All posts by Joanne

Public Museum’s newest exhibit connects the viewer, nature through Lego creations

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern

The Fornosan Clouded Leopard looks mournfully at the passerby while in the distance a large yellow construction truck sits on top of the remanence of a forest; the forest that was once his home.

Today animals are going extinct at rapid rates. The Fornosan Clouded Leopard is an example of this as it was driven to extinction by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. According to the World Wild Life organization, over the past 40 years there has been a 60% decline in the size of animal populations. In Michigan, there are currently 25 species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).



The Grand Rapids Public Museum is working to being attention to this important topic in its latest exhibit “Wild Connections,” which features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature.

“In this exhibit you will be able to explore larger than life Lego creations such as wildlife, plants and insects, as well as how humans interact with nature, ” said GRPM Marketing Manager Alee’a Cherry. “This exhibit appeals to everyone of all ages and it also bridges art, creativity, and science,”

The artist behind the exhibit Sean Kenney, who uses the toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit highlights animals big and small and explores the balance of ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world.

Kenney lives in New York City and understands the importance of preserving nature. He believes that everything in nature is interconnected and this exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful. His goal is to celebrate the inherent beauty in nature and to protect animal habitats.

“Growing Ideas” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

Of the 20 sculptures, Cherry said she could see a couple become fan favorites.

“The bike because it is so large and you feel like you can get right on and ride it,” she said with a laugh.

Near the large red tricycle, is “Growing Ideas,” another piece that Cherry said she believes will also be a fan favorite.

“Being able to see all the intricate parts of the city created in Lego bricks is just truly amazing,” she said.

This piece, which is a large-scale city scape with a cloud of ideas hanging over, was built with more than half a million Legos and was one of the biggest projects Kenney and his team ever took on. The Legos represent ideas that fall from the tree raining down onto the city showing that inspiration and creativity have no limits.

“Deforestation” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. Guests can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt. They can also test their skills with challenges such as “How far can you jump?,” and “How tall are you in Legos?”

“We hope that people walk away with the inspiration to create something,” Cherry said. “We want to make sure people go home with the information they need to research more, make informed decisions, and also create.”

“Wild Connections” is open until May 2, 2021. 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/.

KDL returns to curbside, online service only starting Nov. 16

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Out of an abundance of caution, beginning Monday, Nov. 16, Kent District Library will close its branches to in-person visits but will continue to offer curbside pickup services, online programs and expanded online resources. Curbside service is available during normal branch hours so there is no interruption for patrons who check out items, while online programs and other resources are available 24/7.


 
“The closure of several branches over the past couple of weeks has made it clear that we must take further steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said KDL’s Executive Director Lance Werner. “The safety of people who visit the library and our staff is our utmost priority.”

Kent District Library has announced it will move all of its branches to curbside pick and online resources. (WKTV)

Curbside service is easy and safe: 

1.      Visit kdl.org, search the catalog and place items on hold, indicating the branch location for pickup. 

2.      After receiving notification that items are ready for pick-up, visit the branch during normal open hours and park in one of the designated Curbside Pick-up spots. 

3.      Call the number listed on the signs in the parking lot; please have your library card number ready. 

4.      A library staff member will bring the items to the car. 



Patrons are also encouraged to access library services online. KDL offers cardholders access to several digital content providers —Freegal, Overdrive, Hoopla and RBdigital. These providers offer digital content in a variety of formats including audiobooks, ebooks, music, movies, magazines and more. All of KDL’s digital resources can be accessed at www.kdl.org/virtual. 

KDL will continue to offer online programs at www.kdl.org/livestream.

 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, KDL has continued to provide services to patrons. In March, online services were expanded and live streamed programming began in April. Curbside service was introduced in June and free printing launched in August. KDL has streamed over 1,100 programs online since late March, with over 140,000 attendees watching live and over 400,000 recording views.

Check kdl.org for future updates as Kent District Library plans to have their branches back open soon.  

Responding to COVID-19 numbers, Wyoming Public Schools move to remote learning through end of month

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Going Local, Health,
Wyoming Public Schools’ Gladiola Elementary School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Nov. 12, that due to COVID-19 impacts all district in-person students will shift to remote learning immediately and the district will continue in that educational mode through the end of the month.

According to the district announcement, all Wyoming Public School buildings will close for in-person instruction at the end of the day on Thursday, Nov. 12, and plan to reopen on Monday, Nov. 30. All students attending school in-person will move to remote instruction with their teachers.

“Over the past week, we have been notified of over 20 new COVID-19 cases, and significantly increasing large numbers of individuals who are in self-quarantine across our school district,” the announcement states. “While many factors are considered when making this decision, the KCHD (Kent County Health Department) has recommended the District move to a remote learning environment … In addition to our concern for the health and safety of our students and staff, the high numbers of individuals affected has also impacted the availability of teaching staff, bus drivers, food service workers, and students coming to school.”

“Grab & Go” meals to be provided; safety urged

The school district’s food service program will provide “Grab & Go” meals for all students, on Tuesdays at two locations, Wyoming Junior High (2125 Wrenwood SW) and West Elementary (1840 38th Street SW). The Wyoming Junior High distribution will take place from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m., and the West Elementary food distribution will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Seven days of student meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided at that time.

“The decision to move to remote teaching and learning is not an easy one to make,” Hoekstra said in supplied material. “Our goal as a district, and community, is to have students remain engaged in in-person learning. While this temporary shift to remote learning may present challenges to students, staff, and families, my hope is that we are able to return to safe, in-person learning as soon as possible. It is important for us to work together, whether in school or in the community, to protect ourselves and others from becoming ill.”

WPS families are reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.

Working with Kent County Health Department

The District announcement also urged all district families, students, and staff who experience symptoms, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19, to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.

The Kent County Health Department offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. For more information visit KCHD’s website here.

The KCHD will continue its process for contact tracing and may contact at-risk individuals for further follow-up if it is determined that you are a “close contact”.

“The welfare of our staff, students and community is at the center of every decision we make,” the district announcement states. “Thank you for your continued understanding, support, and trust in Wyoming Public Schools to keep our students, staff and community as safe as possible.”
 

For more information on Wyoming Public Schools, visit wyomingps.org.

Wyoming Gives Back goes virtual with Santa visits, prize drawings

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
Mayor Jack Poll near the truck during a previous Wyoming Gives Back event. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With restrictions on gatherings still in place due to COVID-19, many annual holiday events have had to be reimagined. This holds true for the popular Wyoming Gives Back.

The charitable event in which the City of Wyoming partners with local business and the community to celebrate the holiday season and collects toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree has traditionally taken place at Rogers Plaza Mall. This year, the event will be a LIVE broadcast on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Mayor Jack Poll and Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV8 will emcee the program. The WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org will be live streaming the event as well. 

“Although we won’t be able to gather in the way we typically do, Wyoming Gives Back is more important than ever,” said City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “With such a difficult year, our community’s children need a bit of holiday cheer and that’s what this event is all about. We support this toy drive for the Salvation Army Angel Tree to spread joy to children in need.”

WKTV General Manager Tom Norton said the station is excited to be able to bring this time honored Wyoming tradition to the community with the station arranging to have Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting with area children through a live call-in. To have your child participate in the call-in, email santa@wktv.org.

Last year, Wyoming Gives Back received more than 800 donated toys. (WKTV)

Residents will have the month of November to visit one of several local businesses to drop off unwrapped toys and receive their raffle tickets. Businesses will be handing out raffle tickets one per new toy just like at past events. On Dec. 3, the raffle drawing will take place with winning raffle numbers being announced. Winners will pick up their items from Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. 

“We’re thankful for our community members who donate toys and for our local businesses that have stepped up to host toy donation sites and donate prizes,” Poll said. “We have some great prizes this year so make sure to tune-in for the live holiday celebration!”

Wyoming Gives Back drop-off locations are:

Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Monday – Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pizza Hut, 132 28th St. SW., Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, 3703 S. Division Ave., Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 3 – 10 p.m.

Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for donation, and with the support of the participating busi­nesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes.

Also as part of the activities, Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pages or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be picked up at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW; the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW; or downloaded from the event webpage. Santa will announce the winners during the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast.

Traffic Tuesday Answer: Odd/Even Parking

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

Question: An officer is called to an odd/even parking violation in the middle of January. When the officer arrives, there are two vehicles parked in violation of the odd/even ordinance. What enforcement action can occur, according to the ordinance?

  1. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning
  2. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, and towed to the correct side of the roadway to make room for the plows
  3. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, immediately towed, and impounded at the owners expense
  4. I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!



The answer is 1) The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning. Vehicles are not towed for a first time violation of the odd/even ordinance.


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.

Division United Project Team hosts free neighborhood development lecture

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
The work on Division Avenue continues with a virtual lecture. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On Nov. 19, residents in the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming will be able to participate in a free virtual lecture and question-and-answer session on small-scale development strategies for the Division Avenue corridor.

The event, which is from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m, will feature Monte Anderson, the CEO/president of Options Real Estate Investments, Inc, and founding member of the IncDev Alliance.

The IncDev Alliance works to help residents and stakeholders strengthen their neighborhoods through small-scale development projects. Small-scale development projects include duplexes, pocket neighborhoods, and live-work arrangements.

This event is another component of the Division United project, which identifies and will recommend transportation and development improvements that benefit South Division Avenue neighbors, businesses and stakeholders. The project’s primary goal is to ensure future development along Division Avenue honors the vision and objectives of the residents and businesses along the corridor and protects the character of existing neighborhoods and business districts.

 

Anderson will share strategies for neighbors to influence and participate in development projects and success stories from other communities.

“The Division United project continues to focus on collaboration between our communities, and developing strategies to encourage development without displacement,” said Nick Monoyios, planning manager and Division United project manager at The Rapid. “Monte Anderson and the IncDev Alliance will provide great informational resources and experience from other communities that will help to empower residents and stakeholders.”

 

This event is free and open to the public. Find additional information on The Rapid’s Facebook and IncDev Alliance’s website. More information about the project is available
at divisionunited.org. 

Aquinas College helps Chamber members with one barrier to returning to school

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Members of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce can receive a tuition discount to further their education at Aquinas College. (Supplied)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Going back to school is not the easiest path. There is, of course, the financial considerations, but if you have a full-time job and family, there are those obligations as well.

Aquinas College tries to offer a number of options for class times to make it convenient for working adults. (Supplied)

“It was tough, not gonna lie,” said Christine Lentine, senior director of Finance and Administration for Kids’ Food Basket, who recently attended and completed Aquinas College’s undergraduate CPA prep program. “I have a great husband who knows that this would require some extra work for him and balancing home life was good. Professionally, your regular job doesn’t stop when you have an exam. It was definitely a labor of love balance throughout the semester. And I did it.”

Another thing that made returning to the hallow halls easier was the 20% tuition discount offered by Aquinas College to members of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Now is the day and age to take action” said Brenda Hennink, Aquinas’s director of Adult Student Recruitment. “There’s a sense of urgency to fill some of the talent gaps which have been heightened due to circumstances. The need to stand out has been increased.”

There’s always the hesitation of not having enough time to commit to schooling for full-time workers with personal lives outside of school, according to Hennink, adding that Aquinas tries to work within those personal schedules offering both daytime and evening courses to benefit busy day-time schedules with limited programs of study for evening courses.

The only requirements to participate in the tuition discount is that person must be at least 23 years of age and the company they work for is a member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

The only requirements for the Aquinas tuition program for WKACC members are the person must be at least 23 years of age and that work full-time or pastime for a business they work for is a member of the WKACC. There is no limit to how many members can use the discount and it can be used for a degree or non-degree.

Classes at Aquinas start every eight weeks so enrollment is when it is most convenient to the student, Hennink said, adding that the discount lasts for seven consecutive years or until a degree is received, whichever comes first. 

Continued eduction provides an avenue for personal growth, according to Lentine, which is perhaps why several WKACC members, like Lentine, have taken advantage of this discount.

“It’s really important to not just fall into the status quo and not improve, to make sure we’re improving each day better than the day before,” Lentine said. “Especially at a nonprofit organization, our community is entrusting us with their donor dollars and staff time. And the work that we put into the community depends on the quality of our staff’s education. And so while it can be tough for short-term the long-term payoffs are going to be worthwhile for you as a professional as well as for the team you work with and your company.”

But is the discount worth it?

“Definitely,” Lentine said. “Any type of discount is really helpful. So it not only influenced my decision to go back to school but also to be at Aquinas as opposed to a larger online university for those classes.”

For more information on the discount and programs offered you can visit aquinas.edu/wkacc-discount

Gilmore museum to offer active military, veterans free admission through Nov. 15

Dream Wheels, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Veterans, ,
1941 Bantam BRC-40 Reconnaissance Car. (Supplied/Gilmore Car Museum)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In recognition of Veterans Day this week and in honor of all veterans, the Gilmore Car Museum is offering free admission to the museum this week through Sunday, Nov. 15.
 

The Gilmore, located at Hickory Corners just outside of Kalamazoo, will allow all active, inactive and veteran U.S. military personnel to take advantage of their free admission to the the museum, its car collection, and its 90-acre historic campus.

The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum with more than 400 vehicles on display, according to supplied material. Its mission is to tell the history of America through the automobile.

“At the Gilmore Car Museum, we take great pride in honoring our country’s servicemen and women, who for generations have sacrificed to protect our freedoms, and protect the American way of life,” Josh Russell, executive director of the Gilmore Car Museum, said in supplied material. “Welcoming these veterans and active duty service people into our museum is just a small way to thank them for their service and dedication to our great country.”
 

The Gilmore points out that attending veterans and military personnel should be sure to take special notice of the 1941 Bantam BRC-40 Reconnaissance Car, which is currently on feature display in the museum’s Campania barn.

According to supplied material, prior to Ford and Willys production of “General Purpose” vehicles that would become known worldwide as the “Jeep,” these early BRC-40s were prototypes produced for the U.S. Army by American Bantam Car Company, in Butler, PA. Two additional prototypes were produced through a partnership between Bantam and Checker Car Company in Kalamazoo.
 

During Veterans Week at the museum, veterans and service-people are also entitled to a 10 percent discount on purchases from the Gilmore Car Museum store.

There will also be special hours for Veterans Week, 10 a.m., to 5 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 12-15.

Upon arrival, service-people and veterans can present their Military ID, VA cards, veteran organization membership cards, or discharge papers at the entrance for free admission. For other attending family members or friends, tickets can be purchased either upon entry at the museum, or in advance at GilmoreCarMuseum.org.

For more information, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call 269-671-5089.

Wyoming Kentwood Chamber cancels Santa Parade

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Area high school bands performing at a previous year’s Santa Parade. (WKTV)

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce made the announcement today that the 2020 Santa Parade has been cancelled.



Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said that after checking with the new COVID-19 infection numbers and the future projects, the chamber organizers decided to cancel its Reverse Santa Parade scheduled for Dec. 12. The parade would have had participants set up in spot with visitors driving through.

O’Callaghan said he would like to thank the community, local businesses and the community for its support.

The announcement came on the heels of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce or GR Jaycees announcing the cancelation of its Nov. 21 parade.

“Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the safety of the participants and spectators, and the event restrictions put in place by the State of Michigan and its Department of Health and Human Services, the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional Grand Rapids Santa Parade that was set to take place on Saturday, November 21st, 2020.” the Jaycees Parade Committee posted to the event’s Facebook page.

Small coffee shop, industry group welcomes Kent County move to make ‘cup o’ joe’ recyclable

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Food, Local Business, Our Cities, Recycling, WKTV Projects

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Know it our not, the plastic lids and cardboard sleeves of your on-the-go cup o’ joe have always been recyclable by Kent County Department of Public Works. But now, thanks to local retailers and a food packaging group, even the cups themselves can be kept out of the landfill.

Kent County announced this week that it had become one of a growing number of Michigan communities to add coated paper cups — both hot and cold beverage cups — to its recycling program, thanks to a partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute and the buy-in of local retailers and, hopefully, the public.

Until recently, the plastic lining that coats the rim and inside of the cups prevented Kent County Recycling & Education Center from accepting these materials because the material was not accepted by paper mills that purchase recycled material.

At a pubic event Tuesday, Nov. 10, one Grand Rapids coffee shop owner — Lori Slager-Wenzel of The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand — detailed how the change fits in perfectly with her Earth-friendly business model, and maybe makes sense for other small shops as well.

“I don’t think it will be very difficult for businesses to get involved and switch to paper cups because it is not that much more affordable,” Slager-Wenzel said to WKTV. “We are excited because our compostable cups were never really making it to the compost. Most of them have to be in a high-heat compost … recyclable paper cups make it easier for our customers and for us.”

But the ability for Kent County Department of Public Works to now recycle those paper cups is not just for businesses recycling but at home recycling as well — residents are encouraged to empty and clean their paper coffee and soda cups, and place them in their recycling cart or drop them off at one of the county’s recycling centers.

Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works. (WKTV)

The county processes recyclables at its recycling sorting facility, the Recycling & Education Center in Grand Rapids. After sorting the various materials, the county sells them to companies that can make new products with recycled materials, according to supplied material. Recycled paper, including paper cups, goes to paper mills in the region and is made into new recycled-content products.

“None of the (recycling processing) machines at Kent County have changed, it is the downstream processors, there is a new technology that allows them to take the paper cups and separate the plastic fro the paper,” Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works, said to WKTV.

So now all three items in most coffee and beverage cup purchases — cups, lids and coffee cup sleeves — are recyclable, she said. But “all three do need to be separated.”

The paper cup recycling effort is just one part of Kent County’s commitment to reducing landfill waste by 90 percent by 2030, according to information supplied by the Department of Public Works.

Grants and industry advocacy 

A key element in the county move to recycle lined per cups was a grant and work with end-user recyclers by the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI).

Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute. (WKTV)

“We worked with Kent County, gave them a grant to separate the paper cups as part of their recycling,” Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute, said to WKTV. “And we are able to sell that material to a re-processor now. … We have worked with the (paper) mills, the processors, to help unlock that market.”

As part of its community outreach effort, the county will also conduct a public education campaign thorough various social media and other communication programs. And the addition of paper cups to its recycling efforts continues an on-going campaign.

In 2019, Kent County received an education grant from FPI to promote recycling of take-out items, such as plastic cups, milk cartons and paper carryout bags already accepted in the county’s recycling program with new bilingual flyer design, trailer signs and drop-off center signage.

Then and now, a key element of the county’s public awareness campaign is the importance of recycling only clean and empty materials, “leftover food and liquids in any recyclable container create costly and unsanitary problems for recycling,” according to the county.

To learn more and see a list of all items accepted for recycling in Kent County, visit reimaginetrash.org.

Kentwood inviting community review of, input on update to park and recreation plan

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced Nov. 11 that it is inviting community members to share their feedback on a proposed update to its 5-year Community Park and Recreation Plan online or in person at an open house Monday, Nov. 16.

Residents may review and provide their thoughts on the Community Park and Recreation Plan between 5:15 and 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The start of a City of Kentwood disc golf event, from 2019. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

According to the city announcement, a community park and recreation plan is required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be grant eligible. The update builds on previous parks master planning and engagement efforts to align with the community’s needs. It creates an inventory of existing facilities and resources, identifies community recreation and open space needs and sets an action plan for the next five years.

“An approved plan will allow us to seek state and federal grant funding that will help us make improvements we have identified and prioritized in partnership with our community over the past few years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director, said in supplied material. “Additional public input on this plan brings us a step closer to accessing funding to make necessary enhancements to our parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities as our community grows.”

Community members who attend the open house are asked to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.

The draft plan and a form to submit feedback online is available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/5-year-park-plan.

 

A most unusual season, and a glimpse of the future, dawns for Grand Rapids Ballet

Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, on remote video, works with Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Adriana Wagenveld. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2020-21 virtual season begins this week with the all-too-appropriately titled program Business as (un)usual — which includes a world premiere by Princess Grace Award winner and Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie.

Moultrie, in fact, offered a telling observation of dance in the time of COVID-19  via a Nov. 2 commentary on an Instagram photo posted by the Ballet, one it which you see the choreographer leading a Zoom rehearsal with he remote and company dancer Adriana Wagenveld on stage.

“I love and hate this photo by Scott Rasmussen,” Moultrie writes. “I love the shot because it is beautiful but the empty seats hit me with the reality of the present state. This is hard. Hold on and hold each other tight. Keep laughing. Keep hope. Keep dreaming.”

Certainly the Grand Rapids Ballet is keeping hope and dreaming — and exploring new means of artistic expression — with its new season.

A scene from a work by Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Starting this weekend, Nov. 13-15, with Business as (un)usual, available virtually either as part of a season subscription or, now, a single virtual program ticket, the Ballet will offer four programs including “a reimagined version of The Nutcracker,” produced in partnership with Grand Rapids own SALT Creative Production Studio.

The Nutcracker Experience will be available Dec. 18-27. In March 2021, Collective Force will be offered, and in April the program will be Jumpstart: on Film.

“I am proud to present a season unlike any other in our 49-year history,” James Sofranko, artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, said in supplied material. “While we will miss the exhilaration of performing in a theater for a live audience, we are excited to present our art in a new way, delivered virtually to you in the comfort of your own home.”

While season subscriptions are no longer available, individual “tickets” are available for $15 for each show — and the ballet says they “kindly suggest you purchase one per person viewing.”

Each program is available to view as many times as desired for 72 hours from the time of online premiere. The Nutcracker Experience is the exception; it will be available to view as many times as desired Dec. 18-27.

The 2020-21 ballet season in brief

Violinist Gene Hahn (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Business as (un)usual is a mix of new and existing works featuring the world premiere by Moultrie, a world premiere by Sofranko featuring a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn, a world premiere by company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Christopher Stowell’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream pas de deux from the postponed 2019-20 season featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, works by resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and works by company dancers Gretchen Steimle and Matthew Wenckowski.

The Nutcracker Experience, a new version of the beloved holiday classic, has choreography by Val Caniparoli, with many of the “favorite on-stage moments, behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsals” and musical accompaniment of Grand Rapids Symphony.

Collective Force will feature “the world’s most celebrated and in-demand choreographers” — Penny Saunders, Danielle Rowe, Adam Hougland, Jennifer Archibald, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Trey McIntyre — “contributing to a performance that will truly be an immersive tour de force.” In addition, Sofranko will present a new work featuring the music of Michigan-based cellist Jordan Hamilton.

Jumpstart: on Film will be choreographed by the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet and offers an “innovative program (that) will also provide them the unique opportunity to explore a completely new layer of creativity and expression: filmmaking.

For more information on 2020-21 season at the Grand Rapids Ballet, visit grballet.com/2020-21-season/.

As pandemic continues, The Rapid bus services adapt to continue safe travels

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Local Business, Our Cities, WKTV Projects, , ,

By Tyler J. Bronsink-Newland
WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued affecting the daily lives of the people of Grand Rapids, including commuters and other riders of The Rapid transit system. And as the community has moved forward and adapted, its public transit system has moved forward with cleaning procedures and safety protocols for its buses and the citizens who ride them daily.

 

WKTV took a ride on The Rapid’s SilverLine and spoke with Bill Kirk, Business Affairs Specialist of The Rapid, on the sanitization of the buses daily using antiseptic agents as well as how it encourages passengers to wear masks and practice social distancing.

And what they have learned about cleaning and sanitization will likely become standard operating procedure even in a post-pandemic future.

“We take pride in how clean our buses are, but after experiencing the situation, we want to maintain those policies even after the pandemic goes away,” Kirk said. “We just want to make sure we’re providing as safe and as healthy a ride as possible for our riders.”

 

The Rapid public transportation system provides services to the greater Grand Rapids area, including Wyoming, and Kentwood. Formed in 2000, The Rapid operates on fixed routes throughout Grand Rapids and works with people with disabilities for their services. They also provide the SilverLine, a transit started in 2014 that runs along Division Avenue south and loops around the Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids.

For more information on The Rapid, visit ridetherapid.org.

The Rapid’s SilverLine bus at a stop on Division Avenue. (WKTV)

Volunteer group pushes forward on restoration of ‘Ecliptic’ at Rosa Parks Circle

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle will be renovated next spring 2021. (Photo courtesy of ArtPeers)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

People have danced on its staged. They have ice skated in its circle. They have sat on its steps to admire the Grand Rapids Art Museum and other surrounding landmarks in Michigan’s second largest city.

There is no doubt that Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has become the epicenter of the City of Grand Rapids with an array of festivals, performances, and civic event taking place there. In fact, the amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. As a result, the original materials are coming to the end of their useful lives.

“Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has hosted numerous important moments in Grand Rapids history since its installation in 2000,” said Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) president Tim Kelly. “Over 700,000 visitors each year use the park for recreation, entertainment, civic gatherings and much needed breathing space in a growing city. It’s imperative that we all contribute to the well-being of this asset.”


It is why a group of volunteers have come together through Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy with the mission to restore, elevate and preserve the cherished landmark that was created as a work of art by the internationally renowned artist Maya Lin. Formed in 2018, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids and the DGRI.

Tripp Frey, leads the nonprofit Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy. (Supplied)

“Public spaces have been and will continue to be a vital part of our society and the proposed restoration project intends to restore, elevate and preserve Ecliptic for the next century,” said Frey Foundation’s Tripp Frey, who is leads the nonprofit Conservancy. “In its first 20 years, it has become a beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Our goal with this effort is to preserve its integrity and beauty for future generations to experience and enjoy.”

The Conservancy is close to engaging construction firms to provide upgrades to the nearly 20-year-old Maya Lin-designed artwork at downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle.  The Conservancy has received significant support from various sources and is now finalizing plans that will ensure the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle continues to serve visitors and residents of Grand Rapids for the next one hundred years.

Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an expected completion date of Sept. 6, 2021, exactly 20 years to the day after the original dedication of the park.

This collaboration has resulted in the planning of a restoration project that will renovate the current artwork and park structures, upgrade each feature with new and more durable materials, and provide way showing and interpretive moments to make the artwork and park more accessible to visitors and community stakeholders.

Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle was named one of the American Planning Association’s Top-Ten Great Public Spaces in America in 2017, for excellence in urban planning and usage including stakeholder engagement at the local, state and federal level.

The amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. (Supplied)

“Ecliptic is such a treasure to Grand Rapids, and now we are seeing the impacts of incredible use over the years, “ said David Marquardt, director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation. “This effort will ensure the longevity of the park as a work of art and as a place of meaning for the residents of Grand Rapids.”

To learn more about the renovation and fundraising efforts, individuals can go to the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Patronicity site at www.patronicity.com/ecliptic.

Traffic Tuesday Question: Odd/Even Parking

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Office Jenni Eby
Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

An officer is called to an odd/even parking violation in the middle of January. When the officer arrives, there are two vehicles parked in violation of the odd/even ordinance. What enforcement action can occur, according to the ordinance?

  1. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning
  2. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, and towed to the correct side of the roadway to make room for the plows
  3. The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, immediately towed, and impounded at the owners expense
  4. I’m not sure, I’ll check back 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.

Public Museum helps Santa go virtual this season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment
The Grand Rapids Public Museum Santa will be meeting friends and families virtual this year. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced a new family-fun experience with the Grand Rapids Santa virtually for 2020. Santa can visit families virtually through a LIVE Zoom chat or downloadable video message to the kids or entire family.

Santa will be making Zoom calls to families at a pre-scheduled time, or families have the option to receive a downloadable customized video message directly from Santa. Purchases of a Virtual Santa message or Zoom chat support the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be staying at the North Pole until Christmas Day but will be calling to visit with local children. (Supplied)

“Knowing that many holiday traditions will likely look different this year, the GRPM is offering a safe way for families to visit with Santa,” said Gina Schulz, vice president of development for the GRPM. “The entire family will have fun with either a call from Santa directly or a customized message to play anytime you’d like. Each purchase also supports the Museum’s ongoing exhibits and programs.”

Direct calls from Santa will cost $35. Calls will take place over Zoom. Downloadable videos will cost $30 and videos will be emailed directly from Santa to the purchaser. Videos will be available for purchase through Dec. 13, and for those looking for a last-minute gift from Santa, live Zoom calls will be available from Dec. 14 – 21 for $45. Virtual Santa messages and Zoom calls can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Santa or by calling 616-929-1700. 

GVSU theater program to present virtual performance of play

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment
Taylor “Tay” Terry performs her play rehearsal in front of a webcam and green screen for the upcoming production of The Revolutionists. Terry is playing the role of Marie Antoinette. (Supplied)

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

Performances are next week for the virtual production of a play presented by the Grand Valley State University theater program.

The presentation of “The Revolutionists” by Lauren Gunderson will be livestreamed at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Nov. 9, 11 and 13.

Auditions and rehearsals were conducted over screens and traditional staging is reimagined for the virtual world. Each actor will occupy a small room individually while interacting virtually with cast members during the performance. The technical crew will take images obtained through webcams in each room and feed them into a streaming system for the audience to see.

Madison Williams performs her play rehearsal in front of a webcam and green screen for the upcoming production of The Revolutionists. Williams is playing the role of Marianne Angelle. (Supplied)

The cast for “The Revolutionists” is four characters. The play is described as an “irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.”

Karen Libman, professor of theater and production director, said the goal is to carry on while facing the same challenges that all theaters are facing worldwide due to the pandemic. She also wants to ensure that the production stays true to the performing art by having the element of liveness that is inherent in theater.

“How can we do theater differently to continue to be able to practice our art and bring these performances to audiences?” Libman said. “How can we bring some kind of interactivity, some kind of liveness, so that it will not be like watching a film but will continue what is special to the discipline of theater?”

To purchase access to the performances, visit https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/40001.

Binder Park Zoo announces birth of Colobus Monkey

Citizen Journalism,
Binder Park Zoo’s newest addition is colobus monkey. (Supplied by Binder Park Zoo)

By Leslie Walsh
Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo recently announced that a baby black and white colobus monkey was born in the early hours of Oct. 31 at the zoo.

Parents Usi and Nairobi produced the offspring, whose gender has not been determined yet, upon a breeding recommendation of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. The event marks the first birth of a primate in almost five years at the zoo when a black mangabey monkey was born in October of 2015.

The “baby monkeys are born with their eyes open and a strong grip which they need to cling to mom,” said Kelsey Miller, lead keeper at Binder Park Zoo. “We’re really happy that this little one is alert, appears healthy and is demonstrating a good strong grip.” Other than observing and providing basic care, keepers maintain a “hands-off” approach with the new family to encourage their natural parenting instincts. “Nairobi is showing that she is a calm and attentive mom to her baby and we see Usi being protective of them both”– the behaviors we hope for, especially for first-timers,” Miller said.

Colobus monkeys have lived at Binder Park Zoo since 1998. The Monkey Valley exhibit opened in 1999 and remains an engaging “in-the-round” exhibit where two primate species coexist – the black and white colobus and black mangabeys. The current colobus troop consists of three monkeys; male Usi, his mate Nairobi and a female named Puddin’.  Rejected by his mother as an infant, Usi was hand-raised by his keepers, which included round the clock feedings and specialized care. An important goal was to rear him to identify as a monkey and not a human – a particular challenge of hand-raising primates. Zoo staff were successful and Usi was ultimately introduced, and accepted by the troop. Usi’s name means “eyebrow” in Swahili – in response to the pronounced eyebrows he was born with. Nairobi was born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2015 and came to Binder Park Zoo in 2018 together with her female companion/aunt named Puddin’. Puddin’s experience as a senior troop member places her in a guardian role, helping to protect Nairobi and care for the youngster – duties that troop members typically share.

“Usi didn’t necessarily have an ideal start in life,” said Kathryn Sippel, the zoo’s curator of collections . “When you hand-raise an animal you develop a special affection for them, rooting for the underdog.

“So, it’s been very rewarding for our Animal Care staff to watch him grow into the primate he was meant to be, and now become a father. Usi was born on April 16, the first day of the 2015 zoo season, and it’s interesting that five years later, his baby is born on the last day of the 2020 season! It shows how much time, patience and tenacity is often invested in these important programs.”

The eastern black and white colobus or Colobus guereza are native to equatorial Africa. The name “colobus” is from the Greek word for “mutilated,” because unlike other monkeys, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. One of only two colobus species, the other being the Angolan colobus, black and white colobus have shiny black fur and a white-framed bearded face. They are the most arboreal of African monkeys and spend most of their time in the treetops. Their long mantle hair and tails appear to act like parachutes during long leaps between branches in the tree canopy.

“It is an honor to be part of the extraordinary conservation work at Binder Park Zoo” said Binder Park Zoo President and CEO Diane Thompson. “Our zookeepers and veterinary staff, along with the other staff members, make a difference daily, and their work matters. Knowing that our conservation efforts have resulted in expanding the efforts of protecting this vital species is thrilling. We are genuinely excited to welcome the baby colobus to the zoo family.”

Gestation for colobus is approximately six months. They are born with a pink face and white fur. They begin to change color at around four weeks of age and acquire the characteristic black and white adult coloration at approximately three months of age. Guests can expect to see the youngster on exhibit in the spring.

Binder Park Zoo is closed to the public now for the winter months and will open again on April 15, 2021. Visit binderparkzoo.org for more zoo news and follow us on Facebook.

Public Museum’s Wurlitzer Theater Concert Series continues with Classic Melodies Concert

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
The Nov. 20 event will pay tribute to the Roaring 20s.
The next Wurlitzer organ concert pays tribute to the Roaring 20s. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concerts with a Classic Melodies concert performed by Brett Valiant, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.

Teleport back in time with the GRPM to pay tribute to the Roaring 20s, during a lively concert performed by Brett Valliant. Enjoy listening to classics such as Ding Dong Ding, Dream Lover, Bye Bye. Valliant is a popular American organist with the ability to perform different genres of music on the dynamic instrument. Critics across the world have defined his performances as “exciting,” “refreshing”, “unorthodox”, and “astonishing.” 

Valliant is currently the main organist at the famous Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, where he’s been for several years, playing the world’s largest Wurlitzer on a weekly basis. Valliant has played nationwide and at concert venues ranging from Australia to Russia.

Organ concerts are offered virtually and in person. Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting organists playing the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys. The in person concert experience allows attendees to immerse themselves in the dynamic sounds and acoustics of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Limited capacity; masks required for in person concerts.

 

The Classic Melodies Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link needed per household or group. In person tickets are $10 per member, $15 for the public. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616-929-1700.

Additional Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts – Virtual and In person! 

The third and final artist in the 2020 series will be Lance Luce performing a collection of seasonal favorites in a Holiday Classics concert on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. 

West Michigan companies join statewide effort to recruit expats back ‘home’ that Thanksgiving

3-bottom, Local Business,
This year’s ReThink event will be held virtually. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

On Nov. 19, The Right Place, Inc. and Hello West Michigan will partner to attract talent back to West Michigan. The two organizations and several local businesses will host the ninth annual ReThink West Michigan event, a virtual career fair to attract former West Michiganders back to the region.

Thanksgiving is usually a time when former Michiganders visit “home.” With Covid-19 and a reduction in visits and traveling, the nostalgia for home is even higher than usual. Together with 24 companies, Hello West Michigan will convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.

This year ReThink West Michigan will take the form of a virtual career fair and move to a new date: Nov. 19. Job seekers can chat one-on-one with recruiters from hiring companies. Community ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about the area.

The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, from 3 – 7 p.m. The event is open-house style and attendees do not hav etc be logged on the entire time. Registration is free. To register visit www.backtomichigan.com.

Rachel Gray, executive director for Hello West Michigan (Supplied)

“Covid-19 has affected the status of many in person events,” said Hello West Michigan Executive Director Rachel Gray. “But ReThink West Michigan is our signature event and a fantastic tool for talent attraction. With Covid-related relocations on the rise, we knew we needed to give job seekers the chance to explore what a move to West Michigan could look like for them.”

Spectrum Health is the Region Champion Sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a Region Supporting Sponsor.

“As the largest employer in West Michigan, we are excited to sponsor this event,” said Spectrum Health Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Pamela Ries. “ReThink enables important connections and highlights amazing personal and professional possibilities when relocating to West Michigan. We need to continue to foster growth in our region and attract individuals who make West Michigan a great place to live and work.”

This year, ReThink West Michigan will be a part of a larger statewide effort under the umbrella brand Back To Michigan.­ With support from the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment & Training and sponsored by Consumers Energy, 12 organizations from across the state will host eight virtual events from Nov. 17-24. 

ReThink West Michigan and all Back To Michigan events are targeted to people living outside of West Michigan, people who recently relocated, or people who are local and unemployed. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality and more. The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at: www.backtomichigan.com.

West Michigan companies that are participating are Bethany Christian Services, Consumers Energy, County of Muskegon, Dicastal, DTE, Famiy Healthcare, Flo’s Collection, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Herman Miller, JR Automation, LG Chem, Magna, Meijer, Mercy Health, North Lake correctional Facility, ODL, Perrigo, Peterson Farms, SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Steelcase, TGG Solutions, the City of Grand Rapids, The Enterprises, Veteran Health Administration Vocation and Rehab.

Trotin’ with turkeys: A quick look at 5k runs in Grand Rapids this month

City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,
This year’s Turkey Trot opportunities will be fewer and will look a little different due to COVID-19 safety. But there are still some to be run. (WKTV)

By Zachary Cantalice, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

November is known for not only Thanksgiving but also for its Turkey Trot 5k runs. In a normal year, millions of Americans would participate in a seasonal 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run. But this is the year of COVID-19 pandemic, public runs are few, some planned ones were cancelled, and there now is such a thing as a virtual run.

A quick cruise of the web found that the greater Grand Rapids area found this news.

On Nov. 14, Grand Rapids will host the Dirty Duel Trail Race. The Dirty Duel will take place on trails surrounding Robinette’s Apple House and Winery, 3142 4 Mile Road NE, with two tough trail courses to choose from. One trail is described as “a short and brutal 5k” and the other a “long and difficult 6k.” Pick your pain. One running magazine describes Dirty Duel as a “Top 15 fall race under 15 miles.”
 

For more information on the Dirty Duel Trail Race, visit dirtyduel.com/.

Nov. 15 was supposed to be day of the Grand Rapids Comic Con 5k. Unfortunately the comic con and its race had to be cancelled this year due to safety concerns surrounding the pandemic. This would have been the annual event’s first ever race.

For more information on the future Grand Rapids Comic Con 5k, visit here.
 

The 28th annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot will be virtual this year! The race will take place between Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. Instead of running a set course, this year participants will make their own course for the run. Proceeds from the race still help to offset the cost of Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics “so that all students have the opportunity to participate,” we are told.

For more information on the virtual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot, visit here.

The final race in Grand Rapids this November will be the Twisted Turkey runs on Friday, Nov. 27. The race will offer 5k, 10k and 15k distances (with a 5k loop run either once, twice or three times). Each event will be limited top 90 people per run. Each event group will start 15 minutes apart as well to keep in line with social distancing restrictions. The race will take place at Ken-O-Sha Park in Kentwood, 1353 Van Auken St. SE, “across the beautiful hidden trails of the Plaster Creek” area.

For more information on the Twisted Turkey runs, visit here.

Tuesday is a memorial day for those lost to the Great Lakes

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,
At times, the Great Lakes reveals its lost treasures. (Photo supplied by author)

By Shetan Noir
WKTV Community Contributor

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. 

The brass sound of a bell ringing 29 times can be heard  outside of the Mariner’s church of Detroit. 

Ding. Ding. Ding.

It happens every Nov. 10 in honor of the lives lost when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. But that day has since become a Memorial Day for all lives lost to maritime disasters.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Places like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, near Whitefish Point in Michigan’s upper peninsula, give tribute to the wrath of the Great Lakes storms, the ships that have been wrecked and all the lives that were lost.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle also provides a memorial called the Annual Lost Mariners remembrance. This is the 21st year of the event.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

The Great Lakes are well known for violent storms with some gales being so destructive that the loss of lives and ships is unimaginable.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

The Alpena Gale storm that was also called the White Hurricane of 1913 or the “Big Blow” swept through all the Great Lakes from Nov. 7 to 10 in 1913. More than 250 lives were lost to the watery depths, 19 ships were destroyed and another 19 were left stranded.

The side paddle steamer Alpena was one of those ships caught in the storm.
Her name is now associated with the storm that wrecked her.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

On Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald was claimed by the Gales of Lake Superior , her companion ship the the SS Arthur M. Anderson was only a short distance behind her when the 35-foot high waves swallowed the Edmund Fitzgerald down.

A song once claimed that the Lakes never give up their dead when the skies of November turn gloomy. Whether its the North wind or the witch of November that comes calling the Great Lakes Gichi-gami, michi-gami, karegnondi , erielhonan and ontarí’io all respond the same with white capped waves raising up like gravestones and winds that break mast and sails.

So in honor of those lost to maritime disasters,  the bells ring 29 times in November.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Shetan Noir is a Michigan based author and weird travels journalist.  
She teaches classes on the paranormal history of the Great Lakes at local community colleges. Noir is available for podcast, radio and television appearances and can be contacted at shetannoir@yahoo.com.

A virtually Celtic Christmas comes Holland with streaming holiday concert

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Jay Allen
Holland Civic Center

Deck the halls and grab the Eggnog!  A Virtually Celtic Christmas concert is coming to the Holland Civic Center Place on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by ordering through this link –www.showtix4u.com/event-details/42364. and will stream on the ShowTix4U platform.

Purchasing a ticket for A Virtually Celtic Christmas will give access to a wonderful Holiday show performed by some of Ireland’s most talented artists and will also lend your support to both the Ottawa Area Schools Doing More. Together. initiative, a unique partnership program among schools, employers, and community organizations throughout the region with a shared goal of preparing students for their future, and the Holland Civic Center Place during these difficult times.

Filmed at the National Opera House of Ireland, the festive Holiday concert features the ethereal voice of top Irish tenor Michael Londra, backed by the Irish Concert Orchestra, two nationally acclaimed choirs (Valda Choir and The Presentation Children’s Choir), and top-class guest singers and musicians from the island of Ireland.

A Virtually Celtic Christmas features a mix of heartwarming traditional carols such as The Wexford Carol performed in the county it was composed, haunting ancient Gaelic hymns, Holiday standards and original songs that audiences familiar with Michael’s recordings will know well. In short, a wonderful array of songs to warm the listener on a winter’s evening.

Renowned Irish composer Liam Bates serves as musical director and conductor for the show and indeed is responsible for the concert’s beautiful choral arrangements. Special guests for the night include Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author of Artemis Fowl. Friends since childhood, Bates and Colfer teamed up in 2017 to compose a new Holiday Musical called NOËL, songs from which are featured in A Virtually Celtic Christmas, and are beautifully performed by West End star and Northern Ireland native Zoë Rainey (Hairspray, Wicked).

Leading tenor Michael Londra is originally from County Wexford in Ireland, home of the National Opera House and birthplace of the National Opera Festival. Londra was the first local artist to perform at the beautiful space on opening night 2009. Over the past year Londra has spent a lot of time in his homeland filming a new series for Public Television called Ireland with Michael. The travel and music show featuring some of Ireland’s biggest stars, will debut on PBS in the spring of 2021. Audiences of A Virtually Celtic Christmas will get a sneak preview of the show during the concert.

Londra is best known as the lead voice of Riverdance on Broadway and for his Emmy® nominated show Beyond Celtic, on PBS.

Tickets Types and Pricing

  • $25 – Unique streaming link to A Virtually Celtic Christmas – valid for up to 48 hours after the concert date.
  • $35 – Unique streaming link to A Virtually Celtic Christmas – valid for up to 48 hours after the concert date & Signed DVD of the show delivered to your home.
  • $50 – Unique streaming link to A Virtually Celtic Christmas – valid for up to 48 hours after the concert date & Signed DVD of the show delivered to your home & a personal Meet and Greet via Zoom with Michael Londra.

More information about Doing More. Together.and to support the initiative directly, please visit their website: doingmoretogether.org

Visit www.civiccenterplace.com to learn more about this and other events happening at our venue.

GVSU Economist: West Michigan economic recovery resembles a ‘lopsided W’

3-bottom, Local Business

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

The economic recovery in West Michigan currently resembles a “lopsided W,” said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Long said in a W-shaped recovery, the economy begins to recover rapidly, but then falls into a second period of decline. He said it is also known as a double-dip recession as the two economic declines create the shape of a W.

“We know the COVID-19 recession has resulted in displaced workers now seeking work, and we know from our survey respondents that there are at least some job openings that may absorb some of these frictionally unemployed workers,” Long said. “This is especially true for our automotive parts producers. However, it is doubtful the West Michigan industrial economy can soon absorb all of the recently unemployed workers. Hence, a lopsided ‘W-shaped’ recovery is most likely.” 

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of October.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +16, virtually unchanged from last month’s rate of +18. The production index rebounded to +29, from +20. The index of purchases came in at +12, virtually unchanged from +14, and the employment index fell to -2, from +9.

Long said similar to last month, the overall mood of West Michigan business leaders is mixed. “Both capital equipment and office furniture manufacturing activities are weak, but automotive parts producers appear to have turned the corner,” he said.

He also said the national economy appears to be on its way to a “V-shaped” recovery, where a quick and sustained recovery takes place after a sharp economic decline.

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

After 110 years, local Santa Claus Girls effort stymied by COVID-19, need for new space

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local History, Non-Profits, Volunteers, ,
(Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After more than a century of providing holiday season gift bundles to thousands of western Michigan kids, the Santa Claus Girls will be still this holiday season as the double hit of both COVID-10 and the need for a new home facility has forced the program into hiatus for 2020.
 

The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and from their most recent home in Kentwood at the Knoll Inc. building on 36th Avenue, the all-volunteer group delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and topped that number last year.

“Santa Claus Girls has taken a pause for the 2020 season,” Maggie Moerdyke, Interim President of Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV. “Knoll was sold and the charity inventory is packed in 4 trailers awaiting a new home. It was a tough decision for the board to pass for the holiday season yet the pandemic had made it impossible to carry forward for 2020.”

Undated historic photo of Santa Claus Girls. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

Usually, the Santa Claus Girls packages and delivers gift bags through which in-need kids get a new toy and candy but also get hand-made, knitted winter hats and mittens. Depending on the age of the kids, families can also receive infant receiving blankets, crocheted or knitted or out of flannel, infant toys, and age-appropriate 1-year-old and 2-year-old stuffed animals.

To accomplish such an effort, there is a small army providing gift wrapping and package-assembly, as well volunteers to join another small army of drivers to deliver the packages in mid-December.

But the army will be at home this season.

“The volunteers, the space, the production, are all side by side and the ability to maintain 6 foot of space between was not an option,” Moerdyke said. “The 350 drivers were also on the mind of the board and to send them into the neighborhoods to deliver was not an option either with COVID spreading so rapidly. Safety and health was foremost on the mind of each of us through the cancellation process.”

She said the non-profit’s governing board had to make the decision that “with heavy heart (we) cannot reach the 13,000 children that are serviced during the giving season. The goal is to return in 2021, bigger and better.”

The board is also working a new model for the non-profit but, she said, they “truly need a workshop to make it happen.”

A new home needed for program

Knoll Inc. housed Santa Claus Girls for six years, including all utilities and the company’s maintenance staff.

Knoll had “a heart of gold to support the families in the community, the volunteers, and the charity,” she said. “Just maybe (we) will be fortunate to find another similar blessing.”

According to Moerdyke, Santa Claus Girls needs a facility between 25,000-75,000 square feet. The ideal, she said, would be 75,000 square feet which comes into use during the six weeks of assembling and delivery. The lower square footage figure would be for storage during the other 10 months of the year.

Moerdyke also said “the master plan is to have a facility to accommodate Santa Claus Girls, Y-Service Club (White Elephant Sale) and Toys For Tots.  All three charities have worked together for several years yet in separate facilities and moved from one place to another as needed incorporating the use of trailers for storage whenever necessary.”

As with every year, the Santa Claus Girls are also seeking community support both in volunteerism and financial donations.
   

For more information visit santaclausgirls.org or visit their Facebook page.

Missing local jazz? Aquinas College offers virtual night of duo piano jazz with Connell, Talaga

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Local jazz pianists Robin Connell and Steve Talaga recorded a duo jazz piano concert this week, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, sponsored by Aquinas College. And those needing a little “post-election” diversion can catch it tonight on Facebook.

The concert is set to be available for free at the college’s Facebook page, see here, on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. The concert may also be available later on YouTube.

“It was so fun to play duo piano with Steve,” Connell said to WKTV.

Both Connell and Talaga are no strangers to the local jazz scene.

Robin Connell (Supplied)

Originally from Detroit, according to her website, Connell is equally at home as a jazz pianist or jazz pianist/vocalist, performing  regularly in clubs, concerts, and private parties as solo pianist, leader of her own trio/jazz quartet, or side woman with other musicians.

Pianist, composer and arranger, Talaga has been performing professionally for more than 40 years, according to his website. He was chosen as the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2008 Jazz Musician of the Year, and has released eight compact discs under his own name. His most recent project is the band, Lifeline, featuring himself on keyboards, his son Stephen Talaga on guitar, Caleb Elzinga on sax, and Larry Ochiltree on drums. Their debut CD, “No Worries”, dropped in October 2019.

Snapshots: What’s happening this weekend?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern


Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.

Will Nelson




Watch a movie

This weekend Gun Lake Casino will be hosting “Wheels and Reels”, an outdoor movie fundraiser. At 6 p.m., the casino will be showing “The Grinch” (2018) and at 9 p.m. will be “Elf.” Tickets can be purchased at https://gunlakecasino.com/promotions/toysfortots/. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the start of the movie and each vehicle has a minimum donation of $15. Each ticket includes a package of concession-style snacks and all proceeds raised at the event will be used to purchase toys for this holiday season.


Journey through IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale

Take a journey through “IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale” at John Ball Zoo. Guest will follow the path as they pass through a display of colors and sounds as they are told a magical tale. The lightshow is one mile long and takes 45-60 minutes to walk, depending on your pace. This event takes place on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. – 11p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 p.m. – midnight until Nov. 15. Tickets are $25 – $10 with children 2 and under free. Also, this weekend is the final weekend for the “BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise,” an exhibition of more than 40 life-sized animal sculptures created with more than 1.8 million individually colored toy building bricks. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.jbzoo.org/IllumiZoo.

Get spooked at The Haunt

Halloween festivities are wrapping up and this is the last weekend to visit The Haunt. For the past 20 years visitors have been screaming to leave the premises of The Haunt with the local attraction not letting COVID-19 stop the ghosts from making their appearances. Under new ownership, the attraction has been completely redone with more than 144 rooms, more than 100 actors and 62 animatronics that are guaranteed to give you a scare. The Haunt is located at 1256 28th St. SW right in Wyoming. Tickets are $30 or $25 for groups of 6-10. For more information, visit https://the-haunt.com/.

The Great Dane is a German breed. (Wikipedia)

Fun Fact: The tallest dog lived in Ostego

The tallest dog to ever live was actually the Great Dane named Zeus who lived with a veterinarian and his family in Ostego. Zeus was three feet, eight inches tall, but when standing on his hind legs, he was seven feet, four inches tall. The late James Lebron was only six feet, nine inches and Michael Jordan is six feet, six inches. Zeus became a therapy dog and would visit local hospitals. He even had his own Facebook page, which was taken down after the gentle giant passed.

Goalkeeper Schepers’ clutch stops key South Christian semi-final shoot-out victory over Elk Rapids

Education, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection,
South Christian High School boys soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Elk Rapids Nov. 4, in a MHSAA Division 3 state semifinal match. (WKTV/Luke Schrock)

By Luke Schrock, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

South Christian High School boys soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over Elk Rapids Tuesday, Nov. 4, in a hard-fought MHSAA Division 3 state semifinal match at Cedar Springs high that was decided by a shootout.

The victory over the Elks (19-3-4) sends the Sailors (18-0-1) back to the state championship game for a rematch with Grosse Ile (19-1-1), the reigning state champions, set for noon Saturday at Novi. Last season, South Christian fell to the Red Devils in the finals, 2-1, in shootout.

In the game against Elk Rapids, both sides had chances early with two missed crosses for South Christian and a near headed goal by the Elks eventually leading to a foul in the box. Sailors senior Thom DeVries finally got his team on the board with a goal on a penalty kick in the 11th minute to put give the Sailors the early lead.

The South Christian fans also roared in the 14th minute as the injured senior Jeff Herrema entered the match with his first action since the district tournament final, where he created two penalty kicks but was eventually diagnosed with a separated shoulder.

The Elks had no answer in a back-and-forth affair until Elks senior Preston Ball found a pass wide open over the middle to tie the match in the 58th minute.

The first overtime almost gave Elk Rapids the lead when the stadium went quiet after a foul was called on South Christian in the box, giving Elk Rapid’s Mason Travis a penalty kick. The kick, however, was saved by South Christian keeper Nik Schepers.

Both sides worked, but at the end of overtime the score was tied at 1-1 and the shootout was set.

The shootout was back and forth in goals with the first pairing, Herrema and Elk Rapids Kadin Patterson, but the Elks couldn’t answer Thom DeVries’ make as Schepers saved his first ball and then shutdown Elk Rapids to secure the game. The Sailors won the shootout 3-1, to make the final score 2-1.
 

Head coach Jason Boersma loved the performance from his keeper, but poked him none-the-less after the game for giving up the regulation-time goal.

“Our keeper, I think he made up for it,” Boersma said WKTV. “He made three PK saves, which is just outlandish, and it’s what Nik does. He did it last year in this semi-final game against Ludington.”

And how did Scheper “do it”?

“I don’t even know how to describe how I guess penalties,” Schepers said, “I knew he was a right footer and he was shooting a lot from his right.”

Going back to the state championship also brings many emotions to Schepers — “I knew we were going to be back, it’s surreal,” he said.

Fall Fling: Kentwood to host annual disc golf tournament, food pantry collection

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, ,
A disc golf player in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced this week that the city and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to offer the annual Fall Fling, a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Nov. 14. Canned food donations at Fall Fling will restock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in the event at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Participants will be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing throughout the event as part of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is available online at kentwood.us/fallflingdiscgolf. The cost is $40 per team, plus one canned food donation for the Little Free Pantry. Players will meet at 9:45 a.m. to begin the first round of the “best shot” doubles tournament. Patty Matters food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase.

“Fall Fling is a wonderful event for our community to come together to play disc golf for a great cause,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “This tournament has restocked our community pantry with dozens of canned goods each year. We are grateful to local disc golfers for their ongoing generosity and participation.”

The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open year-round and designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items to anyone in need.

Great Lakes Disc is a big supporter of the pantry.

“When I first heard about the Little Free Pantry, I knew I wanted to find a way Great Lakes Disc could support it,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “The Old Farm Fall Fling was what we came up with to connect the disc golf community with the Pantry.”

The demand for the Little Free Pantry has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the city announcement.

“Long before COVID-19, the demand for our pantry goods was growing steadily and the shelves were becoming empty on a weekly basis,” Romeo said. “We continue to need year-round support from individuals and organizations who are able to give financially or provide tangible donations, such as prepackaged non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.”

Located at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.

Those who want to donate food items to the pantry are reminded to check the expiration date on them.

For more information about the pantry, including a suggested list of donations, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.

Kent County opens election sign recycling site

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Residents can recycle election signs at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The election is over, so now what do you do with all those Trump and Biden signs?

Well, you could keep them as a memento or use them in an art project or you could just recycle them.

If you are planning to recycle, there is only one place to recycle corrugated plastic and the metal stands, which is what most election signs are made of, and that is at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW. 

Because the signs and metal stands need to be separated, the county has set up the the election sign recycling site, according to county staff. If the signs are placed in the recycling bins and go into the sorting machines, they may jam up the machines, staff said.

The bins are located in the back parking lot in the big blue barn. There is a bin designed for the corrugated plastic sign part and another bin for the metal stand. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The site will be open through the end of November.


For more about recycling, visit reimaginetrash.org.

Wyoming plants trees near right of ways of three local parks

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,
Wyoming staff plants trees near Marquette Park. (Supplied)

By Amanda Moore
City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming planted twelve trees throughout three neighborhood parks as a part of an ongoing effort to enhance Wyoming parks.

The tree plantings were supported by funding from the 2020 Community Street and Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program sponsored by Consumer’s Energy. The program’s purpose is to help local communities select appropriate species and locations for tree projects. The City of Wyoming was awarded $1,200 towards the planting of twelve new trees, a total investment of more than $4,000, with matching funds provided by the city’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.

“Trees provide a real value to the City of Wyoming and its residents,” said Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “They reduce stormwater runoff naturally, easing the burden on expensive stormwater infrastructure. They cool our parks, homes, and buildings through the shade they provide, effectively reducing energy costs. Through photosynthesis, they filter pollution out of the air and produce the oxygen we all rely on.”

All the trees planted are native to the state of Michigan, including black gum, sugar maple, and red maple varieties. Southlawn Park received two black gum and two red maple trees, Prairie Park received three red maples, and Marquette Park received four red maples and one sugar maple. The tree plantings all occurred near the street frontages.

“We are thankful for partnerships with organizations like Consumer’s Energy who are committed to investing in local communities to make them better,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

The City of Wyoming is a Tree City USA community, as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2017. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov.

Election 2020: Local state representatives gain re-election in 77th, 72nd districts

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Local Business, Local Faces, Politics, We The People, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming will again be represented by Republican State Rep. Tommy Brann in the 77th district after voting Tuesday, Nov. 3. In the 72nd district race, which includes Kentwood and Gaines Township, incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Johnson defeated Democrat Lily Cheng-Schulting — despite the challenger gaining more Kent County votes than Johnson.

Also in unofficial (uncertified) results, two-term incumbent Rep. Brann of Wyoming, defeated Democratic challenger Bob Smith of Byron Center, 29,911 to 19,784. The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville.

“I want to thank the 77th district,” Rep. Brann said to WKTV on Nov. 4. Rep. Brann’s wife “Sue and I care about your concerns and you personally. We will continue to give back half of my legislative salary to people in my district in need.

“Bob Smith was very classy and called me this morning to congratulate me. I asked him sometime if I can buy him lunch at my restaurant so I can get to know him better. I am the 77th district representative and I know my oath to protect the health and safety of Michigan citizens is for all my district and I carry that part of my oath in my wallet and that is for all of you whether you voted for me or not. I take that very seriously, as I should.”

After the result were in, Smith said to WKTV: “Thank you to everyone who voted me and to everyone who helped me along the way. We made a good run. I wish the best of luck to Tommy Brann as he begins his final term in the state house.”

In Michigan, state representatives are term-limited to three terms.

Allegan voters carry Rep. Johnson to re-election 

Overall, in both Kent and Allegan county unofficial results posted on each county’s election website, Rep. Johnson totaled 29,608 votes while Cheng-Schulting totaled 24,159.

However, in unofficial (uncertified) Kent County results, two-term incumbent Rep. Johnson of Wayland, trailed Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood, 20,271 to 20,973. The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr.

“Although we were not able to win this election, we are grateful for the record number of votes for our campaign, especially in Kentwood,” Cheng-Schulting said to WKTV. “I would also like to congratulate Steve Johnson on his re-election win. I … hope that he will go on to be a representative who truly looks out for everyone in District 72.”

Election 2020: Fitzgerald joins Wyoming City Council

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The new face on the Wyoming City Council will be John Fitzgerald.

John Fitzgerald will be the next Wyoming City Council member. (WKTV)

Fitzgerald had about 3,000 votes more than candidate Rob Arnoys. The unofficial final count is 13,657 for Fitzgerald and 10,679 for Arnoys with Wyoming reporting that 100 percent of the city’s votes have been counted.

“The voice of Wyoming was heard and people believed in the work and mission that they heard in my campaign,” Fitzgerald said. 

Fitzgerald said he appreciated Arnoys for a well run campaign and for his work on the City of Wyoming’s Planning Commission. 

Arnoys responded that he wanted to “congratulate John for his successful campaign.

“This has been a great opportunity and I have learned so much,” Arnoys said. “We have a great city and I feel John will do a great job representing us and I look forward to supporting the city as we move forward.”

Fitzgerald, who is a commercial insurance broker, replaces Dan Burrill on the council. Burrill did not seek re-election to the council, but instead sought and won the Kent Country 8th District Commission seat.

“The next step will be getting to work,” Fitzgerald said. “The city has a number of challenges and a number of issues that we will need to make decisions and I look forward to serving our community and keeping my mission of representing the citizens of Wyoming equably.”

Also running unopposed for Wyoming City Council was Marissa Postler for the city’s 2nd Ward and Rob Postema for the 3rd Ward. 

Election 2020: Godfrey-Lee school district’s bond request approved; local school board results in

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, We The People, ,
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On the back side of a very crowded ballot, one local school bonding issue and several school board races were up for vote Nov. 3, with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools’ $17.8 million bonding proposal gaining approval and the only local contested school board race decided.

By a margin of 1,505 to 730, in unofficial (uncertified) results, voters in the Godfrey-Lee school district gave the district a 1.67 mill increase in local property tax rate which will allow it to borrow as much as $17.8 million over 30 years to modernize portions of its middle and high school that are nearly 100 years old, make repairs and improvements to a portion of the building which collapsed last year, and fund other district infrastructure work.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, staff, and students, I express sincere appreciation to our community for supporting the bond proposal to renovate and restore Lee Middle and High School,” district superintendent Kevin Polston said in a statement. “Quality schools are vital for quality communities. The investment and trust our community provided to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools will create a better learning environment for our students.”

The district statement detailed that a “major transformation” of Lee middle and high schools that will include air conditioning, accessibility for disabled, safety and security upgrades, new classrooms, a community wellness and resource center, and a new band room. (More information can be found at glpsbond2020.com/.)

“Godfrey-Lee takes the responsibility of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars seriously, and look forward to making good on the promise of enhanced school facilities for students,”  Polston said. “Our students deserve the very best learning environment to allow each and every student to live out their hopes and dreams through the education they receive at Godfrey-Lee. The improvements at Lee Middle and High School will transform our classrooms, provide flexible learning space, make the school more accessible, and enhance our performing arts program.”

Also in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district, the Board of Education had three candidates, two already serving the board, running for three full 6-year term positions. Reelected were David Blok, current board vice president, and Tammy Schafer, current board secretary. Cheryl L. Slaughter will be new to the board.

Other school board voting results

While nearly all the local public school districts had Board of Education candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot, only the Kentwood Public Schools board had contested seats to be voted on.

The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education had five candidates, four of them incumbents, running for four positions, all with 4-year terms. And all the incumbents won re-election. Mary (Mimi) Madden, current board president and the longest serving member of the board at 17 years, gained the most votes at 13,799. Angela Hovermale, current board trustee, gained 12,797 votes. Allen Young, current board vice president, gained 12,599 votes. Angie Forton, current board secretary, gained 12,703 votes. Leonica Riley Erwin, who was running to unseat one of four incumbents running for re-election, gained 11,366 votes.

The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education had four candidates — two of which would be new to the board — running for four positions, three 6-year terms and one partial term. The two new-to-the-board candidates elected to full terms are Shannon Frick and Jessica A. Hanselman. Craig P. Popma, current board treasurer, was elected to a full term while Jeff Norton, current trustee, was elected to a partial term ending in December 2022.

The Kelloggsville Public Schools Board of Education had five candidates, all current board members, running for five positions, three 6-year terms and two partial terms. Marie Groters, current board vice president, and Tim Pomorski and Laura L. Tanis, both current trustees, were elected to full, 6-year terms. Debra Sellers, current trustee, was elected to a partial term ending December 2024, and Crystal Reidzans current board treasurer, was elected to a partial term ending December 2022.

The Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education had two candidates, both currently on the board, running for two full 6-year term positions. Re-elected were Ken Hornecker, current board treasurer, and Allen E. Johnston, current board president.

No surprises in county elections, Burrill, McCloud take commission seats

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Even though election results are still being counted in Kent County, there are not much in the way of surprises in the county’s unofficial results. 

Dan Burrill was elected to fill the 8th District Kent County Commission seat left vacant by Harold Voorhees, who early this year announced he was retiring. (WKTV)

About 60.5 percent of the county’s total registered voters voted in this year’s 2020 election. About 85 percent of the 303,039 total votes have been counted as of late this morning.

Even with 15 percent left to count, in many of the county races, the leaders have maintained large point leads. 

This was the case for Republican Incumbent Michelle LaJoye-Young for Kent County Sheriff. Throughout the night, LaJoye-Young maintained a lead over Democratic challenger Marc Burns and Liberation candidate John Glen Stedman. Today, she was still 60,000 votes ahead of Burns, her closet challenger. Republican incumbent Lisa Posthumus Lyons for Kent County Clerk also maintained a lead over challengers Devin Ortega (D) and Jamie Lewis (L) and so did Republican incumbent Ken Yonkers for Kent County Drain Commissioner who stayed ahead of challengers Elaine Isely (D) and Alex Avery (L). With 85 percent of the votes counted, these candidate seem to continue to keep that lead. Republican incumbent Chris Becker was the only person seeking the Kent County Prosecuting Attorney position.

With the announcement that current Kent County Treasurer Keith Parrish would not seek re-election, two newcomers, Peter MacGregor (R) and Beth White (D) put their hats in the ring for the position. For most of the night, MacGregor held a solid lead with morning numbers showing he was about 42,000 votes ahead. 

The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming and surrounding communities of the City of Grandville, and the townships of Byron Center and Gaines have 100 percent fully reported which means commissioner races for those communities have unofficial results. 

For county commission seats, the following incumbents retained their seats: Stan Ponstein for the 7th District, Matt Kallman for the 9th District, Emily Post Brieve for the 10th District and Monic Sparks for the 12th District. Both the 7th and 9th districts have portions of the City of Wyoming and the 10th District has a portion of the City of Kentwood. The 12th District is divided between the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

Kent County 7th District Commissioner Stan Ponstein won his re-election bid. (WKTV)

“Words can not express my gratitude to the voters of District 7,” said Commissioner Stan Ponstein in a Facebook post. “Whether you voted for me when I was first elected to the Grandville Board of Education at the age of 19, supported me over the years, or this is your first time voting for me. I want you to know I take public service seriously, I will never forget who I serve and have always believed that where you live should not dictate the level of service you recieve from government.”

In the 8th District, which covers the eastern portion of the city of Wyoming, including the pan handle, Republican candidate Dan Burrill, who is currently on the Wyoming City Council, maintained a steady lead against Democratic candidate Sarah Chatterley. When counting was done, Burrill had 9,165 votes to Chatterley’s 7,765.

“It feels like I have been running for forever since I have been campaigning from about March through the primaries to November,” Burrill said, adding that he was appreciative for the help of the Kent County GOP, Kent Vanderwood and Rusty Richter.

While sad about leaving the Wyoming City Council, Burrill said he is looking forward to being apart of the Kent County Commission.

“I am ready for another chapter to lean about how the county operates and to represent the citizens of Wyoming at the county level,” he said.

In the 13th District, which covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood, Democratic candidate Michelle McCloud was able to push past Republican candidate Levi Cipcic by more than 4,000 votes.

The Kent County Board of Canvassers will review the general election on Nov. 17 with the state board of canvassers reviewing the statewide election on Nov. 23.