All posts by Joanne

City of Kentwood details planned July-August road work projects (map included)

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City of Kentwood roadwork in 2020 included work open 44th Avenue. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood this week released its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the rest of the summer, a schedule which affected homeowners have already been notified of by mail from the city.

The City Commission has approved the resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 30 miles of major and local roads, at a cost of $1 million, according to an announcement from the city. The plan is to have the resurfacing and routine maintenance completed by September. (A detailed map is available for download at bottom of story.)

“We appreciate the partnership of residents and businesses as we work to maintain and improve this important infrastructure,” Kentwood City Engineer Brad Boomstra said in supplied material. “Quality infrastructure is critical for a safe and functioning community. Understanding the inconvenience and frustration road construction can cause, crews will work as quickly as possible to minimize impact on neighborhoods and drivers.”

 

The projects are funded through the Michigan Transportation Fund, which is supported by taxes on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel as well as fees collected by the Secretary of State for vehicle registrations.

Details of the planned work

In July and August, several neighborhood roads will receive a cape seal, which is a multiple component treatment designed to create a smooth surface with increased durability. Cape seal projects will take two non-consecutive days on each segment of road. Patching and crack sealing work will take place in advance to prepare the road for this treatment.

Roadwork will be happening in Kentwood in July and August. (WKTV)

Residents are asked to drive slowly while the treatments are underway and follow the crew’s instructions for the best access to their homes. While the cape seal treatment is underway, there will be no parking allowed on the streets when and where any road work is happening.

Street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects currently underway include:

Full reconstruction of Andover, Lyles, Heyboer, Blaine, Brinks and 51st streets.

32nd Street rehabilitation from Breton Avenue to Shaffer Avenue.

Other preventative street maintenance work throughout Kentwood, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.

Pending any unforeseen circumstances, the work on Andover, Lyles, Heyboer, Blaine, Brinks and 51st streets is expected to be completed by October. The full reconstruction project includes new curb and gutter, sections of water main replacement, storm sewer replacement and construction of sidewalks.

The 32nd Street rehabilitation is a Michigan Department of Transportation project that includes new pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer. Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route or follow the posted detour that uses 29th Street. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August.

Work builds on major roadwork in 2020

Last year, Kentwood invested in improvements to 40 miles of major and local roads. Major streets included in the 2020 reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program were, East Paris Avenue from 52nd Street to 60th Street, 52nd Street from Division Avenue to Kellogg Woods Drive, 29th Street from west city limits near Breton Avenue to 28th Street, 44th Street from Breton Avenue to Shaffer Avenue, and reconstruction of Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Boulevard.

Road maintenance decisions are made under industry principles based on hard data, such as ratings from the annual Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating system, also known as PASER, which provides a basis for comparing the quality of roadway segments, according to the city announcement. The PASER scale is a 1-10 rating system for road pavement conditions that uses visual inspection to evaluate pavement surface conditions.

“Kentwood maintains one of the highest-rated major street networks in Kent County, according to hard data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council, which is based on PASER ratings,” according to the announcement.

For more information, including a larger map of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us/construction. Drivers can also receive updates via the City’s Facebook and Twitter.

2021-Resurfacing-Map-1Download

Mercy Health Saint Mary’s first in Grand Rapids to require COVID vaccine

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Mercy Health Saint Mary’s became the first health facility to require the COVID vaccine in order to work at its facilities. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Those working for, contracting with, or conducing business at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 21.

Trinity Health, the parent organization to Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, recently announced effective immediately, the national health system will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business in its health care facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19.  The requirement applies to Trinity Health’s more than 117,000 employees in 22 states nationwide. 

 

This includes roughly 24,000 Trinity Health Michigan colleagues working across five Saint Joseph Mercy Health System hospitals, three Mercy Health hospitals – such as Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and two employed medical groups – IHA and Mercy Health Physician Partners. Along with the hospital located in downtown Grand Rapids, there is a Mercy Health Southwest Campus in Byron Center, Mercy Health Physician Partners in Wyoming, Mercy Health Southeast Lab in Kentwood and several other Mercy Health locations in and around Grand Rapids.

Trinity Health is the second known healthcare organization to announce the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Henry Ford Health System in Detroit made a similar announcement in June. Mercy Health Saint Mary’s is the first known health organization in Grand Rapids to require COVID vaccines. Officials from both Spectrum Health and University of Michigan Health – West (formerly Metro Health – University of Michigan Health) stated while encourage team members to get vaccinated, the vaccines are optional and not mandated.

Spectrum Health officials said nearly 70 percent of Spectrum’s on-site team members have been vaccinated.

“We continue to practice active infection control measures, including heightened cleaning protocols, masking n all clinical areas and a daily symptom survey for all on-site team members,” according to a hospital statement. “Additionally, we continue to monitor positivity and vaccination rates in the community and amount our team members.”

Since December 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization, Trinity Health has strongly encouraged vaccination for all colleagues and within the communities its various Health Ministries serve.  To date, the health system estimates that nearly 75 percent of Trinity Health employees have already received at least one dose of the vaccine, and it now looks to close the gap with this new requirement.

“As a faith-based health care system we have pledged to protect the most vulnerable, those that have a high risk of developing severe health complications if they were to contract this deadly virus,” said Rob Casalou, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Southeast Regions.  “We are grateful to all colleagues working inside our hospitals, and specifically those navigating the frontlines.  We understand that not everyone will agree with this decision, but after listening to their feedback, and after careful consideration, we know this to be the right decision.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 331 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the United States. The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective against symptomatic infections, hospitalizations and death, with more than 99% of COVID-19 deaths today occurring in unvaccinated people.

“As a trusted health care leader within Michigan communities, our patients and colleagues look to us to keep them safe,” said Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, PhD, MD, chief clinical officer of Trinity Health Michigan.  “There is widespread acceptance of the vaccines and their effectiveness within the medical community.  The science is clear – vaccines protect against infection and they help save lives.”

Employees at Trinity Health and its Health Ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, 2021. It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed. Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented, and approved.  Employees who do not meet criteria for exemption and fail to show proof of vaccination will have their employment terminated.

Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park gets things started with The Soul Syndicate

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The Soul Syndicate is set to perform at Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park on Tuesday, July 13. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

If you take a look at the Soul Syndicates Facebook page, it is a list of about every local summer concert event: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Turtle Lake Resort, Kentwood Summer Concerts, and the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts.

“It has been the best thing,” said drummer Tom Taylor. “First of all, we love to play and we get to do this every week and well after COVID, we just appreciate the opportunity to do what we enjoy and to give everyone a show.”

Next week the group will add the Wyoming Concerts in the Park to its concert schedule as the group is set to open the popular series on Tuesday, July 13. The free performance, hosted by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, will at at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

The Soul Syndicate at a recent Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park performance. (Supplied)

“We love to see the energy from the crowd,” Taylor said. “It is really about seeing the people and having fun.”

Started about seven years ago, The Soul Syndicate pays tribute to some of the most influential R&B artists by not just performing R&B, funk and soul music, but going a step further by wearing vintage fashion.

“We have that classic dress where as we kind of have that look and feel of a big band,” Taylor said. “So from the trumpeters to the spinners, we all dress alike.”

The group is not small, with up to a 11 musicians. Besides Taylor, there is Mike Coon on guitar, Matt Fouts on bass, and John Neil on keyboard. Male lead vocal is Collin Tobin who has performed in several Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions and splitting female lead vocal duties are Katie Sarb and Merrin Bethel. Rounding out the group is Nate Hansen and Tim DeBesten in the horn section and trumpeter Jeff Carroll.

 

Through the years, the group has been able to perform with such artists as The Temptations, The Spinners, The Countours, Kansas, The Guess Who, The Beach Boys, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, Rosemarie Clooney, Elvis Presley Jr., and The U.S. Navy Commodores Band.

The group also is no stranger to the Wyoming area, having performed at the Concerts in the Parks series several times.

“It is always a great crowd in Wyoming,” Taylor said. “We just look forward to everytime we can play and be with people.

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission will be hosting four Wyoming Concerts in the Park performances this year. Next up will be the Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos, July 20; Project 90 (featuring favorites from the nineties), July 27; and country and classic rock covers from the Mustang Band, Aug. 3. All concerts are free. Concerts start at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park.

 

The concerts are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. 

Summer theater going strong as Circle presents live music, ‘Cabaret’

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The Second Annual Summer Fundraiser for Circle Theatre is Tuesday, July 12. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Circle Theatre continues its summer programming with two upcoming July performances, including its first indoor production since the COVID pandemic.

On Tuesday, July 12, the company will host its Second Annual Circle Summer Fundraising Concert at 7 p.m. on the lawn at the Aquinas College’s Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE.

Lisa Knight will be joined by Michelle Covington and Deb Alexander as they pay tribute to the ladies of soul. From Tina Turner and Chaka Khan to Donna Summer, Whitney Houston and more.

According to Circle Theatre officials, the organization is elated to be back for its 2021 season after having been dark the past year. The extended intermission has left Circle Theater with the goal of raising $150,000 to continue covering ongoing costs as the company works to bring live theatre back to West Michigan. So far, the organization has raised about $50,000 of its goal.

 

Circle Theatre presents “Cabaret” July 15 – 31. (Supplied)

Tickets for the Circle Summer Fundraising Concert are $25 each. Participants are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and beach chairs. KJ Catering will be offering picnic options.

‘Life is Cabaret, Old Chum’

Circle Theatre continues its 69th season with its first indoor production, the 12-time Tony Award wining production, “Cabaret,” July 15 – 31, at Aquinas College Center of Performing Arts, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE.

“The amazing talent involved in this production will have you engaged and entertained as this classic musical is presented through a new lens,” said Director Will Gearring.

Gearring has intentionally cast to re-envision the popular production and to tell the story of “Cabaret” and the history of 1930s Germany through minority voices – voices of those whose stories have yet to be told. Through his research, Gearring weaves the history of minority voices during the Nazi takeover of Germany in the 1930s and 1940s through the show. Audiences can expect an emersive and eye-opening experience at each performance.

Jaelyn Raiford is Sally Bowles. (Supplied)

“Cabaret” is the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with cabaret performer Sally Bowles set against 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. Set in the seedy Kit Kat Klub, the action is overseen by the Master of Ceremonies who welcomes the audiences and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret.

 

“Our cast bring some small elements the really retell the story in a new way,” said Jaelyn Raiford who portrays Sally Bowles. “In addition, I have gotten to watch each and every performer come with high energy and make this show a stunning and exciting piece of work. 

“Every person who joins us in telling this story will see a dramatic love story speckled with comedic characters, eye-catching dance numbers, and social commentary.”

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Tickets for both shows are available at circletheatre.org or call 616-456-6656.

Wyoming officially rescinds emergency order for pandemic

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The Wyoming City Council had its meeting at the parking lot of City Hall on Tuesday, July 6. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyomig officially has rescinded its emergency order for the COVID pandemic.

Reporting to the Wyoming City Council at its Tuesday regular meeting, Deputy City Manager John McCarter said Mayor Jack Poll signed the order to rescind the emergency order last week with staff executing that order.

What that means for the city, according to McCarter, is that all city public meetings will be held in-person rather than teleconference as they have been during the pandemic. Also, face coverings are not required and capacity limits have been lifted for city offices and facilities.

Expanded facilities for outdoor cooking, outdoor seating and temporary structures for businesses also have been rescinded with staff working with the businesses that will be impacted, he said.

McCarter noted that this does not change federal requirements such as the mask requirements for mass transit and state requirements, which does require masks at doctor’s offices and hospitals. 

Photo of the Week: Getting ready for the rodeo

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Through the 1970s and into the 1980s, the Wyoming Rodeo was one of the most popular events in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The annual event was kicked off by a parade, shown here in this 1971 photo from the Wyoming Historical Commission’s collection. Pictures is a local children’s icon, Bozo the Clown.

The parade was in the City of Wyoming while the rodeo was at Lamar Park. Wyoming Historical Commissioner Bill Branz said the rodeo participants would have to race back from the parade to Lamar Park to get ready for the show.

Mike Yore Memorial Car Show part of Love Local Weekend

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Amy Zapal
St. Joseph Today

St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 16-18. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show kicks off the weekend on Friday, July 16, from 4- 8 p.m. in downtown St. Joe. View classic cars from days gone by as they line up along Lake Boulevard. Attendees will “cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits spun by local DJ Mark Durocher, as they take in more than 150 eye-catching vehicles in this charming lakeside town.

Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1 p.m. on Friday. Cars need to be in place no later than 4 p.m., please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. All participants must register day of between 4 – 6 p.m. at the Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street. For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union, Edward J. Todd, JVIS USA, Wojtowicz Law PLC and SWMI Brew Tours.

“Love Local Weekends are jam packed with summer fun,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joe Today. “Area residents and visitors are sure to enjoy extended shopping hours, free gift wrapping, new products, featured menu items, specials and a wide variety of area events.” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list.

As part of the Love Local Weekend, the Friday Night Concert Series showcases area talent. This free, hour-long concert, which starts at 7 p.m., will be held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell and will feature Lake Effect Jazz Big Band.

Then on Saturday, July 17, the Love Local Weekend continues with the Race for YMCA 5K/10K presented by TCF Bank held at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum at 8:30 a.m. Money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. That same morning, head over to Lake Bluff Park for two events – the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended hours) and the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free tote bags will be handed out to the first 250 attendees at the St. Joe Farmers Market. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarketand stjoetoday.com/artisanfair.

Saturday evening, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts Belting Out Broadway at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion at 6:30 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information and details can be found at smso.org. That same night, visitors and residents will enjoy the Summer Movie Series, hosted by the City of St. Joseph. Saturday’s movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), will begin at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph High School (Drive-In). Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.

On Sunday, July 18 the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7 p.m. Zapal said this weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season, “Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, area events, or local wineries and breweries there is something for everyone!”

Bootstrap Boys brings ol’ country music with modern bite to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Bootstrap Boys will be pulling up to Kentwood this week. (Supplied/Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The best way to describe The Bootstrap Boys — this week’s offering as part of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts, on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m. — is  probably to get out of the way and let them do the talkin’.

“This is country music, just like we know how to make it,” the band says on its website. “It comes from days of hard work, nights in the honky-tonk, and mornings in the church. The songs have a distinct flavor of the workin’ man, folks with dirt on their hands, good times, bad times, drinkin’, druggin’, lovin’, livin’ on the road, and what a friend we have in Jesus.”

‘Nuf said. (But if you need more, check out their website at thebootstrapboys.com.)

And just in case you want another opinion:

“The Bootstrap Boys are singlehandedly reviving country music in West Michigan both in attitude as well as song,” Luke Sass, promotional manager for Founders Brewing Company, says on the band’s website. “The band’s ability to tell stories indicative of a life lived on the razor’s edge is only eclipsed by the ease with which they connect to their audiences.”

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald. (The Soul Syndicate night has been rescheduled for Aug. 19.)

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. The concerts will also be available on WKTV cable channels the following Tuesday at 9 p.m., and the next weekend on Saturday at 12:30 and 7 p.m. See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Kentwood’s 62-B District Court debuts civil case ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ program

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The Kentwood Justice Center which houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court announced this week that it has implemented an Alternative Dispute Resolution plan that “will allow community members to resolve certain disputes outside the courtroom through mediation and other facilitated processes.”

The court implemented its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) plan to reduce client costs, produce more timely resolutions and increase satisfaction with the justice system, according to the announcement. The plan lays out a process for determining which cases are appropriate for mediation and how mediators are appointed.

(To read the full ADR plan, visit kentwood.us/ADR.)

Mediation was previously available for the 62-B District Court’s small claims cases in partnership with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan. With the ADR plan now in place, mediation is even more accessible, “so disputes can be resolved in the most efficient way and with the most satisfaction,” according to the announcement.

Mediation involves a trained third-party individual who works with litigants to resolve disagreements outside the courtroom and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is often scheduled and completed quicker than court cases and does not require litigants to pay attorney fees, according to the announcement.

62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg. (Supplied)

“Court cases involve a significant financial and emotional investment,” 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “I am proud the 62-B District Court is offering this plan as a way to save time and money for those seeking resolution, preserve relationships and help each party walk away more satisfied.

“Another beneficial aspect of ADR is each party gets the opportunity to have their voice heard in a safe and neutral environment. Being able to express themselves empowers the parties to work past the conflict and seek resolution.”

In collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, mediation is a routine part of the 62-B District Court pre-trial process.

If a case is referred for mediation, the court’s ADR clerk will send a letter to the parties to let them know they can use the Dispute Resolution Center or select a private mediator by agreement.

According to the court announcement, mediation also helps “minimize disparities in power, where one party may be represented by counsel, but the other party is not. Mediators are specifically trained in these nuances to make sure the balance of power is fair when parties are negotiating and bargaining. Mediation can preserve or restore relationships by overcoming misunderstandings and improving communication between parties.”

The ADR plan was designed to be used in conjunction with facilitators who understand how diversity may affect a dispute and use processes that are designed to overcome barriers to find common ground.

“The best ADR outcomes are reached when varying perspectives are taken into consideration,” Sterkenburg said. “The 62-B District Court remains committed to acknowledging diverse cultures, values and socioeconomic statuses within disputes. We see each perspective in the room as equally valid and we use well-trained mediators and interpreters to reach optimal resolutions.”

Parties are encouraged to pursue any form of ADR if they believe it will assist them in resolving the dispute. The court intends to refer appropriate summary proceedings and civil cases such as breach of contract, property disputes and debt collection to mediation. Sterkenburg will oversee the implementation of the new plan and the mediator selection process.

The court is accepting applications for mediators. Applications are available on the State Court Administrative Office website and may be submitted to 62-B District Court ADR Clerk Lakeshia Gilbert at gilbertl@kentwood.us.

Local group attracts more than 400 to concert, next set for this Thursday

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  • More than 400 people attended the first Sounds of Summer concert. Supplied)
  • Kimmy Martens on lead gu The 6 Pak was (Supplied)
  • Mary Arbranas on guitar for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
  • Ruthann Scott on lead vocals for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
  • Kristen Hartnagel welcomes everyone to the Sounds of Summer concert series (Supplied)
  • Denise Pietri on bass for The 6 Pak
  • Barb Bean on piano for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
  • Cindy Obetts on drums for The 6 Pak

It was a hot night with cool music as the The 6 Pak kicked off the first Sounds of Summer concert last week. More than 400 people came to Cutler Park in Byron Township to hear the popular girl group perform hits from the sixties. Performing this Thursday will be Muskegon’s Tommie Foster and The FAN Club, which will be performing Americana music. The free concert is at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and a picnic. Beverages and an ice cream truck will be at the park.

The rest of the series includes popular local country western group Bootstrap Boys, July 15; rock and roll band The Jaded 8, July 22; and national headliner, bluegrass artist Audie Blaylock and Redline, July 29. Cutler Park is located at 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW.

Lakeshore Museum Center hosts walking tours of Downtown Muskegon

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Lakeshore Museum Center will be hosting walking tours of downtown Muskegon this summer. (Supplied)

By Jackie Huss
Lakeshore Museum Center

This summer, the Lakeshore Museum Center will be hosting walking tours of downtown that will explore Muskegon’s rich history as well as its exciting present.

Tours are broken down into two categories – Historic Tour and the Art and Architecture Tour. On the Historic Walking Tour, participants will learn about the past and current uses and occupants of many of Muskegon’s historic businesses and residences. Learn about the McCraken house, Charles Hackley’s father, what life was like for the Spaniola family as they operated the market on Western Ave., and other interesting stories about historic downtown Muskegon.

The Art and Architecture Tour will focus on the public art installations, murals, and architectural styles of downtown Muskegon. Stops on the tour will include the statues in Hackley Park, Richardsonian Romanesque buildings, and the recent summer art additions to downtown.

The 90-minute walking tours are scheduled for alternating Mondays and Thursdays through September 2, 2021, with historic tours at 10 am and Art & Architecture Tours at 2 pm. Tours begin and end at the Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay Ave. Tours are scheduled for July 8, 12, 22, and 26; Aug. 5, 9, 19, and 23; and Sept. 2.

Tickets for all tours are $13 for Lakeshore Museum Center members and $15 for non-members. A two-ticket minimum purchase is required. Register for the Historic Walking Tour at historicdowntownmuskegontour.eventbrite.com/, and register for the Art and Architecture Tour at historyandarttour.eventbrite.com/, or register by visiting the Museum Store. Once at least two tickets have been purchased, single tickets can be purchased through the Museum Store or by calling 231-722-0278. Groups of six or more can contact the Lakeshore Museum Center at 231-724-5543 to schedule an alternate tour date or time.

For more information and to view the weather policy for these events, visit the Lakeshore Museum Center online at lakeshoremuseum.org/

In Love and Health: Our local farmers markets provide a fresh outlook on health

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Greens like kale, spinach, collards, or darker colored lettuces promote brain health. (Photo courtesy Southeast Area Farmers Market)

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

Here in West Michigan, farmers market season is in full swing. Have you been to the Kentwood Farmers Market? It takes place at 4900 Breton Ave. SE on Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30. In Wyoming, the Metro Health Farmers Market, also take place on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5900 Byron Center Road SW. We all know that we should be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. And there’s no time like now to get started on building a healthy habit.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health publication, The Nutrition Source, eating lots of vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some cancers, reduce eye and digestive problems, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Eating apples, pears, and leafy greens might even help you lose weight.

You can go bananas trying to figure out which fruit or vegetable provides the exact vitamin or mineral you need. Or you can simply eat a wide variety from the nine different fruit and vegetable families. Next time you stop by the farmers market, choose a variety of types and colors to give your body all the kinds of nutrients it craves. There’s a lot to be said for fresh, local produce. When produce is picked green to accommodate long shipping distances, it loses nutritional content. In fact, eating quick-frozen local produce is probably more nutritious than eating fresh produce shipped thousands of miles from California or South America.

Fruit for your lungs. Veggies for your brain.

Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of attention to respiratory illness. British researchers found that people who ate fruit, even if they smoked, had much stronger lungs. Seems the extra vitamin C the fruit eaters ate reduced harmful free radicals and helped their bodies repair tissue damage. Researchers at John Hopkins University discovered that tomatoes and fruits, especially apples, slowed lung decline.

Closer to home, a Chicago Rush University Medical Center team found that people who ate one to two servings of leafy green vegetables each day experienced fewer memory problems and cognitive decline. In fact, people who ate 1.3 servings of greens like kale, spinach, collards, or darker colored lettuces each day had brains that were about 11 years younger compared to those who didn’t.

As I chiropractor, I love sharing how adjusting the spine helps all of the body’s organs to function better. And I love seeing my patients regain strength and mobility—and experience less pain. But I also love seeing patients who eat the healthy foods that support the work that I and the rest of their healthcare team provide.

 

Like I said, there’s no better time to start building a healthy habit than now—and there’s also no better time to visit your local farmers market.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

2021 West Michigan photo contest now accepting entries

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A view of the Mackinac Bridge and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (Photo Courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has announced the launch of its 2021 West Michigan Photo Contest. With so much beauty found in West Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association wants travelers to show off what they love most about this beautiful side of the state, and win some great West Michigan prizes! The contest is looking for traveler photo submissions from all around West Michigan. This region covers the entire west half of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.

“Being able to share all of these great photos from around West Michigan is truly a highlight of each year!” said WMTA’s Marketing Director Courtney Sheffer. “We love seeing the community involvement with this contest, and the unique perspectives that each individual shares with their photos.”

The shore of Lake Superior (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Sheffer also noted that photos do not need to be taken this month in order to submit them to the photo contest. “If you have West Michigan photos from your past visits to the area, we encourage you to enter those as well! West Michigan is photogenic all seasons of the year, so don’t feel that you’re only limited to submitting summer photos.”

All photo entries must be received by July 28, 2021. Judges will be awarding prizes in the categories of “Nature,” “People,” and “Beach/Lake/Lighthouse,” with an additional prize awarded via public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. In addition to receiving a West Michigan prize pack, all winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January of 2022.

Photo submissions should include first & last name of photographer, city where the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo.

The accepted photo formats are high resolution (300 dpi+) jpeg/jpg or tiff. CMYK is preferred. Please visit the Photo Contest Page for full rule and entry requirements: https://www.wmta.org/west-michigan-photo-contest/

Snapshots: We’ve got a lot to celebrate, so let’s light up the skies

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, , ,

What was important wasn’t the fireworks, it was that we were together this evening, together in this place, looking up into the sky at the same time.

Japanese writer Banana Yoshimoto
There will be a lot bangs and booms this weekend as communitiie’s celebrate the Fourth of July. (Pxhere.com)

Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks

Considering the last year and half and how we have not had much to celebrate, we thought this week’s Snapshots would be a little different since this week is the nation’s biggest birthday celebration of the year.

Yes it is July 4th weekend, so haul out those sparklers and get ready for some booms since the COVID restrictions are lifted. The bonus is July 4th is on a Sunday with many people having Monday off as well. With that in mind, there will be fireworks throughout the weekend.


Leading the celebrations will be the City of Kentwood, which has a day full of activities and fireworks for Saturday, July 3. Highlights include a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.

City Hall will be the main hub this year with a carnival from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and an evening celebration from 4 – 10 p.m. with the fireworks capping off the night.

Other cities with July 4th events are:

Caledonia: The township will have a day-long celebration Saturday, July 3, starting with a parade at 11 a.m. and stepping off from the Duncan Lake Middle School and with the festivities concluding at 10 p.m. with fireworks.

Dorr: The township will be hosting a three-day event starting on July 2. The parade is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and will go through downtown Dorr. The fireworks will be around 10:20 (ish) on Saturday as well. Sunday will include more live entertainment and the movie “Back to the Future” in the park.

Grandville: Will have a two-day celebration with a 5k run, baseball and softball games, and tours of the one-room school house at Heritage Park on Saturday, July 3; and a carinval and other activities including fireworks on July 5.

Grand Rapids: The city will have a jam-packed evening of activities from 6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, July 3, that will include entertainment and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Rules, Rules, Rules

While local municipalities can restrict when fireworks can be used, state law requires that fireworks be allowed between 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. through July 4. Make sure you know your local ordinance as the penalty for violating it can be as much as a $1,000.

Red, white, and NOT blue

While fireworks have been around for thousands of years, the one color that no pyrotechnician has been able to perfect is the color blue. In order to get the right distinctive colors, there are two main components that are use and packed tightly. One is an oxidizer that is an oxygen-rich chemical and a fuel source like charcoal or sulfur that can burn. The reason few have been able to get the color blue is because if the temperature is too high for the emitter, which is copper, it washes off the light and stops emitting. If it is too low, there is no intensity and you do not get the right blue color. Because there are so many colors in the sky producing an array of patterns that most people do not notice the missing blue. 

Two snowy owls are newest addition at John Ball Zoo

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,
Guests can tell Zenon and Chione apart because males are more uniformly white and smaller than females. Females have a more extensive black speckled pattern.(Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The latest addition to the John Ball Zoo is two snowy owls which have now made their home in a newly constructed habituated located at the zoo’s Forest Realm near the Amur tigers.

The zoo recently acquired the two owls from different Michigan raptor rehabilitator organizations. The owls, the male is Zenon named after the Zeno the Greek philosopher and the female is Chione after the Greek goddess of snow, cannot be released back it not he wild because of injuries.

Zoo officials said they hope for a mating match as Zenon and Chione are recommended for breeding as part of the snow owl’s Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP oversees the population management of select species within the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums member institutions and to enhance conservation of this species in the wild.

In the wild, snowy owls live in the northern hemisphere around the world, along open fields, tundra, and shorelines. They primarily eat other birds, fish, and small mammals – typically lemmings and mice. Also, unlike many other owl species, snowy owls are active during the day and spend a majority of their time on the ground.

Snowy owls utilize sight, sound and touch to communicate and perceive their environment. Males “hoot” more frequently than females, and seem to use this vocalization in territorial defense and establishment. Males and females also give a variety of other calls, including a “rick, rick, rick”, a “kre kre kre”, a mewing and a hiss.

With an approximate number of 28,000 mature individuals in the wild, the snowy owl’s conservation status is vulnerable. Humans are considered the most prevalent predator of snowy owls. Snowy owls are killed by humans for food, trophies, and to protect game animals. Other predators include foxes, jaegers, and probably dogs, wolves and other avian predators.

As Wyoming’s own Brann’s Steakhouse turns 50, businessman/legislator Tommy Brann looks back, forward with his ‘family’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Local History, Politics, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, , ,
Tommy Brann — small business owner and operator, and current State Representative — talks to WKTV about he and his restaurant family came together at the start of the pandemic shutdown. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Tommy Brann — the small business owner and operator, not the current State Representative and State Senate candidate — remembers his first day of work at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill like it was yesterday.

But it was 50 years ago, and on Monday, July 5, Brann’s Steakhouse will celebrate 50 years of “serving sizzling steaks” to the West Michigan community with a special appreciation reception for its employees and customers from 5-7 p.m.

And, of course, Tommy will be there all day, wearing his customary blue apron, bussing tables, and talking up the staff and customers.

Tommy Brann in an undated historic photo. (Supplied) See more photos from over the years in slideshow below.

“July 5th, 1971,” Brann said about his first day, when he was just 19 years old, during a recent interview with WKTV. “We served 97 dinners and I remember one customer came in that day … a friend of my dad’s … and he bought the whole restaurant a drink. It was a hard working day for us.”

During the interview, he also stressed that he was a restaurant businessman before he was elected to serve the community in Lansing as a State Representative, and that no matter what happens in the next year or so, he will stay being a restaurant businessman.

(Rep. Brann is running for the open State Senate seat from District 28, with the Republican primary set for Aug. 3; and if he is not elected to the Senate, he will be term-limited out as a State Representative in 2022.)

“I really believe small business in the backbone of our country, of our state,” Brann said. “I really believe small businesses are job creators. … That is what I bring to Lansing.”

Brann also talked about how his restaurant survived the pandemic shutdown and business slowdown — due both to the “family” he has at his steakhouse and to his aversion to debt. (See video clip above for a story on the Brann’s “family.”)
 

And the restaurant survived. And so on Monday, July 5, it will be all about celebrating Tommy the restauranteur and the 50 years of Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill, located on Division Avenue in Wyoming.

Family, and work family, reflect on Tommy

“I am incredibly proud of my brother, Tommy Brann, for his dedication and commitment to being a business owner and restaurateur these 50 years,” Johnny Brann, Sr., owner of Grand Rapids-based, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, said in supplied material. “Tommy has made his restaurant a community icon and is known for his service and dedication not just to the business, but more importantly to his employees and customers.”

For most of those 50 years, Tommy opened and closed his restaurant, working from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., 6 days a week, doing what is needed — from cooking to dishwashing to to bussing tables, and other less glamorous jobs.

Tommy has also spent 50 years being more than simply a boss to the employees at the steakhouse.

Tommy Brann, with his restaurant family from June 2021. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I have been an employee of Brann’s steakhouse for over 40 years,” senior executive waitress Jennie Lehnertz said in supplied material. “It truly is a family business. I work here, my daughter works here and now my grandson works here. It is my second home.”

The family atmosphere is echoed by Jermaine Jennings, executive waiter for about 30 years — “Tommy is not just a boss. He works alongside his employees and instills in us a sense of purpose. He’s always willing to help those in need and considers all of us who work for him and his customers his family.”

Five decades of restaurant ownership has brought ups and downs, especially throughout the past year in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. What has kept Tommy going has been his strong work ethic, his tenacity, and his belief that he can make a difference in the lives of others.

“I care about serving my community and helping others in need,” Tommy Brann said in supplied material. “My wife, Sue, and I are committed to making our employees and customers our family. We have used our restaurant as a way to provide food to the homeless and provide jobs for those who need one, including those with developmental disabilities. There’s no greater joy to me than seeing the smile on the face of someone we’ve helped.”

Ford Airport breaks ground on $7.7 million operations center, with expansion already planned

3-bottom, architecture, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Our Cities, WKTV Projects, ,
A rendering of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s planned $7.7 million operations center. (Supplied/Ford Airport)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport broke ground June 30 on a new $7.7 million operations center that will “streamline and improve efficiencies for day-to-day management,” according to an announcement from the airport management. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of June 2022.

The new facility will consolidate teams such as operations and communications, including dispatch, as well as the new emergency operations center (EOC), which is activated during an emergency at the Ford Airport and can also support public safety agencies throughout Kent County.

A rendering of the runway side of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s planned operations center. (Supplied/Ford Airport)

The 11,600 square-foot facility, located on the east side of the airfield, will be accessible air-side and public-side, “making it ideal to provide daily operations support and reachable during an emergency,” according to the announcement. In a second phase, the Ford Airport plans to expand the center to include its fire department at the site.

“This project represents the culmination of years of efforts to realign and streamline our operations and public safety functions,” Dan Koorndyk, board chair of the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority, said in supplied material. “By bringing our teams under one roof, we’ll be able to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our guests, tenants and the greater West Michigan community.”

The building will be staffed 24/7, and will be built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including winds up to 250 miles-per-hour. “It will have purposeful redundancies in technologies and communication channels to ensure services continue during an emergency,” according to the announcement.

“The teams who will occupy this space are critical for our daily operations,” Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford Airport Authority, said in supplied material. “This new operations center will enhance communication, collaboration and efficiencies for our teams. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the high-quality service and exceptional safety track record the Ford Airport is known for.”

DLZ of Michigan is serving as the project architect with Pioneer Construction of Grand Rapids serving as the general contractor.

The Ford Airport is working with U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer’s office to pursue community project funding for a portion of the project. The Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Rapids Police Department have all voiced their support for the project, highlighting that it will be a critical backup base in case of a county-wide emergency, according to the announcement.

Metro Health board approves new name: University of Michigan-West

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has changed its name to University of Michigan Health-West. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With nearly five years of expanding achievements, technology, and capabilities as an affiliate of the University of Michigan Health, Metro Health officials announced that the facility will adopt a a new name, University of Michigan Health-West.

“The new name is a natural next step and our teams are proud of the role we play as part of one of the world’s most respected health systems,” said CEO Dr. Peter Hahn. 

Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (Supplied)

The new name was unanimously approved by the Metro Health Board of Directors on June 8, 2021. 

“As we have done at every stage in our history, we must ensure our name reflects our expanding capabilities,” said Bill Barkeley, Chairman of the Metro Health Board of Directors. “This is one of the most significant points in our trajectory. Our name should reflect this.” 

Recent accomplishments include development of a comprehensive stroke center, authorization for an open-heart surgery partnership, and back-to-back top ratings for safety.

“This new name is a better reflection of how this affiliation has grown and signals our path forward,” said Marschall S. Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, Dean of the U-M Medical School and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs for the University of Michigan. “We know that our continued close collaboration, partnerships and expansion of care will benefit the patients of West Michigan. We are proud of where this affiliation has led us and excited about the future.”

Hahn said the affiliation works because it combines the power of one of the world’s most respected academic medical centers with over a century of teaching, research, and patient care – with a nearly 80-year legacy of caring, innovation and progressive health care in West Michigan.

“This is exactly what our founding physicians envisioned when they launched a hospital in a remodeled house back in 1942,” Hahn said. “They wanted to find better ways to focus on patients. For every phase of our history and every name on the front door, that is what we have done.”

 

Founded as Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital, the organization was renamed several times: Metropolitan Hospital, Metro Health and, most recently, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. Each change reflected a significant transition or advancement.

 

“None of the transitions has been more significant than our affiliation with University of Michigan Health,” Hahn said. “Our shared values of caring, innovation, inclusion, integrity and teamwork pay respect to our heritage and set the tone for our future serving West Michigan.”

 

The name change, which will be phased over the next 12 months, reflects not just a closer clinical and operational integration, but also greater alignment in mission, vision and values. The organization’s regional focus will remain governed by a local board of directors.

“The board of directors respects the distinguished history of this organization,” said Metro Health Hospital Board Member Steve Van Andel. “A significant part of that history has been Metro’s ability to innovate while keeping patient care at the forefront. The new name proudly honors that legacy.” 

Sounds of Summer returns for 13th season at Cutler Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , ,
Sounds of Summer returns this week and will be hosting free concerts every Thursday through July. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Cutler Park will be rocking Thursday night as the Sounds of Summer returns for its 13th year.

The 6 Pak, which opens the five-concert series, has a strong following with Sounds of Summer organizer Patti Williams expecting a good turnout for the first concert.

“What’s the buzz?” Williams said. “Well, The 6 Pak has a big following so we are expecting a large crowd, probably around 400 people.”

The 6 Pak is an all-girl group that performed in the 1960s in and around Grand Rapids. Some years later, the band got back together and have continued performing an array of sixties classics. The group is set to perform at 7 p.m. at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW.

“I just enjoy getting bands that maybe people haven’t heard before,” Williams said as her reason behind putting together the annual Sounds of Summer. “I also like doing things for the community.”

The goal always is to bring a large range of musical genres to the series in an effort to exposure residents to the different types of music that is available, she said.

Along with the sixties tunes from The 6 Pak, July 8’s concert will be Muskegon’s The FAN Club, featuring Americana music and fun, according to Williams. July 15 will be the popular local country western group Bootstrap Boys. The Jaded 8, which was supposed to perform last year but got rained out, will bring some rock and roll to Cutler Park on July 22.

Audie Blaylock and Redline perform July 29. (Supplied)

To wrap up the series, Williams dipped into her own bluegrass experience and was able to have nationally recognized Audie Blaylock and Redline perform on July 29. Blaylock has played with Harley Allen, of the Allen Brothers and who also was a country music songwriter for Garth Brooks and John Michael Montgomery. 

“I just thought it would be really great to have Audie come to Michigan,” Williams said. “While he is a national headliner, not many people may be familiar with him so it is a chance to for him to broaden his audience and expose residents to Audie’s music.”

All the concerts, which are sponsored by Byron Township, are free to the public. Williams said she encourages those who are attending to bring a chair or blanket and picnic food. Beverages and an ice cream truck will be at the park as well.

State Sen. Brinks visits WKTV Journal In Focus to talk Lansing actions and inactions, local workforce housing

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, WKTV Journal In Focus,
WKTV Journal In Focus State Sen. Winnie Brinks, District 29, June 2021

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this episode pf WKTV Journal In Focus, State Sen. Winnie Brinks, a Democrat who was elected in 2018 as the first woman to represent Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate since 1920. While the coverage area of her District 29 does not include Wyoming or Kentwood, the current vacancy in District 28 had left a void in local representation. So Sen. Brinks graciously offered to talk to us about what’s happening in Lansing this session.

WKTV asked her about two hot-button issues in Lansing, no-fault insurance and voting rights. With her serving on the Senate’s Health Policy and Human Resources committee, we talked to her about changes to part of the healthcare industry due to the continuing rollout of the state’s no-fault insurance law, as well as possible changes to the state’s voting laws.
 

But on the WKTV set, she also wanted to talk about an issue flying under the news radar this session — “attainable house”, sometimes known as “workforce housing”, a topic important to Wyoming and Kentwood as a large workforce housing project is in-progress on Division Avenue between the two cities.
 

“There is a bill, group of bills, we got it started in the senate and now it is making its way over to the house, we passed a group of bills that will help with attainable housing,” Sen. Brinks said to WKTV. “You hear a lot about government programing, particularly from the federal government, in terms of helping people with affordable housing — very important to do that. …

“But we worked on a set of bills, with local governments, to provide some tools to help people get into what we are calling attainable housing. And that would be available to those folks who don’t necessarily qualify for affordable housing but need a little bit of assistance, generally working (families). Some in the business community call it workforce housing. It is for people who are doing everything right but still can’t quite find something that works for them.”
 

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Muskegon’s Great Lakes Surf Festival to return to Pere Marquette Beach in August

Entertainment, Great Lakes, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Travel, ,
The Great Lake Surf Festival will be returning this year to Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach. (GLSF)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Great Lakes Surf Festival at Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach was a great success in 2018 and 2019, and then there was the pandemic year of 2020. But the organizers of the festival recently announced that they will be holding their third event on Saturday, Aug. 14.

And this year, event goers will be able to learn how to surf and paddleboard, along with practicing in yoga directly on the beach. Music, food, and a raffle will also take place. Several surfboards and paddleboards will be given away along with a surf trip to Costa Rica, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to see the Great Lakes Surf Festival grow and to have the support from our sponsors and from the surf and paddleboard industry,” event co-founder Joe Bidawid said in supplied material. “We have one of the most beautiful venue locations on the Great Lakes, in Pere Marquette Beach.”

  

And what if there is no waves? Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids Michigan will be making artificial waves — waist high waves to simulate ocean waves — wave conditions ideal for those seeking to learn a variety of boardsports.

“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion,” Bidawid said in supplied material. “That is our goal.”

For more information visit GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.

Financial Perspective: Seven Financial Tips to Help you Enjoy Life and Reduce Stress

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Local Business, Senior Living, , ,
Do you want to relax in your retirement, then get serious about it now. (Pxhere.com)

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

“Use these tips to reduce stress and change your focus on life.” Dave Stanley

1. Get serious about your retirement: If your employer matches contributions for your 401(k), you need to take advantage and max out your contribution. Your employer’s share is “house money,” which means using their contribution as part of your 401(k) plan as an employee benefit. Many 401(k) plans allow for conversion to a guaranteed retirement income, which can be used as a lifetime benefit. Ask your benefits manager to see if it is included in your plan. You also need to plan at what age you would like to retire. If you have had a loss in investment returns in your 401(k), ask yourself how I can gain that back? Your asset allocation in your 401(k) can be changed as you get closer to retirement age. Most plans allow you to move the money as a rollover to a self-directed IRA, which provides the option of using an annuity with an “Income Rider” attached to provide desired guarantees. If you have an IRA and are not contributing annually, start this year, contributions made before April can be deducted on the previous year’s income.

2. Even if you do not have a will, you do. You have two choices, either you decide what will happen to your estate OR your state of residence will decide for you after you pass away. If you don’t have a will, see an attorney and create one, and if you have a current will, make sure it is up to date.

3. Name an executor for your estate. Use caution in the selection and make sure you have asked the executor for permission to use them. Based on the valuation of your estate and your state of residence, the use of a trust can assist the executor in their responsibilities. Ask your attorney for ideas and help. Never buy a trust from anyone other than an attorney licensed to practice law. Often life insurance is used to provide funds for any taxes or debts that may be due at your death, have an insurance professional review the policies, and make sure the ownership and beneficiary decisions are up to date.

4. Create an emergency fund for situations that come up, such as a hole in your roof or an unplanned car repair. Only 40 percent of Americans could pay an unexpected $1,000 expense, such as a car repair or emergency room visit, from savings. That figure is consistent with the range of 37 to 41% seen in surveys from 2014 through 2018. More than a third would need to borrow the money in some way – either with a credit card, personal loan or from family or friends. Another 14% would reduce spending on other things, while 10% would either figure out “something else” or don’t know what they would do. www.bankrate.com.

5. Take a close look at your investments and review them for changes. Remember, as we get older, we have less time to make up losses in our investments and as you age, your investment horizon normally shrinks.

6. Start paying down debt. Debt can be a drag on your retirement, and once the debt is retired, stress becomes less, and your options for life increase.

7. Budgeting and following a monthly plan can help. There are numerous studies about budgeting; one thing is for sure, people who have a budget and follow it have less stress. Make a budget and stick to it.

Life should be enjoyed. Use thesesimple seven financial tips as the first step to regaining financial freedom and reducing stress.


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, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

Wyoming, Kentwood warn of a series of purse snatching incidents

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Surveillance photos of the suspects. (Provided)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Heading to the store for a little shopping? Local law enforcement have a warning for anyone carrying a purse, keep an eye on it.

Over the past few weeks, several area agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, the Kentwood Police, the Grand Rapids Police, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, have reported several purse snatching incidents at large retail establishments in Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kent County, and Kentwood. According to police, the suspects appear to be targeting females in the parking lot who are alone, over the age of 50, and have their purse in a shopping cart.

When the victim is not playing attention, the suspects will take the purse from the cart and flee. In one instance, according to the report, the victim had her purse in her hands and the suspects pulled it away from her. They victim attempted to chase after them and felt to the ground, receiving minor injuries to her hand.

“Make sure to secure your purse in your vehicle before offloading your groceries,” said Lt. Eric Wiler, from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “Mostly, these suspects are waiting for someone to turn their back to load groceries, leaving the purse unattended.”

Along with securing their purse right away, Wiler said residents should be aware of their surroundings and if it is dark, make sure to park where it is well lighted.

Investigators from all four agencies have been working to identify the suspects involved in these incidents.

 

Anyone that can identify the suspects or has information these incidents, is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7366; Kentwood Police Department, 616-656-6600; Grand Rapids Police Department, 616-456-3380; Kent County Sheriff’s Department, 616-632-6125; or Silent Observer, 616-774-2345.

Surveillance photo of the vehicles the suspects were seen fleeing the scene in. (Provided)

Other crime prevention tips:

Don’t carry a shoulder bag over your shoulder. This makes it easier for a thief to grab the bag and knock you down or injure you. 

Shorten the strap so you can hold the purse tightly under your arm or lengthen it to wear diagonally across your body in front.

Never walk around with an open purse.

Don’t walk with your purse dangling or wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. A strong tug from a thief could injure you.

Fanny packs are a safe alternative to the traditional purse as they are worn tight and close to the body making them harder to grab.

When possible, shop with a friend.

Only carry what you need. Leave extra money, valuable jewelry, and credit cards at home.

City of Kentwood gains state certification as ‘Redevelopment Ready Community’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Business, WKTV Projects, , ,
The City of Kentwood has received the Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has received the Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for its “commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents through targeted and strategic planning and creating a vibrant community in partnership with residents,” according to a city statement.

The designation, recently announced by the MEDC and announced by the city June 29, recognizes the city’s efforts to establish a “solid planning and economic development foundation” to attract private investment and facilitate community-driven economic development projects in the community.

Certification also means Kentwood will receive support from the MEDC’s Redevelopment Services Team, which will partner with the City to evaluate development sites and produce customized marketing that will promote investment in key areas.

These key areas will include those identified in Kentwood’s 2020 master plan in need of redevelopment, such as Division Avenue, Eastern and 52nd Street, Kalamazoo Avenue corridor, and 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor.

“We look forward to working with the MEDC to carry out the master plan’s community-driven vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation in Kentwood,” Terry Schweitzer, city community development director, said in supplied material. “As a Redevelopment Ready Community, we can leverage critical tools and resources as we continue to work to attract and support investment and businesses and engage community members along the way.”

Kentwood’s certification qualifies it for state community development incentives that encourage developers to invest in the city, according to supplied material. This includes small business programs such as Match on Main that provides reimbursable grant funds for new or expanding place-based businesses.

The certification also means Kentwood is “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to removing traditional planning and zoning traditional barriers and transitioning into a streamlined process to promote opportunities for prospective investors, according to the statement.

During the RRC assessment process, the City received a baseline evaluation of the existing planning and economic development processes compared to RRC “best practices.” These best practices including community plans and engagement, zoning, development review, boards and commissions, and economic development and marketing.

“We are proud to have aligned our policies and processes with Redevelopment Ready Community best practices and to have completed the program’s rigorous assessment,” City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material.

For more information about the City’s Redevelopment Ready Community certification visit kentwood.us/RedevelopmentReady.

The Sunday Night Funnies returns in new location, kicks off with Kingpin of Comedy contest

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Making them laugh: Pagan, Aaron Cohen, Jay Hunter, and Ricarlo Winston (SNF)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

On Sunday, July 11, The Sunday Night Funnies stand-up comedy show returns with the Kingpin of Comedy competition at a new location after sixteen months on hiatus because of COVID-19 restrictions. 

“After I found out that the Spectrum Entertainment Complex wasn’t going to have us back after the COVID restrictions were lifted, I started to look for a venue to hold the show,” said comedian Brian Borbot, the founder and host of the Sunday Night Funnies. “I have a place interested in hosting it next year, but I didn’t want to wait until then to do the weekly show let alone two years without doing the Kingpin competition.”

The Kingpin competition is a 19-week contest where the audience members votes who’s the funniest person in town. The competition includes prizes and a kingpin trophy.

“The good news is that SNF regular Laura Szczepanek, owner of The Guest House, has stepped up and is letting us do the show at her banquet facility. It’s going to be a great place to hold the Funnies- the room seats 200 people and we’re back on the westside of Grand Rapids, which is the side of town we spent the first eight years on. It’s been one year, three months, and 26 days since we’ve done the Funnies (not that I’m keeping track.) So, I’m looking forward to seeing all the comics, all the new friends we made at Spectrum, and of course everyone who’s been with us since the Radisson & Riverfront Hotel days!”

Laura Szczepanek, owner of The Guest House added, “As a long-time fan of the Sunday Night Funnies, many of the comics, and Brian, I am beyond thrilled to open the doors and welcome the show. It’s been a long year and a half of COVID and its time we got together again and laughed in person.” 

The Sunday Night Funnies are a free weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the Midwest. The show is in its eleventh year. The Guest House is located at 634 Stocking NW. 

Photo of the Week: Everybody Loves a Parade

Citizen Journalism, ,

One of the longest running and oldest July 4th parades in the state is the Grand Rapids’ Hollyhock Lane Parade. Started in 1934 as a low cost way to entertain children during the Depression, for 87 years children and adults have been following that route to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Above is a 1978 picture from the Grand Rapids Public Musuem‘s Collection of four unidentified children getting ready to march in the parade.

This year, the parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. between Calvin and Giddings avenues on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. Keeping with tradition, there will be floats and children riding decorated bikes. There is a Hollyhock Lane Ceremony at 9 a.m. behind 847 Giddings Avenue.

GR Public Museum host virtual backyard stargazing program featuring Perseid Meteor Shower

Citizen Journalism, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a Backyard Stargazing virtual program will be offered to the public on Thursday, July 29, at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower.

 

Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts to learn about the characteristics of meteors, how to spot the Perseid Meteor Shower and more. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-August and is considered to be the best meteor shower of the year, frequently leaving long “wakes” of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower will peak Sunday, Aug. 11, but will be visible for a few days before and after.

“We’re thrilled to continue offering virtual programming as an extension of the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium experience,” said GRPM’s Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “Our team strives to create engaging science programming for all ages to enjoy, that prompts them to continue their quest for knowledge about science and space exploration.”

Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar.

Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation. 

Meijer Gardens to establish Holocaust memorial focused on Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’

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Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’. (Photo credit to DIVR Gallery)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park today, June 28, announced a major gift from The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids in order to establish the first Holocaust memorial in Grand Rapids, anchored by Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’.

The gift, according to the announcement, “is made possible by a donation from the Pestka family in memory of their father, Henry, all the Holocaust survivors who settled in Western Michigan, and the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust.”

Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’. (Photo credit to DIVR Gallery)

Meijer Gardens and the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids envision ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ as a gathering place for the Jewish community of Grand Rapids, as well as serving as a teaching tool for educators both locally and nationally to address the Holocaust and its legacy, according to the statement.

“As time goes on and memories of the Holocaust fade, it is important to remember the barbarity human beings are capable of,” Steve Pestka, said in supplied material. “It is equally important to contemplate the strength of the survivors and their ability to continue and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this work of art will promote an appreciation of our shared humanity and a reminder that hatred and intolerance continue to this day and the consequences of the ultimate dehumanization of human beings.”

‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ is a 20-foot-tall aluminum cast of a fig tree that has shards of glass inserted among the branches. It has been described as “an exceptional work of contemporary sculpture dealing with themes of profound loss and grief” and will serve to memorialize those who perished in the Holocaust as well as those who survived.

“The memorial has important significance to my family because our father was a survivor,” Linda Pestka said in supplied material. “The numbers 73847 are numbers that we will never forget. They were tattooed to my father’s forearm, as though he were an animal, as identification for his potential death. It is our duty to educate, respect and honor the victims and their families of the unthinkable acts against life and morality. The Holocaust did happen. … May we never forget.”

Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’. (Photo credit to DIVR Gallery)

The sculpture is expected to be installed in 2022.

 

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is highly honored and very pleased to receive this significant and meaningful gift to acquire Ariel Schlesinger’s monumental sculpture ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’,” David Hooker, President & CEO of Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “We are deeply grateful for this gift adding such an important work of art to our permanent collection.”

Schlesinger work, according to the statement. “takes an organic form that is a metaphor of both the Jewish people and their history.” The aluminum cast sculpture is of a living fig tree that he found on a farm while traveling in northern Italy. This tree was specifically chosen by Schlesinger for its character and as a symbol of the Jewish struggle for survival both during and after the Holocaust. The tree appears fragile and clinging to life, however it is also representative of great endurance.

Schlesinger has commented that in conceptualizing the sculpture, he held pieces of broken glass in his hands that pressed into his fingers. This recalled the Kristallnacht, or “Night of Broken Glass,” the symbolic beginning of the Holocaust, during which Nazi mobs murdered Jews and destroyed Jewish property and synagogues throughout Germany.
 

Schlesinger (born 1980 in Jerusalem) has lived and worked in many parts of the world, including the United States, Great Britain, Mexico and Germany. He grew up in Israel and received his undergraduate degree at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Israel’s oldest and most prestigious art school. He graduated from Columbia University in New York with a Master’s in Fine Arts degree.

Schlesinger has had many notable exhibitions in Austria, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Slovenia and Switzerland. In 2019 he received a prestigious commission for a public sculpture outside of the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt, Germany.

WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20: Kentwood Muslim American couple work for American dream, remember fateful day

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WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 Interview Kentwood residents Aamir and Halima Ismail. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, a modern American family working hard to attain the American Dream — who just happen to be Muslim.

Aamir and Halima Ismail are residents of Kentwood and members of Islamic Center of West Michigan. Aamir works as manager of financial systems for Amway and Halima works as a school improvement administrator for Grand Rapids Public Schools. The couple have two children, teenage boys Ibrahim and Da’ud , both of whom attend Kentwood Public Schools.

This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. Following previous background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, we present the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11. (If you have a story to tell us, contact Ken@wktv.org.)

The Ismails — she was born in the United States while he emigrated from Pakistan — have worked hard and prospered in West Michigan. They love the diversity of students in Kentwood Public Schools and live here partially due to that diversity.

But it does not mean they haven’t had to have “that talk” with their sons, a talk to prepare them in case they face any discrimination or other forms of bias.
 

“I think we have had to explain to them that there are matters of the faith and what they do represents the faith, and so I think we have used that to our benefit to help them see what they do is a representation of the faith, ” Halima Ismail said in the interview. “They haven’t necessarily come to us with instances of hostility but they have been encouraged to explain their faith, have been interested in sharing that information with their school and in their classes.

“But we do feel that, as parents, we have had to sit down (with them) and say ‘If you feel bullied, if this happens, if you are in the hostile environment, to walk away and speak to an adult.’ That is something, we have had those conversations.”

WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org. You can also search Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the Hashtag #voices9/11at20.

Aamir and Halima Ismail on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus June 2021. (WKTV)

Local small entertainment venues still waiting on federal ‘Save our Stages’ assistance

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The pandemic shut down Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and other small music venues in Michigan. The slow rollout of federal assistance is not helping them come back and fill the seats. (Seven Steps Up)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Three West Michigan “small stage” music venues — Listening Room and Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake — are moving ahead with scheduling a few nights of music in the coming weeks.

Listening Room is hosting concerts outside the “Room” on the Listening Lawn with its first inside stage concert currently set for Aug. 6 with Tobin Sprout, while Pyramid Scheme’s first live show will be Charles The Osprey + Cavalcade + Crooked Heart on July 10, and Seven Steps Up has scheduled Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer) for a July 22.

But as the venues begin to come back to life — and live shows return to their stages — after the pandemic shutdown, both had hoped to already have received promised federal financial support from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich. District 2), shown on the set of “WKTV Journal In Focus”. (WKTV)

That support has not shown up despite their being qualified and early applicants, WKTV has learned from both venues, and that delay has drawn the ire of local U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga. Last week, Rep. Huizenga, who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood, joined more than 200 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to SBA administrator Isabel Guzman “urging immediate action to stabilize and improve the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant” program.

According to a statement from Rep. Huizenga’s office, the rollout of the SVOG program has been plagued by technical challenges and persistent delays. Since launching the program in April, the SBA has approved roughly 400 grants as of June 14 — despite receiving more than 14,000 applications. In the letter signed by Rep. Huizenga the SBA was urged to “expedite the release of relief funding to struggling venues across the country.”

And that expediting of the relief funding will come none-too-soon for Seven Steps Up and the other venues.

“The portal opened officially on April 26 at noon and we submitted our application at 3:01p.m.,” Michelle Hanks, co-owner of Seven Steps Up, said to WKTV. “To date we have not had a response, although about a week ago it changed from Application Submitted to Pending Final Review. (On June 25, that status was upgraded to ‘Approved”) … But we have no timeline for funding.”

Quinn Mathews, general manager of Listening Room, also is still in the dark about its application — so the venue is moving forward while it waits.

Tami VandenBerg of Pyramid Scheme said they applied for the SVOG grant “in April. We have been in ‘under review’ status for several weeks now… .  Hoping to hear of an approval soon.”

Michelle and Gary Hanks, owners and mangers of Seven Steps Up. (WKTV)

“Yes, we applied and we have yet to hear anything,” Mathews said to WKTV. “But we are producing concerts outside in our Studio Park Piazza all summer and we’ll be adding indoors as well here soon. We have a busy lineup for late summer and into the fall.”

The delay is of particular difficulty for Hanks and Seven Steps Up as it struggled to get back to business.

“We know we are eligible, and we are stuck without it. We can’t move forward,” she said. “We can’t, at this point, decide to quit because if we do we will owe tens of thousands of dollars for grants we have accepted under the condition that we certify we plan to reopen. We can’t hire employees. We can’t start up basic services or purchase basic supplies. Or fix our broken sign. Or deal with the hundreds of other decisions we have to make daily with absolutely no clue what to do.

“It’s a nightmare every day and the money is sitting there while venues go out of business. I don’t think it can be called emergency assistance now that it has been almost seven months since the legislation was passed.”

And for Rep. Huizenga, that delay is just unacceptable.

“It’s been six months since Congress created the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to help some of the hardest hit small businesses in the nation,” Rep. Huizenga said in supplied material. “The Small Business Administration’s inability to properly administer the funding in a timely manner is completely unacceptable. The more time that passes due to bureaucratic inaction, the more small concert venues will close their doors for good.”

The letter which Rep. Huizenga signed points out “These small businesses not only provide good jobs and contribute economically to our local communities, they contribute to the spirit and local culture as well.”

For an up-to-date schedule at Seven Steps Up concerts, visit sevenstepsup.com.

For an up-to-date schedule of Listening Room concerts, both on the lawn and, soon, inside, visit listeningroomgr.com.

Snapshots: WKTV local ‘leaders’ in the news — stories you might have missed

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves.”

J. Carla Nortcutt


Kent County Leadership: Wayman Britt retiring

Kent County Administrator/Controller Wayman Britt has been in the WKTV studio many times since he took the position of lead administrator in 2018. But the next time he visits he will have a new title as on July 30 he will be ending his service to the country, service which goes back almost two decades, to 2004. Go here for the story.


Al Vanderberg (Ottawa County)

Kent County Leadership: Vanderberg to take over

Kent County Board of Commissioners this week selected Al Vanderberg, currently Ottawa County Administrator but with a history of working for Kent County, as its choice for the next county Administrator/Controller. Go here for the story.


Deborah Prato, the new CEO of The Rapid.

The Rapid: Who is that new leader?

Deborah Prato, the new CEO of The Rapid, the public transit system for the Grand Rapids metro area, recently visited WKTV to talk about what drew her to West Michigan, some of the similarities of services and differences of scale she now faces at The Rapid, and what the pubic needs to know about the present and future of the local transit system. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

27, sort of

The number of different bus lines operated by The Rapid (SilverLine, 1-19, 24, 28, 37, 44, LakerLine and 85 (combined 37 and 48). Source.

Kent County Board of Commissioners select Ottawa County leader as new county administrator

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The Kent County Board of Commissioners (from a previous meeting). (Supplied/Kent County)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After hosting a community forum and conducting third round interviews today, June 24, at a Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting, Kent County announced today that the board has selected Al Vanderberg, currently Ottawa County Administrator but with a history of working for Kent County, as its choice for the next county Administrator/Controller.

According to the announcement, Board of Commissioners chair Mandy Bolter “will enter immediate contract negotiations with Vanderberg with the aim of presenting a final contract for board approval” at the commission meeting on July 22.

 

Al Vanderberg (Ottawa County)

“This has been an exciting, thorough and transparent process that culminated with the selection of a strong, visionary and highly competent individual,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Thanks to our dedicated search subcommittee, our board of commissioners and the high level of community engagement in the process, I’m confident that Al will be the kind of leader who reflects the community’s priorities and can leverage Kent County’s assets for sustained growth and innovative service to our residents.”

Pending contract approval, Vanderberg is expected to take over the local job later this summer. He has been the administrator in Ottawa County since 2003 managing 1,200 employees who serve a population of about 300,000 residents. Immediately prior to joining Ottawa County, he was the Deputy County Administrator/Controller in Kent County from 1999-2003.

Vanderberg will take over Kent County’s top administrative position from Wayman P. Britt, who notified the board of his intention to retire last October. Britt has been with the county administration for more than 17 years and has served in the top spot since January 2018.

According to supplied material, the process to select Vanderberg was “a multi-faceted market outreach campaign targeting highly diverse recruitment sites across the country.”
 

A county-hired recruiting firm identified over 140 prospects and contacted more than 100 potential candidates and sources. From this group, the firm identified 13 external and one internal candidate to present for search subcommittee consideration on May 14. The subcommittee selected five candidates for first round interviews at public meetings on June 9 and 10, and three were advanced as finalists.

In all, the subcommittee met 10 times over the course of eight months, with all meetings noticed and open to the public.

Vanderberg’s resume

At his current position, Vanderberg is responsible for oversight of administrative and other departments within Ottawa County and serves on boards, committees and workgroups for numerous Ottawa County and community agencies and organizations, according to supplied material. Those duties included chair of the County Brownfield Redevelopment Board, president of the County Economic Development Corporation Board, and membership on the Grand Valley Metro Council Board, Lakeshore Advantage Board and Housing Next Board.

He began his career in Lenawee County in 1986, and subsequently served in city management in Greenville and South Haven.

Additionally, Vanderberg was appointed in 2018 by the Michigan Civil Rights Department to serve on the Michigan Council for Local Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion. In 2017, he was appointed to the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission by Governor Snyder and reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2019. He is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the National Association of County Administrators.

He was president of the board of the Michigan Association of County Administrative Officials in 2011 and of the Michigan Local Government Management Association in 2010 and retains membership in both organizations.

YMCA of Greater GR awarded part of $2.3 M for expanded summer programs

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Photos provided by the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Click through to see images.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, which operates seven branch locations in the Grand Rapids area including the SpartanNash YMCA in Wyoming, announced this week that it has been awarded $189,000 from the Michigan Department of Education to provide summer learning opportunities for children in summer programs.

The grant is part of a larger $2.3 million given to Michigan YMCAs to “deliver a coordinated program which supports children, families, and schools while they recover from the pandemic and prepare for a successful return to the school year,” according to the announcement.

“The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is excited to expand and enhance our existing day camp program,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through intentional math, science, literacy, and social-emotional curriculum, we will ensure the youth in our community have an engaging summer full of education and connection.”

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is still accepting registrations for day camp programs. To sign up visit grymca.org/summer-day-camps. (Camp leaders are also still needed to staff the day camps. Applicants can visit grymca.org/careers for more information.)

The YMCA’s summer programs will “focus on fun, keeping kids safe, active, fed, and engaged with other children and adults.” The funding from the Michigan Department of Education allows YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids to offer traditional camp programs that are “enhanced to address the unique academic needs created by the pandemic,” according to the statement.

“The Y is prepared to work with schools to overcome the challenges facing students, families and communities,” Fran Talsma, executive director for the Michigan Alliance of YMCAs, said in supplied material. “To effectively combat COVID learning loss, in- and out-of-school learning needs to be connected and seamless.

“We have the capacity and expertise to support schools and help achieve positive outcomes for students. The Y is ready to meet the academic, social-emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of children and is committed to strong collaborations to improve the academic success and overall well-being of children.”

In addition to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ branch locations, it also operates YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, community outreach programs, and childcare sites. For more information visit grymca.org.

The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff returns in July

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Matthew Bizoe
Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center (KAC) will host the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff in person on Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11. Safety precautions will be in place to keep the vibrant community of artists, patrons, and event supporters safe in ever-changing times.

In 1962, a small handful of local artists held a clothesline art exhibition along scenic Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. Those artists then formed the St. Joseph Art Association which, in 1979, through the beneficence of George and Olga Krasl, built Krasl Art Center. Over the years, the fair became one of the top-ranked juried art fairs in the nation and grew to become one of the peak summer events in southwest Michigan. When the COVID-19 Pandemic took hold in 2020, the fair paused for the safety of the 50,000 visitors, 200 artists, 500+ community volunteers, and our local neighbors.

“We are grateful to the community for their many years of support for this beloved event,’ KAC Executive Director Julia Gourley Donohue. From considering plans for 2021 to approval, and now as we finalize how to implement plans, we remain fortunate to have the leadership of many volunteers who will help ensure a successful and safe event this year. The new, advance timed ticketing plan will enable us to keep crowd sizes down for safety and in accordance with Executive Orders. Admission fees support expenses associated with planning the Art Fair and Krasl Art Center’s year-round free to all gallery and outdoor sculpture exhibitions. We can’t wait to see our masked-up patrons once again shopping with living, working artists at the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.”

What to expect for the 2021 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff:

All guests are asked to secure a timed ticket in advance.

Tickets are $5 per person age 2 and older and free for those under 2. Tickets will be available online mid-May.

To manage attendance size, a limited number of timed tickets will be available for each time slot.

Gated event. Lake Bluff Park will be gated to the north and to the south of Broad Street.

Cloth or paper masks are required for all guests, volunteers, artists, and KAC staff age 2 and up.

Increased hand sanitizing stations.

Artist vendors only (In lieu of a food court, guests are encouraged to explore local restaurants in downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph during their visit).

Stay up-to-date on decisions for this year’s event and learn other ways you can volunteer by signing up for email updates at krasl.org/art-fair/event-information/

Kentwood’s Fourth of July celebration includes a full day of activities on Saturday, July 3

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Kentwood will celebrate July 4 a day early this year, on Saturday, July 3, with a parade, fireworks and much more. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has a full day of activities planned Saturday, July 3, for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, a 5K race, a parade, and a carnival and live music — all leading up to fireworks at dusk, according to an announcement from the city.

Complete information about Kentwood’s Independence Day activities can be found at kentwood.us/july4.

“We are excited about the return of Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration with a variety of activities community members of all ages can enjoy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “We welcome our residents to join us as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”

Mayor Kepley and City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson, both of whom are running to be elected mayor this fall, are expected to be part of the festivities, as will all members of the city commission.

The City is also seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270.

A full day of activities

The July 3 events will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The breakfast is $5 per person (free for age 5 and younger), served 7-9:30 a.m., and includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee.

Kentwood hosts several community 5k runs (this one fro the fall of 2019) and will do another on July 3. (WKTV)

At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk.

The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, no baby strollers, roller skates, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are not guaranteed unless registered before June 21.

Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m.

Kentwood will celebrate July 4th a day early this year, on Saturday, July 3, with a parade, fireworks and more. (WKTV)

The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will honor essential workers by having them lead the parade. Spectators are encouraged to physically distance from other households along the route.

From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival at City Hall featuring a variety of rides that “will be cleaned between riders” and carnival games for all ages, according to the city statement. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.

City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration, scheduled for 4-10 p.m., where there will be community booths, a beer tent and food trucks lining the lawn behind city hall. A variety of bands, including BareNaked 90’s, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues, and The Adams Family, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from city hall and surrounding areas.

Some notes about traffic flow

A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities.

Guests who are parked at Kentwood’s Kent District Library can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.