Category Archives: 3-bottom

Kent County Schools Go Green for Earth Day

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Twenty-eight schools across Kent County have been awarded with Michigan Green School certification in anticipation of Earth Day, celebrated April 22 each year. The schools participated in activities to learn about environmental topics, act on what they learned by doing service projects and share what they learned through outreach to their community and peers. 

 

After completing a list of activities covering topics like recycling, energy, environmental protection, or other environmental actions that suited the interests of the students, the schools submitted their applications to their Green Schools Coordinator, Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery Specialist Lauren Westerman. To be considered a Michigan Green School, an achievement recognized by Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature through Public Act 301 of 2010, schools completed ten to twenty different activities relating to environmental studies. Based on the number of activities they complete, the schools are eligible for three different levels of Green School certification: Green, Emerald or, the top award, Evergreen. 

 

“These twenty-eight schools brought sustainability conversations into the classroom in really creative ways,” said Westerman. “From writing letters to President Trump to implementing a school uniform reuse room to adopting endangered species and taking a field trip to the Kent County Recycling Center, these schools have really invested me and energy into teaching the value of sustainability.” 

 

Schools that achieved Michigan Green School certification from Kent County include:

 

Evergreen School (completed at least 20 activities) 

Ada Vista Elementary, Ada
Cherry Creek Elementary, Lowell
City High Middle School and the Center for Economicology, Grand Rapids Emmons Lake Elementary, Caledonia
Grandville High School, Grandville
Highlands Middle School, Grand Rapids
Holy Trinity Catholic School, Comstock Park
Ke le Lake Elementary, Alto
New Branches Charter Academy, Grand Rapids
Northview Crossroads Middle School, Grand Rapids
Parkside Elementary, Rockford 

 

Emerald School (completed at least 15 activities) 

CA Frost Elementary Environmental Science Academy, Grand Rapids Congress Elementary, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Montessori Public School, Grand Rapids
Grand View Elementary, Grandville
Meadow Brook Elementary, Grand Rapids
Murray Lake Elementary, Lowell
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, Grand Rapids 

 

Green School (completed at least 10 ac vi es) 

Bushnell Elementary, Lowell
Caledonia Elementary, Caledonia
Cedar Springs High School, Cedar Springs Cedar Springs Middle School, Cedar Springs Dutton Elementary, Caledonia
Forest Hills Central Middle School, Ada Forest Hills Eastern Middle School, Ada
Lee Elementary, Middleville
Lowell High School, Lowell
Paris Ridge Elementary, Caledonia 

 

Kent County Department of Public Works is the local county coordinator for the statewide Michigan Green Schools program, a non-pro t agency dedicated to assisting all Michigan schools to achieve environmental goals including protecting air, land, water and animals through good ecological practices and the teaching of environmental stewardship. The program started in 2005 as an idea of students and teachers at a school in Howell, Michigan and has grown to include more than 650 Michigan schools in 2016. 

7th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation announces 2018 dates

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Lineup of this year’s performers to be revealed at H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. on April 30, part of International Jazz Day celebrations

By Molly Klimas

 

GRandJazzFest, presented by the DTE Energy Foundation, returns to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, this Aug. 18 and 19, for the seventh annual festival. The popular family friendly festival is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival.

 

The two-day festival typically draws thousands to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids for the two-day, outdoor event always held the third weekend in August. In 2017, the event drew more than 10,000 people.

 

“We’re so excited to have the DTE Energy Foundation back for the seventh consecutive year as our presenting sponsor,” festival founder Audrey Sundstrom said. “We could not put on this festival without its support, and the support of all of our generous sponsors and volunteers. Jazz is really about bringing people together. It’s about community. And we’re grateful to the people and organizations that show their love of community by supporting GRandJazzFest,”

 

Holding the festival in the center city allows festivalgoers to enjoy all that downtown offers including restaurants, clubs, museums, microbreweries and shops. The festival typically occurs during Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids. The festival’s location is easily accessible to those who ride the bus, walk or bike, and is close to parking.

 

 “We believe art and cultural events have a direct correlation to a city’s ability to attract new visitors, define a sense of place and community, and contribute to the development of local skills and industries,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “The Grand Rapids community is extremely important to us and we’re proud to be presenting sponsor again. By investing in this hallmark event, the DTE Energy Foundation is helping to boost the local economy and strengthen the vitality of the region.”

 

The 2018 festival lineup will be revealed on April 30 at the House of Entertainment and Music (H.O.M.E.) at The B.O.B. in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6 pm. The Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet will perform during the evening’s event, which will announce the 10 diverse jazz artists and bands — including a student jazz band and two major headline acts — slated for the 2018 GRandJazzFest. Hilger’s band has performed at past GRandJazzFests, and he also serves as a board member of GR and Jazz.

 

“Jazz is a year-round passion here in West Michigan. We’re excited about a fun evening and a great way to reveal our 2018 lineup to jazz fans on April 30,” Hilger said.

 

Festival organizers have coordinated with International Jazz Day leaders to include the 2018 GRandJazzFest announcement as a sanctioned International Jazz Day event. Grand Rapids city commissioners announced GRandJazzFest as one of the city’s 2018 signature events, a distinction only given to local events proven to be successful and that enrich the community. Previously, GRandJazzFest 2016 received distinction as a Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Signature Event along with two other festivals, ArtPrize and LaughFest.

 

GR and Jazz, the nonprofit, all-volunteer-run producer of GRandJazzFest, is pleased to once again announce a special collaboration with the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). The 2018 festival’s V.I.P. area, which is open to sponsors, will be located on the GRAM front terrace where refreshments and snacks will be provided. Additionally, an outdoor bar will be set up at the base of the GRAM’s front steps adjoining Rosa Parks Circle to offer refreshments for attendees to enjoy during the festival.

 

People can get a taste of past GRandJazzFests by viewing the recap videos at http://grandjazzfest.org/newsroom/video/. More information on the 7thannual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation can be found at www.grandjazzfest.org. Connect on social media on the festival’s Facebook and Twitter sites, www.facebook.com/grandjazzfest and www.twitter.com/grandjazzfest.

KDL poetry slam gives area students a voice in what they are facing

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

If you would like to get some insight as to what area teenagers are facing today, then you might want tot head to the Kent District Library’s Teen Poetry Slam set for Thursday, April 26.

 

The third year for the event, which is at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the students use the written word to cover an array of topics, according to KDL Teen Paraprofessional Greg Lewis.

 

“It’s a gamut of subject matter,” Lewis said. “It’s from walks in beautiful nature to sharing their story and what struggles they are going through.”

 

Oh, and there is aways a couple poems on broken hearts, he said.

 

“We are just glad that they are sharing,” Lewis said.

 

The purpose of the Find Your Voice poetry slam — as the name implies — is to give area teenagers an opportunity to share their voice. The event is hosted by The Diatribe, a non-profit organization that uses poetry as a catalyst to empower youth, combat bullying, inspire students to speak up for each other, strengthen public speaking skills and open their eyes to the struggles of their peers.

 

Marcel ‘Fable’ Price, a member of the Diatribe, looks forward to the Poetry Slam every year. “It’s not the competition part of it, but the part where kids from all over the county stand on stage cheering each other on. Students from different backgrounds, experiences and of all different ethnicities lifting each other up — listening to the stories of their peers. Seeing the looks of accomplishment, joy and pride on these students’ faces is what we absolutely enjoy the most.”

 

To be part of the slam, students had to have submitted a poem in the KDL’s 15th annual poetry contest earlier this year. The contest had more than 300 poems entered by more than 200 students from all over the county. All who submitted were invited to participate in the slam. New this year, the slam will be divided into two categories — 6th-8th grade students will go first, followed by students in grades 9-12. Local poets and dignitaries will serve as judges and winners will receive a gift card to Meijer. 

 

“Last year, the house was full and there wasn’t an empty seat in the place,” Lewis said. In the end, it isn’t about winning, Lewis said, adding it is like Marcel said, seeing the students support each other and cheer each other on.

 

The Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch of Kent District Library presents its third annual Teen Poetry Slam at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. Recent submitters to KDL’s Teen Poetry Contest will share their poems. The library is located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Wyoming Tree Commission celebrates Arbor Day with a variety events

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Mayor Jack Poll reads a proclamation at last year’s Arbor Day event.

By The Wyoming Tree Commission

 

The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” has four reasons to celebrate Arbor Day 2018.

 

Tree City USA. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has informed the City of Wyoming that the Arbor Day Foundation has designated the City of Wyoming as a 2017 Tree City USA community. This is the City’s second year as a designee. To receive the designation, cities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

 

Tree-covery Block by Block. On April 21, The Tree Amigos and student volunteers will plant 24 street trees in the City. Planting will begin 9 a.m. in the 4200 block of Flamingo Avenue SW where ten Wyoming residents have signed up for the project. The volunteers will plant another fourteen trees at other residents’ homes in various locations throughout the City. The Wyoming residents will help plant and pledge to maintain the hearty tree sapling in front of their homes. A matching-funds grant from the Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program and the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry Program helped cover the cost of this project.

 

Beverly Bryan Community Orchard. NOTE: This event has been moved to May. The Tree Amigos will join West Elementary students and volunteers recruited by Kent School Services Network (KSSN) at Wyoming’s West Elementary School after school to plant ten more fruit and nut trees at the Beverly Bryan Community Orchard.  Named for the late wife of the Tree Commission’s vice president Greg Bryan, who provided funding, the orchard was started August 30, 2017 with five, rescued heirloom apple trees, donated by Habitat for Humanity. Other funding comes from a Slow Food West Michigan Biodiveristy Mini-grant, Greater Wyoming Resource Council, District 77 Giveback and private donations in memory of Beverly Bryan.

 

Arbor Day Proclamation. At 10 a.m. Friday April 27. Wyoming City Commissioner Kent VanderWood will read the 2018 City of Wyoming Arbor Day Proclamation during a special celebration at Wyoming West Elementary School. After the speech, West Elementary students will sing a few songs to celebrate the community orchard.

 

For information on The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, like The Tree Amigos on Facebook or email TreeAmigosWyoming@gmail.com.

Student photography guides senior citizens in their living space

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Calvin senior Lynn Park is one of the students who provided photography for the hallways at Samaritas. (Photo courtesy of Calvin College)

By Hannah Ebeling, Calvin College

 

“I think the ability to take what you are learning in an academic setting and translate that to a real-world situation is such a helpful process,” said Jennifer Hoag, professor of photography at Calvin College. “You have to really think about what is needed and break down the criteria to be successful.”

 

Last fall, an intermediate digital photography class was given the opportunity to do just that.

 

Samaritas, a faith-based senior living home, approached Hoag because they wanted some new artwork for the walls in their memory-care unit that caters to residents in varying stages of dementia. Hoag visited their facility over the summer, and since everything looks similar, she said it was even tricky for her to navigate.

 

Art to help memory-care residents

 

“What Samaritas hoped for were images that could help their residents navigate the hallways,” said Hoag. “I thought it sounded like a really interesting project for students to think about the function of their photographs rather than thinking of them strictly as art.”

 

In groups of four and five, students came up with a theme for each of the facility’s hallways. “Students each approached the project in a very different way,” said Hoag. “Some groups decided they would get together and photograph with each other. Others worked more independently, but together decided how they wanted their photographs to look stylistically and went about it that way.”

 

This opportunity would act as the students’ final in the class. Hoag said she was not sure how the project would be received, but the students loved the idea right from the very start. They appreciated being able to serve in this way and have their work displayed in a setting, while being useful.

 

“I think the experience gave me a good chance to put into practice all of the things we had been learning in class, and with practice comes improvement,” said photography student, Marisa Seifert. “I think it is so important for students to gain this real-world experience and to engage in the community, not only for the personal benefit of experience, but also to benefit those around us who may be in need of certain services or skills. We can learn from them, and they can learn from us.”

 

Students put a lot into this project, said Hoag. Many bought their own props and went as far as baking and decorating a whole cake for the perfect shot. “A group of students even got together to make breakfast for their breakfast-themed collection,” she said. Samaritas plans to put these down the hallway that leads to the dining area.

 

“My favorite part about this project was seeing how my classmates interpreted the assignment in a different way than me,” said Seifert. “All of the photos were unique and beautiful in their own way.”

 

Students use what they learn to serve

 

The staff from Samaritas was very involved in the process and came to talk to the class. “The aging process can often affect the eyes, so they helped us understand which colors to avoid,” said Hoag. “We chose to use brighter colors within a certain spectrum.”

 

Once the photos were printed a representative from Samaritas joined the class for their final evaluation and critique. “She was able to walk around and see all the images that were made,” said Hoag. “She was really pleased with what the students came up with and already started talking about doing this again for another section of their facility.”

 

“It’s not often that I get to incorporate a service-learning aspect into the class,” said Hoag. “A lot of the photo assignments are very conceptually and technically driven and are not very collaborative. I loved the idea of having a collaborative project incorporated in the class and at the same time have students think about the function of the project.”

 

The 24 large prints of the students’ work will be mounted and hung at Samaritas Senior Living Home at the end of February.

 

Reprinted with permission from Calvin College.

East Kentwood student makes her acting debut in Civic’s ‘Akeelah and the Bee’

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East Kentwood student Ania Powell makes her Civic Theatre debut with “Akeelah and the Bee.”

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Ania Powell can relate to Akeelah Anderson challenges of stepping out of your comfort zone in “Akeelah and the Bee,” Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s upcoming children’s production.

 

“I always wanted to act,” said the East Kentwood High School 11th grader during a recent interview. “So I decided you’ve got to start somewhere. So let’s see how it goes.”

 

Her starting point was auditioning for the Civic production, which will run April 20 – 29, and landing the role of Ratchet Rhonda, a schoolmate of Akeelah.

 

“I was really surprised and excited,” Powell said of landing her first role at Civic Theatre. “There were 60 or more people who auditioned and about 12 were called back, so that was pretty exciting as well.”

 

Actually Powell is one of a half of dozen new faces to Civic Theatre in the “Akeelah” production which also reunites actors from the 2017 Civic production of “Ragtime,” including Eddie Stephens, Marissa Baty, Micah Mcdonald, Dona Curry, and Michael Travis.  

 

Also new to Civic is guest director Dwandra Nickole Lampkin, associate professor of theatre and director of Multicultural Theatre at Western Michigan University.

 

“I don’ always jump at the opportunity to direct…I’m an actor first,” Lampkin said. “But in talking with Allyson Paris, associate director at Civic Theatre and co-director for ‘Akeelah,’ I realized this project was something bigger than myself. I thought, here is a theater that wants to commit a spot in their season to a show with a different perspective (both culturally and racially). I not only wanted, but needed to be a part of that. I thought, ‘if Civic Theatre is making this commitment, how can I not?’”

 

“Akeelah and the Bee,” based off the 2006 film starring Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett, tells the story of 11-year-old spelling enthusiast Akeelah Anderson. She must overcome many obstacles including her neighborhood in South Los Angeles, the prejudice of those she is competing against along with those of her friends and family, and finally her own self doubts to land a spot and participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

 

Powell said she can understand the challenges Akeelah faced. To be able to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Akeelah had to make a lot of sacrifices, Powell said, and to be part of a production such as “Akeelah and the Bee,” Powell had to make some tough choices as well.

 

“I learned that you have to be very committed to to a production,” Powell said about being in the show. “I usually play softball in the spring for school but I gave that up in order to focus on the show.”

 

Marissa Baty as Gail Anderson, Blessing Ouding as Akeelah, and Eddie Stephens as Dr. Larabee

Rehearsals for a show are almost daily which means a lot of time at Civic Theatre and Powell said learning lines and really getting to know her character has been a challenge.

 

“Akeelah went through a lot of stuff to accomplish what she wanted and she didn’t it let her stop her,” Powell said. “That inspires me as well.”

 

And Powell believes that “Akeelah” can inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things like she did.

 

“I would tell people that this show is about not being afraid to take that step outside of the box because you never know what it is going be like or if you will ever have the chance to do it again,” Powell said. 

 

“Akeelah and the Bee” is April 20-29 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. The show is recommended for 5th graders and older. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday with 2 p.m matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $16-$10. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.grct.org.

It’s spring with Wyoming helping residents with that urge to purge

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The City of Wyoming’s annual clean up day is Saturday, April 21.

By Seth Van Ast

Editorial Assistant

 

Sometimes there are those things around the house that you want to throw away but disposal can be expensive and some items can be a hazardous challenge to handle. Well the City of Wyoming will help residents take care of that as the city hosts its third annual Community Clean-Up Day, Saturday, April 21.

 

“It came about as an opportunity for people who maybe have refuse or recycling or household hazardous waste at their homes and weren’t sure on how to get ride of those items,” said Terra Wesseldyk, who is with the Wyoming Public Safety Department and is heading up this year’s event. “We wanted to help make Wyoming beautiful, so we developed a program in which people could come to a centralized location and get rid of all those items.”

 

Recycle Kent will be on hand at this year’s event.

Started in 2016 through a employee committee, the event encouraged many in the city to clean up and dispose of unwanted items. Every year the event has grown with last year, more than 400 vehicles going through the 2017 location at North Godwin Elementary School, which was a 20 percent increase over the previous year’s event. About 15,000 pounds of electronics were recycled including 140 tubed TVs. About 5,096 pounds of household hazardous waste was dropped off and 4,400 pounds of metal were recycled. About 43 dumpsters were filled and 60 toms of refuse was hauled away by Plummer’s Disposal.

 

Also every year, the event has been at a different location.

 

“It was developed as a plan in which we would move the location of the clean up to different areas in order to serve each area of the city,” Wesseldyk said. “So that people who weren’t able to bring large items to an area across the city, that if they had it closer to them they would be able to bring larger items to us.”

 

This year’s event will be at First Grand Rapids, 2100 44th St. SW. 

 

“People will need to enter traveling eastbound on 44th Street and enter at the northeast entrance of Grand Rapids First,” Wesseldyk said. “There will be lines and there will be volunteers showing where to enter. All the other entrances will be barricaded so nobody can go in any of the other entrances.”

 

Join the challenge by getting rid of old electronics.

Trash, recycling, and household hazardous waste will be accepted with a picture ID to show proof of Wyoming residency. Organizers are asking that people show up no later than 1:30 p.m. The Kent County Department of Public Works, Recycle Kent and the Salvation Army will be on hand to take various items.

 

The only items that citizens will be charged for dropping off will be mattresses, box springs and tires. All of this is being sponsored by the the Greater Wyomig Community Resource Alliance.

 

For questions or further information, call 616-530-7226 or visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup

Vet needed to fill vacancy on Kent County Veterans’ Affairs Committee  

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Kent County is interested in filling membership on a county committee focused of veterans issues.

By Kent County

 

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

 

The new Veterans’ Affairs Committee member would fill a mid-term vacancy ending Dec. 31, 2021. Applicants must reside in Kent County and have served honorably on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

 

The Veterans’ Affairs Committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m., at the Veterans’ Services Office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE.

 

Kent County residents must complete an online application form via the County’s website at accesskent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 27.

 

Please call the Board of Commissioners Office at 616-632-7580 with any questions.

 

Removing dangerous lead paint now free for qualifying homeowners

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By Molly Klimas

 

People who live in the City of Grand Rapids — particularly those who live in homes built before 1978 — probably have lead in the paint inside and outside their homes. Lead is bad — especially for kids, babies and pregnant women. It causes brain damage and learning disabilities.

 

Some key points:

  • Lead poisons people — especially kids — and can cause lifelong problems.
  • Grand Rapids zip code 49507 continues to lead state for most lead-poisoned kids.
  • Prevention is key.

Lead poisoning can be prevented. There’s HUD funding to remove lead paint SAFELY through a program known locally as Get the Lead Out!The program is led by the city of Grand Rapids in collaboration with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, the Kent County Health Department and the Rental Property Owners Association.

 

Recently, the program was simplified, making participation free for eligible homeowners. The program is available to renters, homeowners and landlords who meet certain eligibility requirements. Repairs typically include new windows and siding.

 

“This is a great opportunity to improve your home and make it healthier,” says Doug Stek, housing rehabilitation supervisor with the City of Grand Rapids. “Sometimes people will attempt to remove lead paint by themselves – scraping and removing the paint – but that can be dangerous and make a bad situation worse. Highly trained contractors work to make homes lead-safe through the Get the Lead Out! program. Think about it: just a week or two to improve your home and, most important, to help the people who live in it.”

 

“I would encourage the community to take advantage of these funds for the sake of our children,” says Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack. “When I ran for office, this was my No. 1 issue. Keeping our kids healthy is crucial — they are our future.”

 

It doesn’t take much lead to create a toxic situation. One gram of lead dust is enough to make 25,000 square feet of flooring hazardous for young children, according to research jointly conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA).

 

“We’re talking an amount as small as the equivalent of a packet of Sweet’N Low — just that small amount is enough to contaminate the floors of a dozen homes in Grand Rapids,” says Paul Haan, executive director of the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan.

 

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has made tackling the lead problem a priority. She spoke at length about the issue during her annual State of the City address earlier this year.

 

The Kent County Lead Task Force published its Ending Childhood Lead Exposure in Kent County report in January.

 

“More and more people are learning that lead is bad, but a lot of people still don’t know what lurks in their home and how it can harm children. And many don’t know that there’s funding to help safely remove lead paint. That’s why we are relentless about spreading the word about this critical issue,” Haan said.

 

The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan has a five-point plan that spans discussions at state, county and local levels. Healthy Homes recommends that

  1. All children under age 6 must be tested, especially at ages 1 and 2. When a child is lead poisoned, the source of poisoning needs to be discovered.
  2. Homes must be tested before more children are poisoned.
  3. Homes must be fixed before more children are poisoned.
  4. Contractors must work lead-safe.
  5. The community must be engaged and listened to every step of the way.

RENTERS, HOMEOWNERS, LANDLORDS: If you live in and / or own a home in the city of Grand Rapids, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at (616) 241-3300 or go to gettheleadoutgr.org to learn more. Or, contact the city of Grand Rapids Community Development Department at 616-456-3030. The HUD funding, and the time frame to participate, is limited.

Adoptable pets from Humane Society of West Michigan: Sammy and Cooper

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Meet Sammy (left) and Cooper, a delightful bonded pair of felines ready for a new home!

By Brooke Hotchkiss, Humane Society of West Michigan

 

Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.

 

Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them new, forever homes. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.

 

Cooper (10 year old male Domestic Short Hair) & Sammy (8 year old female Domestic Short Hair)

 

Hi everyone! We are Sammy and Cooper. We are a bonded pair which means we have to go home together because we love each other so much! We are a little shy at first but once we get to know you we would love to play “catch the feather” or “chase the shoe string”. We were surrendered to Humane Society of West Michigan because our owner was moving and could not take us with. We are a part of the Silver Paws program for senior shelter pets — which means there is no cost to adopt us!

 

Please come meet us at Humane Society of West Michigan!

More about these fabulous felines:

Sammy

  • Animal ID: 37966188
  • Domestic Shorthair/Mix
  • Age: 8 years
  • Female
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Grey
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed

Cooper

  • Animal ID: 37966176
  • Domestic Medium Hair/Mix
  • Age: 10 years
  • Female
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Brown/White
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed

The Humane Society of West Michigan automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 (PETS).

Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.

Be In the Know: Top Headlines for the Week

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

Wyoming: Kim Koster selected as Public Safety chief

The Wyoming City Council has named Kimberly Koster its new director of public safety during its regular April 16 meeting. She will be sworn in Wednesday, April 25. For more information, click here.

 

Wyoming: TwoGuys Brewing now open

Tom Payne, shown at back talking with customers, says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

It may have taken a little longer that expected, but Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing has opened in an old city firehouse and a one-time 7-Eleven convenience store in, and for, the Wyoming Park community.

 

And Tom Payne — managing partner, brewmaster and all-around craft-brew guru — says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer, and he hopes the business is just the beginning of a continued renaissance in the area. For more, click here.

 

Kentwood: City opens brush drop-off site

The City of Kentwood will be pilot a yard debris drop-off site this spring.

Residents of the city will be able to dispose of sticks, branches and logs at the Kentwood Department of Public Works from May 7 to June 2. For more, click here.

 

Wyoming and Kentwood: Time for spring cleaning

 

The City of Wyoming will be hosting its third annual Community Clean-Up Day this Saturday, April 21, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Residents must bring proof of residency or property ownership within the city. The event will be from 8 a.m. 2 p.m.

 

The line will form in the east bound lane of 44th St. SW. Traffic will enter the parking lot through the northeast entrance. Plummers, Kent County Department of Public Works, Recycle Kent, and The Salvation Army will be on hand. For more information, click here.

 

The City of Kentwood will host its Community Clean-Up Day May 5 at the Kentwood Recycling Center at 5068 Breton Ave. The event is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This service is provided to Kentwood residents with proof by picture identification.

 

The Kent County Department of Public Works will be on hand to accept household hazardous waste items.  They will not be accepting latex paint. The Salvation Army and Comprenew also will be on hand. For more information, click here.

 

Cherry Health: How to prevent asbestos exposure

 

As many begin their spring cleaning, Cherry Health,  in collaboration with mesothelioma health advocate Rosie Rosati,  takes a look at asbestos and how residents can prevent exposure to the carcinogen. For more on the story, click here.

 

 

On Tap: Wyoming’s new TwoGuys Brewing plans to be community catalyst 

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Tom Payne, shown at back talking with customers, says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

It may have taken a little longer that expected, but Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing has opened in an old city firehouse and a one-time 7-Eleven convenience store in, and for, the Wyoming Park community.

 

And Tom Payne — managing partner, brewmaster and all-around craft-brew guru — says he plans for the new taproom to be as much as community meeting place as a place to quaff a beer, and he hopes the business is just the beginning of a continued renaissance in the area.

 

Tom Payne of TwoGuys Brewery. (WKTV)

“Some folk see breweries as bars, we are not a bar,” Payne said last week to WKTV. “We are a place where people come together. We just happen to have beer. I keep going back to (my belief) that our beer and our food is the least important thing in this building. We are here for our community.

 

“We have no TVs in here, by design. This is a place for our community to come together and talk and meet your neighbor. We have all gotten disconnected. This is the place to reconnect. … That is what TwoGuys is — this is a place were people come together.”

 

TwoGuys is also, Payne hopes, the beginning of better days for the neighborhood in which he grew up, lives and now has opened his business.

 

“The biggest reason (for placing their business in Wyoming) is that this is where we live, my wife and I,” Payne said in a previous interview with WKTV. “I grew up in Wyoming Park. I graduated from Wyoming Park. I have lived, aside from my time in the Marine Corps, in this area and it has always been my home.”

 

Payne still believes in his community.

 

TwoGuys Brewery’s tap room, located at 2356 Porter St SW, had a soft opening for two weeks in late March but is now fully operational. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“We are here to help rebuild Wyoming Park,” he said last week. “This was a thriving business neighborhood, but now it is all dead. So, I really hope that we can bring in some other entrepreneurs into the Wyoming Park area. … Maybe spur on the next thing: ‘What else is the park missing?’… The most important thing is seeing more people come into Wyoming Park.”

 

The original plans were to open in fall of 2017, but fate and paperwork delayed the opening until March of this year. TwoGuys, located at 2356 Porter St SW, had a soft opening for two weeks in late March but is now fully operational.

 

The delay in opening had a bit to do with the city and state paperwork necessary in acquisition of   the old 7-Eleven building convenience store for the taproom and the city building for the actual breweries. as well as getting the proper proper brewing licensing from the state. But a bit of the delay also had to do with the fact that there was a ton of sweat-equity required — and India Pale Ale expended — in the renovation of the two buildings.

 

There were some details and delays with the acquisition of the fire barn across the street as the brewery, but “once that got worked out with the city” they had to add a second location to the required state paperwork.”

 

“It was absolutely a great relationship with the city” in opening the business, Payne said. But “we had to go backtracking a little bit. That is what slowed us down. We were hoping to be open wast September but had to redo somethings.”

 

Another part of the delay was the complete make-over of the 7-Eleven.

 

TwoGuys Brewery’s tap room looks nothing like the 7-Eleven convenience story it once was. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“We gutted the entire tap room building,” Payne said. “The only thing that remains, that is left, of the 7-Eleven, is the our cooler wall, where the glass doors are. We kept those for a little bit of nostalgia.”

 

The work, he said, he and his partners did as a “second- and third-shift, after working their day jobs. … I really want to thank Founders and their All Day IPA. We drank a lot of that as we were working on this place.”

 

Payne credits Larry Kerkstra, Aaron Roberts, Andy Zapolnik and TwoGuys chef Kris Lohraff as being partners at work and partners at driving down the supply of All Day.

 

Now they have their own brews for work parties.

 

For more information on TwoGuys Brewery and Taproom is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. For more information call the taproom at 616-881-2260 or visit twoguysbrewing.beer .

 

Celebrate the Earth with Blandford’s annual FREE Earth Day Celebration!

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By Blandford Nature Center

 

Sunday, April 22nd marks nearly 50 years since the first-ever Earth Day around the world, highlighting the importance of caring for our home planet through environmental activism. Commemorate the occasion during our annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21st from 12-3 pm at Blandford Nature Center located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504. It is also the 50th Anniversary of Blandford Nature Center — what better way to rejoice at 50 years of getting people outdoors than with FREE general admission in the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center.

 

In addition to free admission for the entire day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all of the trails and check out the wildlife ambassadors, such as Baby the Barred Owl and Opal the Opossum in the Wildlife Education Center. Guests can take interpretive tours of the historical buildings including the one-room schoolhouse and log cabin or even partake in volunteer opportunities during an AM shift from 9 am to 12 pm and a PM shift from 1-3 pm. There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

Photo courtesy Blandford Nature Center

“Earth Day is a chance to show the community all that Blandford has to offer for free while showing our appreciation for the Earth through stewardship,” said Renee Baker, Community Programs Manager.

 

There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

The event is open to the public with free admission for all ages. Tickets and pre-registration are not required for entry. Please go to blandfordnaturecenter.org/event/earth-day-celebration/ for details.

 

Blandford Nature Center’s mission is to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. This is accomplished through: an active outdoor environmental lab, a team of passionate, knowledgeable people and a strong link from past to future promoting sustainability. Blandford offers a wide variety of educational and community programs to support this mission. For more information, please visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Blandford Nature Center is a registered, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Wyoming City Council promotes Kimberly Koster to Public Safety chief

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Capt. Kim Koster has been named the new Wyoming Pubic Safety Chief. She will be sworn in on April 25.

In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council has named Kimberly Koster its new director of public safety during its regular April 16 meeting. She will be sworn in Wednesday, April 25.

 

In this role, Koster will lead a team of nearly 130 full-time personnel, including 86 sworn police officers and 29 full-time firefighters. She is the first woman to lead the Department of Public Safety. Koster will replace Chief James E. Carmody, who will retire on April 26 after more than four decades of service in public safety – including 11 with the City of Wyoming.

 

““Capt. Koster has been an exceptional officer and instrumental member of our public safety team, and I am fully confident she will soar in this new role,”” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “”She has gone above and beyond in her various positions, and I believe is a role model and trusted figure for our residents.

“”We look forward to seeing her future accomplishments as she leads our public safety team in its ongoing mission to protect and to serve our community.””

 

With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, Koster began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this position, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.

 

She worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and, most recently, captain, a position she has held since 2010. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.

 

““It has been an honor to watch Capt. Koster grow professionally and to form such strong bonds of trust with colleagues and the public,”” Chief Carmody said. ““This department has some of the very best public safety professionals.  They work extremely hard, and Kim is at the forefront of this team.

 

““I have complete confidence in her ability and look forward to watching her take this department to the next level, while providing second-to-none police and fire services to our community.””

 

As the chief of police and fire services, Koster plans to develop strategies that will improve the delivery of the department’s public safety services. She will ensure the open and lasting dialogue necessary to keep the community safe is maintained and members of the community are served with dignity, respect, fairness and compassion.

 

““The Wyoming community has been such an incredible place to begin and to progress in my career,”” Koster said. “”Chief Carmody has been a phenomenal mentor, and I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to take the reins and lead this first-rate public safety department, which is committed to exceptional service and strong community relations.””

 

Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence, Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer and Safe Driving Award.

 

 

She served as a 911 communications supervisor, during which time she led the consolidation of police and fire operations in multiple communities, including Wyoming’’s, move to Kent County. She has also served as lead detective in homicide investigations and as a crisis negotiator, among other critical roles throughout her career.

 

With a commitment to training, she graduated with Class 251 of the FBI National Academy. She also attended the Leadership Institute training hosted by Grand Rapids Police Department and the Police and Staff Command training hosted by Northwestern University.

 

Koster received her associates degree from Grand Rapids Junior College, her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and her master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University.

 

She resides in Grand Rapids with her wife, Marie, and three of her children, Bonham, Cash and Jett. She also has two adult stepchildren, Samantha and Alex.

Grand Rapids Public Museum returns as West Michigan Hub for MSU’s Science Festival

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Statewide Astronomy Night will be at The James C. Veen Observatory in Lowell on April 20.

By Christie Bender

Grand Rapids Public Museum

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is once again the West Michigan Hub for Michigan State University’s Science Festival. Join the GRPM and the rest of the state in this science month celebration with special events hosted in West Michigan.

 

The Museum will host two special science events in the month of April, including a Statewide Astronomy Night and Pub Science at Brewery Vivant! Entrance is FREE for these events.

 

The MSU Science Festival is a month long of statewide events highlighting and celebrating the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The MSU Science Festival features talks, demonstrations, tours, open houses, guest speakers, and hands-on activities for lifelong learners of all ages. The MSU Science Festival is proudly coordinated and produced by Michigan State University, working together with professionals and educators across the state to bring Michigan communities an opportunity to experience “Science Live.”

 

On Friday, April 20, experience Statewide Astronomy Night at the Veen Observatory in nearby Lowell. Presented by the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium, there will be tours of the facility, hands-on activities and telescope demonstrations. Assisting with the event will be members of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA), who operate the observatory with support from the Museum. The observatory houses three large telescopes (including one that can be operated robotically), and portable telescopes will also be set up on the grounds for visitors to use. Special sky observations will take place from 8:30 -11:30 p.m. to observe the moon, Jupiter and other sky objects. Telescopes will be weather dependent; all other activities will take place regardless.

 

Pub Science will be April 18 at Brewery Vivant.

Pub Science will take place on Wednesday, April 18. Participants will tour behind the scenes at Brewery Vivant to see how beer is made, as well as partake in a discussion all about the science of making beer. Pub Science begins at 7 p.m. and limited to 30 participants. Participants must be 21 and older, and can reserve a spot at grpm.org/calendar.

 

For more information on MSU’s Statewide Science Festival, please visit www.sciencefestival.msu.edu/. For information regarding Grand Rapids specific events please visit grpm.org.

 

The GRPM continuously offers astronomy events in conjunction with the GRAAA. On Thursday, April 19, join the GRAAA public meeting to hear Star Stories from Michigan from Mary Stewart Adams, Star Lore Historian, open and free to the public. This presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium.

 

On Saturday, April 21, join the GRPM and GRAAA for International Astronomy Day. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., view the sky through telescopes at the GRPM. Inside the Museum will be additional hands-on activities, free with general admission.

 

For more information on upcoming astronomy events please visit grpm.org/Calendar or graaa.org.

School News Network: Students seek ways to attract more people into teaching

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11th graders Payton Bidwell (left) and Mirabella Witte share some of their group’s brainstorming results about the problem of declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs (photo by Natalie Tomlin)

By School News Network

 

“How might Grand Valley State University increase the supply of students in the College of Education?”

 

This was the driving question students were given on the launch of a project at Kent Innovation High School this winter. Other questions included: “How do markets respond to changes to supply or demand? How might the college positively impact supply and demand in the marketplace? What does the data suggest about the supply of teachers?”

 

Teams of students were challenged to research the causes of the shortage and formulate a possible way for GVSU’s College of Education to address the problem. Their final product, a website, needed to include key data related to the teacher shortage, interpretation of data and a solution, as well as a supply and demand graph. Students also presented their ideas to a panel of GVSU education staff.

 

This project was designed by facilitator Rachel Haddad, who teaches English language arts and facilitator Jeff Bush, who teaches social studies and economics, in collaboration with two student teachers from GVSU.

 

Anastasia Motta, 11th grade, presents “Requirement Tailoring”

At first, Mirabella Witte and one of her teammates, Payton Bidwell, thought the problem seemed huge. But as they delved into the six-week project, their perspective changed. “By the end, we began to see our worth. We realized that we are where the problem is,” said Mirabella, a junior at Union High School.

 

Dedicated to project-based learning and collaboration, students at Innovation High work on real problems, researching and seeking solutions. Often, students present their ideas to authentic audiences, like the panel from GVSU.

 

As part of the project, several guest speakers visited to share knowledge of the teacher shortage from different perspectives: Dr. Kelly Margo, assistant professor from GVSU; Char Firlik, retired Kent ISD education consultant; and Coni Sullivan, assistant superintendent for HR and legal services at Kent ISD.

 

According to Paula Lancaster, director of teacher education at GVSU, “Statewide, since 2008, Michigan has seen an approximately 50% decline in the number of individuals enrolling in teacher preparation programs. At GVSU the decline has been nearly 30%. Over the past three years we have seen a stable uptick.”

 

Exploring How Supply & Demand Affects Teacher Job Market

 

Bush explained that one of the goals was to connect students to the concept of supply and demand as it applies to the job market. Students discovered that in part, fewer people are choosing to become teachers because of stagnant teaching salaries in comparison to STEM fields. But students also found that the shortage had to do with more than just money.

 

Silas Hinkle, 11th grade, presents “Advertising: Encouraging Future Educators”

Research showed a number of teachers left the field because “they didn’t feel supported.” In response, teams proposed developing mentorship programs to support incoming teachers, or setting up programs through parks and recreation departments.

 

After researching and pooling possible solutions, Payton Bidwell’s group focused on students who might have a passion for teaching, but were not being recruited during high school. They decided to propose a new program that could involve Kent Career Tech Center helping connect potential educators to GVSU. She said this idea could help high school students get exposure to the field of education and find those with a passion for it.

 

John Shinsky, associate dean for community impact at GVSU, was a member of the panel and said he was impressed by the rich conversation that resulted. The panel asked students follow-up questions, such as how they came up with their ideas or about alternative ways of implementing their solutions.

 

“Students did a tremendous job,” Shinsky said. “They brought a pure point of view to the issue. This is just one more example of the capabilities of our young people today. It was also fantastic to see K-12 and higher education coming together.”

 

Students also gained a new perspective after they presented to an audience.

 

“It was surprising how realistic our solution was and how serious the adults took us,” said Payton, a junior at Forest Hills Central High School, adding she appreciated the chance to connect with the teaching field. “I learned that every profession has benefits that you may not have known without looking deeper into the profession itself.”

 

Bush explained that student projects were judged in three areas: Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information, as well as Creative and Critical Thinking.

 

“It was exciting to give students the opportunity to connect with a local partner that affects them directly,” Haddad said. “Students did an excellent job being professional when grappling with a real world problem.”

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

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‘Be the Astronaut’ tickets on sale at Grand Rapids Public Museum

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By Christie Bender

Grand Rapids Public Museum

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today tickets are now on sale for the newest traveling exhibit, Be the Astronaut, opening June 16. Visitors will experience what it is like to be an astronaut including the challenges and excitement of spaceflight!

 

Visitors take command of futuristic space vehicles, chart their course to the Moon, Mars and beyond and land and explore highly detailed digital re-creations of actual places in the solar system built using data from NASA space probes.

 

Be the Astronaut teaches STEM based content via a fusion of the physical exhibit with state-of-the-art video game technology. Visitors have their own crew of virtual experts throughout every stage of the exhibit. These digital characters will help visitors learn what’s needed to fly a spaceship, pilot a lander, and drive a surface rover — then will be there as visitors climb in the simulators to actually perform these feats, in a thrilling narrative adventure that spans the solar system.

 

“Through STEM based hands-on activities that are scientifically verified by NASA experts, this exhibit let’s our community travel to space from right here at the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, Director of Science at the GRPM.

 

Tickets are now on sale for Be the Astronaut, and can be purchased by visiting grpm.org/Astronaut or by calling the Museum’s front desk at 616-929-1700.

 

Admission to Be the Astronaut is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum.

 

In each space capsule, a monitor serves as the ‘windshield,’ giving visitors a first-person view of their adventures. Touch-screens and an industrial-quality joystick put visitors in command.

 

During missions, the entire cockpit comes alive with animated lighting effects, game visuals, and sounds that make visitors believe they are astronauts. Special companion robots will move about the hall and interact with visitors.

 

The focus of the exhibit is on the concepts common to all space flights and invites visitors into a futuristic storyline as the framework to communicate these ideas.

 

The experience is scientifically verified by experts at NASA for accuracy and feasibility.

 

This exhibit will run from June 16 through Sept. 16.

 

Be the Astronaut was designed and produced by Eureka Exhibits, LLC. – A NASA Space Act Agreement Partner Company.

 

Be the Astronaut is sponsored by The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation, Meijer, David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, STAR 105.7, BDO USA, LPP, Chris & Kim Branoff, Cascade Engineering, Jim & Barb Haveman, Lacks Enterprises, Inc., Williams Kitchen & Bath and Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids.

 

This exhibit is brought to you by the citizens of Kent County and the voter approved millage.

City of Kentwood to open brush drop-off site as part of community clean-up

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The City of Kentwood will pilot a yard debris drop-off site this spring.

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

The City of Kentwood will launch a new brush drop-off site to residents this May, coinciding with its annual community clean-up effort. The brush drop-off project is a pilot project.

 

Residents of the city will be able to dispose of sticks, branches and logs at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, from May 7 to June 2.

 

Residents can stop by between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The site will be closed on Sundays.

 

“Residents expressed a desire to have this service available, and we hope it will make spring cleaning and yard care easier,” John Gorney, director of public works, said in supplied material. “A drop-off site has worked well in other communities and we are excited for its launch in Kentwood.”

 

The site will not accept grass clippings, leaves, trash, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass or metal.

 

The service is available to Kentwood residents only, and anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency.

 

For more information on the brush drop-off program visit kentwood.us .

 

For more information on the community clean-up, visit kentwood.us .

 

 

Employment Expertise: Important Questions to Ask in an Interview

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Most interviews end with this question: What questions do you have for us?

 

Your interview isn’t over yet! Show curiosity and interest in the company during this part of the interview. Impress the employer with great questions- not ones you already know the answer to, such as position details or wage information.

 

Ask questions to see if you’re a good match for the company. This is your time to shine. Here are five important ones:

  1. What does success look like in the position?
  2. What experiences and skills describe the ideal candidate?
  3. What is the next step in the interview process?
  4. How do you see this position changing in the next three years?
  5. How can I best help you and the team succeed?

Choose three questions that make the most sense for your interview. Write them down in a notebook. During the interview, reference your list if you forget what question to ask next.

 

The bottom line: ask questions that show you’re interested in the organization. Good questions will impress the employer.

 

Ready to take these questions to an interview? You’re in luck! There are 13+ hiring events this week with employers offering on-site interviews. See the dates, times and employers on our website here.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport records busiest month ever with 16.2 percentage growth

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

March 2018 was the single busiest month in Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) history.

 

March passenger numbers were up 16.2 percent year-over-year; resulting in the busiest March ever, the busiest first quarter ever, and breaking an all-time monthly record from March 2017.

 

“We continue to sound like a broken record, but what an amazing feat for our airport and our community to not only have a record month, but the best in Ford Airport history,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “We saw first-hand the traffic in our parking garage and passengers going through our security checkpoints leaving for Spring Break, but we are pleasantly surprised to see a record-breaking month like this.”

 

page1image23504

March 2017 was previously the busiest month in GFIA history with 256,880 total passengers. In March 2018, 298,487 total passengers traveled through GFIA – breaking the previous record by 41,607 passengers.

 

Each month of 2018 has resulted in record-breaking passenger numbers, also equating to GFIA recording its busiest first quarter in history. Through March 2018, GFIA has served 790,106 passengers- more than the first three years that the airport was in operation combined (1964- 1966).

 

“Our airline partners continue to invest here adding more service, more routes, and larger aircraft to accommodate our growing passenger traffic,” said Gill. “We hope our continued growth prompts even more service to give our West Michigan community more options and competitive pricing when they fly from the Ford Airport.”

 

The Ford Airport is coming off a 2017 that saw over 2.8 million passengers, the fifth straight year of record growth. GFIA has seen growth in 56 of the last 63 months.

 

GFIA has invested in new facilities to accommodate the growing traffic by recently completing Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project – an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also included new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, pre and post security business centers, a military welcome center, kids play areas, and much more.

 

Phase Two of the Gateway Transformation Project is slated to begin in Fall 2018 with construction taking place at the airline ticket counters, baggage claim area, and ‘front of house’ area.

 

“As we continue to grow in traffic it is imperative that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Gill. “Our passengers keep coming back because we listen to their wants and needs, and as they do we will continue to do our part to improve our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we hope to add more growth in the years to come.”

 

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: http://www.grr.org/history.php.

Grand Rapids Symphony, Cornerstone University concert cancelled due to weather

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Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger leads the symphony in the Jan. 5 performance of music of Tchaikovsky and Dvorak.

Tonight’s joint concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Cornerstone University Chorale at Cornerstone University has been canceled due to weather.

Titled “Classically Inspired Hymns,” the program had been scheduled for 6 p.m., Sunday, April 15, in Christ Chapel on the Cornerstone University campus. The concert in the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Sacred Dimensions series may be rescheduled at another time. More information will be provided when it’s available.

Ticket buyers should retain their tickets. Tickets will remain valid if the concert is rescheduled or will be exchangeable next season for a Grand Rapids Symphony concert in either its Classical or Great Eras series. (Some restrictions will apply).

The Government Report: April 9-13 week in review

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U.S. Senator Gary PetersPeters Calls for Suspension of Line 5 Operations

By WKTV Staff

 

Peters Calls for Suspension of Line 5 Operations

 

April 13, 2018

 

Below is a statement from U.S. Senator Gary Peters on a briefing he received from the U.S. Coast Guard about recent damage to Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. Yesterday, at a Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, Peters questioned U.S. Coast Guard officials about the decision to keep Line 5 open despite an undetermined risk to the Great Lakes.

 

“There are few greater dangers to the Great Lakes than an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac, which would devastate Michigan’s environment and our economy.

 

“Yesterday, I was personally briefed by U.S. Coast Guard officials in Michigan on the damage to Line 5 caused by a vessel anchor strike in the Straits of Mackinac. Based on the limited information currently available, two segments of the pipeline will require repairs in the short-term, but a visual inspection is still needed to assess the full extent of the damage.

 

“Upcoming blizzard conditions and high winds pose a threat to the already-damaged pipeline and — even worse — would render on-site cleanup equipment ineffective in the event of an oil spill. We simply cannot afford that kind of risk to Michigan’s most precious natural resource.

 

“Given the lack of visual inspection and impending storm, I am calling for PHMSA and DEQ to suspend the operation of Line 5 until a visual evaluation is complete and Michiganders can be assured that Line 5’s integrity has not been compromised by the vessel activity.

 

“In the Senate, I have worked in a bipartisan way to strengthen federal oversight of pipeline safety and will continue fighting to protect our Great Lakes from something as catastrophic as an oil spill.”

VIDEO: Peters Questions U.S. Coast Guard on Line 5 Vessel Damage

April 12, 2018

 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, and Capabilities, Rear Admiral Linda Fagan at a committee hearing, following reports of multiple dents in Line 5 caused by vessel activity in the Straits of Mackinac. During the exchange, Peters questioned Fagan on the decision to reopen Line 5 despite incomplete inspections.

 

Peters Statement on Syria

April 11, 2018

 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on Syria, in light of the Syrian military’s chemical weapons attack in Douma:

 

“Bashar al-Assad and his inhumane government have shown zero regard – and even contempt – for the well-being of the Syrian people. Through chemical weapons, barrel bombings and torture, the Syrian government has inflicted unimaginable terror on the children, women and men it is charged with protecting. Bashar al-Assad is no leader: he is a ruthless, heartless dictator who has long since lost legitimacy with the Syrian people and is only being propped up by Russia and Iran.

 

“This month’s illegal and horrendous chemical weapons attack on the people of Douma – who have already endured years of indiscriminate shelling – must be met with a swift and firm response from the entire international community. I supported President Trump’s decision to launch air strikes after last year’s chemical weapons attack in Idlib Province, and I look forward to hearing more about the President’s stated plans for additional action in response to the attack in Douma. The United States and the world must once again send a unified message to Bashar al-Assad that chemical weapons have no place in humanity.”

 

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow

Senator Stabenow Introduces the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act

 

April 10, 2018

 

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act of 2018, S. 2637, which will improve maternity care for women and newborns. The United States has the worst rate of maternal deaths in the developed world and one of the highest rates of infant mortality. Michigan has the 17th highest rate of infant mortality in the country, with 6.68 infant deaths per 1,000 births.

 

“We all have a stake in keeping moms and babies healthy,” said Senator Stabenow. “My bill makes sure moms and babies get the best care possible from the doctor’s office to the delivery room.”

 

The Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act of 2018 will improve maternity care for women and newborns by holding Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program accountable through higher quality standards. Medicaid currently has a set of guidelines for pediatric and adult care but no specific standards for maternity and infant care.

 

The legislation will also provide funding for care quality partnerships that will bring together states, health care providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders to develop and carry out new strategies to improve maternity and infant care.

 

 

 

School News Network: Water everywhere, but is it safe? Students take a closer look

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From left, seventh-grader Amari Taylor, Emma Huebner and Nelson Hto test a tap water sample from Valleywood Middle School

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

A drop of water can go along way and pick up a lot on its journey. Kentwood’s Valleywood Middle School students learned this while examining what’s in the water from wells in Byron Center, Rockford, Caledonia, Wayland, Kentwood and other area municipalities, as well as in tap water from their schools and homes.

 

Seventh-graders watched water brought in by science teacher Michael Faber turning colors, testing positive for iron and copper, and indicating pH levels as they shook up vials.

 

Students identified different minerals present in well versus tap water, noting the “hardness” of well water, and learned about how contaminants can have an identifiable source or come from runoff.

 

“It’s important we know what’s in the water so we are drinking healthy water,” said seventh-grader Alija Nukisic.

 

The science lab in Faber’s class provided a glimpse of what’s in area groundwater as students thought about impacts of human water usage and pollution. For World Water Day March 22, they discussed water supplies around the world and its scarcity.

 

Seven-grader T.J. Scott tests a sample while Saurab Pradhan, behind him, and Adan Moran watch for results.

Water Flows Through Classes

 

The lab was part of seventh graders’ extensive “Water is Life” study, a project-based learning cross-curricular unit, planned by English teacher Jane Van Hof. Students have also studied the watershed in Africa and read the book, “A Long Walk to Water,” by Linda Sue Park, about the Lost Boys of Sudan. They wrote research papers on “How does human activity influence water sustainability?”

 

They heard presentations from local experts including John Gorney, city of Kentwood Public Works director; Joanna Allerhand, environmental scientist from Groundswell; and Mike Roon, who is retired from the city of Wyoming and has built water systems in Ecuador.

 

The study will end with a field trip to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to see the Water’s Extreme Journey exhibit.

 

Faber’s class discussed contamination and pollution, as seen in Flint with lead and the Rockford area with PFAS recently. Seventh-grader Chad Horrell said it’s important to think about what’s in the water they drink and be aware of pollutants. “It could harm us health-wise and mentally,” he said.

 

Seventh-grader Amari Taylor pours a water sample into a vial

“What happened in Flint was they had too much lead in their water and that caused people to get sick,” added seventh-grader Natalee Redd.

 

Students said they found differences in unsoftened well water and tap water when it came to mineral content. “It’s way foggier than tap water,” Chad said.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Two local teams make it to state FIRST robotics competition

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The state competition will take place tomorrow and Friday at Saginaw Valley State University.

Two local rookie teams, Lee High School’s Rebel Robotics and Potter’s House Tactical Hams, have qualified for the Michigan State Championship for FIRST Robotics set for this weekend, running through Saturday.

 

In a recent letter to residents and friends of the Godfrey Lee Public Schools, Superintendent Kevin Polsten noted that the Rebel Robotics finished runner-up “in both invitationals they have participated in. It goes to show the success that can be had when we provide opportunities to our students.”

 

Being first year teams, both teams receive grants from the FIRST Robotics organization. Polsten said the district is looking to identify a financial and technical partner to support the efforts of the program. Anyone interested in donating to the Lee Robotics team is encouraged to visit the district website at Godfrey-Lee.org .

 

 

Currently, there is a fundraising effort for the Lee robotics team to help them go to state which is at Saginaw Valley State University. The estimated cost is more than $8,000 to send the team. For more information, contact the administration offices.

 

To watch the state competition live, which is tomorrow and Friday, go to http://www.firstinmichigan.org/stream.php. To check out the WKTV coverage of the March 30 and 31 district meet at East Kentwood High School, click here.

 

To learn more about FIRST Robotics, go to firstinspires.org.

Two neighborhood clean ups set for tomorrow, depending on weather

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The Annual Division Avenue Clean up is set for Saturday from 7:45 – 10 a.m.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Two neighborhood groups plan to hit the streets Saturday, April 14, for annual clean ups along Division Avenue and 28th Street.

 

At 7:45 a.m., community members are invited to meet at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, for the Division Avenue Annual Clean-Up hosted by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA). Work will be along Division Avenue from 28th Street to 44th Street. The event is from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

 

Abundant Life Church is hosting the Team Up to Clean Up event for 28th Street. Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. Volunteers will be working along 28th Street from Burlingame Avenue to Byron Center Avenue. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with lunch provided.

 

Of course with the National Weather Service having placed the Kent County under a winter storm watch, organizers of the event advise residents to double check that events are taking place before heading out.

 

For the Division Avenue clean up, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.

 

For the 28th Street event, visit the event page by clicking here or got to the Abundant Life Church of God Facebook page.

Spring’s first vegetable, asparagus

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, How-To's, ,

By Chris Venvema, Michigan State University Extension

 

Freezing asparagus preserves the fresh flavor

 

Although spring has sprung, it is still pretty cold, but it is not too early to think about harvesting the first vegetable of spring, asparagus.

 

Officially named Asparagus officinalis, asparagus is actually a flowering perennial.

 

With its dark green color, asparagus is rich in vitamins A & B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Since it is 93% water, asparagus is low in calories and very low in sodium. Asparagus is a very good source of dietary fiber. When harvesting the asparagus, it is important to gather the tender young shoots. The larger and taller shoots are a woodier product. However, these older shoots should not be discarded, they can be peeled and enjoyed as well. Asparagus can be preserved for later use by freezing, canning, pickling or drying. The technique used depends upon the later intended use. For the fresh from the garden flavor, freezing is ideal.

 

To freeze asparagus it is necessary to blanch the young spears. To prepare the asparagus for freezing requires that young tender spears be selected. The stalks should be washed, trimmed and sorted according to size. Cut the spears to fit the containers for freezing. Water blanching requires the water to be boiling in a kettle. Tender small spears require a blanching time of two minutes, medium size spears need three minutes and large spears need four minutes. Cool quickly in ice water. Then drain and package leaving no airspace in the rigid container. A technique for individual size pieces is to drain and pat the spears dry. Next arrange the spears or pieces on a cookie sheet. Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the pieces are frozen. Finally put the frozen pieces in plastic bags, making sure there is no air trapped in the bag and put in the freezer.

 

Michigan State University Extension recommends canning asparagus because it is considered a low acid vegetable. Select tightly closed spears that are four to six inches in length. Wash thoroughly. Trim off the scales and tough ends. Then wash again. The spears can be cut into one inch pieces or left whole (4-6 inches).

 

For the raw pack technique, pack the asparagus tightly into hot jars, leaving one-inch headspace. If salt is desired put a ½ teaspoon of salt into pint jars or 1 teaspoon of salt into quart jars. Fill the jars with boiling water leaving one-inch headspace. Remove the air bubbles.  Wipe the rim. Adjust the pretreated lids and process.

 

Processing can be done in a dial gauge pressure canner at 11 pounds of pressure OR in a weighted gauge pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure. The processing times are 30 minutes for pints and 40 minutes for quarts.

 

It is spring time!  Why not preserve spring’s first vegetable of the season, asparagus, today!

 

Resources:

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/asparagus.html

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_04/asparagus_spears.html

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_06/pickled_asparagus.html

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

GVSU cancels Lubbers Cup Regatta due to potential storm

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Action from the annual Lubbers Cup Regatta. (Supplied/Lubbers Cup)

With portions of West Michigan under a winter storm watch, including Kent and Ottawa counties, Grand Valley State University officials announced that they have cancelled the Lubbers Cup Reggatta for this weekend.

 

According to organizers the main issue is the winds that are expected to be up to 40 miles an hour. That makes any body of water unprovable, organizers stated in a letter to the teams. On top of that the National Weather Service is calling for a cold hard rain that could turn into ice. With temperatures dropping into the 30s as a high and not enough shelter, it was decided by organizers to cancel the regatta event.

 

From the National Weather Service as of 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 13: Active weather from a slow-moving storm system is expected through Monday. Substantial disruptions to commerce and weekend activities will be possible from the snow, ice and wind, especially in central to northern portions of Michigan. Travel may become dangerous in portions of northern Michigan from heavy snow as well as blowing and drifting snow. Ice pellets (sleet) or rain freezing on contact (freezing rain) is likely Saturday into Sunday in a large portion of Central Lower Michigan. The ice accumulations and strong winds may create multi-day power outages. Grand Rapids and Lansing could become cold enough for a portion of Saturday or Saturday night for a period of freezing rain.

LTAC announces April 21 workshop for artists with disabilities

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Michigan artists with disabilities will have the opportunity to attend a free Saturday workshop focused on art promotion and marketing and special needs planning.

 

LTAC Arts, the nonprofit arm of the Legacy Trust Award Collection, will host its first workshop in advance of its May show at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The three morning sessions will focus on topics such as valuing and marketing art, benefits protection and special needs planning.

 

Sponsored by Trivalent Group, the workshop will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 134. Artists may submit completed artwork and registration forms prior to the start of the sessions. The planning sessions are open to all Michigan artists with disabilities, as well as any interested family, caregivers or other members in the community.

 

Now in its ninth year, LTAC is a statewide competition open to artists with disabilities that seeks paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, collages, mixed media and other works of art. Four wining artists will be entered in ArtPrize 2018.

 

Chris LaPorte, 2010 ArtPrize winner, and Erin Nemastil, ADAC Automotive communications manager, will lead “Valuing and Marketing Your Art.”

 

The Arc of Kent County’s Maggie Kolk will lead “Protecting Your Benefits While Selling Your Art.” The Arc of Kent County ensures that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued and able to contribute to their community.

 

Mark Periard, director of wealth management at Grand Rapids-based investment and wealth-management firm Legacy Trust, will lead a session on “Special Needs Planning” session.

 

Art drop off will be between 8-9 a.m. and sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided. RSVP to LTACarts@gmail.com or call 616-649-2818 by April 19. Spouses and caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

More information on LTAC is available at www.LTACArts.org. Join the conversation on Facebook facebook.com/LegacyTrustAwardCollection and Twitter with #LTAC.

School News Network: Students rap, rhyme their way through U.S. history, ‘Hamilton’-style

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By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

Lee High School sophomore Tavien Bradley knows a good beat and flow when he hears them, but could he do justice through a freestyle rap to describe the legendary duel between Founding Era politicians Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr?

 

Turns out all it took was some research on the fatal event, an old-school flow and enough confidence to drop this verse: “Two politicians on a mission, Hamilton and Burr just dissin,’ everybody pistol-whippin.’” So begins his 1 minute, 40 second rap.

 

“I just started writing the lyrics down and they kept coming out of my brain,” said Tavien, who learned to rap from his dad, Tramaine Bradley.

 

Sophomores and juniors are learning American history and weaving it into raps, poetry and dramatic skits about events and people tied to the American Revolution. All is in preparation for a trip to see “Hamilton,” the Tony Award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago May 23.

 

Tavien’s rap caught the attention of teachers, who submitted it for consideration to be presented on stage at The CIBC Theatre the day of the matinee. He will find out if he was selected before the date of the performance, which will also include a question-and-answer period with the cast.

 

Juniors Nicholas Espinoza, left, and Francisco Martinez present their skit

Old Documents Become New Expression

 

The district applied for the trip through the Hamilton Education Program, which gives students from Title 1 high schools the chance to attend the musical for just $10 each. The program is a collaboration of Hamilton producers and the Miranda family, and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. A requirement is for students to make their own creative pieces tied to events that took place during the founding of the U.S.

 

“The idea behind this unit is to understand how the writer of ‘Hamilton’ took primary-source documents and turned them into creative expression,” said English teacher Lisa Britten. “It’s just the idea of digging into history in a different way and having it culminate in an experience that is something they normally wouldn’t get to have.

 

“It’s a pretty rare opportunity to see this show as it is because it is so popular,” she added. “I’m really excited to take our kids to experience something like this because it will just broaden their horizons.”

 

Brian Cahoon, department chair of social studies, is helping organize the trip. He said it’s impressive looking over students’ creative pieces and seeing all the events, people and concepts present in each piece. “It kind of makes the history come alive, but it ultimately makes them understand it better,” he said.

 

Juniors Gabrielle Sainz and Yuribizay Damian presented a rap they wrote together that begins, “I, Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston. … I ran away to Philly with some caution.”

 

They said they can’t wait to see “Hamilton.”

 

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Gabrielle said. “The prices are high and I would have never been able to afford that. With this little project that we put together giving us the opportunity to go there, I’m thankful for that. Putting it together was pretty easy; we just let it flow.”

What is the 340B Discount Drug Program?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Senior Living, , , , ,
Photo courtesy Cherry Health

By Brett Gingrich, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Cherry Health

 

Cherry Health’s Pharmacy is located in Heart of the City Health Center and provides prescription services for all Cherry Health patients, as well as the general public. The pharmacy also provides a 340B discounted pricing program for Cherry Health patients who qualify for the program. The 340B program is funded by manufacturers of medications and is not federally funded. This means the pharmacy can buy medications from these manufacturers at a discounted price vs. other retail pharmacies. The savings are then used in many ways including these below:

  • We give the savings back to the patient through our pharmacy sliding fee program. Patients without insurance or even under-insured patients can buy medications at a more affordable price. This is one way we keep medication costs down, so that our patients can take the medications they need, and therefore increasing access.
  • We also use the 340B savings to increase access to more services. The 340B savings we receive contribute to services such as: patient education, translation, and transportation services along with many others which otherwise may be limited. The 340B program helps make these services sustainable.

The 340B program’s original intent may need clarification, but for Health Centers in Michigan like Cherry Health the program is vital to our patients and the services we provide. The program increases access to affordable medications and furthers Cherry Health’s mission to improve the health and wellness of our patients while encouraging access. So, whether you are insured or not — I encourage you to talk to your Cherry Health primary care physician to see if our Heart of the City Pharmacy is the right fit for you! Delivery services to other select Health Centers are also available.

 

In need of a refill on your prescription? Check out Heart of the City Pharmacy’s Health Mart page here!

 

Meijer Gardens summer concerts feature something old (school), something new (wave)

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Reviews,
The Decemberists’ June 4 visit to the Meijer Gardens concert series will likely be on the list of “hot” concerts this season. (Supplied photo by Holly Andres)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in announcing their 2018 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series of 31 concerts, use words like “eclectic” and “diverse” to describe the spectrum of artists coming to town.

 

We could not agree more, or come up with better adjectives.

 

The series includes — to steal a line from another series of annual events held on the grounds of Meijer Gardens, weddings — something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

 

Taking them out of the wedding-rhyme order, while there will be some familiar returners coming back to the Gardens, the new school and New Wave acts may be the most impressive group.

 

Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Verve Pipe (shown) will be at Meijer Gardens Aug. 19. (Supplied)

With the likes of alt-nation favorites the Decemberists, Fitz and Trantrums and Jason Mraz on the bill, those who think compact discs are archaic will have their day, or night. With the likes of Blondie, Joe Jackson, and the Toad the Wet Sprocket teaming with The Verve Pipe, the older-alt crowd will get their 1980s and ‘90s flashbacks.

 

My anticipated favorite of the new school/New Wave alt grouping will be +LIVE+, the 1990s alt-rock (post punk) powerhouse whose 1994 “Lightning Crashes” is still one of favorite songs ever, and who recently reunited and put out new music.

 

Lyle Lovett keeps coming back to Meijer Gardens, and we sure do appreciate it; this time with his Large Band on Aug. 27. (Supplied)

The “old school” rock and country acts on the bill include the always worth-the-money annual visit by Lyle Lovett (this time with his Large Band), Jackson Browne’s return (check out a WKTV review of his 2017 show here), Huey Lewis and the News, Styx and TOTO. And can you get any more old school than The Beach Boys?

 

We’ll skip the “something borrowed” category because, well,  it sounded good but I got nothing. The something (sort-of) blues and soul concerts will include Gladys Knight, Seal, Patti LaBelle and — what may be my second most anticipated concert of the season — the blues kings of Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ together.

 

Under the somewhat undefinable but, also unmissable concerts include Alison Krauss, Herbie Hancock and the summer party provided by Lake Street Dive.

 

The concert series includes a special show with Alabama, the classic American country and Southern rock band, on Aug. 23 to benefit the Garden’s ongoing “Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love” capital campaign. All net proceeds from this show will be contributed to the campaign.

 

The complete line-up — with date, showtime, and ticket range — includes:

 

Tedeschi Trucks Band, May 30 at 6:30 p.m., $75 presale, $78 member, $80 public
Gladys Knight, June 3 at 7 p.m., $68 presale, $71 member, $73 public
The Decemberists, June 4 at 7 p.m., $52 presale, $55 member, $57 public
Jackson Browne, June 6 at 7 p.m., $72 presale, $75 member, $77 public
The B-52s, June 8 at 7 p.m., $57 presale, $60 member, $62 public
Fitz and the Tantrums, June 10 at 7 p.m., $47 presale, $50 member, $52 public
Brandi Carlile, June 13 at 6:30 p.m., $56 presale, $59 member, $61 public
Alison Krauss, June 17 at 7 p.m., $84 presale, $87 member, $89 public
Seal, June 20 at 7 p.m., $91 presale, $94 member, $96 public
Old Crow Medicine Show, June 25 at 7 p.m., $45 presale, $48 member, $50 public
Herbie Hancock, June 27 at 7 p.m., $57 presale, $60 member, $62 public
Blondie, June 29 at 7 p.m., $82 presale, $85 member, $87 public
Huey Lewis and the News, July 8 at 7 p.m., $90 presale, $93 member, $95 public
Patti LaBelle, July 13 at 7 p.m., $75 presale, $78 member, $80 public
The Temptations & The Four Tops, July 15 at 6:30 p.m., $58 presale, $61 member, $63 public
Joe Jackson, July 20 at 7 p.m., $45 presale, $48 member, $50 public
Dispatch with special guests Nahko and Medicine for the People, July 23 at 5:45 p.m., $55 presale, $58 member, $60 public
Jason Mraz with special guest Brett Dennen, July 25 at 6:30 p.m., $83 presale, $86 member, $88 public
The Beach Boys, July 26 at 7 p.m., $64 presale, $67 member, $69 public
Air Supply, July 29 at 7 p.m., $50 presale, $53 member, $55 public
Styx, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., $72 presale, $75 member, $77 public
Vince Gill, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m., $62 presale, $65 member, $67 public
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., $59 presale, $62 member, $64 public
Toad the Wet Sprocket & The Verve Pipe, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m., $44 presale, $47 member, $49 public
Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band and special guests, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m., $75 presale, $78 member, $80 public
Alabama, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m., $150 presale, $153 member, $155 public (the special fundraising show to benefit the Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign)
TOTO’s 40 Trips Around The Sun Tour, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m., $53 presale, $56 member, $58 public
O.A.R. with special guest Matt Nathanson, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m., $75 presale, $78 member, $80 public
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., $63 presale, $66 member, $68 public
Lake Street Dive, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., $48 presale, $51 member, $53 public
+LIVE+, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., $60 presale, $63 member, $65 public

 

And, in case you were wondering, despite the ongoing renovation and expansion of the Meijer Gardens amphitheater, there will still be the same 1,900 general admission tickets available. The concert venue work is taking place over two years. Work on Phase One will conclude for the 2018 season and then resume to be completed for the 2019 season.

 

And now for the “getting the tickets” details/fine print:

 

Members may buy tickets during the members-only presale beginning at 9 a.m., April 28 through midnight, May 11. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. The preferred method to purchase tickets is online, but multiple options are available. For details see the Meijer Gardens websive’sa concert series page.

 

Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., May 12. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. Also, see the website for options and details.

 

For more information on the concerts, and all the details on what to bring and not bring to the amphitheater, visit meijergardens.org .

 

Wyoming’s Agropur, Inc. to expand with $21.3 million investment, 62 new jobs

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Food, Hard News, Local Business
Agropur is a dairy manufacturer headquartered in Canada. Its facility at 5252 Clay SW, mainly produces various shelf-stable dairy products. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By The Right Place

 

The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Wyoming, announced April 11 that Wisconsin-based Agropur, Inc. will invest $21.3 million to expand its existing Wyoming facility, resulting in the creation of 62 new jobs over the next three years.

 

Agropur is a dairy industry leader that processes more than 13 billion pounds of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America. Agropur is the American subsidiary of Agropur Cooperative, a dairy manufacturer headquartered in Canada. Its facility at 5252 Clay SW, mainly produces various shelf-stable dairy products distributed across the country.

 

The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with a $434,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The expansion will also be supported locally by a P.A. 198 tax abatement from the City of Wyoming.

 

“The City of Wyoming is a phenomenal place for manufacturing and we are so proud to have companies like Agropur in our community,” said Mayor Jack Poll, City of Wyoming. “We are excited to be a part of their growth story and we look forward to watching their continued success.”

 

The majority of the $21.3 million expansion project at Agropur’s Wyoming facility will be for new equipment, with a portion going toward building modifications. This investment is driven by the need to meet growing customer demand, and will result in a modernized production line and increased production capacity.

 

“We’re excited to be expanding our facility in Grand Rapids, which will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Doug Simon, president of US Operations, Agropur. “This investment is a key to continuing Agropur’s impressive growth, and will also create jobs in the state of Michigan.”

 

The City of Wyoming was chosen over multiple competing sites in other states. The Right Place worked in collaboration with the MEDC to ensure the project happened in West Michigan. The Right Place also connected the company with workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with talent attraction and workforce training.

 

“Agropur’s decision to invest $21.3 million and create more than 60 jobs is a tremendous win for West Michigan and the region’s growing food processing sector,” said Thad Rieder, senior business development manager, The Right Place. “By partnering with the City of Wyoming, West Michigan Works!, Grand Rapids Community College and MEDC, The Right Place has been able to coordinate talent, training, and financial tools to boost Agropur’s internal return for this important expansion.”

 

Agropur Cooperative is a North American dairy industry leader founded in 1938, with sales of $6.4 billion in 2017. Agropur processes more than 13 billion pounds of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America. For more information visit agropur.com .

 

GVSU world trade conference focuses on global success

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During West Michigan World Trade Week, May 7-10, area business leaders will come together to celebrate international trade and business growth in the West Michigan region.

 

In conjunction with West Michigan World Trade Week, Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center will host a business conference May 9. The event, in its 33rd year, will focus on how to achieve global success.

 

This year’s keynote is a panel of three speakers who will discuss global talent in today’s environment. Speakers include Debra Auerbach Clephane from Murray Law Group, Lisa Hanning from Pridgeon & Clay, and Tami D. Vincent from EJ Group Inc.

 

West Michigan World Trade Week Business Conference

May 9 from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Noon-1:45 p.m. Luncheon panel speakers

L. William Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave., Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Register at www.gvsu.edu/wtw

 

Several breakout sessions are planned on a variety of topics including:

•  Finding Global Partners

•  Cyber Security and Data Protection

•  Understanding India’s Market

•  Michigan Exporter Tools

 

Student Global Awareness held May 2 at Grand Valley

 

A key component of West Michigan World Trade Week is the Student Global Awareness program. Volunteers have reached more than 1,400 middle school students in Grand Rapids since the program began in 2005. Volunteers work in the classroom to provide students with practical information on what makes world trade work, how the global economy affects their daily lives and how to prepare for an increasingly global job market.

 

Students from Harrison Middle School will attend a capstone event May 2 at the L. William Seidman Center, where they will interact and connect with professionals in the international trade community.

 

For a full schedule or more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/wtw or call 616-331-6811.