KDL’s Let It Snow reading challenge provides a choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens that will keep readers reading all winter long (Courtesy, KDL)
Local book lovers can now sign up for Kent District Library’s (KDL) annual winter Let It Snow reading challenge. Adults and teens (age 11+) who read or listen to six books between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27 earn a collectible Let It Snow mug.
Participants who would like to complete more than six books can log four more titles, for a total of 10 books, by Feb. 27 and be automatically entered into a drawing to win a gift card to a local indie bookstore.
“Let It Snow is the perfect choose-your-own-reading adventure for adults and teens,” said KDL Programming Specialist Amber Elder. “You can reread your favorite books, pick up the next one from your TBR pile, look at Let It Snow displays in your local branch until a book speaks to you, or find a book in any of the category suggestions that our adult and teen librarians have provided.
“It’s a challenge that will keep you excited for your next book and that will keep you reading all winter long.”
Reading challenge details
(Courtesy, KDL)
Participants can track their reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper tracking form. Brochures and tracking forms can be found at any KDL branch or can be downloaded and printed here.
All tracking sheets should be turned in at any KDL branch or on Beanstack by Feb. 27.
Let It Snow mugs will be available for pick-up at KDL branches beginning Jan. 2.
Questions can be directed to any KDL branch in person or via phone at 616-784-2007.
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD), a nonprofit organization providing pet-assisted therapy throughout West Michigan, is launching its “Unleash the Love” fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. WMTD hopes to raise $5,000 by Jan. 1, 2026.
The campaign aims to support the organization’s rapidly expanding programming and the growing need for trained therapy dog teams across the region.
Bringing comfort and joy
For nearly 25 years, WMTD has brought comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges. With more than 200 volunteer teams serving over 100 programs and facilities across five counties, WMTD teams visit hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, libraries and community organizations, providing companionship, support and moments of joy for those who need it most.
As demand for pet therapy continues to rise, WMTD is seeking community support to strengthen operational capacity and ensure programs remain accessible and effective.
Therapy dogs bring comfort, connection and healing to individuals facing emotional, physical and psychological challenges (Courtesy, Cindy Bateson/WMTD)
“Each visit our teams make creates an impact that can’t be measured in dollars alone,” said Heather McCormick, Board President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. “But the resources required to train, equip and support our growing program are real.
“This campaign helps ensure we can continue bringing love, hope and connection to individuals throughout West Michigan.”
How funds will be used
Funds raised through Unleash the Love will support critical needs, including:
Securing dedicated storage space for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, AV equipment, and classroom materials used during training and certification.
Offsetting training facility fees to provide volunteers with a consistent, safe space to learn and practice.
Covering essential operational costs that keep WMTD running smoothly as the organization grows.
Purchasing training and certification supplies, including therapy dog vests, badges, evaluation materials, and program resources.
The campaign runs Dec. 2 – Jan. 1, and community members are invited to support WMTD by donating online or by mail.
“With continued support from our community, we can train more teams, reach more people and continue the work that has defined WMTD for nearly 25 years,” said McCormick. “Together, we can truly ‘unleash the love’ this season and beyond.”
How to Donate
Donations can be made online at www.wmtd.org/donate or by mail at West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc., P.O. Box 2533, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2533.
More information about WMTD can be found on their website and social media sites (Facebook, Instagram).
States have already begun dealing with the new SNAP restrictions in compliance with the federal government’s new guidance for the nation’s largest anti-hunger program.
These restrictions, in part, will raise the upper age limit for able-bodied adults from age 54 to 64, as well as lower the age of qualifying dependents from under 18 years old to under 14 years old for their parents or caregivers, and add new work requirements as well. (Snap Provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025)
Refugees, asylum seekers, human trafficking victims and other survivors of crises also will be losing these benefits.
Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people receive SNAP benefits.
Food pantries as an alternative
It’s a tenuous time packed with uncertainty, but for the roughly 42 million Americans who use SNAP monthly, it may be time to look towards your local food pantries with grace (SNAP- Key Statistics and Research).
A Food Bank stores and provides millions of pounds of food to hundreds of different agencies, including food pantries, under the united goal of ending hunger in their communities. They utilize monetary and food donations from the USDA, retailers, distributors, farmers, manufacturers and a substantial 17% of that comes from the public.
“Food pantries are essential to the community,” said Nancy Cromley, executive director of the Green Apple Pantry. “They support the needs of all neighbors who face food insecurity. They also serve our communities by offering food that may otherwise end up in landfills. We are currently gleaning over 45,000 pounds of food each month.”
School nutrition assistance programs
In addition to the Food Pantry Model, there also are a handful of committed Michigan born companies that have been supporting local school children with nutritious take-home meals for decades.
Hand2Hand
Hand2Handpartners with local churches and schools to surprise over 13,000 students spanning across 45 school districts with a backpack filled with healthy food every week. These kids find a backpack in their lockers every Friday, in an attempt to prevent weekend hunger.
“We anticipate a growing need, especially as SNAP benefits are paused and the effects ripple into the upcoming months,” said Nicole Bosch, the Brand Marketing Manager of Hand2Hand.
“Families who were already stretching their budgets will now have even less margin. While the full impact is still unfolding, we know many families are already feeling the stress, particularly with the holidays approaching.”
(Photo courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket is another school nutrition program that provides over 11,000 healthy evening meals for students daily. These are called Sack Suppers, and are delivered to 66 schools in four West Michigan counties. While they aren’t a food pantry, they help supply 18 food pantries with food from their two farms.
Effects of the SNAP cuts on pantries and recipients
Cromley said that the usage rate for the Green Apple Pantry increased by 60% during the SNAP shutdown. Also since 2022, they have seen a 100% increase in the number of families needing food support.
Austin Roelof, the VP of Programming for Kids’ Food Basket, attributed SNAP as the “nation’s largest food assistance program” and one of the “most effective tools to reduce food insecurity.”
When asked about the projection of how many more people will rely on the pantries following the SNAP restrictions, Roeloff pointed out that 1.4 million Michiganders rely on SNAP.
“This puts thousands of Michigan families at risk of food insecurity,” said Roelof, “forcing many to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.”
While SNAP fraud has been a contentious and valid point of concern for SNAP restrictions, as 120 people have been arrested for fraud since Nov 18, it’s important to remember there are still genuinely needy people who rely on the anti-hunger program.
“Many families receive Hand2Hand during a difficult season,” said Bosch, “such as a job loss, illness or other crisis, such as the pause of SNAP benefits. These are hardworking parents doing their best, who simply need support to make ends meet.”
Kids’ Food Basket hosting a community event. (Photo Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
Who used to qualify for SNAP?
As new laws circulate and the standard changes, there used to be a genuine system for determining SNAP eligibility.
People only qualified for SNAP if they sat at or below 130% of the poverty line, and the calculations for this value is determined based on your household size and your net income, after accounting for reasonable deductions based on a person’s normal monthly expenses, including: earnings, child support, dependent care, excess shelter and medical (A Quick guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits).
“At a time when food insecurity was already high, this puts additional strain on families,” Roelof said. “Pantries and programs are working to fill this gap, but our community needs SNAP fully funded to nourish our neighbors in the long term.”
Roelof even went as far as to urge community members to reach out to their local legislator and stand up for the health and food security of our children.
About 60% of people who use SNAP are either seniors or children aged 17 and younger. Meaning that a majority of the people that receive the benefits of these programs are those who are financially dependent upon other people.
While the execution of Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket may not be a pantry model, they both deliver food directly to the children through the school, the intent remains virtuous: the community is stronger in numbers, and no child should go hungry.
Hand2Hand and Kids’ Food Basket have already expressed having increased their normal allocations.
“This month’s food bag will include four extra items – a loaf of bread generously donated by Arnie’s Bakery and King Flour Company, individual peanut butter and jelly cups, and fresh apples donated by Wells Orchards,” Bosch said. “Looking ahead to December, we’ll be providing a 10-item booster bag filled with hearty, protein-rich foods to help families through the holiday season.”
Roelof also expressed that Kids’ Food Basket is increasing their supply in an attempt to “bridge the SNAP gap.” This is in addition to the astounding 11,000 Sack Suppers that they provide daily to West Michigan schools.
KFB Delivering more than 13,500 additional food bags
“We are mobilizing our resources and volunteer shifts to prepare, pack and deliver more than 13,500 additional nutritional assistance bags,” Roelof said. “These bags are similar to the Break Bags we serve in neighborhood schools ahead of school breaks, containing about 15 items each, including protein, healthy grains, fruits and vegetables.”
Roelof said their farms also are going to push for more productivity during the harvest season to stock up their pantry partners, adding that they are “prepared to collaborate with donors and partner organizations across West Michigan to plan for the sustainability of our community in the future.”
Food banks aren’t a foolproof substitution for SNAP, as the federal program still outpaces these volunteer-dependent local organizations with nine meals for every one provided by Food banks, according to Feeding America.
Here’s a list of local food pantries for West Michigan residents:
Baxter Community Center– 935 Baxter St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 456-8593 (Mon,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tue 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Community Food Club– 1100 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49597 (616) 288-5550 ($12-$18/30-day membership fee)
Family Network of Wyoming– 1029 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 885-9919 (Mon and Wed 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
North Kent Connect– 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford MI, 49341 (616) 866-3478 (Mon and Wed 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m., Thur 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
St. Alphonsus Parish– 224 Carrier St. NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505 (Closed between Nov 16 – 30: Mon,Tue,Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Green Apple Pantry– 4307 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (616) 455-9411 (Mon and Tue 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM)– 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 (616) 241-4006 (By appointment only: Mon and Tue 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thur 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Streams– 280 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 272-3634 (Tue and Thur 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thur 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The Other Way– 710 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 451-4011 (Mon, Wed and Thur 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Tue 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Buist Community Access Center 870 74th St Sw Ste B Byron center 49315 (616)-583-4080 (Mon,Wed,Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tue 12:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., 2nd Sat of the month 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM)11535 Fulton St E Lowell MI 49331 (616) 897-8260 (Tue 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Wed 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Westminster Pantry 47 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, 49503 (616) 456-6115 (Thur 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Byron Ministries 8250 Byron Creek Dr. Byron Center, 49315 (616) 878-6000 (Mon 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wed 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Meals on Wheels Senior Pantry 1954 Fuller Ave. Ste. B Grand Rapids, 49505 (616) 459-3111 Option 3 (Mon 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wed and Thur 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Fri Appointment only)
Northwest Food Pantry 1224 Davis NW Grand Rapids, 49504 (616) 300-5079 (Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
The Community Basket (Dutton) 3178 68th St. SE, Suite B, Caledonia 49316 (616) 536-0407 (2nd Mon of the month 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.) (2nd Sat of the month 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
A Michigan-based beverage co-packer is expanding with a new 300,000-square-foot co-manufacturing facility in Kentwood, Michigan. Proper Beverage Co., known for its hands-on, customer-first approach, is increasing its production capacity to broaden its capabilities and meet growing demands from beverage brands nationwide.
In addition to initially creating 100 new jobs, the Kentwood expansion marks a major milestone in Proper Beverage Co.’s growth and innovation. Expected to begin operations in mid-2026, the facility is designed to operate with a capacity of 225 million cans per year. The expanded production capacity reinforces the company’s continued investment in American-made manufacturing and local job creation.
Proper Beverage Co. has invested in U.S.-made machinery, which will allow for wider range of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, mocktails, sodas, energy drinks and better-for-you alternatives to be packaged at the facility. Operating at full capacity, the new facility will employ 400 individuals, further strengthening the region’s manufacturing economy.
“Choosing American-made equipment ensures we can uphold the highest production standards while supporting American manufacturers and jobs,” said Brian Hirsch, president of Proper Beverage Co. “It is an investment in both quality and community.”
The new facility also advances the company’s commitment to sustainability. One-way keg options that are recycled after use, is among the company’s new offerings. The kegs allow for reduced logistics and costs, while minimizing water and chemical use, for a more sustainable packaging alternative.
Founded on the belief that small and mid-size brands deserve the same care, quality and creative integrity as the industry’s largest players, Proper Beverage Co. has built its reputation on partnership and flexibility. “Our commitment to quality is paying off in a way that allows us to serve the fluctuating market more consistently,” said Kevin Clement, CEO of Proper Beverage Co. “We’re building for the future with the same focus on reliability, innovation and responsible growth that has guided us from the start.”
Customers remain the focus of the company’s growth. The new facility will feature a dedicated customer care suite, providing space for collaboration and on-site visits. This addition reflects Proper Beverage Co.’s ongoing commitment to partnership, transparency and providing an exceptional experience from concept to production.
The company’s existing Hudsonville, Michigan, facility remains open, continuing to serve start-up, small and mid-sized beverage brands with flexible, scalable production and support.
Planning a wedding, birthday party, family reunion or other celebration? Reservation info is now available for Godwin Mercado located at 301 36th St. SW in Wyoming.
Godwin Mercado’s community event space is bright, open and airy, allowing guests to transform dreams into reality. Lined with doors that open on each side, the space can bring the outdoors in during the warmer months. And with plenty of convenient parking on-site, guests will have no problem accessing the venue.
Godwin Mercado offers a variety of amenities for events (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Reservations are available Thursday-Saturday. All reservation fees are non-refundable. Max capacity is 200 people, and reservations will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2026.
Half Day (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 4 – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $600 Non-Wyoming Resident $900 + Refundable Deposit of $300
Full Day (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $1,200 Non-Wyoming Resident $1,800 + Refundable Deposit of $300
Covered Entryway
Half Day (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 4 – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $175 Non-Wyoming Resident $262.50 + Refundable Deposit of $100
Full Day (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Wyoming Resident $350 Non-Wyoming Resident $525 + Refundable Deposit of $100
Technology Fee $75
Farmers Market vendor details
The Godwin Mercado Farmers Market exists to connect the community with fresh, locally grown food while celebrating the diverse cultures and vibrant spirit of Wyoming.
Supporting local growers and makers fosters health, economic opportunity and meaningful connections in a welcoming space for all.
The Market will be held on Sundays during the months of May-October from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Those interested in becoming a Godwin Mercado Farmers Market vendor can apply here.
The Godwin Mercado community event space will provide year-round usage opportunities to local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
The City of Wyoming invites families to celebrate the magic of the season at Wyoming Winter Wonderland, a free community event filled with holiday cheer (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The City of Wyoming invites families to celebrate the magic of the season at Wyoming Winter Wonderland, a free community event filled with holiday cheer on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Godwin Mercado.
Begin the holiday season with local festivities and cheer (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The festive evening on Friday, Dec. 5 will feature performances from the Wyoming Honors Choir and Wyoming Jazz Band, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday train and an artisan market – perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
The celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. features a Holiday Artisan Market offering a wide variety of handmade goods.
The spirit of giving
As part of the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring new warm clothing items to donate to area school children in need. Hats, gloves, coats, and scarves are especially appreciated.
Warm clothing donations are appreciated (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Donations will be accepted throughout the month of December at the Parks and Recreation Office located in Wyoming City Hall.
Learn more!
Find event details and more information on all Godwin Mercado offers on their website.
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across the country during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12 million children in 2025 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations in Michigan here.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025 with the hope of Jesus.
Participation details
Shoebox packing can be done by individuals, families and/or groups. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Participants can receive a tracking label to discover their shoebox destination (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
“Samaritan’s Purse works around the world to help people in need, but it’s not about good works— it’s about the Gospel,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse.
“Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year with Operation Christmas Child. These simple gifts open the door for us to share the true meaning of Christmas.”
Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
An on-going mission
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
The new Corporate Partner Scholarship Program can ease the financial burden of higher education for new students and create opportunities for career growth and advancement for others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
This program offers a 20% tuition discount to all members and their dependents who are new students pursuing an associate, bachelor or graduate degree. Additionally, chamber members receive a 20% discount on all publicly available professional development workshops, certificate programs and other non-credit training opportunities. All recipients must meet Davenport’s academic admission standards.
Creating career growth opportunities
Discounts can be used toward Davenport’s 80+ certificate and degree programs (Courtesy, Davenport U)
“Davenport’s Corporate Partner Scholarship Program can ease the financial burden of higher education for new students and help create opportunities for career growth and advancement for others within an organization,” said Carlos Sanchez, Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University.
“We’re hopeful all members of the Hispanic Chamber will look into our offerings, including Casa Latina, our new bilingual degree program, and explore higher education options for themselves and their family members.”
Discounts can be used toward earning any of Davenport’s 80+ certificate and degree programs in business, technology, health or urban education.
“At the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we recognize and support the value of higher education,” said Mark Moreno, Michigan Hispanic Chamber Executive Director. “Our members are a key asset to our organization, and we’re proud to partner with Davenport University to offer this new Corporate Partner Scholarship.”
There are 1.6 million adults in Michigan serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population, according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket, Lachowski continued. “A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses.
(Image Courtesy, AARP)
Many of us with elderly relatives are familiar with the challenges involved with caring for their needs. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and new data is shining a spotlight on the burden faced by family caregivers in Michigan. Those who take on the responsibility of caring for aging loved ones often have to act as everything from chefs to chauffeurs to nurses, with little outside support.
Every five years, the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving conduct a national survey to gain insight as to the state of caregiving in the country and what can be done to help. The survey is designed to estimate the number of people who care for older family members across the country, as well as their unique experiences, challenges and needs.
The AARP of Michigan is highlighting initiatives they are taking to support these struggling communities.
“Our 2025 data gives us the clearest view yet of how caregiving has evolved across the country. In Michigan, we’ve learned that there are 1.6 million adults serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population,” according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
An enormous strain on caregivers This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket. A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses, per Lachowski.
Up to 53% of caregivers also juggle either full or part-time jobs. Many of them have had to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely to keep up with their caregiving duties.
Perhaps just as draining as the financial impact is the emotional toll that caregiving places on families.
“Our report shows that about one-third of [families] report feeling high emotional stress while caregiving. That’s why AARP Michigan is fighting for policies at the national and state level that ease caregivers’ financial pressures to save them time and help get them some support,” noted Lachowski.
What exactly can be done at the state level? AARP is advocating for the State of Michigan to pass a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers. Ideally, per Lachowski, the tax credit would allow families to recoup up to $2,000 for expenses such as home modifications and medical equipment. This tax credit was introduced in the Michigan legislature in early November 2025.
AARP offers a variety of free tools and resources designed to ease the caregiving journey. This includes the AARP Michigan family caregiver resource guide, which helps caregivers find programs, services, and agencies right in their own communities. AARP has also partnered with United Way Worldwide on the 211 support hotline. Any caregiver in need can dial 211 and get directly connected with local resources.
Lachowski highlighted the agency’s “I am a Caregiver” nationwide movement. This movement encourages caregivers and families to come together and raise their hands to show lawmakers that they cannot ignore the basic needs of so many vulnerable Americans. To add your name to the “I am a Caregiver” movement, visit aarp.org/iamacaregiver.
If more people speak out and make their voices heard, we may begin to see real, meaningful change at the local, state and federal level.
McAlister’s Deli®, a leading fast-casual chain, opens the doors to its newest location at 3120 Alpine Ave NW inWalker, MI. The grand opening celebration on Monday, Nov. 17 will feature a Free Club for a year – good for one free Club sandwich for 52 consecutive weeks – to the first 100 guests. (See details at bottom of article.)
Known for its genuine hospitality, McAlister’s Deli is home to handcrafted sandwiches, always-fresh salads, giant stuffed spuds, and McAlister’s Deli Famous Sweet Tea™.
“We are looking forward to becoming a part of the Parma community and can’t wait to serve up delicious sandwiches and refreshing sweet tea,” says Ryan Downam of Southern Rock Restaurants.
McAlister’s offers various ways for guests to dine (Courtesy, McAlister’s Deli)
Various dining options
Walker McAlister’s offers various ways for guests to dine, including window-side pickup, delivery, catering and dine-in with outdoor seating options. The restaurant will be open Monday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. For more information, please call the restaurant at 616-465-7773.
McAlister’s guests have the opportunity to skip the line by placing their order through the McAlister’s app and rewards program or online at www.mcalistersdeli.com. They can conveniently pick up their order to-go or select delivery. Download the app and sign up today for a Tea on McAlister’s.
McAlister’s also offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order catering options including breakfast, snacks, spud bars, salads, sandwich trays, box lunches, desserts – and a side of genuine hospitality.
“Free Club Sandwiches for a Year” means one Reward per week redeemable for one McAlister’s Club Sandwich (excluding add-ons, extras, taxes and fees) for 52 consecutive weeks commencing upon date that promo code is entered. No substitutions. Must be a McAlister’s Rewards member to redeem at participating locations. Each weekly Reward is valid for one week after it is deposited into Rewards account. Single use. Promo code expires 12-31-25. Not valid with any other offer reward, or third-party delivery. Service fee applies to online, app and certain call-in orders, other fees and taxes may apply to all orders; see checkout for more details. Void where prohibited.
A report by a Grand Valley State University (GVSU) researcher shows West Michigan’s economy has remained flat but stable through October as federal tariffs continue to challenge businesses.
Brian Long, Director of Supply Management Research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said businesses and purchasing managers continue adjusting to the ongoing effects of established tariffs.
“For the higher tariff costs, some firms have been able to get the seller to absorb all or most of the increase, and others have been able to pass the higher cost along,” Long said.
“But some firms are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They can’t get the seller to absorb the increase, and they can’t pass the higher cost on to the buyer.”
Remaining resilient
Despite the added costs, one of West Michigan’s biggest cyclical industries — auto parts manufacturing — has remained resilient, said Long.
“So far, auto sales are holding up, so our local auto parts suppliers are still doing reasonably well, although some were overpromised business for the EV models, and their production has slowed,” Long continued. “But our overall production index for West Michigan is still currently positive.”
Michigan’s auto parts manufacturing has remained resilient (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Unemployment concerns
Long said Michigan’s unemployment rate remains an area of concern. The state’s jobless rate held at approximately 5.2% in the latest data, ranking 48th in the nation. Only California and Nevada reported higher rates.
“Unemployment for West Michigan, and especially Michigan as a whole, has crept up on us,” said Long. “Over the past decade, West Michigan in particular was adding jobs like crazy. That has now stopped.”
Key index results
Below is a look at key index results from October’s survey of West Michigan purchasing managers:
New orders index (business improvement): -4 vs. -3 in September
Production index (output): +4 vs. +4 in September
Employment index: +2 vs. -8 in September
Lead times index: -4 vs. +13 in September
More information about the survey and an archive of past surveys are available on the Seidman College of Business website.
General Motors (GM) Grand Rapids Operations presented the latest installment of its Community Impact Grants (CIG) to three area nonprofits. Totaling $75,000, the 2025 grants target local nonprofits aimed at supporting STEAM education and road safety throughout the community.
Through the CIG program, GM facility leaders select local nonprofits working to address issues facing their community. GM has awarded more than $500,000 in support to Grand Rapids-area groups since 2019.
“It is an honor to support these outstanding local nonprofit organizations whose daily efforts truly strengthen our community,” said Juan Carlos Aldana, Grand Rapids Plant Director. “We are excited to see the positive impact these initiatives will have as they empower youth to pursue STEAM careers and promote greater road safety.”
Grant recipients
The recipients of the 2025 Grand Rapids-area grants include:
West Michigan Environmental Action Council to support STEM programming.
Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance to support road safety.
Junior Achievement to bring STEAM education into entrepreneurial programs.
Investing in the future
GM Grand Rapids Operations employs more than 750 people and produces precision machined automotive components and axles for full-size trucks. As an organization, GM is committed to investing in the future of American manufacturing in the workforce and in communities.
General Motors leverages advanced technology to build safer, smarter and lower emission cars, trucks and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as the world moves to an all-electric future.
Woodland Mall is kicking off the holiday season this month with charitable giving opportunities, photos with Santa, special shopping deals and other festive events for visitors.
Back by popular demand, the Giving Machine returns to inspire seasonal giving, joining family and pet photos with Santa, special shopping hours, local group performances and other events throughout the season of joy.
“The holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones and lending a helping hand to those in need,” said Lisa Wolstromer, senior marketing director of Woodland Mall. “We invite the whole community to experience the season’s magic together through our holiday events and giving opportunities.”
Photos with Santa – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Santa makes his return to Woodland Mall to take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes Nov. 14 through Christmas Eve. Online reservations are encouraged for the photo opportunity. Photo packages are available to purchase.
Beginning Nov. 17, visitors can bring their dogs, cats and other beloved pets for a photo with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 15. Family pet members of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa and are encouraged to book in advance online for pet photos.
Woodland Mall Photos with Santa. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 28
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 so guests can get an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Byron Center Choir Performance – Dec. 12
The Byron Center High School Choir will perform a variety of holiday-themed songs to bring joy to shoppers from 11 a.m. to noon in the Von Maur wing.
Byron Center Choir at Woodland Mall. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Artists Creating Together Performance – Dec. 8
Artists Creating Together will spread holiday cheer through different songs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur Wing. The organization empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate the arts.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Additionally, there will be Salvation Army band pop-up performances. All donations will help support families in the community.
Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Visit the Salvation Army Angel Tree at the Center Court starting Nov. 14 to select a gift tag for a family in need. Community members are asked to purchase the gift and drop off the unwrapped present to the mall management office, near Yankee Candle, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Giving Machine – Dec. 10 through Jan. 3
The Giving Machine will be returning to the mall this holiday season as another creative way for the community to give back. Starting Dec. 10, this vending machine will allow shoppers to choose and purchase various donation items, including school supplies, household items, meals and clean water to global and local charities. The Giving Machine will be located in the Von Maur wing and will remain available until Jan. 3.
There will be Giving Machine performances throughout the holiday season, encouraging shoppers to explore the machine and purchase items to donate on it. Learn more about the Giving Machine and listen to stories about donation recipients on their website.
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests can complete all their holiday shopping. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when the traffic is lighter. As a friendly reminder for visitors, please be patient and respectful to employees during the busy shopping season.
Thanksgiving – Closed
Black Friday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day – Closed
Day after Christmas – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Year’s Day – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Job Opportunities
With the holiday season being a busy time for Woodland Mall, there are plenty of job opportunities available. Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings for a variety of stores at ShopWoodlandMall.com/jobs.
The CEF grant will support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children (Courtesy photo)
This grant will help provide consistent access to essential nutrition
The Consumers Energy Foundation (CEF) has announced a grant of $250,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children.
This initiative comes in response to economic pressures and the recent disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown, which has left more than 1.6 million Michigan residents without consistent access to essential nutrition.
“We believe no one in Michigan should go hungry,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
“This grant reflects our commitment to care for our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy and safe.”
A collaborative effort
The Food Bank Council of Michigan will use the grant to launch a home delivery program for seven-day food boxes. The program will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with a central food bank coordinating logistics and deliveries to local partners and directly to homes across the state.
“This support from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a lifeline for thousands of Michigan families,” said Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “By bringing food directly to the doorsteps of those who can’t reach distribution sites, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The execution of the CEF grant will be the result of a collaborative effort (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Consumers Energy Foundation is working collaboratively with government partners and a wide network of corporate, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to address the urgent needs facing Michigan families. Among these partners, United Way continues to be a critical resource, helping families stay afloat with wraparound services such as rent assistance, utility support and other essential needs.
Consumers Energy employees will have the opportunity to extend additional care to families in need through volunteer efforts and financial contributions with matching gift funds from the company.
This coordinated effort ensures that resources are deployed where they are needed most and demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have the support they need during this time of uncertainty.
Investing in what is important
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider.
The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what is most important — people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity.
Throughout her career, Brittany Rickert has explored nursing jobs in various settings but keeps getting drawn back to hospice. For her, there is little else that offers such a unique and rewarding experience.
“There are landmarks throughout our lives, and death is one of them,” says Rickert, a nurse of 15 years. “It is very special to be allowed into that sacred space with patients and their loved ones, to support them through such a pivotal portion of their life.”
Rickert finds caring for the elderly to be extremely rewarding (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
As a registered nurse case manager with Emmanuel Hospice, Rickert is in a diverse role that requires her to use both clinical and emotional support skills to walk alongside patients on their end-of-life journey.
She defines her position as the “coordinator of the patient experience altogether,” working alongside an interdisciplinary team to bring supportive services directly to patients, wherever they call home.
“My goal is to make sure each patient’s quality of life is at its best and that patients are getting everything they could possibly want from hospice care to live fully and comfortably,” Rickert says, noting she will involve social workers, spiritual caregivers, music therapists and more, depending on a patient’s goals and needs.
“I want each patient to feel completely cared for and for the family to know they’re in good hands.”
Empowering patients
As Rickert guides patients through their options, she empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. Patients select which services are important to them. Alongside traditional medical care options, Rickert likes to highlight the complementary therapies and services available, including massage therapy, pet visitors, essential oils and more.
“People are often surprised to learn about our additional therapies as not every hospice offers them,” Rickert says. “Patient wishes are another example that can be very meaningful and connect with our goal of making hospice more about living. Just this past month, I have been working on a wish to get a family out to an MSU basketball game for a huge Spartan fan in our care.”
“We’ve got you.”
Another key point Rickert emphasizes with families: The care team is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care as needed.
“Just because I’m not scheduled to come back until next week for a regular visit does not mean I, or another member of the care team, can’t check in sooner,” she says. “I reassure families our light is always on. We’ve got you.”
Direct patient care
Rickert check the vitals of Barbara, an Emmanuel Hospice patient (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
Rickert enjoys being “out in the field” regularly and providing direct patient care herself. Because hospice is a service, not a place, she is caring for patients wherever they are all throughout much of West Michigan.
That distinction is particularly relevant this time of year as Emmanuel Hospice celebrates National Care at Home Month and the role of hospice in the spectrum of in-home care.
During a typical patient visit, Rickert checks vitals and does a head-to-toe assessment, zeroing in on common symptoms that can occur as the end of life approaches. She manages medications and takes stock of supplies and other equipment to help patients remain comfortable in their home.
Providing emotional support is intertwined with the clinical side of Rickert’s role. As a main point of contact for patients and their loved ones, it is critical she helps them navigate unchartered waters with empathy and respect. Rickert aims to be a reassuring presence to everyone involved.
Holiday gatherings can become more of a reality check than joyful reunions as relatives notice health and safety concerns in aging loved ones for the first time.
“People often rely on phone calls or texts to check on older loved ones throughout the year,” says Paula Lett, Social Services Manager for Care Resources, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. “But without those regular in-person visits, signs that indicate a need for assistance can go unnoticed for months.”
Holiday wake-up calls
Spending time with loved ones on a regular basis can help family identify opportunities for support sooner (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Throughout much of her career, Lett has been on the frontlines of the post-holiday influx of people seeking senior care. Her colleague, Eric Millar, can also attest to the surge in inquiries.
“It can be a shock to the system for family members who haven’t been around all year to notice their older loved one has been struggling,” Millar says, noting that these holiday wake-up calls underscore the importance of more regular check-ins.
“Don’t wait until the holidays to face these issues,” Millar advocates. “Get into the holiday spirit of visiting loved ones year-round by carving out a couple of hours each month to go into mom or dad’s home. You don’t have to cook or clean. Just spend time together. It will mean more to them than you realize and also help you identify opportunities for support sooner.”
Looking for clues
Whenever visiting an aging loved one, Lett and Millar encourage families to take note of the state of the home. Are there piles of mail or trash? An overflowing kitchen sink or laundry hamper?
Monitoring for changes in physical health, personal hygiene and mood is also important.
“You might notice they’ve lost weight, appear disheveled or are wearing dirty clothes,” Millar explains. “Maybe they’re increasingly forgetful, irritable or confused.”
After identifying such signs, Lett cautions against falling into the assumption that nursing home placement is the only solution, especially when “there is so much help available through programs such as PACE to keep seniors living safely in their own homes.”
Conversation tips
Focus conversation around resources that can give more independence rather than take it away (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)
However, broaching the subject with an aging loved one requires great care. Millar recommends having the person they trust most talk one-on-one, rather than a group intervention. Focus the conversation around resources that can give more independence rather than take it away.
“Seek to understand the specific areas where they could benefit from assistance so they can continue living the life they want to live,” he says. “You can be firm about the fact that you’re going to help, but encourage them to choose where they want the help.”
Lett adds it can help to explain that the goal is to maintain their ability to remain in their own home and in control as much as possible while enhancing their health and safety.
“No one wants to be a burden on anyone else, so it can be difficult to accept help,” Lett explains. “Be sure to treat them as a person, not an object that is a liability to themselves. Reassure them that getting support doesn’t mean they can’t still be self-reliant. There are options to help meet their needs while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.”
Learn more
Lett says families don’t have to “start from scratch” to find resources and build a care plan tailored to their loved one’s needs. For information about services that help older adults stay healthy and live independently in the community, call 800.610.6299 or visit CareResources.org.
The Kentwood Police Department has made an arrest in a sexual assault case involving a physical therapist at Corewell Health. The alleged assaults occurred at a local Corewell Health Facility between Jan. 1 through April 1. The victim, a female from the City of Grand Rapids, was seeing her physical therapist for routine scheduled treatments when the alleged assaults occurred.
Mark Scarlato, a former Certified Manual Physical Therapist at Corewell Health, has been charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree, and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree.
Corewell received a complaint from a third-party individual on behalf of the victim and promptly reported the complaint to Kentwood Police on Oct. 10.
Even though charges have been filed, investigators are asking anyone with any additional information about this case to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600.
“Due to the nature of this case, there may be other potential victims, and it is our experience that victims of such trauma will, on occasion, delay in reporting these types of crimes,” Detective Sarah Schudel stated. “We understand it can be extremely difficult to come forward. We are hoping that anyone who has knowledge about this offense or similar offenses reaches out to us.”
Corewell Health has willingly and proactively participated in this investigation.
Mark Scarlato is in custody at Kent County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Anyone who is struggling with sexual assault can reach out anonymously to Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters and his son James are not only Sons of the American Revolution, but also belong to the American Rosie the Riveter Association. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters discovered later in life some very unique connections to his ancestors.
Winters, who served in the Marine Corps for eight years as a helicopter airframes mechanic, learned that his great grandmother Mattie Lois Hopper worked for the Ford Motor Company in 1942 as an aircraft mechanic in the Willow Run Michigan plant, a real life “Rosie the Riveter.”
Mattie Lois Hopper, Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters’ great grandmother, is a real-life Rosie the Riveter. (Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“As a kid, I was too young and ignorant to understand the impact of my family history,” said Winters, who was 17 years old when he joined the Marines. “After being involved with Grandpa Thomas Joseph Lannon and the Sons of the American Revolution I learned and took it to heart about how ironic it was when I joined the Marine Corps and became an aircraft mechanic. My great grandma did the same thing; we both were riveters just 60 years apart.
“I did have the privilege and honor to meet and know my great grandma, but she died before I became a Marine and an aircraft mechanic, so my grandma had to connect those dots for me. It is my intention to have my son James added as a rivet descendant under the American Rosie the Riveter.”
Female descendants of a Rosie are considered Rosebuds, whereas the male descendants are Rivets.
Sons of the American Revolution
“I remember in October 2015, I was stationed in Cyprus standing on a hillside overlooking the sunset fading over the Mediterranean Sea when my grandpa told me of his cancer diagnosis,” Winters recalled. “To keep grandpa busy while battling with his health, he became involved heavily with family history and genealogy. My grandpa traced our family ancestors back to a Reuben Clark who served in the American Revolutionary War.
Eric Winters and his Grandpa Thomas Joseph Lannon are Sons of the American Revolution. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“Once grandpa was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution it was an easy application for myself to become a member as I only needed to link my mom to my grandpa. I am a proud papa to my son James, and I have gotten him enrolled as a member of the SAR. This makes James the 11th generation patriot ancestor descendant of the American Revolution.”
“At 10 months old, James is too young to understand this significance, but it is my hope that as he grows older I will explain to him his family history and this is a connection to his great grandfather who luckily is still around.”
After his many years of military service and also working for the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State handling government contracts, Winters’ life has taken a turn toward helping his fellow veterans navigate through life.
“This part of my life has shaped me and my life path in many ways,” Winters explained. “Serving in the Marine Corps enhanced my leadership skills and understanding of the complexity of human factors and interpersonal relationships. This time also showcased how complexity can lead to success. It became apparent that further education was necessary for future success in life.”
Marine Corps vet Eric Winters’ Sons of the American Revolution certificate.
“Embracing the negative to appreciate the positive”
“I, for one, know I have experienced feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, a loss of self-worth and purpose,” continued Winters, who also volunteers for Special Olympics and helps fundraise for the AMBUCS organization for those with physical disabilities.
“I also know that I have experienced kindness, compassion, empathy, generosity, love and magic. These are the things that keep me going. We must embrace the negative to appreciate the positive blessings in our life. They are a part of our Marine core values of honor, courage and commitment.”
Winters, who has an undergraduate degree in Professional Aeronautics, moved his educational objectives toward psychology, obtaining a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and concurrently getting a certification in Human Happiness and Well-Being from Yale via Coursera.
“Deeply involved in helping vets with PTSD”
“I became deeply involved in a support group for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” Winters continued. “The program was geared toward recovery, but most of the participants were only granted a limited amount of time before the VA wouldn’t allow them to participate further. I then volunteered to continue running the program for those who still wanted to participate, but had already used their time up. The psychologist who originally ran the program gave me her materials and I’ve been running it since June of 2019.”
Winters said this helped shift his focus toward helping others who were struggling with their daily lives and the effects of this disorder.
Enter his nonprofit organization, VETS
“Going to work one morning I was in a terrible car crash where a commercial truck caused a chain reaction multi-vehicle accident where five vehicles were rear-ended,” Winters explained. “As a result, being in the middle vehicle of this accident, I had a long recovery process going through months into a years’ worth of treatments.”
Winters said the rehabilitation included speech, occupational and physical therapy along with eight surgeries.
“That experience changed my career path,” he continued. “With all the pain I felt and the new physical limitations, I needed to create my own job and a new sense of purpose, basically, unless I could find a new job, one that could accommodate my needs.”
It was during his recovery that he became involved in helping other veterans with their issues.
“The problem was it was taxing on both my time and finances since both were extremely limited. Surfing the internet on how to help my situation it became apparent I had to start a nonprofit to help not only myself, but also my military brothers/sisters. That is what I do now. I am out there advocating for our military community however we can, but with a primary focus on mental health and camaraderie.”
Long-term goals with VETS
“My long-term goal for VETS is to continue to build an organization that emboldens servant leadership, sets a positive example and one that we too don’t live in vain,” Winters explained. “For now, I just want to stay humble and kind, and as my grandfather would say, “Take each day and give it your best shot.”
It was his grandfather who shared with him General Douglas MacArthur’s famous Prayer for his Son:
“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.
“Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee—and that to know himself is the foundation-stone of knowledge.
“Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.”
“Build me a son whose heart will be clean, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men, one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.”
“And after all these things are his, give him, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.”
“Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.’”
Suicide Statistics
According to the latest statistics on the VA News website (2022), 17.6 veterans commit suicide each day, which totals 6,407 per year.
“These deaths are not attributable to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Viet-Cong or any other enemy,” Winters said. “Their deaths are a direct reflection on our collective inability to do our buddy checks. They are a reflection on our failure to give our safety briefing, to monitor/mentor ourselves and our peers. It is a reflection on us as leaders.
“Becoming a Marine is a lifelong badge of honor — one earned through dedication, sacrifice and pride. Marines are not only members of the world’s most elite fighting force, but also part of a greater community that continues to serve and uplift others long after active duty ends.”
Marine Corps Birthday Ball This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and what better way to highlight the milestone with a celebration, said Winters, who is organizing the event. The goal of Winters and VETS is to fundraise and support the Marines while honoring past and present service members and their families. They are partnering with Creative Community Entertainment (CCE) to host the event.
“I had a sudden epiphany,” Winters said. “Milestone life events bring parties, and parties bring people and awareness. It just so happened that Marines around the world would be celebrating their birthday, so let’s host the next Marine Corps birthday ball.”
The First Annual City of Grand Rapids Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at the DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids. That marks the exact date the Marine Corps was founded 250 years ago; Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia by Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
The Marines were the third branch of the US Armed Forces, arriving five months after the Army and one month after the Navy. Today, the Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy, with nearly 200,000 active and reserve personnel.
The Skinny The event, slated from 5 to 9:30 p.m., begins with a cocktail and social hour, followed by an official ceremony at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and dancing at 8 p.m.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley was elected to serve a fourth term after defeating challenger Monica Sparks.
Unofficial results show that Mayor Kepley received 4,857 votes (53.21%), compared to Sparks’ 4,264 (46.71%).
Mayor Kepley has served the citizens of Kentwood as Mayor and Head Administrator since 2013. He also has served as Director of Engineering and Inspections/City Engineer for 11 years, along with an additional 15 years in the private manufacturing design and construction sector.
Sparks is in her fourth term as a Kent County Commissioner serving District 12 (parts of Wyoming and Kentwood).
Kentwood Mayoral Candidate Monica Sparks (WKTV We the People)
Kentwood City Clerk
Ana Jose received 4,322 votes (51.125) in the Kentwood City Clerk race to defeat Cameron Duffey, who received 4,110 (48.61%).
Kentwood City Treasurer
Running unopposed, Laurie Sheldon earned another term as Kentwood City Treasurer by receiving 7,353 votes (99.18%), while write-ins received 61 votes.
The approved bond will provide support for WPS day-to-day district operations and complete projects identified in their long-range Facility Master Plan (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters approved the Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) $29.75M bond proposal and 10-year sinking fund millage renewal.
According to unofficial elections results posted by Kent County, the bond passed with 2,433 votes (60.52%) to 1,587 votes (39.48%). The sinking fund millage renewal passed with 2,461 votes (61.26%) to 1,556 votes (38.74%).
The approved bond will provide support for WPS day-to-day district operations and complete projects identified in their long-range Facility Master Plan. Projects include new learning spaces for students, air conditioning and secure entrances in remaining buildings, elementary media center updates, and a gym addition at Gladiola Elementary School.
The approved WPS Sinking Fund will replace their expiring Sinking Fund and will focus on repairs, safety, technology replacements, and buses.
More information about the bond proposal and sinking fund millage renewal can be found in the WPS bond proposal informational video and on the WPS website.
The Literacy Champion Award will go to one individual and one organization who has demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading (Courtesy, KDL)
Kent District Library is accepting nominations for the fourth annual Literacy Champion Award for outstanding leadership and advocacy of literacy. The award will go to one individual and one organization who does, or has done, something exceptional to promote literacy.
Nominations are open through Feb. 28, 2026 and may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion. Winners will receive $1,000, a crystal trophy and public recognition.
“We’re proud to recognize those making a real difference in our community through literacy,” said Lance Werner, Executive Director of Kent District Library. “The Literacy Champion Award is our way of celebrating the individuals who are opening doors and changing lives through the power of reading.”
KDL Outreach and Programming Specialist Susan Erhardt reads to children (Courtesy, KDL)
Nomination details
Winners will be announced next spring, celebrating one individual and one organization who has demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Three finalists in each category will also be chosen.
Nominees for individuals can be teachers, tutors, school librarians, authors and others. Organizations can be schools, non-profit services, for-profit businesses and government entities.
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel from Kent District Library and its Board of Trustees.
150+ people attended the annual iCI Nation Gala to celebrate local protectors while supporting the mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Over 150 local community members recently attended the annual iCI Nation Gala at Venue3Two in Kentwood to celebrate local protectors while supporting the nonprofit’s mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city.
In attendance were police officers from seven local departments, city officials from four cities, pastors, probationary youth and business owners. Jennifer Franson, iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director, personally welcomed Gala attendees, thanking them for choosing to invest in a vision of connection over conflict.
“[iCI Nation is] teaching people to see the world and the community through a lens of value,” said Franson. “We’ve created a greenhouse of relationships. We have these relationships and trust, now we’re trying to feed what we want to see grow, and we’re using value to do it.”
iCI Nation is teaching people to see the world through a lens of value (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Strengthened from the inside out
Clarkston Morgan, Kentwood City Commissioner and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC, delivered opening and closing remarks at the Gala, stating that iCI Nation and the partnerships formed through the nonprofit are “a family of people who are intentionally choosing unity over division, connection over fear, and faith over frustration.”
iCI Nation has worked to build bridges and facilitate relationships within the community for the last decade. Within the past five years alone, iCI Nation has partnered with 79 local nonprofits, churches and businesses; built bridges with 17 police agencies; and served over 600 officers and community leaders each year.
All police officers in attendance were recognized and thanked at the Gala (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“That’s not charity, that’s impact,” said Morgan. “That’s a city being strengthened from the inside out.”
Morgan went on to say that iCI Nation is changing the culture of how we see one another – but that iCI Nation’s work is not done in isolation.
“Everything happens through partnership,” said Morgan. “…when we pull in the same direction, all in our city thrive, everyone wins, no one is forgotten.”
An agenda of unity
Jennifer Franson, Founder of iCI Nation (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.
For years, Franson prayed for police officers whenever she heard sirens. She eventually hosted a “Thank You” event for law enforcement in collaboration with a women’s church group. That church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from the original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was the Gala keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Now, iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.
“These are real connections,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “Jenn’s agenda literally is unity. It’s unifying us for a more peaceful community.”
iCI Nation was not built on a five-point business plan or a grant proposal, Franson told Gala attendees.
“It was built on relationships and trust and the belief that if we keep feeding those relationships and trust, good things will grow.”
Community, unity and purpose in action
The annual iCI Nation Gala is one of Franson’s favorite times of the year because it is a night of purpose in action.
Franson talks to Gala attendees about the mission of iCI Nation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I spend all year meeting you, hearing your stories, trying to tell your stories,” Franson said. “But tonight we get to hear the stories and meet the faces together – and you are beautiful!”
Two such stories were told through a Gala presentation of the 2025 iCI Nation Protector awards.
Wyoming Police Sergeant Jack Tromp received the iCI Nation Officer Protector Award for “going beyond duty to recognize and call out the value of our youth, proving his commitment goes beyond just law enforcement.”
Wyoming Police Sgt. Jack Tromp (left) talks about what serving the community means to him (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Sgt. Tromp said the award meant a lot to him because of what it represents.
“Building trust and strong relationships between law enforcement and the community has always been a part of what this job is about,” said Tromp. “Over the years, I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from the badge at all; it comes from showing the person behind it.
“Meeting people where they are, being willing to listen, and seeing things through new perspectives – that’s how we build trust and break down barriers. iCI Nation has done an amazing job helping to build and strengthen those connections.”
Frank Briones, Kent County Juvenile Service Program Director, received the iCI Nation Civilian Protector Award for “his fearless perseverance in bringing healing to our community youth and building stronger police and community collaboration.”
Frank Briones (second from left) and Jenn Franson (third from left) with local youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“I’m on a mission to help our kids, to help our youth, and make sure that I do everything in my power to make sure they succeed,” said Briones. “They are our future.”
The Gala also featured an invocation by 2023 Civilian Protector Award winner Pastor Gregory Amunga of Uptown Assembly of God, a statement honoring Gala police officers, a statement of value to local youth in attendance and a silent auction.
A greenhouse of trust
“Over the years we have grown, and we are building something powerful: relationships rooted in trust that shine a light on the worth of every single person in our city,” said Franson. “Like a greenhouse nurturing life, these connections are growing a culture of belonging and shared resources.
(Courtesy photo)
“This is how we’re rebranding our cities – not with slogans, but with trust and human connection.”
That greenhouse of trust and connection is creating a stronger and healthier city.
“When you invest in iCI Nation, you’re investing in a safer, stronger and more connected Grand Rapids region…a community rooted in trust, service, and love,” said Morgan. “Because that’s what iCI Nation is about.”
Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help in the organizations’ mission to create stronger and more unified communities here.
iCI Nation Gala Sponsors:
CWD Real Estate Investment, Jerry and Linda Lind, Karen and Dwight Strayer, Grand Rapids Police Department, DLS Servicing, Consider: LLC, KeyBank, Siegel Jewelers, Marge’s Donut Den, Acts Gospel Outreach Ministry, Grand Rapids Police Foundation, Boldly Told Video & Photography, Barbara Jean VanStee, Doug Clarke, Tommy Brann and Denis Bennett.
One person is in custody and stolen money has been recovered after a bank robbery the morning of Nov. 3 at PNC Bank in the 200 block of 28th Street SW (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
One person is in custody and stolen money has been recovered after a bank robbery this morning at PNC Bank in the 200 block of 28th Street SW.
Incident details
At approximately 10:53 a.m. on Nov. 3, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the PNC, located at 220 28th Street SW, on the report of a bank robbery that had just occurred.
A suspect entered the bank, approached a teller, and demanded money. He implied he had a weapon. An undisclosed amount of cash was obtained by the suspect who then left the bank on foot. A few Grand Rapids Police Officers were in the area on an unrelated matter and observed a person matching the suspect’s description near 28th Street and Buchanan Avenue SW.
When Wyoming Police arrived, the 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody, and proceeds of the robbery were located in his possession. He was subsequently lodged at the Kent County Jail. The suspect’s identity is not being released pending arraignment.
Continuing investigation
Wyoming Police are grateful that no one was injured during this incident and appreciate the assistance of the Grand Rapids Police in helping locate the suspect in this robbery within minutes. Wyoming Police Detectives and the FBI will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this robbery.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
This Veterans Day, AnchorPoint Christian students will set up a field of American flags in partnership with Disabled American Veterans to honor local veterans and raise critical funds to support our nation’s ill and injured heroes (Courtesy, DAV)
Flags will be displayed at AnchorPoint Christian School on Nov. 11
This Veterans Day, AnchorPoint Christian School students will set up a field of American flags in partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to honor local veterans and raise critical funds to support our nation’s ill and injured heroes.
Each donated flag represents a special veteran in someone’s life, with proceeds benefiting DAV and the charity’s free, professional services for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
Local students show support for veterans (Courtesy, AnchorPoint Christian)
The flags will be displayed at AnchorPoint Christian School on Nov. 11.
“It’s been amazing to see our students get excited about something that honors others,” said Holly Gomez, a teacher at AnchorPoint Christian School.
“They’re realizing that even at their age, they can play a part in showing appreciation and supporting veterans in our community.”
Providing life-changing services
Headquartered in Erlanger, KY, DAV provides our nation’s veterans and their families with a range of programs, such as benefits assistance, transportation to and from VA medical appointments and more, at no cost. DAV volunteers donate nearly 2.5 million hours per year assisting veterans in their communities.
With over 1,200 chapters across the country, the charity has nearly one million members who give veterans a powerful voice at local, state and federal levels.
(Courtesy, DAV)
“Every flag in the field holds a unique story about a veteran who served and reminds their brothers- and sisters-in-arms that they are not forgotten,” said Barry Jesinoski, DAV CEO and national adjutant. “Each donation helps provide life-changing services for our nation’s veterans and their families. We are deeply touched by the community’s generosity and support.”
Featuring over 100 artisans from Mexico, Guelaguetza Designs in Wyoming is more than just a business that sells handmade clothing, jewelry and home decor from Mexico – it is a space to celebrate culture.
Guelaguetza Designs celebrated 20 years of business in September by outgrowing their previous store on DeHoop Avenue and moving to their current, larger location – an 8,000-square-foot building on 28th Street.
But owner Nancy Quero says the grand opening celebration was about more than reaching a milestone, it was about recognizing the impact Guelaguetza Designs has made in the community.
“Our commitment to celebrating culture and traditions has fostered a strong sense of belonging among community members,” Quero said. “We’ve created a space where stories are shared, traditions are honored, and every individual feels valued.”
Hugged by culture
Born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, Quero left her mother, brother and two sisters and immigrated to the United States when she was 19 years old, searching for opportunities to help her family.
“My dad died when I was 15,” Quero said. “My mom was struggling a little bit, and this opportunity came to come here. [I came] so I could help my family.”
Once in the U.S., however, Quero missed that connection with her family and culture.
Faced with a new culture, Quero found comfort in the clothes her mother made for her (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I felt like there was something missing when I arrived here,” said Quero. “New country, new language, new people. So anytime I used to wear my tops or my dresses, I felt hugged by my culture, I felt hugged by my mom, who made those clothes.”
Recognizing the importance of remaining connected to her heritage, Quero founded Guelaguetza Designs in 2005. Not only did the business keep Quero rooted to her Mexican heritage, it provided a hub where the West Michigan Hispanic business and residential communities could connect with the rich culture of Mexico.
100% authentic
“Everything we sell here is 100% handmade in Mexico,” said Quero.
Collaborating with artisans in Mexico allows Quero to support underserved Mexican workshops by offering fair trade business practices that create sustainable business and preserve native Mexican ancestral techniques.
Many artists Quero collaborated with upon opening Guelaguetza Designs were from workshops her father had partnered with before his death.
“Right now I’m working with the daughters and sons of the people that my dad was working [with], so it’s like a second generation working together,” said Quero.
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Finding new workshops, Quero added, is an intricate process.
“We want to make sure that they are the ones who make everything that they sell because we want to make sure that we are sourcing items that are 100% authentic, [and] that we are contributing to those workshops directly,” Quero said. “I ask a lot of questions, [and] I ask for videos if I’m not able to go and visit their workshop.”
Though her mother and siblings are all involved in art and design, Quero admitted her passion lies more with business and relational aspects, similar to her father.
“I was taught how to sew and embroider – the basics,” said Quero, “but that’s something that I do not enjoy as much as talking to the people, selling, being that bridge between those workshops and my community here. That’s what I love, what I enjoy the most.”
A long journey
The journey to becoming a brick-and-mortar business was a long one. Fourteen years, to be exact.
Though Quero began selling handmade products in 2005, the first Guelaguetza Designs brick-and-mortar store did not open until 2019. In the last six years, however, they outgrew the 3,000-square-foot building and moved to their current – and larger – location on 28th Street.
Guelaguetza can now be found at their new 8,000 square-foot location on 28th Street (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)Guelaguetza can now be found at their new 8,000 square-foot location on 28th Street (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Quero credits her success to awareness of community changes and demand over the years. Those observations led her to develop new business plans and strategies as needed to bring products to those desiring Mexican culture and those wanting to learn about Mexican culture.
“In the last five years, there is a boom of people being curious about Mexico,” said Quero. She went on to say that many people became interested in learning about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) after the release of the animated film Coco.
Día de los Muertos
This ofrenda rests just inside the main entrance of Guelaguetza Designs (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Celebrated between Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Día de los Muertos is a festive and colorful holiday where individuals and families remember and honor deceased loved ones.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not Mexican,” said Quero. “You can still remember; it is very important. That’s why there is a specific date for us to do this.
“Día de los Muertos is about that: remembering all of those who are no longer with us, remembering their lives, their happiness, and everything good they added to our lives.”
During the annual celebration, it is common to create an ofrenda, or altar, to honor loved ones. Many people begin with only flowers and pictures of their loved ones. Over time, they may add water, incense, art, sugar skulls and other elements.
Inside Guelaguetza Designs is an ofrenda with various items and written meanings for each item or element. Quero said this is helpful for patrons who come ready to find items to add to their ofrenda.
“It’s a very nice moment, and I love seeing community come together celebrating this kind of holiday.”
Embracing cultural heritage
Through Guelaguetza Designs, Quero works to inspire youth to embrace their own cultural heritage, learn about the culture and identities of others, and foster a lifelong commitment to cultural awareness and social responsibility.
Quero learned the importance of giving back from her parents (Courtesy, Guelaguetza Designs)
“It’s very important because it’s part of who we are,” said Quero. “It’s very important that we, as a parent, instill in them that love for our culture – so that when they grow up they can continue it.
“That’s the only way that our heritage and culture can continue going through many years to come.”
Giving back is also at the heart of everything Quero does.
“Anything that we give back – your time, money – it’s important. We love supporting different causes and other nonprofit organizations that align with our mission.”
For more information about Guelaguetza Designs, click here.
Wyoming Public Schools is asking residents to approve a new bond totaling $29.75 million that will provide support for day-to-day district operations and complete projects identified in their long-range facilities plan (Video provided by Wyoming Public Schools)
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) is asking residents to approve a new bond totaling $29.75 million that will provide support for day-to-day district operations and complete projects identified in their long-range facilities plan.
In communications sent to all WPS families, Superintendent Craig Hoekstra encourages community members to be aware of three proposals on the Nov. 4, 2025 election ballot and what each proposal will fund.
(Courtesy, Wyoming Public Schools)
“This bond, if approved, will allow us to complete our Facility Master Plan that we built many years ago,” said Hoekstra in a video introducing the bond proposal.
“We put a great plan together to completely update our school district. Our buildings were built between the 1940s and the 1960s, so completing our Master Facilities Plan will allow us to execute our vision that best supports our kids today, but also well into the future.”
Bond proposal facts
Supplied by Wyoming Public Schools
The Kent ISD Regional Enhancement Millage would be restored and renewed to a total of 0.9 mills for educational and operational programming.
The WPS Sinking Fund replaces our expiring Sinking Fund and would result in a no net tax rate increase and focuses on repairs, safety, technology replacements, and buses.
The WPS Bond Proposal totals $29.75 million to complete projects identified in our Master Facilities Plan, including new learning spaces for students, air conditioning and secure entrances in remaining buildings, elementary media center updates, and a gym addition at Gladiola. If the Bond Proposal is approved, the overall net debt millage rate is expected to decrease by 0.15 mills.
WPS Bond Proposal (Courtesy, Wyoming Public Schools)WPS Sinking Fund Proposal (Courtesy, Wyoming Public Schools)
A tax decrease
Hoekstra went on to say that WPS asked for help from the community three different times – in 2017, 2022 and now 2025 – to avoid the inevitable tax increase of a one-time large bond request.
“We were being very mindful and fiscally responsible with our community with no increase (2017), no increase (2022), and this one is a tax decrease (2025),” said Hoekstra.
This third and final bond request on Nov. 4 will allow WPS to continue work begun with the previous two proposals without any gaps in advancement and completion of the Master Facilities Plan.
“These proposals aren’t just about buildings, they are about creating spaces where students feel safe, supported and ready to succeed,” a WPS student said in the bond proposal video.
“I’m excited because we get to go out to our community, be good stewards of their resources, and just supporting our kids at a very high level moving forward,” said Hoekstra. “What excites me the most is we’re doing this for our kids.”
Learn more
More information on the bond proposals can be found at wyomingps.org.
Darius Walker, 2025 winner of the SNF Kingpin of Comedy competition (Courtesy, Brian B.)
The Sunday Night Funnies‘ (SNF) seventh annual Kingpin of Comedy competition began with 91 comedians on May 11, and ended with one on Oct. 26 when Darius Walker was crowned the 2025 Kingpin of Comedy champion before a capacity crowd at Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
“As always with the finals, the audience vote was very tight with only five votes separating first and third place,” said Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “But Darius had an outstanding set.”
Brian B. went on to say that Walker had been a Kingpin of Comedy finalist the previous two years, so he was not surprised Walker won the title of 2025 champion.
“Over the years, I’ve seen him mature as a comedian,” said Brian B. “I know that he puts a lot of effort in going out and doing shows, as well as always writing new material.”
Prizes worthy of a king!
As the Kingpin of Comedy winner, Walker received a prize package worth over $1,000.
The SNF Kingpin of Comedy final competition was filled to capacity with interested audience members (Courtesy, Brian B.)
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought that the overall winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title Most Humorous Human in Town,” said Brian B.
Walker received a prize package worth over $1,000 (Courtesy, Brian B.)
The prize package included $500 cash, gift cards from LaughFest and GLC Live at 20 Monroe, as well as prizes from various Wyoming businesses and competition host Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
Walker also received a bowling pin trophy, personalized “Kingpin” bowling shirt, a video of his winning performance, and an invitation to close the SNF special 2026 LaughFest performance in March.
After his victory, Walker said, “I’d like to thank my wife, friends and the Grand Rapids comedy community for helping me grow as a comedian!”
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Now in its 16th year, over 1,275 different comedians have entertained SNF audiences.
A holiday treat came early for 22 ArtPrize winners in the form of a $400,000 prize pool as the international art competition concluded Friday, Oct. 3.
Many stories were told through the 931 works submitted to ArtPrize by 1,100 artists. Among them was one of ecological stewardship told through a glamorous re-creation of our own waste.
Grand Dome is a 10-foot by 17-foot geodesic sculpture created by artist Adrienne Outlaw and currently on display at the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Eberhard Center. The piece is made from more than 100,000 plastic bottle caps collected by community members who then helped Outlaw construct the piece in a collaborative project.
Protecting the world through art
Grand Dome is the latest in Outlaw’s national public art initiative, where she works with river cities to create large-scale collaborative artworks to promote ecological stewardship against plastic pollution. The sculpture took three months to make and is a follow-up to Outlaw’s Reef, a 6-foot by 8-foot sculpture also made of plastic bottle caps, that was showcased at ArtPrize 2024.
Outlaw said she has been “working with found objects and ideas for global consumerism” for most of her career. In 2019, Outlaw took a trip to Southeast Asia where she was blindsided by the effect of the U.S. plastic pollution on Asian countries, namely Singapore, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Looking up at the ceiling of Grand Dome from inside (Courtesy, Koy Flores)
“I worked with some artists there, and we would take microplastics out of the beach sand,” said Outlaw. “At the same time, China announced that they weren’t taking our waste anymore…then I started thinking of plastic as an issue.
“I moved to St. Louis in 2015 and started doing research. I realized the Mississippi Watershed drains 40% of the water waste from the U.S. Even Grand Rapids is connected to the watershed because of the lock system in Lake Michigan (The Great Lakes and the Mighty Mississippi).”
Outlaw stated that she is addressing these issues with river cities.
“[If] we allow these plastics to enter our waterways they will travel down the Mississippi River, into the Gulf of Mexico and out into the Atlantic Ocean, becoming microplastics.”
Meaningful…trash?
Outlaw expressed novelty for the project because it was a departure from the traditional solitary practice. People would email, call, text, or show up to help contribute to the project “every single day.”
“This project has changed the way I make art.”
Outlaw laughed while recounting how people loved to bring her their trash. “They offered me their labor, time and expertise. People want to do the right thing so badly.”
As fate would have it, one woman from South Haven, MI happened to be an avid bottle cap collector.
Inside the Grand Dome at night (Courtesy, Outlaw)
“She found out about my work through ArtPrize, tracked me down on the internet and asked if she could donate her collection,” said Outlaw. “I was able to meet up with her along the way to Grand Rapids. She gave me about three years’ worth of bottle caps that she had been collecting with the hope that she could donate them to something meaningful.”
After Outlaw collected the needed amount of bottle caps, she sent them to Michigan and invited Michiganders to help create the panels for Grand Dome. Outlaw’s studio did the mechanical work of putting the panels together, but Outlaw wanted to show community members the “value and joy of working with their hands.”
The main groups that assisted in the creation of Grand Dome were the Mint Artists Guild in Detroit, the GVSU art department and the First Presbyterian Church in Holland.
Outlaw attempts to be inclusive of all people with her collaborative works, providing people a range of participation opportunities from simply donating recyclables to actually putting the panels together with zip ties. Outlaw remarked that she invited participants to write their names on an ID tag before inserting them into the panels, making the experience even more empowering.
Awareness and emulation
Outlaw is proud of the amount of awareness Grand Dome has raised toward excessive consumption and harmful pollution.
“Having people approach the dome from a distance, not understanding what they’re looking at, but then they realize this is our waste,” said Outlaw. “They then realize how much plastic is in our trash. We can address this plastic pollution joyfully, from a grassroots movement, and creatively think about solving these issues. Instead of looking at it from a dismal ‘world is on fire’ mindset.”
Creative thinking and setting an example can lead to a healthier world (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A few minor adjustments to our everyday lives can help procure a healthier world for the next generation. Outlaw is a believer in setting examples for emulation.
“You see studies where, if one person does something good, then the next person is likely to do something good,” said Outlaw. “You see that with trash. If one person throws things on the ground, but then you see someone else picking it up (instead) of walking past it or throwing something (as well), you can start collectively moving toward the good and away from the bad.”
Learn more!
To connect with Adrienne Outlaw and view her work, click here.
An assessor from CALEA will arrive on Monday, Oct. 27 to conduct an on-site review over a four-day period. This visit is the final step in a rigorous four-year accreditation cycle and includes a comprehensive examination of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.
The gold standard
CALEA Accreditation is considered the gold standard in public safety professionalism. It provides independent verification that a law enforcement agency meets internationally recognized best practices in areas such as accountability, transparency and community partnership.
For the Wyoming community, accreditation ensures:
Enhanced public trust, by confirming that department practices are ethical, transparent, and consistent with national standards.
Improved service delivery, through policies that promote efficiency, fairness, and responsiveness to community needs.
Reduced risk and liability, by ensuring clear, accountable procedures for critical incidents and daily operations.
Commitment to continuous improvement, with each accreditation cycle driving new opportunities to strengthen public safety services.
The assessment process
(Courtesy Photo)
As part of the assessment process, the department invites members of the community to share feedback through the CALEA Public Comment Portal.
Community members are encouraged to share comments regarding the department’s compliance with CALEA standards, community engagement, quality of service and overall professionalism.
Comments may include commendations or concerns and can be submitted directly to CALEA through the Public Comment Portal. Feedback provided through the portal goes directly to CALEA and will be acknowledged upon receipt.
The purpose of this process is to gather valuable input that helps the Wyoming PD and CALEA continue to strengthen the standards of professional policing.
Contact WPD directly
Individuals who wish to share comments or questions directly with the Wyoming PD may also do so by calling 616-530-7300, visiting the department in person, or submitting an online message through the Police Department Contact Form on the City of Wyoming website.
Kingpin competition finalists (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Ninety-eight comedians are now down to eight as the seventh annual Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its final round on Sunday, Oct. 26.
“We have a good mix of comedians performing in the Kingpin finals this year,” says Brian B., MC and founder of the SNF.
Participating comedians hail from the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas, Holland and Buchanan.
“It’s a diverse lineup as well,” says Brian B. “Of the eight comedians performing, two are women and four of the comics are of color.”
The Kingpin of Comedy final round will also feature a drawing for a pair of tickets to comedian Adam Degi’s first standup comedy special recording on Nov. 14 at the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids.
Degi will also be closing out the Kingpin Finals while the votes are being counted.
Prizes galore!
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
The Kingpin of Comedy winner will receive a prize package worth over $1,000.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought that the overall winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title Most Humorous Human in Town,” says Brian B.
The prize package includes $500 cash, gift cards from LaughFest and GLC Live at 20 Monroe, as well as prizes from various Wyoming businesses and competition host Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
The winner also receives a bowling pin trophy and personalized “Kingpin” bowling shirt.
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Now in its 16th year, over 1,275 different comedians have entertained SNF audiences.
Marine Corps veteran and Birthday Ball organizer Eric Winters with skywritten smiley face above him at the Muskegon Air Show. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
While recovering from a car accident after his Marine Corps service, veteran Eric Winters wasn’t happy with the challenges he faced.
“During my recovery, I became so mad at the system that I had to start a nonprofit to help my military brothers and sisters,” explained Winters, who founded a nonprofit called VETS (Veteran Enrichment Taskforce Services) in 2024. “We are out here advocating for our military community, with a primary focus on mental health, housing and more.”
Winters was inspired to found VETS after the accident left him unable to continue working. He said he wanted to advocate for veterans who have been left behind. The nonprofit seeks to raise awareness of veterans’ issues through community events.
Their mission: “To identify, develop, deliver and evaluate veteran-based needs paralleled with a service solution for growth, prosperity and fun.”
Marine Corps Birthday Ball This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and what better way to highlight the milestone with a celebration.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball to celebrate 250th anniversary. Tickets can be purchased through Nov. 3. (Image Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“I had a sudden epiphany,” said Winters, who served from 2004 to 2012. “Milestone life events bring parties, and parties bring people and awareness. It just so happened that Marines around the world would be celebrating their birthday, so let’s host the next Marine Corps birthday ball.”
The First Annual City of Grand Rapids Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at the DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids. That marks the exact date the Marine Corps was founded 250 years ago; Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia by Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
The Marines were the third branch of the US Armed Forces, arriving five months after the Army and one month after the Navy. Today, the Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy, with nearly 200,000 active and reserve personnel.
Local veterans at the US Marine Corps War Memorial. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
The Skinny The event, slated from 5 to 9:30 p.m., begins with a cocktail and social hour, followed by an official ceremony at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and dancing at 8 p.m.
The goal of Winters and VETS is to fundraise and support the Marines while honoring past and present service members and their families. They are partnering with Creative Community Entertainment (CCE) to host the event.
Additional festivities begin a few days before, with a drone light show at 555 Monroe St. from 5 to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8. The light show features live music, vendors and a VIP booth offering alcohol sales.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., there’ll be bowling, arcade games and food at the Main Event Center, located at 3121 28th St. SE, Kentwood. Patrons can present their receipt from the Ball at the Main Event, which will donate 20 percent of all proceeds to it. A Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11 will cap off the weekend. Starting at 6 p.m, it’ll run from Lyon and Ottawa Street through Veterans Memorial Park.
“For Marines, this day is more than a celebration – it is a sacred tradition observed with the reverence of a national holiday,” Winters explained.
Grave Markers from the 22 A Day Suicide Awareness Program on the side of the US-131 highway in Grand Rapids in remembrance of the 22 veterans who take their own lives each day. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
Marine Ball shy of fundraising goal VETS set an initial fundraising goal of $250,000 by the 250th anniversary Ball, which Winters admits was ambitious. The group has currently raised just over $15,000, with the budget for the ball estimated at $30,000. Members of the public are invited to donate in any way they can to support the cause. Winters notes that VETS will allocate any extra funds raised toward the broader mission of CCE and VETS.
“Your support will not only help us celebrate this historic occasion, it will also empower veterans who have given so much in service to our country,” Winters said.
Tickets can be purchased through Nov. 3. The first 200 guests to register will receive an event T-shirt, a commemorative cup and a challenge coin. Tickets may be purchased at this link.
“Becoming a Marine is a lifelong badge of honor – one earned through dedication, sacrifice and pride,” Winters said. “Marines are not only members of the world’s most elite fighting force, but also part of a greater community that continues to serve and uplift others long after active duty ends.”
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters (right) with a WWII veteran at a Comstock Park football game where veterans were honored on the field. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
Women at Risk, International President Rebecca McDonald will lead the three main sessions of the Civilian First Responder conference (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
100,000 – 300,00 U.S. kids are at risk of trafficking. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
One-third of teens are lured toward prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. (National Runaway Hotline)
Fifteen = the average number of times a trafficked minor is sold per day. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
Learning about human trafficking and how to prevent it can save lives (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Learn how to become a circle of protection around your loved ones by attending the Civilian First Responder (CFR) conference hosted by Women at Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) on Saturday, Oct. 25.
“No longer do we have the luxury of deciding whether or not we need to know about human trafficking,” states the WAR, Int’l website.
Circles of protection
A Michigan based, non-profit charitable organization, WAR Int’l is known for their fight against human trafficking and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.
Established to create circles of protection around those at risk, WAR’s programs and partnerships provide safe places to heal from abuse, trafficking, exploitation and more in over 40 countries. The organization’s culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and partnerships empower survivors to live and work with dignity and hope.
CFR – What to expect
The upcoming and highly sought-after CFR conference will bring President of WAR, Int’l Rebecca McDonald, human trafficking survivors, law enforcement officers and members of the U.S. government together to educate communities on human trafficking.
The CFR conference will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EST) at Women at Risk Headquarters, 2790 44th Street SW.
Attendees will learn what makes a community susceptible to trafficking; how to identify a victim and signs of trafficking in your community; how to respond to and report suspicious activity; helpful tips, action plans, and ways to protect the innocent; and how to share this information with all ages of community members.
How to prevent human trafficking is information that should be shared with all ages (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to attend three sessions led by Rebecca McDonald and breakout sessions led by various professionals involved in the fight against human trafficking. A question and answer session with conference session leaders, speakers and survivors will round out the day.
CFR conference schedule
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. SESSION ONE (Speaker: Rebecca McDonald)
Do you feel like you don’t know what trafficking is or how it found its way into our communities? This session will show you why it is vital for everyone to know the signs of human trafficking. You will also hear firsthand from a trafficking survivor as she shares her journey to freedom, bringing this topic home in a real way. Come and learn to “see the unseen.”
10:30 a.m. BREAK
10:45 a.m SESSION TWO (Speaker: Rebecca McDonald)
This session will explore common 21 lures used by sexual predators, discuss 21 trafficking flash points and the demographics in Western Michigan, and teach Homeland Security guidelines for Civilian Responders. The session will include interviews with law enforcement, teenage traffickers, Homeland Security, as well as a testimony about how one phone call rescued a woman and changed her life.
12:45 p.m. LUNCH
1:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Choose from a variety of Breakout Sessions that will be led by various professionals involved in the fight against human trafficking. Session topics may include Counseling, Parenting, Pornography, Law Enforcement, Hospitality, Outreach, or Survivor Testimonies.
2:30 p.m. BREAK
2:50 p.m. SESSION THREE (Speaker: Rebecca McDonald)
In this session, you will learn how to use your knowledge to respond to a human trafficking situation. You’ll also uncover helpful and appropriate ways to talk to children about this sensitive subject. Come find out how to be a beacon of light in the darkness, and discover the hope that is ours as we fight against human trafficking.
4:30 p.m. Q&A – THE EXPERTS PANEL
The Panel: The day will end by a time of Q&A taken from your question cards and answered by our panel of session leaders, speakers and survivors.
Event registration and digital programs
Registration for this event can be found here, and closes Oct. 22. Ticket cost is $35 and includes lunch and handouts.
Those unable to attend the conference on Oct. 25 can check out the WAR, Int’l Digital Civilian First Responder Program here.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport earned the top spot in the USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport.
The 20 finalists for the category were selected by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. Voting was open from Sept. 8 until Oct. 6 with the public being invited to cast one vote per person, per day.
The panel consisted of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards series highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.
“We are honored that the best guests in the country have helped us win the No.1 spot for the best small airport,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President & CEO Tory Richardson said. “The community’s incredible support continues to propel our commitment to providing a world-class airport experience, and we are thrilled to have won this award for the community.”
The top 10 winners in the best small airport category were:
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Surpassing a record-breaking number of 4 million passengers in 2024, the Ford International Airport serves as West Michigan’s gateway to the world. The Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which has more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of airport facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from eight airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.
“We thank everyone who took the time to cast their vote for the Ford International Airport,” Richardson continued. “We also thank our dedicated team members and partners who help provide an exceptional guest experience to this award-winning airport.”
The Kentwood Police Department is encouraging community members to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. KPD will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in its original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The event also will accept vaping devices and cartridges if lithium batteries are removed. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.
The national observance is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. It aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of prescription drugs while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“When community members properly dispose of medication, it helps prevent identity theft, accidental poisonings, drug addiction and overdose deaths, while keeping medication from polluting landfills and sewer systems,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “From saving a life to protecting the environment, participating in Drug Take Back Day is an impactful way residents can be part of our community effort.”
For individuals unable to attend the event, the Kentwood Police Department also has a year-round Drug Take Back Program. Community members can safely dispose of unused and/or expired prescription medications in the Kentwood Police Department’s lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more about the program, visit kentwood.us/DrugTakeBack.
Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Law enforcement agencies across the nation partner with the DEA to host Drug Take Back Day events every October and April as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths. The events provide timely opportunities for residents to safely and securely dispose of unneeded medications to help address this public safety and public health issue. Studies have shown most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Falling from a tree stand is a real possibility, and all hunters who go into the air need to make safety their first thought. (Photo Courtesy, Whitetails Unlimited)
Tip 1: This is Real! Yes, YOU can fall from an elevated stand! Everyone who hunts from a tree stand needs to place safety first – there is no animal out there that is worth dying, or being injured, for. If you don’t follow all safety rules every time you go into a tree stand to hunt, then quit using tree stands and stay on the ground. It’s really that simple.
Tip 2: Educate Yourself. There are a lot of resources about tree stand safety out there, and the gear and standards for tree stand safety have changed a lot in the last two decades. Don’t assume you know everything. A little time on the internet and reading the instructions for your new full-body harness and life line will get you up-to-date in no time.
Tip 3: Safety is a System. While the full-body harness and life line are the core of tree stand safety, remember that every component is important and needs attention. In addition to the gear, the procedures are also part of the system, and you need to perform them correctly, every time. Procedures include always using a lift line for your unloaded firearm or bow; strapping in to the lifeline before hauling gear up; always having three points of contact while ascending or descending; and having a cell phone and/or emergency signaling device in a place you can reach if you fall.
Tip 4: Check, and Recheck. You need to become obsessive about checking things, like the nuts, bolts, and fasteners on your stands; the stitching on your harnesses; and watching for frayed or damaged spots on ropes. If you have a home-built stand (not recommended, but people still do it) you need to check and repair anything that is not solid. If it’s attached to a tree, it’s subject to continual movement and will be stressed in between every use. A free-standing elevated stand can weather and rot, and critters can make dramatic changes to a stand in a very short period of time.
Tip 5: Spend the Money. If you think it’s too expensive to buy a quality harness, imagine how much it will cost for an emergency room visit, an extended time off from work, or to modify your house to accommodate your sparkling new wheelchair. Or how much it will cost your family to pay for your funeral. Yes, this is dramatic, but it happens every season to people who think, “It won’t happen to me.” Safety gear is as important as your bow or firearm, license, clothing, or ammunition.
Tip 6: Know Your Limitations. Are you getting older? Is it getting harder to get into that stand? Are you starting to lose your footing on the ladder when it is wet or frozen? Have you started taking a medication that makes you drowsy or dizzy? Are you not comfortable at that height anymore? If there is any way you are not relaxed and calm in that elevated stand, then rethink your hunting strategy. This is not a contest to see who is the toughest or most fearless – if you are not enjoying the hunting experience, start looking for alternatives.
Tip 7: There is No One Answer. There are a lot of ways to hunt deer, and a lot of deer were taken before elevated stands became popular. Hunting is a very safe activity; but it can be safer – do not put yourself at risk!
(Photo Courtesy, Davin Harsila)
Whitetails Unlimited
Whitetails Unlimited works as the voice of our members to promote conservation, preserve the hunting tradition, and celebrate North America’s premier big-game animal, the white-tailed deer. Whitetails Unlimited’s mission is to raise funds in support of educational programs, wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preservation of the hunting tradition and shooting sports for future generations.
Since our beginning, Whitetails Unlimited has spent over $147 million on projects including research, wildlife agency assistance, habitat enhancement/acquisition, scholarships, educational materials, hunter safety/education, anti-poaching measures, and cooperative projects with other conservation organizations.
