and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician until he graduated from Harvard and followed some musician friends to New York City in the 1990s.
Things just sort of rolled on from there.
He began jamming and gigging regularly with some of the leading jazz musicians of his generation — Roy Hargrove, to name just one — and five months after moving to New York, Redman was named the winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition.
And things just sort of rolled on from there. Lucky us.
In addition to his own projects, Redman has recorded and performed with musicians as diverse as such as Chick Corea and The Dave Matthews Band, Quincy Jones and The Rolling Stones. And along the way he wrote and performed the music for Louis Malle’s final film “Vanya on 42nd Street “ and is both seen and heard in the Robert Altman film “Kansas City”.
SCMC special pandemic precautions
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Home tests are not accepted. All patrons will be required to wear a mask while in the building for the duration of the concert.
All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.
Kent County veterans are served by many groups, including the Kent County Veterans Services and Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (Michigan Veterans Homes)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners’ Veterans Millage Renewal Subcommittee, led by City of Wyoming’s (District 8) commissioner Dan Burrill, held an initial meeting in December to discuss and begin action on a planned August 2022 countywide vote on the renewal of an existing Veterans Millage first passed in 2014.
The meeting included several local veterans groups but was focused on the work of the Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) office and its associated Veterans Services Advisory Committee. The KVCS provides dedicated services to veterans of active United States military service and their dependents, with a current staff of nine full- or part-time employees under the direction of manager Martha Burkett and including six veterans who provide direct service and a contract Veteran Support Coordinator who is also a veteran.
A second meeting of the group was set for will be Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 1-3 p.m., in room 311 of the Kent County Administrative Building, downtown Grand Rapids, at 300 Monroe Avenue NW. (and not at the KCVS building on Fuller Avenue).
The meetings are open to the public, veterans and non-veterans alike, according to supplied material.
The decision to take the renewal request to the voters would eventually need to be approved by the Board of Commissioners.
In November 2014, Kent County voters approved a Dedicated Veterans Millage, an eight year, 0.05 mills tax that, at that time, would raise about $1 million a year and was estimated to cost the owner of a $200,000 home approximately $5 annually, according to the county website.
Due to several factors — including the 1978, voter-approved amendment to the Michigan Constitution which included a number of provisions related to state and local taxes and now commonly known as the Headlee Amendment — the actual tax collection decreased from 0.05 mills to 0.0482 in 2021.
Statewide, 51 of Michigan’s 83 counties posted a millage dedicated to veterans in 2020.
Thanks to a federal grant totaling three-quarters of a million dollars, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety hopes to curtail gun violence and violent crimes by adding six community police officers to its department.
During a National Night Out event, a Wyoming police officer helps a resident on a motorcycle. Through a federal grant, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety plans to expand its Community Services Unit. (WKTV)
The Department was awarded the $750,000 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program grant from the United States Department of Justice. The Wyoming City Council accepted the grant at its Dec. 20 council meeting. With the grant money, the Department will be able to add six officers to its department, bring the police department’s total number of sworn officers to 99.
“We have seen a significant increase in violent crimes,” said Capt. Timothy Pols, the department’s public relations officer. “Last year, we had eight homicides, which is an all-time high for the city.”
Pols said the department could not contribute the increase specifically to COVID, as there was a rise before the pandemic started. However, current conditions have impacted the community with there having been an increase in reported shootings involving property damage and people being hurt, he said.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has been searching for funding to help increase its numbers. The COPS Hiring Program is designed to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by proving direct support to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide. The program funding supports the hiring of career law enforcement officers to increase an agency’s community policing capacity and crime prevention. The funding covers up to 75 percent of the approved entry-level salaries and fringe benefits of full-time officers for three years. The city is required to cover the remaining 25 percent.
The COPS Hiring Program is an open solicitation. For the 2021 fiscal year, COPS received 590 applications from about every state and U.S. territory. It awarded grants to 183 state, local, and trial law enforcement agencies totaling $139,232,523 to support the hire of 1,066 full-time officers and deputies.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety was one of four police departments in Michigan to receive a COPS Hiring Program grant. The other cities to receive funding were Battle Creek, West Branch, and Hamtramck. Wyoming received the highest awarded grant monies out of the four Michigan cities that received funding.
“Obviously this is a great thing for the City of Wyoming and it is really hard to turn money like that down,” said Mayor Jack Poll during the Dec. 20 City Council meeting. The grant does come with the requirement that the city fund the new six positions for at least 12 months beyond the three-year time period. The department hopes through additional local funding to maintain the new positions beyond the three-year timeframe.
The Community Services Unit works on building relationships. (WKTV)
The COPS Hire Program grant is dedicated to community policing. With the six new hires, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be able to move seasoned officers into its Community Services Unit, which currently consists of four Community Services Officers, three School Resource Officers, and a supervisor. By expanding the community policing, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety hopes to curtail gun violence and violent crimes through expanded evening coverage; adding a dedicated crime analyst office, gang intelligence officer, dedicated apartment liaison, and dedicated hotel/motel liaison; and increasing participation with juvenile offender reentry programs and area summer camps comprised predominately of at-risk youth along with high visibility patrols, especially in high crime areas and other community policing initiatives.
Currently, the Department is in the hiring process, Pols said adding that they have interviewed some strong candidates.
“With all that has happened in the past couple of years with COVID, I believe it has given us some dedicated candidates who have a good understanding about what is involved with today’s police work,” Pols said.
The department is seeking to fill the six positions along with several other positions that will be opening up due to retirements this year. Pols said the goal is to have the positions filled by the end of 2022.
This alien statue is part of the “POPnology” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
Two exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum will be coming to a close at the end of the month, “Bats; Masters of the Night” and “POPnology” as the Museum makes way for two new exhibits to open in the spring.
“Bats,” which is included with admission, works to dispel the myths about these creatures of the night with interactive displays that demonstrate how to hear like a bat, learn about pollination, bat diets, and sonar ability. The “POPnology,” is a sci-fi experience as it looks at how pop culture meets technology with the exhibit including the DeLorean Time Machine, R2D2, E.T. and more. The “POPnology” exhibit is $5 per person in addition to admission.
Also closing on Jan. 23 is the “Windows GR” paintings. The Museum purchased the paintings by local artists of color as part of the Windows GR activation project. Five of these works are now part of the GRPM’s permanent Collections and can be viewed at grpmcollections.org.
Opening in the spring will be “Prerosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs,” which will feature life-size models, casts of rare fossils and other interactive activities. Also opening will be the GRPM original exhibit “Fashion + Nature,” which will explore the complex relationship between the fashion industry and the natural environment.
For more information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org. The Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW. Residents in Kent County receive reduce admission rates and free parking.
As the outgoing chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners looked back on a list of the county’s 2021 accomplishments — not the least of which was being a key partner in the West Michigan’s efforts to battle the pandemic — the board selected new leaders to begin 2022.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously selected Stan Stek (District 6) as chair and Emily Brieve (District 10) as vice-chair during a Monday, Jan. 3, organizational meeting. Stek, who had served as vice-chair, takes over as chair from Mandy Bolter.
As incoming vice-chair, Brieve will lead the Legislative and Human Services Committee. Commissioner Diane Jones (District 4) will continue to serve in her role as chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee.
Kent County Board of Commissioner Chair Stan Stek. (Supplied)
“It is truly an honor to be chosen to lead this Board,” Stek said in supply material. “I look forward to working together to maintain our strong fiscal position, improve residents’ quality of life, enhance the overall delivery of services, and ensure continued economic growth for the region.”
And, in a statement from the county detailing some of the board’s 2021 accomplishments, the wide-ranging duties and efforts of the county board were detailed.
Financially, the board late last year approved a balanced 2022 budget of $527 million, including $454.8 million for operating expenditures, of which $16.7 million will be capital improvements. It also maintained maintained its dual AAA bond rating from S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service — for the 23rd consecutive year.
The county also was a key player in the local effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to distribute federal funds meant to do the same.
The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, created in response to the need to vaccinate as many people as possible, saw Kent County, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Spectrum Health develop one of the largest vaccination clinics in the country at DeVos Place — with more than 231,000 COVID-19 vaccinations administered between January and May 2021.
In addition, the county Health Department added three new mobile health units in 2021. These self- contained mobile health facilities have been used extensively to target vulnerable populations in the administration of COVID-19 and other vaccinations, HIV testing, and community outreach. To date, more than 1,000 county residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics supported by these units, according to supplied material.
Kent County Commissioner Mandy Bolter. (Supplied)
“Despite the various pressures placed on public services this past year, our Board and staff were dedicated to continuing to provide excellent service to our community,” Bolter said in supplied material. “While we continued to meet the challenges of the pandemic, we also maintained a strong focus on meeting the needs of continued economic growth.”
Other stated accomplishments, according to the county statement, included expansion and bonding of The Gerald R. Ford International Airport; the hiring of the county’s first Chief Inclusion Officer “to underscore our commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our strategic priorities and service delivery”; and establishing three new “issue-focused” subcommittees (Broadband, Judicial Resources and Veterans Millage Review).
The county also funded county Sheriff’s Office cruiser and deputy body cameras, and secured an expansion of the Chief Hazy Cloud Park into a 395-acre natural preserve along the Grand River and allow for future trail expansion to connect multiple communities.
Incoming leadership has long local history
Stek, whose District 6 includes the city of Walker and part of the city of Grand Rapids, was first elected to the commission in 2014. He is an attorney at Miller Canfield and, according to supplied material, has a long history of serving his community on various boards and committees.
Among his current and past work is serving on the Crisis Center Task Force, Dedicated Millage Committee, Kent County Community Action Board, Kent County Workforce Development Board, Lakeshore Regional Entity, Millennium Park Advisory Board, Michigan Works!, Network 180, Senior Millage Allocation Board, Substance Use Disorder Oversight Board, and Walker Citizens Advisory Committee.
Kent County Board of Commissioners vice-chair Emily Brieve. (Supplied)
Brieve, whose District 10 includes Gaines Township and part of Caledonia Township, has served in the board since 2014. She works for her family’s small business, FastoolNow.com.
She currently chairs the Board of Public Works and Community Health Advisory committees and is a member of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and West Michigan Sports Commission.
The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are represented on the county board by Stan Ponstein (District 7), Dan Burrill (District 8), Matt Kallman (District 9), Monica Sparks (District 12), and Michelle McCloud (District 13). For complete information on the members of the board, and the areas they represent, visit here.
“We have a strong Board and an incredible community, and we are committed to supporting the prosperity of our businesses and residents,” Stek said. “We look forward to tackling the challenges ahead with fiscal responsibility, innovation, and collaboration.”
Construction and reconstruction will begin at Lee middle and high school this spring. One of the new projects will replace an area of the building which collapsed in 2019 with a new entrance off Havana Street, as well as a new multipurpose area. (Supplied)
Construction and reconstruction will begin at Lee middle and high school this spring, including enclosing the currently unusable interior courtyard to be used as a cafeteria and other purposes. (Supplied)
Construction and reconstruction will begin at Lee middle and high school this spring, including a new area which will include a band room. (Supplied)
Construction and reconstruction will begin at Lee middle and high school this spring, including a new area which will include a band room. (Supplied)
The long saga of a much-anticipated makeover of the Wyoming Lee Middle and High School building will move into high gear early this year as, following the final approval of a general contractor late last year, construction will begin as soon as spring weather allows.
In 2020, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district voters voted to support a bonding proposal which would allow the district to put out bonds for about $18 million for a wide range of building and facility projects.
At the time, the district not only faced the task of modernizing portions of its middle and high school that are nearly 100 years old, it had to make repairs to a portion of the building which collapsed in 2019. But modernization and repairs are only the most obvious part of the historic and still bustling building.
“As far as the new construction, I am most excited for us to begin to make our facilities worthy of the amazing students that we serve,” Eric Mockerman, district Board of Education president, said to WKTV. “I am (also) happy that our building will be more accessible to our community in multiple ways and it will overall be easier to navigate throughout the facility. I am very excited for the addition of our new band room that will better fit the needs of the phenomenal program that will use that space.”
According to information provided by Dirk Weeldreyer, district interim superintendent, the building effort will be a two-year project, expected to be completed in the 2023-24 school year.
Construction and reconstruction will begin at Lee middle and high school this spring. One of the new projects will replace an area of the building which collapsed in 2019, shown at left. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Among the projects are the reconstructed portion of the building along Havana Street in the space where the building collapsed and was demolished. An existing entrance to the gym will be redone, and the area demolished turned into a new media center on the first floor and new classroom spaces on the second floor.
Also planned is a new cafeteria and multi-purpose space that will be built in the area that is currently the unused courtyard of the building. And there will be a new band room addition on the north side of the building.
“Our current construction timeline calls for activity on our new/rebuilt spaces to commence in early spring 2022,” Weeldreyer wrote in an email. “We will need to work from the ‘inside out’ on these new spaces, so the first thing to happen will be excavation and preparation of the interior site (inside the current courtyard).”
There will also be interior renovation work in the existing classroom spaces starting in the summer of 2022, and renovation will continue over the subsequent 18 months or more.
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, beginning with the Wyoming Potter’s House girls hosting Ravenna on Tuesday, Jan. 4, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Jan. 7, at Kelloggsville when NorthPointe Christian visits.
WKTV was originally scheduled to cover a game at East Kentwood, with the girls team hosting Muskegon, on Jan. 4. But the non-conference game has been cancelled due to a pandemic safety issue.
The Potter’s House Pumas girls enter the week 2-4 in early season play, including a 43-36 win at Cedar Springs on Dec. 21 in their last game, while Ravenna enters 2-3.
On Friday, and opening the team’s OK Conference Silver schedule, the Kelloggsville boys will begin the doubleheader with a 6 p.m. tip-off. Starting the week, the Rockets are 3-2 and the in early season action, with NorthPointe at 1-4.
The Kelloggsville girls will tip-off their OK Silver schedule at about 7:30 p.m., and enter the week with a 2-3 record before a scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 4 home game against Covenant Christian. The NorthPointe girls come to Kelloggsville with a 5-0 record.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative WKTV Feature Game schedule for the remainder of January and February is as follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 11, girls basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 14, boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, boys and girls basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Local musicians seeking an audience – and audiences seeking local music – have a new way to find each other.
KDL Vibes, a streaming service featuring music by more than 40 West Michigan artists, went live in early December.
David Specht, digital marketing strategist for KDL, said anyone can navigate to the site at vibes.kdl.org and start listening.
“As a library, it’s our responsibility to provide quality, worthwhile, important content to our patrons,” he said. “We saw this as an opportunity to do that.”
KDL Vibes brings local music to people who don’t have the means or the opportunity to go to live shows, and it also offers musicians a big new audience. The KDL serves hundreds of thousands of patrons, Specht said.
Mark Lavengood, a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, has an album called “We’ve Come Along” on KDL Vibes.
David Specht was on the team that brought the Vibes streaming music platform to the Kent District Library. (Photo courtesy of KDL)
“Once I started researching the mission I was just really impressed and grateful for the initiative to perpetuate the local music scene throughout the community,” he said. “Personally, I’m hopeful it might turn a few folks on to my catalog. For the community, I hope that they take to the new service and discover some of their new favorite artists, music venues, and songs.”
You don’t need to live in Kent County or have a KDL library card to use KDL Vibes. But some services are available only to those with a KDL card.
“The advantage to having a KDL library card is that you can sign in with that card and pin favorite single songs and also full albums, so it builds a playlist for you,” Specht said.
About 15 libraries in the U.S. are offering the service, which is built on software called MUSICat.
Specht said there are a lot of music-loving staff members at the Kent District Library, and when they heard about the streaming platform being used in cities like Seattle and Austin, they got a team together to bring it to Kent County.
In September, the KDL had a six-week open submission period when local musicians could send in a sample track and brief bio. They got 130 submissions.
A team of curators active in the local music scene narrowed them down to the 43 that are on the site now. In addition to Specht, the curators are Andrea “SuperDre” Wallace, Ted Smith, Hugo Claudin, Gabriella De La Vega, Eric Green, Linda “Lady Ace Boogie” Tellis, Laura Nowe, and Jake Wunderink.
Mark Lavengood’s album “We’ve Come Along” is one of the 43 albums on the site. (Photo by John Hanson)
“We wanted to make sure we had a collection that represents the West Michigan music scene, doing our best to include music from all the different genres that the musicians here have to offer,” Specht said. That meant they had to bypass some great music if they already had enough in that genre, but the musicians who didn’t get in the first time will have another shot.
Open submission periods for musicians will be held twice a year in the spring and the fall, so the collection will keep growing. The next open submission will likely be in the late winter or early spring, Specht said.
Both the musicians and the curators are paid a $250 honorarium for their contributions to the site.
Specht said they will keep adding new music indefinitely, and they will have a rotating panel of curators so people with a variety of tastes get a chance to choose the music.
“It won’t be the same folks from one year to the next. That’s intentional, so we can give other people an opportunity to work on it,” he said. “I feel like the project will never grow stale.”
As teeth are one of the busiest organs of the human body, they need to be taken care of with utmost priority. Our recklessness often neglects our oral health (dental health) in eating habits and hygiene routines. Our overall well-being is dependent upon our dental hygiene. A single shred of bacteria can set our whole body in pain and jeopardy as many organs get affected by the bacteria deposits in our teeth.
The matter of dental health includes the overall condition of our gums, salivary glands, lips, tongue, ligaments, and mouth tissues, and chewing muscles. It means being free of ceaseless oral-facial torment conditions, oral and pharyngeal (throat) tumors, oral delicate tissue injuries, and craniofacial tissues, all in all, known as the craniofacial complex.
Dental care is neglected at a very early age, due to which the dental health deteriorates on the arrival of adulthood and mostly in old age. Today, many senior citizens in the US are facing oral health-related problems that affect their overall health. There are ample medical outlets that provide dental care for senior citizens at cost or free throughout the country.
Importance of Dental Health
More often than youngsters, senior citizens fall into the trap of oral health malfunctioning. This is because, after retirement, they find it difficult and unnecessary to avail themselves of dental care facilities and checkups. Secondly, they often have inadequate and unbalanced appetites due to soreness, and tooth loss is inevitable. This minor health negligence can be a driving force behind many other chronic dental and overall health issues.
Good dental health influences the overall health and well-being of a person. Painful cavities and bleeding gums are signs of deteriorating dental and overall health. Children need to be guided about the significance of oral hygiene so that they do not face chronic tooth decay or tooth loss at the slight onset of old age from an early age. Recent reports indicate a relationship between strokes, cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, and periodontal diseases with dental health.
The tooth diseases start at the onset of plaques, which accumulate in the teeth if they are not cleaned properly. This gives birth to bacteria that can be harmful to the whole body’s functioning, as this bacterium runs through the bloodstream to different organs of the body such as the heart or lungs. This bacterium becomes a hard base gathered at the base of teeth, inflaming the gums and causing painful swelling and bleeding. Daily brushing is necessary for oral hygiene; otherwise, these bacteria thicken into black substances such as tartar and cause multiple infections.
Another reason why you should take care of teeth is because it can cause cavities in the mouth, resulting in holes in the tooth structure. Cavities can rot the teeth at an early age; thus, one entirely becomes toothless by old age. So, if you want to possess some teeth as you age, the observance of dental health is a must.
Studies have also indicated a link between diabetes and tooth infections. Diabetic conditions are more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum infections, and cavities. This further puts a person’s overall health at risk.
Some tips to enhance your Dental Health
It is advisable to brush your teeth twice every day with nutrient-rich toothpaste, like fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Flossing can prevent the accumulation of bacteria or any food leftover; thus, it can be done at home or done at a dental clinic.
The best practice to keep your teeth healthy is to visit the dentist once a week or twice a month. Dental checkups can be very beneficial as the dentist can advise on the onset of any medical condition or provide counseling on preventive measures.
Diabetic patients must immediately visit the dentist if they feel a slight ache, swelling, or bleeding in the gums.
Facilities by Government
In the U.S., the government has devised free medical health, dental, and insurance plans for senior government agencies through which clinics, charities, and non-profit organizations offer extensive medical and dental care. These dental and medical care facilities are free of cost and quality assured, with special attention paid to senior citizens’ health.
The senior citizens can apply for government-funded health programs that suit their medical conditions: a renowned government-owned free health and dental organization. Medicare provides assistance in dental care for senior citizens.
The public medical care service is like a free health insurance plan with comprehensive and extensive medical and dental facilities and allowances. The U.S. government founded it in 1965. This program is for senior citizens, youngsters, and other patients with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The senior citizens can enroll in this program and apply for Medicare medical and dental facilities for 50% and above provisions.
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a database of specialists and doctors who act as consultants. They also assist senior citizens in understanding the importance of medical care, dental health,insurance plans, and billing processes. Many other such plans can be of great assistance to senior citizens.
Apart from this, every county’s dental association can provide accessible dental care facilities, dental checkups, and dental medicines to the enrollees.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
Staying in this New Year’s Eve — for whatever reason you care to choose — and not into college football bowl games? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2021 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast five concerts leading off with Bootstrap Boys and running through the stroke of the New Year with The Soul Syndicate.
Don’t know some of the bands? WKTV produced previews of each (follow the links to the stories).
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.
It’s been a great Christmas season in the Gonzalez house with our two grandbabies visiting from out of town. What a change to go from just the two of us to two more adults, two children under the age of 3 and a dog!
I think we’re going to usher in the New Year in a whole new way.
What about you?
We have some ideas of things to do this weekend in Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. The Grand Rapids Gold
The season is just getting started for GR’s newest professional franchise, The Grand Rapids Gold basketball team in the NBA G League. Several home games are on tap, including games Jan. 5, 7 and 8 at the DeltaPlex Arena. “Star Wars” Night is Jan. 22. The team is an affiliate of the Denver Nuggets. Ticket information, as well as roster details, at grandrapids.gleague.nba.com/. Let’s go see some basketball!
4. Grand Rapids Griffins
We always have our Griffins to usher in a new year. The popular New Year’s Eve game – complete with fireworks – returns on Dec. 31 at Van Andel Arena. Game time is 6 p.m. The team plays in the American Hockey League and is an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Check out the schedule and ticket information at griffinshockey.com/schedule.
Photo by Gavin Brown (from Facebook)
3. Normal Mode at The Listening Room
Ready for live music to make a big comeback in 2022? I know I am. Start the new year with Normal Mode, a Grand Rapids-based trio writing what it calls “lo-fi space travel music.” The group performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 1) at The Listening Room in Grand Rapids. The band’s press material says: “This group of young, but seasoned musicians offer up floating ethereal soundscapes on top of head bopping grooves; perfect for a relaxing exploration. Dutcher Snedeker (Piano/Keys), Ian Thompson (Upright/Electric Bass), and Nathan Coles (Drums), all have deep roots in the Michigan music scene. Their genre blending style echos hints of Jazz, rock, and funk, while leaving enough room for improvisation.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s fantastic! The show is free. But there are vaccination requirements. Listen to their music and learn more at listeningroomgr.com.
2. Billy Strings Live
Fans are excited for the return of bluegrass star Billy Strings, a local musician-turned Grammy award winner, who is scheduled to perform Dec. 30-Jan. 1 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids. All shows are sold out. If you have tickets, you’re in for a memorable evening. If not, well, maybe next time. And if you’ve never heard of Billy Strings or you want to watch from home, this is a good opportunity to learn more about this emerging national talent who is originally from Ionia. Those who want to livestream the shows can get more details at nugs.net. Follow Billy Strings on YouTube at https://found.ee/StringsYT and on Spotify https://found.ee/BSpotify.
Oh, and if you’re downtown on Thursday (Dec. 30), a pre-show concert is planned with Desmond Jones, a five-piece American rock band from Grand Rapids, at 5 p.m. at The Listening Room. The show is free. Doors open at 4 p.m. The band is known for its “melodic guitar riffs, funky bass lines, groovy drumbeats, and smooth saxophone,” according to press materials. More info at listeningroomgr.com.
Note: Billy Strings postponed some shows in Nashville earlier this month because of a Covid positive test in his touring band. In a story on liveforlivemusic.com he said: “At this time we have every intention of performing our New Years Eve run in Grand Rapids and can’t wait to see you there. We love you and hope you all stay healthy and safe this holiday season.”
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)
1. Christmas in Grand Rapids
I’ve mentioned a couple local institutions several times over the last few weeks. Don’t forget:
The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark remains open from 5:30-9 p.m. daily, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. Cost is $28 per car. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens runs through Jan. 2. It is open daily, but closed on Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the “Behind the Mitten” radio show, which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Kent County Health Department announced on Dec. 29 that it is changing its isolation and quarantine guidelines for people who have tested positive or been exposed to coronavirus to align with this week’s changes in U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocol.
The CDC has stated that science now shows the majority of COVID-19 transmission happens early in the illness, generally in the first one to two days before symptoms start and the two to three days thereafter, according to the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) announcement.
“Therefore, effective immediately, the new guidance shortens the isolation and quarantine periods under certain scenarios,” according the the KCHD announcement.
If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the new isolation guidelines, regardless of vaccination status, are for the person to isolate for five days, and a person may leave isolation if they no longer have symptoms after five days, but those people are urged to continue to mask for an additional five days.
If an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19, the new quarantine guidelines are:
For people who are not vaccinated, or if it has been more than six months since they received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or more than two months after receiving the J&J vaccine and have not received a booster, they should quarantine for five days followed by mask usage for five additional days.
People who have received a booster do not need to quarantine following an exposure but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.
All persons who have been exposed should test five days after the exposure. A person who experiences symptoms during quarantine should be tested for COVID-19 and stay home until receiving a negative result.
“These new guidelines will mean less disruption to people’s lives and still slow the spread of the virus,” KCHD Medical Director Dr. Nirali Bora said in supplied material. “However, COVID-19 cases and deaths remain unacceptably high. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should be tested as soon as possible.”
This new guidance applies to the public and may not apply to those residing in congregate living settings, schools, or people who work with individuals in high-risk groups.
The KCHD is currently updating all its guidance and communication materials to reflect the change in the isolation and quarantine guidelines.
It is unclear if letter jackets are still in style at high schools but, if they are, East Kentwood High School’s top esports players earned their letters recently as the Falcons won the Esports State Championship in League of Legends at Eastern Michigan University, beating Northville High School.
The title is the latest success story for the school’s new esports teams and players, who compete in the emerging competitions of electronic sports, also called competitive video gaming. Some of the games they compete in include Super Smash Bros, League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and Rocket League.
State esports title team from East Kentwood High School League of Legends team, from left, are Kha Di Le, Andrew Hua, Tony Truong, Jacob Le, Anna Ngo and Brandon Le . (Supplied)
The early December League of Legends matches were streamed on Twitch by PlayVS, with professional “shoutcasters” calling out the games.
East Kentwood’s League of Legends team members include Kha Di Le, Andrew Hua, Tony Truong, Jacob Le, Anna Ngo and Brandon Le.
The League of Legends team are the top players in the school, but coach Bill Dixon told WKTV that he and his fellow coaches expect as many as 100 students to compete at some level this school year.
“Only one of these kids is in athletics, so for the rest, Esports gives them an opportunity to connect with their school with something other than academics,” Dixon said.
A history of support and success
“Esports started for East Kentwood High School about 4 years ago,” Dixon said. “A group of four teachers and administrators (Dixon, Justin Michalowski, Chad Songer and Geoff Westman) decided to offer this opportunity to our students. The rationale was there is an underserved student population that needed an outlet to compete for their school outside of the traditional athletic model.
“We wanted to keep the important elements of athletics: eligibility standards, practices, team building and try outs. What separates Esports from traditional sports is that 90 percent of our student population are playing these games and have a chance to participate.”
The East Kentwood High School esports team, at right, in action. (Supplied)
The school’s esports program has produced back-to-back championships in both Valorant and League of Legends levels, and compete in state leagues such as PlayVS, Michigan High School Esports Federation (MIHSEF) and Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL).
“We have several Kentwood graduates that are competing at the collegiate level at schools like Michigan State (University), University of Michigan, and Grand Valley (State University),” Dixon said.
And, Dixon said in a previous announcement, at the recent League of Legends event, “I was also approached by three different college Esports coaches (Grand Valley, Oakland University and Davenport) that are trying to recruit our kids, offering scholarships.”
Dixon added that the East Kentwood program was “fortunate early on to get support, funding and vision from our principal, Omar Bakri.”
Since it’s beginning, the team has competed in more than 10 different competitions, “sometimes on a national/online format and sometimes with in person competitions,” he said. And East Kentwood has also hosted five events bringing in over a dozen different local high schools.
Bringing home the hardware — State esports title team from East Kentwood High School League of Legends team show off their medals. (Supplied)
“We’ve been fortunate to have excellent teams of great, committed students who have produced back to back championships in both Valorant and League of Legends,” Dixon said.
The East Kentwood program, in cooperation with the West Michigan Sports Commission, also helped run the “Rift Clash”, a League of Legends tournament, which was held live locally in 2019 and online in 2020. That tournament had 15 colleges and 1 high school — the host Falcons — competing. East Kentwood was able to beat several colleges and advanced to the semi-finals in 2020, before falling to MSU, the eventual winner of the tournament.
That team roster included Anna Ngo, Terry Pham, Ben Pham, Daniel Nguyen, Tony Truong and Scott Luu.
West Michigan has a thriving agricultural economy with miles of apples and other crops that often need to be picked by hand each fall. Thousands of migrant workers travel to Michigan each year to harvest these crops for local farmers and growers, filling approximately 100 migrant camps to capacity in Kent County.
With that influx of workers and nomad-style workforce, issues can and often do occur — not the least of which was dealing with the recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Local non-profit Migrant Legal Aid has been an advocate for those workers, their health and their rights, for many years, and they continued to do so in 2021.
MLA defines a migrant worker as a person who lives and works at the same place and travels seasonally according to which crops are in season. Due to poverty, language barriers, and discrimination, seasonal workers often find it hard to protect their basic human rights and dignity. This is where Migrant Legal Aid say they step in.
Many migrant workers come from such severe poverty that when they are treated unfairly, most don’t speak up, Molly Spaak, attorney for MLA, said to WKTV. “Culturally, they say they can’t complain. They don’t realize they have a voice … There is also a definite fear of deportation if they come forward.”
Problems and solutions
Undocumented workers make up approximately 50 percent of the agricultural work force. Because of this, there is anxiety among the workers that deportation would occur if they come forward when treated unfairly. A way to eliminate this apprehension is found in case law.
Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)
“MLA has good case law that protects undocumented folks from irrelevant immigration questions and retaliation in the workplace,” Spaak said. “This helps them feel more comfortable coming forward with their concerns.”
Young children have often been found in the fields with their parents, helping to harvest the crops so their parents meet the daily quota mandated by the growers.
“Child labor laws absolutely apply to migrant workers and their families,” said Spaak when asked if Michigan law extended to seasonal workers. “There are now migrant daycares and Head Start programs parents can utilize. These are free to the families. Because of this, there has been a drastic decrease of children in the fields.”
Migrant Legal Aid also provides help for those suffering from domestic violence.
“The Hispanic community is very patriarchal,” said Spaak. “Because of this, DV (domestic violence) cases are always popular.”
MLA offers special visas for victims who come forward. These visas help in many ways, providing social security numbers to the victims so they have the opportunity for steady work among them.
“This gives women and men more justification and incentive to come forward,” Spaak said.
Communication, community awareness
Educating the migrant workers on their rights and the services Migrant Legal Aid offers is a daunting yet necessary task. MLA produces many social media campaigns, newsletters to the community, and press releases to the media in an effort to raise awareness.
However, there are still challenges.
Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)
“Social media helps build community awareness, but not our clients’ awareness because our clients don’t always have access to social media like the general population,” said Spaak.
To develop this knowledge, MLA sends migrant advocates into camps two to three times a week during the summer and fall to pass out Migrant Legal Aid information and speak with the workers personally.
Over the past year, advocates also handed out information on COVID-19.
“Migrant housing is jam-packed with people with one kitchen and one shower—it’s impossible to social distance,” said Spaak. “New COVID-19 regulations are not always followed, and the migrant camps were a hot bed for Coronavirus. Even when the vaccines rolled out, myths about the vaccine stopped a lot of people from getting it because they were worried about what it might do to them. We had to dispel those myths.”
Though MLA does have cases of mistreatment that require court appearances, Spaak said that many issues “can be resolved extremely quickly by speaking with the growers. A lot if it is communication and language issues with the workers.”
Migrant Legal Aid works hard to educate the community about migrant workers’ needs and situations but still needs help from the public. Being a self-funded organization, MLA relies on grants, private party donations, and fundraisers to subsidize their work. Two of their largest fundraisers are annual events — Cup of Justice, a golf outing in the spring, and Harvest of Justice, a luncheon in the fall.
While seeing so many cases of injustice against migrant workers is emotionally hard on the MLA attorneys and advocates, personal migrant success stories give them hope.
“Rene Rodriguez was a migrant worker from several years ago. His parents emigrated to the United States and were a farm worker family,” said Spaak.
Rodriguez went to school, worked hard, and became a professional website designer and marketing designer.
“We (MLA) bought several photographs from him that are now hanging in this office,” Spaak said of Rodriguez. “Rene also helps us with marketing, brochures, and photos.”
To find out more about Migrant Legal Aid and how you can help MLA protect migrant workers’ legal rights, visit here.
Farm workers at a local growing location from fall 2021. (Migrant Legal Aid)
“Smart planning should include some of your important retirement accounts are guaranteed.” Dave Stanley
When planning retirement, do you depend on projections based on future conditions, or do you plan your retirement based on guarantees? The answer may surprise you; both can be the correct answer. It all depends on your situation and what “time” period you are focusing on retirement.
Photo with pxhere.com
Let’s start with a projection or estimate of future value planning. If you base your future retirement income solely on US (or foreign) stocks, the volatility factor must be included. How will your chosen stocks perform over some time, and how easily can they convert to a retirement account to fund your desired income level? S0 much about a stock’s performance can depend on outside influences such as the overall world economy, the valuation of the dollar, inflation or deflation, and a third parties (analysis) view of your stock’s profit results. A group of top stock strategists can predict anything from a single-digit loss to a double-digit gain.
How do you plan for your future retirement income?
Whom do you trust?
How do you estimate future market values?
Experimenting with discretionary funds is one thing, but significant retirement funds could be a poor choice. Once again, it all depends on your situation.
Many people lose sight of the actual goal of retirement planning, which in its most basic form is to make your retirement income lasts as long as we do. This seems like a relatively straightforward objective, so why do so many people start with a retirement income strategy that leaves so much to chance? Let’s consider the choices again by category; one is an estimate, and the other is a guarantee. Depending on your asset values and your desired lifestyle, there can be room for both types of planning. The key is that essential expenses must be covered first and fully funded by lifetime income sources.
You’ll enjoy some significant advantages if your lifetime sources of income are sufficient to fund essential lifestyle expenses. The question and problem are the same: How do you do it? First on the list is to avoid market volatility risk and accept a reasonable rate of return.
New studies show if given a choice, most people would choose safe, secure income over yields. When the funds have to be there, and the income is essential, safety becomes the first decision. Having this sort of income planning eliminates the possibility of outliving your source of income, or what is called longevity risk. Knowing that your necessary expenses are covered with a guaranteed source of income is a great comfort and sense of freedom to enjoy your retirement years, no matter how long you live.
Given all the uncertainties, the unpredictable outcomes, and the unending list of “what-ifs” facing investors, it’s no surprise that drawing an accurate road map to where financial markets are headed is no easy task. Even for the Wall Street players who admit there are too many variables that are beyond our capabilities to absorb and forecast. That is precisely why it’s a top priority for those retired or about to retire to understand the risk they face without having put into place a guaranteed retirement income solution to alleviate the risk of running out of money.
Let’s take a look at the state of America’s retirement system. A generation ago, pension plans were offered to more than four out of five private-sector workers—today, it’s fewer than one in three. An employee has mainly replaced pensions paid plans like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or 457s. Expenses built into many of these plans make it difficult to earn the needed money to fund basic retirement needs. The shortcomings of this approach are evident in its lack of guarantees—an essential factor when you consider the current historical level of market volatility. Plus, new insight into how fees are charged and the actual cost of owning these plans have come under regulatory scrutiny.
Thankfully, solutions exist that can potentially increase your income and generate a lifetime pension payout to both spouses with the benefits of protection and guarantees.
We use the only financial instrument to provide a guaranteed income that you cannot outlive and maintain control of your money with upside potential and no downside risk. How can this be accomplished?
Naturally, by handing the risk of managing your significant retirement funds to a risk bearer. An insurance company is a risk bearer.
Since the Presbyterian Church first invented annuities nearly 300 years ago, annuities have been the cornerstone of millions of retirees’ significant retirement income. With the evolution of new and dynamic products, a guaranteed income with annual crediting in the 4-7% range is fully available.
Removing risk from retirement planning by allowing an insurance company to manage your retirement accounts can provide you with a stress-free and secure future.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The is no denying Wyoming Lee High School boys basketball team’s first-year head coach Dominic Shannon and his coaching staff have work in front of them to lead the Legends program out of some tough days.
But he has youth and talent on his side, both on and off the court. And he has his thin varsity team and still-building program buying into what he is teaching on and off the court.
“This program has been under construction for the past so many years, and just looking at the banners (on the gym wall) there has not been much activity. … we do have a lot of work to do,” Shannon said to WKTV at a recent practice. “But, at the same time, that is motivating us.”
What is also motivating the team is the communication, the trust, that is developing between a young team and a young coaching staff — Shannon is 35 years old and top assistant Landon Mitchner is 38.
“With us being younger, the relatability is there. The conversation is there. There is trust there,” Shannon said. “That is a buy-in strategy for coaches … they will understand the importance of what we say. I think our ages are a huge factor here.”
Another factor working in the favor of the Legends (or “Leyendas” in Spanish, a dominate second language in the district) is that while the varsity team is thin, with seven or eight players depending on injuries, there is talent on varsity and on the larger JV team.
And there, too, much of it is young.
Wyoming Lee High School boys basketball head coach Dominic Shannon at a team practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“We have a very low count this year, but instead of discouraging us it has been pushing us,” Shannon said “We have some young talent”, specifically senior captain Dominic Burrell, junior Keontae Taylor and freshman Troy Fox — who was also named captain of the team.
Taylor is “the most athletic kid I have coached so far. … He is our fuel to the engine. … He is offensively gifted … When he goes, the team goes. … Honestly, I think he is an all state caliber talent.”
Burrell is a big man, with a rebounder’s body and a way with words — “His presence on the defensive end has been felt in all three games. He’s been an anchor for us. Communicating, making sure guys are in the right place. And he is a rebounding machine.”
And Fox is “a very young floor general. He’s a freshman but he is also very physical, we love his presence on the defense.”
“When those three guys are firing on all cylinders, we will be competitive.”
And the leadership the three bring is in practice as well as in games.
“We are raw on the edges but at the same time we have been growing with this leadership that has been flowing through the team,” Shannon said. “These young men set the table every single day in practice. They embody everything we are asking of the student athlete in regards to the classroom, being a leader, and they are also carrying it over, using their voice on the court.”
The team is only three games into Shannon’s leadership, but after a 0-4 record last year in a pandemic-ravaged season and a 4-17 record the year before, the Legends (1-2 overall) gained their first win of the young season just before the holiday break — 55-48 at Wellspring Prep.
The Legends will return to action Jan. 4, at home against Holton, and are playing a partial independent and partial Alliance League schedule (the league the school is moving to). Lee will also be the WKTV Featured game Friday, Feb. 18, as part of a girls and boys doubleheader against Byron Center Zion Christian (also Hall of Fame night).
“The win before break, I think it is good for the program,” Shannon said. “That win, the energy it generated, has carried over to practice.”
Coach Shannon: player, coach, mentor
Coach Shannon’s journey to Lee is really a return to Grand Rapids.
He graduated from East Kentwood High School in the early 2000s, and in 2010 he graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, where he played one year of college basketball.
He was a graduate assistant at Salem University and has coaching experience at the high school level, two years at Saranac and one as a varsity assistant at Forest Hills Central.
In addition to his coaching gig at Lee, Shannon is program director of All-In Sports, a sports training program with travel basketball teams.
And his background, Shannon said, made him understand that leading the Legends program is more than simply what happens on the court.
“The main thing, outside of the Xs and Os, outside the game, we want to make sure we are feeding the young man, preparing them for real life,” Shannon said of his and his assistant’s work. “The basketball, the Xs and Os, competing, that is what we are here for. (But) the main component of this basketball team, for me and my coaches, is making sure that we are challenging these young men to be better young men every single day.”
While launching a new restaurant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic may seem daunting, in West Michigan and really anywhere, Condado Tacos location on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids proved it could be done, and done in an artful way.
Like its menu, which they say is “adaptable to every diet,” Condado Tacos just had to be adaptable to Grand Rapids ever-shifting pandemic landscape — and health regulations. But Condado Tacos opening in February of 2021, during one of the pandemic’s surges, did present unique challenges for staff as they worked to get boots on the ground in West Michigan.
Tina Femeyer, general manager of the Condado Tacos Grand Rapids location, looked back on the restaurant’s first year and told WKTV that she was originally supposed to begin work the week of the Michigan statewide shut down in early 2020.
Tina Femeyer, local general manager of Condado Tacos. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Everything got pushed back 6 to 8 weeks,” Femeyer said. “I ended up training in the Royal Oak location for four months, but they were only doing carry-out. I had to completely re-train for dine-in once things opened back up.”
Founded in 2014, Condado Tacos currently has 20 locations in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. But they were committed to Grand Rapids.
“We were not certain if we were going to open at that time,” Karen Reed, Director of Off Premise Sales, said to WKTV. “There were some slight delays on parts (supply chain issues) and acquiring and confirming our liquor license were the two most challenging issues. Also, making certain we were in the position to combat and prevent COVID from spreading in the restaurant on a regular basis…It was a matter of doing whatever it would take, with a great commitment from our staff.”
And getting that staff together was high on the priority list.
Femeyer eventually moved to Grand Rapids in November of 2020 and began conducting in-person interviews.
One of the initial hires at Candado Tacos, Kentwood bartender Dan Voetberg, behind the bar. (Supplied)
“We knew we were opening at only fifty percent capacity but planned to hire full staff,” said Femeyer.
Conducting interviews while masked and socially distanced was a new experience for the general manager, but Femeyer said the process went smoothly.
Advance marketing and the use of the Indeed employment website for recruiting helped potential employees be aware of Condado Tacos and their entrance into the market.
“It appeared we had a bit of a following even prior to opening,” said Reed.
Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Condado Tacos art. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
The art of tacos, and a taco restaurant
As Condado Tacos planned its opening, also in the plans was showcasing local artists.
When asked what prompted the decision to make art a main feature of Condado, Femeyer said that it was always a vision of original founder Joe Kahn, and other executives of the corporation, to ensure art was a key component of each Condado store.
“The art ties back to the local community, creating a unique space that speaks to what the city is about while being consistent with menu and service,” said Femeyer. “Art is the backbone of what they (corporate) wanted to make each space.”
Femeyer also revealed that the art is the most time-sensitive part of the construction process, often beginning before heat, air conditioning, or plumbing are completed.
“They (the artists) truly are a part of the construction team,” Femeyer said. “They work all hours of the day and night after drywall is in place.”
While each store features artwork distinctive to the city’s artists, diners can also look for a variation of a gnome and ghost chilies at each location, creating a link of unity between each store.
Condado Tacos on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Condado Tacos is now at full capacity, though they do offer a patio with heaters for comfort, and also heaters stationed near the entrance to the restaurant in case people would like to enjoy a cocktail or wait for a table in a less populated space.
Condado’s success in Grand Rapids comes down to two things, Femeyer said.
“Great staff. They have all been unbelievably gracious and understanding that many things were out of our (management’s) control during opening. They were very adaptable.” Femeyer said. “I think the space really speaks to how people want to dine. They want a more light-hearted, ‘come as you are’ feel, which Condado Taco speaks to. It speaks to people of all walks of life.”
But Reed added that it doesn’t end there. “Our goal each shift and every day at our Grand Rapids Condado Tacos and all of our locations, is to be very consistent in our execution along with a focus on continual improvement daily.”
Grand Rapids will not be the last Michigan location for Condado Tacos. With three locations already open in the Detroit area at the time of the Bridge Street launch, Femeyer says Condado intends to continue expanding in Michigan, with plans already in place to open a store in Ann Arbor in early 2022.
When Wyoming resident Matthew Gould posted his neighbor’s 10-foot suit of armor statue for sale, he wasn’t expecting the type of community outpouring that would cause his phone to ding constantly throughout the day.
“I don’t think after I posted the listing that I was even able to close my phone before it started dinging,” he said.
The ‘”Knight of 44th Street” is a familiar symbol to many residents traveling along 44th Street. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Gould)
Few who have driven 44th Street heading east from U.S. 131 have missed the 10-foot statue sitting on the lawn of the Zoet home. According to Mabel Zoet, her husband Nelson, who was an auctioneer, often traveled to Laredo, Texas, where he would purchase the suits of armor statues, which were made in Mexico. He then would sell the seven-foot statues, she said.
“One day a friend said to him ‘Why don’t you put up a 10-foot one up?’” Zoet said. “So he put one up next to the flagpole.”
That was about 30 years ago, Zoet said. Now after 58 years in their home, Zoet is looking to downsize. So she decided to put the “tin man” up for sale, never realizing how much of a symbol it had become to the community and her neighbors.
Fida K. wrote “I used to see this as my parents drove by that house as a young child!! I love/still love him!! Such an icon! Please keep him!”
“Oh I’m so sad to see this for sale,” wrote Amber M. “I remember walking past that thing when I was a little girl on the way to school and imagining the things we could do if we were inside it.”
“It’s like the only cool thing on 44th Street,” wrote John F.
In fact, so many people thought the statue was too “cool” to be moved that they encouraged a GoFundMe campaign to purchase the statue to keep it in the community. In less than 24 hours, the $500 was raised to purchase it.
For more than 30 years, the suit of armor statue has been on the Zoet property located along 44th Street just east of US-131. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Gould)
Gould said the task now will be to find a new home for the statue.
“I feel like this needs to be put up in a park nearby or even downtown with a little plaque ‘The Knight of 44th St.’” wrote DK. “Crazy how this was something of significance to a lot of us growing up!”
Alex C. agreed. “This is a landmark icon, we need to preserve this art. Make it known, put the man’s name on a plaque at least.”
For now, Zoet said the statue can stay in her yard. Gould, who lives next door to Zoet, said his yard is also available until a permanent home can be found. Gould said he plans to reach out to city officials in 2022 as he works to secure the statue’s new home.
“…He was a childhood icon for me when my parents would take me to C’s Dairy and Dogs for the car shows,” wrote Josh W. “I’m forever thankful for this guy no matter where he goes.”
I hope you’re having a blessed holiday weekend and enjoying time with family and friends. I know it’s been hectic getting to this point, but let’s remember the reason for the season. Take a breather, relax and ….. open another present.
Seriously, I think we all know that this time of year means more than gifts and fancy things. It’s about the people you love the most, and the ones who love you back, unconditionally. It’s a time to celebrate.
On behalf of the Gonzalez family, have a Merry Christmas, everyone.
Now, let’s get to some events taking place this weekend on my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively for WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express (Ford Museum)
5. Gerald R. Ford Museum
Who remembers the train at Breton Village? You can see the “Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express,” formerly the Breton Village Miniature Train Display, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum through Jan. 2. The train set was created and maintained by Herb DeVries and his family, “who poured endless hours of their time and talent into the display, simply because it brought joy to others. The train quickly became a treasured holiday tradition for families all over West Michigan,” according to the museum staff. The exhibit includes replicas of South High School, Bill’s Place diner and other significant structures in the president’s Grand Rapids life. Tickets are $8 for adults; free for those 17 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online here. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at fordlibrarymuseum.gov.
Please note: The Museum Store is currently closed, but you may make purchases online here.
Souvenir, 1970, Lithograph on paper, has a self portrait of Jasper Johns in the lower left corner.
(Photo by Gene Pittman for Walker Art Center.)
4. Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a great place to explore during the holidays. GRAM features “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018,” which surveys six decades of output from one of America’s greatest living artists, and “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” showcases a centuries-old Anishinaabe tradition. The nationally acclaimed mother and daughter team has created more than 20 new works, including traditional baskets, “while others are woven works of art that draw on Native history and storytelling to make striking parallels to universal issues and current events,” according to press materials.
Please note: GRAM will temporarily operate on a cash-free basis for visitors purchasing tickets on-site. Also, face masks are required for all museum guests while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. This week the museum is open from noon-9 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 23) and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday (Dec. 24), and closed Saturday and Sunday. Regular hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday, noon-9 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.) Call 616-831-1000 or go to artmuseumgr.org for more information.
Returning to the Grand Rapids Museum is the recreation of 1925 era of downtown Grand Rapids in LEGOs. (Photo supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
3. The Grand Rapids Public Museum
“Snowflake Break” continues at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through Jan. 2 and features special activities, as well as traveling exhibits “POPnolog,” and “Bats: Masters of the Night.” Along with camps and other fun things to do, you can experience the holiday light show “Let It Snow!” at the Chaffee Planetarium. For more info on the Snowflake Break Camps, go to grpm.org/educlasses. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and noon- 5 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Christmas Day.
Please note: Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under. Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County seniors are $3. Advance ticket reservation is recommended. Kent County residents also receive free parking in the Museum’s ramp for their visit. The Museum encourages all visitors to wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status. Visit grpm.org for more info.
(courtesy Christmas Lite Show)
2. Christmas Lite Show
So, I’m still waiting to make my annual trip to the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark. As you know, they have been doing this for 24 years, which means it’s become a tradition for you, like the Gonzalez household. I drove by Sunday night, and the lines were busy. But it moves along, and they do a great job of taking care of you. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window for $28 for most cars. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)
1. Christmas at Meijer Gardens
The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens is another great West Michigan tradition. It runs through Jan. 2. With more than 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, rooftop reindeer and 46 international trees and displays it’s another must for families. Make sure to see the Railway Garden exhibition with miniature buildings handmade from natural materials and model trolleys and trains. It’s my favorite. In addition to late hours on Tuesdays, Meijer Gardens is open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 27-30. Meijer Gardens is open daily for the holidays, but closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators recently announced that Kentwood Public School’s Endeavor Elementary School has been nationally recognized as a Distinguished School, according to an emailed statement from KPS administration.
The honor is only awarded to two schools within the state of Michigan. Selected schools must show excellence in education as evidenced by student achievement gains.
“The team at Endeavor Elementary demonstrates excellence and tenacity in their work on a daily basis,” KPS Superintendent Kevin Polston said in supplied material. “We are extremely proud of Endeavor’s achievement and commitment to academic achievement for all students.”
Endeavor Elementary won the award for excellence in serving English Learners. Schools are recognized for their approaches to teaching and learning, professional development opportunities, individualized programs and strong partnerships between schools, parents and the community. The selection criteria for this award included the multilingual learners’ achievement on WIDA assessment and school accountability data.
“This is a whole team award. All of our staff have played a crucial role in loving and educating our multilingual learners,” Mark Bea, principal of Endeavor Elementary, said in supplied material. “From our KPS central office who provides clear direction, to our school EL program and EVERY teacher who creates the family environment and targeted instruction to make it happen; from our food service, custodial, and paraprofessionals who provide critical services, to our office and itinerant staff who offer unending support.
“Together with the efforts of students, parents, staff and a supportive community we can achieve true excellence!”
Out of the top nine Michigan schools, MDE identified two other Kentwood elementary buildings, Glenwood and Discovery, for their success with English Learners.
The Michigan Department of Education will cover the cost for travel, food and lodging for three staff members to be recognized at the National ESEA Conference. The conference, held in New Orleans, offers opportunities for staff members to learn from nationally recognized leaders and experts in education. Participants can also network with colleagues from all over the United States.
A pair of eastern sandhill cranes keep a lookout for predators. These birds normally stay together unless one dies, in which case they’ve been known to start other family groups. Credit: Department of Natural Resources
LANSING — Efforts by politicians to create a hunting season for eastern sandhill cranes in both Michigan and Wisconsin are stirring debates among hunters, farmers and birders.
A Michigan legislative resolution to encourage the Natural Resources Commission to explore the possibilities of issuing tags for cranes was introduced but not adopted. Wisconsin has gone further, with lawmakers introducing a bill in October to require the state Department of Natural Resources to issue permits to eligible hunters for the birds.
If either of these measures passes, it would be the first time the bird has been hunted legally in its breeding grounds since the species was nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1900s.
Advocates of a hunt in both states cited the agricultural damage caused by rising numbers of the birds, as well as increased opportunities for hunters as reasons to add the sandhill crane to their lists of state game birds.
However, hunting them is controversial for both birding groups and ornithological associations. They argue that the cranes’ unique ecology has historically made them vulnerable to overhunting.
“This bird wows and delights people,” said Heather Good, the executive director of Michigan Audubon, the state’s oldest conservation organization.
“It’s widely depicted in art, and it’s the oldest living species at more than 2.5 million years old. True conservationists do not take that history for granted,” Good said.
Sandhill cranes have the lowest juvenile survival rate of any game bird in North America, with only one in 10 nests producing a chick that survives to adulthood, according to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. One reason is the time it takes for the birds to reach maturity, with pairs being an average of 4 years old before they can reproduce, it said.
Eastern Sand Hill Cranes have a low juvenile survival rate. (Wikipedia/http://www.birdphotos.com)
Their low birth rate, paired with increased habitat loss and overhunting during the early 1900s, led to its eradication from a number of Great Lakes states, including Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. By the 1930s, there were only 25 breeding pairs in Wisconsin, according to population counts at the time.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, like Mark Berres, claim that near-extinction means that the eastern sandhill crane still has problems with genetic diversity, which makes it more susceptible to overhunting.
In an interview with the University of Wisconsin News, Berres said: “We have a pretty good understanding of why the birds are doing so well, but we’re really just starting to figure out the population’s breeding structure. To me it screams ‘don’t touch them.’”
Michigan DNR officials claim that the bird’s destructive behavior towards crops is a sign of resilience and adaptability.
The cranes tend to travel into cornfields from adjacent wetlands and eat the new shoots as they sprout out of the ground in the springtime. Farmers say they can leave large sections of their field bare.
“They’re an adaptable species and they’ve been able to take advantage of available habitats like wetlands and emerging wetlands,” said Barbara Avers, the waterfowl and wetland specialist at the Michigan DNR. “But they are now using agricultural products as an abundant food source, and we are really seeing their numbers take off.”
Despite the rising rates of agricultural destruction, ornithological groups say that’s not an issue because of existing solutions such as repellents that make new plants taste bitter so cranes stay away.
However, the cost of repellent ranges from $6 to $10 per acre, and some farmers are unwilling to take on the added cost and time to treat their crops. The federal government offers a permit to such farmers to kill cranes that are damaging their crops.
Federal regulations make it illegal for those hunters to consume meat from the cranes they kill. Instead, carcasses are left in the field to discourage other groups of cranes from coming to that farm.
Hunting groups in both states call that a waste of natural resources and argue that a hunting season would both reduce population numbers for farmers and provide an economic opportunity for the state DNRs.
At an appearance with Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin, Michigan musician and pro-hunting activist Ted Nugent called sandhill cranes “ribeyes in the sky,” referring to his desire to eat them.
In a presentation to the Natural Resources Commission, Nick Green, the public information officer for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, said hunters both understand population management strategies and provide funding for habitat restoration.
Green said, “Numerous game and no-game species have all flourished thanks to funding generated almost exclusively from hunting license sales and the tax on firearms and ammunition.”
At a commission meeting this fall, officials from Michigan Audubon and the Michigan Humane Society said DNR has focused too much on hunters in the past.
Good said, “Conservation is not a sport, it’s actually a science.”
MollyTamulevich, the Michigan director for the Humane Society of the United States, said, “In conversations with commissioners, it’s clear that some of you believe that the primary role of the Natural Resources Commission is to serve the fewer than 7% of Michiganders who hold a hunting license.
“In fact, the lens through which the commission’s decisions are made frames Michigan’s wildlife entirely as a resource to be managed by being killed by game license holders,” she said.
Tamulevich said she was frustrated with the lack of representation for Michigan’s growing eco-friendly and non-hunting residents, saying that ignores economic benefits produced by birders and native Anishinaabe communities that consider the bird sacred.
“It’s time the decision-making bodies start to pay attention to the voices of Michigan citizens who are heavily invested in their outdoors land and wild areas but chose not to hunt, trap or kill for trophies, cash prizes and bragging rights,” Tamulevich said.
At its Monday council meeting, the Wyoming City Council recognized the two decades of contributions from former Kent County commissioner Harold Voorhees.
Voorhees, who had been involved in public service from the late 1980s, retired from public service in 2020 when he decided not to seek re-election as a Kent County commissioner.
Wyoming Council member Kent Vanderwood said he remembers when Voorhees came to him about running for the state legislature in 1986.
“He did not win that election, but he went on to serve on the city council, as mayor and eventually as state representative,” Vanderwood said. “Harold is the reason I am sitting here tonight.”
Voorhees was elected to the Wyoming City Council in 1987 and two years later, he was elected mayor. He resigned his position as mayor in 1992 to serve as the 77th District State House representative, which he did for three terms from 1993-1998. In 2000, Voorhees was elected as the 8th District Kent County commissioner and served on the commission for 20 years.
At Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Jack Poll read a proclamation thanking Voorhees for his years of service as a Kent County commissioner. Poll noted that Voorhees’s wife, Joanne, also has served in various public positions, including replacing her husband as the 77th District State House representative in 1998 as well as serving on the city council.
“We appreciate what you have done for this community, you have been leaders,” Poll said.
“Thank you Mayor Poll and council members, and City Manager Curtis Holt,” Voorhees said. “What a wonderful Christmas gift to be together with family and friends in a familiar venue of government…I thank each of you for your time, your talents and what you do for our city and we can always be proud putting up the Wyoming flag. This is a great place to be.”
Mayor Jack Poll with Harold and Joanne Voorhees as Monday’s Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
Now two years into a three-year strategic plan and The Right Place, Inc is on track to exceed all of its goals.
This month, the regional nonprofit dedicated to economic prosperity in West Michigan, hosted its 25th annual Economic Outlook which showed that The Right Place was doing well on meeting its targets for the three-year period from 2020-2022.
For 2021, the organization reports that its work has resulted in 1,541 new and retained jobs, $84 million in new and retained payroll, and $286 million new capital investment.
The Right Place President and CEO Randy Thelen said that due to COVID-19 and its impact on the economy in 2020, the organization was behind the curve in terms of its objects of new and retained jobs, new and retained payroll, and new capital investment. Because of bold decisions made by the business community in 2021, The Right Place is now ahead of its three-year statistic plan.
Over the past two years, the organization has achieved 2,494 new and retained jobs, which is 74 percent of its goal of 3,400 in the three year period. For new and retained payroll, it has achieved $127 million which is 69 percent of its three-year goal of $184 million. For new capital investment, The Right Place, Inc. has achieved $286 million completing 79 percent of its three-year goal of $500 million.
The bigger question for many is what to expect in 2022. The Right Place meet with 422 companies and from those conversations, learned the local business community is confident in the region’s future. The overwhelming majority believe the region is competitive (94 percent) and more than half are planning to expand in the near future (63 percent). The positive outlook comes despite the labor shortage and ongoing pandemic with many making investments into training (52 percent).
It should be noted that pre-pandemic unemployment rate in the U.S. was the lowest since 1969. In fact, the unemployment rate today is lower than it was in any month between March 1970 and February 1999 and for any month between March 2001 and August 2017.
According to The Right Place officials, where the economy is falling short is the number of jobs and the number of people in the labor force. In the U.S., there are 2.6 percent fewer jobs today than there were in February 2020 and in Michigan there are 5.1 percent fewer jobs than in February 2020. The unemployment rate would be much higher except for the fact that many of the formerly employed workers have dropped out of the labor force, which is down by 1.5 percent in the U.S. and 3.4 percent in Michigan since February 2020.
The imbalance between demand, which is higher than before the pandemic, and supply, especially labor supply, which is lower than it was before the pandemic is generating increases in prices. Consumer prices in the U.S. were 6.2 percent hight in October then a year earlier and prices in Michigan, measured by the Detroit CPI, are 5.5 percent higher than a year ago. The real disposable personal income per capita in the U.S. in October was 1.7 percent higher than it was before the pandemic in February 2020 and the average new wroth of American households, adjusted for inflation, increased 17.5 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2021.
To check out the full strategic plan from The Right Place, click here.
“One thing you can always count on, death and taxes.” Dave Stanley
When you own a home, you are liable for the property taxes assessed on your property. The taxes collected on your property pay your share of the cost of local schools, government, and several other local and other programs. The biggest mistake many homeowners make is overpaying these taxes. You have rights and have the opportunity only to pay your fair share of the taxes assessed. You have options available to you to make sure the assessment on your home is fair. However, you do not have to overpay to be honoring your civic duty by paying taxes. There are several things that can be done to lower your taxes and help keep the cost of owning a home down.
Fair Assessment:
Photo from pxhere.com
The most important thing is a fair and accurate assessment of the value of your home. Each year (or every 3 years), the county tax assessor will evaluate the value of your home and any new improvements made to it. The tax assessor will also take into consideration the “fair market value” of any homes sold (also known as comparables) in your area and the replacement cost of your home. Once the tax assessor determines your property value, the liability can be established. Schools, municipal areas, county, and special tax districts determine your actual taxes. The assessments from the taxing districts cannot be contested. The tax assessor has leeway and discretion in evaluating each piece of property. The evaluation should be fair, and you have the right to complain and argue with this valuation. If you can successfully argue a lower valuation, your tax liability will be lower.
The easiest way to lower the evaluation is to discuss with the person who determines your home value Information you can provide regarding similar home valuations in your area will all help you make your point of the argument. Most tax assessors will allow you to discuss the evaluation of your home and generally will negotiate these values when a factual statement is made.
Tax Exemptions:
Many states allow for the filing of a Homestead Exemption Act to lower the value of your home. This filing protects the allowable state limit of the Homestead Act and will reduce the value of your home by that amount. The reduction in the value of your home will lower the tax overall tax liability of your property taxes.
Many counties in this country allow for a senior citizen’s tax exemption. This exemption is based on the overall income of the occupant of the home. Each state or county will have its own rules and exemptions, so your local county tax assessor should be contacted.
Mortgage Insurance:
Many FHA-guaranteed loans require an insurance payment based on the age of the loan and the value of the loan. Often the amount charged is too high and can be reduced at certain periods; this insurance is no longer needed, and it can be removed. Contact your local mortgage service company for specific details.
The most important thing to remember is that you have rights, and you can argue for those rights. Most homeowners who ask for a re-assessment of their home value will receive a benefit adjustment.
Always pay your fair share which means never pay more than you owe, may sure your tax liability is accurate.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
One of Wyoming’s Park and Recreation’s big accomplishments this year was the reopening of Jackson Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
If you wonder how much of a resource of health and public welfare the City of Wyoming’s parks have served during the pandemic, consider this: reservations at the parks was at 30,000 hours, a 77 percent increase over 2020.
This was part of the 2021 annual Community Impact Report released last week by the City of Wyoming Community Services Department’s Parks and Recreation.
“Today, access to recreation resources have never been more sought after or needed for public health and welfare,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This report provides the public with the transparency needed to affirm we are investing tax dollars wisely, meeting, and in many ways exceeding, resident expectations in providing parks and recreation services during the pandemic.”
The community impact report highlights the ways parks and recreation programs from the past year promoted community health and wellness, child development, economic development, and provided many avenues to build unity and community strength.
Rynbrandt noted during the Dec. 13 city council work session that in 2020-2021 year, the department offered 251 programs. During the epicenter of the pandemic in 2020, it offered 158 programs.
“Of course we saw a significant increase in use of our parks and recreation resources and facilities because that is what [people] were encouraged to do, get outside in order to play,” Rynbrandt said.
Another example of increase parks and recreation was the softball program which had a record year of 1,200 participants during the spring and summer.
Rynbrandt said staff worked to adapt by offering virtual programs and working with outdoor programming. When programs were able to return inside, staff ensured that the required social distancing, mask requirements, etc, were met.
Many programs this past year were modified to ensure public safety during the pandemic and exemplified the ways that parks and recreation services are essential to community resiliency and sustainability. Once such an example of adaptability was the Rec at Home kits with families stopping by Wyoming’s city hall to pick up the kits.
“For those of you who may have been here we had people coming to the back door and picking up so that we were able to adapt and provide that family a positive time alternative they could do with their families in the presence of their home or they could go outside in a public park,” Rynbrandt said.
The City of Wyoming partners with Godwin, Godfrey, and Wyoming public schools for its TEAM 21 program. (courtesy photo)
Parks and recreation is critical to child development, Rynbrandt said. TEAM, 12, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st Community Learning Centers grant, provides summer and after school programs for students in Godwin, Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming public schools. The program served about 900 children this year, which was down from pre-pandemic, which would average between 1,200 to 1,400 students per year.
Despite the limitations due to the pandemic, the program had 121 children on wait lists, according to Rynbrandt.
“[TEAM 21] is one of the most important programs where we impact the mental, physical, social, and scholastic health of our community’s children, Rynbrandt said.
The city also has an impact on the senior population. Through its partnership with the Meals on Wheels program, the city was able to provide 7,488 meals for socially isolated older adults. Rynbrand noted that this was a drive through program at the senior center.
Vaccine clinics and tree plantings were other activities provided through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation.
As for the financial overview, about 52 percent of the Parks and Recreation budget goes directly into park facilities and maintenance, six percent is in the senior center, eight percent into recreation, and about 20 percent into TEAM 21, which is through the grant program.
The city features 23 parks and recreation facilities, including the Wyoming Senior Center, located throughout the city’s 700 acres of parkland.
For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or visiting www.wyomingmi.gov
