Last month, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport unveiled a new statute of President Ford with the statute gaining popularity with visitors for its welcoming position of sitting with an arm extended for an embrace. For that reason, many have taken advantage of sitting with the Ford statute for a photo.
Now the pictures might earn some prizes. This week, the Ford Airport launched a social media campaign featuring the hashtag #JerryandMe. The campaign is designed to encourage visitors to the Ford Airport to take a selfie with the statute and post it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #JerryandMe. Those who do so now up until Dec. 31 will be included in a random drawing from each social media platform earning the picture-taker a goodie bag from the airport.
“We are pleased President Ford’s statue has been embraced by community members and travelers alike,” said Ford Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “The statue is inviting to all ages and is meant to encourage visitors to pause and pay tribute to the tremendous statesman and community advocate we had in President Ford.
“We hope this selfie campaign helps capture these special moments and helps build on our sense of community within and well beyond West Michigan.”
The statue was unveiled last month as part of the Grand Rapids Community Legends Project to honor the individuals who shaped the culture of and helped build West Michigan. The statue is the centerpiece of the Ford Airport’s newly dedicated Presidential Gateway Plaza.
The Candied Yam is one of three restaurants give a portion of its Tuesday sales to the Chamber Foundation scholarship program. (WKTV)
As like many others, COVID-19 has impacted the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation’s ability to fundraise for its Foundation Scholarship Program.
Every year, the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation awards five scholarships to graduating high school seniors from the five school districts in Wyoming and Kentwood. Those schools are Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Godfrey-Lee.
Due to COVID, the Foundation has had to cancel two of its fundraisers.
To help raise funds for the scholarships, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with three of its member restaurants, The Candied Yam, 2305 44th St. SE; Delta Hotels Grand Rapids Airport, 3333 28th St. SE; and YoChef’s Catering Co. & Cafe, 34 44th St. SW. Each of the restaurants will donate 15% of its non-alcoholic receipts to the Foundation.
Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the partnership is a way residents can support the scholarships and local restaurants. Even in the current semi-shutdown issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, all three are open and offer take out or curbside.
To participate, make sure to use the word “scholarship” when ordering.
O’Callaghan said that hopes all those who do participate in the fundraiser will thank the restaurants for helping.
For more information about Chamber events or activities, visit southkent.org.
Most Kent County offices and COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen Monday, Nov. 30. at 8 a.m.
A few service exemptions are:
The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; however, all other services will be closed.
All Department of Public Works services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 but disposal facilities will be open Friday, Nov. 27.
The NxGen LINC Up site has openings for COVID-19 testing starting Monday, Nov. 30, and Baxter Holistic Center has openings starting Tuesday, Dec. 1. More COVID-19 testing locations can be found at www.accesskent.com/covid-testing.
For more information on how to access Kent County departments and offices, visit www.accesskent.com.
A popular pastime for many during the holidays it to tour through the holiday displays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the trees at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, but with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent partial shutdown has left many asking, are these places still open?
The answer is yes, according to Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
“For us, we will continue with our limited capacity,” Kocienski said, adding that the the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be close for the three weeks and the museum’s organ concerts have been switched to virtual.
The same holds true for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which will open its “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” Tuesday, Nov. 24. According to a release from the Gardens, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some exhibition elements and activities will be altered to allow for physical distancing. Also because capacities have been limited — indoor facilities are only allowed to be at 30 percent capacity — there may be times when admission will be slightly delayed during peak times.
Remember masks are required at any indoor facility. Also before visiting call or check the organization’s website.
Here is a rundown of what is currently at the exhibition sites in Grand Rapids:
The Grand Rapids Public Museum recently opened the exhibit “Wild Connections, featuring more than 20 Lego sculptures. (WKTV/Anna Johns)
Grand Rapids Public Museum
“Wild Connections,” more than 20 Lego sculptures done by artist Sean Kenney, opened in November and runs through May 2. Dec. 8 -1 9 is “Incoming!,” interactive experiences exploring space from current NASA missions. The program is narrated by George Takei, best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. On Dec. 18 will be a virtual organ concert by organist Lance Luce. The 7 p.m. performance will feature a selection of holiday music. Tickets for the concert are $5/ museum members and $10/general admission.
For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org.
Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family. (Supplied by GRAM)
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has three exhibits: “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” which features a collection of paintings by the local artist; “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring the craftsmanship of furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann; and opening Dec. 5, “Interwoven Legacy,” featuring the black ash basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. Black ash basketry is a traditional Anishinaade art form of basket weaving.
For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Lots of holiday favorites are opening at the Gardens this week such as the “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions this Tuesday, Nov. 24. In conjunction with the Holiday Traditions display, there will be Virtual Santa Visits from 5 – 8 p.m every Tuesday from Nov. 24 up until Christmas. and the reindeer will be visiting starting Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The Gardens also will be hosting a “Wee” are Thankful, a Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 for littles ones to learn and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness. The Gardens also will be hosting winter walks and other activities.
Following national policy, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has been closed since March 14. Check its website, fordlibrarymuseum.gov for updates.
Persevering through a pandemic, school systems and nonprofit organizations in Wyoming sought financial support. The Wyoming Community Foundation stepped in to help provide relief aid to some of these organizations in addition to their annual grant recipients.
This past summer, the foundation provided $5,000 evenly split among two nonprofits for hunger relief/food bank support: Family Network of Wyoming and United Church Outreach Ministries. Karrie Brown, executive director of development for Family Network of Wyoming, said her organization would be using the funds to create a mini-shopping during their pantry experience. UCOM will use its $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.
“In terms of our funding, we saw a definite increase in the amount of organizations who are looking for funding,” said Wyoming Community Foundation Chair Greg King. “We had a lot of nonprofit organizations reaching out asking for input, and for funding especially with COVID-19.”
This year the foundation received 14 grant applications in comparison to the 10 applications received in 2019, 11 in 2018, and seven in 2017.
The 2020 grant recipients:
Affinity Mentoring – $2,000 to transition to virtual mentoring in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and provide equitable access to academic, relational support to students.
Feeding America West Michigan – $2,000 to support three Mobile Food Pantries, which provide food assistance for the Wyoming community.
HOPE Gardens – $600 to expand Team 21 in-class garden curricula and after school programming to Godfrey Elementary and Lee Middle Schools.
SLD Read – $500 to provide tutoring services, including assessments and individual tutoring, to address educational difficulties as a result of school closures.
United Church Outreach Ministry – $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.
Godwin Heights Public Schools – $1,500 to support the Lower Elementary Sensory Walk at West Godwin Elementary.
Another need is volunteers to join the The Wyoming Community Foundation’s board and its Youth Advisory Committee which oversees grant-making for organizations that benefit Wyomig youth.
If you are interested in joining the Wyoming Community Foundation board or looking for more information you can visit grfoundation.org/wyoming
The Wyoming Community Foundation is a regional affiliate of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Annually the organization selects grant recipients. Applicants for these grants must be nonprofit organizations that are based in the Wyoming area or are doing work to make necessary improvements in the Wyoming community.
Thanksgiving day is just around the corner and the Kent County Health Departments’ new campaign urges families to stay home this holiday season.
The “I love you so” campaign will run on local TV and radio stations, cable networks, print and digital platforms, including local minority-owned outlets, through the end of the year. The campaign is built on the message “I love you SO I’m staying home,” Though this is a tough message they urge residents to make their health and the health of the families the top priority this holiday season.
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year, instead of gathering in person, the Kent County Health Department suggests that gatherings take place virtually. As shown in their campaign, families can meet virtually as they share their Thanksgiving meals virtually allowing for a safe holiday.
Though it may be difficult to not see loved ones during the holiday season, it is also important to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus, according to Kent County Health officials and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who spoke during a press conference on Nov. 19. Currently, Kent County is seeing more than 500 new coronavirus cases each day, the Kent County Health Department reported. Over the past eight weeks, there have been ten times as many cases and local positivity rates are at the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic.
“This really is a ‘tough love’ message for our community,” said Kent County Health Department director, Dr. Adam London. “We all want to get together to celebrate with family and friends, but those gatherings are the perfect places for the virus to spread.
“We are asking everyone to make their own health and the health of their loved ones their top priorities this holiday season.”
The “I love you so” campaign is in partnership with Spectrum Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Metro Health. As cases continue to rise there has been tremendous stress on hospitals and health care providers.
“This is a difficult moment,” said Josh Leffingwell, partner at Well Design Studio, the agency that led the creative development of the campaign. “There is so much emotion tied to telling someone you love that you’re not going to join them for a holiday celebration. We wanted to give people the language to use with their friends and family. It’s a simple message: ‘I love you so much that I’m willing to miss our holiday gathering to help keep us all safe.’”
The $250,000 public education campaign, funded with CARES Act dollars, launches with Thanksgiving-themed ads across all media this week. The new ads will launch before the December holidays and will run through the end of the year.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions on fans in the stands, WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew was all over Wyoming and Kentwood to cover local football teams.
And as every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day high school football fix this year as we broadcast 15 hours of games on our cable Channel 25.
The special starts at 9 a.m., highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
6:30 p.m. — Catholic Central at South Christian. On-Demand
8:40 p.m. — MHSAA Playoff Hamilton at Godwin. On-Demand
10:35 p.m. — MHSAA Playoff Hamilton at South Christian. On-Demand
With our Thanksgiving Day football fest, WKTV’s fall sports season comes to an end, but we are already planning on winter coverage of basketball and more.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Photo courtesy sphere.com
Time for some Holiday shopping
This weekend take the opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. The Holiday Market on Main will take place in downtown Lowell within walking distance of parking, restaurants, and breweries. Shoppers will have the opportunity to visit a variety of stores from antiques to candy to clothing. The event begins on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit https://www.discoverlowell.org/christmas-through-lowell/
The Grand Rapids Symphony has a virtual concert set for Friday, Nov. 20. (Supplied)
Listen to a Virtual Concert
Join The Grand Rapids Symphony for their virtual concert “PathWaves- A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy”. The concert will feature themes from Final Fantasy and have surprises, battles, and characters from throughout the entire series. The concert will be directed by Eric Roth and feature the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu. This takes place on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. This event is only available live and not available for replay. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase here.
The “Wild Connections” is now open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Anna Johns)
Visit the Public Museum
Take a chance to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museums’ new exhibit “Wild Connections”. This exhibit features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit is interesting for all ages and connects art and science. In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. They can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/.
The Michigan Triangle (mysteriousfacts.com)
Fun Facts: Michigan Triangle
You may have heard of the Bermuda Triangle – but did you know the Great Lakes has its own mysterious triangle? The Michigan Triangle spans from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, and south to Benton Harbor. Numerous unexplained shipwreck have occurred in this area dating back to 1891. In addition to the disappearances, there is even an area where divers discovered strange Stonehenge-like rock formations. Some say these tragedies are caused by high winds and rough weather while others claim paranormal forces are at work.
Kent County announced this week the first round of grants to non-profits as part of the new Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, with seven nonprofits awarded grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000.
Two groups, Bethany Christian Services and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, have local operations in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners previously allocated $500,000 of CARES Act funding to the Community Violence Prevention program “to help stem the increasing rate of violence occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a Nov. 18 statement from Kent County.
The grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations “that work to prevent violent behaviors from occurring, stop the progression of violence and rehabilitate individuals with established violent behavior,” according to the statement.
“Keeping our residents and communities safe is a top priority for the Kent County Board of Commissioners,” Commission chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “We are proud to make these resources available to community organizations who are working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions that make our neighborhoods safer.”
As listed in the grant application, some of the strategies possibly used by the groups receiving grants include:
Reducing the availability and misuse of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances;
Reducing access to lethal weapons like guns and knives;
Changing cultural norms that support violence;
Rehabilitating individuals with a history of violent behavior;
Providing mentors, counselors, or other similar support for youth;
Providing alternative activities during the day and at night for youth that keep them engaged and involved, thus combatting idleness and lack of direction;
And, education and support of anti-gang measures.
Local group initial plans
Bethany Christian Services of Michigan has locations in both Wyoming and Kentwood, and, according to their application, will use the grant for a wide range of initiatives, including its “Silence the Violence Project”, which “using virtual reality, local youth partner with software developers to create simulated experiences designed to show youth ages 10-17 how to combat violence in their lives and communities.”
Bethany Christian Services’ project is an existing initiative of NAACP, it is estimated that 125-150 youth will engage in these simulations, and while the grant funds will be used this year, the program will continue throughout 2020 and 2021.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’s Spartan Nash YMCA is located in Wyoming. According to its grant application, it will use the grant to engage in teen violence prevention by “providing alternative choices and activities” during out-of-school time.
“The goal for our programs is to keep teens engaged and involved in community, thus combatting lack of direction or idleness. The Y has staff who are trained in trauma-informed care who can confidently facilitate conversations about gun violence issues as well as strong partnerships with mental health providers like Arbor Circle and Mental Health Foundation to provide group-based mental health support. This work is becoming increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Local United Way partners with county on grants
Kent County contracted with Heart of West Michigan United Way — which already has extensive relationships with local non-profits — to review funding applications and administer the grants.
Other non-profits to receive grants as part of the first round of awards include the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Inc.; Edge Urban Fellowship; Grand Rapids Urban League; New City Kids, Inc.; and Muse Ed (Mus(ed)).
“The agencies receiving funds have established track records in transforming our community,” Michelle Van Dyke, president & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, said in supplies material. “They serve as leaders in preventing violence, facilitators of diversion efforts and mentors for local youth. Together, we will educate and support Kent County residents to ensure the place we call home becomes safer and stronger than ever before.”
For more information on the grants and application process, visit hwmuw.org.
The Russo family helps Kara Boorsma put toys in the box located at their restaurant, Russo Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Shay Russo easily admits that it seems like such a small thing, a toy underneath a tree, but to a child it “means the world.”
“But it is tough when you have to decide if you are putting food on the table or purchasing a toy,” Russo said.. And this year, with COVID and the shutdowns, it just seems tougher, she said.
It is why when the City of Wyoming called and asked if Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, would serve as a collection site for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back campaign, Russo and her husband Mike said yes.
There are boxes at five locations in the City of Wyoming for the annual Wyoming Gives Back campaign. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“It may not seem like much, a toy under the tree, but to a little one it is so important,” Russo said. “They have that hope and to be able to see just a couple of gifts under the tree keeps that magical wonder alive.”
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Wyoming has made the move to host a live broadcast on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Four local businesses stepped up to be drop-off locations for area residents. Residents need to drop off toys by Nov. 30. While there, the business owner will give the person a raffle ticket for each new toy donated. Raffle winners will be announced during the live broadcast which will include musical performances, holiday greetings, and a visit from Santa.
Under the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, all of the drop-off locations are open to the public. Those locations are:
Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, small toys, puzzle box-size or smaller, will be accepted at the drive-thru, all others will be by appointment only
“We are mostly have pick up or delivery, so we are open with people coming in to pick up their food,” Russo said. During the spring shutdown, the restaurant saw an uptick in business and Russo said she hopes that if it happens again with the current partial shutdown it will translate in more toy donations.
Marge Wilson owner of Marge’s Donut Den, another drop-off site, said she is concern that the current shutdown may have some impact on donations.
“The trickle down effect is starting to hit people,” Wilson said. “People are starting to focus more on the needs of their family.”
Still she was amazed by the generosity of her staff and customers who have already donated more than 200 toys, enough to fill nine boxes.
“We had this craft show just before the shutdown and one of the vendors donated about 150 toys,” Wilson said. “That and several of the staff and customers have come in with items as well.”
Marge’s Donut Den first round of collection netted in about 200 toys for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back campaign. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for the annual event, and with the support of the participating businesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes. Many area businesses have again donated to the raffle prizes with an array of items being offered.
Also this year, the Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pates or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be downloaded from the event webpage. Completed coloring pages need to be returned to the dropbox or drive-thru at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, by Nov. 30 to be entered into the drawing.
For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit the event page.
Things were already going to be a little different this year with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, but the latest round of pandemic-related large-group and inside-building capacity restrictions will not dim the lights at the event.
Part of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Dean Van Dis)
The Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display from Nov. 24 through Jan. 3, 2021, during which guests will experience 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe, the always enchanting Railway Garden and its “holiday wonderland” surroundings, including the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.
And, as always, just a stroll around the sculpture gardens, even in winter, can be an enchanting experience — especially with the nearly 300,000 lights on display throughout the grounds.
“We were planning on being able to have 50 percent of our normal capacity for the upcoming Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, now we are allowed 30 percent.” a Meijer Gardens spokesperson said to WKTV this week. “We have already adjusted the layout of the trees and displays to allow for maximum physical distancing, and moved our Santa visits to be virtual.”
This year, as every year, Meijer Gardens “celebrates handcrafted traditions and explores the care that goes into creating these treasured traditions by hand,” according to supplied material.
Inside there will be fresh poinsettias, orchids and amaryllis, the smell of evergreens in the decorated trees and displays, and the unique horticultural artistry of the Railway Garden complements the trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 37 Grand Rapids landmarks.
Entrance to the Japanese garden area. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Johnny Quirin)
“For this year’s exhibition, Meijer Gardens is showcasing handmade elements of traditions from all over the world,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “Guests will encounter the work of hundreds of skilled and caring hands and experience the details and attention that goes into creating these traditions.”
As usual, there will be extended holiday hours, with the gardens open until 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 14–19, 21–23, 26, 28–30. (The gardens will be closed on Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2021.
Some other traditions remain but have changed, however.
Virtual Santa visits will be offered on the Tuesday nights starting Nov. 24 until Christmas Day from 5-8 p.m. The interactive visits with Santa will occur in the Hauenstein and Pfeiffer event rooms. “While your children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year, we have a virtual connection with Santa and he will interact with guests live from the North Pole,” it states in supplied material.
The Original Dickens Carolers will be also be performing virtually on Tuesday evenings until Christmas Day, from 6-8 p.m., with guests able to enjoy these live performances on monitors located throughout the facility.
And what about those “Rooftop Reindeer” photos? The Rooftop Reindeer will be present from 1-4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading until Christmas Day. Visitors will be able to get close to the reindeer for photos, they will not be able to pet or touch the reindeer this year.
For complete information on what is, and is not, happening at Meijer Gardens this holiday — and most traditional things are happening — visit the Meijer Gardens webpage here.
As the number of cases and positivity rates of COVID-19 continue to climb in the community, Metro Health – University of Michigan has made the decision to further restrict visitors from the hospital and outpatient locations. The revisions are intended to help prevent the spread of illness and protect patients, employees and the community.
Effective Thursday, Nov. 19, no visitors are allowed in the hospital or offsite locations. Please see the grid below for guidance and exceptions. Note: DPA means durable power of attorney and ADL means activities of daily living, a term used to describe fundamental skills that are required to independently care for oneself such as eating, bathing and mobility.
For updates on Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, visit metrogr.org.
During the odd/even enforcement period of December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, Wyoming police officers responded to almost 11,000 calls for service. How many odd/even parking tickets were also written during that time?
Less than 100
Between 100 and 500
Between 500 and 1,000
More than 1,000
I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday!
Answer: More than 10,00. In addition to responding to all those calls for service and making traffic stops, there were also 1,021 odd/even enforcement tickets written last year.
The City of Wyoming’s odd/even parking takes affect Dec. 1. It is enforceable from midnight to 7 p.m. Cars are to be parked on the even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days. On odd number days, residents may park in front of the odd number addresses. Those in cul-de-sacs may only park on the street on even numbered calendar days. Streets with “No Parking,” signs will continue to have no parking restrictions.
The odd/even parking is designed to allow the city’s snow plow trucks to be able to clear the streets after a snowfall.
The Kent County Board of Canvassers announced it has certified the Kent County results of the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
“The work that the canvassers do is critically important as it’s the final checks-and-balances in our process,” said Kent County Clerk Lisa Poshumus-Lyons. “I want to commend our Board of Canvassers for their diligent work and dedication to reaffirming that Kent County’s election was secure, accurate, and transparent.”
Lisa Posthumus-Lyons
The Board of Canvassers convened on Thursday, Nov.5, meeting each weekday, open to the public, until completing the canvass Tuesday, Nov. 17. The law requires the canvass to be completed no later than two weeks after each Election Day. The official county canvass documents will be delivered Wednesday to the state Bureau of Elections for inclusion in the statewide canvass. With the canvass concluded, candidates have until Monday, Nov. 23, to request a county-level recount.
Now that the canvass is completed, and after statewide certification, the County Clerk’s office will conduct the legally required post-election audits in randomly-selected precincts to perform a number of additional measures to verify that the election was administered correctly and that results were accurate. Among those additional steps is the conduct of manual hand-recounts of the ballots in two contested races
“Michigan’s process of conducting elections is deliberative and extensive. Counting every legal vote accurately is our number one priority, and we spend a month after every election to ensure that Kent County elections are secure, transparent, and fair,” Lyons said.
Wyoming high boys basketball coach Tom Vander Klay visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (Wolves girls coach Troy Mast’s interview is later in this story.)
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, as part of our continuing series of shows focused on different local high school and their sports departments, we check in with the Wyoming High School Wolves basketball teams — both of which were already dealing with pandemic-related restrictions even before the latest state and MHSAA orders.
Visiting the WKTV studios last week (and before this week’s Michigan High School Athletic Association additional temporary restrictions on practices and competitions) are two coaches who have long histories of coaching and coaching success in Wyoming Public Schools, head boys basketball coach Thom Vander Klay and head girls basketball coach Troy Mast.
Both Vander Klay — who had his outstanding 2019-20 team’s season cut short by COVID-19 early this year — and Mast talk with WKTV volunteers Mike Moll and Paul Kabelman about how their teams are handling COVID-19 restrictions, their opinions of the Wolves’ shift of conferences from the OK Gold to OK Green, and a preseason outlook for their 2020-21 teams.
But we also reached out to the coaches this week, on Nov. 17, to see what the latest round of restrictions mean to their programs.
“Currently, we are completely paused for 3 weeks with no team practices or in-person meetings allowed,” Mast said to WKTV. “This is putting our team further behind where we are normally at this time of year.
“However, our job is to be ready when we are allowed to get back to work. Our kids will be excited to get back into the gym ASAP and looking forward to competing against each other in practice in preparation for whatever schedule is put in front of us.”
The Wolves girls were scheduled to start competition Dec. 1 at home against Comstock Park, but that game has even cancelled, along with a home game Dec. 4 against Forest Hills Central and a road game Dec. 8 at South Christian. Dec. 8 also would have been the night of the Wolves boys team’s first game, which would have had the Sailors visiting Wyoming.
“At this point the boys will be able to start tryouts Dec. 8 unless the state tells us differently and/or extends its order. That would have been the date of our season opener against SC (South Christian),” Vander Klay said to WKTV. “So we will have tryouts, get our rosters set on each level and then prepare as quickly as possible for competition.
“Of course, we cannot scrimmage other teams before we play so that will be interesting as those preseason scrimmages reveal so much about the players and the team — and what the coach needs to work on. … My guess is that early game results will be much different than games at the end of the year.”
WKTV Journal Sports Connection, with this latest episode hosted by WKTV volunteer Cory Dalton, brings its audience interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports, both on cable television and on our on-demand and YouTube channels. Readers can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting wktvjournal.com/sports.
WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of highs school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.com. 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.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today its Curiosity Shop will participate in Museum Store Sunday, taking place on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Museum Store Association, Museum Store Sunday celebrates museum stores and their ability to sustain a museum’s service to their community and public. The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop features local artisan jewelry, apparel, artwork, gourmet treats, stationary and educational gifts both online and in its physical location. Purchases at the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop support ongoing work of the Museum, including exhibitions and programs.
“We’re excited to participate in Museum Store Sunday once again this year,” said GRPM’s Gift Shop Manager Stephanie Dykert. “We all know about Black Friday and Small Business Saturday; this is another way to support the Museum through holiday gift giving. Just as we curate our Collections, we do the same when we select local products and items that reflect on the Museum’s experience and mission to inspire curiosity. We’re happy to offer such a diverse range of gifts that will appeal to shoppers of all ages.”
On Museum Store Sunday, the GRPM’s 10% member shopping discount will be extended to all patrons on Nov. 29 only, both in the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop and online store; members will receive an additional 10% off purchases.
The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop carries a wide selection of unique products, related to history, science, and culture including exhibit mementos, GRPM branded souvenirs, educational science kits, books by local authors, Michigan merchandise and more.
Shoppers can make purchases online anytime at shop.grpm.org. Options are available for direct shipping as well as contactless curbside pick-up at the Museum’s 272 Pearl Street location. The Curiosity Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Museum admission is not required to shop. Limited capacity, masks required.
Products from local artisans and vendors within the Curiosity Shop include: Cellar Door Artisans and Preserves, Imagination Starters, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Wildship Studios, Megan Altieri, Artist & Author, The Mineral Man, Hanover’s Michigan Mints, Fresh Coast Candles, Westside Collaborative, Mitten State, Michigan Awesome, Michigan Mittens, Cherry Republic, Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Roeda Studio, Little Flower Soap Co., North Country Candy & Gifts, Reggie James and Raggedy Amy Studios.
The GRPM is currently open and welcoming visitors to explore the three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the updated GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org
KDL Branch Outreach and Program Specialist Ty Papke and Godfrey-Lee Media Specialist Harry Coffill take a break in the new East Lee Campus library. (Supplied/KDL)
When Godfrey-Lee’s Media Specialist Harry Coffill shared that the district’s East Lee Campus did not have a library and due to budget constraints, the chances that the alternative high school getting one were slim, staff at the Kent District Library listened.
The welcome sign at the new East Campus library. (Supplied/KDL)
After all, the chance to get books in the hands of anyone, especially students, is a temptation that no librarian can ever really resist, so the KDL staff partnered with the the Godfrey-Lee media staff and built a private collection for the school.
“We really focused on providing books and materials that would be popular for that specific population,” said Ty Papke, the branch outreach and programming specialist for the KDL Wyoming and Kelloggsville branches. “The students also will have access to the KDL full catalog and will be able to request books from other KDL branches which will be delivered by the KDL Bookmobile.”
The groundbreaking collaboration started two years ago with KDL and Godfrey-Lee staff looking through the KDL’s collection for possible selections for the new library. Through discussion, it was decided that while the library would have books that connect to the East Lee curriculum, the new library’s main focus would be to encourage reading, Papke said.
The new East Lee Campus library was designed with the student population in mind. (Supplied/KDL)
“We want the students to enjoy reading rather than feel like they are forced to,” he said, adding that the collection was designed so students would be able to find books about people that are like them, helping to give a voice to what students are facing whether they are Spanish speakers, LGBTQ, or teen parents.
Therefore, the collection has a broad selection that includes teen fiction, novels, graphic novels, junior level chapter books, and some picture books for those with younger siblings or have children of their own.
A former classroom was converted at the East Lee Campus with shelves and signage added with some comfy furniture as well.
“I’m really excited about building a community partnership with KDL that allows East Lee students access to exciting literature choices while engaging them in a relationship with a community library that will serve them well into the future,” Coffill said in a recent release about the new library. “The books chosen for the KDL Godfrey-Lee library are exciting, and I can’t wait to see our students utilize the space.”
Unfortunately, the East Lee students have not had a chance to “check out” the library since the school has been in virtual learning well before the recent Michigan Department of Health and Human Services three-week partial shut-down order that took effect on Nov. 18.
Papke said there also is a goal to have the students come to a KDL branch and do a “shopping spree” of sorts among the stacks for books they would like to see in the new East Lee library. This adventure will have to wait due to the COVID situation, he said.
For now, Papke said KDL is pleased to be able to help connect students to books in hopes they too will become lifelong readers.
The East Lee library is the first private collection at a school that KDL has built. In 2017, KDL opened the KDL Kelloggsville branch in partnership with Kelloggsville Public School. The KDL Kelloggsville branch, located in the high school, was the first KDL-school partnership. The Kelloggsville branch is open to the public after school. Currently, all KDL branches are closed to the public and only offering online services and curbside pick up.
Only three days left for guests to enjoy John Ball Zoo for the 2020 season. Guests can get their last visits for the year to see the red pandas, along with the chimpanzees, meerkats, lions, bears, tigers and the other amazing animals from Friday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 22.
Along with many new babies, including red pandas, armadillos, Canada lynx and others, the Zoo had had other exciting additions for the 2020 season. Guests are now welcomed by a new front entry valley, which includes a winding ADA compliant entry pathway, along with new restrooms, concession stand and groundwork to bring new animals into the Zoo family.
With the increased cases of COVID, the Zoo will require all guests ages 5 and older to wear a mask at all times and everywhere in the Zoo, including outdoor spaces. They also have again reduced guest capacity within the Zoo to allow space for social distancing.
With limited admission tickets available, guests are highly encouraged to reserve their timed tickets ahead of time to guarantee their preferred date and time. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org. John Ball Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information about the John Ball Zoo, visit jbzoo.com.
Applications for the Collegiate Vocal Competition are available. This competition is an opportunity for college-level voice students to compete for cash prizes and receive feedback from acclaimed opera artists.
Applications are now available for the Collegiate Vocal Competition hosted by Opera Grand Rapids. (pxhere.com)
The competition offers the second-largest purse in the nation with nearly $25,000, awarded. First place receives $10,000, second place receives $5,000, third receives $2,500, and the winner of the Friends of the Opera Award will receive $1,000.
For the first round of the competition, applicants will submit their performances online. The top ten finalists will perform in the final-round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids on April 3, 2021.
Those who are interested in competing must be enrolled as an undergraduate at a higher-education institution in the United States and be under the age of 21 as of February 1, 2021. Applications are due by Feb 1, 2021. For more information on auditions visit https://www.operagr.org/collegiate-vocal-competition/
Mackinac State Historic Parks are providing artists with the opportunity to take up residency on Mackinaw Island. This is an opportunity for artists of all mediums such as writers, musicians, visual artists, and more.
“We were so pleased to have completed the second year of the program in 2020 and look forward to 2021,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “It was inspiring to witness how Mackinac sparked the creativity of the various artists these last two years.”
Artists who are selected for residency will be able to choose from two – three-week residencies beginning in early June and continuing through early October of 2021. During their residency artists will live rent-free on the second floor of the Mackinac Island Visitor’s Center. In addition, the artist is asked to provide a public presentation (workshop, lecture, reading, demonstration, etc.) on the second Wednesday of their residency and contribute one piece of their work to Mackinac State Historic Parks within 12 months.
Artists will be picked by a jury of representatives from Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Mackinac Island Arts Council, and the Mackinac Island Community Foundation. The goal of the program is to encourage the creation of artworks inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) made clear this week that this week’s action to suspend the three remaining fall sports championship competitions was just that: a “suspension” and not a “cancellation.”
But by any definition, local high school athletic teams readying this week to continue their drives for state titles are at least on indefinite hold and at worst cancelled.
At East Kentwood High School, the girls swim team’s trip to the state swim finals this weekend is not going to happen. (See a WKTV video and story on the Falcons’s swim team here.)
And at South Christian, Coach Danny Brown’s football team will likely be idle for three weeks instead of playing a playoff game this week and getting shot at the 2020 Division 4 title.
“I feel terrible for the kids. They put so much into having a successful season and they keep getting knocked down,” Brown said to WKTV. “They are resilient and will get through this. My hope and prayer is we get to finish the season so these boys can get some closure on their season.”
Originally, the Sailors (8-1, including 3-0 in expanded playoff format games) were scheduled to play this Friday against Edwardsburg (8-0) in the regional finals, with the semifinals on Nov. 27 and the state finals scheduled for Dec. 4. (On Nov. 13, South Christian defeated Hamilton, 56-14, in the regional semifinals. WKTV was there with our featured game crew and the game is available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.)
Now South Christian will have to wait until later this week to find out plans from the MHSAA on the possible restart of the fall season championships after the current 3-week suspension of activities to comply with a new state orders.
On Nov. 15, the MHSAA announced it was suspending fall tournaments for girls volleyball, girls swimming & diving, and football, and all winter practices and competitions scheduled to begin over the next three weeks “per the emergency order to pause activity announced Sunday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
“Our plan for all our fall tournaments is that they are suspended, they are not cancelled,” Mark Uyl, executive director of the MHSAA, said Monday, Nov. 16, in a Zoom press conference. “Our goal as we started off this new athletic year was that we were going to find a way to have three (high school sports) seasons in 2020 and 21. … Our goals and plans have not changed.”
A more extensive excerpt from a Monday press conference with Uyl is at the top of this story.
The MHSAA action not only suspends local teams’ title hopes, it is another delay in winter sports practices and competition — including boys and girls basketball. Full practices for basketball was scheduled to begin this week, with some girls teams taking to the court for games the first week of December.
Mr. Kjillstrom (grandfather), Oscar Kjillstrom (son), and Clifford Kjillstrom (grandson), all cabinetmakers at Union Furniture Company. The Union Furniture Company was destroyed by fire in 1886. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that it recently published all of its Collections records and the vast majority of its 150,000+ digital images under a Creative Commons Zero License. This license denotes that the GRPM has dedicated the images – photographs of artifacts, specimens, scans of photographs, catalogs, etc. – to the Public Domain so that they can be downloaded directly and used freely by anyone, anywhere, at any time.
“This is part of GRPM’s vision of broad accessibility, including accessible Collections and sharing knowledge for all,” said the Museum’s President and CEO Dale Robertson. “Through this Creative Commons licensing, anyone who finds one of our resources can download and use it for no charge, without having to get special permission. This is especially nice for our educational K-12 partners, students, teachers, researchers, authors, media creators and anyone with interest.”
The GRPM’s Collections can be explored at grpmcollections.org. Images can be downloaded for educational and personal use by using the “Download Media” button associated with that image on the GRPM’s Collections Database.
Rectangular iron, tin and wood case has stepped sides. Four rubber-covered wheels. Friction rotation. Two hinged dustpans; one lever. Single brush. Plain brackets; nickel and enamel trim. Handpainted floral motif in orange, green, yellow and gold. Stencil: ‘Bissell’s Grand Rapids.’ Previous # X120.;Collected by Bissell in or before February 1894..;Collected by Bissell in or before February 1894.. Collected by Bissell in or before February 1894. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
“It is our belief that as a public institution, dedicated to the stewardship of these Collections, we have a duty to make them as accessible as possible,” said the Museum’s Chief Curator Alex Forist. “Publishing our Collections data and images under a Creative Commons Zero license removes so many barriers like fees, permissions, and citation requirements. We have been working hard for years to create this content, and we want to make it as simple as possible for anyone to find and use.”
There are a few exceptions to the new policy and a small number of images are classified as either “Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommericial-NoDerivitaves” or “Restricted” when the GRPM does not have the rights to place the image in the Public Domain. Full rights information can be found at: https://www.grpmcollections.org/About/Terms
Creative Commons
Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that helps overcome legal obstacles to the sharing of knowledge and creativity. In order to fulfill their mission, Creative Commons provides Creative Commons licenses and public domain tools that give every person and organization in the world a free, simple, and standardized way to grant copyright permissions for creative and academic works; ensure proper attribution; and allow others to copy, distribute, and make use of those works. Creative Commons works closely with major institutions and governments to create, adopt and implement open licensing and ensure the correct use of CC licenses and CC-licensed content. Additional information can be found at
During the odd/even enforcement period of Dec. 1, 2019 to Mar. 31, 2020, Wyoming police officers responded to almost 11,000 calls for service. To prepare. the past few weeks the Traffic Tuesday has been focused on those enforcement issues.
How many odd/even parking tickets were written during Dec. 1, 2019 to Mar. 31, 2020?
Less than 100
Between 100 and 500
Between 500 and 1,000
More than 1,000
I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday!
The City of Wyoming’s odd/even parking takes affect Dec. 1. It is enforceable from midnight to 7 p.m. Cars are to be parked on the even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days. On odd number days, residents may park in front of the odd number addresses. Those in cul-de-sacs may only park on the street on even numbered calendar days. Streets with “No Parking,” signs will continue to have no parking restrictions.
The odd/even parking is designed to allow the city’s snow plow trucks to be able to clear the streets after a snowfall.
The Hackley and Hume homes in Muskegon will be open for holiday tours. (Supplied)
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner West Michigan Tourist Association
The Hackley & Hume Historic Sites at Lakeshore Museum Center are proud to return with a beloved family tradition. From Saturday, November 28th, to December 30, guests have the chance to view the Historic Houses dressed for the holidays during the 2020 Holiday Tours.
“We’re so excited to continue the tradition this year,” said Program Manager Erin Schmitz. “Despite how different 2020 has been, we are thrilled to bring back holiday tours that families have come to know and love.”
This year, LMC had the help of Linda Potter & Cathy Norkus, the Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce, Janet Arndt & Barb Lloyd, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Shoreline Victorian Ladies Society, Minerva Dill Questers, the Greater Muskegon Women’s Club and Merilee & Friends who volunteered to decorate the site.
Experience the houses this holiday season on this 45-minute guided tour as you explore through the Hackley and Hume Houses all decorated for Christmas while learning the history of our many holiday traditions! In addition to touring the homes, Perry’s Pines will be selling trees in the courtyard throughout the season.
Additional holiday tour dates are as follows: ● Saturday, November 28 from 2-7 pm ● Sunday, November 29 from 2-7 pm ● Saturday, December 5 from 2-7 pm ● Saturday, December 12 from 2-7 pm ● Saturday, December 19 from 2-7 pm ● Tuesday, December 29 from 2-7 pm ● Wednesday, December 30 from 2-7 pm
Hackley and Hume members receive free admission during all of the holiday tour days/hours. For non-members, tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, and $5 for kids ages 2-12. Space is limited, and tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information about the Hackley and Hume Historic Homes or their upcoming events, call (231) 722-7578 or visit their website.
Before the latest Michigan High School Sports Association (MHSAA) action to suspend, but maybe not cancel, the state’s remaining high school sports championship schedule, East Kentwood High School’s girls swim coach thought her team had overcome all the COVID-19 turbulence this season.
And WKTV talked to Falcons head coach Monika Steffens via zoom last week about her team’s season as they prepared to send the relay team to the State Finals this week.
Coach Steffens — or as her team calls her, Coach Mo — told WKTV that the team’s season had been incredible through a difficult time, that her girls set personal best times in almost all of their races at the OK Conference tournament and, on top of that, sophomore standout Kalin Wiltrout broke a 22 year old team record for 100 freestyle.
“We were unsure when we would even practice and everyday these girls showed up, took everything we threw at them, and they still got around to swimming very fast,” Steffens said in the video interview.
Then came news over the weekend of the latest restrictions from the State of Michigan and the MHSAA, including suspension of the high school state swim meet as well as the volleyball and football tournaments.
“We had been warning the girls that this was a possibility for the past few weeks, but it still does not make facing the decision any easier,” Steffens said today, Nov. 16, to WKTV. “I am grateful that we were able to get through our conference meet and were given the chance to race hard throughout the past few months.
“Pushing back, or even cancelling, this season’s state meet does not take away from the hard work these ladies put in. Qualifying to compete is already a tremendous accomplishment. Putting the chance to beat a couple more team records on hold is hard to accept, but I know we will be back here again next season and I know we will do our best to race hard again when we are given the chance.”
WKTV’s local sports coverage is available at wktvjournal.com/sports. WKTV Journal Sports Connection is also available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of highs school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.com. Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also usually available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Holt Bosse, creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales/promotions, specialty items, drawings/giveaways, free gift wrapping and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.
“All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, grab a sweet treat, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
Additionally, St. Joseph Today will kick off the holiday music a little earlier this year. Zapal says, “SJT added holiday music throughout downtown in 2019 as part of Window Wonderland.” Zapal goes on to say, “This year we wanted to start the holiday festivities a little earlier during the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We’re hoping to spread a little extra cheer this year!”
Participating locations include 221 Main, Baroda Founders, Caffe Tosi, DK Boutique, G&M Variety, Grins, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, ReVive Spa, Silver Harbor Brewing, State Street Stuff, The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Natural Gem, Third Coast Surf Shop, and White Pine Winery.
NEW THIS YEAR: St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.
Through this partnership, new winter lights will be placed downtown along State Street (from Elm Street to Ship Street) as well as Broad Street and Ship Street (Lake Boulevard. to Main Street) and Pleasant Street (Lake Bpi;evard. to Court Street). The winter lights will kick off Friday, Nov. 20, Luminary weekend, and remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.
“Our hope is to make outdoor spaces more inviting during the winter.” Zapal goes on to say, “Downtown St. Joseph will transform into a winter wonderland, enticing visitors, shoppers and diners alike, for the holidays and throughout the winter. We invite the community to enjoy this winter season and support local businesses.”
Tommy Brann, state legislator and casual restaurant owner, admits he is in a unique position when it comes to reacting to the latest public heath order, announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the weekend and set to close restaurants to inside dining, among other impacts.
On one hand, Rep. Brann said to WKTV today, Nov. 16, he knows there is need to act to curb the recent negative public health trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan — and he knows restrictions on restaurants may be part of that effort. But he also wishes the Governor would have worked with the the rest of state government, and worked more with restaurant owners such as himself, before the new reductions were ordered.
“She takes (the current COVID-19 numbers) seriously, I understand that, but we do too,” Rep. Brann said. “I would really prefer to work together with the Governor.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)
Rep. Brann, a Republican who recently won re-election to the House of Representatives from District 77, which includes Wyoming, said what is not being taken into account is the impact the currently planned 3-week shutdown will have on restaurant employees.
“I am worried about my employees … we are going to have employees without paychecks” Brann said, adding that the usual 3-week time lag in filing and collecting state unemployment benefits means that some employees “will not have money to buy groceries. … We should have had some relief for businesses that are closing.”
Rep. Brann owns Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division Ave. S., in Wyoming.
Gov. Whitmer on Nov. 15, announced three weeks of new COVID-19 restrictions due to spiking numbers of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations in Michigan.
The restrictions came as part of a new public health order, also announced Nov. 15, that will temporarily restrict colleges and high schools to virtual instruction, will urge work from home for employees who can do so, and will close down a number of activities previously limited but allowed, including bowling alleys, movie theaters and in-person dining at bars and restaurants.
The public health order — set to run from Wednesday, Nov. 18, and last through the Thanksgiving holiday and until Dec. 8 — was announced by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.
Gordon, in remarks, said public health orders are derived from legislative action taken in Michigan in 1918 after the Spanish Flu. And the Public Health Code Act, passed by the legislature in 1978, further allowed for public health emergency orders to be made.
(See a MDHHS graphic at the end of the story on what the new health order does and does not do.)
Not impacted by the new order are indoor gatherings limited to 10 people and no more than two households meeting in the same place. But outdoor gathering limits have shrunk to 25 people, which includes funerals.
Retail businesses, salons, barber shops, public transit, child-care centers, parks and healthcare facilities are some examples of establishments that may remain open under the new restrictions.
But restaurants, at least for three weeks, will be limited to take-out food sales and outside seating dining sales. But with winter weather impacts, outside dining is not an option for many restaurants, and Rep. Brann points out that limiting restaurants to take-out food sales is particularly unfair to casual dining restaurants such as his.
“For some restaurants, this is not about profit, this is about survival,” Rep. Brann said. “Take-out is important, but it is more important for chain restaurants than causal dining restaurants like mine. … take-out was only about six percent of my sales, that means about a 90 percent loss.”
Six members from the Grand Rapids Public Museum were recently recognized for their efforts to help clean two museums in Midland, Michigan, after a flood in the community. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that six members of the Museum’s staff have received the “Clean Up Warriors Award” from the Michigan Museums Association (MMA). The individuals are being recognized for their efforts in assisting with the cleanup at the Midland Area Historical Societyand the Sandford Centennial Museum this spring after two dams failed the Midland area, causing the museums to flood.
Those being recognized include:
Stevie Hornyak, GRPM Exhibits Specialist
Sarah Humes, GRPM Associate Registrar
Kelsey Laymon, GRPM Curatorial Assistant
Monica Taylor, GRPM Curatorial Assistant and Photographer
Jake Van Wyk, GRPM Collections Technician
Holly Waldenmeyer, GRPM Registrar and Collections Manager
“Congratulations to the team members of the GRPM staff for receiving this recognition for their efforts,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the GRPM. “This work, all voluntary, was done under very difficult circumstances, in the midst of a pandemic. Their dedication to our community, state and museums does not go unnoticed.”
“It was an incredible opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help the Midland Area Historical Society and the Sanford Centennial Museum, when the flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic were causing mass devastation. Our team joined forces with their staff to care for and save as many artifacts and records as possible.” said Sarah Humes, Associate Registrar at the GRPM. “On behalf of all of us from the GRPM that are receiving the Clean Up Warriors Award, we want to thank MMA for this recognition.”
Grand Rapids Museum staff lent their experience and expertise to museums in Midland that experienced a flood earlier this year. (Supplied)
Every year, the Michigan Museums Association presents awards members for exceptional programs, exhibits and individuals that made an impact during the year. 2020 has been challenging on many fronts, and this year the MMA will celebrate its members, individuals and institutions that supported, adapted, and innovated throughout the year.
A celebration led by the MMA of all 2020 award winners will take place via Zoom on Thursday, November 19 at 3 p.m. The celebration is open to the public; registration required. A full list of awards can be found here: http://michiganmuseums.org/2020-Awards/.
Former Wyoming deputy manager Megan Sall Rydecki has left the city to become the new community affairs manager for Kent County for Consumers Energy.
Rydecki came back to the City of Wyoming in 2017, serving in her current role for more than three years.
“Leaving the city of Wyoming was a tough decision but I’m so pleased I can continue giving back to Kent County in another way, helping Consumers Energy deliver world-class performance to its customers,” said Rydecki, who recently changed her name. “This region is poised for continued growth and I’m thrilled to remain a part of its future.”
In her new role, which she started today, Rydecki will serve as the local government and community representative for Consumers Energy.
“We’re excited that Megan is joining our team in a role that is vital to the prosperity of our company and the greater Grand Rapids community,” said Josh Burgett, Consumers Energy’s executive director of community engagement. “Megan has a proven track record and brings significant experience and trusted relationships with leaders across Kent County that will allow her to both share our passion for these communities’ success and help deliver energy solutions to our customers.”
Rydecki will work alongside outgoing Community Affairs Manager Karen McCarthy, who will retire in early 2021 after more than 37 years with the company. Rydecki also has worked for The Right Place Inc., the Grand Rapids-based regional economic development organization. Kent County, including the city of Grand Rapids and surrounding communities, is the largest metropolitan area within Consumers Energy’s electric service territory.
Rydecki currently serves as chair of the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees, co-chair of Grand Rapids WhiteWater’s Campaign Cabinet and is a board member of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools announced today that due to confirmed COVID-19 cases among the Lee middle and high schools populations, and in consultation with the Kent County Health Department and the district nurse from Spectrum Health, the two schools would move to virtual learning and continue that way until at least Jan. 22, 2021.
In a Nov. 13 letter to middle and high school families signed by superintendent Kevin Polston and posted on the district website, it was stated that “today, we learned of additional students with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Lee Middle and High School. This past week, we have had 4 staff/students with confirmed cases, 125 students in quarantine, 7 staff in quarantine.
“In addition, the rise in cases and positivity rate, as well as decreasing hospital capacity are causes for concern for the safety of all community members.”
In response to the situation, the letter continues, the district will shift to virtual learning at Lee Middle and High School (both schools share a building) starting Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Jan. 22, 2021.
At this time, the district will keep Godfrey-Lee ECC and Godfrey Elementary School open for in-person instruction. In addition, student meals will be available for curbside pick-up at Lee Middle and High School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the building’s gym entrance off of Havana Avenue.
Also, according to the letter, “any student that has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, or fatigue, or has been identified as a close contact should quarantine and is eligible for a COVID-19 test kit at school. There is no cost to the family and results have been returned in 24 hours or less.”
Students that need a test can schedule an appointment by calling the district at 616-452-3296.
As far as athletics are concerned, high school athletics will continue practices as scheduled. But middle school Winter I athletic competitions are paused, while practices will continue.
“Please do not hesitate to contact Lee Middle and High School with any questions or concerns at 616-452-3296,” the letter concludes.
For more information visit Godfrey-Lee.org. To read a Spanish language version of the letter, fro the website click on Lee Update 11/13/20.
Woodland Mall announced this week that “to keep West Michigan safe without sacrificing the holiday spirit,” the Kentwood area shopping mall will offer a variety of options for a “Holiday Your Way” experience that allows the community to partake in the season’s traditions however they feel most comfortable.
Accommodating preferences for visiting the mall in person, virtually, or a combination, Woodland Mall will continue hosting annual events such as photos with Santa and Black Friday shopping. But in-person shopping will come with enhanced safety options to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as limited-contact shopping options have been extended and expanded throughout the season.
“There’s no doubt holiday traditions and shopping will look different this year, but we are working to create safe and fun options for our community,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said supplied material. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the magical experience this season, so Woodland Mall is providing opportunities for everyone to partake in person, virtually or with greater physical distance from others.”
Photos with Santa, other holiday options available
Santa has returned to Woodland Mall’s Arctic Forest and will be present through Dec. 24 “to listen to every child’s Christmas wish and/or, new this year, read them a book,” according to the announcement. And while Santa will not be giving hugs or high-fives this year, children of all ages are invited to sit on a bench next to him to ensure everyone can stay healthy “and Santa can safely deliver presents on Christmas Eve.”
While photos with Santa will be available, Children, families and all Santa’s helpers will be required to wear face coverings that can be removed briefly for photos.
Also, families choosing to stay home can also video conference with Santa this year.
“Fur babies” — family pets — are again welcome to visit with Santa this year on Mondays through Dec. 15. All sorts of pets are able to meet Santa, as in the past he has met West Michigan cats, chickens and even goats. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Tuesday nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8 will feature a special character meet-and-greet with superheroes, princesses and other surprise friends. The themed photo opportunities will be offered from 5-7 p.m. and include a gift with every photo purchase.
To eliminate crowds and lines, appointments must be made prior to meeting with Santa for all those visiting whether in person or virtually. Appointments can be made online at shopwoodlandmall.com.
Shopping Black Friday and more
Woodland will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their family. But the mall will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, with increased safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning with products recommended by the CDC.
To complement Black Friday shopping, the mall will host 12 Days of Deals Dec. 1-12 via Facebook events. The events will showcase exclusive and limited offerings from retailers throughout the mall. Those following the virtual events will be notified of these deals each day.
Woodland Mall will additionally continue offering limited-contact options and services throughout the season. For those who prefer shopping in person but are wary of the holiday crowds, several stores, including Von Maur, J. Crew and the newly opened White House Black Market, will offer times with personal stylists after hours. TempurPedic will also offer individual appointments after hours.
Retailers participating in the mall’s Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup program will provide pickup and delivery options for those choosing not to enter the mall.
Gifts wrapped for a good cause
The mall will also offer gift wrapping in the Von Maur wing, as Woodland Mall has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide this free service for gifts large and small in exchange for a cash donation. (Charities wishing to participate may register online.)
“Supporting our local economy has become particularly important throughout the pandemic,” McCabe said in supplied material. “Holiday Your Way has made it easy for people to choose how they shop at Woodland Mall and we are doing everything we can to make it easy for people to stay safe.”
The mall will also offer extended hours this holiday season, but also urge shoppers to “skip the crowds, shop Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.”
Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator — working with students all along. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools)
Kentwood Public Schools announced this week that after 33 years of service in the district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff plans to retire on June 30, 2021, at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.
In the Nov. 12 announcement, Zoerhoff offered appreciation to the KPS Board of Education, the Kentwood community, district staff, and, of course, all the students he has worked with and for over the years.
Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years,” Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. “It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.”
In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement.
“When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher,” he said. “Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. I am proud to be a Kentwood educator and I am proud to work with such a talented and dedicated staff.”
Board, community support has been consistent
“In an uncertain time, Mr. Zoerhoff has brought stable leadership to our community and our school system,” Mimi Madden, president of the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education, said in supplied material. “His consistent drive over the years to help all students receive an education of excellence has been a guiding light for students, parents, teachers and staff members.”
Zoerhoff, however, credited district success to students, staff and parents “working together for excellence,” especially in community support to pass bonds and millages, which improved the facilities and increased safety.
“Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods,” Zoerhoff said. “This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.”
In addition to accepting Zoerhoff’s retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process.
“Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important,” Madden said. “This will continue during the Superintendent search process. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.”
Although Zoerhoff will be retiring as superintendent, his two children will continue to attend Kentwood Public Schools and his family plans to remain within the Kentwood community.
“I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel,” he said. “We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.”
Wit is the key, I think to anybody’s heart, because who doesn’t like to laugh?
Julia Roberts
Last Weekend for IllumiZoo
Don’t miss out on the last chance to see IllumiZoo at the John Ball Zoo! IllumiZoo is a Glenlore Tale about our connection to the earth and its wildlife around us. The the colorful trail goes dark after Sunday, Nov. 15. It is open from 6 p.m. to midnight. The final night will feature an array of symphonic music from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Beethoven to lead you through the display of colors and lights.
The Comedy Project is located at 540 Leonard Ave. NW (The Comedy Project)
See a Comedy Show
After a long week we all just need a good laugh sometimes. The Comedy Project is hosting a reduced capacity show Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 9 p.m. The show will include a mix of improv and “best of” comedy skits. The seats may be limited but the bar is not, so grab a friend and treat yourself to some well needed laughter.
Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Ballet
Watch a Virtual Ballet Performance
The Grand Rapids Ballet is kicking off its virtual season this weekend with it’s program Business as (un)Usual. The program includes a piece by Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie as well as a selection by Grand Rapids Ballet’s Artistic Director James Sofranko with features a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn. Also featured in the performance is company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana and more. “Tickets” to watch the virtual program can be purchased online for $15.
Fun fact: Getting all the marbles
You think counting absentee ballots is tough, how about marbles? Since the 1960s, the Africa country Gambia has been voting with marbles. Color-coded drums with the candidates picture affixed on them are placed at each voting place. Voters put their marble in the drum of the candidate they want. A bell rings to let the official know a ballot has been cast. If the bell rings more than once, the official knows the person has cheated. At the end of the voting period, the drum is emptied and the marbles are counted to determine who won or rather, who got all the marbles.
Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) announced it has finalized the new plan for its annual Thanksgiving banquet.
“In an abundance of caution, care and concern for everyone involved in this amazing event, including our guests, staff, community volunteers, and all those who come to eat and enjoy fellowship on Thanksgiving, we have worked through the necessary details in order to continue this tradition,” said Mel Trotter Ministries VP of Communication and Advancement Beth Fisher.
MTM’s annual Turkey Drop, a yearly event taking place the week before Thanksgiving at Celebration North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE, and Celebration 1506 Eastport Dr. SE, whereby the community drops off either frozen turkeys or $15 toward the purchase of one, is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Last year, more than 1,600 turkeys were donated; however, this year—the need and thus, the goal, is even greater.
“We have already had requests from local pantries in excess of 2,050 turkeys, along with sides,” said MTM Chief Operating Officer Jeff Dashner. “We are already seeing a significant uptick in the number of meals needed for Thanksgiving Day.”
A special thanksgiving event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Mel Trotter. (pxhere.com)
The goal this year is 2,100 turkeys to be donated during Turkey Drop. Those turkeys, along with complete traditional side items, will then be used in assembled food boxes which will be distributed to local West Michigan food pantries. Anyone who would have normally gone to DeVos Place for the annual banquet will now be able to receive a prepackaged Thanksgiving meal via any participating pantry.
“We are grateful to still be able to serve those in our community who would otherwise not be able to partake in a Thanksgiving meal,” said Mel Trotter Ministries President and CEO Dennis Van Kampen. “With the banquet in the past, we fed 1,500 people. These new necessary changes will allow us to feed 10,000 hungry people. We are asking you to please join and help do that this year. The need in our community is greater than ever.”
“The thought of anyone who would normally have come to DeVos Place to celebrate and be together during our annual Thanksgiving Banquet, not being able to do that this year due to Covid was quite frankly, unacceptable. We worked hard to find a way,” Van Kampen said.
That way also includes a Thanksgiving Day meal at Mel Trotter Ministries for all those experiencing homelessness. MTM expects to serve close to 600 meals on Thanksgiving Day. The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hundreds of community volunteers who look forward to volunteering at the event each year have been notified of an alternative way to continue their tradition of serving those less fortunate.
“We sent a communication to our incredible community of volunteers encouraging them to reach out to a neighbor or someone they know who might be struggling a little more than normal this year—someone who might not have loved ones with whom to gather—and bless them by bringing a meal or a pie to brighten their day,” Fisher said. “Additionally, our volunteers are encouraged to let the guests at our on-site Thanksgiving Day meal know they are thinking of them by sending in thoughtful video messages throughout the day and using the hashtag #MTMThanksgiving on social media.”
Located on the 27th floor of the recently renovated glass tower, MDRD (pronunciation: Madrid) will bring a vibrant all-occasion dining option to Grand Rapids, with modern Spanish cuisine, lavish libations, an energetic atmosphere and unobstructed river and city views.
“With its upscale yet comfortable ambiance, MDRD will offer an exciting new dining concept in Grand Rapids’ Hotel District,” said George Aquino, vice president and managing director of AHC Hospitality, the management company behind Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD. “With the most coveted city views in Michigan, MDRD will be a fun and intimate spot for date nights, evenings out on the town and special events—for locals and visitors alike.”
Designed by global design firm Gensler, MDRD will provide a dramatic and energetic experience in an accessible, decidedly unstuffy environment. The fresh approach will allow diners to select from a variety of experiences depending on the group or occasion, ranging from the casual social lounge to the cozy, welcoming bar area and high-end dining room, where every seat is the “best seat in the house” thanks to innovative stadium-style seating. A custom tile installation will spill through the space, reminiscent of falling confetti and the classic costumes associated with Spain’s famous Carnival celebration. Custom lighting will hang above, a modern take on the hoops and batons of street performers, while bright murals of Spanish neighborhoods handcrafted by local artist Maddie Jackson will adorn the walls.
With accomplished Chef Stephan VanHeulen as executive chef, MDRD’s flavorful menu will be inventive yet approachable, including meat and seafood main dishes like fileta a la plancha, beef tenderloin steak with piquillo pepper and black garlic sauce, thumbelina carrot, wild mushroom, confit potato and anise jus; and bacalao al ajillo, lightly salted cod in garlic sauce with grilled scallion, chorizo oil and potato pave.
Spanish classics like patatas bravas and paella will also grace the menu, plus beautiful and decadent desserts by pastry chef Doug Orr, innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list with a focus on Spanish varietals.
“We can’t wait to see how diners at MDRD respond to Chef VanHuelen’s take on Spanish classics, his love letter to Spain,” said general manager Parker Bulliment. “Combined with our staff’s impeccable service and the space’s mesmerizing views, every dining experience at MDRD will be one to remember.”
MDRD will be open for dinner service from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Proper COVID precautions will be taken in accordance with state and local guidelines. For more information on Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD, please visit www.amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd.
