The Rev. Khary Bridgewater and Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson, at left, led the Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers” and pandemic awareness gathering. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacts the lives of all Kent County residents regardless of race, ethnicity and faith — although current statistics make clear it impacts the unvaccinated to a more serious degree.
It is not surprising, therefore, that speakers at a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, attended by county clergy, the leaders of local hospital networks, and Kent County officials, stressed three things: appreciation to frontline healthcare, the non-discriminatory nature of the virus, and the need to get vaccinated as an individual’s part in keeping themselves and their neighbors safe.
The prayer service was led by several local clergy. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“One of the realities that we are seeing — and I just came off the hospital floor — is the fact that there is not sector or section of this community that is not being affected by COVID,” Rev. Khary Bridgewater said to WKTV at the gathering at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s downtown Grand Rapids. “Young. Old. Regardless of ethnicity. Regardless of creed … We are all in the same boat. We are all dealing with the same impact.
“Everyone is having the same sort of regrets as they struggle with this virus, particularly those at the end of life and they realize this was an avoidable situation. It doesn’t matter who you were when you get to a hospital bed. We are working very hard with every member of our community to stress the simple truth that COVID is dangerous.”
The gathering and prayer service was led by the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, formerly known as the Kent County COVID-19 Task Force). The gathering’s stated goal was to “stand with our front-line medical workers, hospital staff and public health officials, as well as their families, who are sacrificing daily to provide the care that our community needs.”
Leading the gathering was Rev. Bridgewater, facilitator of the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, and by his side was Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, who as been a leader of the group since its inception. The pandemic-aware gathering was limited to local media, a few other people, and several persons remaining in their cars in the parking lot location.
The gathering also highlighted numerous churches and faith-based organizations “coming together to raise community awareness of the current situation in our hospitals; issue a public statement of commitment; and pray and bless our health care personnel and their families.”
Among the local medical leaders present were Dr. Matt Biersack, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s; Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health; Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed; and Dr. Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer of University of Michigan Health-West.
“In this season of hope, when so many workers turn to their home, their families, their traditions, remember many healthcare workers will be working around the clock taking care of their patients,” Grifka said to the gathering. “That selfless spirt embodies what we celebrate this time of the year. I ask that no matter what your beliefs, please keep our healthcare workers in your hearts.”
At a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, Kent County clergy, leaders of local hospital networks, and county officials gathered. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, according to supplied information, is a group of faith-based and non-profit community leaders that have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.
“Together, they have reduced the spread of COVID-19, provided space for church vaccination clinics and informed the community about the vaccine,” according to the supplied information. But in doing so, thy have also heard “the concerns of our hospitals who are beyond capacity and our health care professionals who are weary and overburdened.”
In response to the current pandemic situation, faith leaders from across the city and the county also pledged to eliminate all non-essential, indoor gatherings; restrict essential gatherings to less than 50 people per 2,000 square feet; require all attendees at indoor gatherings to wear a mask and abide by social distancing and COVID-19 hygiene; and — maybe most importantly — to encourage all members of our community to get COVID-19 vaccination and any appropriate booster shots.
John Irwin helps a student at the Y’s Safety Around Water program. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Upon retiring as the West Michigan region president for Huntington Bank, John Irwin traded in his business suit for a different kind of suit, swimming trunks. His boardroom is now a swimming pool and instead of talking about financial security, he is now discussing water safety.
“I knew with retirement that I wanted to give back to my community,” said Irwin, who is a triathlete having completed more than 80 events in the past 20-plus years. “I knew I wanted to do something more on a one-to-one basis versus being on a board.”
Being a member at the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids, Irwin was aware of the many programs being offered at the Y, such as the water safety program.
“I basically sent an email and said ‘I don’t want to run the program. I don’t want to get paid.’ I just wanted to volunteer,” Irwin said. “I think Becky was like ‘You’re my type of person.’ That is how easy it was.”
Becky Haveman, the YMCA association aquatics and safety director, gives out a little laugh.
“John sent me an email with his story and I said we should talk,” Haveman said, adding that the Y has had volunteers in the past help with the water safety instruction. “It is not unusual for us to have 14- and 15-year-olds looking to eventually teach.”
Irwin went through training with the Y staff, watched classes and in September was set up with his own class of about a dozen six-year-olds who have never been near the water.
John Irwin. a retiring Huntington Bank executive, with his first Safety Around Water class. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Jumping in
“You see them now and you think I am their best friend,” Irwin said after just completing a short class demonstration. “It didn’t start off that way. Many of them would not even get in the water, much less near it.”
In Michigan, on average, a person is only about six miles away from natural water, Haveman said. Because of that, the YMCA offers a number of water safety and swimming classes. In fact, these classes are one of the most popular programs at the Y, with the organization teaching more than a million such classes nationwide.
“The water safety class is designed to teach the students that if they fall in the water or see someone fall in, they know what to do,” Haveman said.
There is the “jump, turn, grab” technique where students are guided on learning how to turn and grab onto the side or something if they fall into the water, Haveman said. There is also the “swim, float, swim” technique that if a student is swimming and gets tired, they roll over on their back and float for a while to rest and then resume swimming, she said.
After demonstrating a technique, Irwin asked “OK, who’s going into the water?” A few hands shot up right away and Irwin takes each child, one at a time, until he gets to a little red-headed boy who with a pouty face, shakes his head no.
“You don’t want to do it today?” Irwin asks with a smile. The boy again shakes his head no. “That’s OK. I know. You don’t like to jump in the water.”
Volunteering for the swimming program seemed like a natural fit for Irwin because of his triathlon experience. Irwin also got his level one swim coach certification.
John Irwin with the Y’s aquatics and safety director, Becky Haveman (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I am hoping that now I am retired, they plan on using me a little more,” Irwin said. Havman gives a quick head shake yes.
Irwin also is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging others to follow in his path.
“When people look at the Y, they see the buildings but they don’t think about all the great programs that they offer that are inside the buildings,” Irwin said. “I would encourage people to reach out to the Y, or any organization they want, and take what they love and see how they can use that talent to give back.”
Who knows, you might end up trading your suit for a pair of gloves and a garden or maybe some shorts and a gym, or, perhaps like Irwin, a pair of swim trunks and a pool.
Like to join the fun? The Y will be hosting training classes for would-be lifeguards. The four-day trainings are Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Lifeguards must be at least 16, and while most are high school and college students, theranks are made up of professionals, retirees, and stay-at-home moms. For more information, visit grymca.org/events/lifeguard-training-class. For the Safety Around Water program, visit grymca.org/news/water-safety-y.
Booklovers, and those with lovers of books on their last-minute shopping list, are in for a treat as several new releases from well-known authors, as well as debut writers, are available just in time for the holidays.
And how better to get that last gift than by buying local, or making a holiday roadtrip out of it?
“There are a ton of really solid, interesting books by well-known authors, as well as those who haven’t written before,” said Tim Smith, Operations Manager for Schuler Books.
Schuler Books on 28th Avenue is a big bookstore with a small bookstore feel. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Founded in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld, Schuler Books includes locations in both Grand Rapids and Okemos. The Grand Rapids location on 28th Street “offers a wide array of new and used books for adults and children, an extensive selection of book-themed gifts, and a café where shoppers can enjoy coffee and a bite to eat,” they say. And a “friendly, helpful staff contribute to the welcoming feel shoppers experience.”
And if you’re really into last minute Christmas shopping, Schuler Books invites all ages to come and enjoy the live reindeer that will be outside the store Christmas Eve.
Adding to the inviting atmosphere is the knowledge that the staff at Schuler Books have personally hand-picked each book lining the shelves.
“We have a team of buyers that meet with publishing reps (representatives),” Smith said, “and over time have curated our stock. There are core items, of course, but also items specific to each store and its location.”
Changes in readers’ tastes
Schuler’s Smith also mentioned a shift in what buyers are looking for in reading material.
“Over the past couple of years, but especially this year, it has been different because people are looking for books connected to particular current events that people are trying to understand,” said Smith. “People see the world is changing, that there are large changes happening, and people are looking to books to understand these things.”
Popular titles at Schuler Books this holiday season substantiate Smith’s observation, with several books addressing current topics prevalent in society today:
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith speaks to racial understanding.
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Michigan author Angeline Boulley concentrates on the indigenous community.
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman incorporates a call to action for people of all ages to use their abilities to make a difference.
Other popular titles offer inspiration, humor, and a connection with nature:
“Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci; “The Impossible Mile: The Power in Living Life One Step at a Time” by Johnny Agar; “All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings” by Gayle Boss; “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” by Nick Offerman; “A Carnival of Snackery” by David Sedaris; “Get Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, a companion journal to Doyle’s 2020 release, “Untamed”; “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich.
Maybe make a day-trip shopping
If you like to do a little strolling around a small-town downtown with plenty of shopping, epilogue books, founded in July 2018 by Pat and Valerie Burkholder, is celebrating their fourth holiday season in Rockford.
Some of the staff picks at epilogue books in Rockford. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Tucked into a strip of stores just off East Bridge Street, epilogue books features a comprehensive selection of new books for readers of all ages, including several by Michigan authors.
“We try to support local Michigan authors and artists,” said Cindy Coats, bookseller at epilogue books.
Coats also said that the staff at epilogue books hand-picks each book that is placed on the shelves.
“We look at what books are projected to be top-sellers,” said Coats said, “as well as what people are asking for.”
And the staff also looks at trends: “People come in asking for books that are being made into movies, like ‘Dune’ (Frank Herbert) and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (Liane Moriarty),” said Coats.
Biographies and autobiographies have also proven to be a rising trend.
“People have been out of work, or not in their normal realm of work, for a year and a half and used that time to write their stories,” Coats said. “(Readers) like hearing where people came from, and especially about overcoming adversity.”
Several new releases on epilogue’s shelves cater to this topic, including “Will” by Will Smith, and “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl.
Pick one; all are worth reading. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown, a self-help book that focuses on how to develop meaningful connections with the people in our lives, is another popular title this holiday season.
Cookbooks are also a top seller this year. “Lots of celebrities are now writing cookbooks,” said Coats. “Pop culture is really interjecting into food.”
The bookseller pointed to “An Unapologetic Cookbook,” written by TikTok sensation Joshua Weissman. “We can’t keep these on the shelf,” Coats said with a laugh.
Other popular titles offered by epilogue books include: “Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone” (Outlander Series, Book 9) by Diana Gabaldon; “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides; “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; “Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives” by Dav Pilkey.
A new reproduction of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling is also dazzling shoppers with its full color illustrations and eight interactive paper craft elements.
“They are stunning,” said Coats, touching the cover as she passed by.
And say ‘“Hi” to Tommy
epilogue books’ Tommy the Bookstore Dog. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Visitors to epilogue books will most likely be welcomed by the store’s most popular member, Tommy the Bookstore Dog, a mild-mannered golden retriever who loves to interact with customers.
“People come in just to see Tommy,” said Coats. “One woman drove all the way from Lansing after seeing him on a TikTok video, just to meet him.”
And after the holidays, an upcoming event that booklovers will want to mark on their calendars is a book signing with ABC’s chief meteorologist, Ginger Zee, featuring her upcoming release, “A Little Closer to Home.” A Rockford native, Zee will be at epilogue books Jan. 15 to meet fans and sign books.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), with a little bit of holiday lights lit, is the home of West Michigan’s Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew King, serving active duty in the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy)
In peacetime and in wartime, American serviceman and women often spend their Christmas Holidays far away from home but allowing those from their hometowns to enjoy the season safe and secure.
The U.S. Navy recently sent WKTV information on two such U.S. Navy personal from West Michigan, including their well wishes for family, friends and everybody they serve yet do not know.
Sailors help maintain America’s strategic advantage at sea, everyday, including the holidays. This means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones.
U.S. Navy Seaman Breana Leonard. (U.S. Navy)
Seaman Breana Leonard, a Hastings native serving overseas will celebrate the holidays with shipmates in Guam.
“The holidays are a time to take a break and enjoy time with friends and family,” Seaman Leonard said in supplied material. And she wants to make sure her family back home know that they are loved and missed.
“Thank you for standing by me,” Leonard said. “I love you and I miss you all.”
Leonard serves as a gunner’s mate aboard USS Emory S. Land. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Leonard, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of “a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance,” according to the U.S. Navy announcement.
“Serving in the Navy means that I’m setting myself up for success in the future,” added Leonard.
Leonard’s brother in arms, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew King, a Grand Rapids native, will celebrate the holidays volunteering for Catholic services at the base chapel in Yokosuka, Japan.
But he remembers a special memory from a holiday past.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew King. (U.S. Navy)
“For me, the holidays represent birth and new beginnings,” Petty Officer King said in supplied material. “When I was 13, my house burnt down in the fall and when the holidays came a secret benefactor donated a home to my family. If you’re reading this, thank you!”
King, too, wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season.
“I hope everyone back home has a merry Christmas,” King said. “Despite being in Japan, the Christmas spirit spans worldwide. I would also like to thank the students and staff of Meadowbrook Elementary School for sending us care packages.”
King serves as an intelligence specialist aboard USS Ronald Reagan.
“The Navy is about maintaining peace — especially for the holiday season,” King said. “That is all I could ask for.”
Stephanie Fox, of the Navy Office of Community Outreach, contributed to this story.
What a strange – and blustery – winter weather pattern we’ve been experiencing. I hope everyone has remained safe.
As you already know, we’re only a week away from the Christmas holiday, and I couldn’t be more excited. My kids from North Carolina will be visiting for about 10 days, and I can’t wait to squeeze those grandbabies! Lucky me.
Are you entertaining over the holidays?
Well, as you prepare for your activities, let’s look at some ways to de-stress in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5. Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits
My good friend Amy Sherman turned me on to all the cool things they’re doing at Broad Leaf Brewery, the sister brewery of Jason and Kris Spaulding of Brewery Vivant. We’ve been there a few times, and the beer is always tasty, and the environment perfect to entertain the family or guests with all those video games. This weekend stop by for their Holiday Bazaar from 1-5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19) to support local artisans – and local beer. More details at https://broadleafbeer.com/event/christmas-bazaar/. Broad Leaf also offers a great food menu, and cocktails. It is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE in Kentwood.
4. TUBACHRISTMAS Concert
You know the saying: “Nothing says Christmas like a Tuba!” I know, that’s not a saying, but you can enjoy the return of this popular show when local performers take the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19) at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more info. Oh, and if you’re a tuba player or “a musician with a tuba, baritone, sousaphone, euphonium, or anything else in the tuba family, you’re welcome to join” in, organizers say on the event page.
Bert and Erine in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (Wikipedia)
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s family movie time! Take a short drive to Muskegon and enjoy the beautiful Frauenthal Theatre (built in 1930) for a screening of the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Show time is 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19). Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Admission is free. Check out the event Facebook page for more details. (What’s that? You’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life”? Email me and I’ll fill you in!)
Reindeer at the KDL Kentwood Branch (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
2. Ready for Reindeer!
Despite the recent warm weather, temperatures will dip back into the 30s as we head into Christmas. That’s perfect for Santa’s reindeer. Our friends at the KDL Kentwood Branch say the reindeer are “traveling all the way from the North Pole – via Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms” for a visit at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 18) at the Richard L. Root Branch Library, 4950 Breton SE, in Kentwood. More details on the library event page.
1. Grand Rapids Griffins
I have not been to a Griffins hockey game the last couple of years, and this might be a perfect escape before the kids come to town. The team has games Saturday (Dec. 18), Sunday (Dec. 19) and Wednesday (Dec. 22) at Van Andel Arena. If you want to bring the little ones, go on Saturday when Santa Claus is coming to town. He’ll be on hand for a special pre-game visit. Game time is 7 p.m. The first 1,000 kids 13 and under get a replica 25th anniversary Griffins jersey. Ticket information and more details at griffinshockey.com/schedule.
Oh, and if you’re off of work next week (like me!), you might want to experience “Cirque de Noël!,” which returns for performances Dec. 21-22 at DeVos Performance Hall. You’ll see acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, jugglers and strongmen all to the classical and seasonal musical selections by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Show times and ticket information at grsymphony.org/cirque-de-noel. A special morning show is at 10 a.m. Dec. 22.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The best of Kent County’s wrestlers, many of them state-ranked in their weight classes, will be on the mats at East Kentwood High School as the Falcons wrestling program hosts the Kent County Wrestling Championships Saturday, Dec. 18, with matches starting at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the East Kentwood wrestlers, other local schools expected to attend are Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights. In all, as many as 20 schools will have wrestlers on the mats.
The format, according to information supplied by East Kentwood wrestling coaching staff will have the top 16 in each weight class placed in “Championship Division” with double elimination format. The remaining Wrestlers will be placed in a “Beltline Division”. There will also be a bracket for female wrestlers.
The Championship Division will be pre-seeded based on Trackwrestling criteria including state tournament placement/qualification, regional qualification, and records.
The Beltline Division competitors are 1st or 2nd year wrestlers or the wrestlers who had a sub-.500 winning percentage the previous season.
Awards will go to teams, individual wrestlers and Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Championship finals, and third and fifth place matches will be wrestled starting at same time, 4:30 p.m.
The Omicron variant of COVID has been discovered in a person from Kent County. (pxhere.com)
On the heals of announcing that the Omicron variant has been detected in Kent County, the Kent County Health Department released some sobering COVID-19 statistics.
The positivity rate has been 20.5 percent for COVID with the average number of cases per day being 377 in the last seven days.
Currently there are 400 people hospitalized with COVID, of which 102 are in intensive care units. About 90 percent of those patients in ICU are not vaccinated.
There is some good news in that about 62 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated, which are people who are ages 5 and up, are fully vaccinated. About 67.2 percent of population that is eligible has received at least one dose. Also 128,859 boosters have been administered in Kent County.
Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London said the best way to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicorn variant is to be fully vaccinated and to get the booster shot.
“The identification of the Omicron variant is not unexpected,” London said. “We are fortunate that we have an effective, safe, and available vaccine that can protect us from this illness. We continue to urge people to get their vaccine and their boosters as soon as they are eligible.”
Early indicators suggest the Omicron variant causes milder COVID-19 than the Delta variant but seems to spread faster. The person identified with the Omicron variant is vaccinated but has not received a booster. However, according to KCHD officials, it is too early to determine precisely the severity of the disease caused by Omicron or if existing treatments will be as effective.
Other steps to take:
Get vaccinated against influenza
Stay home if you are sick
Wear a mask in public, indoor spaces, or crowded outdoors
Avoid large indoor gatherings
Wash your hands frequently
Get a COVID-19 test if you are exposed or are symptomatic
London also noted that the public health order on required facial coverings for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade would be in effect until Jan. 2, 2022. There are no plans at this time to extend the order.
“Vaccination appointments are readily available throughout the community,” London said. “And more importantly, school and legislative leaders have had ample time, with an awareness of the timeline and the relevant facts, to create long-term policies for COVID mitigation.”
On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted vaccine authorization for children ages 5 to 11. Since vaccinations started being administered this age group, 26.8 percent of children in Kent County, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Working with school officials, the Health Department has developed a COVID-19 Precautions for Students flyer in both English and Spanish. A few tips from that flyer are:
Students with symptoms MUST stay home
Consider contacting your family doctor or scheduling a test
Practice healthy behaviors like social distancing, getting good sleep, eating well, and staying active.
Kentwood Police Captain Stephanie Morningstar was with family as she was promoted from sergeant to the department’s first female captain in 2018. Now she is the department’s first deputy chief. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The leadership change at the City of Kentwood Police Department continues as, following last week’s appointment of Chief Bryan Litwin to replace retired Chief Richard Roberts, the City of Kentwood announced Dec. 15 that Captain Stephanie Morningstar has been promoted to deputy police chief.
Deputy Chief Morningstar previously was a captain in the Kentwood Police Department’s Services Division. Chief Litwin had previously been deputy chief.
As deputy chief, Morningstar is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination and management of the city’s police, code enforcement and traffic engineering functions and staff, according to the announcement.
“Deputy Chief Morningstar brings exceptional leadership, communication and strategic planning skills as well as more than 20 years of experience with the Kentwood Police Department to her new role,” Chief Litwin said in supplied material. “Her expertise in the department’s investigative, patrol and training efforts will be invaluable as we continue to focus on reducing serious crime, increasing traffic safety and serving the community with excellence.”
Kentwood Police Department Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar. (Supplied)
Morningstar started her career in Canton Township before coming to Kentwood in 2000. She served as a patrol officer, general case detective, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant before becoming the department’s first female captain in 2018.
As the former captain of the Services Division, Morningstar oversaw the Detective Bureau, Special Investigations Unit and Records Bureau, as well as the city Justice Center’spolice and court building maintenance, operations and security. Additionally, she has provided guidance and instruction at major crime scenes and conducted complaint investigations to ensure quality customer service.
“I am honored to be deputy chief of the Kentwood Police Department and serve our community in this role,” Morningstar said in supplied material. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to deliver professional police services and partnering with residents and other community members to make sure Kentwood is a wonderful place for everyone.”
During her tenure with the City of Kentwood, Morningstar has taught precision emergency vehicle response driving to police academy recruits at Grand Rapids Community College since 2007. She also developed and presented lectures on death investigations at the Grand Valley State University Police Academy from 2014-18.
Morningstar serves on several specialized units, including the Kent County Child Death Review Board, Sexual Assault Response Team, Adult Mobile Crisis Unit and Human Trafficking Coalition Coordinated Response Team. She is also a Kentwood District Court Sobriety Court advisor.
Morningstar has completed numerous trainings in different types of interviewing, interrogations and investigations, according to the city’s announcement, as well as critical incident stress management and peer support. She has also completed leadership programs through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute.
Morningstar graduated from Grand Valley State University and GVSU Police Academy in 1996 with a degree in criminal justice.
Jurassic Quest returns to Grand Rapids Jan. 7 – 9 with more than 100 dinosaurs. (Supplied)
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America returns to Grand Rapids Jan. 7 – 9.
Jurassic Quest will be at DeVos Place for those three days. The exhibit is an indoor family education and entertainment (edutainment) show that will feature more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, and interactive science and art activities. There also will be a Triceratots soft play area, bounce houses, and inflatable attractions.
Visitors will walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land and “deep dive” into the Ancient Oceans exhibit to come face-to-face with the largest apex predator that existed, a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long Megalodon.
Tickets are $22 for adults and children and $19 for seniors. There is also a $36-dollar ticket for kids unlimited rides. Tickets do include a 100 percent guarantee of refund if the show is cancelled or postponed for any reason. Because tickets sell quickly, advance ticket purchased is encouraged.
When a loved one dies, we experience a great amount of stress. Not only are hearts broken, but disruptions to daily routines and holiday celebrations can take a huge emotional toll. As one of the most common causes of stress, losing a dear friend, family member, or spouse can lead to serious illness, including depression.
The lost of a love one can been difficult during the holidays. (Courtesy of Love and Health Chiropractics)
Stress from loss can show up as negative attitudes or feelings of being out of control. Headaches, neck pain and back pain are common among people who are grieving. So, chiropractic adjustment is one practical way to deal with the general stress as well as the physical manifestations of grief.
The Harvard Medical School Health blog’s “A Guide to Getting through Grief” counsels those mourning a loss to engage in practical self-care and “Tend to the essentials.” Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, veggies, lean proteins, and a daily multivitamin. Stay hydrated. Make sure to stay on your prescribed medications. And get plenty of sleep—grief can really tire you out. Don’t overdo caffeine or alcohol as both can sabotage a good night’s sleep.
Even if you feel like a slug, try to do a little more exercise than usual. It will not only boost your energy levels but also ease depression, anxiety, and anger. Push yourself to take care of yourself each day. What would make you feel a little better? A funny movie, coffee with a friend, a phone conversation with a family member? If you were a caregiver of the person you lost, now is your chance to take care of you.
Because of the ongoing toll that COVID-19 is taking on us here in Michigan, don’t be surprised to find out that you are not alone in your grief. You might even want to join a grief support group. Many of the meet safely over virtual formats. The State of Michigan Family Center has put together this guide listing grief support by county. In addition, you can find a list of local church-based grief support groups here. Ele’s Place specifically helps children who are grieving. Local hospice organizations and mental health care providers can also help you walk through your grief.
Inside Herpolsheimer’s (Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum)
This black-and-white photograph from the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Collections is of the customer service counter at Herpolsheimer’s during the Christmas season. Behind the counter there are many different types of cellophane wrapping paper and Christmas decorations.
Herpolsheimer’s was founded as a dry goods story in 1870 eventually evolving into the large department story that was familiar to many in Grand Rapids. The store operated at 1 Monroe Ave., where the current Grand Rapids Police Department is now housed. In 1987, its stories was sold to Federated Department Stores and the name changed to Lazarus which eventually became part of the Macy’s corporation.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, after selecting Dr. Mike Burde, currently Assistant Superintendent at Kenowa Hills Public Schools, to be the next GLPS superintendent last month, the school board approved his contract at its meeting Monday, Dec. 13.
Superintendent Burde’s first day on the job will be Jan. 3. And a long list of “exciting “ work awaits him.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Burde. (Supplied)
“It’s an honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools,” Burde said to WKTV. “I am eager to get started in listening, learning, and building relationships in the schools and in the community. With bond construction projects scaling up, new curriculum programs, and forward-thinking continuous improvement efforts, it’s an exciting time to be a Legend!”
Burde will work with Interim Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer as he transitions out of this role.
The Board, in a previous statement, said it was “especially thankful for Mr. Weeldreyer’s leadership” since the beginning of the school year.
“We have been fortunate to have the time to conduct a thorough search, and it has been time well spent,” GLPS board President Eric Mockerman said in the statement.
Mockerman also told WKTV he and the district is excited to have Burde take over in the new year.
“I am excited to get to work with Dr. Burde. He comes to us with a wealth of experience that I believe will lead Godfrey-Lee well into the future,” Mockerman said. “While we were going through the interview process the board was impressed by Dr. Burde’s experience as well as the thoroughness that he had planned for his first 90 days.
“I spoke personally with several of Mike’s references through the hiring process and I also had the opportunity to speak to several of his current board members who backed up 100 percent what was told to me by his references. Mike … is more than ready to hit the ground running with all of the work that needs to be done. I think he is an excellent fit for Godfrey-Lee.”
Superintendent Burde, according to a biography on the Kenowa Hills Public Schools website, become the district’s assistant superintendent in 2012. Since then, “he has supported the district’s implementation of building and district improvement plans that support student-centered education; which the district calls Personal Mastery. Dr. Burde has also been an active advocate for the K-12 instructional technology; assisting in the planning and implementation of district’s ongoing 1:1 technology initiative. In addition, he’s worked to develop strong partnerships with organizations such as KnowledgeWorks, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists (MASFPS).”
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Spring Arbor University, Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.
For 15 years, Dr. Burde has been involved in public school administration at the elementary, secondary, and central office levels. He began his professional career at Ionia Public Schools, where he served as a middle school social studies teacher before taking on various leadership responsibilities at Belding Areas Schools.
Burde and his wife, Jacqlyn, have two children: Katherine and Marilyn.
Holiday break for many schools starts at about 3:30 p.m. Friday with most students being out for around two weeks.
Students have the opportunity to explore the Museum during the Snowflake Break camps. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Holiday activities take up some of the time during the two-week break but whether it is waiting for or after all the presents are unwrapped, there is time when everybody is looking for something to do.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced that it will bring back its Snowflake Break, which will run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. Snowflake Break features special exhibits and activities and includes the traveling exhibits “POPnology,” and “Bats: Masters of the Night,” along with educational Snowflake Break Camp opportunities for area children.
“Snowflake Break at the Museum is the perfect experience for families seeking fun activities to do during the holiday break,” said Kate Kocienski, the Museum’s VP of Marketing & Public Relations. “We’re pleased to offer reduced admission for Kent County residents everyday, including free admission for kids 17 and under. Snowflake Break is an ideal time for local families to take advantage of these benefits to explore, learn and create lifelong holiday memories.”
The three floors at the Museum have holiday-themed decorations and activities. Festival favorites returning include the historic Grand Rapids LEGO® Bricks display, oversized games in the Galleria, and the popular Santa and Elf Hunt that encourages visitors to explore the Museum to find 12 elves hidden in peculiar sports, while also learning about 15 Santas from around the world.
Through Jan. 2, the Chaffee Planetarium will feature “Let It Snow!” with classic holiday music paired a visual show.
A current exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is “Bats: Masters o the Night.” (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Snowflake Break Camps are also available for kids in first through sixth grade, with pre-registration required. For two weeks campers will use the Museum as a learning lab – experimenting, learning and growing – all while exploring the permanent and traveling exhibits at the Museum. Camps will be limited to 16 registrants per session, and are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. Campers will be provided with supplies for each activity. Various safety measures will be in place to ensure a low-risk environment for learners and educators. To learn more or to register for Snowflake Break Camps, visit grpm.org/educlasses.
Organist Dave Wickerham will present a night of holiday music on the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater organ on Dec. 17 and 18 with tickets available at grpm.org.
Holiday displays are included with general admission to the Museum. Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under! Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County seniors are $3. Advance ticket reservation is recommended, for a seamless, contactless entry. Visit grpm.org to reserve today. Kent County residents also receive free parking in the Museum’s ramp for their visit. The Museum encourages all visitors to wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status, to help curb the spread of Covid 19 in our community.
Other activities:
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the exhibits “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018,” which surveys six decades of output from one of America’s greatest living artists, and “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” showcases a centuries-old Anishinaabe tradition.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is featuring the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express, formerly the Breton Village Miniature Train Display, which includes replicas of South High School, Bill’s Place diner and other significant structures in the president’s Grand Rapids life.
“Those planning their retirements should consider what, if any, Social Security benefits could be available if you are the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies.” Dave Stanley
Many people planning for when they no longer work forget to include potential Social Security Survivors Benefits.
Photo from pxhere.com
In 2021, workers can earn up to four credits per year, one credit for each $1,470 in wages or self-employment income. If a worker has hit $5,880 in wages, they have earned their maximum four credits the year.
How do those credits work?
Depending on a workers’ age at the time of death, the number of credits necessary to provide survivors’ benefits varies. The younger a decedent is, the fewer credits are needed for family members to get survivors’ benefits.
When a worker dies, benefits may be disbursed to their children and the surviving spouse still caring for the children, even if that worker doesn’t have enough credits. These survivors can receive benefits as long as the worker has credit for at least one and one-half years of work, or six total credits, in the three years preceding their death. If there is no surviving spouse, payments typically go to a child eligible for benefits on the deceased worker’s record. However, you will want to talk to a Social Security expert or claims representative about your options because of everyone’s unique situations.
Who can get monthly survivor benefits?
Typically, these family members are eligible to receive monthly benefits when you pass away.
Your widow or widower who is at least age 60. Or a disabled widow or widower aged 50 or older.
In certain strict circumstances, your surviving former spouse may be eligible.
Your widow or widower of any age who is caring for your child younger than age 16. Or if disabled and receiving a child’s benefits.
An unmarried child aged 18 or 19 and a full-time student in elementary or secondary school.
A child 18 or older with a disability that began before they turned 22 may qualify.
What do you do when a family member passes away?
As of 2021, you still cannot report that death or apply for survivors’ benefits online. That’s why you need to contact Social Security and your financial advisor as soon as possible. The funeral director will often report the death to Social Security if you have provided them with the deceased’s Social Security number.
There may be instances when you want or need to speak to a Social Security representative directly. In that instance, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 during regular business hours.
What are some other considerations and caveats?
Suppose you don’t have a surviving spouse. A one-time, lump-sum death benefit of $255 might be paid to your surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased. If you were living apart, the spouse still might qualify if they received certain types of Social Security benefits on your record. In that case, the death benefit goes to any child eligible for benefits on your record in the month of death.
Suppose you were already getting benefits when you died. In that case, your survivors must return the benefits you may have received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if you passed away in September, you must return all benefits paid in October. Be sure your loved ones know they should not cash any checks received for the month in which you died or later.
Summing it up: These are just some of the many rules, regulations, deadlines, and other nuances regarding Social Security survivor benefits. That’s why it makes sense to sit with a qualified Social Security expert so that you have a basic game plan in place when you or your spouse passes away. Planning will give you and your loved ones greater peace of mind when you are no longer there to help them.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
The brute force winds that came through West Michigan now has many residents looking for places to discard the yard waste. Fortunately, for those living in cities of Kenwood and Wyoming, they have options.
A past pile of leafs at the City of Kentwood Department of Public Works as the city’s leaf and brush drop-off programs returns this week to help with debris from the recent wind storm. (City of Kentwood)
City of Kentwood
Today, the City of Kentwood reopened its leaf and brush drop-off sites, which will be open through Dec. 18. The purpose is to help residents dispose of fallen leaves and tree debris.
“We’re reopening our drop-off sites to help residents clean up after Saturday’s windstorm as well as accommodate the late leaf drop this year,” Public Works Director Chad Griffin said. “With the warm temperatures expected this week, this is a great opportunity for residents to take care of the leaves, trees and branches that have fallen on their properties.”
Residents may drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and loose grass clippings through Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The drop-off sites are open noon-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
The service is available to Kentwood residents only. Staff will be on-site checking for proof of residency and appropriate materials. Materials that cannot be accepted include paper and plastic bags, trash, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.
Residents may report downed tree limbs and other debris obstructing city streets to the Department of Public Works at 616-554-0817 or 911. Non-emergency street or sidewalk concerns can be reported online at kentwood.us/psr/index.php.
City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming operates a year round leaf and yard waste disposal site at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Winter hours for the site are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. The site is closed on Sunday.
Yard waste should be sorted in leaves and grass piles and brush piles which may include sticks, branches less than eight-fee long, bushes, and stumps less than three-feet in diameter.
The site does not accept leaf bags , plastic bags, sod, rocks, stones, sand, treated wood, fencing, shingles, concrete, asphalt, furniture, carpet, glass, garbage or basically anything that is not naturally grown in a yard.
There is an attendant at the site with residents having to show proof of residency.
Power outages can be reported to Consumers Energy online or by phone at 800-477-5050. In the case of an emergency, such as a downed power line, call 911.
Food can last up to fours in a refrigerator that has no power. (pxhere.com)
This past weekend’s high winds that left thousands without power had the Kent County Health Department offering up tips on maintaining proper food safety and generator safety.
According to the Health Department, if properly prepared, most families could deal with the inconvenience of a few hours or even a couple of days without power. Having no power, means that most homes would be without refrigeration, running water and sanitary services. Depending on the season, homes may also not have heat.
The biggest reminder, which also came from Consumers Energy, is to never touch a down power line. If you are uncertain if the line down is a power line, call emergency services for help and treat it like a down power line.
Generators
Those who can will turn to generators to help power the home should remember not to operate a generator indoors as it does produce carbon monoxide, which can kill in minutes.
Because a generator can create 100 times more carbon monoxide gas than a car exhaust, extensive studies have been done into how far a generator should be placed from the home. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the non-fatal carbon monoxide poisonings reported during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons involved generators that were seven feet from the home. While it is recommended that generators be at least 15 feet at the home, studies have determined that may not be far enough as carbon monoxide will still enter the home. A generator should be placed as far away from the home as possible and away from any doors or windows.
To help check carbon monoxide levels in a home, make sure that the home’s carbon monoxide detector has been checked and is working properly.
Refrigeration
Food will last up to four hours in a refrigerator and up to 24 hours in a half filled freezer and 40 hours for a full freezer. So if the power is out for a couple of hours, the food in the freezer will be safe to eat, according to the Health Department.
While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the food cold longer. If possible, have frozen ice packs ready in case you need to move food from the refrigerator to a cooler to keep it safe.
Refrigerated food needs to be at a temperature of 40 degrees or less and frozen food should be between 0 and -10 degrees. Keeping a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times to help you determine what the temperature of the unit is and if the food is safe. As always “when in doubt, throw it out,” according to the Health Department.
The Kent County Health Department has guide sheets on how to prepare a disaster supply kit with food and other general supplies along with tip sheets on other emergencies such as flooding, water safety, and preventing the spread of flu in the home.
Nika, a 16-year-old tiger at John Ball Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. (Supplied)
John Ball Zoo announces that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger has tested positive for SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) and is recovering.
The Amur tiger named Nika recently became ill. At that time, she was immobilized in order to perform diagnostics that included COVID testing, which came back as positive for SARS CoV- 2 (COVID-19).
As seen among other zoos, John Ball Zoo suspects that Nika’s exposure likely came from a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team. “Even with increased safety protocols in place for the care of the Zoo’s animals, we know that just as with humans, the spreading of COVID can occur even among those who are vaccinated and practicing safe habits and protocols,” said John Ball Zoo Chief Executive Officer Peter D’Arienzo.
“We continue to take the health and well-being of our team, guests and animals seriously as we have before and during this COVID pandemic,” added D’Arienzo. “As with all of the Zoo’s animals, Nika continues to receive exceptional care from her keeper and veterinary teams and they are cautiously optimistic on her complete recovery.”
The Zoo notes that while increased health and safety protocols are in place that there is no guarantee against transmission. “The animal care and veterinary teams have been diligent with our use of PPE and other safety protocols in all animal spaces in particular our felid, primate, and small carnivore spaces, but we also know that no system is perfect in preventing a highly contagious virus,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian.
In addition to the John Ball Zoo’s tigers, the chimpanzees, lions, snow leopards, and small carnivores are completely vaccinated or are scheduled to receive their second vaccination against SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19).
“Many of our animals are now completely vaccinated against COVID-19 and that partially included Nika as she was due for her second dose on the day that she became sick,” added Colburn.
Dr. Colburn also noted that Nika is doing well and her health is continuing to improve. There have been no clinical signs from any of the other Zoo cats or their other animals of having COVID. However, out of an abundance of caution, John Ball Zoo will run additional testing of the other two Amur Tigers to determine if they are shedding the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.
Recently, John Ball Zoo received AZA-accreditation. This is the 38th consecutive year that JBZ has held the accreditation. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums requires zoos and aquariums to complete a rigorous accreditation process and inspection by top zoo experts every five years to remain accredited. The inspection team visited John Ball Zoo in July and observed all aspects of the Zoo’s operations and focused on areas such as veterinary care; physical facilities; safety; security; finance; staff; governing authority; involvement in education, conservation, and research; and adherence to AZA policies.
LANSING – Living alone is increasingly common throughout Michigan and the rest of the world, a trend worrisome for older folks, particularly during the pandemic.
More than 2.4 million of Michigan’s population is 60 and up, and 41% of them live alone, according to a state plan on aging. (pxhere.com)
To reduce such concerns, Michigan has bolstered programs to help older people living solo to connect socially.
More than 2.4 million of Michigan’s population is 60 and up, and 41% of them live alone, according to a state plan on aging.
“Historically, social isolation has been a concern for our older population,” said Scott Wamsley, the deputy director for the Aging and Adult Services Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.
COVID-19 is making the problem more profound, he said.
Already, Michigan offers programs to help older adults live alone safely and socially. With promised investment in broadband, the programs should become even more accessible, especially for those living in rural areas like the Upper Peninsula, Wamsley said.
For more opportunity, adult children and grandchildren may have to move from rural areas, he said.
“We’ve heard about that in the Upper Peninsula where some of the younger adults need to move away for employment purposes, and therefore that family network is now distanced,” Wamsley said.
The agency usually offers programs to adults 60 and older, but some programs are available to those over 55.
It recently developed an interactive program called GetSetUp, which acts as a virtual education and socialization platform, helping older folks learn to use things like video conferencing and telemedicine as more activities and services go online, he said.
To cater to the rapidly aging U.S. population, Ashton Verdery, an associate professor of sociology and demography at Penn State University, predicts demand for places that can foster community among older adults will rise.
“We’ll go from condos with pools and bars to condos with bridge clubs and things like that,” Verdery said.
To cater to the rapidly aging U.S. population, Ashton Verdery, an associate professor of sociology and demography at Penn State University, predicts demand for places that can foster community among older adults will rise. (pxhere.com)
Older adults, however, aren’t the only ones living solo.
Roughly one-tenth of Michigan residents live alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Nationwide, the number of those living alone has nearly doubled over the past 50 years, according to the bureau’s Current Population Survey.
In comparison to the post-World War II era, where nuclear families and suburbs were all the rage, younger folks are pursuing a different lifestyle, said Tyler Augst, a government and community vitality educator with Michigan State University.
“What we’re seeing now is some of those family dynamics are changing,” Augst said. “People aren’t having as many kids, they’re waiting longer in life to get married, they’re just not wanting that lifestyle anymore.”
Additionally, they prefer different living quarters.
Walkable neighborhoods in urban settings are particularly attractive, offering a chance for both environmental and monetary savings, especially important in today’s market where housing is a considerable expense, Augst said.
“Thinking about ways to become more environmentally friendly and efficient is also a way to reduce housing costs,” he said.
Contributing factors fueling rising solo living include economic stability, an emphasis on individualism and a substantial decrease in multi-generational households, Verdery said.
“I think, in a lot of ways, the increase in living alone is very good for society,” Verdery said. “People are able to achieve the living arrangements that they want.”
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, with Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.
The South Christian girls enter the week with a 2-1 early-season record, all non-conference, including a 37-34 home win over Holland Christian Dec. 10. The Wolves girls will enter with an identical 2-1 non-conference record, including a 45-43 win over Northview, also on Dec. 10.
After this week’s games, the WKTV crew will then take the holiday season off, as do most local teams, but return in full force in January 2022.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:
Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
The family Watkins of Watkins Family Hour, brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins, have performed separately and together for nearly their whole lives. Growing up near San Diego, they played countless shows at a local pizza place in Carlsbad, Calif., often with their childhood friend, Chris Thile.
What do they say? When it comes to music, it’s the company you keep. And if you know Thile, you know the quality folk company the Watkins siblings keep.
When Watkins Family Hour comes to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium Stage on Dec. 16, folk/bluegrass music lovers will keep company with the pair — as they perform songs from their 2020 album “brother sister”, and other songs from their catalogue — as well as special guest artist Courtney Hartman.
Hartman, who will lead off the evening starting at 7 p.m., with the Watkins siblings taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tickets for Watkins Family Hour with Courtney Hartman can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.
Folk/bluegrass in their blood
Sean and Sara Watkins grew up playing music alongside Thile in the hugely successful folk and bluegrass band Nickel Creek, an acoustic ensemble that sold millions of albums, won a GRAMMY, and toured the world.
Encouraged by a local club owner in Los Angeles, Sean and Sara formed Watkins Family Hour in 2002 “as an outlet to try out some original songs and a few covers that wouldn’t work in Nickel Creek,” according to supplied material. That club, Largo, has since become the home base for Watkins Family Hour.
When not with Nickel Creek, Sean and Sara have released multiple solo albums and pursued other collaborations, most recently with Sara’s involvement in the group I’m With Her — a GRAMMY nominated female folk trio comprised of Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan.
Sara has also toured with the Decemberists. Sean has also performed in Fiction Family and the supergroup Works Progress Administration.
Returning to the studio as Watkins Family Hour, the pair released “brother sister”, self-described as “a duo-centric record (but) one that feels bigger than just two people.” With Sean primarily on guitar and Sara on fiddle, and with both sharing vocals, the pair enlisted producer Mike Viola (Jenny Lewis, Mandy Moore, J.S. Ondara) and mixer-engineer Clay Blair to “harness the energy and honesty of their live sound.”
“From the beginning, our goal was to work on these songs to be as strong as they could be, just the two of us,” Sara said in supplied material. “And with a few exceptions on the record, that’s really how things were. However, brother sister remains exactly that – the result of a brother and sister creating music.”
Watkins Family Hour’s “Brother Sister” Album Cover. (Supplied)
On the new release, their musical chemistry is clear on songs like “Lafayette,” an ode to Hollywood as well as the hometowns left behind by its aspiring stars, and “Fake Badge, Real Gun,” about confronting authority figures as well as your own beliefs, according to supplied material.
The pair’s choice of covers on “brother sister” also speak to the musical company their have kept and the music they respect: Warren Zevon’s poignant “Accidentally Like a Martyr” and “Keep It Clean,” the rabble-rousing Charley Jordan gem from the 1930s.
Hartman is a Colorado-born guitarist, singer, writer, and producer. In 2009, Courtney left home for Boston to study American Roots music at Berklee College of Music. She was soon on the road, touring full-time with the Boston-born band, Della Mae. This fall and winter she is touring with her new album, Glade.
St. Cecilia’s folk series lineup continues in New Year
Things really get cookin’ in the Acoustic Café in 2022, starting with local fave May Erlewine on Thursday, Feb. 17 — if you didn’t catch Erlewine’s late 2019 socially/politically charged release “Second Sight”, which was unjustly lost in the shuffle of the pandemic, you missed one of the best local releases in years.
Following Erlewine, Shawn Colvin will make a much-delayed return on Thursday, May 12; followed by the incomparable Judy Collins on Wednesday, May 18.
Tickets for all remaining concerts are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Special note: as of this day/time, SCMC will require proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
Also, given the current pandemic status, SCMC also “highly recommends” that all attendees wear a mask while in the building.
All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.
Kent County Animal Shelter this week announced has some cold weather tips to protect pets from this winter’s often dangerous freezing temperatures, including producing the updated video (above). The KCAS also announced it is prepared to investigate all reports of animal neglect throughout the winter.
While Michigan law does not prohibit dogs from being left outside in the cold, state law requires that all dogs who spend time outside have access to adequate shelter, fresh water, and dry bedding, according to the KCAS announcement. The statue also stipulates separate shelter requirements for livestock.
(From Kent County Animal Shelter video)
“The best place for our pets is in our home next to us, but we know that is not always possible. We encourage all pet owners to take appropriate steps to protect those animals that may be left outside for long stretches of time,” Angela Hollinshead, Kent County Animal Shelter Division Director, said in supplied material. “Many pets are not equipped to handle the effects of cold temperatures, so we want to remind pet owners of their responsibilities to care for them during the winter.”
A few of the cold weather requirements in state statue include maintaining adequate shelter:
Inside the owners’ home, or an enclosure or shelter with at least three sides and a roof that is appropriate for the size and breed of the dog.
Or in a structure, including a garage, barn or shed, that is sufficiently insulated and ventilated to protect the dog from exposure to extreme temperatures, or if not sufficiently insulated and ventilated, contains a doghouse inside the structure (or structures or natural features such as trees or topography for livestock).
Also animals should be provided dry bedding, such as straw, when the temperature is or predicated to be below freezing. Avoid using blankets or cloth bedding as these materials will likely get wet and freeze.
Finally, provide water that is safe to drink and suitable for the age and species of the animal. Owners are encouraged to check every few hours to ensure the water is not frozen.
Although Michigan law does not directly address free-roaming or community cats, the KCAS encourages residents be mindful of their needs as well. Cats are typically well adapted for living in colder climates, but they greatly benefit from having access to a shelter. Simple cat shelters made from a storage tote lined with foam and stuffed with straw make great places for cats to escape from the cold. (An instructional video for creating your own cat shelter is available on the KCAS website.)
“Michigan winters are certainly beautiful but can be dangerous for some animals if they do not have appropriate resources,” Hollinshead said. “We encourage pet owners to watch our educational video and learn about these dangers, so your pets are safe and happy this winter.
“If you cannot keep your pet indoors and need resources, we urge residents to reach out to the KCAS to so see how we can help.”
The KCAS also stated it investigates all reports of animal neglect throughout the winter. Residents are encouraged to call the KCAS at 616-632-7300 “if they notice an animal being kept outside for an extended period without adequate shelter, water, and bedding.”
The City of Kentwood announced this week that after action by the City Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 7, Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin will be the next Chief of the Kentwood Police Department.
As chief, Litwin will lead a team of nearly 95 personnel, including 71 sworn police officers. And, according to the city announcement, “he will continue the department’s efforts to recruit and hire individuals who are representative of Kentwood’s diverse community, collaborate with other City departments to support community safety and engagement efforts and work to enhance quality of life.”
Additionally, he will continue to provide “the best training and equipment possible for members of the police department,” and will also oversee the department’s goal of obtaining state accreditation in 2023 through a “continued commitment to following state and national best policing practices and procedures.”
“Throughout Deputy Chief Litwin’s 22-plus years of service to the City of Kentwood, he has played an integral role in the department’s service, recruitment and training efforts,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “I have no doubt the department will continue to provide excellent service to our community as has been provided by our department under the leadership of the chiefs before him.
“I look forward to the future accomplishments the department will achieve under Chief Litwin’s leadership and direction.”
Litwin joined the Kentwood Police Department in 1999 as a patrol officer. He has also served as a field training officer, community services officer, Staff Services Bureau officer, special response team member and team commander.
The Kentwood Justice Center which houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)
He was promoted to sergeant in 2012, captain in 2016 and then to deputy police chief in 2019. As captain, he managed the Professional Standards Division, served as the public information officer and oversaw the police cadet program, which recruits and develops future police officers.
“It will be an honor to serve as police chief and continue to work alongside the dedicated professionals of this outstanding department,” Litwin said in supplied material. “We will continue to commit ourselves to serving the community with excellence with a high emphasis on community engagement, transparency and accountability.”
During his tenure with the City of Kentwood, Litwin has taught ethics in law enforcement to police academy recruits at Grand Valley State University and led GVSU’s Police Academy Subject Control program. He served as chair of the department’s training committee from 2016-19. Litwin has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from GVSU.
Litwin also helped implement the City’s first Youth Police Academy, which gives high school students and recent high school graduates hands-on experience in a variety of police-related tasks.
Litwin has completed numerous trainings, including leadership programs through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute.
Litwin serves as chairman of the GVSU Police Academy Advisory Board and Kent Career Technical Center Law Enforcement Advisory Board. He also has served as president of the West Michigan Tactical Officers Association.
“Deputy Chief Litwin has long been an integral part of our leadership team, demonstrating steadfast dedication to the department, profession and service to our residents,” retiring Chief Roberts said in supplied material. “With the leadership, communication and strategic planning skills he has illustrated during his career, I have complete confidence he will continue to provide exemplary leadership and fulfill the department’s mission.”
As the holiday shopping continues, local West Michigan businesses find acquiring merchandise for shoppers more challenging than usual due to far-reaching economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meyer Music is no stranger to these struggles. A third-generation family-owned music supply and repair store, owners Joel Hoekstra and his wife Lindy have felt the long-lasting effects of the pandemic in several ways over the last 18 months.
Meyer Music, a third-generation family owned business in Kentwood, is no stranger to supply chain struggles.
When COVID-19 first appeared in the United States, the main concern for the Hoekstras was the safety of local students. “Much of what we do is dependent upon people blowing air,” Joel Hoekstra said. “We had to question—can playing an instrument be safe for students?”
Specially made masks with slits for instrument mouthpieces and bell covers for wind instruments were just some of the solutions Meyer Music implemented.
However, as months passed with no end to the pandemic, the Hoekstra family, like many other retailers, began to face merchandise supply issues.
“We haven’t had as many issues as some retailers,” Hoekstra said. “Due to the nature of our business, we always have to plan far ahead. When we realized there were issues with the supply chain, we began ordering even further in advance.”
Getting shipments from warehouses in the United States is pretty quick, Hoekstra said, but supplies from Asia take much longer, with shipments remaining on the water for up to 90 days before making it to land. Inflation has prices surging for everyone, causing suppliers to prioritize higher priced items for shipping and often leaving smaller goods behind because they are too expensive to ship to the U.S. Hoekstra acknowledged that once the U.S. warehouses are depleted, finding supplies will become more challenging.
“This puts a different strain on the system than we’ve ever seen before,” he said. “There are unprecedented amounts of instruments and products on backorder.”
Educators have been understanding, Hoekstra said, adding “We have good relationships with teachers and are always truthful with them.”
Meyer Music customer Matthew Reed, who is the band director for Central Montcalm Public Schools, certainly understands.
“Supply chain issues have impacted purchases and instrument supplies,” Reed said. “I’ve ordered new instruments and can’t even get an estimated arrival, and had to be flexible on how quickly smaller items are available. Flexibility and patience are definitely required at the moment. Along with ordering early.”
Hoekstra believes the supply chain issue is still 18 months from any form of resolution. To counteract it, Hoekstra said he plans to continue his aggressive approach to staying ahead of the supply issues, placing big orders for store merchandise now instead of his usual timeline of January-March.
Not allowed to be open during the pandemic shutdown, West Michigan Bike & Fitness’s first day of business had other out-of-state shops calling to see what inventory the store had.
During the pandemic, the federal government considered bike shops essential because bikes are viewed as a mode of transportation. However, “Michigan is the only state in the nation where bike shops were not deemed essential,” said West Michigan Bike & Fitness sales manager Geoff Kuyper. “April 25, 2020 was the first day bike shops were allowed to open in Michigan after a seven-week closure. Any store with available inventory was sold out within two weeks.”
In fact, that first day, approximately 50 percent of the calls West Michigan Bike & Fitness received were from out-of-state retailers, who were able to stay open, looking for inventory because they had depleted resources.
“Not only was the significant demand causing delays on parts and productions, there was a shutdown overseas at the beginning of the pandemic where they didn’t ship,” said Geoff Kuyper, West Michigan Bike & Fitness sales manager. “Stores ran out of inventory at that time.”
Like Hoekstra, Kuyper said he doesn’t see the supply issue stabilizing until fall of 2023. “Most stores only have one model (of bike) to show. Some models are backordered 12 to 18 months, some are backordered until 2024,” he said.
Taking a page from car dealerships that recommend pre-ordering, Kuyper said pre-ordering is the only way to get something specific, but consumers have to be willing to wait. If a person needs something more quickly, then Kuyper suggested not looking for a specific model, but simply asking stores what they have on hand or what models stores can obtain on a faster timeline.
Though the supply chain issue is ongoing, both Kuyper and Hoekstra are staying positive.
“It’s better than it was,” said Kuyper. “The last two months have improved our position dramatically.”
While for Hoestra it is a matter of unity and support: “We are in this together. Local businesses are doing everything we can to support our local communities.”
First there is an ear. It twitches. Then there is the outline of a face. Will it come out from its hiding place? But the whispers of the school children nearby causes it to vanish.
Finally, the children are gone and it is quiet. It makes its way slowly, out of the hollow log. It looks toward the pathway and sees two strangers watching it. Carefully, slowly, it moves, picking something up off the ground and slinking back into the log.
One of the favorite hiding places of the male bobcat is the logs. The brother and sister bobcats recently came to Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)
The encounter is brief, but you can’t help but feel the excitement of having seen a Michigan bobcat.
The five-month-old male bobcat, along with his sister, is the newest addition to the Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW.
“We believe they were born sometime in the spring,” said Sidney Baxter, marketing specialist for Blandford Nature Center. “Sometime shortly after they were born, their mother was hit by a car and died.”
The cubs, not knowing what to do, stayed with the mother. Concerned residents in the Hart area where the accident happened, contacted the animal rescue center Kelly’s Westshore Animal Friends, who took the orphans in.
“Because they were so young and had not received any of the needed life survival skills from their mother, a wildlife rehabilitator decided that the cubs would not be able to return to the wild,” Baxter said, adding that Kelly’s Westshore Animal Friends began looking for a permanent home for the cubs.
Bob the Bobcat
Blandford Nature Center cares for a host of animals, about 40, that are native to Michigan. The animals in the Center’s care would not survive in the wild and through the center help to serve as wildlife ambassadors, giving residents and children the opportunity to view the animals up close and learn more about Michigan’s wildlife.
One of the most recognizable of the Blandford animals was Bob the bobcat, who had lived to the age of 15, dying in 2020.
“The average lifespan of a bobcat in the wild is about seven years, but it is often much shorter, usually four,” Baxter said. “Bob lived to 15, which is pretty rare for a bobcat.”
Actually, according to a report from John Hopkins University, most bobcats don’t live past 10 years and the oldest recorded bobcat in the wild was 16. The oldest living capitative bobcat lived to 32.
It is estimated that between 1,000 to 1,500 bobcats live in the Upper Peninsua, but they are not only up north. Bobcats may live on the outskirts of cities such as Detroit. Because bobcats live mostly solo, only pairing up for mating season and to care for their young, and they are nocturnal, most people have never seen a bobcat.
“This makes it important for people to be able to see them so they have a greater understanding about the creatures,” Baxter said.
With an empty enclosure built for two, Blandford connected with Hart’s wildlife center about the two orphan bobcats. After passing a habitat inspection by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, the cubs were transported in November making Blandford Nature Center their new home.
The female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing, something the former residence never did. (Supplied)
Balls of mischief who need a name
“It is interesting that Bob was declawed, so he never climbed the fence [around the habitat],” Baxter said, noting that Bob had been someone’s pet before coming to Blandford. The owner had had the animal declawed leaving Bob defenseless if put back in the wild. “Every once in a while, you’ll come out and these two are climbing the fence.”
For now the brother and sister pair are just getting used to their new home. Baxter said the male prefers the logs in the center of the enclosure while the female prefers to sit under the wooden structure.
“Both love to climb the rafters of the structure and sleep in the roof area,” she said with a laugh.
To help introduce the new ambassadors, Blandford is currently hosting a naming campaign and fundraiser. For a minimum $5 donation, participants can vote on four name choices: Lil and Phil, Leia and Luke, Artemis and Apollo, and Lilo and Stitch. Residents have until 6 p.m Dec. 14 to vote with the winning name being announced on Dec. 15.
No matter what name is chosen, many – including those children on the trailway path trying to capture a peek – are excited to have bobcats back at Blandford Nature Center.
“It’s been a little bit over a year since our bobcat, Bob, passed away and walking by his empty enclosure always made me miss having a bobcat wildlife ambassador,” said Blandford Wildlife Manager Lori Lomoro. “I am excited to have these two using that enclosure now, and I can’t wait to hear about the experiences students and guests will enjoy while visiting and learning about these two beautiful animals.”
As Baxter and I walk away from the enclosure back to the main building, we turn for a look back. Watching us, in full view, and then, he is gone.
Community members can visit the bobcats on the Wildlife Trail during Blandford’s open hours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more about Blandford Nature Center or to vote on a name, visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org.
Me? Well, I’m still wrapping my head around the fact Christmas is about two weeks away. Yes, I said TWO WEEKS! Thankfully I have the lovely Pam, my wife, who handles all the stress of shopping, cooking and wrapping to make it a perfect holiday. But there is just so much going on.
Well, I say don’t forget to take a break to try something new or maybe create new traditions.
Here are a few things to consider in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5.WWE Supershow Holiday Tour
Are you a fan of Raw or SmackDown? Well, you probably already know your favorite stars will be in Grand Rapids this weekend for a show at 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 12). Scheduled to appear: Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Big E, RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre and many more. Ticket information and more details at vanandelarena.com.
The Horrocks Holiday Jamboree will including kids bands. (Supplied)
4.Horrocks Holiday Jamboree
Live music. Santra’s reindeer. Hot chocolate. And a mac and cheese bar! Sign me up. The annual Horrocks Holiday Jamboree returns from 4-8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) at Horrocks, 4455 Breton Road SE, in Kentwood. There is a winter petting zoo for kids, as well as holiday caroling and a lineup of children’s bands. Kids can also drop off a letter to Santa in the Elf Express Delivery mailbox. For a list of music acts and more details, check out the event’s Facebook page.
3.The Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
You know it’s the holidays when the famous “Nutcracker” presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company returns. Performances are Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW. I’m not sure if I need to explain why it’s such a classic meant for every child, at least, once in their lifetime. (One of these days I’ll tell the story of how I took three little boys to the show, only to have them begging me to take them home at “halftime.” It’s a great memory in the Gonzalez household.) For performance times, ticket information and more details, go to devosperformancehall.com or grballet.com.
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade returns this Saturday. (WKTV)
2.Wyoming and Kentwood Area Santa Parade
Presented by the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) and features more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — well, you know — Santa. The parade travels on South Division between 34th and Murray Streets. More info at http://southkent.org. If you miss the parade, your friends at WKTV will re-broadcast on cable television at 7 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday. WKTV’s coverage of the parade also will be available on-demand later.
1.James Taylor & Jackson Browne at Van Andel Arena
Concerts are back in a big way, and you get two big names in one show when James Taylor and Jackson Browne perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Van Andel Arena. Performing with his All-Star Band, James Taylor has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. He’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has sold more than 100 million albums. Fans have loved him for years. And Jackson Browne, who is known for big hits such as “The Pretender” and “Running on Empty,” is always a pro. Check on ticket availability and more details at vanandelarena.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Santa is making his rounds in Grand Rapids and West Michigan with a number of appearances for this holiday season.
He will be at this year’s Santa Parade which is set for 10 a.m. Saturday along Division Avenue. Santa also has regular scheduled visits at Woodland Mall.
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
Here are a few more places Santa plans to be this weekend:
BattleGR is putting on its “Cookies with Clause” Sunday, Dec. 12, from noon to 1 p.m and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This event includes one game of laser tag, a picture with Santa, cookie decorating, and crafts. Visit BattleGR’s website to sign up.
Reds at Thousand Oaks, FireRock Grille, and RedRock Grill will be hosting brunches with Santa. At each of the locations, there will be a family-friendly brunch with Kris Kringle himself. Enjoy a buffet, cookie decorating, and a hot chocolate bar. And of course, Santa will be available for photos. Reds at Thousand Oaks, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. NE, hosts its Santa Brunch Sunday, Dec. 12. FireRock Grille, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, and RedRock Grille, 4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd., will have Santa Brunches on Dec. 19.
The Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Santa Train will be taking to the rails again this month. This family-friendly event has become an annual tradition for many in West Michigan, and includes a 90-minute trip on the vintage train from Coopersville to Marne and back. During the trip, a storytelling Princess will read the “Polar Express” and kids will be able to look for special Christmas symbols located along the route. Each child also will have an opportunity to talk directly to Santa Claus using a special direct video connection. Each child also will receive a toy. For dates and times visit the Coopersville & Marne Railway website.
If you are heading north this weekend, Ludington Bay Brewing Company will be hosting a Santa visit from Sunday, Dec. 12. Santa will be stoping by between 1 and 4 p.m. to say hello to families.
Robert Roelofs may be new the boys varsity head coaching position at East Kentwood High School, but he is no stranger to the boys program, having served as the junior varsity coach since 2015, and no stranger to Falcons basketball fans having led the girls varsity team in the early 2000s.
So he knows the school, he knows the fan base and, maybe most importantly, he knows the players on the varsity squad having coached many of them earlier. All of those things, plus a more normal off-season for the program, should help the Falcons rebound from a rough 2020-21 season.
“Obviously you have a pretty good idea of their skill sets, their strengths and weaknesses,” Roelofs said to WKTV as his varsity (and junior varsity) teams practiced recently. “It’s pretty advantageous for me to know the kids … I know them and they know me.”
Roelofs takes over the men’s program from Jeff Anama. The Falcons were 3-12 in last year’s pandemic impacted 2020-21 season.
The team opens its season Saturday, Dec. 11 vs. Lansing Sexton at Battle of I-96 at Ottawa Hills High School.
East Kentwood High School varsity boys basketball head coach Robert Roelofs at a varsity and junior varsity practice Dec. 3. (WKTV)
“We lost four starters from last year’s team, the one starter back is Marshaun Flakes,” Roelofs said. “He started for us as a sophomore, he played for me as a freshman on the JV team … very good basketball savvy. Competitor. Long, athletic kid.”
“We have a couple returning kids. Timmy (Leutrim) Sahitolli. Jack Scrimshaw, who played limited minutes last year. Timmy never played for me, but Jack played for me as a sophomore and had a good year. (Scrimshaw is a) good shooter, long kid. Timmy is kind of a workhorse, strong kid.”
“We have some kids from last year’s JV team,” Roelofs added. “Razah Townsend, 6-(foot)-3, about 225 (pounds) and strong, a linebacker type kid. We will look to him for some production in the post. Some guards who are coming through. Feng Logan, he played a little bit on the varsity, athletic, a quick guard.”
New coach has history of success
Roelofs is a graduate of Creston High School, and later Aquinas College. (He also has higher degrees from Central Michigan and Grand Valley State universities.)
He coached at West Catholic and Ravenna high schools in the 1980s, then was at Northview in the 1990s, where he had success with first the varsity girls and then the varsity boys teams.
He has been a social studies teacher and coach at East Kentwood since 1997, where he led the girls varsity team from 1999-2004, when his Falcons went 80-33 and made a trip to the final four one season. He got back onto the Falcons sideline again when he took over the junior varsity team in 2015.
Having run the East Kentwood girls varsity team for five years, and the varsity boys and girls programs at Northview, Roelofs experience in running a “program” and not just running a team will also help his transition to varsity this year.
“There is a lot of administrative things that you are responsible for when you are the head coach. It’s one of the things that has come back into my mind here, the last two weeks,” he said. “Young coaches ask that questions all the time — they are pretty good at the ‘Xs’ and ‘Os’ stuff but they do not understand the administrative stuff. Transportation, schedules, parent communication. All that stuff that goes on in the periphery that you are not really tuned into as a JV coach. It is a huge advantage.”
And is there any difference in coaching girls and boys basketball? Maybe just a little.
“The game is the same — it is organically the same game, right?” he said. “But from a standpoint of motivational techniques, there is definitely some changes (to the boys game). Some of them you have pat on the back and some of them you need a little kick in the butt. (But) I don’t really see the need to change anything in terms of the game.”
Bouncing back from an pandemic-altered season
The varsity program struggled a bit last year, a very unusual year due to the pandemic. But Roelofs thinks a more normal off-season will greatly benefit the Falcons.
“The bad thing about the team last year really goes back into the offseason,” he said. “Most of the kids could not participate in AAU. We were very limited in what we could do relative to offseason workouts. Their individual prep, individual skill level, wasn’t there. There was a very limited preseason, they didn’t scrimmage anybody. It was almost like an AAU season — you jump right into the season and start playing.”
“In terms of the carryover to this year, we had a different preparation process. We had a summer program. We had a fall league we played in. There really wasn’t much of a carryover. … It maybe is impacting our younger players, they missed about a year in their development.”
And with only three games on the schedule before the end of the year, and the beginning of OK Conference Red play on Jan. 7, early on Roelofs is looking as much for improvement as wins.
“We don’t say we want to win X amount of games, that comes as a byproduct of maturation, of good luck sometimes,” he said. “We are just going to try to put a good group of kids together. Make sure they play hard, to play together. … That’s what we are looking for. If you do all those things, you win your fair share of games.”
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Santa Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., with the parade route running down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to just before 44th Street.
Expected to be in the parade are more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — of course — Santa.
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities, with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for the night of the parade, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 p.m. WKTV’s coverage of the parade will also be available on-demand later.
Sponsors of the parade include Consumers Energy, Wyoming Moose Lodge, Car City, City of Wyoming, Diversified Protection and Investigations, The Chiropractic Doctor, Godwin Plumbing, Hobart Sales, HOM Flats, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, The Rapid and VanDyk Mortgage.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
Compiling a series of photographs of the career of City of Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts two things stand out — there is a ton of him standing proud among his “Brothers in Blue” and a close second is him getting personal with community members, especially kids.
As Chief Roberts prepared to retire from his position this week, and end a career of four decades in police work and 30 years with the City of Kentwood, he sat down with WKTV and reflected on what has changed and what has not over his career.
“What doesn’t change, over the years as I think back, is what I thought about (when he started), what drove me to get into police work,” Chief Roberts said. “A sense of community. To help the community, be an advocate for those victims of crimes, to try to solve them, to hold people accountable. Just basically make a community a safe place for people to live, to have businesses, raise a family. … Those are the same reasons that young people, now, are seeking to get into this profession.”
Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts with wife Maria in an undated photo. (Supplied)
Along the way, however, Chief Roberts said, there has been good days and bad days; there has been mentors and young officers to be mentored; there has been the constant support of a policeman’s family — including his wife, Maria — who he said are “in it as much as we are.”
“It has to be that way,” he said. “We are one of those handful of careers where we work nights, holidays and weekends. This career, the family of someone who has chose this career, has to understand that. … There has to be that support from the family.”
If he did not know that the first day on the job, he knows it now.
And about that first day …
From first day, to an unexpected career path
On his first day as a patrol officer, before he even joined the Kentwood Police Department, he learned lessons about knowing your beat and dealing with the community.
“It was 38 years ago and I can remember my very first call,” Chief Roberts said. “It was a small department, one square mile, City of Roosevelt Park, over near Muskegon … It was a call for me to respond to a traffic crash.”
Problem was, as he tells the story, he did not know the city very well, wasn’t from that area, and ended up — shall we say — taking the long way to go a short distance.
“Seemed like it took me forever to get there. … (But when he did) they asked me ‘What took you so long?’,” he said. “It’s a 1-square-mile city and they could hear my siren going all around them.”
And while on that first day in a patrol car Chief Roberts really had no thoughts of one day being a department chief, he did have the mindset of taking advantage of the opportunities presented.
“I didn’t have any long-term plans to become a chief,” Chief Roberts said. “I had some shorter-term goals that I wanted to, first, take advantage of the opportunities as they came along. And my first opportunity was as a field-training officer.
“The reason that interested me is that my field-training officers here at Kentwood turned out to be some of the people that I looked up to the most throughout my career. … That is one of the most important positions here, training our new officers.”
He added that he had some “aspirations” to be a supervisor, “but there was no race to get there.” Yet he certainly got there.
Prior to joining the Kentwood Police Department, he served as deputy corrections officer at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and as a police officer with the City of Roosevelt Park.
Roberts joined the Kentwood Police Department in 1987 as a police paramedic and has served in many different roles, including 24 years in supervisory and management positions — the last few leading a team of nearly 95 personnel, including 70 sworn police officers.
Uniquely, Chief Roberts was the first in the Kentwood Police Department history to move through the ranks from patrol officer to police chief. In addition to his paramedic experience, he also served as a detective, field training officer, field training supervisor, road patrol supervisor, Staff Services Bureau supervisor and Detective Bureau supervisor. He also served on the crisis negotiating team.
Roberts was promoted to captain of the Patrol Division in December 2012, deputy police chief in August 2017 and then to chief in November 2019.
Along the way, there were mentors and people to be mentored, he said.
“I had two very good sergeants,” Chief Roberts said. “Sgt. (Michael) Hollinrake and Sgt. (Ted) Herrington. Both were my primary sergeants early on in my career. … Just the way they carried themselves. They were good officers themselves before they became supervisors, and both of them encouraged me to take advantages of opportunities as they came along.”
Later on, he said, Capt. Scott Yerrick and Capt. Randy Williamson mentored him after he became a supervisor.
Technology, policy changes but job remains the same
While a lot has changed over the years, in Chief Roberts career and in police work in general, he said. But most of it was for the good of law-enforcement officers and most of it is good for the community they “protect and serve.”
When he first started there were no computers in the car — “Everything was done over the radio. We hand wrote everything. Now there is so much technology in these vehicles that the officers can use.”
And that use of technology extends to all aspects of police work.
“I kid with my detectives now, with all the technology that is available for investigations, I could never go back in there,” he said. “It has changed a great deal.”
When he worked as a detective, “we were door-knockers. Talking to people. Talking to people on the phone,” he said. “But now much of modern investigations are done though social media platforms and many other computerized resources.”
And as far as changes to the “way” police do their business, he simply said “policies evolve over time” and those policies are driven by case law, changes to equipment, and more and more of a focus on being part of the community not just the protector of the community.
“I think what has changed in policy goes along with what has changed in policing over the last 30, 40 years,” he said. “It has moved to more of a profession than just a job. More and more of our staff are college educated.
(Photo supplied by Kent County Sheriffs’ Office)
“Along with new technology came police changes. Probably the most prevalent one is body cameras. The use of that and the policies on the use of force. Use of force has been standard and defined based on case law, for many, many years. … What has evolved is what tools we may have to deal with the use of force” including tasers and pepper spray … “The soft techniques.”
What hasn’t changed, he said, is community involvement, community interaction.
“We are the guardians for the community,” Chief Roberts said. “So, they count on us to protect them from crime, to try to keep crime at a reduced level. We do the best we can. … Part of serving is answering their calls when they call us. But what else can we do to enhance our community?
“We can work with the community, be transparent with them, because they have to trust us. So we spend a lot of time having positive interactions with our community, not just enforcement actions.”
Chief Roberts’ retirement is effective Friday, Dec. 10. Upon the recommendation of Mayor Stephen Kepley, the City Commission confirmed Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin to become the city’s next police chief during its Dec. 7 meeting.
On a brisk, cold Tuesday morning, representatives from about 17 area first responders and law enforcement agencies — including Wyoming and Kentwood — helped Santa Claus by delivering about 500 new toys to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
“This is just awesome to have this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer especially among some children who may not be able to be home,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Officer Chad Lynn.
The Toy Express to the children’s hospital was made possible through a grant from the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit organization that provides financial relief to the families of first responders who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. The event was spearheaded by the Grandville Police Department, which wrote the grant request to FRCF.
Wyoming police officers Chad Lynn and Devin Quintard and Kentwood officers Jamie Karwowski and Jeff Augustyn help deliver presents to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“On the second Wednesday of the month, local first responders come out and turn their lights on for the children [at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital],” said Grandville Chief Paul Anglim, who had served with the Wyoming Public Safety Department for 27 years.
“It was just a natural extension of the Project Night Lights since the group was already formed.”
Project Night Lights is a program of Silent Observer, a non-profit established in 1972 to help solve and prevent serious crime in the Grand Rapids area.
“Silent Observer is so appreciative of this donation and is thrilled that Grandville Police Department and the FRCF are recognizing Silent Obersrver’s efforts involving Project Night Lights and all the First Responders who give up their time, month after month, to show their love and support of the patients at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Silent Observer Executive Director Chris Cameron.
The parade went from the Grand Rapids Community College’s parking garage off of Ransom Avenue and made its way up to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on Lake Michigan Drive. Officers then unloaded the toys to carts which were wheeled inside to the hospital.
“We’re so pleased to have donations like this from the generosity of the community,” said Kelly Dyer, president of Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundations. “The generosity is simply amazing. It has been such a challenging year for everyone, and we are grateful for those who make time for this kind of thing.”
It’s all about bringing a little bit of joy, she added with a smile.
Grandville Chief Paul Anglim (WKTV)
“Making a child feel normal while managing a challenging situation like being in the hospital is what it’s all about. Bringing a little bit of joy…that’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Glenn Colbert, a former Kentwood Police officer who is now manager of security at Spectrum Health, agreed with Dyer, adding he felt it was a great opportunity to showcase the public outreach many officers do for the community.
“We are happy to have this opportunity to partner with our fellow law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel by supporting the children in the hospital,” said Matt Brinkman, director of security at Spectrum Health.
Along with Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood police departments, other law enforcement and first responder agencies that participated in the Toy Express event were Spectrum Security Police, Grandville Fire, Michigan State Police. Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rapids Police, Walker Police, East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety, Rockford Department of Public Safety, Grand Rapids Community College Police, Plainfield Township Fire, American Medical Response, Life EMS, Lowell Police, and Grand Valley State University Police.
Kentwood officer Jamie Karwowski and Jeff Augustyn help unload toys.
Kentwood Officer Jamie Karwowski hands a present to Officer Jeff Augustyn
Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn helps to unload a truck
Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn and Kentwood Officer Jeff Augustyn help with the toys
Wyoming Officer Chad Lynn places boxes full of toys on a cart
All of the law enforcement officers who helped on Dec. 7
“Numerous options exist for a safe place to keep your money; the secret is finding the best return without any exposure to risk.” Dave Stanley
Insulating your money against inflation, theft or catastrophe is as simple as taking it out from underneath your mattress and opening a savings account. The three most common are transactional savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Two alternative accounts are high yield savings and specialty savings accounts. They all operate under the same premise: money given to the bank will earn interest.
Photo from pxhere.com
Traditional Transactional Savings Accounts
The simplest way to store money with a financial institution is to open a traditional savings account with a small minimum deposit. If the minimum is maintained, the account holder usually avoids fees. Shop around and compare factors like initial deposit and balance requirements, interest rates, and other fees. While being highly liquid makes it easy to withdraw cash and move funds between accounts, they typically have the lowest interest rates. Accounts are federally insured through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), protecting your savings from bank failures.
High Yield Savings Account
High yield savings accounts offer interest rates usually 20 to 25 times higher than the national average for transactional savings accounts. While potentially available at your local bank, the highest interest rates are typically offered by online banks. Electronic transfers between institutions are speedy and straightforward, making it easy to move your funds if needed. FDIC or NCUA also insures them. Keep in mind that banks offering high yield savings accounts do not typically provide checking accounts and other services like ATM cards.
Specialty Savings Account
Specialty savings accounts are specific to a particular savings goal. These include accounts you can open for children like savings accounts, student accounts, or 529 college savings accounts. Also included are home down payment savings accounts, health savings accounts, and traditional or Roth IRA’s. These accounts generate interest and have either low or no maintenance costs. Be aware of strict and potentially costly regulations related to early withdrawal of funds. There are also specifics concerning who can open what type of account.
Money Market Account
Money market accounts typically offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, .02% higher on average. This type of account is special in that you can write checks and use a debit card, like a checking account. However, there are limits to the amount of money and the number of withdrawals allowed. It’s also not uncommon for higher minimum balance requirements and fees associated with money market accounts.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) FDIC Insured
A certificate of deposit, or CD, is an account with a fixed interest rate, term length, and maturity date. The fixed date means funds cannot be accessed early without penalty. These accounts typically pay higher rates than traditional savings accounts and are less liquid. The risk is very low, and the return is guaranteed, making it a safe place to store funds that you plan to use in the future.
Each of these accounts can help achieve your savings goals. Evaluate the pros and cons of each depending on your goals and financial situation. Be sure to explore various institutions for the best rates possible, and as always, consult a trusted financial advisor regarding any questions you may have.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The holiday season is well underway at the Grand Rapids Public Museum with special exhibits and activities for the entire family now on display including historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, Santas from around the world, holiday planetarium shows and more.
Returning to the Grand Rapids Museum is the recreation of 1925 era of downtown Grand Rapids in LEGOs. (Photo supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
“The Museum is a great place for families as they get into the holiday spirit this season with special displays and activities that will excite all ages,” said Kate Kocienski, vice president of Marketing & Public Relations at the GRPM. “In addition to annual favorites, including our historic LEGO® display, visitors can peek into the history of traditions through a festive display of Santas from around the globe and decorations found in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit.”
One of the most popular GRPM exhibits during the season is the LEGO® recreation of 1925 Grand Rapids. The old-time Grand Rapids model features historic buildings built to scale and operating trams. Visitors have the opportunity to search and find different places all while discovering what downtown Grand Rapids use to be like.
The treasure hunting continued with the Santa and Elf Hunt. Riddles will help visitors find 15 historic Santas from around the world in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit along with learning about the traditions of each culture around Saint Nick. And while some homes have Elf on a Shelf, the GRPM has Elves in the Exhibits. Visitors can also follow clues to find all 12 elves hidden throughout the three floors of the museum. The Santa and Elf Hunt is available in both English and Spanish.
Featured exhibits are “Bats: Masters of the Night” and “POPnology,” featuring iconic replicas of a DeLorean Time Machine, R2D2, E.T. and more. “Bats,” which explores the famous creatures of the night, is part of the Museum admission. “POPnology,” which runs through Jan. 30, may be added on to any Museum visit.
Santa search now taking place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo supplied by the Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under are free. For pricing and tickets, visit grpm.org.
At the Chaffee Planetarium
Running through Jan. 2 at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is the show “Let It Snow,” which features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee. Also, if you did not get a chance to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the “Let It Snow” production includes a multimedia finale by the popular group. Tickets for the Planetarium are $4/with general admission to the Museum, $2 for Museum members, and $5 for planetarium-only tickets.
An added bonus at the Chaffee Planetarium is the installation of a hearing loop system which provides a highly effective way of broadcasting information to visitors for those who are hard of hearing.
The loop systems connect with an individuals’ personal hearing device, utilizing the T-coil system, to receive clear, crisp audio without the need for any other device. Additionally, the Museum will have two loop receivers with headphones for individuals requiring hearing assistance who do not have T-coil equipped hearing devices that will be available upon request.
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is proud to continue to expand access to the Museum and Planetarium for members of the community who are hard of hearing,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the Museum’s Vice President of Science and Education. “By installing the loop system in the Chaffee Planetarium, the Museum is reducing another barrier to access, continuing to ensure the Museum is as accessible and inclusive to the broadest population.”
The Public Museum’s popular series Concerts Under the Stars returns in January. The series is a fully immersive audio and visual concert experience in the Chaffee Planetarium, highlighting local music and visual artists.
Grand Rapids-based Normal Mode performs on Jan. 13 at the Chaffee Planetarium. (Photo supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
“We’re excited for the return of Concerts Under the Stars at the Chaffee Planetarium,” said GRPM’s Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “This year will feature a broad range of musical talent from local musicians in combination with local digital artists for an incredible full-sensory experience unique only to our location.”
This winter, three West Michigan bands will perform their music, enhanced by the unique environment created by the dome and seating of the Chaffee Planetarium. Completing the immersive experience will be area visual artists weaving digital art to the music being performed.
On Jan. 13, Concerts Under the Stars will feature local band Normal Mode, a Grand Rapids-based trio writing lo-fi space travel music. This group of young, but seasoned musicians offer up floating ethereal soundscapes on top of head bopping grooves; perfect for a relaxing exploration.
Local video artist Nate Eizenga will accompany Normal Mode. Eizenga is a Grand Rapids native who moonlights as a video artist, focusing on accompaniment for live musical performances.
Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m., including access to the Museum’s first two floors of exhibits. Performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20, with discounted pricing of $16 for GRPM members. Tickets are currently on sale and available at grpm.org.
The 2022 Concerts Under the Stars series will continue on Feb. 10 with a dynamic mix of surf and garage rock sets performed by Hollywood Makeout and will conclude on March 10 and 11 with a unique blend of alternative rock by Lazy Genius.
If you have seen the pandemic-inspired virtual productions of the Grand Rapids Ballet over the last year-plus, you know they are of exquisite quality in both production and filming.
So as the Ballet returns to DeVos Performance Hall after a 24 month hiatus for live performances of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” — scheduled for two weekends, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 — there is a virtual option “for those who can’t join in person.”
But there is something, almost indescribable, about seeing dance live.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sarah Marley and Nathan Young in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“There is just something irreplaceable about the magic of the theater, when the conductor cues the musicians, the lights dim, and the curtain opens to reveal a world of music, dance, and joy,” Ballet artistic director James Sofranko said to WKTV. “Live performance exists only in the present moment and is gone the next, and this immediacy is what makes attending the theater so special.”
The stage at DeVos Performance Hall will be in full holiday spirit with beautiful sets and beloved characters including Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Cavalier, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince. The production also features Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony with vocals by Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ballet school members in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“For professional dancers, the tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ is in our blood, we can’t imagine the holidays without it,” Sofranko said in supplied material. “It’s very special to return with this production that means so much to our organization’s history and our community.”
“The Nutcracker” was reimagined in 2014 by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of “The Polar Express,” and features set designs by Eugene Lee, a Tony Award winner for productions including “The Lion King”, and “Wicked”.
The Ballet’s company dancers, consisting of professional dancers from across the globe, will also share the stage with students from Grand Rapids Ballet School — all of which will come together to perform captivating choreography by Val Caniparoli, one of America’s most renowned choreographers.
And both young and experienced dancers will be on their toes to be back in front of a live audience at DeVos.
“Knowing that live performances are right around the corner, the dancers are filled with a renewed vigor and energy that is exciting to witness,” Sofanko said to WKTV.
Company dancer Nathan Young agreed, and noted that there is also a deep appreciation by the dancers of having a live audience.
“We are an extension of your community,” Young said in supplied material. “When you come to see Grand Rapids Ballet, you are seeing Grand Rapids community members who live close to you and nearby. All we want to do is share our talent with people in Michigan. We thrive on your support and applause, which is how we can keep this classical art form alive.”
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana and Josue Justiz in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
Tickets, other options and a kids party
For audience members who are not able to attend an in-person performance, tiger Ballet’s virtual option is available for $25 and will be available following opening night and can be viewed multiple times through Jan. 2, 2022.
Additionally, the Grand Rapids Ballet is once again hosting Clara’s Nutcracker Party, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration made just for kids, on Sunday, Dec. 12. Clara’s Nutcracker Party will allow children to meet their favorite characters from “The Nutcracker” in a fun and festive fantasyland at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The holiday experience includes a fun arts and crafts activity, tea and brunch, a reading of “The Nutcracker” tale, as well as a live performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet School.
“The Nutcracker” runs for two weekends with tickets starting at $20 online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the Ballet’s Box Office, located at the Ballet’s home and offices, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids.
This black and white photo, from the Grand Rapids Public Museum Cillections, shows the street-level facade of Wurzburg’s Department Store on lower Monroe in Grand Rapids. The awning over the store entrance is decorated with garlands, pine boughs, and reindeer figures. The large display windows are visible between the two double-doored entrances.
Wurzburg’s Department Store was founded by Frederick W. Wurzburg in October of 1872. Two of Frederick’s sons, William and Edmund, went on to run the store which took over the old Herpolsheimer’s location on Monroe in 1951. The Wurzburg’s would open several other branch stories including one in the Wyoming Village Mall, now called 28 West Place. The department store closed in 1972.
Any unclaimed bottle deposits are used to clean up and develop polluted areas in the state and educate the public about pollution prevention. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – Some state lawmakers and environmental advocates want to create a hotline to stop retailers from fraudulently cashing in on Michigan’s bottle deposit law.
Bottle bill fraud takes deposit money away from state pollution prevention and cleanup programs.
The effort isn’t to stop the kind of scam immortalized in a 1996 “Seinfeld” episode where Kramer and Newman trucked empty cans and bottles from New York to Michigan for the higher deposit redemption.
New technology that scans barcodes makes it much harder to redeem cans from out of state, according to Conan Smith, the president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council.
Instead, the recently introduced Senate bill would focus on reporting large violations, mostly by retailers who buy beverages out of state and sell to Michigan residents, Smith said.
“This is actually oriented at two major systemic problems we’ve been experiencing with the bottle bill,” Smith said.
First, the state has a problem of retailers buying bottles and cans in Ohio, where there is no bottle deposit. Then they sell the beverages in Michigan, often to gas stations, where the consumer still pays the cost of the beverages plus the deposit.
“You as a consumer are charged the 10 cent bottle deposit, but you’re not able to return that can because it’s not a Michigan can,” Smith said. “You get screwed out of 10 cents, and these fraudulent sellers pocket your dime.”
Smith said these dimes could amount to tens of thousands of dollars per year in deposit costs for consumers.
Most automated return machines won’t accept out-of-state cans. If a consumer is able to return an out-of-state can to a retailer that hand checks them, some cases of fraud are not intentional.
Many people who try to redeem their containers from out of state don’t even know it’s illegal, said Matt Fletcher, a recycling market development specialist for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
“I’ve gotten calls from Boy Scout troops in Illinois saying ‘We’ve loaded up a U-Haul, and we’re going to drive up to Michigan to get the deposit,’” Fletcher said, “and I have to explain to them that it would be fraud, because the deposit has to be paid to get redeemed.”
Fletcher said the Boy Scouts had been collecting cans all summer for a trip.
“They had $10,000 worth of dimes,” he said.
Any fraud takes away from state unclaimed bottle deposit funds.
It is considered fraud to cash in bottles or cans that are not from Michigan and have the “10 cents MI” stamped on the top. (Pxhere.com)
Those are used to clean up and develop polluted areas in the state and educate the public about pollution prevention, Fletcher said.
“It’s not the consumer’s role to figure out if where they bought it in Michigan is complying with the law,” Fletcher said. “Ultimately the main environmental impact of fraudulently redeeming containers would be that it weakens the system and takes away unclaimed deposit funds that are used for benefits in Michigan.”
The addition of a hotline could reduce instances of fraud, Smith said.
“If a can doesn’t say ‘Michigan 10 cents,’ you need to have somewhere you can report that so that the bottle bill can be enforced,” he said.
Smith said another violation comes from retailers throughout the state that still haven’t opened up their bottle return facilities.
“They shut them down during COVID, which was totally reasonable,” Smith said, “But they’ve since failed to reopen those facilities, despite the fact that the rest of their business is back open.
“That means they’re denying you the opportunity to utilize that facility.”
Since October 2020, the return program has been fully re-established.
Businesses are required to have facilities open, and can’t refuse returns or restrict their hours to impact the return of bottles, said the Department of Treasury.
But the total number of violations throughout the state isn’t tracked by Treasury, said Ron Leix, a deputy public information officer for the department.
Smith said the hotline could also be used to report nonoperational facilities.
“We haven’t taken a formal position on the bill yet, but are very supportive in concept,” Smith said. “I want to make sure when we create this hotline that we’re not reporting our neighbor dropping a can in the trash.
“We’re really trying to generate info and intelligence on systemic problems with the implementation of the law,” he said.
