On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt, who has been in the WKTV studio many times over the last four years 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 and its nearly 700 thousand residents, service which goes back almost two decades, to 2004.
On the WKTV set, we talk with Britt about current news within the county governance — including the county’s impressive and cooperative handling of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, several new county facility projects moving full-speed ahead despite the pandemic, and his personal challenge of leadership in this unexpectedly difficult time.
Kent County Administrator Wayman P. Britt. (WKTV)
He also details why he and the Kent County Board of Commissioners made diversity, equity and inclusion, in county leadership and staffing from top to bottom, such a priority that they recently hired Teresa Branson as its first Chief Inclusion Officer.
“We understand what (inclusion) is and what it means,” Britt said to WKTV. “And it is very, very important the we identify how do we increase the number of people in our community that are empowered and engaged to make our community a better place to live, to work.”
We also talk with Britt about the importance of coaching — on the baseball court and in government administration — and what’s next for the man whose motor is always running. (Hint: there’s a book in the works …)
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.
Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Forshay, left, is from Granville. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tarleton)
In this photo supplied by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Forshay, left, from Granville, inventories supplies in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy’s only forward deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
The action took place during a replenishment-at-sea evolution with the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), a dry cargo and ammunition ship.
The USS Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides “a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to supplied material.
(Do you have a photo of a Kentwood or Wyoming area native serving in the military? WKTV journal would love to get the photo and a brief description. Send it to ken@WKTV.org)
Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.
The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)
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.
At the testing planned HIV testing site, certified test counselors will be onsite to answer questions and connect residents with additional services. (CDC)
In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Grand Rapids Red Project will hold a free HIV testing and education event on Thursday, June 24, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will take place in the parking lot across the street from the Kent County Sheldon Complex, 121 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids.
Certified test counselors will be onsite to provide testing, answer questions, and connect residents with additional services, according to a KCHDS announcement. There will also be music, food and free gifts.
HIV self-testing is also an option. Persons interested in self testing for HIV at home, visit here to find out how to order a free HIV testing kit.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the KCHD recommend everyone know their HIV status,” April Hight, KCHD public health program supervisor, said in supplied material. “This knowledge is essential for getting helpful therapy and for protecting others from the virus.”
More than 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people are infected with HIV without realizing it, according to the CDC. Nearly 40 people are diagnosed with HIV in Kent County every year, according to the KCHD announcement, and “the only way for a person to know their status is to get tested.”
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the cells that make up the body’s immune system. HIV can make it difficult for an infected individual to fight off diseases and, left untreated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome — AIDS — which can be fatal.
Individuals who are at risk for HIV infection can take PrEP, a daily pill that is 99% effective at reducing the risk for HIV infection. PrEP is available at the KCHD Personal Health Services Clinic. For more information about PrEP or if you would like to be tested, call 616-632-7171.
Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, discusses why the city added an early season food truck rally this year, at the May 19, 20231 event at the Kentwood City Complex. (WKTV)
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks’s new early-season Food Truck Festival, the first of two this summer season, had some rain showers but plenty of family fun as well on Saturday, June 19.
On Juneteenth, June 19, the Kent County Black Caucus had a presence at the Kentwood food truck festival, attended here by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The “kickoff” of the Summer Food Truck Festival’s two-event schedule took place in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the same location.
The free-to-attend community event had 16 food trucks — with even more planned for the September event, Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV.
There was also live music, a beer tent and food available for just about every taste.
There was also several community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, as the day was also Juneteenth, attended early to by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz.
More information about the Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival. For a slideshow of photos from the event, see below (and click through).
Loie Ghannam, Mohamed Abdirahamn and Hamza Khan (from right with series writer/producer Ken Norris at far right) discuss growing up as Muslim Americans in the age of 9/11. (WKTV)
Loie Ghannam, Hamza Khan, Mohamed Abdirahamn and Mohamed Dahir — “there are a lot of Mohameds” in Muslim American society, you might be humorously told — are similar in many ways.
They are all currently college kids, they all have that certain style and vocabulary of American Gen Zers, and they are all not afraid to tell you what they think.
But the four are also “Brothers in Islam”, Muslim Americans who balance their deeply historic religion with their rightful place in modern American society, brothers who have grown up in the two decades since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on their country …
… brothers who have experienced the same misconceptions about their culture and their religion … experienced the same subtle if not blatant discrimination, as children and now as young men … brothers who, none-the-less, are working to thrive in today’s high tech economy and West Michigan community.
And while from different cultural backgrounds, their common experiences as youth brought them tougher.
“All our parents are of the same group, you know, we all kind of just got here, we’re trying to learn the language, trying to start a family here. So we quickly bonded,” Abdirahaman said during an early, informal discussion at the WKTV studios in May as part if the WKTV Voices 9/11 at 20 project. “Why we are good, close friends is that we grew up in America, but also shared our religion, our culture. We go to school together but we also go to prayer five times a day. We get together.”
Abdirahaman is a Grand Valley State University student, majoring in engineering. His family is of Somali heritage, and he came to America at age 2 when parents immigrated nearly 20 years ago.
Khan is a Michigan State University student, studying neuroscience. His family is of Pakistani heritage, but he was born in America after his parents immigrated more than 20 years ago.
Dahir is a Grand Rapids Community College student, studying information technology. His family is of Somali heritage, but he was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where his parents fled as they worked to immigrate to America, which occurred in 2004.
Ghannam is also Grand Valley State University student, studying supply chain management. While his family is of Palestinian heritage, he too was born in Grand Rapids after his parents immigrated to American 25 years ago.
Despite their common religious beliefs, their working for the American Dream like any other young person, the four had different and highly personal stories to tell when it came to how they first learned what happened on 9/11, how they react to people who out of ignorance or malice grouped the terrorists and every other Muslim together, and how they deal with that Islamophobia.
Biased representation and its consequences
“9/11 has impacted all of us in some way,” Dahir said. “What’s big for us, as Muslims, is (lack of) representation. There is not as many Muslims, here in the United States, as other parts of the world. For us, representation is key. Especially in the media, you know.
“9/11 has really impacted the media. If you ever go on and see a TV show … and you see any representation of Islam, it always has to do with something about terrorists. You know. … So many people watch that thing and have that exact representation of what the religion is like. … Some people are not around Muslims and they use that media to represent us.”
And that uninformed stereotyping has real world consequences — “I like to travel, I love traveling,” Dahir said. “But it is like at the TSA (airport security) at Grand Rapids, in the TSA lines. It’s like — ‘Oh, snap!’ — here comes another major check for us. Everybody else gets to go through but the guy named Mohamed has to stay back and answer some more questions.”
Islam is more than one country, region
“Other races, other ethnicities, face bias as well — but for us, there is an ‘X, Y, Z people all look the same’ (bias), but our countries could be thousands of miles apart,” Khan said.
“What bothers me, specifically in my case, is that if you take a look at our faith, at the countries where our faith is the religious majority. … You have African countries where Islam is the majority. You have Arab countries where Islam is the majority. You have Asian countries where Islam is the majority. Yet for some reason people lump us together.”
And that lumping together of people impacts Muslims of widely diverse background who share a religion but little more, yet also share being somehow tied to 9/11.
“Our religion is something within our hearts, something that we practice in private,” he said. “Yet being a Muslim, for some, puts a bull’s eye on our back. … It is something that we deal with.”
Similar lessons, different reactions to 9/11 questions
Learning how to answer questions about the September 2001 attacks, how to react to the sometimes uninformed opinions, is something that each of the four brothers had to deal with — each in their own way.
“That is something we all have to kind of grow up with, figure out how to overcome,” Abdirahaman said. “I started hearing about (the 9/11 attacks), I didn’t know anything about it until I was like seven or eight years old. I started hearing about it and the jokes were coming, and all that stuff. And people were like … ‘What do you think about it?’
“For a long time I did not know the right answer. All I could say was ‘Of course it’s wrong, it’s bad. You can’t kill people.’ To this day, that is still the right answer. But at the same time it is like … Why is it my responsibility to say ‘That is bad’? It is those people (the terrorists) who should be accountable.
“What happened (on that day) was it put Muslims in a box. It put Islam in a box. It put the Arabic culture, language, all that stuff, in the box too. It was all the stereotypes, you put that into the box …. but Islam is more than just that. The whole meaning of Islam is peace.”
For Ghannam — whose Palestinian heritage includes struggles for a homeland that both predates 2001 and continues in current news — dealing with being a Muslim in the age of 9/11 was a lesson learned young.
“For me personally it started at a really young age, I remember going all the way back to kindergarten,” Ghannam said. “My parents would sit me down and say ‘You know, when somebody brings this up to you you always say “No. This is a religion of peace.”.’ That is the key catch phrase.
“It even got to a point where, you know, without me even knowing, I was speaking against my own religion just for the approval of the person in front of me. … But as I grew older, it wasn’t until recently, that I, like, think back to that situation and … think if they choose not to accept me, that’s on them.”
The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is joining with the Kent Conservation District and Kent County Parks to promote a “BioBlitz” program, an effort to record as many species of flowering plants and pollinating insects as possible in Kent County within a two-week period.
Kentwood and Wyoming community members are invited to help in the effort as part of a “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, running June 21 to July 6 in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, June 21-27.
To participate in the “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, community members can download the iNaturalist app on their smartphones and join the “Parks for Pollinators – Kent County, Michigan” project to record and report plant and pollinator species they see. The app will help users identify their findings.
“Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” seeks community participation to observe and record pollinators such as butterflies, bees and other insects, as well as flowering plants — “Together, the community will create a snapshot of the variety of plants and pollinator species found in Kent County,” according to promotional material for the program.
Kristina Colby, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator hopes the program will “encourage residents to spend time outdoors visiting new parks” while looking for pollinators.
Kentwood will host an event associated with the program on Saturday, June 26, at 1 p.m., with a free guided naturalist hike with West Michigan Butterfly Association at Kentwood’s Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground Drive SE.
“We’re delighted to host the guided naturalist hike right here in Kentwood in partnership with the West Michigan Butterfly Association,” Colby said in supplied material. “Butterflies in particular are most active in the middle of the day when the sun is shining, so it is sure to be a successful outing for observing and recording these beautiful local pollinators, as well as other species.”
Several other events will occur during the program to help participants increase their knowledge of pollinators and their impact on the natural environment. At the BioBlitz’s conclusion, program organizers will present information about the recorded species and pollinators, as well as award several pollinator posters to participants including the youngest naturalist and the one who identifies the most species.
The program kicked off June 18 with an online meet and greet with Kent Conservation District and Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff to learn more about how the “BioBlitz” program and iNaturalist app work.
Other outdoor events planned as part of the program include:
Wednesday, June 30, at 6 p.m., a free prairie walk in a wildflower and pollinator habitat on a converted family farm at 4790 Peach Ridge Ave. NW in Sparta with local landowner Persephone Rana.
Monday, July 5, at 9 a.m., a butterfly count with the West Michigan Butterfly Association at Rogue River State Game Area, 13747 Krauskopf Road NE, Sparta, MI 49345. The cost is $3 per person.
“Through this program, we hope to help Kent County residents become more familiar with native bees and butterflies and the environments they prefer,”Jessie Schulte, Kent Conservation District Manager, said in supplied material. “The project also will help us answer the important question, ‘Do we need more habitat?’”
More about the project is available at iNaturalist.org. Interested participants can contact Kent Conservation District Manager Jessie Schulte with questions at jessie.schulte@macd.org or 616-222-5801.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young says what’s on her mind on a wide range of subjects, from her office’s response time to incidents, how it handles those incidents, and how the staff — all of the staff — of the Kent County Correctional Facility excelled in this time of pandemic.
In May, her office presented a report to the county Board of Commissioners detailing the results of its yearly Performance Measurements Review — covering a period of time almost exclusively falling within the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Including among the measurements are the Sheriff’s office’s response time for both the 911 dispatch and deputies patrolling the roads, the department’s community engagement efforts, and the percentage of contacts resulting in use of force.
On the WKTV set, we talk with the Sheriff about those performance measurements, about what’s new in her department including the roll-out of body cameras, and — taking a cue from the current public scrutinization of law enforcement actions on the streets — we ask about her policy of de-escalation of citizen/deputy incidents and her opinion of law enforcement officers being granted qualified immunity from civil lawsuits.
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.
“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”
— Harriet Tubman (Freed Slave)
A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)
Food Truck Rally in Kentwood
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events. The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Go here for the story.
Juneteenth celebration in Wyoming
In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4p, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW. The free event will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
800, plus or minus
Kent County has a fair amount of food trucks, but arguably the home of the first food truck culture, Los Angeles, Calif., had a food truck population of more than 800 trucks before the pandemic. Source.
This summer, both the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum explore America’s culture — from pop to folk — through different lenses.
Grand Rapids Public Museum: POPnology and Pollinators
The Grand Rapids Public Museum takes a futuristic approach to American culture with its “POPnology” summer exhibit along with giving visitors a ground view of the life of pollinators in “Amazing Pollinators.”
“This summer, you won’t want to miss these two exciting additions to the experience at the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” said Kate Kocienski, the Public Museum’s vice president of marketing and public relations. “Great for all ages, these exhibits will entertain while teaching about nature, science, technology and engineering.”
A featured item in the “POPnology” exhibit is the DeLorean time machine car from “Back to the Future.” (GRPM)
“POPnology” is three floors of exhibit space featuring the DeLorean time machine, androids, and extraterrestrials from far-away galaxies and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and see how technology has been featured in movies, books, television, art, and created by futurists. Four featured areas explore science and technology in everyday lives, where we’ve been, and where we’re going: How We Play, How We Connect, How We Move, and How We Live and Work.
Among the highlights of the “POPnology exhibit are:
Local Motors showcasing the Strati, the world’s first 3D printed car
Two interactive state of the art game that allow you to explore our fascination with the red planet – the Mars Rocket Builder and Mars Lander
Virtual projection games
Futuristic musical instrument technology
Jetpack from Disney’s “The Rocketeer”
Autopia car from Disney World’s Tomorrowland
Artistic renderings from visual futurists who created the look of such movies as “Blade Runner,” “Star Wars,” “Alien”
Moving from futuristic to the real world, “Amazing Pollinators” is a bilingual and playable maze that has hundreds of interactive flowers spread across nine environments like lotus flowers in the rain forest, saguaro cactus in the desert, and moon flowers glowing in the black lit night room.
Visitors explore the “Amazing Pollinators” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (GRPM)
In the maze, visitors take on 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. There are six missions for each group that increase in complexity and difficulty, putting players in the shoes of different species like the hibiscus bee, soldier beetle or ruby-throated hummingbird.
Both exhibits will be available through the summer season. Tickets for “POPnology” are $5/person and $3/GRPM member and are in addition to general admission to the Museum. “Amazing Pollinators” is included in the general admission. Kent County residents receive discounted admission to the Public Museum, including free general admission every day for Kent County kids ages 17 and under.
Advance ticket purchase is required before visiting the museum. Visitors are required to wear masks properly during the duration of their visit. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit grpm.org.
Cotton, with pencil quilt by Jessie B. Telfair (1913–1986), 1983; Jessie B. Telfair, (1913–1986); Freedom Quilt; 1983; Textile; Quilt; Cotton, with pencil; 74 x 68; American Folk Art Museum; Parrott, Georgia, United States; 2004.9.1
Grand Rapids Art Museum: American Perspectives
More than 80 American folk art objects, spanning from paintings and pottery to quilts, needlework, and sculpture, are on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum through Aug. 28.
“‘American Perspectives’ offers our visitors a chance to look at America through the eyes and experiences of folk artists,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The diversity of experience and perspective is what strengthens our community, and we look forward to sharing a platform for stories that have often been untold throughout history.”
“American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection” is organized into four sections: Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers. Within each of these sections are themes of nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy.
Many of the works in the exhibit present the perspectives of groups that are largely unseen in museums, such as enslaved people, immigrants, and people with disabilities. It reinforces how many of our society’s current issues — immigration, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and loss of personal liberties — have been a concern in the past and remain topics of significance today.
“‘American Perspectives’ include traditional art works like portraiture and landscape paint to more unexpected pieces like carousel figures, wood carvings, and dolls,” said GRAM Assistant Curator Jennifer Wcisel. “The craftsmanship and beauty of each work is remarkable, but what truly makes them come alive are the diverse stories behind them.
“From Felipe Archuleta who was unable to find work as a carpenter and began creating life-size animal sculptures to Jessie B. Telfair, a black cook in Georgia who created her ‘Freedom Quilt’ after being fired from her job when she tired to register to vote — I hope visitors will find stories that relate to their won lives and the social and political issues of the present.”
The exhibit is included with the general admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit artmuseumgr.org.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools recently announced that it was one of 15 districts across the State of Michigan selected to participate in the continuation of a state STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, the MiSTEM Place, Project and Problem (3-P) Based Learning Playbook for the State of Michigan.
In return for participation in this program, the district will be awarded $10,000 for the enhancement of the districts current STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programs.
“Innovating the student experience has been a focus of our district and this award is an affirmation to the hard work of our staff and students,” Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said in supplied material. “We believe each child is brilliant and it is our mission to create conditions for student success. STEAM is one of many ways we accomplish this goal.”
The playbooks will be published for Michigan schools to utilize as examples of programs who exemplify outstanding implementation of 3-P Learning. Godfrey-Lee was recognized for K-12 STEAM, Senior Capstone Experience and recent project “Bilingualism is our Superpower!”
The MiSTEM award will go to support the further development of the K-12 STEAM program including vertical curriculum development, according to supplied material. It will also fund opportunities for student teams to share their STEAM experiences with surrounding communities such as representing Godfrey-Lee by speaking at the MACUL Student Showcase.
The MiSTEM organization is locally run through Grand Valley State University and is a longstanding partner with Godfrey-Lee schools.
In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event this Saturday at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW.
The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
“I wanted to create an intimate space that there could be an exchange of learning about the Black culture,” said Wyoming resident Dana Knight, who through the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, organized the Juneteenth event.
Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day – June 19, 1865 – that a Union General issued an order announcing the end of the war and freeing enslaved African Americans in Texas. The order was signed in Galveston one day after the Union Army arrived in the western most Confederate state, two months after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The City of Grand Rapids has hosted a Juneteenth event for the past several years and Knight, who had lived in Grand Rapids, said she found herself heading to Grand Rapids to participate in cultural activities. After joining the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, she said discussed with the commission about hosting similar cultural events in Wyoming.
The Commission was open to the idea, according to Knight, and has planned several cultural events, including something for Black History Month and Juneteenth 2022, for next year.
“There was discussion that there was money leftover this year because of COVID and the fact that there were no concerts last summer,” Knight said. “I said, if you approve it, we still have time to have a Juneteenth event this year.”
The Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission gave the green light with Knight then looking for a location to have the event. It was a challenge, as COVID restrictions had not been lifted.
“I was driving past (Calvary Christian Reformed Church) and it just struck me that they are always doing something for the community,” Knight said. “They have food trucks. They have a community dinner. They are just very involved with the community.”
Calvary Christian Reformed Church agreed to be the host site and from there, Knight began lining up speakers and presenters to focus on different topics such as the CROWN legislation act, which is focused on helping to end hair discrimination. There also will be discussions on the Freedom Rides, Marvin Gayes “What’s Going On,” racism as a public health crisis, the 1972 Black political convention and poetry presentations along with exhibits and artifacts.
“This is a cross cultural, cross racial opportunity for people who don’t have the opportunity to be around each other to talk and learn, to see each other as humans, as regular people,” Knight said.
The event will be filmed by WKTV and aired at a later date. Wyoming’s Juneteenth event is Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500, Byron Center Ave. SW.
As the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.
Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.
“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”
Michigan has 20% of the world’s freest water. (Supplied)
Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents.Of Michigan’s 100-plus state parks, 42 offer access to Great Lakes shoreline.
Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said the increase in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years is especially troubling and clear evidence that greater public awareness is needed. In particular, Grand Haven, Holland, Ludington and Mears state parks are situated in locations where rip currents tend to build and recurring safety hazards are present.
“When it comes to protecting Michigan residents and visitors on the water, especially the Great Lakes, we cannot talk enough about safety, preparation and vigilant awareness,” Olson said.
New safety measures at Holland State Park
Holland State Park, situated along Lake Michigan, is one of Michigan’s most-visited sites and provides the main access to a popular pier that is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More recently, the DNR and the local community have collaborated on additional ways to alert visitors to changing Great Lakes and pier conditions.
This past fall, Holland State Park staff collaborated with Park Township and The King Company to fund the installation of a gate on the pier adjacent to Holland State Park. The goal is to help save lives by restricting access during harsh weather and to reduce the number of people jumping off the pier, while still allowing people to fish from the pier when feasible. Generally speaking, the gate will be closed during the winter, when the red flags are flying and during night hours when the park is closed.
In addition, an electronic messaging board conveying beach conditions is located where visitors enter Holland State Park, and a new public address system will be used to update beachgoers as the beach warning flags are changed in response to weather conditions. Visitors also can view live beach conditions at CityOfHolland.com/645/MIHollandCAM via livestream video courtesy of the City of Holland and Biggby Coffee. Conditions are posted on the park’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HollandStateParkMi.
More recently, the DNR and the Holland community have collaborated on additional ways to alert visitors to changing Great Lakes and pier conditions. (Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
River outlets and breakwalls
Dangerous currents can occur near the outlets of rivers and breakwalls, especially during times that water levels are higher.
For example, the mouth of the Big Sable River is located in Ludington State Park, but outside the designated swim area. In the past, swimmers have been swept out into Lake Michigan. This park also has installed an electronic bulletin messaging board at the entrance to the designated beach area to help alert visitors of current conditions.
In addition, swimmers should be aware of particularly dangerous structural currents that form along shoreline structures near breakwalls, such as in Mears State Park.
“When northwest winds appear, water is pushed to the shore causing dangerous currents along the north side of the pier,” said Chris Bush, lead ranger at Mears State Park. “People are often surprised that structures located in the Great Lakes can cause such powerful, and sometimes dangerous, currents.”
Using state park designated swim areas on the Great Lakes
Many, but not all, state parks on the Great Lakes offer designated swimming areas that are identified by buoys or buoys and markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Water depth will be inspected approximately every 14 days and underwater obstacles will be posted or marked. You may also find other designated swim areas in areas other than state parks.
Check the flag upon arrival and be sure to monitor it throughout the day because conditions can change rapidly.
Green flag = Go. Enter the water but stay aware of changing conditions.
Yellow flag = Caution. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
Red flag = Stop. Stay on the beach; do not enter the water and do not swim.
There are no beach guards at state parks , so please never swim alone and keep close watch of children. Stay within arm’s reach and make sure all kids wear life jackets.
If there is an emergency, immediately call 911. At Holland and Grand Haven state parks, use the nearest red zone number boards (located on the beach) to help relay your location as accurately as possible.
State park designated swim areas have lifesaving flotation device and equipment. Remember the safety equipment on the beach or pier is for emergency use only; using this equipment for anything else is against the law.
Keep these additional cautions in mind when enjoying time in and around the Great Lakes:
Currents near piers can be extremely hazardous. Pay attention to the buoys marking the designated swim areas; swimming outside of the marked swim zones can be dangerous and should be avoided.
During certain weather conditions, the force of water and waves crashing over the surface can easily wash someone off a structure; always monitor the beach flag warning system.
Before leaving home, learn about the types of Great Lakes currents and how to escape them.
Check local weather reports and lake conditions before and during your beach trip.
Nondesignated swim areas on the Great Lakes
Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution because they will not have the benefit of the beach flag warning system or the visual cautions of buoys that mark water depth and other obstacles.
More smart safety water tips
When swimming or boating in any body of water – whether the Great Lakes, inland lakes or slow-moving rivers and streams – make safety your first priority. Never swim alone, always keep close watch of children and bring U.S. Coast-Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
When boating, have life jackets available for everyone on the vessel, leave a float plan with someone on shore, stay alert and carry a cell phone or marine radio. Such planning goes for those on personal watercraft like Jet Skis and paddle boards, too. Learn boating safety.
More info
Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety to learn about the beach flag warning system, how to escape rip currents and more.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is announcing several pop-up vaccination clinics, including one in Kentwood, in honor of the Juneteenth Holiday and to take further steps to end the grip of the pandemic on the African American community. County officials said they celebrate Juneteenth but also wanted to pause to recognize the lives that have been lost in the last year and encourage county residents to get the shot.
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic put many Juneteenth celebrations on hold,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “As we return to community celebrations, we are reminded that African Americans have suffered significant outcomes from the pandemic and that many of our community leaders are still working hard to drive down racial disparities in COVID-19 and increase vaccination rates.”
In Kent County, Black youth, and young adults ages 16-49 have lower vaccine rates than other racial or ethnic groups. Data also shows vaccine disparities in urban areas of the county that are occupied more heavily by African Americans. These disparities remind us that social, economic and environmental inequities result in adverse health outcomes and we will continue to work collaboratively to eliminate disparities and increase access to vaccinations across Kent County.
“We hope that people who are not familiar with the history of Juneteenth will take time to learn about this day and why it is so important,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter. “On this day of hope, healing and restoration, we want to make the COVID-19 vaccine readily available to community members who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but getting the vaccine is a great start to getting us all back to normal.”
The Kent County Health Department will offer free vaccinations at three separate events:
Date: June 17
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Kent County Health Department South Clinic ∙ 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE ∙ Kentwood, MI 49508
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Date: June 18
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Location: Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church Parking Lot ∙ 514 Eastern SE ∙ Grand Rapids, MI ∙ 49507
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Date: June 19
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Dickenson Buffer Park ∙ 1635 Willard SE ∙ Grand Rapids, MI ∙ 49507
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for anyone 12 years and older and will be available at all three clinics. Residents ages 12-15 years old must have a parent or guardian present. Residents ages 16-17 years old may present a permission note from a parent or guardian but must have a driver aged 18 years or older present.
In addition to the vaccine, masks and hand sanitizer will be available free of charge at each clinic location.
“We hope our unvaccinated community members will come to our clinics, get vaccinated, and help protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, and neighbors,” concluded Chair Bolter.
“Obligating yourself with debt is borrowing against your future income, be careful, that obligation can cause big problems when you retire.” Dave Stanley
Unless your parents made some weird deal with the hospital, you were probably born kicking and crying but debt-free. In a perfect universe, you would have remained that way, spending most of your life as solvent as possible. Then you would skip blissfully into retirement without being shackled to a boatload of debt. You’d have a million in your 401k, maxed out life insurance policies, and guaranteed income from annuities.
The reality, however, is a lot different for most pre-retirees and retirees. Life has its’ own plans, and sometimes it goes off the rails a bit. Even the best-planned people can end up underwater, sideways, and paying lots of unexpected bills. According to financial researchers, more than 41 % of Boomer retirees have credit card debt, and another 35% have car loans with balances over $14,000. Many older retirees also carry debt into retirement, although the number is substantially less.
How can debt impact retirement?
You may be thinking, “So, why is having debt so terrible? I have cash flow from my retirement accounts that I can use to pay it. Is it that much of a problem?
The answer to those questions, unfortunately, is “Yes.” Many retirees discover that having a lot of debt when you no longer work means having a more stressful, hand-to-mouth existence that could last 30 or more years after leaving the workplace.
Even worse, debt might be the tipping point that causes some retirees to run out of money long before they die. Having a lot of debt significantly constricts cash flow, making it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain emergency funds, pay for vacations and leisure activities, and pay for out-of-pocket health care costs and preventative medicine.
While many who are planning their retirements believe that having some money in the market will offset some of the problems created by debt, they forget that even historic market gains cannot offset high credit card rates. Often, we forget about the toll that anxiety over finances takes on our health and emotional well-being. Having debt hanging over one’s head can also cause various mental and physical ailments that could reduce life expectancy or require nursing home care.
How much debt is acceptable?
Those close to retirement are probably wondering how much debt they can bring with them and not feel too impacted. There are rules of thumb in the financial services industry that say you should have no more than 28% of your pre-tax household income servicing principle, insurance, interest, and taxes on a mortgage and no more than 36% of that income to consumer debt payments.
That’s while you are still drawing a paycheck.
In my opinion, when you retire, the numbers should be much, much more conservative. If you find yourself rapidly nearing retirement and saddled with debt, you may want to consider other options. To pay off debt and still keep saving for retirement, you might try working a few years past your ideal retirement age, getting a second job or part-time “gig,” selling off things you don’t want or need, or perhaps negotiating lower interest rates on loans.
In most cases, you want to pay the high-interest debts first and not worry as much about the mortgage, especially if you have a reasonable fixed rate and continue to get the mortgage interest tax deduction. If you don’t have an ideal rate, consider refinancing to shorter terms or lower interest rates.
The final word:
Because individual financial situations differ, the amounts of debt that can potentially impact retirements will be different for everyone. In general, though, it’s a good idea to pay off as many debts as possible before you decide to retire. If you are already retired or are about to, consult a competent retirement specialist to find debt reduction strategies that are best for you.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The ice cream shop, currently called Debbie’s Twist-n-Shake, along Porter Avenue has been in the business for many decades. But the building originally was started as the office of Wilson & Chalmers Real Estate Company. This was the headquarters for all of the real estate subdivision development in the Wyoming Park area. The Wyoming Park name was created by Samuel H Wilson in 1910. The brick building became Dr. Vermuelen’s office in the late 1940s.
The older photo is that of the original wooden structure on the same site which served as the Wilson Real Estate Office and the local stop for the Grand Rapids-Holland Interurban Railroad. Pictured in the forefront is local resident Jonathan Augustine with Sam Wilson to the rear.
Wednesday, June 16, WKTV will be featuring the first of two scheduled International Space Station U.S. spacewalks.
NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and astronaut Thomas Pesquet, from the European Space Agency, will venture outside the space station Wednesday morning for the Expedition 65 Spacewalk #74 to install the first IRPSA solar array on the P6 Truss fro the 2B Channel Power System.
The new type of Roll Out Solar Array, a lightweight, flexible power source, provides much more energy than traditional solar arrays at much less weight
NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough (NASA.gov)
Cover begins at 6:30 a.m, with the spacewalk scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.. Check the live footage of the astronauts as they continue with the overall upgrade of the space station’s power system. The spacewalk will last approximately six and half hours.
On Sunday, June 20, the second spacewalk to install an additional IROSA solar array will take place at 8 a.m. with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.
The Kent County Plan Coordinator Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hire a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.
Grand Rapids/Kent County was one of 13 communities throughout the U.S. who participated in the national initiative, Gateways for Growth, with each community developing a localized plan. The community-led plan is structured around helping refugees and immigrants overcome barriers in five categories: civic engagement, economic development, safe and connected communities, education, and equitable access to services.
“Between 2016 and 2018, our immigrant community grew by more than 5,000 residents. With nearly $1.1 billion in spending power, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans is both the right thing to do and economically beneficial,” said Grand Rapids Chamber Vice President of Sales & Marketing Omar Cuevas. “These neighbors are making critical contributions to the local economy and adding to the rich cultural fabric that collectively creates a great community.”
The Steering Committee is now accepting applications for candidates to work with community stakeholders to implement the plan’s recommendations and strategies.
“The Welcome Plan Coordinator will play an integral part in executing initiatives geared toward making Kent County more welcoming to immigrants and refugees,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “We are excited to fill this important position and to work with community members to bring this plan to fruition.”
This part-time contracted position will be under the supervision of the newly established Kent County Inclusion Office with guidance and direction from the Welcome Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, the coordinator will collaborate with community stakeholders.
Qualifications for this position include:
Project management, budget management, and community engagement experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to effectively coordinate the implementation of long-term projects
Skills in organizing complex projects with multiple components and stakeholders
Demonstrated problem-solving skills
Ability to effectively promote and engage people during events both in the community and during interactions with key stakeholders
Ability to be creative and flexible
Ability to facilitate a consultative process with individuals, sub-teams, and large groups.
Demonstrated experience engaging diverse communities and cross-cultural experience
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms
Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field preferred
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
Grant writing experience preferred
“Our immigrant community has faced and overcome challenges and systemic barriers, but much remains to be done,” said West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros. “We look forward to selecting a Welcome Plan Coordinator to help us implement the plan and bring meaningful change to our immigrant community.”
Whether fairy or wizard, prince or princess, everyone is invited to come in costume to Princess Day on Thursday, June 17 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at John Ball Zoo.
While dressed as your favorite character, guests can meet special royalty rotating throughout the day – Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, Snow White, Elsa, Anna, Merida, Elena, Rapunzel, Moana, Mulan, Raya, and Tinker Bell.
Princess Day meet and greet is included in regular admission. Zoo members can meet the princesses for a special members-only meet and greet from 8 – 9 a.m.
Along with meeting princesses, guests can also visit the Zoo’s animals including their new Toco toucan named Mango and the red panda family of five including the three cubs.
Guests can make their Zoo visit more regal through special Princess Day only opportunities. With themed tiaras, wands, swords, crowns, necklaces, and flower headbands, guests can complete their princess day look with a visit to the Zoo’s Gift Shop. Guest can also top the day with a themed arm painting.
Zoo admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 3-12) and seniors, with children 2 and under are free. It is recommend to purchase tickets online prior to arrival to make entry quicker and easier. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information www.jbzoo.org or 616-336-4301.
The Mr. Sid’s Wednesday Afternoon Video Series resumes this week at Marge’s Donut Den with a special program featuring the chaplain of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Cris Stevens.
Stevens will discuss her role in the LPGA and how she counsels, supports, and ministers to the world’s best professional golfers. She will present her program on Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Stevens is in town this week for the Meijer LPGA Classic, which starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday at the Blythfield Country club.
“Not sure if Sid ever swung a golf club, but likely he would be interested in what the chaplain of the LPGA would have to say,” said Tom Sibley, one of the organizers of the Mr. Sid’s Wednesday After Video Series. The series is named after longtime Wyoming resident and World War II veteran Sid Lenger. Lenger hosted video and other programs every Wednesday at Marge’s Donut Den until he passed away 2019.
Lavoone Ritzema, Lenger’s daughter, met Stevens when she worked with the LPGA and said Stevens is looking forward to meeting the group as she has a special interest in veterans.
Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Imam Dr. Sharif Sahibzada, the spiritual leader and director of the Islamic Center of West Michigan, the first mosque and Islamic center in West Michigan, dating from 1985.
He has a wide-ranging perspective on the local Muslim American community as his mosque has often been the local landing point for Muslim immigrants from all over the world. But he also has a unique experience associated with the September 2001 attacks on America as he arrived just months before that terrible day.
However, his strongest memory is not one of the bias he and his fellow local Muslims faced in the immediate aftermath, but the support he and they received.
Imam Dr. Sharif Sahibzada (WKTV)
“Overall, and in general, our host community, the Christians, they welcomed us, spoke with us,” Dr. Sahibzada said on the set of the WKTV interview. “There was one example at that time, there was one church, on Kalamazoo and 36th Street … they invited our whole community over for a dinner.”
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. After initial background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, we will 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.
Among the topics Dr. Sahibzada discussed was the history of his mosque and Islamic center, his journey here to West Michigan and his Kashmirian background, and how the local Muslim American community is not just immigrants from the Middle East but of such diverse backgrounds as Bosnian and Somalian.
He also talks about his deep belief that God brought him to this place and this time 20 years ago, and brought him here for a reason.
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 the web with the Hashtag #voices911at20.
It has been almost two years since Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series promoter Chris Mautz last arranged an act on tour to stop in Grand Rapids — if you guessed Calexico and Iron Wine, in September 2019, you were probably there.
But with the national touring band concert season awakening as the COVID-19 pandemic ebbs a little more with every vaccination shot, and concert venue attendance limits are expanded or removed, Meijer Gardens this morning announced the complete lineup for 2021’s late-arriving season.
And despite its late start and abbreviated lineup, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens’ 28-show lineup, arranged as always by Mautz and his company, delivers a little something for everyone, from the opening night of Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18, to the closing night of Lettuce and Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph on Sept. 19.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will play with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18 (Supplied/Patrick Melon)
In between are 26 other shows including returning favorites The Beach Boys on Aug. 20, Pink Martini (featuring China Forbes) with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 29, and O.A.R. on Sept. 9.
The highlights of the season — from this deprived concertgoer — may well be a great two-night blast from the ‘90s past will be The Verve Pipe on July 24 and Collective Soul on July 25, the pairing of the great Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos on Aug. 8, and the return of the “bring-the-house-down” sounds of St. Paul & The Broken Bones on Aug. 27.
Nobody, though, is more glad to see the business of live concerts returning than Mautz — after all, it is his business.
“This 14-, 15-month pause is certainly not something any of us expected to happen, right? But it sure does feel good to be coming back,” Mautz said to WKTV. “There has been a desire from both sides (music venues and touring acts) to be engaged again.”
And things have been moving, cautiously, in the right direction for opening up the national touring scene for a few months.
“For so many of us, it has been the last three-ish months that we have been on a good positive trend — for the most part — case rates going down, vaccine rates going up, hospitalization rates going gown. … That consistency of heading in the right direction has given a little opportunity, for me personally, to get that engine cranking a little bit.”
Capacity restrictions no longer in place
According to the Meijer Gardens announcement, “Consistent with current COVID-19 guidance, as of July 1 there will be no capacity restrictions and 1,900 general admission tickets will be available for each concert.”
Emily Lou Harris. (Supplied/Kat Villacorta)
And that means there is likely to be full houses for many, if not all, of the aforementioned concerts and well as the rest of the lineup.
Among the other Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens are:
The Grand Rapids Symphony conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor on July 22; Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), Aug. 5; Kansas, Aug. 6; Harry Connick, Jr. and His Band – Time to Play!, Aug. 9; America, Aug. 11; Umphrey’s McGee, Aug. 12; Mat Kearney, Aug. 13; Shakey Graves, Aug. 16; Blues Traveler + JJ Grey & Mofro, Aug. 18; 38 Special, Aug. 19; Squeeze, Aug. 22; Ani DiFranco, Aug. 23; Colin Hay of Men at Work, Aug. 26; Old Crow Medicine Show, Aug. 29; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Sept. 1; Indigo Girls, Sept. 2; Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama, Sept. 12; Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sept. 15; and Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo, Sept. 16.
Some bands back on the road, but not all
While the Meijer Gardens lineup is well represented with different musical genres and acts, and other local venues are beginning to schedule as well, there will be a time lag for the touring bus to get back to full throttle, Mautz believes.
The Verve Pipe (Supplied)
“A lot of people think there will be a flood of activity from the touring world, and the public will want to get back out there,” he said. “But I think, like many things with this pandemic, it will be different shades of grey. …
“Certainly a lot of bands are itching to get out there, but some are working and have been working throughout the pandemic, while others have been a little more patient and will stay that way. I would not be surprised to see that have a reflection on the business in general.”
Details of getting the tickets
Tickets for the concerts, via Meijer Gardens’s new new ticketing partner, Etix, will be available online at Etix.com (preferred method) with handling fee of $10 per order, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $10 per order. There will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens.
Gate and show start times vary. Check MeijerGardens.org/concerts for details. All information is subject to change. All shows will take place rain or shine, weather delays are possible. There are no ticket returns or refunds.
Kansas (Supplied/Emily Butler Photography)
Meijer Gardens has created an Insider’s Guide to Buying Tickets to help with ticket purchasing. The Insider’s Guide is available at MeijerGardens.org/concerts.
Members can buy tickets during the members-only presale beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26, through midnight, July 9. Members save $5 per ticket during the presale. After July 10, members save $2 per ticket. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. To join or renew a membership before June 26, visit MeijerGardens.org/membership or call the membership department at 616-977-7689.
Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., July 10. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. Again, there will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens. Ticket can be purchased online at eTix.com with a handling fee of $5 per order (not per ticket) and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $5 per order and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales.
One of the Kent District Library’s beloved buddies, Curi, has decided to tour the local parks this summer. If you want to catch up to where he is, then you need to find him. KDL will provide clues to those participating in the Summer Wonder program a partnership between KDL and Kent County Parks Department. For more information about the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org.
Pollinators and POPnology
If the temperatures get too hot, then cool off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which is featuring two new exhibits this summer, “POPnology” and “Amazing Pollinators.” “POPnology” combines pop culture and technology, showcasing how science fiction has become science fact. “Amazing Pollinators” is a maze that visitors follow taking 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups, including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. For more on the exhibits, visit grpm.org.
Big and Small
OR wander through the John Ball Zoo to visit the animals and check out the zoo’s latest BRICKLIVE exhibit, “Supersized!” featuring some of the word’s smallest creatures in large-than-life proportions. Or put it on the calendar to check out the next Adult Night Out series on Thursday which features brews from Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing. For more on the zoo, visit, jbzoo.org.
Fun Fact: Hey, Little Sister
We know that sometimes it can take a while to have family join you in the United States after immigrating here. For the Statute of Liberty, it took 136 years for her sister to finally make the trip. Wishing to emphasize the importance of the bonds between the United States and France, a group of French craft people created the nine-foot replica of the 181-foot one on Ellis Island. The statue is set to board a ship on June 19 to come to the United States. It will be on display for a short-time next to her ‘big sister’ in New York before heading to Washington D.C., where it will be on display for the next 10 years at the French embassy.
Woodland Mall is celebrating fathers by giving back to the community through a virtual contest with a portion of proceeds going to support local families though the City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
Currently running and through June 16, Woodland Mall is participating in partner company PREIT’s online giveaway, “Best Dad Ever,” where shoppers can nominate their dad on the mall’s website to win one of three giveaway packages best suited for their personality,” according to a supplied material.
Father’s Day is for the fathers, and the kids who love them. (Supplied)
To enter, nominators share “Why their dad is the best out there.” Three great fathers — “Gadget Dad”, “Grilling Expert”, and “Man of Style” — will be selected with the fathers winning $50 gift cards from Apple and On the Boarder, Macy’s and Red Robin, and J.Crew and Black Rock Bar & Grill, respectively.
Woodland Mall will then donate $1 dollar for every giveaway entry to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, up to $1,000.
According to Feeding America, food banks are serving 55 percent more people than before the pandemic, making the Little Free Pantry, which has helped feed thousands in the community since its opening in 2017, even more essential.
“We’re delighted to partner with Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry for this giveaway in honor of all the incredible fathers out there,” Mikia Ross, senior marketing director for PREIT, said in supplied material. “The hallmark of a great dad is his dedication to taking care of his family. We want to give an opportunity for loved ones to give some extra love back to fathers and father figures, while also helping take care of the community.”
Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow federal recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall and practicing physical distancing. Unvaccinated guests are required to wear a facial covering while visiting the mall.
In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited. Current mall hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Anybody who knows Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, who has been inside the walls of the middle/high school complex and its other schools, knows that the last four years have been extraordinarily good years under the leadership of outgoing Superintendent Kevin Polston.
But life, and the ‘legendary’ educational and facility advancement of the district, will continue its movement forward as Polston leaves later this month to take over leadership of the Kentwood Public Schools system.
Dirk Weeldreyer (Supplied)
And the first step in that continuing path is the June 11 announcement that the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Dirk Weeldreyer to become interim superintendent effective July 1.
While Board of Education President Eric Mockerman had nothing but praise for the departing superintendent, he and the board see the district continuing to move forward, both in the interim and longterm.
“We have been blessed to have Kevin with us for the last four years and with his leadership we have gotten through some very tough times. Kevin has helped to build a very strong team and prepare us for a bright future,” Mockerman said to WKTV. “I am excited to have Dirk come on board with us and help us through this process. His experience and knowledge of our district as well as his other interim experiences will help to make this transition easier.”
Weeldreyer is expected to serve for six months to allow time for the district to complete a search process and appoint a full-time superintendent.
“We will take this time to establish a profile for who we want for our next leader and go through the process of searching for the right candidate,” Mockerman said.
Weeldreyer comes to Godfrey-Lee with nearly 20 years of educational leadership experience including nine years as the superintendent of Fennville Public Schools where he retired in 2017, according to supplied material. His more recent school district service includes serving as interim superintendent at both Caledonia Community Schools and Muskegon Public Schools.
He currently serves as the Executive Director of the School Equity Caucus, a statewide organization of approximately 200 school districts that seeks adequate and equitable school funding in Michigan.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to serve the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools during this time of transition,” Weeldreyer said in supplied material. “The district has a well-deserved reputation for providing an outstanding educational experience for its students, and the many similarities between my previous district, Fennville, and Godfrey-Lee make me feel right at home.
“I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, families, and community as we continue to provide an excellent education for our children.”
While there will still be plenty of work to do for a superintendent, in the short and long term, at Godfrey-Lee, the district has in the past four years accomplished much. It has cemented its reputation as a making its “minority majority” student population a strong and proud reputation, transitioned is sports image and district outlook moniker to become “The Legends”, and survived a partial collapse of the middle/high school building by, in part, getting passed a local bond measure to not only repair the damage but to fund massive facility and infrastructure improvements.
All of which were led by Superintendent Polston.
“I have been fortunate to serve the Godfrey-Lee community over the past four years,” Polston said to WKTV. “It is a truly special place because of the amazing people that call this district home. It will always have a special place in my heart and I will take the Legend spirit with me long into the future.”
Saturday, June 5, was a sunny, 80-degree day with humidity – the perfect day to open a splash pad, which is exactly what the City of Wyoming did as it officially opened its fourth at Jackson Park.
Before the ceremony, members of the Wyoming High School band, there to help celebrate the reopening of the park, were making plans to jump in the new splash pad as soon as it was open. The minute that City of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt announced the countdown to start the water, the students were quickly joined by area children on splash pad’s edge for the race on who would get wet first.
“It has been 13 years of planning and fundraising,” Rynbrandt said, adding that coupled with the fact that the park has been closed for about year due to construction, she was not surprised by the excitement of residents to finally be able to enjoy Jackson Park.
“COVID made it clear the importance of our park and recreation usage,” Rynbrandt said. “It is about being outside, connecting with families, making sure we have healthy lifestyles whether it is the joy of being in an environment where nature soothes the soul to being active and physically fit.”
One of the targeted parks on the city’s improvement campaign, the City of Wyoming approved a $1.4 million investment to Jackson Park last year. This allowed for several new features at the park, such as the splash pad and playground equipment, along with playground shelter, parking lot and lighting. The features, especially the splash pad, came from residents who were given the opportunity to provide input on what they wanted to see at the park.
For the official Jackson Park reopening, Rynbrandt was joined by city officials, Kent County Commissioner Dan Burrill, State Representative Tommy Brann, members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Historical Commission, the Wyoming High School band, residents and, of course, lots of area children.
“This park really needed it,” said longtime Wyoming resident Gene Kurt who is on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. “They needed to bring the kids back to the park.”
Kurt, whose wife’s family has lived near the park for years, said Jackson Park has a long history. It was known as Lake Alexander, named after one of the first settlers in the area. According to Bill Branz, a member of the Wyoming Historical Commission, there were a number of lakes like Lake Alexander around the City of Wyoming, To eliminate each home having its own well, the city developed a water well system and eventually the water was drawn off and consumed, accord to the Wyoming history book “Wilderness to Wyoming.”
By 1966, due to a federal government mapping project, the name of the park had been changed to Jackson. With water from the lake decreasing, the city began to move dirt to the area to establish the park, Branz said.
From the splash pad, looking north past the new bathroom facilities, you can see signs of the water pumping station.
“I think this is great,” said Wyoming resident Chris Hall, who had students in the band and one running through the splash pad. Hall, who is on the city’s Community Development Committee, said it was wonderful that the city takes great care with its parks, which offer an array of activities for residents that are only walking distance away.
Funding for the Jackson Park project was provided through the City’s Capital Projects Revolving Fund, with staff support through the City’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.
Jackson Park is the third park in a period of four years to have been redeveloped. The pocket park Ferrand Park, located along Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018 with Ideal Park completed in 2020.
The city continues its work on the parks, turning its focus to Gezon Park with bids out for the next phase of work at the park which will include a larger splash pad. Also, Rynbrandt said the city will be opening up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW.
“We are hoping for 2,000 responses,” Rynbrandt said the Marquette Park project. “We had 1,800 for [Jackson Park] and as you can see, it made it happen.”
The Apple & BBQ Festival will make a comeback as the largest festival to return to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area after a forced cancelation in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Located at the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes on Silver Lake Road, this exciting two-day festival will take place outdoors on Sept. 10 and 11 with a culmination of live entertainment, events, and delicious food!
The festival will do the right thing about health and safety protocols to make sure people feel comfortable. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the festival. Guests, volunteers, and vendors are encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands frequently. Mask will not be required but are welcomed.
Families and festival goers can expect an expanded Arts & Crafts Fair and an increased number of Food Vendors. Other popular features returning are the Classic Auto & Buggy Show, Kids’ Activities, Apple Pie Contest, Apple A Day 5K, Live Entertainment, Amateur BBQ Contest, Beer Tent, and more. The KCBS Professional & Amateur BBQ Cooking Contests are still being worked on, information regarding these events to follow soon.
Proceeds from the festival benefit organizations and programs that serve the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area. The festival gives back to various community events such as Silver Lake Fireworks, beautification projects including the flags and flowers at the Silver Lake roundabout, and funding projects that further the growth of the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
“We hope everybody comes and has a great time”, says Scott Beal, Executive Director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes- Hart Visitors Bureau. “We are excited for the events return and the positive economic impact it has for the area”. If you would like to attend, volunteer, sponsor, or be a vendor at the event, please call 231-873-2247 or visit www.applebbqfestival.com.
As part of its Summer Wonder program, Kent District Library has teamed up with Kent County Parks to present “Where’s Curi?” Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt through local parks to find Curi, KDL’s Summer Wonder mascot.
Where’s Curi? is a fun opportunity to get outdoors and explore and learn this summer! Use clues to find Curi in five park sites throughout the county — Lepard Preserve in Caledonia, Palmer Park in Wyoming, Pickerel Lake Park in Rockford, Wahlfield Park in Comstock Park and Millennium Park in Walker.
Curi is on an adventure. Can you figure out where Curi is?
To get started, pick up a Summer Wonder workbook at any KDL branch or visit kdl.org/findcuri. Each time someone finds Curi and answers the coordinating question, they will be entered to win an outdoor fun basket!
“The Kent County Parks Department is so pleased to be partnering with KDL on this fantastic program,” said Cori VanderHart, Parks Operations Supervisor for Kent County Parks. “We can’t wait to be part of your summer adventure!”
KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing. Summer Wonder is the annual summer program from Kent District Library that helps prevent the “summer slide” that students often experience when they’re not in school.
Summer Wonder includes activities such as reading challenges, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects and entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Summer Wonder is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. Visit kdl.org/summer for more information.
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events.
The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11.
A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
“We’re pleased to expand the Food Truck Festival to two dates and double the opportunity for community members to come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic local food and music,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We’re delighted to again partner with GR8 Food Trucks, vendors and musicians to provide this wonderful all-ages event for our community.”
The free-to-attend community event will feature 16 food trucks, live music and a beer tent, according to supplied material. The food trucks will offer everything from Filipino cuisine to Indian food, as well as barbeque options, hot dogs, fries and a variety of dessert options. While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
The event also will have community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, which will honor the day and educate the public about Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Workforce Employment Specialists, United Healthcare and others will be on-site as well.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Boogie Woogie Kid, followed by DJ Snax, Hazy Past and Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Among the food trucks expected to participate are Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Detroit’s Original Coney Island, Kona Ice of Lowell, Kool Breze, Little Mamma’s Ultimate Dessert & Snack Truck, Nick’s Gyros, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Pressed in Time, SANSE Filipino Cuisine, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch and UCC Dessert.
“Food trucks offer a great way to sample a variety of cuisine in a relaxed and outdoor setting,” Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks, said in supplied material. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival provides an opportunity for residents to have fun while supporting local businesses, which is especially important during the pandemic.”
South West Michigan has a rich history when it comes to ghost stories, local urban legends, and paranormal folklore. Some investigating teams and authors are not content in just repeating unsubstantiated details and are on a mission to separate fact from fiction. Responsibly and collectively asking the questions, how many local legends are just myth and how many ghost stories are pure fabrication, is a lofty goal. Kathleen Rydel Tedsen and Todd Clements were previously highlighted as authors seeking the truth.
Two more names of paranormal authors that have emerged to the forefront as myth busters are the married couple Nicole (Bray) and the Reverend Robert Du Shane. The dynamic Du Shane duo has authored an impressive list of spooky books including; “Michigan’s Haunted Nightlife,” “Haunted History of Kalamazoo,” “Paranormal Lansing,” and also co-authored “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” with Julie Rathsack. “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” details the real truth of the often told Hell’s Bridge urban legend and uncovered the actual facts of the Michigan Bell Building and the Ada Witch legend. Through their research, the paranormal detectives discovered that the infamous villain of Hell’s Bridge never existed and there is no historical record of a mass murder of children.
Nicole and Robert Du Shane
One of Grand Rapids’ most sensational ghost stories revolves around the old Michigan Bell Building and the murder/suicide victims, Warren and Virginia Randall. Tedious research revealed the names and dates in this tragedy have been changed. Did an insanely jealous husband brutally bludgeon his wife to death with his wooden leg? The truth is in the book.
What of the Ada Witch legend? A secret love affair where a cheating wife, her lover, and her enraged husband all end up dead and have haunted the general area ever since. Although no one has been able to prove the grisly details of this legend, the story continues to spread as fact, resulting in disrespect of the dead and the senseless destruction of their final resting place.
The Du Shanes both grew up in homes that were haunted and have shared their paranormal interests for several years. Nicole formed the West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society and the Reverend Robert Du Shane founded WPARanormal Talk Radio, where the couple works together on these and other projects and, eventually, married one another. Each year the Du Shanes also host Ghosts of Grand Rapids Tour and Haunted History of Kalamazoo Tours. Check out these two living legends of the paranormal on WKTV Journal episode #33 of Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast. The Du Shanes are scheduled to be on WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast in August.
Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo is now sporting a fitting mural by Dream Scene Placemaking, and mural artists Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas. (Dream Scene Placemaking)
The next time you are in Kalamazoo, looking for Bell’s Eccentric Café, and your Siri directions have your running in circles, just stop and look for the wall of hops — the big wall of big hops.
A new outdoor mural at Bell’s Eccentric Café, created and installed by Dream Scene Placemaking, is now one of the largest murals in downtown Kalamazoo and the imagery reflects the brewing process — including a wall of hops — as well as Bell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The murals are part of the the Café’s celebration of its 28 anniversary, officially set for on June 11. (Fun fact: Did you know that Bell’s was the first Michigan brewery to sell beer by the glass, on site, since Prohibition?)
Anyway, back to the murals …
Even before the Eccentric Café opened in 1993, Bell’s Brewing has “been committed to its community and re-vitalizing its areas in downtown Kalamazoo,” according to supplied material, and the murals are another example of “that commitment to breathe new life into the community.”
The Kalamazoo-based Dream Scene Placemaking, and mural artists Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas, began working on the mural on April 19.
Another wall of the Bell’s Eccentric Café mural by Dream Scene Placemaking. (Dream Scene Placemaking)
This mural project had been in the planning stages for a few years. Work was scheduled to begin just before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in March 2020. It was completed on May 14.
The mural incorporates images and messaging that represent what Bell’s is passionate about, according to supplied material, including the highest quality ingredients (hops), innovation along with high quality and consistent craft beer no matter how much the brewery grows over time (silhouette of our original brewery).
It also features the Brewers Associations’ Independent Seal, which can only be used by breweries who fit the trade group’s definition of small, independent craft brewers. Bell’s is proud to remain 100 percent family-owned and “fiercely independent.”
The company’s commitment to being “Open to All” is also well-represented.
“‘Open to All’ greets everyone who visits any of our buildings, whether that’s our pub, store, or our Comstock Brewery,” Carrie Yunker, Bell’s executive vice president, said in supplied material. “We are firmly committed to an environment that is rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion for our employees and our guests. This mural makes that statement loud and clear.”
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer saddled up to the bar at Grand Rapids’ Long Road Distillers and … wait for it … signed a series of senate bills which “will make it easier for distillers and retailers to distribute and sell mixed spirit drinks, offering consumers more choices and growing our economy,” according to a statement from her office.
Canned cocktails represent a growing part of the spirits industry, and Senate Bills 141-144 will allow for an expanded array of canned cocktails to be sold in Michigan. Previously, canned cocktails were capped at 10 percent alcohol-by-volume. These bills will allow for private wholesalers — often distilleries based in Michigan, such as Long Trail — to distribute canned cocktails up to 13.5 percent alcohol-by-volume.
Jon O’Connor, owner of Long Road Distillers, (middle), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids, and others at the singing of several state bills supporting the craft distilling industry. (State of Michigan)
“We thank the governor and the bi-partisan efforts in both the House and Senate for recognizing the importance of the craft distilling industry in Michigan as well as the need to make these changes which create new opportunities to get products to market,” Jon O’Connor, co-founder of Long Road Distillers and president of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association (MCDA), said in supplied material. “We believe this is the beginning of continued and expanded support for future efforts related to enhancing opportunities for Michigan small distillers.”
One of the bills was sponsored by state Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.
“This is commonsense legislation to allow our small businesses to distribute new products to people all over Michigan,” Sen. Brinks said in supplied material. “Grand Rapids may be known as ‘Beer City,’ but we have many innovative craft distillers who contribute to our economy and culture in West Michigan. Now that many national sellers are pushing seltzers and canned cocktail drinks, it’s only practical that we give our local businesses a fair chance to get their products in front of consumers easily and quickly.”
After a year off, GR International Wine, Beer & Food Festival set for November
The 14th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival has announced its 2021 dates as Nov. 18-20 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. And this year it will “kick off the holiday season with an unprecedented and diverse display of food, beverage and culinary entertainment presented by the area’s finest chefs, restaurants and purveyors of libations from around the globe,” according to supplied material.
Since its inception in 2008, the festival — named in 2019 as one of a dozen “Fall Wine Festivals In North America You Don’t Want to Miss” — has grown to be the largest and of its kind in the Midwest.
“Following the brunt of the pandemic, people will be looking to finally spread their wings and gather with their friends,” Henri Boucher, show producer, said in supplied material. “We are excited to once again welcome our exhibitors, presenters and the public to join us as we celebrate the return of events in a safe and welcoming venue.”
Rockford Brewing Co. plans to add pizza pub near its brew pub
When Rockford Brewing Co. first opened its doors patrons could order a beer from the bar and order a pizza from nearby Vitale’s Pizza. Both would magically show up at your table.
Who would have thought beer and pizza would go together? Like everybody!
Malphs Pizza Pub rendering (Rockford Brewing Co.)
Anyway, it was announced last month that Malph’s Pizza Pub, created by the owners of Rockford Brewing Co., will take the place of Vitale’s Pizza of Rockford by spring of 2023 and will contain a new pizzeria, distillery and brewery inside a historic building “following an extensive restoration.”
According to multiple media reports, the remodeled 5,764-square-foot space will offer “substantial seating, including two separate bars and gorgeous views of the historic Rogue River Dam and downtown Rockford. Building plans also feature expansive outdoor seating complete with a large beer garden patio and an elevated deck.”
Malph’s Pizza Pub, we are told, takes its name from Rockford Brewing’s Malph’s Premium Beer, a throwback to the lager styles popular in the post-war era.
They have been a longtime member and this month, Wyoming’s Two Guys Brewing will be giving back to the John Ball Zoo by providing the zoo a specialty brew for its Adult Night Out event series.
“To be a part of this is just an honor,” said Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne.
Payne said the zoo was one of his family’s main sources of entertainment, especially during their times as a young struggling family.
“We would give the family the gift of a zoo membership,” Payne said. “We would do the Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Public Museum and the zoo. So it was three big bills at Christmas time but we would have entertainment throughout the entire year.”
Payne said they were approached by the zoo about the opportunity for the specialty brews because zoo officials had been impressed in how the brewing company handled the pandemic, working with residents by offering pack-and-go meals and other options.
The Adult Night Out series is designed to give guests age 21 and older the opportunity to experience the zoo at night without any kids. There will be select animal encounters for guests to enjoy, along with beer and wine selections.
Payne said the brewery decided to pair some of its well known beers with the themes of each program. For example, for this Thursday’s program, the John Ball Zoo will be featuring barbecue on its menu, something that Two Guys Brewing offers and that brewery’s IPA Mosaicquest pairs well with.
John Ball Zoo will be hosting six Adult Night Out evenings throughout the summer with Two Guys Brewing pairing a beer with each night’s theme. Besides this Thursday, there will be Adult Night Out events on June 24, July 15 and 29, and August 12 and 26. Each Adult Night Out is from 6 to 9 p.m. The zoo offers four times to enter, 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 6:45 p.m.
Tickets for all dates are available online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Limited tickets are available for each evening, and capacity is limited, so the zoo officials highly recommends reserving tickets before the event. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
John Ball Zoo is located 1300 Fulton St., about a mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information about John Ball Zoo or upcoming activities, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.
Adults 21 and older have the opportunity to enjoy the John Ball Zoo without children present during the Adult Night Out series. (Supplied)
Deborah Prato is the new CEO of The Rapid, the public transit system for the Grand Rapids metro area — a large area and an equally large transit system. But Prato, who took the position early this year, has leadership experience in what can only be described as huge transit systems, including New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Prato recently visited the set of WKTV Journal In Focus 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 — including how articulated busses and motorized scooters can and should co-exist on the streets of Kent County.
“We are consistently reviewing, conducting analysis — what do we need, where do we need it, how do we serve the most?” Prato said. “I think it is not just mass transit, there is interest in a transportation network, and that includes personal mobility.”
Among the topics discussed in detail were how two of the special lines provided by The Rapid — the SilverLine and the Laker Line — are really cooperative ventures with The Rapid working with regional entities to satisfy specific transit needs while also working for the general public.
In addition, she discussed personal mobility and how — as pointed out on The Rapid’s website — “Beyond its fixed routes, The Rapid also operates demand response services for people with disabilities, and for those living outside the fixed-route service area.”
Deborah Prato, CEO of The Rapid, with host Ken Norris, in the WKTV studios. (WKTV)
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.
There is no part of the 49507 zip code that is in either the cities of Wyoming or Kentwood. On a map, it borders the two communities, but the 49507 neighborhood is located in the City of Grand Rapids.
But the borderlines can only be seen on a map with residents of the 49507 zip code as well as those from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood moving freely between their neighborhoods to live, work, play and even go to school.
“Every single morning, when I would drive in for our first classes at Godwin Heights High School, I would see students walking in from my neighborhood, from South Division and, even more south, to Godwin Heights High School,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, the executive director of The Diatribe, the organization that is working to change the narrative of the 49507 zip code through an anti-racist art project, which has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts along with a number of local organizations such as the Wege Foundation.
“When we were in the class and talking to students about where they live, there were students that lived by Kalamazoo and Eastern that were going to Godwin Heights High School,” Price said with The Diatribe teaching artist Foster “AutoPilot” chiming in “there were even students coming from as far as East Grand Rapids area to come to Godwin Heights.”
The result being is that there are many people who live in the 49507 zip code that are active in the Wyoming and Kentwood communities and who are directly impacted by what is taking place in the 49507 community.
Getting the conversation started for the 49507 Project was The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program offered at various high schools including Godwin Heights. (Supplied)
“So although this project is called the 49507 Project and people might go ‘Oh no that is not necessarily me,’ I think once we start to zoom out and go oh but these are our kids, but this is our community,” Price said.
What is taking place is the launch of the 49507 Project, a combination of student responses and community input that will shape murals to be painted by Black, brown and LGBTQ+ artists on the sides of predominantly seven Black- and brown-owned businesses that are located in the 49507 neighborhood.
The 49507 program started with The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program, a partnership with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan that teaches students about gentrification and redlining in neighbors, something that has happened in the 49507 area, according to Price.
“A lot of people moved to Wyoming and Kentwood over time because the City of Grand Rapids started to increase rent so much that it became inaccessible,” Price said. “So people moved next-door so they could start anew, could raise their families and afford to do so and that is something Wyoming and Kentwood has done so well.”
The next step in the 49507 Project, which will be taking place over the summer, will be five listening sessions, one of which will be in Spanish, Price said, adding that the reason for this is they want as many different voices from the community to be a part of the process. Artists will be there to soak in what residents are saying and from the Writing to Right Wrongs and the listening sessions, produce works that reflect the neighborhood.
This is “100-percent centered on the voices of the people who have something to say but for far too long have been ignored, “ Price said.
The goal is to have seven to 20 pieces of art that are “truly a reflection of the vibrance of the community” and that “kids could drive by and say, ‘I helped make that. My thoughts went into that,” he said.
Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well, may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)
Foster added that through the process, a web is built so that everybody is connected, everybody can respond and everybody has a voice and stake in the project. To encourage involvement, The Diatribe is paying people to be part of the listening sessions because “intellectual property has value and people should be paid for that value,” Price said.
Billboards about the project are scheduled to go up in July with the first murals being completed toward the end of August.
Both Foster and Price emphasized that people can still get involved in the project, whether they have roots in the 49507 area or not. People will be needed to canvass the community about their ideas and opinions to those willing to help scrape paint off the buildings in preparation for the murals. Financial contributions are also welcomed. To support the 49507 project, visit thediatribe.org/support.
But the biggest thing people could do is “just come and see the art,” Price said.
Tibbits Summer Theatre will open its 58th consecutive season of professional performances on June 16 with a fun and elegant musical theatre revue, The Best of Broadway, at The Ponds of Coldwater.
Last summer while the historic opera house remained shut down due to the pandemic, Tibbits became one of the few theatres in the country to produce a summer theatre season. This year, amid continued uncertainty, presenting outdoors at The Ponds became a certainty from which the theatre could guarantee the best possible season.
In this opening show, professional actors will showcase the greatest hits from Broadway—melodies that are guaranteed to have audiences humming and tapping their toes to the most memorable moments in musicals throughout the ages! With a variety of solos, duets, and ensemble pieces, the performance will showcase selections from classic favorites like Showboat, Hair, and Phantom of the Opera, along with new pieces from Hamilton, Waitress, and Dear Evan Hansen.
This original show is conceived by Tibbits Artistic Director Peter Riopelle and written and compiled by director Charles Burr and musical director Matthew Everingham. Burr and Everingham also collaborated last year to create Sing Happy, A Popped Potpourri, and When Radio Was King.
While Burr has a long list of revues and collaboration on his resume, the process for The Best of Broadway was his first long distance creation. Burr explained, “It began in March with weekly phone meetings to Matthew in New York to create a balanced show that flows seamlessly in (mostly) chronological order. The difference in our ages [40 years] helps create a more comprehensive show. The songs we’ve chosen are great for the performers we have as well as for honoring the best of Broadway.”
Tibbits Summer Theatre will feature a core group of professional company members from across the United States. The Best of Broadway will include veteran Tibbits actors Stephanie Burdick, Liz Davis, Max Gonzalez, Brooke Jackson, and Michael Motkowski along with newcomer Nile Birch. The production will be directed by Charles Burr with music direction and music arrangement by Matthew Everingham. It will feature lighting design by Catie Bencowe, set design by Stephanie Burdick and Peter Riopelle, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, and sound design by Henry Sendek. Lexa Walker leads the technicians as technical director with Rachel Marengere as stage manager, and Josh Rockwell, Scott Pauley, and Leon Kriser rounding out the technical staff.
The Best of Broadway, along with the rest of the 2021 TST Season, is presented through the generous sponsorship support of Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C.; Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; The Bushouse Family; ASAMA Coldwater Manufacturing; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; Great Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; and Vested Risk Strategies. Additional funding is provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for The Best of Broadway are $28 (including fees) for all seats, with discounts available to Tibbits members. Performances will run June 16, 18, 22, 24 and 25 at 7:30pm and June 17 and 23 at 2pm. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits admin office at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater 9 am to 5 pm weekdays or by calling 517-278-6029.
All summer theatre performances will be held at the beautiful outdoor event pavilion nestled among 30 acres of lush landscaping at The Ponds of Coldwater, just minutes from the historic Tibbits Opera House in downtown Coldwater. Golf carts are provided to transport guests who need assistance from the parking lot to the pavilion. Please note that Tibbits will follow COVID guidelines at the time performances take place. This may still include universal masking while entering and moving throughout the venue as well as social distancing. For more information call or visit Tibbits.org.
