All posts by Joanne

Government, health leaders urge public to act — and vaccinate — as return to normal is in sight

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Persons were waiting for their appointment times at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place in March. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

While community groups and entertainment venues tentatively plan for a fall with more relaxed COVID-19 related restrictions — with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in fact, laying out a plan for return to normal focused on a 70 percent vaccination total — most government and health officials agree that vaccination rates will be a key factor.

And as vaccination rates begin to slow, in West Michigan and across the United States, vaccination availability has become more easily available, to more people in more age groups, than ever before.

(WKTV)

“In order to support the state’s goal of herd immunity, we are doing everything possible to ensure Kent County residents have the information and access they need to get vaccinated,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, said last week to WKTV. “We have overcome many barriers people have faced when trying to schedule an appointment, including scheduling assistance, providing transportation options and opening community clinics throughout hard to reach areas. As vaccine supply has increased, some of our clinics are able to accommodate walk-ins.”

London stressed that Kent County residents have a one-stop on-line location for vaccination information and scheduling — vaccinatewestmi.com.

State government goals, results and actions

While Michigan’s top governmental leadership and health officials recently established a detailed timeline and plan for easing of restrictions, based on levels of vaccinations, and this week touted progress toward the goal, there is some governmental and citizen opposition.

Gov. Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced that Michigan has administered 7 Million vaccinations and that 50 percent of eligible Michiganders have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

That 50 percent level is significant as last week the governor Whitmer and MDHHS outlined a “Michigan Vaccine to Normal Plan” providing a four-step plan for easing restrictions based on vaccine rates and starting at a then 48.8 percentage level.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, front, last week, discussing a plan for return to normal focused on a 70 percent vaccination total. (Office of the Governor)

“We’ve put shots in arms of 1 in 2 Michiganders 16 and up and over 1 in 3 are fully vaccinated, including 2 in 3 seniors.  Our rollout continues to speed up,“ Gov. Whitmer said in an announcement from her office. “As we get closer to achieving our goal of equitably vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders 16 and up, we have to remember that we are still in this fight against the virus. … The way to put this pandemic behind us, however, is to get vaccinated.”

The announced back-to-normal plan steps are:

Step One: Two weeks after 4.5 million Michiganders, or 55  percent of those eligible, have received their first shot, MDHHS will lift the requirement for employers to require remote work when feasible.

Step Two: Two weeks after 4.9 million Michiganders, or 60 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will increase indoor capacity at sports stadiums and other crowd-focused locations to 25 percent; increase capacity limits at gyms to 50 percent; and lift the curfew on bars and restaurants.

Step Three: Two weeks after 5.3 million Michiganders, or 65 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will lift all indoor capacity limits, only requiring social distancing between parties; and relax the limits on residential social gatherings.

Step Four: Two weeks after 5.67 million Michiganders, or 70 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will lift the gatherings and face masks order and no longer impose mitigation measures of that kind “unless the virus threatens to overwhelm the medical system or some other unanticipated circumstance arises.”

But not all government leaders, including Republican legislative leaders, believe vaccine rates should be the only metric Gov. Whitmer’s administration considers.

In recent media reports, both Michigan House of Representatives Republican Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Republican Majority Leader MIke Shirkey expressed concern with the plan, saying they fear inoculation rates may soon “plateau” given growing vaccine hesitancy among some persons.

“What if we don’t ever get to 70” percent, Wentworth reportedly said last week in a virtual roundtable hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. “That’s a possibility.”

But the Governor’s plan has gained support from Michigan State Medical Society, and others.

Gov. Whitmer’s plan“lays out the path to returning our economy and much of our daily lives back to pre-pandemic norms, which is what we all want,” Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, said in statement, while also noting that “COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and readily available to everyone 16 years and older in Michigan.”

Local actions by health department, medical providers

Last week, the Kent County Health Department announced a change to its quarantine guidelines for people exposed to coronavirus “to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Effective immediately, the new guidance shortens the quarantine period for exposed people from 14 days to 10 days under certain scenarios.

“The previous 14-day quarantine period was based on the full incubation period of the virus,” according to the announcement. “However, data confirms 90 to 99 percent of COVID-19 infections occur within 10 days of exposure.”

In addition, residents can be released from quarantine after 10-days, without testing, if they conduct daily symptom monitoring through day 10 after the last exposure, and they do not have any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19.

 
If a potentially exposed individual develops symptoms during the 10-days, they should seek testing and self-isolate while awaiting results. Additionally, a 10-day quarantine period does not apply to persons residing in congregate living settings or who work with individuals in high-risk groups.

 
“This change will make it easier for individuals to complete their quarantine and still reduce the spread of the virus,” KCHD Medical Director Dr. Nirali Bora said in supplied material. “However, we encourage residents to remain vigilant against the virus and to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

 

And a big player in the vaccination program also announced changes. Metro Health — University of Michigan Health, which has vaccinated more than 38,000 people against COVID-19, announced this week that vaccine scheduling is now open to anyone 16 years of age or older.

The COVID-19 vaccination effort is continuing to expand. (U.S. Government).

For more information and to schedule an appointment visit metrohealth.vaccine.mychart.com. Persons can also call 616-252-6161 to schedule a vaccine appointment or with any questions. The telephone line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday; but they note that “call volume is very heavy” and calls will be answered “as soon as we can.”

Also announced by Metro Health-UM Health is that “As recommended by local, state and federal health agencies,” they have resumed distribution of the single-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

“After investigating reports of blood clots, an independent panel of scientists found the risk to be extremely low and concentrated among women younger than 50 years,” as stated in a Metro Health-UM Health announcement. “As an extra precaution, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health will not distribute this vaccine to women in this age group.”

Rite Aid pharmacies also announced last week that it is administering COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis in all its Michigan stores, and anyone 16 or older is eligible. However, they still recommend scheduling appointments in advance to reduce wait time and guarantee availability of the vaccine.

All three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. — Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson – are being administered at Rite Aid. Individuals 18 and older can schedule appointments online. Those ages 16 and 17 can schedule an appointment with parent or guardian consent at any store administering the Pfizer vaccine by contacting the store’s pharmacy directly. For more information visit riteaid.com/covid-19.

Falcons track coach Stephenson talks lost season, positive athlete outlook on latest WKTV Sports Connection

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East Kentwood High School girls track coach Stephanie Stephenson visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on the past and present of the Falcons girls team and program. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk East Kentwood girls track and field, and why last year’s “season the wasn’t” was so hard on the team and its coach, Falcons head coach Stephanie Stephenson.

(To see the WKTV interview with Falcons’s boys head track coach, see related story  here.)

Coach Stephenson talks about fielding teams in this time of pandemic protocols, what impact last year’s lost season has had on her program — while still praising her 2020 seniors for how they handled it — and we find out which Falcons are poised to have big seasons this year.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of high school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)

GVSU’s Hauenstein Center, continuing support for veterans, to host Hidden Wounds of War Conference

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Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)
Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

While limitations on in-person group experiences continue due to the pandemic, The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies knows there has been no break in the need for supporting veterans recovering from the sometimes hidden wounds of war.

So Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center and its partners, including the Kent County Veterans Services office, will go virtual this year as the Hidden Wounds of War Conference — this year with the conference theme of “Moral Injury” — will be held Thursday, May 6, and will be delivered online using Zoom.

“The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies hosts the Hidden Wounds of War Conference as a community service effort to build awareness and educate the community about treatments and resources available to our veterans,” Brent Holmes, acting director of the center, said to WKTV. “The Hidden Wounds of War Conference stems from a Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies event that has held in June 2008. Through the years, the Hauenstein Center has partnered with veteran organizations to be able to host this impactful conference.”

U.S. Marines with Task Force Southwest depart a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter prior to an advisory meeting with Afghan National Army soldiers at Camp Hanson, Afghanistan, June 13, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

And one reason for a presidential studies center to be focused on support of war veterans? It is presidents who send them to war.

“We desire to be more effective in serving those who serve and have served our communities and nation,” Holmes said. “Veterans, first responders, families, and communities struggle with the aftereffects of this service. Too often suffered in silence, the psychological trauma experienced by our men and women in uniform brings the hardship home. By embracing honest discussion and strong networks of support, winning the battle against these challenges is possible.”

For detailed information and to register for the Zoom conference visit here.

General conference schedule

The schedule of events for the day begins with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m., then moves into general session at 9 a.m., with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock discussing “Moral Injury.”

Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock is Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Programs at Volunteers of America and a Commissioned Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Courtesy/GVSU)

Moral injury refers to suffering due to moral emotions such as shame, guilt, remorse, outrage, despair, mistrust, and self-isolation, according to supplied material. It emerged as a concept among Veterans Affairs clinicians working with military combat veterans beginning in 1994.

This session will offer some of the factors in human beings that can lead to moral injury by examining how conscience is shaped; presenting several definitions of moral injury, both clinical and cultural/religious; identifying the range of morally injurious experiences that disrupt moral identity; and explaining the relationship of moral injury to other trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After a short break, there will be morning break-out sessions between 10:30 a.m. and noon, including sessions titled “Military Sexual Trauma”; “Military Culture, Families, and Relationships”; and “Suicide Prevention” — where participants “will gain an understanding of the scope of suicide with the United States and within the Veteran population and will know how to better identify a veteran who may be at risk for suicide.”

After a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., there will be another general session with Dr. Nakashima Brock. The lecture will, among other topics, explain what constitutes recovery from moral injury and discuss validated programs for supporting recovery from moral injury. In addition, it will discuss strategies as yet to be validated but that seem promising, including the role of congregations and community organizations.

After another short break, there will be more afternoon break-out sessions from 2:30-4 p.m., including sessions titled “Community Resources”; another session on “Suicide Prevention”; and one on the local “Kent County Veteran Treatment Courts”, which will discuss trends and policies of such courts, and the courts’ mission — “Participants will leave with an understanding of the methodologies used in program development and operations and how KCVTC enhances public safety and enhances the community’s return on investment.”

Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre opens season in May

Citizen Journalism, ,

By Patti Cornwell
Turkeyville USA

All sorts of exciting things are happening out at Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA right now. As the pandemic begins to wane, and folks start to head outdoors again, the 400-acre centennial farm offers the hottest attractions available right now: fresh air and plenty of room to spread out.

As families begin to return, Cornwell’s is re-opening their well-known dinner theatre in May with a fresh vision and a brand-new producer, Dexter Brigham. Dexter comes to Cornwell’s from Midland Center for the Arts, where he served as their Director of Theatre Programs for the past eight years.

“When Patti and I first started talking about re-opening the theatre, we considered what we might want to look and feel different. We decided to use the downtime wisely. We upgraded our lighting and sound systems, so our audiences could enjoy the best experience possible, and we’ve worked really hard to assemble a cast of talented comic actors from all across the country for our first show,” remarks Brigham.

That first show is the bedroom farce, Right Bed, Wrong Husband, by the married playwriting duo, Neil and Caroline Schaffner. In the play, Ted is a young, penniless bachelor whose uncle holds the strings to his trust fund. In order to increase his meager allowance, Ted hatches a plan to convince his uncle he has gotten married, but when his uncle drops in unexpectedly, he has to work double time to convince his uncle that his best friend’s wife is, in fact, his own. The play is filled with slamming doors, misunderstandings, mistaken identities and the nearly naughty antics that is the hallmark of great farce.

The cast of the play will feature Micah Weese from Tulsa, OK as the beleaguered Ted; Dreaa Kay Baudy from Sarasota, FL as his fiancée, Ruth; Ptah Garvin, also from Sarasota, as his drunken neighbor, Hubert; Austin James Roach, from Chicago, as his writer friend Claude; Victoria Sasso, from New York City, as Claude’s resourceful wife, Evelyn; and Hana Park, from Pittsburgh, as Ted’s sarcastic housekeeper, Myra Tackleberry.

Right Bed, Wrong Husband will run from May 13 through June 26 at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, with matinees every Wednesday through Saturday at 2pm, and evening shows on Saturday nights at 8pm. Seating for the meal begins two hours prior to curtain. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, and include dinner, dessert, and the performance. For tickets, visit turkeyville.com, or call 269-781-4293.

Wyoming Police seeking information on shooting at carnival

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information on a shooting that took place Saturday, May 1, at the carnival being held at Lamar Park.

 

At approximately 7:35 pm on May 1, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the reports of shots fired at the carnival. Witnesses reported seeing a white 4 door vehicle driving quickly through the parking lot. The white vehicle stopped near a red pick-up truck and an occupant of the white vehicle fired several rounds into the truck. The white vehicle then fled the park westbound on Porter St. The red pick-up truck fled the park in an unknown direction prior to police arrival.

Two vehicles in the parking lot were struck by rounds being fired at the red truck. At this time, no victims or suspects have been identified in this incident. 

The carnival was closed for the remainder of the weekend.

 

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. 

The Rapid to begin summer service schedule May 10

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The Rapid announces its summer schedule, providing more early and evening services. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Beginning Monday, May 10, The Rapid will implement an enhanced summer service schedule, providing increased access to public transit options across the entire service area.

The Rapid constantly monitors the public transit service it provides, working to adjust operations to offer the most reliable, efficient and effective service possible. Adjustments will be made to bus schedules to provide more service to the six-city area and to improve overall system performance.

Routes in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas that will be impacted are 1 – Division Route, Route 8 – Grandville/Rivertown, and Route 10 – Clyde Park. These routes will have both earlier and later times added to the schedules. Also, Route 2 – Kalamazoo and Route 16 – Wyoming/Metro will see an early start time added to the weekdays.

The main changes are as follows:

Seventeen routes will begin service earlier on weekdays


The following routes will begin service at 5:15 a.m. on weekdays:


▪  Route 1 – Division, Route 2 – Kalamazoo, Route 4 – Eastern, Route 5 – Wealthy, Route 6 – Eastown, Route 8 – Grandville/Rivertown, Route 9 – Alpine, Route 10 – Clyde Park, Route 11 – Plainfield, Route 12 – West Fulton, Route 15 – East Leonard*

 *These routes previously started service at 5:45 a.m.

The following routes will begin service at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays:

▪ Route 7 – West Leonard, Route 16 – Wyoming/Metro Health*

*These routes previously started service at 6:00 a.m.


The following routes will begin service at 5:45 a.m. on weekdays: 

  • Route 3 – Madison, Route 13 – Michigan/Fuller, Route 14 – East Fulton, Route 18 – Westside*

    *These routes previously started service at 6:15 a.m.

Fourteen routes will run later on weekdays.

The following routes will add a 10:15 p.m. departure from Rapid Central Station:

▪  Route 1 – Division, Route 2 – Kalamazoo, Route 3 – Madison, Route 4 – Eastern,
Route 5 – Wealthy, Route 6 – Eastown, Route 8 – Grandville/Rivertown, Route 9 – Alpine, Route 10 – Clyde Park, Route 11 – Plainfield, Route 12 – West Fulton, Route 13 – Michigan/Fuller, Route 14 – East Fulton, Route 15 – East Leonard*

The last departure for these routes from Rapid Central Station was previously 9:45 p.m.

  • Service on Route 4 – Eastern south of 28th St. will improve from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.


  • DASH service will now operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.


  • DASH service will no longer operate on Saturdays


These service enhancements will expand transit options for Rapid riders as the region continues pandemic recovery efforts.

 

“We’re excited to be able to expand current service and increase options for our customers,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “Transit has such a critical role to play in pandemic recovery, and we will continue to provide our community with an accessible, reliable network of mobility options.” 

Gift card program designed to help minority business in Grand Rapids

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Wyoming’s Maya Mexican Grill and Bar is one of the restaurants participating in the gift card match. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Consumers Energy is partnering with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation to create a unique gift card program to let customers double their spending and help 40 minority-owned businesses in the Grand Rapids area.

The initiative is part of Consumers Energy’s Our Town program to assist small local businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Wyoming and Kentwood business are participating in the program such as Lindo Mexico and May Mexican Grill, Robinson Popcorn, Tamales Mary, and Bar in Wyoming and The Candied Yam in Kentwood.

Consumers Energy’s $55,000 contribution to the Michigan Municipal League Foundation is allowing the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber and Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses to provide $25 Mastercard gift cards to 40 of their member businesses.

“This unique partnership with the MML Foundation allows Consumers Energy to work with an important business segment facing challenges because of COVID-19 by increasing local spending in the greater Grand Rapids community,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience.

Kentwood’s The Candied Yam also is participating in the gift card program. (Supplied)

Under the program, which kicks off today, patrons who spend a minimum of $25 at a participating location will receive a $25 Mastercard gift card that can be applied to their purchase or spent at any of the participating businesses. Each business will receive an equal number of gift cards for distribution, but supplies are limited and are expected to sell out quickly.

 

The program is also backed by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, which is working to advance community wealth through strategic partnerships and investments in strong, diverse leadership for Michigan communities and place-based initiatives that drive equitable outcomes.

Foundation President Helen D. Johnson said an essential part of this gift card program is how it is geared toward underserved communities and minority-owned businesses. Johnson also thanked Consumers Energy and Grand Rapids area leaders for their tremendous commitment to this program.

“The MML Foundation is proud to join Consumers Energy and the Grand Rapids area in supporting this gift card effort. This program will provide much needed financial assistance to our local businesses that need it the most in emerging from the pandemic,” Johnson said. “Our Foundation believes in community wealth building and enhancing the human experience in our communities in ways that share economic prosperity for everyone. That is exactly what this program does.”

“This is a great way to directly help our local businesses hit so hard by the pandemic,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, a past Michigan Municipal League Board president. “I appreciate Consumers Energy’s focus on local communities, the support from the MML Foundation and the work from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber and Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses to make this a reality.”

More information, including a list of participating restaurants, is available by visiting Home – WMHCC  and GRABB Local . 

Snapshots: WKTV’s ‘back to normal’ entertainment stories you might have missed

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again.”

James Earl Jones … Can you guess the movie? (See bottom of this story)

WKTV DreamWheels red carpet show (circa. 2013-15/WKTV)

Dust off those classic cars this weekend

The 28th Street Metro Cruise will be back in full swing this August. And, to start the celebration of cars, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the return of the “dust off” event on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763, at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Go here for the story.


A probably sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series evening. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

Meijer Gardens outdoor concerts to return

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts — including three special Grand Rapids Symphony dates — as well as its Tuesday Evening Music Club and the new Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings are tentatively planned to return this summer and into the fall. Go here for the story.


The West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at the newly named LMCU Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)

Opening day for the West Michigan Whitecaps

With opening day on May 4 and first home game May 11, the West Michigan Whitecaps are gearing up for a season that is bound to be unlike any they have had in the past due to the pandemic. But the fan experience will still be fun for Whitecaps fans at the now-named LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union) Ballpark. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

‘Field of Dreams’  forever

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American film written and directed by Phil Alden Anderson, adapting W. P. Kinsella’s 1982 novel Shoeless Joe. The cast includes Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Burt Lancaster in his final film role. In 2017, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. Source.

Godfrey-Lee, Kalamazoo educational leaders are finalists to be interviewed for Kentwood Public Schools new superintendent

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Students in the Collaboration Center at East Kentwood Freshman Campus. (Supplied/KPS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will hold second interviews for the now-two finalists — Nkenge Bergan of Kalamazoo Public Schools and Kevin Polston of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — on May 5, as the district moves to hire a new superintendent after Michael Zoerhoff leaves the position at the end of this school year.

The Board of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is assisting the search, announced today, April 30, that after six first-round interviews this week the Board of Education has selected the two candidates for second-round interviews this coming week.

Scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday, May 5, are Bergan, director of student services, Kalamazoo Public Schools (6 p.m.), and Polston, Ed.S., superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools (7:15 p.m.).

According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. The district website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information.

There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that interested persons RSVP to attend the interviews in person by emailing: interviews@kentwoodps.org.

For Arbor Day, Tree Commission celebrates resilience with a special tree planting

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Resilience has been a theme for the past year as the world dealt with COVID-19, especially for local school districts which have had to move from virtual to in-person swiftly to meet with changing social distance guidelines.

So it seems only fitting that for this Arbor Day, the City of Wyoming’s Tree Commission would plant a tree considered a symbol of resilience – a Dawn Redwood – at Wyoming’s Regional Center, located at 36th Street and Byron Center Avenue.

“Here at our school, Wyoming Regional Center, this is the perfect tree for us because we talk a lot about resilience here and a lot about comeback stories and our mission is to work work with students with some very unique challenges to teach resilience and the power of new beginnings,” said Wyoming Regional Center Principal Allen Vigh. “This tree symoolizes all of those things.”

The tree was actually planted on Earth Day with a city proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt. Along with the Tree Commission, H.O.P.E. Gardens Executive Director Julie Brunson was at the event. H.O.P.E Gardens partnered with the Tree Commission on the Dawn Redwood project.

“Thanks to the Tree Amigos (the Wyoming Tree Commission), our generous donors of this gift that will bring many future seasons of beauty, comfort and peace to the children who attend this school,” Vigh said.

Also called a Metasequoia, the Dawn Redwood existed when dinosaurs were living but were thought to be extinct. That was until about 1945, when botanists in China discovered the trees growing in the rice paddies of China’s Szechwan Province. It was soon discovered that about 1,000 Dawn Redwoods were living in very isolated groves in Southeastern China.

In 1947, Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum sent another expedition to China to collect seeds, bring back about four pounds. The following year, the seeds were being distributed to botanic gardens and universities across the world.

Wyoming city officials, Tree Commission members, and representatives from H.O.P.E. Gardens were part of the Arbor Day celebration. (WKTV)

The Dawn Redwood is a fast growing deciduous tree reaching a height of more than 110 feet with a 25-foot spread. Its leaves are bright green, turning copper in the fall before losing them until the following spring. Now protected in China — the Wold Conservation Union has classified it as critically endangered due to human encroachment — the tree was once used for cabinet making.

The Dawn Redwoods are one of only three redwoods found in the word. The Coast Redwoods grow along the Pacific cost from Southern Oregon to Central California. Giant Sequoias are usually found in California’s sierra Nevada mountains. There is a Giant Sequoia, about 95 feet tall, at Manistee’s Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary.

Arbor Day

In the proclamation he read, Bolt talked about what Arbor Day, a day set aside to encourage people to plant trees.

In 1854, J. Sterling Morton moved from Detroit to the area that is now Nebraska. He and other pioneers noticed a lack of trees, which were needed to act as windbreaks to stabilize the soil and to give shade from the sun. Morton planted many trees around his own home and encouraged others to do the same.

On January 4, 1872, he proposed a holiday to plant trees on April 10 that year. This was known as “Arbor Day” and prizes were awarded to the counties and individuals who planted the most trees on the day. About one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. In 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday and was moved to April 22, which was Morton’s birthday. In 1989 the official holiday was moved to the last Friday in April. 

Falcons track coach Emeott visits WKTV Sports Connection to talk championship history, lost season

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East Kentwood High School boys track coach Dave Emeott visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on the past and present of the Falcons boys team and program. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk East Kentwood track and field, and some unusual hurdles all local track teams face, with boys track coach Dave Emeott.

WKTV sports intern Ellington Smith talks with the longtime — and very successful Falcons track coach — about fielding title-contending teams in this time of pandemic protocols, what impact last year’s lost season has had on his program and athletes, and we find out which Falcons are poised to have big seasons this year.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of high school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Music to return to Meijer Gardens (hopefully) in June, with full concert series planned July to September

3-bottom, Community Health, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
A probably sold-out crowd at a pre-pandemic Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series evening. Crowd sizes may be limited this season. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced today that the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts — including three special Grand Rapids Symphony dates — as well as its Tuesday Evening Music Club and the new Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings, also featuring musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony, are tentatively planned to return this summer and into the fall.

All scheduled dates, performers and concert information are subject to changed based on COVID-19 restrictions, according to the announcement, and “under current restrictions, capacity will be restricted to 1,000 people. If rules allow, capacity will be increased.”

The Decemberists in concert in 2018. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

But the news that there might actually be musicians on stage and concertgoers on the grass of the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage is sweet sounds for West Michigan music lovers.

“We look forward to the return of music at Meijer Gardens and are pleased to be able to continue our support of Meijer Gardens and the popular summer concert series which now includes the Grand Rapids Symphony,” Tom Welch, Fifth Third Bank regional president, said in supplied material. “We are delighted that two Grand Rapids treasured cultural organizations are teaming up to further the arts in our community.”

While most local concertgoers will be looking forward to a complete lineup and ticket details of the featured Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series — including the great St. Paul & The Broken Bones returning to town  — two free-with-admission concert series, one new and one well established, will also bring much need musical relief to local audiences.

Tuesday night and Sunday days

The Tuesday Evening Music Club, with local and regional musicians, will be on stage in July and August starting at 7 p.m.

Ralston Bowles in concert. (By Jamie Geysbeek/Supplied)

This year’s lineup includes Welcome Back Tuesday with Ralston Bowles & Very Special Guests on July 6 — with Bowles in encore as Ralston & Friends on Aug. 24 — as well as Franklin Park on July 13, Political Lizard with Molly on July 20, Via Mardot with Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish on July 27, Samuel Nalangira with The Moxie Strings on Aug. 3, Cameron Blake with Patty PerShayla on Aug. 10, Pajamas with Charlie Millard Band on Aug. 17), and the return of a special Grand Rapids Ballet show on Aug. 31.

The Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings series expands on an idea that was trialed during the summer of 2020, according to the announcement. “Led by violinist Haijin Choi, these chamber music performances happen throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park and will feature combinations of violin, harp, marimba, mandolin, cello and more.”

Five planned Sunday performances will take place on June 6, June 20, July 18, Aug. 29 and September 12. The Sunday, July 18 performance will include a special opportunity for audience participation within the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden (with more information to be announced closer to the date).

“We love both Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Symphony and couldn’t think of a better way to help bring these wonderful assets of our community together for a formal series,” the Prestons said in supplied material.  “We were thrilled at the diversity of the audience for last summer’s events and look forward to this series growing!”

Tuesday Evening Music Club and Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings performances are free for members and included in admission for other guests.

Headline concerts include symphony shows

As part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts, Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Symphony will partner for three ticketed shows including a solo Grand Rapids Symphony performance conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor, as well as the Grand Rapids Symphony playing with Pink Martini, and another show yet to be announced.

“We are very excited to bring the Grand Rapids Symphony back to Meijer Gardens for these special concerts,” Mary Tuuk Kuras, symphony president & CEO, said in supplied material. “Our shared mission of promoting the arts and bringing our community together makes this partnership a wonderful fit.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony will be in concert at Meijer Gardens later this year. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)

The three symphony shows are part of the officially titled 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series, scheduled to take place in July, August and September — “if regulations allow” — and featuring an initial lineup including The Verve Pipe, O.A.R., Kansas and Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama.

“The complete lineup of 30 shows and ticket on sale dates will be announced as soon as possible,” according to the announcement.

Members of Meijer Gardens will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series during a two-week members-only pre-sale, with dates to be announced. During the pre-sale, members also receive a $5 discount per ticket. To become a member or renew a membership, visit MeijerGardens.org/Membership.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public immediately following the members-only pre-sale, with information on prices and purchasing locations available following the release of the full lineup.

For more information on all concert plans for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, visit meijergardens.org.

Rose all May with Leelanau Peninsula Trail

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Nick Hartmann
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is pleased to announce their first event of the 2021 season.

In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail invites you to “Rosé All May” for a month-long, trail-wide event. Rosé All May is not a large-scale gathering but rather individual experiences at the area wineries. For an advance ticket purchase price of $35, ticket holders can enjoy a 3 oz glass of rosé at each of the 21 participating wineries in an event-themed souvenir glass. The estimated ticket value is $200.

Visit mynorthtickets.com/events/ros-all-may-5-1-2021 to purchase tickets or purchase them from the wineries directly.

While each ticket holder can travel along the peninsula at their leisure to receive their larger pour of rosé from each winery, reservations are highly recommended. The trail’s wineries offer a wide variety of rosé wines, including dry, sweet, sparkling, and still. They will include the wineries’ latest rosé releases made with local varietals, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

Participating Wineries:

Grand Traverse Loop: Black Star Farms, Two K Farms, Mawby, Ciccone, Shady Lane Cellars, Rove Estate, Brengman Brothers

Northern Loop: 45 North Vineyards & Winery, Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farm, Leelanau Cellars, Aurora Cellars, Silver Leaf Vineyard

Sleeping Bear Loop: Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Laurentide Winery, Chateau Fontaine, Verterra Winery, Amoritas Winery, Soul Squeeze Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards, French Valley Vineyard, Boathouse Vineyards.

Tickets for this event are non-transferable and attendees must be prepared to show a valid, government-issued photo ID at each winery. The wineries will conduct business much in the same way that they are now with groups of no more than six people per party, socially distanced, with all precautions in place to create a safe environment for both guests and employees.

Tag us on social media @lpwines with your #RoséAllMay adventures and stay tuned for more information about our next trail-wide event, Sip and Savor, June 4th – 6th, 2021!

About Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail:


The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is divided into three trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop, and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers its own unique experience, from pure elegance with unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm. As you sip wines and chat with laid-back winemakers that produce them, you’re sure to find many reasons to love the trail!

Starting May 3, 32nd Street SE between Breton and Shaffer will be completely closed for reconstruction

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Starting May 3, 32nd Street SE between Breton and Shaffer, in Kentwood, will be completely closed for reconstruction. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced today, April 29, that starting Monday, May 3, there will be a full closure of 32nd Street SE between Breton and Shaffer avenues for reconstruction through August.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and seek an alternate route or follow the posted detour that uses 29th Street, according to the announcement to WKTV. Access to homes and businesses within the project area will be maintained with intermittent impacts. Trash and mail service also will be maintained throughout the project.

“This section of 32nd Street has deteriorated to the point that major rehabilitation is necessary,” Kentwood City Engineer Brad Boomstra said in supplied material. “The contractor will work to minimize traffic disruption whenever possible as we improve the roadway.”

This Michigan Department of Transportation project will include new pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer. Local engineering firm Prein&Newhof will oversee the construction on the city’s behalf.

The city reminds residents and commuters that they may sign up to receive biweekly updates on the City of Kentwood’s road construction projects by emailing boomstrab@kentwood.us or calling 616-554-0740.

For more information about upcoming construction projects, visit kentwood.us/construction.

Grand Rapids Public Museum gets ready “to rumble” in Curator Battles

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
West Michigan Habitats exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced it is taking the popular live Curator Battle regionally, starting with a competition against the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) on Tuesday, May 4 at 4 p.m., held via Facebook Live (@grmuseum). The GRPM launched the Curator Battle series in 2020 on its Facebook page as a way to connect with the community and share the Museum virtually due to closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GRPM/MiSci Curator Battle will have a special twist in celebration of the battle reaching Detroit — the presidents of both organizations will be competing: Dale Robertson, the President and CEO of the GRPM and Christian Greer, the President and CEO of MiSci.

Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center

 “We’re delighted to join the Grand Rapids Public Museum in a fun and light-hearted competition that shows off how we put you at the center of science in everything we do,” said Christian Greer. “During the competition, we’ll challenge your perception of reality with our Ames Room, take a trip on the Apollo Capsule from the Rocket Garden in our Space Gallery, visit a Wind Tunnel, learn about sustainability with something called a ‘Fatberg’ and then swing back home to Michigan to land on our version of the Mackinac Bridge. We think it will be a lot of fun for everyone watching at home.”

Due to closures across the world in the beginning of the pandemic, the Yorkshire Museum, located in England, launched a weekly #CuratorBattle competition on Twitter to challenge other museums to showcase their collections based on a particular theme. Through this inspiration, the GRPM took the idea of a curator competition to Facebook in August of 2020 to connect with its online community in a fun and unique way, while also showcasing the Museum’s artifacts, specimens, and staff expertise. Since the launch, the Museum has partnered with local West Michigan cultural organizations including Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and looks forward to expanding to more regional partners and beyond to continue the friendly competition to educate and entertain each organization’s online audience. 



“Currently, the GRPM is the only organization hosting live conversations of this type that we know of, and it’s been exciting to see the engagement of our community learning about the Museum and our Collections, as well as to see the partnerships that have come out of this idea,” said Alee’a Cherry, Marketing Manager at the GRPM. “Although the title of the event mentions “curator,” the Museum has found creative ways to incorporate organizations that don’t have curators on staff to be more inclusive so we can partner with a wider variety of organizations.”

Michigan Science Center in Detroit

Each Curator Battle is hosted by the GRPM and features five topics that the contenders will speak on for a few minutes each. The presentation is also complemented by high quality images and/or video. Viewers are encouraged to ask the contenders questions, leave comments and share the event to show support of the program. The Curator Battle videos will live on the GRPM’s Facebook page for later viewing.

The GRPM will continue to engage local cultural organizations in the Curator Battle as it continues to expand. Viewers can tune into the next local battle against the Grand Rapids Public Library on Thursday, June 24 at 4 p.m. on the GRPM’s Facebook page (@grmuseum). The GRPM’s Collections Curator Andrea Melvin will be battling against the GRPL’s Head of Grand Rapids History and Special Collections, Julie Tabberer. 

Organizations interested in participating in one of the GRPM’s Curator Battles can inquire by reaching out to info@grpm.org. 

Painting consevator uncovers Cranach Mystery on May 6

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Catherine Mott
Muskegon Museum of Art

Barry Bauman (Sargent Sully Photo)

Is it true that a painting conservator is also a detective? According to acclaimed conservator and art historian Barry Bauman, every painting has its secrets. During his 46 years of experience treating and analyzing damaged paintings, he has uncovered many of them—lost signatures, hidden dates, and entire paintings hidden beneath other works. Two of his discoveries were so phenomenal they landed on the front page of The New York Times. Bauman will uncover answers to mystery surrounding two of the Muskegon Museum of Art’s treasured paintings in a free Zoom presentation, “Solving the Cranach Mystery Surrounding the Portraits of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora,” hosted by the museum on Thursday, May 6, at 5 p.m.

Those who attend Bauman’s Zoom presentation will share in the joy of one of his most remarkable discoveries. The Muskegon Museum of Art will host the event online. The virtual event is free and open to the general public. Registration is required. To register, visit the www.muskegonartmuseum.org event page at muskegonartmuseum.org/event/zoom-presentation-by-painting-conservator-art-historian-barry-bauman/.

About Barry Bauman

Barry Bauman With Conserved Thomas Sully’s Portrait of George Washington and John Singer Sargent’s Portrait of General Lucius Fairchild

Bauman’s discoveries lectures have been his most popular, especially for a museum audience, where attendees interested in art, art history, chemistry, physics, history, and museum studies all overlap with conservation concerns. Most individuals are not aware of the conservation field and the rewards it has to offer.

At the beginning of his career, Barry Bauman worked for eleven years at the Art Institute of Chicago, departing as the Associate Conservator of Paintings. He then founded and directed the Chicago Conservation Center for 20 years, which was the largest conservation facility in the nation. In 2004, Bauman left the private sector to establish Bauman Conservation, America’s first conservation laboratory dedicated to offering complimentary services to museums and non-profit organizations. When he closed Bauman Conservation in 2018, it was estimated he had contributed more than $6,000,000 in conservation services to museums and nonprofits.

In August 2019, Barry Bauman opened Conservation Ventures (ConservationVentures.org), a company that focuses on presentations and CAP grants to assist museums with recommendations and priorities for long-range collection care. Bauman is an Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.

‘Little Free Art Galleries” popping up in Frankfort

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Adrienne Reasner-Brown
West Michigan Tourist Association

Seattle’s Little Free Art Gallery have become increasingly popular with Frankfort, Michigan, establishing a similar concept for the summer.

Oliver Art Center is excited to announce its newest community program, Little Free Galleries.

“The idea came from an article in the Seattle Times about an artist who established a gallery much like the well-known Little Free Libraries. We put out a call for a volunteer to make us one to put out in front of the art center and we received three offers! We then adjusted our thinking and decided it would be fun and could reach more of the community to have three located in Frankfort,” said Mercedes Michalowski, Executive Director of Oliver Art Center. Both Benzie Shores District Library and Century 21 Northland have agreed to host their own gallery in partnership with Oliver Art Center.

The Galleries have been made by Brad Sprouse, Lou Cenname, and Bob Crissman, all of Frankfort. The volunteers have vast carpentry experience and even experience in building Little Free Libraries and Pantries. The artwork will be provided by volunteers as well. Anyone is welcome to participate!

“The program will function much like the Little Free Libraries with the idea of: need art, take art; have art, leave art. We hope folks will enjoy the free exchange of art objects that will include paintings, fiber work, ceramic sculptures, and much more. While there is no requirement to leave art if you take it, we hope that people will just enjoy the art and idea itself. And if folks don’t have art to give, but want to give back, OAC is accepting donations in order to maintain the galleries,” said Michalowski.

Benzie Shores District Library is hoping to also expand their gallery’s offerings to books and art supplies. “We are so excited to share this project with the Art Center. Who knows, I may even create my own little piece of art for the gallery!” said Stacy Pasche, Library Director.“Art can stir memories or evoke strong feelings… just as selling or purchasing a home can do the same. The agents and brokers at CENTURY 21 Northland are humbled and honored to be able to give back to our communities by hosting a Little Free Art Gallery. Being located in one of the busiest two blocks on Main Street is key to showcasing Oliver Art Center’s presence and will bring smiles and good conversations to those walking by,” said Judi Tousley, Century 21 Northland.

Frankfort’s Little Free Art Galleries will be installed and ready for art and visitors May 1. Oliver Art Center is currently accepting art for the galleries. They are looking for smaller size works of art (less than 12 inches) and even have 4×4 blank canvases kits available to purchase for $10 – all proceeds go to maintenance and upkeep of the galleries. If you have any questions, please contact Mercedes or Brian at the Oliver Art Center, info@oliverart.org or 231-352-4151.

28th Street Metro Cruise Dust Off is a go for May 1

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

Historic Metro Cruise photos, from 2013-15. (Courtesy of WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the local community saw what turned out to be a brief interruption to the annual pilgrimage of classic cars to one of the busiest strips in the State of Michigan — 28th Street in Wyoming and Kentwood.

This year, though, the 28th Street Metro Cruise will be in full swing again this August. And, to start the celebration of cars, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce announces the return of the “dust off” event on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763, at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming.
 

At the event, classic car owners will have that first spring opportunity to roll their rides back down the street to be admired and, as the Carly Simon song says, “get a few eyeballs” on them.

And as vaccinations continue to filter through the general population and with CDC further relaxing mask requirements among vaccinated people, the hope among organizers is that turn out will be large and even larger for the return of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, Aug. 27 and 28.  While social distancing will still be respected, the entire event Saturday, May 1, will be out of doors.   For more information, visit the Metro Cruise website at  28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

WKTV premieres Chickasaw documentary

Entertainment, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,
WKTV will air “First Encounter” on Thursday, April 29, at 5 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25. (Supplied)

By Dana Lance
Chickasaw Films

The Chickasaw Nation Productions’ documentary “First Encounter” from the Chickasaw Heritage Series will air at 5 p.m., Thursday, April 29 in Wyoming, Michigan, on WKTV Community Access Channel 25 and online at WKTV.org.

The Chickasaw Heritage Series is a video project initiative from Chickasaw Nation Productions designed to inform, educate and entertain audiences about the resilient and persevering spirit of the Chickasaw Nation.

For more information, please visit ChickasawFilms.com.

 “First Encounter”

“First Encounter” explores the actions taken by Chickasaws in 1541 during their first contact with Europeans. The documentary highlights the encounters, struggles and perseverance of the Chickasaw people throughout the attempted conquest by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.

This encounter helped establish the reputation for which the tribe would be recognized for centuries and remains today – “unconquered and unconquerable.”

Chickasaw curriculum

Both Chickasaw Heritage Series “First Encounter” and “Bearer of the Morning” documentaries have been incorporated into an online curriculum produced by the Chickasaw Nation for elementary and secondary school levels. These and other lessons are available to homeschool and public school educators by visiting Chickasaw.net/AtHome.

These lessons might also interest anyone looking to dig deeper into the history and culture of the Chickasaw people, with reference materials and photographs presented much like a textbook.

Every lesson of the Chickasaw Nation curriculum is aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards as outlined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education social studies guide.

Areas of study include history, social studies, geography and government. Students who dive into these studies will develop skills including reading, writing, critical thinking, test taking and artistic creation.

Each lesson is complete with its own lesson plan, reading material, discussion questions, student activity and reference list for convenience. This material can be easily incorporated into any educational setting.

Earth Day event brings more than 80 people to help clean-up Wyoming parks

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Despite almost snow-like conditions, that lasted for only a few minutes, more than 80 people turned out for the city’s first park clean up in celebration of Earth Day.

Held on April 22 — the day set aside to celebrate Earth Day — area residents and community groups were encouraged to help clean up the city’s parks with this year’s focus being on Pinery Park, the Wyoming Senior Center, and Lamar Park.

Wyoming residents the Dean family, from left Mana, Marguita and Airrow,

Wyoming Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said the city was pleased with the turnout and plans to make the park clean-up an annual event.

“We want to keep these places beautified and wonderful for all of us to enjoy,” Martin said.

Wyoming resident Marguita Dean and her family, Mana and Airrow, came out because they wanted to give back to their community, she said.

“We came because this is our park,” Marguita Dean said. “We use Pinery Park quite a bit and wanted to do something to help keep our park clean.”

The event also served as a kick off to the city’s Adopt-a-Park program. Throughout the summer, residents and community groups have the opportunity to help beautify and maintain the city parks. To get involved in the Adopt-a-Parks program, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164.

Community involvement needed to help spur Division Avenue growth

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Our Cities, , , , ,
In the Division United plan, it is proposed to dedicate the current bus lanes 24/7 to only bus traffic and to paint the lanes to bring more awareness to them. The drawing also shows what three-story buildings would look like at the intersection of Clyde Park and Division Avenue.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

From taking a bike ride or walk to creating a cohort of small developers, there are a number of opportunities for residents and local organizations to help spur growth along Division Avenue.

These were some recommendations, along with some specific items for The Rapid and the cities of Wyoming, Kentwood, and Grand Rapids, that were released in the Division United town hall meetings on April 22.

“A lot of the recommendations that we are going to be talking about might seem substantial and quite frankly they are,” said Steven Duong, who is with Los Angeles-based consulting firm AECOM, which oversaw the Division United plan. “In many cases, they have to be lead by the entity of the cities such as City of Wyoming or the City of Kentwood, and some have to be lead by private business partners, land owners or business owners in the corridor, but we also want to make sure that we acknowledge that there are things that community groups or citizens can do to make some of the strategies a reality.”

The recommendations are broken down into five categories, referred as “toolkits”: Connectivity and Mobility, Economic Development, Incremental Development, Equity, and Placemaking. Many of the recommendations are for the cities to consider when looking at zoning or infrastructure. 

In October, Division United hosted the Better Blocks event to show how Division could look with an outdoor market and crosswalks. (WKTV)

For example, Connectivity and Mobility addresses how to make the area friendly for people and cars by painting the bus lane and dedicating the lane for the entire day to help increase public transit speeds to creating better crossings and making the bus stations hub stations with other transit options such as bikes and electric scooters.

While those are most of those recommendations have to be done at the city level through zoning, residents can take a walk or bike through the corridor to see the disconnect between the current transit and offer ideas on where to place crosswalks and other needs to increase mobility, said AECOM Transportation Planner Jeromie Winsor.

Residents can also start to form a cohort of small developers who can network, making connections with bank officials and others in development to start discussions on redeveloping small properties such as suggested in the Incremental Development toolkit.

A Community Connector and local business owner Synia Jordan said another project is creating art murals at the stations which would involve community members and local artists, which falls under the Placemaking toolkit.

The entire Division United proposal is available online with Duong recommending that people start with the executive summary, which is an introduction to the overall plan, and then proceed into the five toolkits.

By following that direction, the different concepts become a roadmap to how the Division Avenue corridor can become a more transit supportive environment, which Duong noted is the reason why the study was initiated.

A transit supportive environment is the utilization of effective and predictable transit that encourages surrounding development, which, in turn, supports transit. It was the goal of The Rapid that by launching the Silver Line in 2014 it would spur economic development along the Division corridor, according to The Rapid Planning Manager Nick Monoyios.

While The Rapid has seen a 40 percent growth in ridership from Division Avenue during the past six years, the economic growth has not come, Monoyios said.

So after six years of operations, The Rapid officials decided it needed to be more intentional on how to instigate the benefits for the corridor, he said, adding that a decision was made to seek a Federal Transportation Administration grant designed to help corridors like Division Avenue. The three cities, Wyoming, Kentwood and Grand Rapids, all of which have portions of Division within their boundaries, each dedicated $25,000 to the study. The student focused on Division from Wealthy Street to 60th Street.
 

After more than a year of gathering public input, meeting with business leaders and residents, and hosting special events to demonstrate the possibilities, The Rapid released the Division United recommendations during two town hall meetings on April 22.

To view the entire Division United project and other items, such as the recorded April 22 town hall meetings, visit divisionunited.org. 

LowellArts invites residents to ‘Getaway,’ its newest gallery exhibition

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Janet Teunis
LowellArts

LowellArts invites visitors to GETAWAY, a new gallery exhibit opening May 1. The exhibit features artwork by 100 artists from Michigan that celebrates the places or moments in time that provide us a chance to retreat, relax, and recharge. Artists ages 14 and older were invited to submit artwork, in any medium, that fit this theme. Entries could be either representational or abstract depictions of locations, objects, or an atmosphere meant to inspire, uplift, and transport the viewer to a place of rest or renewal.

The artwork will be on display at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St., Lowell, from May 1 to June 12. Gallery hours are: Tues-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat noon – 5 p.m.

For more, visit www.lowellartsmi.org/getaway

For most college students, the biggest COVID hurdle was the ‘college experience’ interrupted

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health,
Emily Holmes, who is graduating from Grand Valley State University and is an intern at WKTV, said as an introvert, she was surprised how much she craved interaction with other people during the COVID pandemic. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“I would give anything to wear concert black to anything,” said East Kentwood graduate Hailey Cone, who is studying music at Grand Rapids Community College.

Hailey Cone, an East Kentwood graduate attending Grand Rapids Community College, would give anything to wear concert black and perform. (Supplied)

Because COVID is airborne with studies showing that the potential for transmission is high during performances such as singing, concerts and performances from local schools, colleges, and amateur and professional groups have been put on hold. As more people get vaccinated, the indication is that performances may return with several local art organizations planning for fall seasons.

Still, for GRCC, most of the concerts have been online with students recording parts individually and professors pulling the elements together for the online performance.

“I miss it so much,” Cone said during a phone interview. “I really miss the community, being in-person and that immediate feedback.”

Changing the “College Experience”

Ask any college student what has been the biggest challenge over the past year and it isn’t technology issues or online classes — most deal with that during a normal college year — but rather the loss of the “college experience.”

“When you think about it, you pay to have that college experience,” said Emily Holmes, a senior at Grand Valley State University studying film and broadcasting. “It is a big part about going away to college.”

Anyone who has attended a college campus tour will attest that a big part of the tour is the social life, campus cafes, student organizations, and school traditions. The sell is students being able to experience independence by living on campus, attending college events and yes, even parties.

But what COVID has taught many is that the experience you have at college is what you make it. So instead of big parties, there are small online groups with students redesigning what the college experience is.

Holmes said for her, it became almost a necessity to build that online community to help overcome a new form of depression that centered around the need for interaction. In fact, it has been proven that social interaction is a key to good health — physical and emotional.

“I always considered myself an introvert, but through this I have discovered that I like to be around people more than I thought,” she said.

Emily Smith, an adjunct professor in music at Grand Rapids Community College, said she feels students have had to become more self-reliant due to the COVID pandemic. (Supplied)

Because classes have been mostly virtual, the key for many college students has been connecting with each other online, said Emily Smith, an adjunct professor of music at Grand Rapids Community College. This also has lead to other habits that may better prepare students for life, Smith said.

 

“Students have had to take ownership of their learning,” she said. “In pre-pandemic, students would follow what was presented in class but since the pandemic, students have taken more ownership by utilizing their resources better and being independent in their studies.”

Through that process, students are utilizing their resources more, connecting with each other through new ways, and focusing their independent study to make improvements as they prepare for voice lessons and practices, she said.

 

“I have become more experimental with my camera work,” Holmes said, crediting the lockdown for the opportunity to try new things. “I have been working on my editing skills, becoming more focused and putting time into projects.”

Smith said she does not believe that the lack of in-person activities such as performances have had an impact in students deciding to change their career paths.

“I have seen situations such as financial instability caused from the pandemic resulting in hard economic challenges that have caused some students to change or leave,” Smith said.

The silver lining

For most, the desire to get the degree in their selected profession has been the biggest motivating factor.

“Through these trying times, music has been by saving grace,” Cone said. “I feel like I want this degree and that I want it more than anything.”

Cone added that she found the greatest inspiration from the pandemic was that that as a whole, humanity is pretty resilient.

“The pandemic has taken so much away, making you feel so alone, but at the same time, we have found ways to connect online, to have virtual choirs and that has been inspiring,” she said.

Michigan’s ‘Clean Slate’ criminal record removal process coming — eventually — but state and local groups are preparing

3-bottom, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , ,
A photo from a previous Clean Slate Act expungement resource event promotional material. (Black & Brown Cannabis Guild)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

This last weekend, reacting to Michigan’s Clean Slate Act coming into initial effect on April 11, two expungement resource fairs were held in West Michigan — “expungement” is the setting aside of a person’s record of criminal convictions for certain “lower level” crimes including older marijuana possessions offenses no longer even considered crimes.

The expungement resources fairs, held in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor, are part of a wide-ranging series of actions being taken as part of the state’s criminal justice reform, specifically the Clean Slate Act, with actions by groups ranging from the office of Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, to Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School, to the Black & Brown Cannabis Guild.

A photo from a previous Clean Slate Act expungement resource event promotional material. (Black & Brown Cannabis Guild)

“At both (expungement resource) events, volunteer attorneys and law students will assist registrants who appear to be eligible with filling out their expungement applications and give them general instructions on the expungement process,” Kamau Sandiford, a Kentwood based lawyer serving as WMU-Cooley’s Access to Justice staff attorney, said to WKTV before the events.

The resource fairs were co-hosted by the Black & Brown Cannabis Guild, a group which, among on other advocacy efforts, seeks to gain cleared criminal records for persons imprisoned for crimes related to outdated cannabis laws.

“As the United States moves away from the criminalization of cannabis … there remains the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and the consequences of those convictions,” as the guild states on its Last Prisoner Project webpage.

Even before the expungement resource fairs, Sandiford and WMU-Cooley Law School associate dean Tracey Brame have been hosting training sessions for attorneys on the new law including for the the Grand Rapids Bar Association and Legal Aid’s Spring Training Session early this year.

During the presentation, according to the WMU-Cooley website, Sandiford explained that under the new law, the state will be required to have an automated expungement program in place by April 2023.

That “automated expungement” system is, however, a cause of some concern from Kent County’s top criminal prosecutor.

“The Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan was generally supportive of the Clean Slate bills,” Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said to WKTV. “If someone has truly reformed their life and are doing well after past criminal convictions we did not see a problem in giving them a chance to have a clear record.

“If anything is wrong with it, I think the idea that we are going to have a computer system that is going to be able to ‘automatically’ clean convictions off records in two years is highly unlikely,” Becker continued. “The state is littered with computer programs/systems that were supposed to be developed and operational in a certain time, that took much longer than anticipated and never worked as promised. I fear something similar will happen here.”

Despite such concerns, the law will came into effect and the state is already working on a pilot program to aid people who have been hampered in their employment opportunities due to their past convictions and employers being able to gain access to such records.

Law’s history and state interim action

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Clean Slate” bill package into law in October of 2020, the efforts to move it forward started much earlier, driven in part by studies that showed not only the individuals involved but society as a whole benefits from such actions.

According to the state’s Michigan Courts website expungement “can help more people have the opportunity to find good jobs and secure safe and affordable housing. A ‘clean slate’ can help strengthen families, communities, local economies across the state, and promote public safety.”

Also, a 2020 study by two University of Michigan Law School professors found that those whose criminal records are set aside experience “a sharp upturn in their wage and employment trajectories.” The study stated that job seekers obtained employment at an increase of 11 percent and their income rose by 25 percent in two years.

And the state is not waiting for 2023, for the automated process to come into effect, to start aiding those persons with criminal records to better gain employment.

Last week, the state announced the launch of a $4 million investment in a “Clean Slate Pilot” program to assist “returning citizens” — convicted persons returning to the community and the workforce — with setting aside a conviction, through which the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will awards funds to Michigan Works! Agencies to support local workforce efforts until the expungement system is in place. 
 

“My goal since day one of taking office has been to build fundamental reforms to make our communities safer and improve the people’s outcomes going through our criminal justice system,” Lt. Gov. Gilchrist said in supplied material. “The bipartisan Clean Slate legislation fundamentally changed Michigan’s criminal history expungement laws, for the better … (and) the Clean Slate Pilot program offers a stop-gap for expungement services until the Clean Slate law goes into effect.”

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing “Clean Slate” bill package into law on October 12, 2020. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is in b background. (Office of the Governor)

As part of the pilot program, returning citizens can get an order setting aside their conviction and, according to the state announcement, “can legally state on any job or school application that they have never been convicted of or arrested for that crime.”

They will also be able to state that they have not been convicted of that crime on applications for public benefits, housing or employment.

 

“Before this legislation and this pilot program, there were many barriers in place for returning citizens,” Susan Corbin, LEO director, said in supplied material. “These barriers to seeking criminal record expungement include a lack of information, time constraints, cost of retaining a private attorney and fear of the criminal justice system. With the Clean Slate Pilot program, Michigan Works! Agencies will help these citizens overcome many of these barriers and guide them on a path to success.”
 

The Clean Slate Pilot Program funding will be awarded to all 16 Michigan Works! Agencies throughout the state with each of the agencies providing localized efforts.

For more information on the Clean Slate pilot program, visit here. To contact the local Michigan Works! office visit westmiworks.org.

Details of Clean Slate Act eligibility

Setting aside a conviction is the process that clears a public criminal record. In Michigan, there is one process to set aside a conviction on an adult record — often called expungement — and a different process to set aside a juvenile conviction, called an adjudication.

In WMU-Cooley promotional material for the recent expungement fairs, it was explained that individuals will be eligible for expungement after a waiting period of 10 years for certain felonies, or seven years for certain misdemeanors. Most traffic offenses will be available for expungement except DUIs, offenses causing injury or death, and offenses while operating a commercial vehicle.

Additionally, those who qualify for automatic expungement can have no more than two felonies and four 93-day misdemeanors expunged during their lifetime.

The Clean Slate Act also specifically allows individuals convicted of low-level misdemeanor marijuana offenses to apply for expungement, as “the law creates a presumption that these offenses were based on activities that would not have been considered crimes on or after Dec. 6, 2018.”

Crimes that will not be considered for automatic expungement include, according to supplied material, “assaultive crimes; serious misdemeanors; crimes of dishonesty; offenses punishable by 10 or more years imprisonment; violations related to human trafficking; and crimes committed against minors, vulnerable adults, injury or serious impairment, or death.”

St. Cecilia Music Center announces the 2021-22 season ‘with hope” of Royce Auditorium audiences

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The St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2021-22 Acoustic Café Folk Series will feature six concerts starting with the Sam Bush Band on Oct. 6. (Supplied/SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the much-anticipated Christian McBride’s jazzy WinterFest Music Festival back on the schedule, St. Cecilia Music Center announced today an initial 2021-22 concert schedule  — beginning with the Sam Bush Band bringing their folk-rock sounds to town in October — as the music center “fully intends to bring live-audience concerts back to Royce Auditorium.”

Christian McBride (Supplied/SCMC)

Live in-person concerts have been suspended since March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions but initial plans have St. Cecilia featuring more than a dozen evenings of performances by jazz, folk and chamber music artists in what will be the music center’s 138th season.

But St. Cecilia executive and artistic director Cathy Holbrook said she is not only looking for live acts on the stage but live people in the audience.

“We are thrilled and thankful to begin again in 2021-2022 with live concerts featuring most of the artists who were scheduled to appear this past season and had to be sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “We so missed seeing our loyal supporters and music lovers in person and we’re looking forward to hosting a year of celebration with live music again.”

The St. Cecilia folk series kicks off the season, but chamber and jazz will not be far behind.

The Acoustic Café Folk Series will feature six concerts including the Sam Bush Band on Oct. 6, Rodney Crowell on Nov. 12, Leo Kottke on Nov. 19, the Milk Carton Kids on Dec. 2, 2021 and Watkins Family Hour on December 16. In the new year,  singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin will perform in the spring on May 12, 2022 — and more Acoustic Cafe Folk concerts may be announced later.

Marc Cohn (Supplied/SCMC)

However, one summer 2021 Acoustic Cafe Folk Series concert is currently planned as a stand-alone concert and will feature Marc Cohn appearing on Aug. 21 — with tickets currently available.
 

SCMC and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary season of partnership CMS players will perform three concerts: “From Prague to Vienna” on Nov. 18 (in a program planned for April 2020 but cancelled due to COVID-19) with CMS co-artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han on stage. The program also featured two 2022 concerts, “Romantic Perspectives” on Jan. 27, and “The Jazz Effect” on March 31.

The jazz series’ headline event will be WinterFest, featuring seven-time Grammy-winning jazz bassist McBride “with some of his most talented musical collaborators for a three-evening festival in Royce Auditorium,” Feb. 24 -26, 2022.
 

Other artists scheduled for 2022 as part of the jazz series will include saxophonist Joshua Redman on Jan. 20, Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater together with phenomenal jazz pianist Bill Charlap on March 10, and acclaimed trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis with his  Uptown Jazz Orchestra on April 14.
 

“These great artists are looking forward to getting back out on tour to perform in front of live audiences and to bring music back to concert stages in the U.S. and worldwide,” Holbrook said. “We are looking forward to this new season, especially in light of the inability to host live audiences within our beautiful hall last season.”
 

Subscription tickets for the 2021-22 series are now on sale, with individual concert tickets to go on sale June 1. For more information visit scmc-online.org.

New certification helps pay way for additional development, investment in Wyoming

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Wyoming City Hall

By City of Wyoming

The designation, announced today by the MEDC, recognizes the City’s efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and improve economic development opportunities. It also means Wyoming is “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors.

“Certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community shows our commitment to development readiness,” Mayor Jack Poll said. “We went through a rigorous assessment and worked to implement the program’s best practices. We look forward to our continued partnership with the MEDC to spur economic development, investment and job growth in our great city.”

Wyoming’s RCC certification qualifies it for state community development incentives that encourage developers to invest in the city. This includes small business programs like Match on Main that provides reimbursable grant funds for new or expanding place-based businesses.

Certification also means Wyoming will receive support from the MEDC’s Redevelopment Services Team. The City will partner with the team to evaluate development sites and produce customized marketing that will promote investment in key areas. These will likely include some of the five special area plans identified in the Wyoming [re]Imagined Master Plan document –sections of 28th Street SW, Wilson Avenue SW, Burton Street SW, Division Avenue SW and the Kelvinator industrial site near Clyde Park Avenue SW and Grandville Avenue SW.

After the Wyoming City Council voted in March 2017 to participate in the Redevelopment Ready Community program, the City received a baseline evaluation of the existing planning and economic development processes compared to RRC best practices. These best practices were:

·    Plans and engagement

·    Zoning

·    Development review 

·    Boards and commissions

·    Economic development and marketing

The program also evaluated the City’s public participation and marketing efforts to assess its ability to engage the community and attract businesses. The certification demonstrates Wyoming has streamlined processes and enhanced engagement to attract developers and stimulate investment in the city.

“One of the goals of our new Master Plan, Wyoming [re] Imagined, is to retain existing businesses while fostering new growth and investment,” said Nicole Hofert, Wyoming’s director of planning and economic development. “The Redevelopment Ready Community designation enables the City to leverage state economic development tools and other resources that can help us take a positive step toward achieving this goal. It reflects our continued efforts to work closely with developers to facilitate investment in Wyoming and attract talent to our city.”

For more information about the City’s Redevelopment Ready Community certification, visit wyomingmi.gov/Doing-Business-in-Wyoming. For more on the Wyoming [re] Imagined master plan, visit wyomingmi.gov/reimagined.

City of Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day, including old electronics, planned for Saturday, May 1

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Local Business, Recycling, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
In addition to holding its annual Spring Cleanup Day this week, the City of Kentwood will continue yard debris drop-off program this spring. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In addition to its ongoing yard waste drop-off program, the City of Kentwood is assisting residents with general trash and debris, as well electronics, disposal as it will again offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 1 for residents wanting to “spring clean” their homes and yards.

In a Monday, May 26, announcement to WKTV, the city stated this year’s Community Cleanup Day will accept yard waste, trash and general debris for disposal, and electronics for recycling, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

Following the cleanup event, the city’s yard debris (including brush and leaf debris) drop-off sites, also located at Kentwood’s DPW facility, will remain open through Saturday, May 29. Hours of operation for the yard debris drop-off sites will be noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“Our Community Cleanup Day offers residents a timely opportunity to dispose or recycle items as part of their spring-cleaning efforts,” John Gorney, Department of Public Works director, said in supplied material. “We encourage residents wanting to declutter their homes and property to take advantage of these free collection services.”

Most electronics can be recycled at local community clean-up days, including one planned for Kentwood residents. (Supplied/Comprenew)

The City of Kentwood’s yard waste drop-off site includes accepting brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs at the brush drop-off site, as well as leaves and grass clippings at the leaf drop-off site. Leaves should be loose when dropped off, not left in bags.

Red Creek Waste Services will be on hand for Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day to accept general debris and trash for disposal.

Comprenew will be on-site to recycle electronic waste, such as mobile phones, computers and fax machines. Individuals with questions about other electronics that can be accepted are asked to call the toll-free number at 833-266-7736.

Items for donation and household hazardous materials will not be accepted during this year’s cleanup event. Those looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Department of Public Works’ SafeChem program, which remains available to residents at the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., on Tuesdays.

The cleanup day and drop-off services are available to Kentwood residents only.

Anyone wishing to participate is asked to enter the drive off Breton Avenue where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow to maintain physical distancing. For the safety of City staff and community members, all participants are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines, including staying at least 6 feet from other people and wearing face coverings.

After a year off due to COVID, Wyoming’s Spring Carnival returns to Lamar Park

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Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival is now taking place at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

If you drove past Lamar Park lately, we just wanted to let you know that your eyes and ears were not deceiving you. Yes, those were the sounds and lights of a carnival you heard and saw.

The Wyoming Spring Carnival returned this year and will be operating through May 1. The carnival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This year, after reviewing safety measures, city leaders decided to host the carnival this year.

“What says family fun like a spring carnival?” said Wyoming’ Recreation Director Krashawn Martin, who added the decision was made to help with the overall mental health of the community which has had to deal with the COVID pandemic over the last year.

The carnival features various rides, games and food options. (Supplied)

The carnival will inlcude various rides, games and food options. To help keep all participants, employees, and vendors safe, TJ Schmidt & Company is operating under enhanced health and safety measures in response to the COVID pandemic.

All participants are required to wear masks while attending the carnival.

The spring carnival will run Monday – Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m.; 2 – 8:30 p.m Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA. Funds raised support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA distributes funds to the community through their annual grant awarding process.

For more information about the carnival, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation department at 616-530-3164.

Photo of the Week: The ‘new’ Lee High School

Citizen Journalism,
Lee High School after completion of the west wing addition in 1930. Notice the dirt road that was called Hawthorne Ave back then (now known as Havana).

It was 1923, just five years after World War I, and the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools was moving into its new high school bordered by the electric railroad to the south, Hawthorne Street (Havana today) to the west, Englewood (Engle today) to the north, and Martindale to the east. In an article written by former Godfrey-Lee Public Schools superintendent Dave Britten, the school was the “largest suburban development in the Grand Rapids area at the time.

Mona Clark, who had been a 9th grader at the time, described the day they moved to the Lee Street School:

Almost every one distinctly remembers the day marked for the dedication of our new high school. It was during the rainy season of the year, and the day which had been set for leaving our old building proved to be quite a disagreeable one. It rained all morning and until about two o’clock in the afternoon. Then when it stopped, which we had feared it wouldn’t do, Mr. Marsh had us get our books ready for leaving. We were all lined up in two columns with Mr. Marsh at the head. He made it possible for us to cross Godfrey Avenue, which is a very busy street. We came down Burton Street to Senica (sic), and from there to Lee Street. The roads were in bad condition and there was water everywhere. We arrived in the new building somewhat spattered with mud. The following weeks were marked by confusion, as classes were trying to assemble and to make themselves heard above the hammers and drills as the final touches were added to our splendid building. It was a period that showed great co-operation and the first promise of a loyal school spirit loomed up encouraged by occasional talks from our principal and superintendent.

Crane’s Cinco de Mayo wine pairing dinner

Citizen Journalism,

By Adrienne Reasner-Brown
West Michigan Tourist Association

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery, 6 p.m. Friday, May 5th, with a unique five-course wine pairing dinner that will feature an amazing 2020 vintage from Crane’s Winery.

The Crane’s staff is highlighting family recipes, Fennville culture, and guest talent to create a mouthwatering experience of food and drink in a new, exciting way. Crane’s has the challenge of pairing 5 of soon-to-be released wines with authentic Mexican fare. Starting with the wine characteristics and figuring out what compliments them with the dominating flavors of the foods…is it spicy, zesty, cheesy, herbal, smokey…they have found some beautiful combinations.

The menu is still getting some finishing touches and will be released shortly, but the featured wines will be:

2020 Cab Rosé

2020 Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Riesling Reserve

2020 Seyval Blanc

2019 Chardonnay Reserve

Enjoy a food and wine fiesta! Tickets are $40 and are available online.

Crane’s is a family owned business celebrating the farms 102nd year! Crane’s restaurant and winery features homemade foods, specifically farm to table fruit pies and artisan, small-batch hard cider and wine. Crane’s has built a great reputation based on one-of-a-kind customer experiences combined with delicious food and drinks.

Wyoming-Kentwood chamber urges local restaurants — and breweries — to take advantage of Restaurant Revitalization Fund

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Food, Restaurants, ,
Before the pandemic, and its resulting restrictions, at Wyoming’s Two Guys Brewing. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Much news was made of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan’s federal-government economic stimulus effort resulting from COVID-19’s negative economic impact, which was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. But a possibly little-known portion is the current roll-out of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund administrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In brief, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide small, independent restaurants — and similar small businesses including breweries and bars —  with funding “equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023,” according to an announcement from the SBA.

As part of the SBA announcement, local business leaders and business groups were urged to disseminate RRF information to their business communities, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce was more than happy to do so.

“The new SBA program for restaurants is long overdue,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the local chamber, said to WKTV this week. “As we all know, the restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. I am glad to be able to get this information to our chamber members.”

Jessica Ann Tyson (center) of The Candied Yam, at the Kentwood restaurant with visitors in late 2020. (The Candied Yam’s Facebook)

The RRF plan also is designed to provide assistance to communities and businesses “underserved” by previous stimulus efforts, including Black-owned businesses.

“In addition to historically having less operating liquidity and revenue than almost any other small business demographic, Black-owned restaurants received significantly less stimulus funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening challenges and leading to disproportionate closures,” Ron Busby, Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., said in supplied material. “The USBC believes this initiative and collaboration with the SBA will bring needed resources and relief to these often underserved businesses to aid in stabilization, recovery and ultimately, strengthen our economy.”

Have a beer while application process is rolled-out

While details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes, program application will be rolled-out in a staggered eligibility process to allow for ease of application and an initial focus on certain businesses.

After the SBA conducts a “pilot period” for the RRF application portal, the application portal will be opened to the public. And, according to the SBA announcement, for the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will “prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

Railtown Brewing Citra Warrior IIPA. (Supplied)

Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants can submit applications.

And local breweries will be among those able to take advantage of the program.

“Small and independent craft breweries are vibrant community gathering places that can be found in nearly every congressional district in the U.S. and contribute to manufacturing, hospitality, retail, tourism, and agricultural industries,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the national Brewers Association, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to work with the SBA to promote the Restaurant Revitalization Fund … and assist the breweries hit hardest by COVID-19 secure much needed additional relief to help them survive the pandemic and prepare for the restart of the economy.”

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours.

Author and humorist Mark Twain



Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

Carnival Days

Wyoming’s Spring Carnival is taking place through May 2 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The carnival, which is operated by TJ Schmidt & Company, features a host of games and rides. Health and safety measures are in place for guests, employees, and vendors. Masks must be worn at the carnival. Hours of operation are 4 – 8:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 2 – 8:30 p.m. Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Bee” in “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGOs” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through May 2. (Supplied)

Last Call

Visitors have a limited time left to explore the popular Under the Arctic and Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks exhibitions at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). Under the Arctic’s last date to visit will be Sunday, April 25 and the last date to visit Wild Connections is Sunday, May 2. Explore larger-than-life sculptures made with more than 2 million LEGO® bricks in Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks! The sculptures teach about animal endangerment, ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. Included with GRPM admission tickets, Under the Arctic addresses climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic environment to educate visitors about permafrost’s fascinating characteristics and its greater implications. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Head for the Trees

The popular high ropes course TreeRunner Grand Rapids is now open. Located behind Celebration! Cinema north, the adventure park features six trails of various skill, ranging from easy to hardest. If you go, remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Safety precautions are being taken at the course with limited tickets available. For more information, visit www,treerunnerspark.com/grandraids/.


Tulips are actually from China

We often associate the tulip with the Netherlands. however the unique flower’s origins come from Central Asia. The Turks cultivated the flowers as early as 10,000 A.D. and they named the flowers “tulip” which comes from the Turkish word turban. The tulip was introduced to the Netherlands in the late 16th century. According to the legend, a famous biologist Carolus Clusius, was working in the oldest botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. A friend from Turkey, sent Clusius tulip flowers for his garden in Leiden and thus started the Tulipmania craze. Check out the tulips at this year’s Holland Tulip Time festival taking place May 1 – 9.

Drug Take Back is Saturday with Wyoming, Metro Health teaming up

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The National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 24, with the City of Wyoming teaming up with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. (WKTV)

By City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming and Metro Health-University of Michigan Health will help households across the community dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely and properly on Saturday, April 24, as part of National Drug Take Back Day.

The City of Wyoming and Metro Health are partnering to provide two drive-thru drop-off sites for community members to bring unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drop-off locations are Metro Health Hospital, 2122 Health Drive SW, and Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Avenue SW. Staff will be on hand to anonymously accept medications, including controlled substances, with no questions asked.

National Drug Take Back Day is a biannual event promoted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Metro Health and the City of Wyoming continue to partner on this event twice each year to provide this service to the community. This past October, the Drug Take Back Day event took in 240 pounds of unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that were incinerated at the Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility.

Both organizations recognize how community education can help protect the environment and reduce opportunities for prescription drug abuse, which continues to be a major public health concern in the country. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

“The Drug Take Back Day event is near and dear to my heart,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “During my career as a pharmacist, I saw the heartbreak that can occur when medication gets into the wrong hands. I encourage everyone to go through their medicine cabinets and bring any unwanted or expired medication to this event.”

The Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for community members to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

“I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to clean out your medicine cabinets and bring your unneeded prescription drugs to be disposed of safely,” said Pete Haverkamp, Director of Pharmacy, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “Something this simple can make our homes and community safer and help fight the opioid epidemic.”

There are four year-round SafeMeds drop-off sites in Wyoming, including the Department of Public Safety facility. Community members can drop off prescription and over-the-counter medications 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

For more information about Wyoming’s National Take Back Day event and a list of SafeMeds drop-off sites, visit wyomingmi.gov/SafeMeds.

Local state senate seat, Kentwood city positions to be voted on in 2021 election cycle

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Local Faces, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, WKTV Projects, ,
City of Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the passing of a filing deadline this week, the Kent County election office reports that there will be at least six candidates running for the open 28th District State Senate seat — including local state Rep. Tommy Brand — and there will be five contested elections in the City of Kentwood, including for mayor, city commissioners and the city clerk.

According to the Kent County Elections website, the 2021 elections cycle will include an Aug. 3 special election primary for the state senate seat, where there will be three Republicans and two Democrats running for a spot on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

On August primary ballot to compete the term of ex-state Sen. Peter MacGregor in the state Senate’s 28th District are Democrats Keith Courtade of Wyoming and Gidget Groendyk of Rockford; and Republicans Kevin Green of Cedar Springs, Mark Huizenga of Walker and Rep. Brann of Wyoming.

The winners of the Republican and Democratic primaries will face off in November, with at least one independent candidate, US Taxpayers Party candidate Theodore Gerrard, of Kentwood, and possibly others.

“Candidates with no party affiliation, or minor party candidates who are nominated at county conventions rather than via a primary, (can) file by 4 p.m. on August 20,” according to a spokesperson for the Kent County Clerk’s office.

The winner of the state senate special election will finish out the remaining term and will need to run again in 2022.

City of Kentwood primary, general elections

The City of Kentwood will have just one seat up for vote in the August primary, the City Commissioner Ward 2 where incumbent Tom McKelvey has two challengers: Jessica A. Tyson and Dan VanderMolen. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election (unless one of the primary candidates get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary, in which case they will win the seat).

Races already on the November non-partisan ballot for City of Kentwood have incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley challenged by current City Commissioner Emily Bridson, incumbent Commissioner-At Large Betsy Artz challenged by Leonica Riley Erwin, and two candidates will look to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Bridson, Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson.

Also, there will be a race for City Clerk as incumbent Dan Kasunic will be challenged by Taylor VanderLaan.

Running uncontested in the City of Kentwood is incumbent Treasurer Laurie Sheldon.

All City of Kentwood seats are for 4-year terms. 

WKTV’s We The People available to candidates

As always, WKTV Community Media’s election season candidate coverage will include our We The People candidate videos. We The People gives all candidates the opportunity to record up-to-5-minute videos using their own scripts and unedited by WKTV.

Then-Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees during a previous election season’s We The People video series. (WKTV)

For the August primary special election, all of the candidates on the ballot will be invited to record the videos in late June and early July, and they will be run on our cable channels, Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel, and will be posted on YouTube at WKTVvideos about a month before the August election day. The videos are also provided to the candidates for their use.

For the November election all candidates (including unopposed candidates) will be invited to record videos in late September and early October for run and posting in early October.

 

2021 Lighthouse Tour Guide now available

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has released the 2021 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

The full circle tour driving route around Lake Michigan is available online, and website visitors may also download a PDF of this year’s Lighthouse Map, or request that a free copy be mailed to them here: www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/

Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations, but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route was not established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, travelers will find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, and one “modern marvel” – the Mackinac Bridge.

While a loosely-organized “circle route” around Lake Superior was promoted by local tourist organizations as early as the 1960s, the first official (and signed) Great Lakes Circle Tour was the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The only single-nation Circle Tour (Lake Michigan being the only Great Lake completely within the US), the Lake Michigan Circle Tour also has the most mileage of any Circle Tour in the state.

Featured on the Lighthouse Guide is the Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort, Michigan (Public Domain)

Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the West Michigan Tourist Association helped to make the first of the official Great Lakes Circle Tours a reality and the first publication was released in 1988 as a 52-page guide book. The guide book was transformed into a map in 2007, and the Circle Tour driving route can now be found online.



The cover of this year’s map features Point Betsie Lighthouse as photographed by Michael Mullin, which is located in Frankfort.

Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour publications are also available in bulk quantities; please contact Travel@WMTA.org for more information.