In its sixth year, it is hard to imagine Grand Rapids without ArtPrize, but without the passion and participation of our dynamic community of friends and supporters, ArtPrize would still simply be an idea. Because of you ArtPrize is free and open to the public to view, experience, and vote on art. If you are an ArtPrizer consider making a one-time, tax-deductible donation of any amount, large or small, to help support this radically open event that serves so many. With a donation of $50.00 or more, you will receive a copy of the five-year retrospective book, “ArtPrize: How a Radically Open Competition Transformed a City and Changed the Way We Think about Art.” Look to what we accomplished during ArtPrize 2014 and let it inspire you to give for what we strive to achieve in 2015. 1,127 students participated in ArtPrize Chair Camp, learning about chair design from Carla Hartman, Director of Education for the Eames Office and granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames. Students even designed their own miniature chairs. In all, over 12,000 K-12 students participated in a 2014 ArtPrize Education Days program.
10,000 low-income residents received wristbands for unlimited Rapid Rides to ArtPrize during the nineteen days of ArtPrize, in an ongoing partnership with The Rapid and community-based non-profits.
134,550 plastic bottles were diverted from use through ArtPrize Water Share, a program for ArtPrizers to refill their own water bottles free of cost at any of the twenty-two participating Water Share venues throughout the city.
For the first time, visitors in need could borrow wheelchairs, provided by Mary Free Bed and Airway Oxygen Inc., from the ArtPrize HUB at no charge. ArtPrize created the unique AccessArt Pathway, a 1.2 mile route designed with mobility needs in mind, and Ascentcare provided our first AccessArt Lounge for guests with mobility challenges.
With the end of the year upon us, I encourage you to make a one-time, tax-deductible donation to support ArtPrize. Your gift is eligible for a matching grant until December 31st of this year. Consider making a donation and multiplying your support for ArtPrize today. Thank you for your passion and for your dedication to ArtPrize Grand Rapids.
Byron Center Public Schools, MI — It’s a red-carpet affair, a celebration of student film-making, and a way novice directors can offer their perspectives on issues that touch their lives: character, health and diversity.
Byron Center High School senior Aspen Comar and homeschooled student Ellen LeRoy receive their awards at last year’s Meijer Great Choices Film Festival
Since 2009, Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival has grown to become a contest in which hundreds of high school students annually vie for more than $21,000 in prizes provided by big-name donors, culminating in an awards ceremony at Celebration Cinema North movie theater. Now, even kindergarten through eighth graders pick up cameras to enter the Film Festival Junior.
“It’s a big deal,” said Joana Leatherman, director of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center at Byron Center High School, where the festival has been coordinated since its inception.
“Filmmaking is in everything now. There’s such a need for it in so many ways.The film festival has taken that into consideration to guide the students down the right path (to college and careers).”
A Place to Showcase Talent
The festival was the brainchild of Joyce Bower, former marketing and communications director for the Van Singel Fine Arts Center at Byron Center High School. As part of her job, Bower reviewed scholarship applications to the Van Singel Family Foundation based on their artistic work. She noticed the high-quality submissions by Byron Center film students with no venue to show their work.
So, Bower began to set things in motion for a statewide festival, which would showcase the talent being developed in the High School’s Audio Visual Program, and in other schools as well.
With content guidelines based on themes geared around school-related issues, it could have impact on all ages, she realized.
“We thought, ‘Why don’t we control it and make it about what school’s are focusing in on? All schools are trying to teach the pillars of character, doing diversity training all the time, and teaching healthy living.”
Creating Positive Messages for Peers
Students learn about film-making school, career prospects Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Lind Photography
Students, themselves, could use video to teach peers and younger students about these issues, in their own way, she said. “Let’s let the kids talk to the kids about these things,” she said. “Let the kids create it and be involved. It’s really trying to make a positive impact on all the kids in the state.”
The result: students submit 30-second Public Service Announcement videos relating to Character, Promoting Health or Celebrating Diversity, targeted to grades kindergarten through sixth, or seventh through 12th.
Entries are judged by a panel of college students, and dozens of winners take home Meijer and Apple gift cards ranging from $75 to $1,500 and trophies. The first year, 90 students entered the contest, a number that quadrupled in 2010 to 385 students and remains more than 300 each year.
Bower worked hard to get corporate support, which led to Meijer signing on as underwriter. Rumor has it, late supermarket mogul Frederik Meijer loved watching the films, she said. Other partners include Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Chemical Bank, and the Vander Laan Family Foundation. The Loeks family donates the theater, staffing and space for the awards ceremony.
Leatherman said the festival is constantly working to stay fresh. Popularity and options in film-making have exploded because of more accessible technology, like smart phones. “You can have an iPhone, go down the street and tell a great story, and it’s viral a couple days later,” she said.
Meijer Great Choices helps put those options into a streamlined, positive venue, she said. “It’s a great opportunity to find out what students have to do to have a career in the field,” she said.
Involving Students of All Ages, Including College
Byron Center High School Audio Visual teacher Julie VanderLaan said the contest inspires many students. “I believe that the Meijer Great Choices Film Festival is an outstanding program that allows all students to get involved. The high school students make the videos, the college students critique the videos and the K-12 students get the opportunity to view them and also learn from them,” she said.
“Students are taught to think about their ‘target audience’, their ‘message’ and how to make an individual take action.This takes learning to a deeper level, so it becomes much more than just another video contest.”
Byron Center High School senior Stefani Merchant’s film last year, with the topic of embracing oneself as an individual, finished in the Top 10. The budding filmmaker hopes to place in the Top 3 this year.
She said the competition has given her inspiration, and exposed her to a wealth of creativity and ideas. It’s also taught her to be concise with her message. “I think a public service announcement is really unique. You have to get your story line across in 30 seconds,” she said. “It’s a cool challenge and its fun to do it.”
Last year, representatives of Compass College of Cinematic Arts, based in Grand Rapids, welcomed contest winners to a question and answer session to expose them to careers in film-making, use high-tech equipment and to Skype with a famous film director.
This year, following the June 9 awards ceremony, winners will be whisked to Compass College in limousines for a Red Carpet After party.
Students involved with Meijer Great Choices Festival learn about film-making from professionals at Compass College of Cinematic Arts Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Lind Photography
Final Videos Distributed to Schools Statewide
Copies of DVDs featuring student films are distributed to every school in Michigan each year. “The schools are given something at no charge to help them with character, healthy lifestyle and diversity lessons,” Bower said.
Bower calls the festival, made possible with the help of the entire Van Singel team and community support, “the greatest accomplishment of her career. She believes it has opened many people’s eyes to the possibilities in film. “It’s brought it out into the open. People now know their are jobs and careers in film. I think Meijer Great Choices was at the start of that,” she said.
Registration deadline is Feb. 15 for this year’s festival. Films submissions will identify a problem and show the solution that leads to a Great Choice concerning diversity, heath or character.
There are many exciting, fun-filled events going on around West Michigan at this time of year. Don’t ever let your children say, “I’m bored.” Here are some ideas to keep the family entertained.
Don’t miss the Winter Break Mini Camp: December 29-31, 9-12:30pm. Cost: $55. Join the animals at Humane Society of West Michigan for a fun filled 3 days. Each day will feature presentations, games, craft, and of course lots of snuggle time with the animals! Register today at www.hswestmi.org or contact Jen Self-Aulgur at 616-791-8066 or jaulgur@hswestmi.org.
ADDRESS: 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MICritter Barn Christmas Break: The Critter Barn celebrates the joy of Christmas with an indoor Live Nativity, photographs of Bethlehem, animals and characters. Half of our Barn is HEATED! Hands-on fun for all! OPEN December 31, January 2 and 3. HOURS 10:00am to 3:00pm.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who participated in a February 2013, Congressional Delegation to Cuba, today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration announcement regarding the restoration of economic and diplomatic ties with Cuba following the release of American Alan Gross and others, including dozens of political prisoners.
“As Chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee, I traveled to Cuba with a bipartisan group of Senators. I told President Castro that building a new economic and political relationship would only be possible if he released Alan Gross and other political prisoners. President Castro got the message, and I am thrilled that Alan Gross has been reunited with his family. Alan is a real fighter and I can’t thank him enough for his service to our country.
“I support the policy changes President Obama announced today because they will boost agriculture, encourage manufacturing, and create jobs in America by increasing our country’s ability to export goods and products, including many made or grown right here in Michigan. I also believe that these actions will serve as the basis for lasting and meaningful political reforms in Cuba that will finally bring freedom to the Cuban people.”
“We offer the products that give them their independence and self esteem back to help them feel pretty again!” Kathy Smith, Women’s Health Boutique.
For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, life’s journey can become threatening and scary fast. The onslaught of information and the decisions related to one’s health and body can be overwhelming. Today women have more choices about their healthcare before and after surgery than ever before. But even the most carefully thought through plans can, on occasion, go awry.
The Lemmen Holton boutique is located on the third floor within the gift shop.
When that happens, women in West Michigan are fortunate to have the professional services and specialized products offered by the Women’s Health Boutique with locations in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Cadillac, Mt. Pleasant and now, The Lemmen Holton Cancer Center. For over 20 years, the Women’s Health Boutique has grown to become a trusted resource for doctor referrals to breast cancer patients pre- and post-operation.
“We specialize in mastectomy fittings, wigs, pressure garments and other products that women going through cancer or other diseases might need,” explains Kathy Smith, a certified fitter at the Lemmen Holton boutique. “There are not many places in Michigan that offer the services and products that we have here.”
Women can find products for post-breast surgery not available in many areas.
The full store boutiques offers post-breast surgery products, compression therapy, wigs and turbans, personal bra fittings, maternity products and diabetic shoes. Trained professionals assist clients in an atmosphere of comfort, taste and privacy.
“Women are always frightened by the unknown,” Smith says. “It’s a new journey for them and we understand that. We try very hard to help them, before or after surgery, to answer their questions and remove doubt so they feel normal again and get back to being their old selves.
“We offer the products that give them their independence and self esteem back to help them feel pretty again!”
The Women’s Health Boutique was originally started by a woman in Texas over 25 years ago in response to her own mother facing breast cancer and having few mastectomy products available to her. A franchise was bought by Pulmonary Home Care and brought to West Michigan. Smith says it was fortunate those owners saw the need in West Michigan 20 years ago.
Professionals help fit and style wigs for clients.
Today the stores in West Michigan are owned by Airway Oxygen and have expanded locations along the lakeshore in the last year and a half, including the location at Lemmen Holton. That boutique carries mostly wigs, mastectomy and compression therapy products within dedicated space of the center’s gift shop on the third floor.
“Most of what we carry and provide is prescription based, so it’s post surgical products that require a doctor’s prescription and is covered by insurance,” she explains, adding, “Most of the doctors in this market are very aware of us and thankfully we have done a good job with their patients so they keep sending them.”
According to the latest statistics, one out of every eight women in our lifetime will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Those are pretty strong statistics. But while some may think Smith’s job of being a certified fitter for post-breast surgery is depressing, Smith disagrees.
“I love what I do! I’m passionate about what we do because we help so many women feel better about themselves after a horrible diagnosis. One of the greatest pleasures of our job is seeing women transformed through this process,” she says adding, “Women who have gone through the breast cancer journey are some of the most empowered women I have ever met in my whole life! They have a lot of chutzpah!”
The Women’s Health Boutique also serves women who are financially challenged but need bras and prosthetics by offering free gently used items that are donated, cleaned and put in their Angel Closet. Although it’s not an advertised service, Smith says it is a known resource through social services.
“One woman who discovered us many years after her surgery stayed in the dressing room admiring herself fully dressed for the longest time,” Smith recalls. “When I asked if she was okay, she simply said, ‘I look like a woman again!’
“Now how can that not make you feel wonderful about what you do?” Smith asks. “It’s experiences like that, that we take home with us from doing this job.”
For more information about the services, products and locations of The Women’s Health Boutique go to: www.whbi.com
Want to save time, money and stay safe this holiday season–consider these tips.
Electricity bills can grow during the holidays if you decorate with strings of lights. Consider switching to LED lights to save energy and money. In addition to the energy and cost savings, LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fires. Every holiday season, fires claim lives and cost millions in damage. To prevent holiday fires in your home, use nonflammable decorations; do not overload electrical sockets; regularly water Christmas trees; and avoid the use of lit candles. As you should do year-round, ensure that your smoke alarms are working.
Reduce Holiday Waste
The holiday season includes many opportunities to reduce waste, recycle, and reuse items. Did you know that about 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season? Consider buying rechargeable batteries (and a charger) for electronic gifts to help reduce the amount of harmful materials thrown away. After the holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. If you plan to send greeting cards, consider purchasing ones that are made of recycled paper or sending electronic greetings.
Buy Safe Toys
If you plan to buy toys for the kids in your life, choose age-appropriate toys and look for labels with safety advice. For young children, avoid toys with small
parts, sharp edges, and electric toys that can heat up. Always purchase safety gear in addition to sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, such as bicycles or skateboards. And the last tip–A Christmas dog is a mistake. A puppy will melt your families hearts for a few days. But then the responsibility hits of having to walk the dog in inclimate weather, and all the other responsibilities needed for dependable and conscientious animal care . Having a pet is not cheap. It is essentially like adding another family member to your house with food, vet bills, and supplies. Reality will soon supersede the Christmas morning fantasy.
I hope these tips will help you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Using a procedure involving test tubes, funnels and cheesecloths, Kentwood Public Schools fifth-grade girls separated light pink, mushy blobs from smushed strawberries.
“Oooh, it feels gross!” said Katherine Love, a Discovery Elementary student, as she jabbed the gunk.
The girls weren’t just playing with their food, but performing a precise strawberry dissection that involved learning about the long thick fibers that store information for the functioning of the chemistry of life.
“That clumpy stuff that looks like snot is the DNA from the strawberries,” explained Erin McNally-Goward, a Grand Valley State University adjunct professor of biology. “Take your wooden stick and now you can play with the DNA.”
“I never knew you can do that,” Jocelyn Geemes, an Endeavor Elementary student, as she distracted the material from the fruit.
The students were among about 100 girls from Endeavor, Discovery and Explorer elementary schools delving into the work of scientists, mathematicians, computer programmers and engineers at the “Girls Only” STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) event organized by Nancy McKenzie, the district’s STEM coordinator.
Several women including Amway scientists and researchers, science professors, a registered dietitian from Hope Network, engineers from Grand Rapids-based firm Prigeon and Clay and the Michigan Department of Transportation led hands-on sessions involving innovative experiments at Discovery Elementary.
Girls tested the buoyancy of diet versus regular soda, created the best-tasting chocolate pudding, and watched a soapy mixture go up in flames. An East Kentwood High School counselor and high school students also worked with the girls.
Better Female Representation Needed
The purpose of the “no boys allowed” event was to pique girls’ interest in traditionally male-dominated jobs. Women are under-represented in STEM careers, and learning from professional females who work in those fields shows girls that many possibilities exists, McKenzie said.
“We felt it was necessary to make our girls aware of what is available to them in school as well as the workforce. We want to empower them to believe that they can do anything they set their minds to and help them relate what they learn in the classroom to real-world opportunities,” she said.
According to a 2013 memo from the Executive Office of President Barack Obama, women represented 24 percent of the STEM workforce in 2009. Women earn on average 33 percent more when they work in these high-growth fields compared to other industries.
Oftentimes in adolescence, girls start believing they aren’t good at math and science, said Deb McNally, Discovery Elementary School principal. That needs to change.
“We want our girls to see themselves as capable in these areas before those stereotypes set in,” she said.
As keynote speaker, engineer Stacey Payne-King, told girls about being a woman in her field. She wore a pink shirt that stated “Mechanical Engineer.” She talked about the bias she has faced.
“If you didn’t see that shirt would you think I was an engineer?” asked Payne-King, owner of Kings’s Engineering and Technology. “Guys are surprised.”
Payne-King, whose daughter is in fourth grade at Discovery Elementary School, said she was great at math as a child, but didn’t realize it.
“I wanted to do things, but I didn’t have people encouraging me to do them,” she said.
But her father and her algebra teacher knew she was talented, and pushed her to join a math team even though the teacher in charge resisted. Once she was allowed to compete, she placed second. She went on to take advanced math courses at an early age and tutored junior college students at 14 or 15 years old.
She told girls to speak up, embrace challenge and know they are as smart, capable and have the same rights as boys.
“You be my future STEM! I need you in the workplace,” she said.
Samantha Roloff, research scientist for Amway, taught girls in her session to formulate flavors, perfecting chocolate pudding.
“Science is something that’s always been fun for me and I think girls don’t get exposed to it at an early age enough,” said Roloff, a 2007 East Kentwood High School graduate and Calvin College graduate. “Science teaches you a different way to think about the world, as questions and never stop asking questions.”
Following the strawberry experiment, fifth-grader Katherine Love thought about what she’d learned.
“You actually end up learning about stuff that you didn’t know before,” she said “A scientist seems like a really fun job.”
Fourth grader Jacob DeMaagd said petting a goat is similar to petting sheep, but minus the wool Photos from School News Network
by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, School News Network
Godwin Heights Public Schools, MI — Unexpectedly, Sonny the horse lets out a high-pitched whinny to the delighted squeals of children gathered around him. The boys and girls ask the owner of the Arabian horse what his neigh means and her reply illustrates why North Godwin Elementary has for a decade poured time and resources into its Harvest Festival.
Now in its 10th year, the Harvest Festival included up close and personal visits with farm animals such as sheep, goats and rabbits. It also featured its own pumpkin patch where boys and girls scrambled to the school’s basketball court to pick one of 400 pumpkins they could take home. Inside the school, farmers explained what’s involved in growing the food that’s sold in grocery stores and exported to the world.
Harvest Festival shows urban students, in a fun way, what’s required to raise livestock and grow produce, not only for the United States but the world, said speech pathologist Toni Browley, who is affectionately known to students as the Harvest Queen.
A jack-o-lantern beanbag toss teaches good hand-to-eye coordination
Feeding People the World Over
Caledonia Farmers Elevator employees Jenna Taylor and Krista Janeschek explained how important soybeans and field corn are to feeding the world’s population.
Both plants help feed the world’s population of seven billion people, said Janeschek. They’ll be all the more important when the world’s population increases to a projected nine billion by 2050.
“The U.S. is No. 1 in soybean production and it produces 41 percent of the world’s corn,” said Janeschek.
What surprised students is the many products they would not expect to be made from soybeans and corn, such as carpet fiber, plywood, aspirin, soap detergents and, of course, foodstuffs such as corn bread, candy, cookie mixes and corn syrup.
Good Questions are Asked
“They come up with lots of really good questions, which is great because so many of our kids have never been to a farm or have never seen farm animals,” said Browley. “They’ve never seen a zucchini or brussel sprouts except for those that are in a can.”
It’s safe to add most of the students never heard a horse neigh. Sunny’s owner, Darcy Fransens, explained the 24-year-old horse could see the nearby trailer that transported him to the school. Horses are herd animals, Fransens explained that to his way of thinking, there is another horse in the trailer that he wants to let know he’s at the school.
Fourth-grader Kim Tran said she discovered horses have side to them she never would have guessed.
“Animals can be really shy sometimes,” said Kim.
School teachers and administrators plan Harvest Festival months in advance. Students’ overwhelmingly vote in favor of a school-wide Harvest Festival instead of a Halloween party, said elementary teacher Julie Broene, known that day as “Farmer Broene” for her deft ability to see to it that all the school’s 400 students each took home a small pumpkin.
For almost 40 years Marge’s Donut Den has been a popular fixture in West Michigan. Donuts, cookies, cakes, and community involvement at its finest can always be found upon opening the doors. This week, Marge received a stop work notice for her plans on expansion by a Wyoming building inspector. She was going to take over two empty businesses which have been vacant for years right next door. Now, plans are on hold.
75-year-old Marge Wilson said she is very discouraged and disappointed about the delay stating that there is so much bureaucracy and she can’t seem to get anything done. She thought the addition would be done by Christmas.
“I am older and don’t understand anything about all the codes involved, she said. “It just seems like this will hurt the city more than me. I had many community events scheduled that require larger spaces.”
Rebeccan Rynbrandt, Wyoming’s Director of Community Services, said that the city cannot waive any of the state laws, or building codes.
“We have a critical need for public safety on building codes on every single project,” she explained.
Fire systems and traffic management issues have to be addressed as well.
For now, plans have halted on the expansion but Marge’s Donut Den is still open for business as usual.
This Christmas season, Wyoming Now Kentwood Now will be bringing you recipes to enjoy the holidays!
Throw a little twist on french toast with some holiday spirit! Adding eggnog is enough to brighten anyone’s morning.
Original recipe makes six servings
Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten slightly
1 1/2 cups eggnog
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
12 slices french bread
Directions:
Whisk the eggs. eggnog, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together in a mixing bowl until well blended. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish.
Preheat an electric skillet to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly grease the skillet.
Dip one slice of bread at a time into the eggnog mixture, being sure to coat each side of the bread thoroughly.
Place the prepared bread slices into the preheated skillet, and cook, turning once, until golden brown on each side. Place cooked slices on a serving plate and cover with foil to keep warm until all French toast is cooked. Serve immediately.
Most parents set out to instill good traits into their kids, Michigan natives Greg and Lisa Flower are no different. Their two daughters – Dallie and Bailey – have benefited immeasurably from the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit instilled into them by their parents. When combined with the passion for animals and agriculture the family shares, these are the traits that have helped to shape their lives.
It’s certainly no coincidence that the girls share their parents’ interest in farming. Greg and Lisa made the choice to raise them in a way that would encourage it. After all, agriculture had been a part of their lives from the very beginning. Having met when they were just kids themselves, both members of 4-H, by the time they were in their early twenties they were husband and wife, living out in the country and spending most of their Friday nights attending local team penning events.
Back then, Greg was just in the beginning of his career as an Eaton County Sherriff’s Deputy and Lisa was a nurse. Were they happy? Happy – yes, but driven for more. The couple’s Friday night routine eventually got them thinking about how they wanted to raise their kids. The resulting idea would not only provide a solid foundation for their children’s upbringing, but also give them that something extra they’d been craving in their lives.
They began slowly expanding their place; buying the land around them from their neighbors as soon as it became available. In time, they turned their 40 acres into 240 and have made good use of the space.
It’s the home to Slippery F Arena; an indoor and outdoor venue where the family holds team penning events. It’s most definitely a family affair, daughters Dallie and Bailey are the co-owner operators of the arena with their parents.
Much of the their sprawl is devoted to the 400 head of cattle that call it home during the summer, then down to about 100 in the winter. The property’s former set up as a dairy farm works well for the family’s needs. Greg’s been able to utilize different sectioned off areas to receive new cattle, administer vaccines and ensure that they’re eating well before being turned out to pasture.
Another section of the old farm provides shelter to the horses. These five high caliber animals are shared among Lisa, Dallie and Bailey. They’re used to compete not only in events hosted at Slippery F, but also at other locations, when the girls pack them up and head to the next event. Recently, Bailey and Lisa went to Texas, taking three horses for team penning, while Dallie traveled to Ohio for a sorting event.
The girls run 10-11 shows each year, hosting riders indoors or out, depending on the season. They say most of the riders who attend are local, but they do get the occasional visitor from places like New York and Texas; mostly those are riders who stop in on their way through, as they travel the circuit. So far the girls have been able to use the money they’ve earned to help pay for their college educations. Dallie says she would like to continue exactly what she’s doing. She teases that her boyfriend – whose Ag interests are geared more towards crops – needs to learn to do what her dad does because while she can run the arena, she can’t handle the cattle too.
The girls didn’t get all their entrepreneurial spirit from their dad – Mom Lisa has turned her passion into a thriving organization as well. As a nurse, she was happy with her career, but found she had a special affinity for working with the elderly. It was during negotiations for the purchase of the property across the road from the Flowers’ home that Lisa decided to open an assisted living facility, providing twenty-four hour care for the elderly. The couple from whom Greg and Lisa bought the property were the first residents in Lisa’s new care center. What started as a single wide trailer was built into a custom home, aptly called the Flower House. The family affair extends to Lisa’s business as well; oldest daughter Bailey is one of the caregivers for the home’s fifteen residents.
In the family’s quest to raise healthy animals, Greg says having Michigan Veterinary Supply, a division of ANIMART, Inc. right in his backyard has been a huge help. The family agrees that the customer service is excellent, it’s easy and convenient and they appreciate that the drivers are knowledgeable. The fact that Greg and MVS Warehouse Manager, Dave Nickel, grew up together in Vermontville makes it an even easier pairing. When it comes to getting what he needs, Greg says “I don’t need any other source, I’ve got Dave.”
So what’s next? Greg says one thing he’s certain of is that in three years he’ll be hanging up his badge. He’s seen a lot of interesting things in the 22 years he’s already put in to the Sherriff’s department (most he’d rather not comment on). Once retired, he hopes to continue to foster Dallie and Bailey’s passion for agriculture, as well as his own. Currently he’s giving thought to expanding his custom backgrounding operation or says maybe something completely new will catch his attention. Whatever steps he takes, his family will no doubt be right alongside, sharing the passion that he’s worked so hard to inspire.
To hear the girls tell it, they can’t imagine life any other way.
This Christmas season, Wyoming Now Kentwood Now will be bringing you recipes to enjoy the holidays!
Need an idea to spice up breakfast, something that won’t take long but everyone around you (yourself included of course) will enjoy? Try these gingerbread pancakes! An idea that’s as easy as it is tasty!
Original recipe makes 10 pancakes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground dried ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups water
Directions:
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the egg in a separate mixing bowl with the vanilla and molasses until smooth. Whisk in the water until completely incorporated. Stir the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until just combined — a few lumps are okay.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
The WKTV Mobile Unit will be out in full force with a revamped Sports DepartmentAthletic Directors meeting at WKTV
Here at WKTV, our goal is to serve the community the best we can. That means we have to adapt and not be afraid to try new things. The sports department is excited about it’s new plan to better cover all sports in Wyoming and Kentwood.
A few weeks ago, the Athletic Directors from the local schools came together here at the station to hash out a better way of covering a broader spectrum of sports.
The WKTV sports department is moving towards covering a “game of the week”, regardless of sport. If the biggest game one week is a football game, WKTV will be there to cover it. If it happens to be a girls volleyball or boys soccer game, then WKTV will sent the truck! With so many schools offering a number of different sports in Wyoming and Kentwood, it will be exciting to cover the biggest game with huge stakes and implications!
We are also planning to work with the Athletic Directors about their student-athletes accomplishments off the field. These academic and off-field stories can be worked it into our broadcasts to let student’s stories be heard!
Inside of WKTV Mobile Unit
There is also talk about broadcasting soccer games in Spanish and English! Anything to connect with the community.
It’s all about creating a more well-rounded approach to our sports coverage. The importance of sports is the sportsmanship and leadership it builds in young men and women. Here at WKTV we want to cover everyone who’s putting in the work before and after school.
The Recreation Passport is your key to winter fun at state parks
Whether you ski, sled, toboggan, ice fish, snowmobile or snowshoe, Michigan’s state parks offer lots of seasonal fun. Michigan motorists can get in on the fun by buying a Recreation Passport when they renew their plate tabs or get a new plate, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminded residents today.
Many state parks offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities and events, among other wintertime outdoor activities, and state boat launches are great places for anglers to find new ice-fishing spots. Select state parks offer winter camping opportunities in lodges, yurts, tepees and several types of cabins.
“Winter is a great time of year and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Johnson, who loves the outdoors and has been known to kayak in January. “I encourage people renewing their plate tab to help support Michigan’s exceptional parks by buying a Recreation Passport. For only $11, the natural wonder of Michigan’s woods and waters can be yours all year long.”
The Recreation Passport allows Michigan motorists the option of paying an additional $11 per vehicle, or $5 per motorcycle, when renewing a vehicle registration or registering a new vehicle. The letter “P” is printed on the vehicle tab of people who have bought the Recreation Passport. The passport allows entry into Michigan state parks and recreational areas, forest campgrounds, and boat launch and nonmotorized trail head parking for no additional cost.
“Michigan’s state parks, trails, boat launches and other outdoor spaces are true treasures. They make our state a great place to live, work and play,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh. “Checking ‘yes’ to the Recreation Passport allows people to enjoy these treasures and ensures that these important natural areas will be around for generations to come.”
A nonresident vehicle Recreation Passport is available at any state park or online at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Motorists can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. Most customers can renew online at ExpressSOS.com, which features Print N Go technology, allowing users to buy their tabs online, print off a receipt and carry the receipt as proof of renewal until their tabs arrive in the mail. Tabs may also be renewed through the mail or at a Secretary of State office. License plates that expire on a day when state offices are closed can be renewed the next business day without penalty.
In FY 2014, more than 1.9 million Recreation Passports were issued, generating almost $21 million for state parks.
Freshman year is the year of ultimate change. The thing about change is that you can either let it break you, or you can let it make you. As he entered freshman year he wasn’t aware of the huge changes that were going to occur in his life. Most times we are never aware of these things, we simply have to go with the flow of life.
He wasn’t the type of adolescent that complained, he rarely even talked. His motto was “If it’s not worth wasting my breath for, then why say it?” At age 14 his life would become a roller-coaster that no one could predict.
After making the move into his fathers house in a “white picket fence suburb” he felt unstoppable. He had a big house, lots of new clothes, a new dog, and most importantly he was actually “cool!” Nothing could stop him on his way to the top.
The months rolled by with not a care in the world, until the news came. His father’s partner in their company had been embezzling money for years, and it had finally caught up to him–this meaning, their family would have to move. Being the role model older brother he didn’t have a choice but to accept the fate, and to keep going. He had to set an example for his younger siblings, they were bound to react the way he did. As much as it hurt that he was leaving this new life behind, he forced a smile upon his grief stricken face and pushed forwards.
As they moved into their new home things seemed as if they were getting better. He was still excelling in school, his friends hadn’t left his side and he still had his family to fall back on. Everything looked OK on the outside, but on the inside rage was boiling.
This rage continued to grow when more horrendous news was delivered. Their uncle that had been living with them for some time had been shot and killed. A devastation that would affect a family forever. The young boy was filled with remorse and sorrow, how could someone he looked up to so much be here one second and gone the next? The family had decided once again that they were going to move.
Not only is moving a hard thing to do, but during the most important part of your life, is something no child should have to go through. Through the next 5 years of his life, the boy would move 6 times altogether, never once complaining or arguing about it, but maintaining an ever present smile.
That is why my brother “Buddha” is my hero. He taught me that life can either be great or it can be terrible; depending on your own attitude about situations – Things can only affect you if you let them affect you. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my big brother by my side, pushing me to be a better person everyday of my life.
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation
A weekend filled with the thwack of shoulder pads and the smack of helmets culminated towards this, the end. The time when one team would rise from the gridiron as champions while the other stayed on the floor with the taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths.
The Grand City All-Stars rose to the challenge.
On this day, 35 young men from Grand Rapids stood united at the Battle of Spartan Nation. 35 young men who worked hard throughout the Rocket Football season and chose to come back for more. 35 young men who wanted to play more football and ended up playing their way into the National Tournament.
The Grand City All-Stars came together under the direction of Head Coach Uriel Tyler. It was an idea that’s been kicked around in his head for over 2 years.
“The season is so short for these guys with only 6 weeks of games. Practice starts just a couple weeks before games begin,” states Coach Tyler, “With these boys playing a High School season next year, I wanted to give them an opportunity to play a longer season. One that started after Rocket Football ended.”
The Grand City All-Stars play in the 14u bracket of the Football Championship Series, a club league that extends beyond the normal season for youth players. They only planned on playing in one tournament – The Battle of Spartan Nation – but after winning the championship, the Grand City All-Stars qualified for the national tournament on December 27-30 in Dallas, Texas!
“This is a special group of kids. They play so hard! We didn’t give up one point the entire tournament,” describes Coach Tyler with emotion swelling in his voice, “That shows how hard these kids play. They don’t give up!”
While winning is nice, the team has been a great way to bring kids together within the City League.
There is a lot of animosity between players and parents of different city league teams. When those teams play each other during the season, emotions run high. Players can build up ill-will towards players of other teams who will end up being their teammates at the high school level. Those issues have dissolved by playing together with the Grand City All-Stars.
“I coached at a High School where guys came together from different city league teams and still had hatred because of the city youth league,” explained Coach Tyler, “This All-Star team has been a great way for these kids to get to know each other and build friendships.”
Coach Tyler isn’t alone, offensive line coach Anthony McNeal also mentioned the positives the team has had off the gridiron, “These boys are spending time together, hanging out and posting pictures on Facebook with each other. They’re from all different backgrounds and coming together playing football and fundraising. It’s a great story!”
In order to play in the National Tournament, the team needs to raise $20,000 by December 21. They’ve been selling cookies and popcorn, running pop can drives, and holding bowling and skating parties to raise the money! Right now they’re halfway there.
They have a bowling party this Saturday and would love for you to stop by! Bowling is at East Brook Lanes from 7-9pm and the cost is only $12 for unlimited bowling! The proceeds go towards the Grand City All-Stars trip to Dallas.
There are many ways to donate to the Grand City All-Stars. You can donate online at www.grandcitysports.com (just click the donate button!) or by going to their Facebook page, just type in “Grand City All-Stars” into the Facebook search bar.
If going on-line doesn’t work for you, send donations to P.O Box 68316 Grand Rapids, MI 49516.
Going to Dallas would be a dream come true for the players and their coaches. The Grand City All-Stars have yet to give give up a point, let’s see that streak continue down in Texas!
Celebrate and end your year with a BL²END! The holiday season is here and you’re invited to our annual Holiday BL²ENDer with a Purpose hosted by the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) on December 11, 2014 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Sponsored by TEKsystems and Mercy Health, this Holiday BL2ENDer has something for everyone!
First, you are encouraged to arrive at 5:00 pm to enjoy the diverse platform of exhibitions, collections, designs, creativity and the more than 5,000 works of art encompassed within the GRAM. Then, the festivities kick off at 6:00 pm with our live DJ, great tasting hors’ devours, appetizers, cash bar and a wonderful opportunity to create holiday cheer and put a smile on a child’s face by decorating a lunch bag or two for the Kids Food Basket. Supplies will be provided.
It doesn’t stop there! The event is free but raffle tickets will be available for donations of only $5.00 for Kids Food Basket. The winning raffle ticket wins a one (1) year membership to the GRAM along with a Bag O’ Swag from TEKsystems. The drawing will be at 7:00 pm.
Tis’ the season to BL²END so you don’t want to miss this Holiday BL²ENDer with a Purpose! Network, eat, drink, and have fun all while fulfilling the purpose of providing a holiday meal to children in our community. Register Now! Bring a friend or two and see you there!
Parking: To view nearby parking areas,click here. Please note that parking will not be validated for this event. Metered parking is also available and free after 6:00 pm in some areas.
Questions: Contact Graci Harkema, BL²END Social Networking Chair, via phone at (616) 644-6445 or email atsocial@grblend.org
For the first time in a decade, the East Kentwood High School football program ignited fans and made the community stand up and take notice. The Falcon squad went 8-1 in the regular season, losing only to West Ottawa. After grabbing a share of the OK Red Conference title, EK then sailed through 3 playoff games only to be stopped short of a trip to Ford Field by Clarkston in the state semifinals.
What was the key factor in the Falcon winning season? Although he would wave it off, new head coach Tony Kimbrough was the right man, at the right time, for Kentwood.
Growing up in Detroit, Kimbrough was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He first attended Winston-Salem State University before making the decision to join the Marines. Once back in Michigan, Kimbrough returned to the gridiron at Grand Rapids Junior College. After a quick stint with GRJC, Kimbrough went to Western Michigan University where he led the Broncos to the 1988 MAC Championship while being named the Mid-American Conference Most Valuable Player.
His professional playing career included time in the Canadian Football League as well as the Arena Football league. Kimbrough worked as the offensive coordinator for the Utah Blaze in 2008. He has also had stops as the offensive line/quarterbacks coach at both Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College. Even with his accomplishments, Kimbrough remains humble and seems to brag about everyone else’s accomplishments by his own.
Kimbrough, who works as a behavioral specialist for East Kentwood High School, has a long association with the Falcons as an assistant coach. He actually interviewed to be the head coach of East Kentwood in 2007. John Keenoy, East Kentwood principal and a huge supporter of Kimbrough, convinced him he was ready. “When I didn’t get it I was really, truly disappointed,” said Kimbrough.
East Kentwood takes the field early in 2014
Still, Kimbrough remained tight with the Falcons. Although skilled as an offensive line and quarterbacks coach, Kimbrough wanted a challenge and served as the defensive coordinator for EK in 2013.
The call to lead the East Kentwood football team came in May 2014 as the Falcons had gone through 3 head coaches in as many seasons. What the Falcons needed more than anything was stability in its coaching staff and commitment from its players. Tony Kimbrough was their man. “All these kids wanted was someone who cared,” said Kimbrough. Although the coaching staff was a revolving door, many of the players had been playing together for years; first in Rocket football, then through the 56er and 78er programs.
Kimbrough knew the players, had experience coaching both sides of the ball, and brought the confidence the team required.
From the start, Kimbrough challenged the seniors on the team. “This is not my team,” he told them, “This is your team. I am just the conductor.” Senior player such as Kyle Friberg, Adam Racette, Michael Ivy, and John Keenoy, Jr. eagerly responded to the call.
“The summer was key.” emphasized Kimbrough. Not only did the players have to agree to 100% commitment to the program, they would be responsible for an attitude adjustment that would be the basis for their confidence later in the season. They had to commit to pooling their individual talents and learn the concept of family.
“FAMILY is an acronym,” explained Kimbrough, “It stands for Forget About Me I Love You.” This discipline came naturally to Kimbrough, both through military and gridiron training, who had learned that you need to depend on and love the man on your left and the man on your right.
In addition to the grueling summertime on-field practices, the two-a-days, and the weight room regimen, Kimbrough had a marine run several boot camp-type conditioning programs with the team. The concepts of brotherhood, interdependence, and trust became core values for the team, bonding the young men together. Their physical and mental toughness would serve them well during the season.
Although the East Kentwood Falcons were a game short of reaching their Ford Field appearance, the future remains bright for the team. Tony Kimbrough seems to have brought all the right ingredients for a long-term successful career in Kentwood. He brings his life experience, discipline, and excellent coaching skills on both sides of the ball. Kimbrough wants a stable program, from the Rocket players through the Seniors. He is proud that his players are already talking about next year. He laughs as he explains, “Jamari Booker (Junior) is so excited, he is already pulling guys in to the weight room.”
Perhaps the greatest values Kimbrough brings are confidence and humility, “It’s about the kids. It’s not about me.”
When asked about being named the MLive Grand Rapids Press Coach of the Year Kimbrough shakes his head, stating, “I only wish it was engraved ‘Coaches of the Year’,” giving credit to the many assistant coaches who work alongside him.
The future looks bright indeed for the East Kentwood Falcons. When asked if it going to be hard losing more than 25 seniors, Kimbrough thinks a moment, then smiles broadly, using the old cliché, “We don’t need to rebuild…we just need to reload!”
The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) will be hosting two high school Youth Police Academies this summer. The academy is open to high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in the Kent County area who may be interested in a future career in law enforcement. This 40 hour program is designed to give students a taste of what being a police officer is all about.
Students who are accepted will receive hands-on instruction from officers representing many of the different units within the Grand Rapids Police Department. This training will take place at the GRPD and surrounding facilities. There is virtually no cost to students who attend as uniforms and lunches will be provided.
This is a great opportunity for any student who wants to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of our police officers.
Who can participate?
· Any current HS Sophomore, Junior, or Senior who attends any high school within Kent and Ottawa County.
· Minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good standing at their school.
· Most possess good moral character
· Must have an acceptable legal history
· Must be in good physical condition and pass a physical conducted by a licensed physician
Requirements for Applicants:
· Student ID
· Current Resume
· Letter of Recommendation from School Counselor
· Proof of Physical within the current calendar year
· Autobiography
· Birth Certificate
· Submit application, pass oral interview, pass background screen, and attend mandatory orientation in May.
Application Deadline is April 10, 2015 – applications must be picked up and returned at the GRPD HQ, 01 Monroe Center NW,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
2015 Academy sessions: June 22-26 or July 20-24
Contact Officer Connie Moore, 616-456-3304, with any questions.
A chance to get your child finger printed at Wyoming Gives Back at Rodgers Plaza.A free balloon leads to a smiling face of holiday cheer.
The Wyoming community celebrated the holiday season with great style and cheer at its annual Wyoming Gives Back event.
It was a very good night indeed for all involved. Rogers Plaza was packed in support of this event. And it was all about The Joy of Giving!
People brought unwrapped toys to donate to the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. In return, they received a raffle ticket to win great prize packages totaling hundreds of dollars—all generously donated by Wyoming businesses.
The musical talents of local bands and choirs brought the holiday spirit to all. Children and students of all ages entertained the crowd with Christmas Carols, Jazz, and sounds of the season.
More than 30 businesses were on hand to greet guests and answer questions. The Wyoming Police Dept, Firefighters, Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Poll and many more represented our community well. I had a chance to sign up some new Citizen Journalists for our online Media website–now.wktv.org.
A highlight of the night was from the big man himself. Children got the chance to tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas. But most importantly, the generosity of the Wyoming community was showcased with the collection of toys for families in need and all the volunteer efforts from so many.
A local business encourages people to purchase handcrafted items created by Women at Risk.
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
Everybody has heard of the drunk driving stories, but this one really hits home for me. I asked my grandma a memory that explains who you are and this is what she said:
“One memory that explains who I am is my back injury. I was in the front seat of my friend’s car. This is back when seat-belts weren’t required. We were coming home from our other friend’s house and we got hit by a drunk driver. I flew through the windshield and hit a telephone pole. I woke up in the hospital not knowing anything besides my life is going to change. I was in the hospital for 3 months. I ended up breaking my back which resulted in a back brace for two and a half years. I also had the most severe concussion and am lucky to have not been cognitively impaired. I thank God everyday.”
She is one of the strongest people I know. Her life has been a constant battle. From being a child of an abusive parent, to the back injury, to going through a tough marriage and divorce, she wears the sweetest smile every single day.
My grandma is 83 years old and still walking, still active, I look up to her so much. I asked her what she is most grateful for and she responded, “I’m grateful for my life. I never understood how precious life is until I almost lost it. But I am MOST grateful for my grandchildren. They bring me so much joy and I love watching them grow up and I’m blessed to be here and see all of their accomplishments.”
That explains my grandma so perfectly. She has the biggest heart and she is my #1 fan for everything. After all of my golf tournaments she makes sure to call to tell me she was praying for me, and that she is proud of me no matter how I place.
I wanted to interview my grandma because I aspire to be like her. I could recap endless stories and memories about her. I hope to make an impact on other people like she did for me.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.” This quote by Bob Riley means that your inner hero is not based on the situations themselves but about the qualities that are presented when in these situations, leadership is a prime quality that is revealed. My mom is the main person I know that portrays leadership in her everyday life.
Examples of how my mom portrays the quality of being a hero varies from day to day. Having to be the mother of four kids is a big way of showing leadership. My mom has to run us to appointments and pay bills. When I tore my ACL, I thought my life was over and thought I could never play soccer again. My mom, on the other hand, took things in a whole different direction. instead of looking at the negatives and thinking about how I wasn’t going to get scholarships for college and all, she had the mentality of a leader and said that everything was going to be okay.
My mom took control of the situation and made into an adventure. From the painful leg exercises I had to do to the dreadful showers I had to take, my mom was right there cheering me and supporting me. She made me do each set of exercises no matter how tired I was. During this whole ordeal I saw leadership skills come out in my mom.
My mom is a leader because she takes control of situations and calms them down. She knows what the best thing to do in each situation she comes across. Many people get put in scenarios that they don’t want to be in and end up blocking it out or trying to run from it, but not my mom.
I look up to her and one day I hope to possess the leadership qualities she has. It has made her a very independent and mindful women. Not many people want or can show these qualities but my mom embraces it, needless to say, that is why I picked my mom as the one person in my life that is a true leader and will always be a leader.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
On February 24th, Mel Trotter started Mel Trotter Ministries on Canal Street in Grand Rapids after a decade of struggling with gambling and alcohol himself. After over a century of service, Mel Trotter Ministries is committed to helping those in need with wide ranging services available to the community. The main goal of the ministry is to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to the hungry, homeless, and hurting.
Mel Trotter provides nourishing evening meals every night. They have separate dining halls for men and women. The men eat every night from 4:30-5:45 while the women and children eat in their own dining hall starting at 5pm. Over 129,000 hot meals have been served in 2014.
Mel Trotter food pantry
Not only does Mel Trotter provide nightly meals, but they have their own food pantry where needy families can “shop” at twice per month. The food pantry is stocked with healthy food options and is a very helpful resource!
Food isn’t where the mission starts and ends. No, Mel Trotter is a haven for those in need. There are shelter centers for the men and the women and children. These shelters provide a night in a warm bed, showers, clothes, and toiletries. There have been over 71,000 bed nights for men, women, and children this year alone!
Mel Trotter also offers a place where public inebriates can be brought for safe shelter and medical support. Since public intoxication is no longer a crime, if a police officer finds a public inebriate they have a couple choices they can make. The officer can leave them where they found them, bring the inebriated individual to the ER, or bring them to Mel Trotter. The cost of paying for an individual in the Public Inebriation Shelter at Mel Trotter costs $146 instead of the $700+ it would cost at the ER.
Mel Trotter dining room. Over 129,000 hot meals served in 2014!
While Mel Trotter offers safe food and shelter for the homeless, it also sets people up for success and getting their life on track. In 2014, Mel Trotter has assisted with 162 families finding permanent housing, 99 individuals securing jobs, and provided low-cost transportation for 286 people through their vehicle donation and resale program.
The hungry, hurting, and homeless are all thankful for what Mel Trotter offers, but without volunteers and donations, Mel Trotter would struggle to offer its services. This Christmas season, give back to those who are less fortunate. Volunteer your time or see what donations you can make to help! Visit http://www.meltrotter.org to find more information!
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
About 15 years ago she found herself in a successful career, and within a beautiful family, but yet still something was missing. “I spent many years not feeling so positive… My idea of success was being the best student.” In the end she realized that everything she had accomplished was in an effort to prove to the world she was worth it and could accomplish her goals. Her name is Marie Edlund, my grandmother.
She is my hero not because she has saved the world but because she has impacted my world for the better and has certainly seemed to find the secret to a life of bliss. I admire her for her optimism and ability to cherish every moment, no matter the circumstance. But behind every life is a story and series of accommodated lessons.
“I realized that I was surrounded by happiness but I wasn’t connecting to it,” she says, describing herself over a decade ago. After this realization she decided to redefine her life. Her definition of success had changed from a superior level in everything she did to an ability to “respect and appreciate” herself.
“Success is being able to be present in the moment,” she says. She later describes that every moment is special and has a purpose whether you’re getting dressed or on the way to work. She stopped keeping her head and goals in the future with ego driven ideals and declared this moment, every moment, a success. “This is success, a connection of our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical bodies.”
“I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization,” a quote from Roger Ebert, a well respected film critic. When I asked my grandmother what it took to be a leader she had a similar answer, “A leader needs to be able to observe and feel what others are feeling.” Empathy.
When asked, she considers herself a leader. In her career she was because she was willing, and has the ability, to be organized, recognize the mission, work with the group, and accomplish the task(s) at hand. Considering her work in the district of Grand Rapids Public Schools, and other districts across the state as well, this is an important task. Being able to coordinate so many educators definitely requires a leader, a respected one at that. When people she has worked with speak of her they admire her ability to listen and include every voice in a decision.
Throughout her education and career she has met and worked with many leaders. One she looks back on with great admiration is a civics teacher she had in 9th grade, Patrick Reagan. As a leader of the class he seemed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each student. He offered a variety of ways for each student to excel and prove their knowledge in the class. “I outdid myself [in class] because he was so inspiring.” She continued to work with him throughout high school and he became more than just a teacher. He became a friend that she felt encouraged and respected by.
When I think of my grandmother, or “Grammy”, I think of my future self and who I want to be. My main goal in life is to live joyfully. This includes my career, family, spirit, relationships, and all forms of health. This is my definition of success. I have been inspired by so many people. But my grandmother, I think she’s really got it figured out. Therefore she has been one of my greatest inspirations in the mastery of the perfect attitude for a successful life.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
Tis the season to shop. But sometimes the holiday season can also be known as the shoplifting season. And shoplifting effects everyone! WKTV’s Local News Now had the opportunity to talk to Deputy Chief Donald Tuuri of the Kentwood Police Dept. about a brand new program this year focusing on decreasing the number of retail thefts during this holiday season.
The program is called P.R.I.C.E. (Preventing Retail theft through Initiative, Collaboration & Enforcement). They will be focusing on retail thefts that occur along the 28th Street corridor in the City of Kentwood and will be taking a zero tolerance on retail crimes.
The project started this week, and will continue through Sunday, January 4, 2015. Officers have contacted each retail establishment along the 28th Street corridor to educate our retail community on theft crimes and ways to reduce crime this holiday season.
Extra patrols will be assigned every day along the 28th Street corridor. These patrols will focus on patrolling 28th Street, retail parking lots along 28th Street, and walking through retail businesses located along 28th Street. In addition, they will be assigning Volunteers in Police Service patrols to this area every day to enforce parking laws, including handicap parking violations, fire hydrant violations, and fire lane violations.
The goal in initiating this program is to reduce crime, increase traffic safety and increase service to our community. They intend to help create a positive and safe shopping experience for persons who live in and visit our city this holiday season.
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares. (-Debi Mazar)
This quote reminds me of my dad, he is all of that. He demonstrates generosity and gives to others as much as he can. He also demonstrates friendship, hard work, and love. Those are three important traits for a leader to have.
My dad, Benjamin Escalante, is a detective sergeant for the state police. That’s where I see a lot of his hard work come from. He gives his all in everything he does for his job. He even brings work home.
I asked him if he considers himself successful and he said, “Yes, because I enjoy what I do for a living, and that’s success because you spend most of your life doing that. If you can find enjoyment in what you do for a living then thats success.” Then I asked him how he finds himself successful other than his job, “Being happy with my personal life and family. That’s a success as well.” Society is led to believe that being successful means having a lot of money. I don’t find that to be true. Success simply means being happy with what you do and who you are.
I am very thankful to be able to have a friendship with my dad. He is always there for me no matter what. I can talk to him pretty much about anything, he always listens. Love is something my dad shows everyday, not just with me, but with other family members, friends, and with what he does.
While interviewing my dad, I found something very interesting: he doesn’t consider himself a hero. When I asked him why he thinks he is the person he is today, he told me, “I always try to do what is right and I never went away from that.” We definitely need more people like that in this world.
Everyone starts somewhere, I was interested in hearing about that. “Who influenced you the most in life?” I asked him. He replied, “Not one person in particular. From my family members, teacher, siblings, parents, coworkers, classmates and friends. They all influenced me in some way, not just one person.”
I also asked him if there was a specific event that made him the person he is today. He told me, “No, many things happened to make me the person I am today. I always concern myself with things I can control and don’t concern with things I can’t control.” He then mentioned that if he knew something was out of his hands, he couldn’t do anything about it. This is a very important point. No one can handle everything that is thrown at them.
Even the strongest people have to say no sometimes or take things slow. Now let’s not get it twisted, no one is perfect and everyone has something they can do better at in life. I asked my dad how he thinks he can grow as a person and he said, “Become a better listener, more open minded, and more accepting of others.” I love that someone I call a hero still has things they think they can grow at, because it shows a lot. Before this experience, I did not know my dad thought that way, and he did not know he is my hero. We both learned something new.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This post is publishing much later than I had planned. But as planning goes, you can always count on it changing. And often the change in plans is not what you necessary would have wanted. Case in point: me.
I found out in mid- July that I have breast cancer. It was an Oh-no-this-can’t-be-possible-moment: ‘Not fair! My husband died from cancer; my sons already went through this hell! I’m in a new relationship! I’ve got plans! I’m going on vacation! Noooooo!’
It’s true what you hear people say about the moment they learn they have cancer. Your mind freezes. Your body goes numb. The intensity of the words shock your entire being. And then you ask quietly to yourself, “Why me?”
After a moment of silence I answered, “Why not?”
At my age I’ve learned one thing for sure: Life does not go according to plan and life is not always fair.
On how to deal with these ‘Givens of Life’ and others, I recommend reading David Richo’s “The Five Things We Cannot Change…and the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them.”
Round four out of six chemo treatments. Every treatment has different affects on my body. I’m told that’s ‘normal’.
Since mid-July more than ever in my lifetime, I’ve discovered there is happiness and blessings to be found when the routine world takes a nose dive. You and I just have to be open to receiving these gifts. What may stop us, and has stopped me many times before, is fear and panic and the sense of losing control of daily living. It can be crippling, unproductive, and well, unhealthy!
Remember the saying Let go and let God? Taking on unwanted challenges is a lot like that: freefalling on faith. It may not be easy at first because we are so hard wired to react with panic and fear when our plans get tossed. We are, after all, control freaks and when stuff like this happens it’s a slap in the face.
When it does don’t forget to breathe. Next take as much time as necessary to process the new challenge. Then prepare a willing heart and mind. For me, focusing on accepting the grace of God was just the attitude adjustment I needed.
In October, I was returning a book I borrowed from the Lemen-Holton Resource Center when the receptionist asked me if I had breast cancer. I answered correctly because she said, “Wait right here I have something for you!”
The puzzled look on my face prompted her to continue, “It’s a gift from Amber and her sister. They did this for all women affected by breast cancer.”
“Who’s Amber?” I asked.
“A former patient of ours,” she replied as she poked around behind a partition looking for my special gift. I wondered ‘What could it be? A hat most likely…’
As if the receptionist, Nina, was reading my mind, she suddenly appeared from around the partition with a huge plastic bag. Whatever was inside, was bigger than a hat!
“What is this?” I gasped.
A basket filled with loving-kindness and best wishes.
“I told you – a special gift from Amber and her sister. Wait to get home to open it,” she advised. “There’s a lot in there and you’ll be amazed!”
I was stunned. When I urged Nina to give me Amber’s contact information so I could thank her, Nina paused and her face softened. “She died last month. This was a project she started to support other women going through breast cancer. Just consider yourself blessed!”
I got goosebumps but not because it was scary or creepy but because I felt like I was being given a huge heavenly hug from Amber herself.
Colorful laminated Bible verses for those moments when I need them most.
Nina and I hugged and cried. She told me Amber’s organization is called Crowns of Blessings and they have a Facebook page. I would definitely friend them, message them, and find out what I could about this amazing woman.
The personalized envelope contained a handmade card.
For the rest of that day and the days following, my journey is changed. It’s not any easier but it is special in almost a sacred way. Amber touched my life when I needed it most. ‘I can do that for someone too,’ I thought.
Handmade with care and prayers!
Meanwhile at home, I opened my gift and just about everything in it was handmade. It contained a quilted throw, laminated prayer cards, a precious prayer rock (with a poem attached), a beautifully homemade card that begins,”Dear Friend…,” (this made me cry), and several little person items that a woman going through breast cancer would appreciate.
Powerful words.
Thank you Amber (and your sister!) for your kind and generous thoughts and actions. You chose to take positive action at a time when your life plans didn’t go your way. Perhaps that’s the result of freefalling on faith. Whatever the reason, you are the inspiration for my cancer journey now!
Amber and her sister know what it means to Pay It Forward.
Share your story
I invite readers to share stories you may have of surprise blessings during scary times. Together we can help each other even as strangers to overcome the unwanted challenges we face in life. Email me at: janice@wktv.org
In the meantime, I will post helpful links to resources that I’ve discovered on my journey that may help you or someone you know. After all, we’re all in this together!
If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with cancer of any type, may I recommend checking out Kris Carr’s book, “Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips” or “Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor”. Her humor, wit and sass will tell you, you are a Survivor from Day One! Learn more about her story at: http://bit.ly/1q9voFQ
There’s a non-profit in Wayland, Michigan that makes a difference in the lives of so many people through four-legged friends.
Paws With A Cause enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.
They increases awareness of the rights and roles of Assistance Dog Teams through education and advocacy.
PAWS provides services in 30 states and has placed more than 2,500 Assistance Dogs throughout the country. There are more than 180 volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers and hundreds of people volunteering for PAWS as either breeding host families, community presenters or volunteers at special events.
PAWS trains several types of Assistance Dogs:
•Service Dogs for people with physical disabilities
•Hearing Dogs for people who are Hearing Impaired/Deaf
•Seizure Response Dogs for people with seizure disorders
•Service Dogs for Children with Autism
RAISE A PUPPY CHANGE A LIFE
A Foster Puppy Raiser helps a person living with a disability by raising a dog that will enhance their independence and quality of life. Foster Puppy Raisers volunteer to raise a PAWS Puppy for 14-18 months, until it’s old enough to begin formal Assistance Dog training. During that time, the puppy lives in a raiser’s home while they teach basic obedience and expose the dog to public environments it may experience with a client. Here’s a few things a prospective raiser should know:
•We do not require dog training experience, just a willingness to learn
•You must be committed to teaching basic obedience and attending obedience classes
•You’ll need to expose Foster Puppy to public environments at least three times a week
•We’ll provide you with a team of support to raise the best dog possible for a client
•Must live in the areas of: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Southwest or Southeast Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; or Tallahassee, FL.
If you are interested in helping out this non-profit–please contact:
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL OFFICE
Email: paws@pawswithacause.org
Address: 1328 Wheaton, Troy, MI 48083
Phone: 248-619-9201 Fax: 248-619-9204
Hours: By appointment
A new Dallas-based non-profit has entered into a three-year charter agreement with ArtPrize in Grand Rapids to launch and steward a new, independently organized international art competition to be known as ArtPrize Dallas. The nineteen-day event is slated to launch in Dallas, Texas in April 2016. The new event will be the first of its kind to form outside of Grand Rapids, and will be exclusive in the southwest region, including Colorado and Utah. Up to $500,000 in cash prizes and grants will be awarded to artists in its first year, and the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors from Texas and throughout the United States.
“ArtPrize Dallas will create a lasting impact on the culture of Dallas by engaging and nurturing future artists and promoting a meaningful discussion of art and its role in society. Utilizing the same public/private partnership structure that has allowed our City to become a world-class art destination, ArtPrize Dallas will highlight the creativity and innovative spirit that is such a major part of our City today.” – Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings
Founded in 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ArtPrize is an international art competition open to any artist and decided by public vote and expert jury. It invites artists to try out new ideas on a large and diverse population of people. It seeks to broaden the critical dialogue around contemporary art by awarding $560,000, including two $200,000 grand prizes – the world’s largest prizes for contemporary art. Registered artists and venues connect online at artprize.org and agree to present the artwork for public display during the 19-day event. The public registers and votes using mobile devices and the web to determine half of the prize money, with the remaining amount decided by a jury of international art experts.
ArtPrize 2014 included 1,536 entries representing 51 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories showing at 174 venues including art museums, galleries, bars, coffee shops, stores, hotel lobbies, public parks, bridges, laundromats and auto body shops. ArtPrize now annually attracts more than 400,000 active art lovers and in just 2013 alone, recorded a $22.2 million direct economic impact on the city of Grand Rapids. Since its inception, more than 2.4 million votes have been cast for public art and $3.1 million in cash prizes has been distributed to artists. The seventh edition of ArtPrize will take place in Grand Rapids from September 23 – October 11, 2015.
“ArtPrize Dallas is a natural next chapter in the ArtPrize story,” said ArtPrize Founder and Board Chairman Rick DeVos. “It will create a dynamic pathway between our cities of new artistic, cultural, social, professional and economic opportunities for artists and spectators. The possibilities are thrilling.”
Through this innovative partnership with ArtPrize Dallas, the ArtPrize organization will bring some key components from Grand Rapids to Dallas: the ArtPrize suite of technology-based engagement tools, including platforms for artist and venue registration and connection, voter activation and management, mobile app build and deployment, social media integration and content management; complete training and support for the Dallas-based ArtPrize team in the areas of event production, artist support, education, venue hosting, marketing, communications, retail, sponsorship, membership and volunteer coordination; trademark licensing around ArtPrize marks and consultation around ArtPrize systems, methodologies and guiding principles.
Ariel Saldivar, who will serve as the Executive Director of ArtPrize Dallas, has been working closely with the Dallas arts, culture, corporate and philanthropic communities, as well as with ArtPrize in Grand Rapids for several months to found the Dallas non-profit and craft the agreement. Until recently, Saldivar served as the Associate Director of the Dallas-based Goss-Michael Foundation, supporting public engagement with emerging and mid-career British artists. Under her leadership, a successful Artist-In-Residence program was established to bridge international and local artists. Saldivar has curated and advised on contemporary art collections and lectured internationally on art and design. Ariel is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur and former indie rock musician who holds an MA in Art Business. Joining Saldivar as a consultant on the nascent ArtPrize Dallas team is Dallas-based award-winning filmmaker, fundraiser and entrepreneur Michael Cain.
“ArtPrize Dallas will change the way people think about and approach art in Dallas, because it will truly be an open, inclusive and welcoming event for everyone,” said Saldivar. “ArtPrize Dallas will support and celebrate artists through prizes, grants, career-building opportunities, sales opportunities, broad exposure and seed grants, with a special focus on Dallas artists.”
The newly founded 501(c) 3 has garnered the support of Dallas city officials including Mayor Mike Rawlings and has also seen widespread, cross-institutional support from Downtown Dallas Inc., the Dallas art and design communities, and many of the region’s major arts education institutions.
“We are pleased to welcome ArtPrize to Dallas in 2016. ArtPrize Dallas will bring the public together to interact with contemporary art from international and local artists in a variety of creative venues throughout downtown. We look forward to collectively bringing this opportunity to fruition,” said John Crawford, President & CEO, Downtown Dallas, Inc.
In addition to the community and institutional support needed to launch the community-wide event, Saldivar and her team have already garnered major financial commitments from corporations, foundations and philanthropists eager to see ArtPrize Dallas become a sustainable arts and cultural institution in the southwest.
The ArtPrize Dallas district will encompass a three-mile radius from the heart of downtown, serving as the boundary for participating Venues and the heart of the public vote. The first iteration of ArtPrize Dallas is scheduled to launch in April 2016.
Floriza Genautis was a new college graduate and thought she had the world by the tail. Then her mother said, “You’re coming to America.” It was months of adjustment, countless hours of practicing English, and years of hard work in her attempt to belong. Today, she is a soccer mom, business owner, and community volunteer in West Michigan. Does she fit in now? Check out her interview to see!
40 years, a great staff, special programming and hundreds and hundreds of volunteers. Since 1974, It’s been all about you.
On October 16,1974 Wyoming, Michigan incorporated WKTV as one of the first community TV Stations in the State of Michigan. WKTV was one of the first community television stations to use the phrase “community television.” When other stations are simply “public access” television, We take many steps further providing active hands on training and a proactive approach to being a media presence within the community. WKTV believes the community can be better built through media and the more media literate a community is…the better it knows itself, where it’s going and who its neighbors are.
One superstar volunteer at the station is Phil Moore of Wyoming. He is one of our longest participating volunteers. Been here a little over 30 years. He met his wife at the station and was so enamored with her– and his work as a Floor Director here — that they held their wedding at WKTV. Now that gives a whole new meaning to the term community access.
When one walks through the doors of WKTV they experience nostalgia. It’s like stepping back in time. General Manager Tom Norton designed the station to look like an old fashioned community village. Master Control is designed to look like an oldies diner, the edit stations are housed in a quaint village environment and a vibrant sense of creativity is always apparent.
The facility and equipment are important, but what really makes the station are the volunteers! 400 people and in 2012 alone, community volunteers provided over 13,000 hours of volunteer time to the station and its programming. Now, that’s television at it’s finest. Stop in at 5261 Clyde Park in Wyoming to check us out.
(Editor’s Note–This is the first of several stories that will commemorate WKTV’s 40th year celebration.)
The City of Wyoming has owned & operated Ideal Park, 5843 Crippen Avenue SW, since 1938. On July 6, 2014, the park was significantly changed when a tornado destroyed the playgrounds and most of the trees, changing the character of the park so that a new development plan is necessary to guide investment priorities.
The tornado’s destruction, coupled with regular flooding from Buck Creek has also resulted in the need to renovate the parking lot, basketball and tennis courts. All combined, this requires us to evaluate the park’s design, facilities, and functional relationships related to your family’s interests, community programming needs, and general public uses.
Your input is actively sought and greatly desired.
Please join the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and our consultant P.M. Blough, Inc. to share your ideas and opinions on the park and its future redevelopment:
When: TUESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2014 6:30 pm
Where: IDEAL PARK CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH ACTIVITY CENTER 320 56TH ST SW Wyoming, MI 49548
Residents, business owners, school representatives – everyone who has an interest in Ideal Park’s use and development is strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at P.O. Box 905, 1155 – 28th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or may be emailed to parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.
On behalf of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, thank you for helping make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
If it wasn’t for the commitment and participation of our community volunteers, WKTV programming would not be possible. So as we celebrate 40 years on the air, we salute our longest running programs!
City Council coverage in 1975.
Topping the list at a full 40-year-run is the Wyoming City Council meetings. In the early days, volunteers would haul full-size studio cameras from the station to city hall. Today, there’s a permanent mini control room with cameras inside the meeting room to streamline the production.
30 plus years and counting…
Ray Peuler’s love for high school sports is the drive behind the next longest running show on WKTV! For over 30 years, High School Sports has covered countless local football and basketball games. Now under the direction of Paul Kabelman, baseball, softball and hockey games have been added.
WKTV sports crew airs the annual Golden Gloves tournament held at the Wyoming Armory.
“When Ray’s health would no longer allow him to volunteer, I was offered the opportunity to replace the local legend. The passion for sports and the competition it brings, together with the level of innocence that is still there in high school, encourages many volunteers to assist in these productions,” says Kabelman.
Doug Hanson, Phil Moore, and Gary Vande Velde are but a few of the long serving volunteers that make the productions possible. In addition to the event, productions include three to five hours of equipment setup and time to tear down the gear.
Pre-game prep also comes into play with securing of rosters, stats and any pertinent bio info on individuals, a lot of which is handled by Mike Moll.
“He along with Mark Bergsma and Ron Schultz work with me on announcing the various games,” he adds.
Typically WKTV Sports covers Tuesday and Friday night contests that are aired later that night, and again the following Saturday morning.
“We are very blessed to have the volunteers that we do currently enlist to make this all possible, but are always looking for more, especially to enhance the menu we’re currently offering.
Kabelman adds that he hopes to add even more to the lineup like soccer, wrestling, volleyball and lacrosse, to name a few. All in all, the WKTV High School Sports crew covers twelve different schools within Wyoming, Kentwood and Gaines Township.
21 years and going strong…
Airing for 21 years, the Senior Exercise program got its start back in 1993 and has been teaching seniors safe workouts. Host Chris Rush makes working out easy and fun using just two soup cans and a towel. Her passion for exercising and teaching others inspired her to do a national video series called “You’re never too old to Start.”
“One day I came home and had a message on the answering machine from a total stranger saying how much the exercise show changed their life,” Rush recalls. “There’s a lot of self gratification knowing that I’m helping people.
“My goal for the show was not about getting people to live longer,” she adds, “but about improving the quality of life they are living.”
Rush, who is 61, says she teaches functional training or use of the entire body. “I realized that as I’m aging, I’m learning more of what exercises to teach like balance and stability. I’ll be adding that as part of the routine.”
Like every WKTV project, the Senior Exercise program would not be possible without its volunteers. Says Rush, “In all the years I’ve done this show, I’ve always worked with great caring people who are dedicated to make the show the best that it can be. I’m grateful for the wonderful volunteering and wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for WKTV.”
20 years and on a mission…
For 20 years, “River Reflections” has been the inspiration of Rosemary Barnes targeting viewers who are not able or willing to attend church but would like to learn about the Bible and how to apply its teachings to daily living.
Barnes says that prior to producing the program, a man prophesied to her that she would be doing television work. Shortly thereafter, she and her husband were invited to minister to a church in Marquette, Michigan. There they met a woman who was an entertainer turned evangelist and produced a weekly TV program from her basement for cable access.
“She interviewed us on her program in her basement,” Barnes recalls. “She told us that she was one of the first to produce tapes for the local cable access tv station and that they actually sent newcomers to her basement to learn some tips on producing their own programs. I thought then and there, if she can do it , I can do it!”
Both experiences strengthened Barnes’ resolve to ‘just do it’ and produce a television show that reflected her passion to study and share the Bible.
“I do believe that all Christians should have a church home; but, for many ,Christian television programs are the only teaching they choose to receive.”
Barnes says she hopes the “River Reflections” broadcasts will help viewers find the Lord into their lives.”
Another benefit for me in producing this program is that our faithful production crew stays after the program is taped and we eat together. So twice a month I experience what feels like a family dinner party because the crew has gotten so warmly bonded together through working together faithfully for so many years.”
These are just a few of the longest running shows on WKTV. If you have a program idea that you’d like to see on the air, stop by the station and find out how to get the production rolling!
Two of WKTV’s six editing bays available for community use.
After 40 years of serving as Wyoming and Kentwood’s community TV station, WKTV is finally over-the-hill. While some may see a 40th birthday as getting old, the technology available here at WKTV says otherwise. It’s what keeps the stations young, fresh, fast and…well… new!
The mission at WKTV is to connect the community through media and create media literacy. That’s a fancy way of saying “You have a story to tell that we want to hear, and we have equipment that you can use to tell that story… for free!”
A look inside WKTV’s Cinema Suite
WKTV boasts six Cannon field cameras that are available for checkout. Each camera has its own tripod and set of microphones – with or without cords – for anyone to use for an event or a project.
After you’re done capturing your footage, stay a little while at the station and finish off your work in one of WKTV’s six editing bays fully equipped with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier Pro. Each editing bay is its own room with two large monitors to work on and sound units available for voiceovers.
Maybe you’re looking to film your own movie and want something with better resolution that what the Cannon cameras can offer. Well, WKTV recently purchased a state-of-the-art BlackMagic Camera that films at double the resolution of HD! Pair that with the station’s digital cinema program – an editing bay with three full monitors and audio tuning – and WKTV has everything a storyteller needs to bring that story to life.
Studio A and its control room.
If checking out cameras isn’t your thing, and you’d rather run your own show in a TV Studio, WKTV has a full studio open to the community. Cameras, teleprompters, lights, and a control room are all available to make your show run smoothly, and look good too.
There is no fee to rent out any of the equipment either. The only stipulation is that you must create a project WKTV can air on one of its three channels.
The inside of WKTV’s Mobile Unit
On top of all that, WKTV is able to offer the community a chance to participate in the production of a live sports broadcast. The station is home to a 35-foot mobile unit that is one of the largest in Michigan. The truck is used to broadcast high school sports in full HD multiple nights a week. Volunteers are used for the entire production from filming and announcing in the stadium to directing and cutting replays from inside the truck during the game.
There’s something at WKTV for everyone. If you have a story, we want to hear it. Over 400 volunteers come through the station every year, so the question is, why not you?
Want a lot of holiday spirit? Embrace your Inner Elf! Go see the peppy, goofy, and sugary sweet production of Broadway Grand Rapids production of Elf.
The enthusiastic audience at DeVos Performance Hall laughed off their calorie laden Thanksgiving day dinners with the antics of Buddy the Elf.
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.
Remember the Will Ferrel movie Elf? This musical delight is based on that movie. Buddy doesn’t know that he is human and he slowly begins to realize that he is not really an elf. He travels on a trip to NYC to find his father, his identity and helps everyone he comes in contact with be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
This musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
Daniel Patrick Smith plays the role of Buddy with infectious enthusiasm, a sunny spirit and an animated style that makes the audience fall in love with his character. In his dialogue, he tells us all how he loves to smile–“Smiling is my favorite.” The audience smiles right along with him throughout the show. The humor throughout the show is endearingly goofy.
Connor Gallagher’s choreography is inventive to say the least. I haven’t had the opportunity to see tap dancing elves doing cartwheels and performing complex dance moves on their knees. Everyone onstage really sold the musical numbers both vocally and physically.
It was great to see a show where vocal projection, proper articulation and diction were executed in a manner where audience members didn’t miss a word, lyric, or punchline. The collection of hard working cast members should be commended on this.
Set designer Christine Peters created colorful sets that moved seamlessly into place from the North Pole to New York City. The end scene where Santa’s sleigh flew effortlessly through the sky created gasps of wonder from young and old alike.
My favorite number was “Sparklejollytwinkeljingley” because of the unbridled enthusiasm and sense of fun brought to this show-stopper. “Nobody Cares About Santa” was another great song–especially after doing shopping on Black Friday. The song features a group of criticized Kris Kringles that lament on the yuletide not being what it once was.
Audience members will experience plenty of yuletide cheer served up with goofy humor, and sprinkled with light heartedness. Go see Elf!
Productions continue November 29 and 30. Tickets are still available.
In its sixth year, it is hard to imagine Grand Rapids without ArtPrize, but without the passion and participation of our dynamic community of friends and supporters, ArtPrize would still simply be an idea. Because of you ArtPrize is free and open to the public to view, experience, and vote on art. If you are an ArtPrizer consider making a one-time, tax-deductible donation of any amount, large or small, to help support this radically open event that serves so many. With a donation of $50.00 or more, you will receive a copy of the five-year retrospective book, “ArtPrize: How a Radically Open Competition Transformed a City and Changed the Way We Think about Art.” Look to what we accomplished during ArtPrize 2014 and let it inspire you to give for what we strive to achieve in 2015. 1,127 students participated in ArtPrize Chair Camp, learning about chair design from Carla Hartman, Director of Education for the Eames Office and granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames. Students even designed their own miniature chairs. In all, over 12,000 K-12 students participated in a 2014 ArtPrize Education Days program.
