Lee Lamberts was on his way home from Howell last week when he stopped at the Williamston exit off interstate 96. When he left the gas station he happened to look across the street and saw these Sandhill Cranes in the field.
Do you have a picture you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Send it and a brief description to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
Windmill Island Gardens was scheduled to close for the regular season on October 4. However, the park will remain open after Oct. 4, on weekends only, through Oct. 25.
While staff will begin tulip planting and other winter preparations, guests can continue to enjoy a virtual windmill tour, Dutch street organ, gift shop, acres of gardens and much more.
Like tourist attractions worldwide, 2020 has been an unusual year at Windmill Island Gardens. After a delayed opening in mid-June, the Island welcomed a steady stream of visitors enjoying Dutch attractions and beautiful gardens. In order to continue providing a pleasant socially distanced experience, attractions will remain open further into the fall than in years past. Reduced admission remains $5 for guests 9 and older with younger children admitted free. Some features including interior windmill tours and carousel rides will remain closed.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Unfortunately the spots for this year’s City of Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail have been filled but residents will still have the opportunity to participate in some online Halloween fun through the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Due to social distancing guidelines, the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department decided to make its annual Trick or Treat Trail a drive-thru this year, according to Cory Stamps, special events and marketing programmer for the City of Wyoming.
“We put out information about the drive-thru Trick or Treat Trail and within about two weeks it was full,” Stamps said, adding that the city is planning for about 500 children. Children had to be pre-register to receive a treat bag.
Vendors who normally attend the event were asked to donate what they would normally handout during the event. The items collected were used to make the goodie bags.
Those participating at the Oct. 10 event will drive into Lamar Park to pick up their treats.
Stamps said the city plans to have several activities available for people via its Facebook and Instagram pages
By Luke Schrock, WKTV intern
Many local college baseball players where hoping to play some summer league baseball, but then there was COVID-19. But for one local college player, Davenport University’s Gaetano Vallone, a summer at Traverse City was just the pitch he’d been hoping for.
The Northwoods League was one of the few summer baseball leagues that had the chance to play this summer, due to north Lower Peninsula Michigan and the Upper Peninsula being allowed to be exempt from many state-mandated restrictions.
“It was huge for me to find a team like the Pit Spitters to play for during this pandemic,” Vallone, a pitcher for Davenport, said to WKTV, “Being able to play for such a high caliber baseball team definitely helps me prepare for our upcoming season” in spring 2021.
The Northwoods League split its league into seven different “pods” including the ‘Michigan North’ (Traverse City) pod that also included the Great Lakes Resorters and the Northern Michigan Dune Bears (before the Dune Bears was disbanded after the first suspension of the season back on July 4).
Like most of the country, working out and staying in shape was a hard task, especially for players like Vallone, who were training for their upcoming collegiate season.
“I was forced to do at home workouts with limited supplies and run,” he said. “The transition from workouts at school to workouts at home was difficult but I managed to stay motivated.”
The Pit Spitters ended the season with a regular season record of 33-8 and lost in the finals of the Michigan bracket to the Kalamazoo Mac Daddies, 4-1.
By K.D. Norris
The business community of Wyoming and Kentwood has held strong together during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and part of the reason is the continued work of the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce with events such as a recent Team Up Tuesday held at the Family Network of Wyoming.
WKTV was there to tour and talk with chamber and Family Network leadership, and members of the business community, to find out more about the local non-profit and how it helps some businesses keep on doing business.
Held Sept. 15, the outdoor event was also open to the public to “hang out and connect with each other.” Family Network of Wyoming, located on 44th street, conducted small group tours of its lending closet and food pantry. Snacks and refreshments were provided by The Candied Yam.
To find out more about the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, visit southkent.org. To find out more about the Family Network of Wyoming, visit fntw.org.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
“I’ll give you some food,” said Elmer Geovany Lopez Toi as he hands a McDonald’s bag to two homeless men sitting on steps. “I like to help people.,” Toi said to the two men he met in August as he hands them money and more food.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is hoping that by releasing the five-minute video, found on Toi’s phone, residents will see Toi’s act of humility and kindness and it will encourage someone in the community to come forward and help solve his murder.
Toi, 20, along with Santos Padilla Banegas, 16, were shot Sept. 16. The two were both shot while walking along Division Avenue near Wilbur Street. The area is north of 44th Street. For an early release, police said they believe the vehicle involved in the shooting could be a dark-colored 2010-11 GMC Acadia.
Police said they believe the Acadia had multiple occupants and was last seen headed south on Jefferson Avenue from Wilbur Street. Officers arrived to find the Banegas and Toi near the road. Toi was pronounced dead at the scene and Banegas died later at Metro Health Hospital from his injuries.
Since then, the Wyoming Public Safety detectives have been working diligently to develop information and follow leads in the double homicide, according to a release from the department.
It was during the investigation, detectives discovered the video on Toi’s phone. According to detectives, the video does not appear to be directly relevant to the investigation, but by sharing the video the department hopes it “will serve as a reminder of the humanity and tragedy of this case.”
“We share this video with our community for two reasons,” said Capt. James Maguffee in a release to the media. “First, it seems right to share a story of a resident of the City of Wyoming, victimized in a horrible crime, engaged in an act of humility and kindness. We expect our community will be moved in the way we were when we saw this video. Second, these sorts of crimes are often solved, and justice served, when citizens with the right piece of information come forward.
According to police sources, Toi was an immigrant to the United States with no family in the area. Through the investigation, there has been no indication thus far that suggest either Banegas or Toi were involved in criminal acts or engaged in behavior that might have invited the violence inflicted on them.
Anyone with information about the case are encouraged to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7335 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. A donor has matched the initial cash reward and it now stands at $5,000.
By K.D. Norris
The Kent County Board of Commissioners last week approved a $2.2 million request from county Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young to purchase new body cameras for about 200 law enforcement personnel in the Sheriff’s Office, and well as replacement tasers for all officers and replacement in-car cameras for about 83 police cruisers.
“Combined with training and clearly defined protocols for camera use and for public access to video footage, body cameras are shown to be valuable tools to increase the accountability of all parties involved,” according to the Kent County announcement.
WKTV asked Sheriff LaJoye-Young to define those planned protocols for camera use and public access.
“Training is scheduled to happen as soon as we get the full delivery of the equipment and installation in the vehicles — it is a very hands-on training,” Sheriff LaJoye-Young said to WKTV. “We have developed a protocol. It has largely been based on our experience with in-car camera systems, but also on the guidance we have received from other departments who have had body cams in play for awhile. Obviously, protocol is always managed, it constantly gets updated. And so we are going to see how it starts and then adjust it if we need to.
“That protocol will be available (to the public) for people to understand. And they should expect that any time they are dealing directly with an officer who is in uniform and a body cam, that that body cam is recording. They are always free to ask an officer if their camera is recording, and our officers would be required to answer that question.”
Approximately 200 Sheriff’s office uniformed and plainclothes deputies and sergeants, community police officers, undercover officers and other personnel performing law enforcement duties will be equipped with body-worn cameras in the first quarter of 2021.
The funding for the body cameras and other upgrades was transferred from the projected Sheriff’s Office General Fund to the Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Improvement Program Fund, according to the county statement.
“The Board of Commissioners strongly supports Sheriff LaJoye-Young’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective law enforcement practices,” Board of Commissioners chair Mandy Bolter say in supplied material.
The Sheriff echoed the public transparency aspect of the effort.
“This investment will allow for greater transparency for the residents in our community,” Sheriff LaJoye-Young said in supplied material. “Body cameras offer real-time information about what happened on a call for service or with any public contact. Plus, the footage from these calls can be used in training and monitoring exercises to strengthen the performance of our law enforcement officers in the field.”
According to the county’s announcement, the tasers, in-car video cameras and body cameras “are all part of one seamlessly integrated package” — a package the includes five cameras for the detective bureau interview room and 25 docking stations as well as a service contract at a cost of $75,000 per year for the second through fifth years of use.
“Altogether, this system will allow for a streamlined Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and discovery process, further increasing the Sheriff’s Office transparency,” according to the statement.
By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern
This weekend was suppose to the Opera Grand Rapids performance of “Turandot,” but due to social distancing guidelines due to COVID, the performances have been moved to March 19 and 20. Performances still will be at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW.
“Turandot” is an opera written by Giacomo Puccini set in mythical China. The story follows princess Turandot who will only marry a prince who can solve her riddles. These riddles have remained unsolved until a mysterious prince solves these riddles and uncovers the secrets to her heart.
For patrons who have already purchased their tickets for the May or September 2020 dates, the tickets will be transferred to the new dates. For those who would still like to purchase tickets. they are available online through Ticketmaster, or by calling the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office at (616) 451-2741. Student tickets are priced at $5 with a valid student ID and general tickets start at $27.
For more information visit https://www.operagr.org/turandot/ .
By Zach Cantalice, WKTV intern
Wyoming’s The Potter’s House Christian High School started their cross country program last year but their success looked like an established program which has been winning for years.
Coach Kristopher Koster led the first-year high school boys’ team to the state finals, where his team made a statement about their arrival. The Potter’s House boy’s team finished 6th overall as a team in all of Division 4.
But this season, like many other sports and teams around the area, cross country is tasked with adjusting to the changes caused by Covid-19, according to coach Koster.
For starters, warmups for events have been cut down to as short as 15 minutes for a race. The limit of competitors has also been cut down to 70 racers. Each school races their top seven runners so this new rule limits 10 teams to a race at a time. Bigger cross country meets are now splitting up meets over a long day or even multiple days to complete the meet.
“Teams now have team boxes their team must stand in at the starting line,” Koster told WKTV. “Each team box has a box or two to separate a team from another team.”
“This trend of separating teams also occurs at the finish line,” he said. “Usually following the race, teams would gather together and have an award ceremony to hand out medals and team awards. COVID-19 has eliminated award ceremonies as medals are handed out as soon as you finish your race. After being handed your award, you are required to immediately go to your team’s bus and leave. Teams are not permitted to even do a cool-off jog on the site of the meet.”
Coach Koster also said that “most meets have no spectators due to the difficulty regulating two guests per runner. If the meet sees a spectator from your team then they will disqualify your team.”
Even with all the changes, coach Koster is confident in his team’s ability to have continued success.
The Potter’s House top three boys’ team returners — senior Andrew Blum and sophomores Moses Osterink and Logan Swiney — are expected to be big for this year’s team.
Coach Koster says the there make the team “so much better from last season that it’s almost like we have three guys who maybe aren’t as good as Caleb Stout last year. But it could be. by the end of the year, instead of just having the one guy who consistently finished at the top of races.”
The boys team, overall, has high goals for this season.
“I am confident we can place much higher in states,” another senior, Eli Hart, said to WKTV.
Coach Koster also coaches the girls’ cross country at the high school and the middle school team at the elementary school. The girls’ high school team had one runner, Ester Cole, attend the state finals last year. But the girls hope to attend as a team this season.
“Our team goal, the girls want to go to states,” Erika VerBeek said.
Coach Koster has also installed a mindset into this team to push each other everyday, no matter what your spot on this team is.
“If the 12th guy gets better that pushes the 11th guy and the dominoes keep falling all the way to the top,” coach Koster said. “Everyone has an impact.”
This mindset has connected with his runners.
“We are trying to become stronger runners, stronger people, and stronger followers of Christ,” said Joshua Lundberg.
By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern
Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall
American Author F. Scott Fitzgerald
This weekend take the opportunity to explore the Amazing Honey Bees exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. This family event gives guests a look inside the amazing world of honey bees. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about beekeeping by viewing an observation hive. The event is free with the price of admission. The exhibit is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information you can visit their website.
Grab your friends and head down to Martin Luther King Park, 900 Fuller Ave. SE, and catch a movie at the Holistic Healing event. The event starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. There will be fun, vendors, and music. At 8:30 p.m. there will be a screening of “Black Panther” to pay homage to the late Chadwick Boseman. Single tickets are priced at $6 for one plot, $11 for two, and $22 for four. You can purchase tickets here.
Pay a visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museums newest exhibit “Under the Arctic,” which opens Saturday, Sept. 26. Visitors will have the chance to act as climate science researchers and explore the Arctic. The exhibit features Ice Age fossils, a 30-foot-long Alaskan permafrost tunnel replica, and ancient ice cores. The exhibit is at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Admission to this exhibit is included in general admission. For more information you can visit their website.
Did you know that a dentist invented cotton candy? In 1897 dentist William Morrison partnered with candy-maker John C. Wharton and together they invented the sweet treat. The candy was originally called fairy floss and premiered at the World Fair in 1908 where it was sold for only 25 cents.
By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern
Wanted: residents willing to roll up there sleeves, who do not mind getting dirty, and want to protect and improve the tree canopy within the City of Kentwood.
The City of Kentwood is tackling the issue of invasive species, specifically vines harming trees in the City of Kentwood. To aid in the cause, the city recently partnered with the Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team to educate community members on common invasive species.
These invasive species are incredibly harmful to trees. The vines can strangle a tree blocking it from delivering nutrients from the sun and rainfall to its roots. Over time this can cause the tree to wilt and eventually die.
“The City is pleased to join forces with the Kent Conservation District to educate residents on how to save our trees from the invasive vines that are harming them throughout the community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All residents are invited to participate in one of the education sessions for the training necessary to stop the on-going damage to our trees.”
KCD Invasive Species Strike team is having training sessions on the following dates (you do need to attend one training to participate in the program):
At these sessions you receive a hands-on experience to learn what invasive species are, what they look like, and how to dispose of them.
After attending one of these training days, volunteers are invited take part in tackling vines in Northeast Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 10. The Kent Conservation District will guide volunteers and provide any necessary equipment. For this event, volunteers are recommended to wear clothing appropriate for physical outdoor work and weather conditions, such as long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes.
Trees in City of Kentwood are immensely important as they help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Trees also help to remove pollutants from the air and soil. More importantly, for homeowners, trees can increase property value.
These invasive species combat the growth of trees in City of Kentwood. Some of these even release toxic chemicals into the soil which can harm native plant species. Some of the more commonly known species in Michigan are oriental bittersweet, wild grape and poison ivy.
Trained residents also have the option to do self-directed work as long as they communicate with the Department of Public Works on where and when the work was completed, so staff can follow up if necessary. The City hopes to host more trainings and events in other parks in the future.
For more details, community members may visit kentwood.us/vinevolunteers.
By K.D. Norris
For whatever reason, the number of people availing themselves of the Kent County Health Department’s free-to-the-public COVID-19 testing program has fallen drastically in the past few weeks.
According to a statement supplied to WKTV, “in July we were doing about 800 a week and are now at about 400.” And the decline is not only at the county’s three testing sites, but also at several partner sites as well, despite low or no wait time for appointments and a decreased turnaround time for results.
“We want people to know that testing is free, quick, easy and available,” Christopher Bendekgey, county health Community Clinical Services Division Director, said in supplied material. “People are still contracting the virus, but we suspect they’ve heard it’s hard to get an appointment or others have waited over a week for results, and they’re thinking, ‘why bother?’ But it’s vital that we continue to track and work to stop the spread of this disease in our community.”
(Note: A Spanish language version of the Kent County Health Department information is at the bottom of this story.)
According to the county health department, the vast majority of KCHD test results are coming back within 48 hours, some as fast as 24-36 hours. “Wait times for test results were running as high as seven to ten days at their peak in July,” according to the county statement.
For locations of Kent County Health Department sites, visit here.
Tests at the county locations are free and appointments at the health department sites can be made online here or by calling 616-632-7200. Appointments at the partner LINC UP site can be made by visiting here.
The Kent County Health Department, “in accordance with CDC guidelines,” recommends a person get tested if you have had certain social interactions, or certain symptoms or combinations of symptoms.
You get tested if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (within 6 feet for 15 minutes), you suspect you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or you are in a “high COVID-19 transmission area and have attended a public or private gathering of more than 10 people where people weren’t wearing masks or social distancing.”
You should get tested if you have a deep cough, a shortness of breath or a new loss of taste of small; or if you have a combination of a fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or congestion/runny nose.
For more Kent County Health Department information on COVID-19 and coronavirus testing, visit here.
By K.D. Norris
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, as part of our continuing series of shows focused on different local high school and their sports departments, we catch up with the Lee Legends.
Led by WKTV volunteer Greg Yoder, one of the series hosts, we talk with two of the girls sports coaches and find out about how they are handling COVID-19 restrictions in practice and in competition, their work in building girls sports programs at the small school, and — yes — we talk about the outlook for their teams.
Visiting the WKTV studios are new Legends volleyball coach John Cain and Legends girls basketball coach Tasha Wilson. Both coaches are rebuilding their programs, both are dealing with the new normal of high school sports in a time of COVID-19, and both are optimistic about their teams long-term success.
WKTV Journal Sports Connection brings its audience interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports, both on cable television and on our on-demand and YouTube channels. Readers can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting wktvjournal.com/sports.
WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of highs school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.com. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also usually available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
To give its residents an opportunity to view and comment on its new master plan, the City of Wyoming will be hosting eight open houses across the city.
In August, the Wyoming City Council voted to open the 63-day public comment period for the community-driven master plan, Wyoming [re]imagined. City Planner Nicole Hofert said with the social distance requirements due to COVID-19, city officials decided to offer a series of outdoor public events where residents would be able to review the plan.
The four-day event starts Monday, Sept. 28 at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., city staff will be on had to discuss the new master plan with the event also featuring the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s K-9 unit. The rest of the schedule is as follows:
All events are open to the public and require attendees to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, including face coverings and physical distancing.
“We received input from the community and it formed the foundation of the plan. Our community knows Wyoming and what it wants for our future. They want to see things like affordable housing options and flourishing economic development and parks,” Mayor Jack Poll said in a recent release about the events. “Please join us at one of our open houses. You will have a chance to learn about the plan and provide us with the necessary feedback we need for a successful master plan.”
At the open house events, community members have another chance to provide input after the draft master plan was intentionally developed with community voice and needs at the forefront. The 18-month process continues to involve Wyoming residents, businesses, employees of businesses, developers, and stakeholders who are guiding the content and priorities of the plan. Each section of the draft plan details what community stakeholders and residents want to see in Wyoming’s future and how the collective vision will be implemented. Upon final approval, the master plan will guide how the City will develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
To view the draft plan and provide feedback, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/reimagined.
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
At the urging of the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA), Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed this Saturday, Sept. 26, to be “Downtown Day” in the State of Michigan. The official proclamation by the Governor recognizes downtown districts for driving economic development, contributing to the quality of life for residents and for serving as the social and economic centers in their communities.
“We applaud the MDA and Governor Whitmer for acknowledging the unique and important role that downtown districts play in their communities and in the local economy,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “In light of the difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic our local shops and restaurants need support now more than ever before if Downtown Holland is going to remain a vibrant and thriving destination well into the future.”
Downtown Holland will celebrate “Downtown Day” with a giveaway on their Facebook page, which will be posted the morning of Saturday, Sept. 26. By sharing what they love most about Downtown Holland on the Facebook post that day, one lucky commenter will receive a $100 gift card to the Downtown Holland business of their choice.
Local residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the beautiful weather forecasted for Saturday by visiting Downtown and spending their money locally at a Downtown Holland shop or restaurant. And with temperatures in the upper 70’s that day, it might be time to squeeze in one last trip Downtown for ice cream or another frozen treat before the fall weather arrives!
By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern
Local artist Reb Roberts already planned to make his iconic chickens part of the newest mural at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and as he began painting, he couldn’t help but notice how empty the airport was.
The Gerald R. Ford Airport had been reporting record numbers up until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and like many airports across the nation, the Ford Airport saw the number of visitors drop severely. Seven months later, and many people have opted for either other ways to travel or have reduced flight time.
The fact that most chickens do not fly and that the Ford Airport was somewhat empty, lead Roberts to name the mural “Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much.”
“When I was there at the airport, it was kind of amazing because there’s not that many people traveling,” Roberts said during a recent virtual interview. “I think it was just perfect timing.”
The 80-foot mural features chickens and other birds along with dogs, trucks and Roberts’ signature sun, making for an inviting welcome or fond farewell to airport travelers. Roberts said he personally hopes the mural will encourage people to fly and help the airport get back to the incredible amount of traffic it had post COVID-19.
“Chickens” is the second in a series of murals created by notable West Michigan artists as part of the Frey Foundation’s gift, which will also feature changing sculptures and exhibits. The mural joins “The Great Blue,” which was completed in March by Nick Nortier and Kyle DeGroff and features a blue heron on a Michigan waterway.
Colorful creations everywhere
A quick drive through Grand Rapids and you can see many of Roberts’ work in city parks and Grand Rapids Public Schools. From 1999 to 2017, Roberts and his wife Carmella owned and operated Sanctuary Folk Art on Division Street.
“That street is it’s own animal and some of the things that are being experienced right now in this country and in this world are things that have been happening on Division for years and years and years, but no one’s really addressed it as a whole,” he said.
The gallery featured work by many local outsider folk artists, artists who are self-taught or haven’t received professional training.
Roberts admitted he often found himself attracted to this form of art. “There could be 100 booths of artwork and I would always like that stuff, it shows what somebody has to say. It wasn’t too formal or you didn’t have to interpret it too much.”
In fact, 20 years before diving into his career as an artist, Roberts worked with children and families, often finding joy in children creating spontaneous, colorful works of art. “Before painting I didn’t know much,” he said, adding that after working with kids he found a calling towards art, especially through the creations of preschoolers. “If they can paint, then I can paint,” he said.
Just Pick Up a Brush
If you’re a creative person looking for motivation, Roberts shared his technique for how he starts his pieces.
“Wherever you are at the most, whatever space you frequent the most, it’s important to have those materials right there so they’re staring you in the face,” he said, adding it doesn’t matter whether you’re a painter or a musician, whatever medium of creativity you explore, have that medium somewhere in plan sight. Often creative individuals try to wait for ideas to inspire them, but as Roberts said, having your medium physically there is the best motivator for inspiration.
Roberts said that artists often get frustrated by the lack of traction their work receives. He encouraged that anyone who is creative to keep practicing. Even having hundreds of pieces of work could be beneficial to an audience and acts as a “savings account” for artists.
“Make more,” he said. “It’s a gift, if you’re an artist it’s a major gift. There’s a lot of good things about being a creative person, you can do it anywhere in the world.”
And sometimes you need to take a break
During the pandemic, Roberts took a short break from painting.
“I was just trying to figure out what was going on in the world like a lot of people were,” he said. “I kind of liked the quiet in the world for a little bit.”
Roberts said he knew he’d eventually return to his artistic strive. “When you’re ready, get back at it.”
And so he did. Along with the Ford Airport mural, Roberts recently added to his “outdoor” collection with colorful benches on the corner of Pearl Street and Ionia Avenue to colorful umbrellas outside cafes and restaurants stretched down Fulton Street featuring his stylized characters including those famous chickens.
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is participating in The Alliance for the Great Lakes day of action on Saturday, Sept. 26. There will be a morning and afternoon “beach” clean up in Traverse City neighborhoods. Volunteers are asked to register so the organization has enough supplies for everyone.
The beach cleanups are taking place from 9 a.m. – noon (Sunset Park to F and M Park) and from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Randolph Street to Dog Park).
“We are all so lucky to live in an area that cares for our beaches,” shared Rachel Ratliff, ISEA Great Lakes Educator. “Even though many of them are well kept, any litter in our area is in danger of becoming beach trash.”
Many organizations choose to clean up beaches, but ISEA chose neighborhoods close to the water because one rainstorm or wind event can carry hundreds of improperly discarded items from the streets into our storm drains, onto the beach, or in the water.
Participants are encouraged to register at schoolship.org/news-events/beach-cleanup. Detailed information will then be emailed to them. Participants are also asked to dress for the weather, wear a mask, and bring any pickup assistance (e.g., reacher/grabber) they would like. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
Inland Seas Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay, Mich., dedicated to STEM education on the Great Lakes. Its shipboard and shore-side education programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to provide for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. ISEA offers programs to schools, groups, and the public. For further information, contact Inland Seas Education Association at 231-271-3077 or on the web at www.schoolship.org.
By K.D. Norris
The first day of fall is here, on Sept. 22, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has opened its annual fall horticulture exhibition, Chrysanthemums & More!
The exhibition, which opened Sept. 18, reportedly the largest of its kind in Michigan, features expansive displays of chrysanthemums, fall foliage and family-friendly activities. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 1.
“This year’s theme for Chrysanthemums & More! is ‘Naturally’,” Steve LaWarre, Meijer gardens director of horticulture, said in supplied material. “Our goal is that guests can experience the more natural and untamed side of the autumn season through the various displays of color, texture and patterns that are carefully designed to play upon the natural beauty of the changing fall landscape.”
Aware of the need for social distancing, even outdoors, plant displays throughout Meijer Gardens will intentionally be open and airy, “highlighting movement in contrast to a more traditional tight and manicured aesthetic of years past.”
The focal point of the inside display will be entering the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and witnessing a floor-to-ceiling chrysanthemum display. Presentations of large disbuds and beds of colorful plantings will complement this feature in the nearby Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.
Outdoors, expansive beds of lush chrysanthemums will be arranged in stunning sweeps of color and will be balanced by a variety of ornamental plantings that highlight nature’s beauty.
Other activities coming this fall at Meijer Gardens include the Fall Bonsai Show, giant pumpkins and “Hallowee-Ones”.
Fall Bonsai Show, sponsored by the West Michigan Bonsai Club, will take place Oct. 3–4, and is open with regular admission. A variety of bonsai will be on display, from trees in early stages of training to lovely older trees. Also, visitors can watch bonsai artists at work and shop for bonsai trees as well as bonsai tools and supplies.
Also on that weekend will be Fall Family Day, on Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m., which will be focused on the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Activities include fall-inspired tunes and autumn-themed stories, a fiber arts demonstration and a naturalist walk.
Finally, Hallowee-Ones, for the “wee ones,” will occur Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, with parades at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. This special event is designed for the youngest visitors, and children are encouraged to dress as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower, geologist or in any other way that highlights something about the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. “No tricks, no treats, just fun!” according to supplied material.
For more information visit MeijerGardens.org.
By K.D. Norris
With just a week of full, in-pads practice under their belts, most local Wyoming and Kentwood football teams struggled in various degrees in the season’s delayed Week 1 contests (Week 4 on the original schedules).
The only win was Grand Rapids South Christian gaining a home-field win over Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 25-15.
In the Sailors win, quarterback Ty Rynbrandt (20-of-27 for 213 yards) had two short touchdown passes to Elliott Grashuis, the second with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to put away the game. The pair also connected on a 2-point conversion after a 9-yard TD run in the third quarter by Daniel Possett. Eli Smith was Rynbrandt’s favorite target, however, as he had 10 receptions for 138 yards. Jeff Herrema added a field goal and two extra points.
“We played tough on defense once we settled in,” South Christian head coach Danny Brown said two WKTV. “Very happy with our tenacity and pursuit to the football. Lots of positives on offense but had a few penalties and untimely missed assignments that ruined drives.”
Outside of that, the best games of the night for local teams were Godwin Height’s outstanding defensive effort at home against Sparta in a 6-0 loss, and East Kentwood’s 21-13 loss at home to Hudsonville, 21-13.
In other games, Wyoming high lost at home to Zeeland West, 60-20, in a WKTV Featured game which was broadcast on cable live and live-streamed. and which will be available on-demand at WKTVlive.org later this week. In that game, the Wolves gained touchdowns from seniors Mekhi Bobo and Cameron Simon, as well as on a pass from senior quarterback Matthew Berg to senior Mahki Matthews.
Also, Kelloggsville lost at GR Northpointe Christian, 37-14, and Wyoming Lee lost at home to Niles Brandywine, 61-7.
Despite the loss, Godwin Heights head coach Brandon Kimble said he expects a good year out of his Wolverines, “an experienced team” with double digit starters returning on both offense and defense.
“The offense will be led by (junior) Jeremiah Drake at quarterback and an important piece offensively will be (senior) Jamontae Burrell, both players were all conference last year.” Kimble said in an email to WKTV about his team’s outlook. “On the O line and D line, Godwin has a highly recruited offensive tackle and defensive end in (senior) Ru’Quan Buckley. Players to watch defensively will be (senior) Craig Hughes and (junior) Jabari Crump(-Moore). Craig is a returning all conference honorable mention player at safety and Crump is returning from injury after starting at linebacker the previous year.”
At East Kentwood, senior Branden Miller scored a touchdown for the Falcons’ only offensive score. Miller also led the team in rushing with 29 yards and passing with 62 yards. (Programming note: WKTV’s Feature Game live game coverage crew is tentatively scheduled to be at East Kentwood on Sept. 25 for the team’s game against Grandville.)
In Kelloggsville’s opening night game, sophomore quarterback Zack Zerfas was 11-of-20 passing for 205 yards and touchdowns to junior Damario Montgomery and junior Jabari Campbell, who led the team in receiving with six receptions for 116 yards. Sophomore Camron Townsend led the team in rushing with 41 yards and added 59 yards receiving.
By K.D. Norris
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we host a discussion on the City of Wyoming Lions Club, a local member of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, with clubs in more than 200 countries.
Wyoming’s club, like all clubs, support the local community in various ways and assist people throughout the world with a focus on programs such as sight programs, guide dogs, donations to vision clinics, and support of various other community organizations.
With us is Kyle Austin, Wyoming Lions Club vice president and membership chairman, and we talk about what the local club does and the need for volunteer member to help them do their good work.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
It seemed like only May when the area’s farmer’s markets opened up and now we are coming to the end. The Metro Health Farm Market, where this picture was taken, wraps up the first week of October. The market is 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Thursday. The Byron Center Farmers Market, which is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays at Bicentennial Park off of Byron Center Avenue, runs through the end of October. The Kentwood Farmers Market will have a pop-up event on Oct. 1 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. and is located in front of the KDL Kentwood Branch at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
If you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week, email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30pm, Seven Steps Up will dedicate completion of a mural project on their building. This is the latest artwork commissioned by the Art In The Park Project which has resulted in several outdoor public art murals over the past two years in the Village of Spring Lake.
The mural on the north side wall of Seven Steps Up Live Music + Events entitled “Together” reflects the artist’s view of how music and diversity can bring people together. Five Spring Lake High School art students submitted proposals for the project, with one from Liv Butler chosen in a blind audition by owners Gary and Michelle Hanks.
“It was difficult to just pick one as all five were worthy of selection,” said Mrs. Hanks. “We were so happy to learn that the other four will be given commissions to paint murals in another Village location.”
Private donations and a grant from the Grand Haven Community Foundation funded the project.
Butler worked on the mural for over two months with her progress followed in daily social media videos and media stories in newspapers, blogs, and television news. She is currently a senior at Spring Lake High School and hopes to continue her art education in college next year.
The colorful 12-foot by 14-foot mural depicts a diverse population interspersed with live music elements including a lyric line from the poignant song by The Alternate Routes called “Nothing More.” As the song goes, “We are how we treat each other and nothing more.”
“All during the project, people stopped by to look and take photos and talk to Liv,” said Mrs. Hanks. “It’s a very fitting message for a live music venue like us. We hope people will come out for the ribbon cutting and express their appreciation to Liv.”
Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library
Kent District Library announced expanded in-branch hours starting today, Monday, Sept. 21. Branches will return to normal published hours with one exception – all branches will remain closed on Sundays. Curbside pick-up is offered during open hours.
For health and safety reasons, KDL will continue to have guidelines in place:
· Masks are required.
· Private study rooms are not available for use and play spaces will be closed.
· Patrons are asked to limit their visits to one hour. Computer use will be limited to an hour a day.
· Returned items remain in quarantine for 96 hours.
· The governor’s Executive Order requires KDL to limit building capacity to 25%.
· Programs will continue to be conducted online.
KDL has also upgraded its printing and scanning services to make them more robust, intuitive and easy to use.
TBS Printing, installed at all KDL branches, allows patrons to effortlessly print documents, emails and web content from any internet enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop directly to KDL’s existing printers. Print jobs can be sent to the system atkdl.org/wireless-printing.
Each KDL branch now has a ScanEZ Station, an easy to use touch screen scanning solution that can scan, save and send your documents or photos practically anywhere. The new system provides users high speed scanning and copying via a patron-friendly interface. Patrons can even restore old, faded photos and documents and translate copy to text or audio in over 100 languages.
“We see a lot of value added for our patrons with this new system, and KDL staff are excited to show patrons how seamlessly it all works,” said Trish Reid, Training Manager at KDL. “The wireless printing capability and new scanning system allows patrons to finish their tasks much more quickly and efficiently than ever before.”
KDL is committed to offering free printing to patrons through at least the end of 2020.
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
Experience Grand Rapids recently launched Postcards from Grand Rapids, a campaign encouraging residents to invite friends and family to visit West Michigan. Starting Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, community members can send free, personalized postcards in the mail through Experience Grand Rapids’ website. Participants will be eligible to enter to win overnight stays at partnering hotels.
“Nearly 50% of travelers who come to the area are visiting friends and family,” says Kate Lieto, Director of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids. “West Michigan continues to be an ideal travel destination, and now we’re calling on locals to invite their loved ones and to help boost our local economy,” says Lieto.
HOW IT WORKS
To send a free postcard, visit PostcardsFromGR.com and choose one of three designs. Write a personalized message, enter the recipient’s mailing address, and Experience Grand Rapids will handle the printing and postage. The postcards come in three designs to highlight some of Kent County’s most popular activities:
● Beer City: Breweries are a tourism staple, with 15% of travelers reporting it as an activity they do while in town. This number is more than double the national average of 6%.
● Beaches and parks: Outdoor recreation is a significant attraction to the region, with 12% of travelers visiting beaches and 11% visiting national and state parks.
● Tours and experiences: Friends and family are some of the best tour guides, and 7% of visitors report enjoying the area’s tours and experiences.
Experience Grand Rapids has partnered with area hotels to offer overnight giveaways. Participants will be eligible to enter to win free hotel overnight accommodations.
For more information on Postcards From Grand Rapids and to send a personalized postcard, visit PostcardsFromGR.com.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
-Albert Einstein
By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern
Michigan Irish Music Festival will be hosting the annual festival virtually this year. Enjoy online performances and presentations to keep “Irish in your heart”. All events will be viewable on the Festival’s Facebook page Thursday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 20.
Sometimes we just need a peaceful break from the long work week. Take a stroll at Ah-Nab-Awen Park to see the Pillow Project display. Beautifully decorated pillowcases are displayed along the bridge representing the 4,700 women who have accessed Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center. The cases tell a story of the growing population of homeless women and are a sight you won’t want to miss. The display, which is part of Bridge GR, will be up throughout this month.
Looking to stay inside in the comfort of sweatpants and avoid traffic? Try a virtual game night. Let’s Roam hosts virtual games nights for you to try with your friends. Classic games like trivia and charades, along with drinking games for us legal gamers. Who said having fun meant going out?
The apple blossom is Michigan’s state flower. But did you know that Michigan produces more 900 millions pounds of apples a year? An apple pie typically calls for 3-4 pounds of apples. Doing the math approximately 300 million apple pies could be produced a year. Anyone want a slice?
By K.D. Norris
The West Michigan Jazz Society continues its “Jazz in the Park(ing Lot)” dinner and music fundraising series Tuesday, Sept, 22, from 5-7:30 p.m., at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining and featuring the Mary Rademacher Quartet starting at 5:30 p.m.
The quartet features Mary Rademacher on vocals, John Gist on saxes, Tom Hagen on piano, Elgin Vines pop bass and Cherie Lynn on drums and vocals.
Jazz fans will be able to order special jazz picnic meals from Noto’s with on-line ordering pricing of $15 for pre-orders received by noon on Monday, Sept. 21. (On-line orders received after noon on Sept. 21 will be at $18.) Place your order from Noto’s here. (Select “choose a menu.” Then select “Jazz in the Parking Lot”. Then place your order. You can also call to make your order at 616-493-6686.)
Alcoholic Beverages will be available at Noto’s and may be consumed in special designated areas. But you may not bring your own alcohol on the premises including the parking lot.
“Since we cannot host our traditional Monday night summer series, “Jazz in the Park”, we will be sponsoring local musicians and jazz venues in West Michigan to host safe and socially distant outdoor concerts,” according to a previous WMJS statement.
The event will also be live streamed from the WMJS Facebook page, if you are not comfortable with attending in person, according to the statement. A digital donation jar to show your support for WMJS is also available here securely through PayPal.
For more information on the West Michigan Jazz Society, visit here.
By K.D. Norris
Wyoming High School belatedly begins its 2020 football season Friday, Sept. 18, at home against Zeeland West with a special start time of 5 p.m. And WKTV will be there to broadcast the game — live thanks to special permission from the MHSAA and the Wolves.
Before the game, WKTV caught up with Wolves head coach Irv Sigler — who talked about his unusual season preparations with only a week of practice in pads — and well as one of his key senior offensive players, Mahki Matthews.
With all teams making the playoffs this 6-game season under a yet-to-be defined Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) format, both coach and player also view this regular season is one where early growth can come without as much pressure.
Wyoming was 3-6 last season, 1-5 in OK Conference Gold games. Zeeland West was 9-2, including 1-1 in the playoffs, and 5-1 in the OK Green. Wyoming, this season, moves into the OK Green under an OK Conference realignment.
Other members of the OK Green are Grand Rapids Union, Holland, Muskegon, Muskegon Mona Shores, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer and Zeeland East. But with the season starting late due to early COVID-19 restrictions, Wyoming missed non-conference games against Forest Hills Northern, Northview — and also missed playing new conference foe and state power Muskegon (14-0, 13-1 and 13-1 the last three seasons). And four of the Wolves six regular season games will be at home.
Also new this season, with in-stadium crowds limited this prep football season due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions, WKTV’s sports coverage will expand to provide fans with live coverage of games.
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, and we will livestream games where allowed on WKTV.org (click on Watch Live). (Some games may be live-streamed on nfhsnetwork.com/find-school/michigan.)
WKTV will also rebroadcast the games on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
By Kate Kocineski
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today the launch of a Virtual Cooking Class: African Inspired Dishes, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.
Join the GRPM for a culinary journey to discover and taste rich cuisines from Central Africa, with Mirabel Umenei (Myra Maimoh). The Virtual Cooking Class: African Inspired Dishes, will immerse attendees in Africa’s culinary culture as Myra guides you through an exciting night of demonstrations and interactions via Zoom.
Attendees will learn how to prepare a three-course meal representing different regions of Africa and how to pair dishes with various wines, all complemented with uplifting songs and storytelling. Featured dishes will include goat pepper soup, katikati with sauteed greens and corn fufu, and puffpuff with two dipping sauces. Make it a date night or a family bonding experience to enjoy a fun, delicious and educational evening.
“This cooking class combines food, music and storytelling into one unique program that will offer attendees an in-depth experience into Central African culture,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “The Museum is happy to offer this program as part of our digital Cultural Celebration programming this fall.”
Tickets are $40 for the class, with discounted pricing for Museum members. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at grpm.org/calendar. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional event details, including a shopping list, wine pairings and more. Ticket price does not include ingredients. Ingredients may be substituted for a vegetarian-friendly meal. For additional information, please visitgrpm.org.
By Officer 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: What is the speed limit in a residential neighborhood if there are no posted speed limit signs?
Answer: 25 mph, according to MCL 257.627
Our partners at School News Network have been hard at work following the schools as they reopened for the 2020-2021 school year. Here are just some of things that took place in September. For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Learn how the story of Anne Frank inspired East Kentwood ninth grader Cora Hovermale to create the wining piece for the Happy Family Anne Frank Family Art and Writing Competition hosted by Farmington Hills’ Holocoust Memorial Center. Click here.
Take a sneak peek at the new Wyoming High School, the central piece of $40 million in renovation and upgrades under way at the high school campus. The building located at 1350 Prairie Parkway features a spacious facility with lots of windows, collaboration spaces and project rooms. Click here for more.
This fall, Godfrey-Lee teachers had the opportunity to learn from last spring’s challenges. With the entire district starting school remotely for a few weeks and some students staying remote for the semester or year, teachers put together and distributed supply kits for their students — whatever they might need for a class — to help make sure everyone can be successful at home. Curious as to what was included in those kits? Click here to find out.
A familiar face to Kelloggsville Public Schools, Eric Alcorn was recently named the district’s auxiliary services director and athletic director. Alcorn is a sports lover but there is more to the former Kelloggsville High’s assistant principal. Click here to learn more about Alcorn better.
For more stories about schools in Kent County, visit School News Network at schoolnewsnetwork.org.
By WKTV Staff
Treetops Collective 4th Annual Celebration will be celebrated virtually Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., sharing stories from New Americans and local women leaders about what is grounding them and keeping them connected and striving toward growth in this changing time.
“There is so much to celebrate, even as 2020 has looked much differently than anticipated, as women are saving for their future, finding new job opportunities, and building new friendships that bridge cultures and create a sense of mutuality that we need as we grow forward together,” according to supplied material.
Registration to the event will also include entry into the online auction from Sept.18 until the event begins on the Sept. 22.
“Auction items have been carefully curated from local businesses and creatives,” according to supplied material. “From modern quilts, luxury beauty, to travel and spa experiences — you are sure to find something you’ll love.”
Treetops Collective is a local nonprofit serving women and teens who have been resettled as refugees, offering “holistic support as they connected new neighbors to people and opportunities to create a more welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” according to supplied material.
They are committed to walking alongside women “as they set goals for their future and use their creative gifts and skills to impact their new community” here in West Michigan.
To register for the virtual event and online auction visit here. For more information on Treetops Collective, visit treetopscollective.org.
See a WKTV Journal In Focus interview with Treetops Collective below.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
With only a couple of weeks before the U.S. Census Bureau wraps up the 2020 Census, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are making final pushes to encourage people to be counted.
The end date for the 2020 Census has been influx as the nation dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. About a month ago, Census Bureau officials announced that since response to the 2020 Census has been good, it will conclude data collection operations on Sept. 30. Currently, the Census reports more than 90 percent of the nation has completed the nine-question census. Enumerators have been out following up with those who have not responded to the initial questionnaire.
The U.S. Census Bureau currently is reporting that Michigan has more than a 92 percent total response rate, of which about 70 percent was residents who self-responded to the initial questionnaire and the remaining has been responses collected through follow-up.
Total response rate numbers are not broken down by county or city such as self-response rate. For the self-response, both the cities of Wyoming and Kenwood had higher numbers for the 2020 Census then for the 2010 Census. In Kentwood, it is 78 percent for 2020 compared to 68 percent for 2010. For the City of Wyoming, it was 76 percent for 2020 compared to 66 percent in 2010.
Census Bureau officials contribute the higher self-response rates to a number of factors including that the 2020 Census is the first census where residents were able to fill the form out online.
“I am delighted to be where we are, but we have to keep the momentum going to end strong,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Time is running out. Community members can self-respond online, by phone, or by mail through Sept. 30. Census takers are visiting households that have not yet responded to help ensure everyone is counted.”
In a recent Facebook post encouraging its residents fill out the census, the City of Wyoming stated that about 20 percent of its population still needed to complete the 2020 Census. For every person who does not complete the census could result in the lost of dollars to a municipality such as the City of Wyoming from federally funded programs which use the census data to determine where billions of dollars in funding will be directed. Some of the federally funded programs that use the census in determining allocations are community block grants, road funding, and school lunch programs.
“While the City does not have an official percentage goal for the census, we would love to achieve a complete and accurate count to ensure Kentwood receives its fair share of vital resources for all community members,” Kepley said.
The census also determines the number of seats Michigan will have in the U.S. House of Representatives with the state pushing to maintain its current 14 seats. On the state level, the results impact the Michigan House of Representatives. The Kent County Board of Commission also uses census data for redistricting along with cities using it for its districts. Wyoming’s City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg recently pointed out that the city tries to keep its three ward districts balanced and will take a look at the census numbers to determine if adjustments are needed.
To help encourage its residents to complete the 2020 Census, the City of Kentwood is hosting a series of 2020 Cenus pop events over the next week and half. The events run from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE; Sept. 22 at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE; and Sept. 24 at Kentwood’s Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE.
“Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone’s participation,” Kepley said.
By Craig Hadley
Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center’s fall exhibitions will open to the public on Tuesday, September 22nd and close on January 31, 2021. Instead of a members opening reception, we will hold two separate virtual Zoom events featuring James Haefner, the photographer of Michigan Modern, and Joel Zwart, Curator of Exhibitions at the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery. Both will be joined by Curator of Education Jason Dake to discuss each exhibition and focus on several works in the galleries. Dates are yet to be determined for these events, but more information can be found at dennosmuseum.org/events/virtual-reception
Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy
This exhibit celebrates Michigan’s incredible modern architectural design history from 1928 through 2012. It is comprised of over 50 photographs by James Haefner primarily for the State Historic Preservation Office as part of their Michigan Modern Project, and featured in the book by State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway titled Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy. Several additional photographs from Mr. Haefner’s archives are also included. The buildings photographed were selected to represent the best modern architecture in all areas of the state focusing on the work of Michigan architects as well as internationally known architects who completed commissions in Michigan.
These photographs and the book continue the important work of the State Historic Preservation Office in studying and documenting Modernism in Michigan. Known as the Michigan Modern Project, it began in 2008 with extensive research and context development together with identification of significant Modern architecture in the state. This led to a dozen or so listings of Modern resources in the National Register of Historic Places together with the elevation of three properties to National Historic Landmark status: the Eero Saarinen designed General Motors Technical Center in Warren, the Mies van der Rohe designed Lafayette Park housing complex in Detroit, and Minoru Yamasaki’s McGregor Memorial Conference Center in Detroit. The Eliel Saarinen designed Cranbrook and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio were already listed as National Historic Landmarks. The project revealed and documented the significant role Michigan played in the development of Modern design and received national attention.
Mathias J. Alten: An Artist at the Turn of the Century
The German-born American artist, Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) immigrated to the United States in 1889 at the age of seventeen. His family settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a premier furniture-manufacturing center and desired location for immigrants in the late-nineteenth century. Here, amidst a rapidly changing world, Alten went on to establish a family, home, and studio for the entirety of his career.
Over his career, Alten created more than 3,000 works of art, initially influenced by the Barbizon and Hague Schools and later by the Impressionism movement. He repeatedly sought out and celebrated traditional laborers and nostalgic settings even as modernization transformed life in the early twentieth-century. This exhibition celebrates Alten’s life and career with works of art, historic photographs, and personal artifacts drawn from the collection at Grand Valley State University.
GVSU currently holds the largest public collection of Mathias J. Alten. All artwork and objects included in this exhibition are on loan from the GVSU Art Gallery and the GVSU Special Collections & University Archives.
Learn more about Dennos Musuem exhibitions by visiting www.dennosmuseum.org
Brian Greene
For the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport today broke ground on Phase I of a new federal inspection station, which will ultimately allow the Airport to support nonstop international commercial passenger flights.
Phase I of the construction project, which will take place on the east end of the terminal, will include a new baggage claim area, restrooms and operations infrastructure that will be used for domestic flights until the full FIS project is complete. Conversations have begun at the federal level for a full FIS build out, but a timeline is not in place for completion.
The FIS is part of Project Elevate and one of three new developments for Ford Airport to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 20 years. With support from Sen. Peter MacGregor, former Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, former Rep. Chris Afendoulis and The Right Place, Project Elevate secured a $5 million grant from the MEDC to begin work on curbside improvements needed for the FIS, which is expected to cost a total of $30 million.
No local taxpayer dollars will be used to finance Project Elevate, which will be paid for with a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the airport and user fees.
“Phase I of this project is an important step forward as we work to bring direct international travel to West Michigan,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of Ford Airport. “Creating this additional space will signal to the federal government we are serious about creating an FIS at the Ford Airport while offering us needed additional baggage claim area in the meantime.
“We are thankful for funding from the MEDC, which required us to begin this project now. While our numbers, like those of every airport around the country, have been impacted by COVID-19, we have seen steady growth in the number of passengers throughout this summer and are ahead of our projections.”
Currently, the Airport cannot process direct international arrivals, other than private aircraft. When a private aircraft lands at the Airport from an international airport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, agents meet and screen passengers at the aircraft. Without the dedicated screening facilities of an FIS, CBP’s screening capacity is limited to small aircraft.
The addition of an FIS will provide a permanent home at the airport for customs officers, allowing CBP to consolidate multiple locations into a single facility. The Airport will eventually build a corridor from Concourse B that will lead to a dedicated customs area, complete with screening equipment, security, holding cells and other FIS requirements. When fully built out, the FIS will be able to screen 400 passengers per hour.
“As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we know our community is anxious to get out and to explore,” said Dan Koorndyk, Board chair of the Airport Authority. “We look forward to enhancing the gateway to West Michigan by providing our guests a convenient, comfortable travel experience in state-of-the-art facilities.”
Architect for the project is Mead & Hunt while The Christman Company is serving as general contractor. The project is expected to have more than an $8 million impact in the West Michigan economy.
Announced in August 2019, Project Elevate was slated to get underway in spring 2020 but was delayed because of the coronavirus. In addition to the FIS, the Airport plans to expand Concourse A and to relocate the current air traffic control tower to the east side of the airfield.
Expansion of the terminal apron, which is a critical component to Concourse A, will be completed in the coming weeks.
At its peak in 2019, the Ford Airport generated more than $3.1 billion in annual economic impact, serving more than 3.58 million passengers. COVID-19 severely impacted airline travel across the globe, but traffic is slowly continuing to grow. This summer, the Ford Airport recently introduced its new Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to educate travelers on new precautions for their health and to restore confidence in air travel.
By WKTV Staff
Over the weekend originally slated for their 2020 festival, Sept. 17-20, the Michigan Irish Music Festival will host “Keeping Irish In Your Heart … Six Feet Apart,” a virtual event featuring musical performances, cultural presentations, and “other ways to engage in one of the lakeshore’s most beloved fall traditions,” according to a supplied statement.
There will be both songs and swag available.
Tune in beginning Thursday, Sept. 17 (through Saturday, Sept. 20) to Michigan Irish Music Festival’s Facebook page for special online performances and cultural presentations to celebrate the “weekend that would have been.” There will be a “Live Takeover” by the folk group Scythian and other mini-concerts throughout the weekend.
Other musical guests expected include Runa, Friel Sisters, Shane Hennessy, Dave Curley, Seamus Kennedy, Conklin Ceili band, Crossbow, Peat in the Creel, Uneven Ground, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Selkies, Kennedy’s Kitchen, Doolin, One for the Foxes. Blackthorn, Irish Music All Stars, The Kreellers, and more. Cultural presentations include Songwriters Circle with Ashley Davis and Baking with Babies, a kid-friendly cooking presentation by Shannon of Runa.
And even if you can’t make it live, you can pretend in future years. The official “Irish There Were a Festival” t-shirt can be purchased for $20 (shipping included). But the cotton tees will be on sale for a limited time.
For complete event information visit michiganirish.org.
Bell’s Brewery always seems to have something special on tap for fall, but this year Best Brown lovers will need to take notice of a new label on the familiar brew as the fall seasonal will have a brand new look when it arrives on store shelves and in coolers over the next couple of weeks.
The new label is a mix of the old and the new,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, said recently in supplied material. “It hearkens back to our original labels while paying homage to the heritage of the brand, a modernized nod to the history of Best Brown.”
Best Brown (5.8 ABV) — a smooth, toasty beer that offers hints of cocoa and caramel — has a long history with Bell’s fans. It was first released in 1988 packaged in 22 oz. bottle, and featured a plain type label and then a winter pine cone. The owl first appeared in 1993 and has been on the label ever sense, represented in different styles throughout the years.
Other fall brews already available from Bell’s include, of course, its Octoberfest, a Special Double Cream Stout, Expedition Stout (including a very limited special edition version celebrating Bell’s 35th Anniversary. Third Coast Old Ale will be available in mid-September, Sideyard at the end of September, and a Cherry Stout — perfect for those crisp Michigan fall nights — in mid-October.
For more information, visit bellsbeer.com.
Zach Cantalice, WKTV Intern
