The City of Wyoming’s annual efforts to mitigate Gypsy Moth infestation in the city will continue this month, with aerial spraying of selected areas scheduled to start Monday, June 5.
Households in the affected areas should have received letters notifying of the city’s mitigation efforts.
A female Gypsy Moth.
“The City of Wyoming is once again taking measures to protect our neighborhoods against Gypsy Moths, and the aerial spray is targeted for June 5-7,” Megan Sall, Assistant City Manager, said in an email to WKTV Journal. “If weather cooperates, you may hear/see our contractor’s helicopter overhead as early as 6 a.m. on the 5th. Under ideal conditions, the entire application will take 4-5 hours to complete. The contractor will start in the southern portion of the City and work his way north.”
According to the city, the insecticide being used is derived from a naturally occurring bacteria and is known only to affect Gypsy Moth caterpillars. It does not affect honeybees or other non-leaf eating insects, birds, fish or mammals. The insecticide is applied at a quart per acre in a very fine mist that targets the trees. The carrier liquid is water and drying usually takes place within a few minutes.
Despite the fast-drying nature of the mist, the city spokesperson said, residents are encouraged to exercise common sense and stay inside while the spray is occurring in their neighborhoods.
A map of the affected areas and more information can be found on the city’s website, as well as available on the city’s Facebook page.
With Lake Michigan only being about an hour away, it is easy during a hot summer day to pack up the family and head to the beach to enjoy the sand and waves.
Those waves also contribute to Lake Michigan being the deadliest of the Great Lakes. In fact, Grand Haven has one of the highest current related incidents, 109 from 2002 to the present according to the National Weather Service. Of those incidents, eight have resulted in deaths.
The major cause of those incidents have been rip currents. To help increase awareness about riptides the National Weather Service has designated the first week in June as National Rip Current Awareness Week. In honor of that, WKTV will air “Respect the Power,” on Channel 25 June 5 at 9:30 a.m.; June 6 at 6:30 p.m.; June 7 at 11:30 a.m. and June 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The video was produced by the Great Lakes Beach & Pier Safety Task Force and was created in memory of Andrew Burton Fox and Daniel Reiss, both who were swept off the Grand Haven pier and drowned in Lake Michigan.
According to Grand Haven officials, rip currents and powerful breaking waves are common in the area of the pier. But education, including recognizing what a riptide looks like and what to do if you are caught in one, can increase the chances of a happy outcome.
From the “Respect the Power” website, it states that the Great Lakes are better understood as inland seas rather than lakes. Storms not he lakes can easily generate waves up to 30 feet in the most sever storms. However, even smaller waves can be dangerous.
When waves break, water is pushed up the slope of the shore. Gravity pulls this water back toward the lake. When the water converges in a narrow, river-like current moving away from the shore, it forms what is know as a rip current. Rip currents can be 50 feet to 50 yards or more wide. They can flow to a point just past the breaking waves or hundreds of yards offshore. You can sometimes identify a rip current by its foamy and choppy surface. The water in a rip current may be dirty from the sand being turned up by the current. The water may be colder than the surrounding water. Waves usually do not break as readily in a rip current as in adjacent water.
According to both the “Respect the Power” and the National Weather Service websites, if caught in a rip current, try to relax. A rip current is not an “undertow” and will not pull you under. Do not try to swim against the current as this is very difficult, even for an experience swimmer. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim directly toward shore. If you are tired, tread water and float and call and wave for assistance. The current will carry you to the end or head of the current, where once rested you can swim back to shore.
Some other water safety tips:
1. Learn to swim.
2. Check with a lifeguard or with the park’s current conditions board before entering water.
3. Never swim alone.
4. Never dive headfirst into unknown waters or shallow breaking waves.
5. Piers are navigational structures and not designed as walkways, proceed at your own risk.
6. Do not jump or dive off pier structures.
7. Avoid piers when waves begin to spill over the pier surface.
8. To avoid rip currents, avoid swimming in areas that are discolored with sand and has a choppy or foamy surface.
9. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore (about 30-50 yards) to get out of the rip current before swimming to shore.
10. Protect yourself from the sun. Use sun screen.
A Kelloggsville High School student has been named a finalist in the 2017 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival.
Kolton Toothman is among the 60 finalists. He submitted a film for the K-6 Celebrating Diversity category. He is in the running for awards totaling $21,150. Awards are scheduled to be presented on Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, located at the corner of Burlingame Avenue and 84th Street. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is part of the Byron Center High School.
Students from throughout the state submitted nearly 400 thirty-second public service announcement videos promoting positive choices in the areas of Character Education, Healthy Living, and Celebrating Diversity. There are two different audiences that the young filmmakers targeted in their PSAs: kindergarten through sixth grade or seventh through twelfth grades. The Meijer Great Choices competition was designed for Michigan student filmmakers to exhibit their creative talent in audio/visual communications and to share their messages with K-12 schools throughout Michigan.
Audio/Visual/Advertising students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Ferris State University, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, Northwood University and Western Michigan University were the preliminary judges and choose the finalists based on specific criteria. High school students throughout Michigan have been notified that they are finalists and are invited to participate in the June 3rd awards presentation activities. There are eighteen first, second, and third place winners who will be announced at the awards presentation who will receive prizes of $1,500, $1,000, or $500 in the form of a gift card to Meijer or Apple. The 42 runners up (fourth through tenth place) will each receive a gift card for $75. All of the finalists in attendance will receive an award and gift at the awards presentation.
All 60 of the top PSAs will be shown at the Awards Reception at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. In September, the winning PSAs in each category will be reproduced on DVDs and distributed to schools across the state as tools for their Character Education, Health Education and Diversity programs.
With summer comes a slew of festivals in West Michigan, each entirely unique and memorable. We’re talking about festivals centered around food, beer, nature, culture, and more throughout the next few months. With festivals nearly every week throughout the Summer, there’s always something right around the corner for you to experience with these West Michigan festivals.
June Festivals in West Michigan
Mecosta County hosts the Barryton Lilac Festival Craft and Vendor Show from June 2nd to 4th. The Lilac Festival is a chance for families to come out and do something fun at a family-friendly event. The festival kicks off with a talent show, pony rides, and a petting zoo, and is in full swing on Saturday with a car show, free-throw shoot out, as well as the vendor and craft show. The festival wraps up on Sunday with a community potluck in the park.
Rockford has two festivals in June that need to be on your schedule. The Rockford Reading Festival is on Saturday, June 3rd. Numerous authors will have booths selling and talking about their books. This is a fun way to scratch your summer reading addiction. From June 9th to 11th, is the 49th Annual Start of Summer Celebration. Food, arts and crafts, free kids activities, carnival rides, beer tents, and more make this a fun event for the whole family to attend. Family fun is always at the center of Rockford’s summer festival lineup.
June is popular in Muskegon with the Antique Tractor and Engine Show from June 8th to 10th, and the White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival on June 17th to 18th.
The National Cereal Fest in Battle Creek is June 9th and 10th, celebrating the birthplace of cereal. The festival kicks off with the Grand Cereal Parade, and continues on the next day with the World’s Longest Breakfast Table.
Celebrate Mackinac Island’s treasured blooms at the Lilac Festival. Running from June 9th to 18th, discover over 100 species of the sweetest smelling lilacs. Festival events abound, including a Dog & Pony Parade, Taste of Mackinac, hayrides, family fun playground, walking tours, artist expos, planting seminars, live music, and more.
Feast of the Strawberry Moonis June 10th and 11th, in Grand Haven. The event includes reenactments, a kids’ day, live entertainment, and more as they explore the middle-ground world that evolved between Europeans and the Native Americans in the Great Lakes Region during the pre-1800 fur trade era.
Grand Haven hosts some of West Michigan’s fan-favorite festivals every summer. The Spring Lake Heritage Festival is June 12th to 17th, and has family fun like no other. The following week is the Grand Haven Art Festival on June 24th and 25th. The event seeks to provide the community and visitors with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artists.
River Country is hosting a variety of events all month long. The 61st Annual Three Rivers Water Fest is in downtown Three Rivers on June 15th to 17th, featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, midway, classic car show, live music, parade, fireworks and more. Also in June are the Michigan Hydroplane Boat Races from June 16th to 18th, with small boats made from thin wood strips going 100 miles per hour. June concludes with Sturgis Fest on June 17th to 25th.
Visit Ionia on Saturday June 17th, as Main Street is transformed into the Yellow Brick Road before your very eyes for the annual Wizard of Oz Festival! As a tribute to the Wizard of Oz, they have planned a full day of fun for everyone. From arts and crafts to vintage treasures, vendors will be offering their finest wares. The movie that started it all will be shown at the historic Ionia Theatre, with tickets priced as they were 78 years ago at just 25 cents per person.
Coldwater’s Strawberry Festival is Saturday, June 17th with everything themed like the little red fruit. The festival parade starts at 11am, with more than 150 exciting entries of floats, musical entertainment, motorcades, marching bands, clowns, and acrobats that will keep you entertained for two hours.
Harborfest is South Haven’s annual celebration of the area’s unique maritime history. For 25 years, Harborfest has kicked off summer on Father’s Day weekend, June 16th to 18th, with free live music, food and craft fairs, Dragon boat races, kids activities, beer garden and more! Harborfest is sponsored entirely by local businesses and volunteers of South Haven.
As part of Harborfest, the Michigan Maritime Museum presents the 36th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 17th. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from powerboats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, demonstrations on boat building techniques will be featured, and toy boat building will be available for kids. The aim is to help perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience.
For 42 years, the St. Ignace Car Show has been a Michigan summer staple for people who love automobiles. This year, the Car Show weekend is June 22nd to 24th, with hundreds of custom, antique, and celebrity automobiles on display in the streets of this quaint Upper Peninsula community. This event is great for families, and conveniently located near beaches, parks, hiking trails, and Mackinac Island ferries.
The Bay Harbor Vintage Car and Boat Festival in Petoskey brings you an amazing show on June 22nd and 24th with a fantastic collection of classic cars and wooden boats! This event brings thousands of people from across the Midwest with their families to see this elegant gathering of vintage cars and motor boats.
St. Ignace Car Show, photo courtesy Pure Michigan
Grab your walking shoes and mark your calendar for the upcoming Marquette Trails Festival from June 23rd to 25th. Spend some time in the great outdoors at this fun event!
For history buffs, the Civil War Muster in Ludington is June 23rd and 24th at Historic White Pine Village. Become one with history while being surrounded by civil war re-enactors.
The 14th Annual Blues Festival will be held in Marshall on Saturday, June 24th. The event is headlined by the Luther Badman Keith Blues Band, along with guest bands performing all day. Bring a lawn chair, sit right downtown on Michigan Avenue, and enjoy the blues.
Located on Walloon Lake, Hotel Walloon is hosting their Walloon Water Sports Festival on Saturday, June 24th. See water ski shows by the Grand City Show Skiers at 11am and 1:30pm. With summer comes exciting times on the water at Hotel Walloon.
June in Battle Creek means it’s time for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival from June 29th to July 4th. Balloon launches or fly-ins take place every night (weather dependent) and air shows take place at noon.
Cadillac Freedom Festival in Cadillac is a fantastic, family-friendly festival from June 30th to July 2nd. Enjoy a Kids Carnival, Freedom 5k, disc golf tournament, and more over this three-day event up north.
July Festivals in West Michigan
When it comes to summer festivals, Traverse City packs the schedule with something happening nearly every week. One of the biggest festivals in the area is the National Cherry Festival, which runs from July 1st to 8th. Cherry Festival celebrates every year with over 150 family activities including air shows, fireworks, parades, games, races, midway rides, nightly outdoor concerts, and plenty of chances to taste delicious cherry products.
If you consider yourself an art enthusiast, the 49th Annual West Shore Art Fair in Ludington is July 1st and 2nd, featuring over 100 jury selected fine artists competing with a variety of media including clay, fiber, glass, painting, photography, and more.
There are events galore in Marquette, so clear some time to attend at least one of these fine festivals! The International Food Festival is from July 2nd to 5th, Hiawatha Music Festival from July 21st to 23rd, and Blueberry Festival on July 28th.
Shanty Creek’s Freedom Festival is July 3rd. Activities include games and activities for kids, bounce house, water slide, live music, lawn games and disc golf, swimming pool, face painting, and more. Admission is free with a nominal fee for some activities.
Charlevoix Venetian Festival
Celebrate Independence Day in the Charlevoix area at the Boyne City 4th of July Festival on July 3rd and Beaver Island’s celebration on July 4th. July also brings the tunes with the Charlevoix Venetian Festival from July 15th and 22nd, and the Beaver Island Music Festival from July 20th and 22nd.
The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of arts, crafts, music, food, and fun in beautiful downtown Muskegon on July 7th and 8th. With nearly 300 fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, children’s activities, specialty food items, street performers and multiple interactive art stations this event is an artful experience for all to enjoy!
Car enthusiasts, rev up your engines for the Scottville Summerfest when it rolls into Ludington on July 7th and 8th. There’s a Friday night car cruise and Saturday is headlined by the Annual Classic Car Show.
Ionia Free Fair in Ionia is July 13th to 22nd with camping, a parade, live entertainment, and more across ten days. The whole festival is very affordable and, best of all, very fun!
Mount Pleasant has festivals throughout July, making it easy to find something for you and your family. On July 15th, car collectors from across the state come together for the Downtown Mount Pleasant Car Show. NativeFest, from July 24th to 29th, features an American Indian Dance, music and comedy shows, car bingo, and more. With festivals and events throughout the month, you’re bound to find something that you’ll love in Mount Pleasant.
Beaver Island Music Festival promotes the variety and tradition of all music and art, and the Beaver Island Boat Company will help you get there. Being located off the grid in the middle of Lake Michigan’s largest island, it’s easily known as one of the most unique music festivals in northern Michigan. Load up your camping gear, ride the boat over during the festival week from July 20th to 22nd, and listen to musicians fill the air with their laid-back tunes on your way to rock out in the woods with a great group of friends.
Celebrate Polish culture at the Coldwater’s Polish Festival on July 20th to 22nd, before ending the Coldwater’s summer festival season the following month with the County Fair from August 6th to 12th.
For your inner artists, there’s also the 49th Annual Cadillac Arts Festival on July 21st and 22nd, held in the Cadillac City Park. The Park Pavilion hosts live entertainment and the art exhibits will be present throughout the weekend.
Idlewild Festival, held in Idlewild on July 22nd, commemorates and celebrates the history of well known African-American entertainers and professionals who owned property and performed at the Historic Resort prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Known as the “Black Eden,” this location was one of the few resorts in the United States where African Americans could vacation and purchase property.
New to Battle Creek this year is the Caribbean Fest on Saturday, July 22nd. Come out for a night of authentic island food, craft vendors, and reggae music. It’s a great way to spend a hot July, summer night. Rounding out the summer festival season in Battle Creek is Leilapalooza at the Leila Arboretum on Saturday, July 29th. See 60 bands perform on multiple stages at this family event.
Traverse City Film Festival is July 25th to 30th. The event was founded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore as a charitable, educational, nonprofit organization committed to showing “Just Great Movies” and helping to save one of America’s few indigenous art forms: the cinema. The festival brings films and filmmakers from around the world to northern Michigan every year.
Petoskey is hosting the 18th Annual Bay Harbor Fine Arts & Fine Craft Festival. Held on the waterfront North and South Terraces on July 28th and 29th, this year’s festival includes expanded art categories, meaning there’s more to see or possibly add to your collection.
Rounding out the Grand Haven summer is the Coast Guard Festival. Running from July 28th to August 6th, this nationally recognized festival honors and respects the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and provides family activities along the way. Grand Haven prides itself on throwing festivals for the entire family, and this summer is no exception.
Rendezvous in the Sault in Sault Ste. Marie is a two-day festival on July 29th and 30th, where you’ll be able to live through history. The Michigan Surveyor’s Reenactment Group fills the days with food, music, dancing, cannon firing, drum and fife corps, puppet shows, storytelling, crafts, and games. Step back in time and experience life in the 1600s with this fun and educational event! Rendezvous at the Sault moves right into the 5th Annual Sault Summer Arts Festival on August 1st. This juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts is a free event with a wide array of arts and crafts on display including paintings, photographs, prints, and more. Enjoy these events in this historic Michigan city!
August Festivals in West Michigan
Kalamazoo Ribfest is not only one of Townsquare Media’s signature events, but also Kalamazoo’s largest annual downtown festival when it takes over from August 3rd to 5th. Featuring rib vendors from across the country as well as local favorites, come with an empty stomach! The “Best Ribs in Kalamazoo” tent will kick off Thursday night where attendees can sample from all the local rib vendors to determine the winner who receives rights to a vendor booth space at next year’s event. National entertainment and local bands will take the stage as well.
The 44th Annual Island Art Fairin Grand Ledge is August 5th, and is designed to promote Ledge Craft Lane. Vendors at the Island Art Fair come from all over the state for one of the best one-day shows in Michigan. As it was for the first Island Art Fair and continues to be, all artists’ and artisans’ work is approved by a jury. Those interested in participating need to complete an application and provide pictures of their art or craft as well as a picture showing them create their work.
Petoskey rounds out their summer festival season with two big events. In nearby Boyne Falls is the Boyne Falls Polish Festival on August 3rd to 6th. Polish food and Polish music are just the beginning with a carnival, horse and tractor pulls, an oldies night, parades, and more throughout the four days. On the evening of August 10th, Petoskey will be filled with unique cars and trucks during the annual Harbor Springs Car Festival. What makes this event different from other car shows is that it is open to all types of vehicles, giving attendees a wide variety of vehicles to check out.
The National Blueberry Festival is a four-day long event from August 10th to 13th, that takes place in the heart of downtown South Haven. The Blueberry Festival is one of South Haven’s biggest annual events. It encompasses the friendly feel of South Haven, while providing fun and entertainment for the whole family!
The 27th Annual Del Shannon Car Show in Coopersville is one of the largest linear car shows in West Michigan when it comes to town on August 11th and 12th. It draws up to 400 cars for the cruise and draws thousands of people from all over to participate and enjoy.
The Sparta Celtic Festival is a free, family-friendly event focused on the expression of Celtic heritage. Located in Roger’s Park in Sparta on August 12th and 13th, the festival offers music, food, and merchants with a Celtic focus.
See some of the area’s best animals compete at the Berrien County Youth Fair on August 14th to 19th. With this year’s theme of “Fairadise,” there’s plenty of additional concerts, carnival rides, food, and family fun that’s sure to be worth your free time.
The Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan is August 16th to 20th. The mission of the festival is to promote the interests of individuals and businesses related to natural fiber, to advance and continue high quality standards of business practice in the natural fiber area, and to further the development and knowledge within the fiber community. With the festival, enjoy workshops, activities, and a market, with something for everybody!
The 53rd Annual Danish Festival is August 17th to 20th, in Greenville. The event features live entertainment, parades, hot air balloons, and other summer staples while celebrating the Danish heritage.
The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 15th Annual Festival on the Bay on August 18th and 19th at the Petoskey waterfront. Every year, visitors enjoy great music inside the Entertainment Tent and a fun Children’s Area all weekend. Other activities include Chalk the Walk, A Silent Disco, Wine on the Water, The Big Art Show, a petting zoo, and so much more!
The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 30th Annual Rubber Ducky Festival in Downtown Bellaire on August 19th. Highlighting the Rubber Ducky Festival is a quarter-mile race when 2000 yellow ducks are dumped into the Intermediate River. Visitors can buy a $5 race ticket that corresponds to the number on a Rubber Duck. Ducks finishing the Top 27 win a cash prize! Come down for the ducks and maybe you’ll leave with some extra cash.
Walk The Beat in Grand Haven is Saturday, August 19th, and is a music festival like no other! The event hosts dozens of artists from all over the state in local business and venues, where participants can literally “walk the beat” from show to show and enter a series of giveaways along the way. It’s the perfect way to expose emerging musicians, as well as support local business in a big end-of-the-summer party!
GRandJazzFest in Grand Rapids is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival! This year’s festival is August 19th and 20th, at Rosa Parks Circle, a central location in the heart of downtown. The festival brings to the stage notable jazz performers as well as up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences.
Bring the family to The City of Hastings’ Summerfest from August 25th to 27th. The annual event features an arts and crafts sale on the lawn of the historical and picturesque Barry County Court House, food, live music and entertainment, sporting events, Grand Parade, car show, and more. Don’t miss this celebration of summer!
Creative teens can learn professional filmmaking and acting techniques and make a movie in a week during Compass College of Cinematic Arts’ summer Film and Acting Camps. These fast-paced, hands-on camps give high school students a glimpse into the real world of multimedia production and on-camera acting.
Both camps run June 19-23, and registration is open to teens ages 13-18. In Film Camp, students work with industry professionals and state-of-the art film equipment to write, direct, and edit their own short film. Meanwhile, students in the Acting Camp are cast in these films, and spend the week refining their on-camera acting techniques. At the end of the week, students walk the red carpet and their films premiere for friends and family in the theater at Compass College.
“Film camp was a great first look at the industry,” said John LeFan, former film camper and 2013 Compass College alumnus. “It’s a great starter program to get your feet wet. I was immediately hooked.”
The camps are designed for students with little to no film and acting experience. The instructors at Compass College make the process fun and as similar to a real-life production set as possible.
“Learning how to act on camera and having a role in a real short film was the most fun I’ve ever had at a camp,” said 2016 camper Rian Turner. “I enjoyed it so much that I’m coming back again this summer!”
The film campers go behind-the-scenes of the movie-making process to learn screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, camera, audio engineering, editing and much more—all while working with the actors in the acting camp! The acting students walk through the same process a real celebrity would use to learn their role for a new movie. They practice improvisation, master different acting techniques, audition for roles, rehearse their script, and discuss costume design. Then it all comes together in front of the camera.
“It’s a great opportunity for the campers to learn the filmmaking process in a creative and fun way,” said Joshua Courtade, Film Camp instructor and award-winning screenwriter, “The film students get to collaborate with the acting students and the results are some very fun short films.”
Over the years, campers have had the opportunity to Skype with Hollywood actors and producers like Beau Wirick, Mark Clayman, and Ralph Winter who have worked on the sets of shows like NCIS, The Office, and Arrested Development, and produced feature films such as, Pursuit of Happyness, X-Men, and X-Men Origins.
Space in the camps is limited so early registration is recommended. For more information, call Compass College at 616-988-1000, or visit online at www.compass.edu.
Just in time for the 80-degree weather, the City of Wyoming announced this morning that its splash pads will open today.
The splash pads are located at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St SW; Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW; and Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day.
The City of Wyoming’s splash pads are one of the many reasons that WOOD TV’s Maranada has kicked off her Park Parties at Wyoming’s Lamar Park for the past several years. According to Maranda, the park also offers excellent parking, wide open space with the park’s splash pad providing a place to help children and families cool off on hot summer days.
Maranda comes to Lamar Park on June 22. She will bring the Park Party to Kentwood July 13 at the East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The Wyoming and Kentwood events are the only Park Parties scheduled this year for the Greater Grand Rapids area with the rest being in Muskegon, Kalamazoo, and Holland.
Once again, in working with USDA, Michigan Dept. of Ed and local school districts, free lunch will be served to anyone 18 and under starting at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last at all Park Party events. Maranda’s Park Parties have been recognized by the USDA as one of the nation’s largest summer feeding programs.
Park Parties run from noon – 2 p.m. at the dates listed above. Every Park Party also includes free activities, games, entertainment and, prizes.
For more on the Maranda Park Parties, click here. For more about the splash pads and other City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation activities and events, visit wyoming.gov and click the “Living in Wyoming” tab.
The official start of summer – Festival of the Arts – kicks off in just a couple of weeks –June 2, 3, 4 – and there is already a buzz about some of the programs and partnerships for this year’s event.
“Festival embraces the tradition and sense of community ownership while at the same time recognizing the need for change and improvement, as long as the core values of the event are retained,” said Lisa Radeck, 2017 co-chair. “Each year, new activities and performers are added, new volunteers are sought, and we strive to empower new and alternative forms of artistic expression. As the community grows, we grow, together. The tradition continues by diversity and inclusion.”
One of the biggest changes is the revamping of the children’s activities and performances to create “Kids’ World” at Rosa Parks Circle stage during all three days of Festival.
Family favorite kids’ activities such as Mad Hatter will be joined with new activities from a host of local organizations. Some of the activities are: Sack Suppers with Kids Food Basket, design-a-diaper with Great Start Collaborative – First Steps, Camp Curious with the Grand Rapids Public Museum, animal visits with John Ball Zoo, hands-on health and proper nutrition projects with Ferris State University School of Pharmacy, and a dance and motion project with Grandville Avenue Arts. Sunday will be International Day with the Grand Rapids Sister Cities organization and Bethany Christian Services, providing a day of international arts and entertainment emphasizing “Kids from around the World.”
Friday stage performances at Rosa Parks Circle stage include the Gemini Brothers, Dilly Songs with Kevin Kammeraad, and Miranda of “The Miranda Show.” (Note this is not a park party event.) Saturday features Jim the Spoon Man, John Ball Zoo, Dilly Songs, and the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities.
There are numerous other activities beyond Kids’ World and the stage performances. Everyone gets a chance to join in on hands-on participation fun with Adult Paint-In and Swingin’ Art, and returning for the first time since the late ’80s, Festival is bringing back block printing to the Printmaking Booth! Block printing will be on paper with blocks made by participants in past printmaking workshops or by using block letters to print your own name or favorite saying, and visitors can also participate in screen printing by bringing their own material or purchasing a plain white t-shirt in youth and adult sizes for sale at the booth.
The other popular Festival stages, Calder, City, and Outer Fringe will be open and hosting a wide variety of performances by artists from eight West Michigan counties represented at Festival. New this year is the Kendall Stage, located on Pearl Street between the Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design’s main building and the Kendall Galleries located in the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building.
“The Festival 2017 Regional Arts Committee is thrilled to be working with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University,” said Regional Arts Co-Chair Fred Bivins. “Everyone there has been a pleasure to work with, and we feel like we’re coming home to the Fed Galleries in the former Federal Building, now the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, as the show was there for many years when the building housed the Grand Rapids Art Museum and for several more when the City of Grand Rapids allowed us its use for the show.”
While the main Festival activities are always the first full weekend in June, the Festival Regional Arts Exhibition starts the celebration a few days earlier with its opening reception on May 31 from 5 – 8 p.m. The exhibition will be up from June 1 to July 15.
Each year, Festival invites a local artist or group of artists to carry the tradition forward in the design of a poster. The 2017 “Make it a Family Tradition” theme is reflected by the four artists who created this year’s poster. Their names are familiar to many in the region: author and illustrator Ryan Hipp; puppeteer, artist, and “Tomato Collection” author Kevin Kammeraad, Kammeraad’s son and artist Carlos, and retired Rockford High School art teacher Ken Vidro. They have made Festival of the Arts their own “family tradition” with the multi-generational poster collaboration. The artists are also longtime participants at Festival, for the last ten years their artwork has been featured in the Art Sales Tent, which is partly the reason the 2017 co-chairs Radeck and Merrie Pieri-Clark selected them to design this year’s colorful poster.
Visitors to Festival 2017 are encouraged to visit the Art Sales Tent where they will find favorites new and old, as several area artists and artisans will be on hand selling unique items and are happy to share information about their work.
Last but certainly not least, Festival continues the tradition of including the culinary arts in its mix, where year after year visitors experience flavors from around the world along the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. More than twenty-five food booths operated by non-profits will be offering a variety of items from the popular souvlaki sandwich to popcorn and much more. “We are excited to welcome a couple of new food offerings which includes tamales!” said Pieri-Clark.
Opening ceremonies will follow tradition, with the celebration kickoff at noon on Friday, June 2. New this year is a second ceremony on opening day for those coming later in the evening. The second ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday.
For all the latest information about Festival of the Arts, including performance schedules, activities, and food booths, visit www.festivalgr.org or check out the organization’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/festivalGR.
Legend has it that if you build a fairy home and leave it in your garden, you just might attract a fairy into your domain.
If you have neither the time nor the talent to build your own Fairy home, see the spectacular work of others at the Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Blandford Enchanted” at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids.
Some 35 fairy houses created by West Michigan artists will be on display indoors Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, in Blandford Nature Center’s new Mary Jane Dockeray Welcome Center.
Much more can be seen throughout the grounds wildlife and nature preserve located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, in Grand Rapids.
Outdoor displays, a special Fairy Boutique, live entertainment and more will be part of the three-day event organized by Grand Rapids Symphony Friends, formerly known as the Grand Rapids Symphony Women’s Committee.
Do-it-yourself Fairy Door decorating and build-it-yourself Fairy House making kits will be available. Organizers spent months gathering materials for Fairy House starter kits with all-natural materials.
A special Lantern Walk through the forest, complete with live music, will be held the evening of Saturday, June 3 among the grounds of the 143-acre preserve.
A preview party, “One Enchanted Evening,” will be held Thursday, June 1, at the nature preserve on the northwest side of Grand Rapids.
“Blandford Enchanted” will feature dozens of meticulously hand-crafted fairy houses, none more than 3-foot high, created by local artists. The community-wide project included help from students at Aquinas College and installation and technical assistance from Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Adults and children alike will delight in the tiny details that make these dwellings so unique.
“It’s going to be absolutely enchanting,” said organizer Liz Schultz. “People won’t forget it.”
Hours for “Blandford Enchanted” are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 4. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children.
The Lantern Walk will be 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 3. Tickets for the Lantern Walk are $15 for all ages.
A preview party, “One Enchanted Evening,” will be held 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1.
Along with a sneak-peak preview of the exhibition, the evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar; music from the Celtic ensemble An Dro; and the premiere of a new ballet, set to the music of Maurice Ravel, featuring dancers from Grand Rapids Ballet and musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Tickets for “One Enchanted Evening” are $75. Tickets include entertainment, food and a signature drink.
“Blandford Enchanted” is a fund raiser held to support the Grand Rapids Symphony’s educational programs.
“The focus is the Grand Rapids Symphony and its educational programs. That’s what’s important,” Schultz said. “The magic is what the symphony brings to our community.”
A similar event, Brookby Enchanted, held two years ago at the historic Blodgett Estate in East Grand Rapids was an enchanting success that engaged young families with the creative community of Grand Rapids.
“Brookby was really good,” Schultz said. “But this is going to be even better.”
Not too long after Abby was first adopted out, her new mom relocated out of the country and asked her grandparents to care for her (we were not aware of this exchange until after the fact).
Everyone seemed to be doing well for many months until Dr. Jen received a call: Abby had fallen very ill and continued medical care was not affordable. Of course Dr. Jen asked her to be brought back to the shelter immediately so treatment could be started for profound weight loss, diarrhea and a non-regenerative anemia that was proving to be life-threatening.
When Abby arrived at the clinic, Dr. Jen was astounded at what rough shape she was in; the one portly princess who tipped the scales at 11# was down to a mere 7-1/2#, all skin and bones, weak and rail-thin. Thankfully, heavy-duty antibiotics and steroids acted efficiently to counteract the devastating effects of a blood parasite, and within a few short weeks, Abby was gaining weight, color had returned to her pale mucous membranes and some of her vibrant energy was restored. Having not been her primary caretaker for quite some time, Dr. Jen surmised that physiological stress caused by significant oral inflammation and pain exacerbated the blood parasite (can lay dormant for years); had her oral condition been addressed in a timely manner, it is possible she would have not fallen so ill in the first place.
All of her teeth except her canine had to be removed in hopes of controlling a condition known as Feline Stomatitis, but no worries on the chewing and chomping front, as Abby is able to chow down with the best of em!
Abby had been through more trials and tribulations in her years on this earth (she was born in the summer of 2008) than any one animal should ever be expected to, but she has handled herself with grace in the face of adversity. She is not one to complain or carry on, but a gentle, divine soul who wants nothing more than to be loved and told how pretty she is! Her bladder inflammation (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis) is controlled with daily medication and minimizing her external stressors, as keeping her days as low-stress as possible is what this doctor has ordered!
She has overcome some pretty amazing odds as of late, and we are doing everything within our power to insure that Abby is happy, healthy and well-cared for, so we are planning on her staying put for the time being. Dr. Jen needs to be 100% sure that her anemia resolves completely, and that we are able to get her as healthy as possible before going to a new home.
Abby is positive for Feline Leukemia, but potential adopters shouldn’t rule her out for this. Read about the facts on Feline Leukemia here.
More about Abby:
FELV/FIC/stomatitis
House trained
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed
Special needs
Current on vaccinations
Want to adopt Abby? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
Take a trip down memory lane as WKTV presents “All Aboard!: The Legends of the Rails” June 2 and 3.
The special will air on WKTV Channel 25 at noon on Friday, June 2, and 5 p.m., Saturday, June 3.
The production shows the story of passenger trains in America, taking the viewer on a coast-to-coast journey to re-live the history, color and fascinating story of some of America’s most popular passenger trains. From the earliest-steam locomotives to today’s streamlined Amtrak diesels, the viewer will be treated to spectacular cinematography as these legends of the rails glide through the mountains, valleys cityscapes and back country of America.
Featured locomotives include the Union Pacific 3985, 844, and E9’s, Nebraska Zephyr, Norfolk & Western 611, Frisco 1522, and Southern Pacific 4449. As a special treat, viewers will get to “sit” next to the engineer for ride on the Southwest Chief. Also part of the video includes exclusions, dinner trains, tourist lines, the Dever & Rio Grande Ski Train, and footage of Amtrak from coast to coast.
This is week two of a five-week series on job search buzzwords.
What is a personal brand?
Dictionary definition: the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual, group, or organization.
Our definition: how you present yourself online and offline to others and, for job seekers, to potential employers.
Companies use brands to help consumers identify their merchandise. For example, we immediately connect the Coca-Cola logo and Nike swoosh to soda and athletic shoes. But it’s much more than a logo. It represents the feelings, expectations and value we associate with a specific company or product.
A brand can also apply to a person. Your personal brand includes your experience, skills, interests, online presence and relationships. Creating a strong personal brand can help you stand out from the crowd.
How do I create a strong personal brand?
Understand yourself.
What value do you offer? What are you passionate about? What are your strengths and weaknesses? When you reveal your authentic self to potential employers it shows them that you are more than your skills and experience. Your unique personality will help recruiters understand how you fit with the company’s culture.
Create an online presence.
Promote your brand online with positive, professional posts. If you don’t already have one, create a LinkedIn profile. You can include personal information such as causes you are passionate about and share posts on topics you are interested in. You’ll be seen as an individual instead of another resume in a large pile.
Network.
Last week’s article explained how to network. If you have done the work to understand your true self, networking is a way to share it with the world. Be personable and easy to relate to. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable – people like to connect with other real people. Finally, be consistent. Stay true to your brand so that people remember who you are, what you stand for and what value you offer.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Local music, local food, and of course local beer, will once again be part of the annual LocalFirst Street Party set for June 3.
The 14th annual LocalFirst Street Party will run from 3 p.m. – midnight in the parking lot near Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave. SW, in downtown Grand Rapids.
“The Local First Street Party celebrates the vibrant and diverse local talent we have in Michigan,” said LocalFirst President Elissa Hillary. “From the music and performers to the food and beverage, it’s all evidence that the work we do is supporting and bringing together a strong community.”
New to this year’s event is an expanded kids area with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Sanctuary Folk Art providing programming. Also the Happy Henna will be providing Henna tattoos and there will be an interactive photo booth by Smitten Booth.
Of course, if you are crafty, there will be lots of sidewalk chalk available to decorate the streets. Also returning to this year’s event with activities for everyone are 61Syx Technique Street Dance Academy, Audacious Hoops, and AM Yoga.
If you are looking to bust a groove, local groups such as The Crane Wives, Molly Bouwsma-Schultz & Friends, Cabildo, Convotronics, JRob & Bedrock: The Foundation, Hollywood Makeout, and Wealthy & Diamond will be providing the music to do just that.
Of course food is always on the mind whenever attending the LocalFirst Street Party and there will be plenty of it from a number of local restaurants and food trucks. This year’s line up includes A Moveable Feast, Love’s Ice Cream, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, The Maine Dish, Patty Matters, What the Truck, Twisted Rooster, Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery, The Candied Yam and Malamiah Juice Bar.
And of course, you have to have something to wash it all down with and local favorites as Founders, Brewery Vivant, Mitten Brewing Company, Farmhaus, and Cider Company will all be on hand providing a range of local beverages to choose from. There also will be free water from Gordon Water.
“We are so grateful for all the support we receive of over 50 sponsors and community partners,” Hillary said. “The Street Party is one of the biggest ways we have to show off what local ownership and collaboration means for West Michigan.”
For more information and updates on the event, visit localfirst.com or follow #LFStreetParty.
Humane Society of West Michigan’s Summer Camp is a great place for your kids to spend their summer learning, growing and having a fun-filled experience that will leave a lasting impression! Summer Camps are filled with activities, games, crafts, lessons and hands-on experience for everyone based on animals and animal welfare! Five different camps are offered for a variety of ages and interests.
Full day sessions — from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
AM sessions — from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
PM sessions — from 1-4 p.m.
After Care and Before Care are available for an additional fee.
Camp PET PALS
This camp offers a new theme everyday, including Delightful Dogs, Fun with Critters, Feline Friends and more. Days are filled with crafts, games and fun! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.
June 19-23, ages 5-7 — half-day sessions (AM and PM)
June 26-30, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions
July 17-21, ages 11-13 — full-day sessions
July 24-28, ages 5-7 — half-day sessions (AM and PM)
August 7-11, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions
August 21-25, ages 8-10 — full-day sessions
MEDIA MUTTS Camp
In this learn-and-create camp, campers will learn about a new topic each day focused on animals. There are different activities and projects throughout the week leading up to the final unique media project. Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.
August 14-18, ages 8-12 — full-day sessions
Vet Camp
In this hands-on camp, teens who are seriously considering a career in veterinary medicine will learn the ins and outs of being a vet. Spend some time with HSWM’s vet staff and watch surgeries, participate in dissections, practice suturing and injections, learn about diagnostic testing and more! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 25 campers per session.
July 10-14, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (AM)
July 31-August 4, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (AM)
K9 Enrichment Camp
Sit, stay and come are just a few of the basic commands you will teach shelter dogs during this canine enrichment-filled camp. Learn basic and advanced obedience training, scent training, agility training, enrichment and socialization! Trainers will practice positive reinforcement training and special skills. They will also perform further research in body language, behavior assessment and breed histories to create a long-term strategy for a shelter dog. Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 25 campers per session.
July 10-14, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (PM)
July 31-August 4, ages 13-17 — half-day sessions (PM)
Animal Advocates Mini Camp
In this mini three-day camp, campers who are passionate about animal welfare and making a difference will meet guest speakers and learn about current animal issues in our community. Each day campers will learn about a new topic through games, crafts and activities and even complete a service learning project! Campers are expected to bring their own lunch, snack and a water bottle each day. Limited to 40 campers per session.
July 5-7, ages 13-17 — full-day sessions
Reserve your place by signing up today!
Sign-up by emailing JordAnn your Summer Camp Registration Form (below) at jbush@hswestmi.org.
With the announcement of the cancellation of the Cutlerville Days, organizers of the Sounds of Summer concert series want residents to know that the program will return in July to Cutler Park.
Williams Productions along with the support of Byron Township make these free concerts available for the community with the concerts growing a larger audience each year.
“I believe that doing it right is the key, the best in entertainment with a variety of music genres, and high quality sound,” said Patty Williams, the award winning concert/video/music producer.
This year’s Sounds of Summer concert series will run Thursday evenings starting July at at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Drive. All shows are at 7 p.m. Introducing the concerts to the community this year will be newly elected Byron Township Supervisor Tom Hooker.
The 2017 lineup kicks off with bluegrass/country music with the local favorite Lare Williams & New Direction performing on July 6. On July 13 is Bettie Paige performing rock music. Popular request has brought back Blue Soul Express on July 20 and the Max Colley Jazz on July 27.
New this year, ealong with the music, is entertainment for the kids. Up under the shade tree stage left will be shows by P.J. Weber and Randy Vander Wal. These entertainers will provide balloons and magic for the children.
Ice cream, sweet treats and pizza will be available again this year thanks to Johnny’s Pizza and other local vendors from Cutlerville .
WKTV will be taping each show which are aired on the station for all to enjoy.
For more information, visit Williams Productions’ Facebook page, Facebook.com/PWilliamProductions or call 616-818-9874.
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)has again received gold status after completing a sustainability assessment developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) gauges the progress of colleges and universities toward sustainability in all sectors, including education and research, operations, innovation and planning, and administration and engagement. Grand Valley joins gold STARS institutions such as Oregon State, Arizona State and Texas A&M University.
“At Grand Valley, sustainability is not an empty buzzword — it is ingrained in every practice,” said Anne Hiskes, dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, which houses the Office of Sustainability Practices. “This is a great collective achievement of all colleges and divisions, and recognizes Grand Valley’s leadership in sustainability best practices and education not only among its students, faculty and staff, but among the communities of West Michigan as well.”
This is the fourth time GVSU has participated in the program. GVSU became the first Michigan university to receive gold status in 2013, and again in 2014, up from silver status in 2011.
This year, GVSU’s score increased from 66.05 to 70.80. Yumi Jakobcic, campus sustainability coordinator, credits the improved score to incremental increases across the board.
“Sustainability is a collective effort,” Jakobcic said. “We continue to offer more classes containing sustainability-related content and the number of professors engaged in sustainability-related research has increased. Our biggest improvement was in the waste category due to the university’s Surplus Store, and our score for buildings increased as well.”
The self-reporting assessment included more than 900 questions and includes bronze, silver, gold and platinum statuses. View the full report here.
For more information, contact the Grand Valley Office of Sustainability Practices at 616.331.7366.
Donnie Alford owns his past with a perspective on where he comes from, where he is today and why it all matters that seems mature beyond his 18 years. The Wyoming High School senior, who graduates June 1, tells his story with the precision and detail of a writer, stating his intent to reach out to struggling young people.
“I kind of want to tell you everything, because I want to be an inspiration for kids not to give up,” he said as he began our interview.
In true autobiographer form, he starts at the beginning: “I was born Sept. 4, 1998.”
Julian and Stacey Goodson took Donnie in as a son
Donnie’s family lived on the South Side of Chicago in the Robert Taylor projects, public housing that was notorious for drugs, gangs and violence. “You couldn’t sit above a certain level in the house because you had to be afraid of stray bullets that would fly in the home,” he said. “We always tried to stay below couch-level because it was dangerous.”
Yet many residents, including his family, had few other options. “When I was 5 or 6 years old, they tore down all the the project housing in Chicago, which forced thousands and thousands of mostly African-Americans to be homeless.”
For Donnie, that piece of Chicago history was real life. After a few nights sleeping in an old Volkswagen, he joined his relatives– 14 people total – in a three-bedroom apartment where he lived for the next two years.
“My bedroom wasn’t a bedroom; it was a really big closet. I used my clothes as a bed. I didn’t get my own mattress until I was in fourth grade.”
Donnie Alford smiles just talking about basketball
Moving to Grand Rapids
Donnie’s mother, Shawntay Hill, left Chicago for Grand Rapids to search for work and a new place to live. She came back for Donnie when he was almost 9-years-old.
Life in Grand Rapids was “me and my mom against the world,” he said. Fortunately, Donnie found happiness on the basketball court.
“Basketball is my passion; it’s my life,” he said. “Basketball saved me from some rough times. If it wasn’t for basketball, quite honestly, I would probably be doing what the majority of kids that come from my situation do -– the gang and drug life.
“Basketball was like a safe haven. When I was on the court all my problems would disappear for those split seconds when the ball was in my hand.”
But that passion didn’t yet transfer to the classroom, because Donnie didn’t see the point of trying. By then, his father was serving a more than 20-year prison sentence. “My father gets out of prison when I am 24 years old,” he said. “I can’t remember a moment when my father was free.
Donnie Alford looks to Julian Goodson as a father and example
“I didn’t care about school because, why would I? I didn’t think I was going to be anything in my life.”
When Donnie was 10, his mother gave birth to a boy, Armontae, and Donnie soon embraced the idea of becoming a big brother. But when the baby was just two months old, Donnie’s mother had a stroke and a heart attack, shaking the little stability he had in his life.
Shawntay spent the next seven years, from age 31 to 38, in a near vegetative state at a nursing home, never relearning to walk or talk. Her absence left a huge void in Donnie’s life.
“My mom was like my best friend. Growing up, I was an only child. We did everything together. She was the one who taught me to play basketball.”
With his mom in the hospital, Donnie spent the next few years living with aunts in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, content to get by with D’s in school.
Teacher Kellie Self could see the potential Donnie had in her sixth-grade class, even though he battled frustration and anger.
“I remember him being a brilliant kid who was an incredible writer,” she said. “I knew how capable he was, and that he could accomplish anything he put his mind to. However, I don’t necessarily think he believed that himself yet.
“Honestly, I didn’t treat him any differently than I treat any of my other students, but he responded differently to my encouragement and nurturing -– he literally thrived from it. I kept telling him he could do anything he wanted, and just how smart I knew he was.”
Donnie Alford earned a scholarship to play basketball at Olivet College
Self remembers one particularly rough day for Donnie.
“The social worker and I were in the hallway talking with him and she asked him what was wrong. He screamed, ‘I just want to see my mom!’ ‘You want to see your mom? I’ll take you there!’ the counselor replied. He couldn’t believe we could actually do something like that.”
Self ran back to her classroom and grabbed an African violet flower someone had given her and told him to give it to his mother. “I still have the photo of him next to his mom holding the flower, with with a huge smile on his face.”
Enter the Goodsons
Fate twisted Donnie’s freshman year, when he met Stacey and Julian Goodson, foster parents to many children including a good friend of Donnie’s. They took Donnie in when he was almost 16.
“They were always on me about my grades, he said. “It was like a culture change. The first semester I had straight D’s. I finished the second semester with straight B’s.”
Stacey and Julian both reached Donnie in their own ways. “Julian did it with basketball,” Donnie said, but it was much more than that.
“He told me he cared about me and he loved me. I never had a man in my life tell me he loved me. He actually cared about me and wanted me to be great. He didn’t just see me as a kid living in his house. He felt I was his son.”
Julian remembers Donnie coming to them with a fierce sense of independence. But after learning he was part of the family, Donnie grew leaps and bounds as a student and community member.
“One of the biggest things he learned was how to be a part of a family structure and unit,” Julian said. “He showed incredible leadership among his peers and siblings. … It was really just seeing what type of potential he had. He was able to tap into his potential and he found he was good at a lot of things, not just basketball.”
Julian was the male example Donnie needed.
“Growing up I never seen a successful African-American man,” Donnie said. “I didn’t really know what that was. Julian was there to show me African-American men can be successful, because I didn’t believe we could in this world. He showed me we could. He gave me hope.”
Stacey reached him with what seemed to Donnie like super powers.
“Stacey does so much,” he marveled. “She works, coaches sports, comes home, deals with all our problems, cooks dinner and still has time to laugh and be a good mom to all of us. She’s like superwoman. … I have mad love for her.”
The love is mutual.
“I’ve seen him mature a lot, as far as being an older sibling,” Stacey said. “I’ve also seen him mature in his priorities, what they are and what they need to be aligned with as far as academics and so forth.”
For so long, college wasn’t on Donnie’s radar. No one in Donnie’s family had graduated high school since the early 2000s, much less gone to college. But as his grades improved and more opportunities in basketball came his way, that began to change. The Goodsons gave him the opportunity to play travel basketball, and his team won every weekend.
Promises to His Mother
While Donnie began to excel, he remained hopeful that his mother would someday get better. But last year, doctors informed him she was 98 percent brain dead following a major medical setback. At that point, he said, “I realized my mom was never going to be the same again.”
He and relatives made the heart-wrenching decision to pull her off life support. “I watched my mom suffer for seven years. It was quite honestly the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life.
“My mom was a free spirit,” he added. “She loved to have fun, to laugh and talk and joke and dance.”
Shawntay Hill died May 15, 2016, exactly one year before Donnie was interviewed for this story.
“When my mom died, it was surreal. I couldn’t believe it. It was literally like a part of me died. I lost my best friend and my mom at once. I didn’t connect with anyone like I did with my mom.”
He found support at school from his friends and teachers. “The thing I like about Wyoming is it’s like a family.”
Before his mother died, Donnie made some promises to her.
“I promised my mom I will graduate. I would graduate high school and I would go to college and graduate from there. I told her I would play collegiate basketball. I told her I will do it all for her, and so far I have kept every word.”
‘A Poor Kid from the South Side’
To keep his word to his mother, Donnie, a guard for the Wyoming Wolves, had to up his game in a major way. Always an energetic, up-tempo player, he described himself as average overall. But senior year, “Every time I stepped on the court I was one of the best players.” He ended the year as all-conference honorable mention and all-area honorable mention.
He also improved thanks to the Goodsons, both coaches in Wyoming, who gave him access to the gym and weight room during the summer before his senior year.
“I worked out the whole summer and my motivation was my mom.” He got up every day at 7 a.m., and headed to the track for two hours to run the bleachers wearing a 25-pound weighted jacket.
He would go home for breakfast and then head back to the gym. From noon to 2:30 p.m. he was in the weight room and from 2:30 to 6 p.m. he was in the gym. “I would make 2,000 threes a day, 5,000 free throws, I would dribble until my arms were numb. I would do sprints until my feet hurt.”
He was also inspired by varsity boys basketball coach Tom VanderKlay, who demonstrates life skills to help athletes be successful men in the long run, Donnie said.
Donnie has received a scholarship to play basketball next school year at Olivet College, where he plans to major in personal training and physical therapy.
“Sometimes it doesn’t feel real,” he confessed. “At one point I was content with being like everybody else (from similar backgrounds): I’m going to either end up in jail or sell drugs. That’s the only way out. That’s all I knew.
“Who would ever have thought a poor kid from the South Side of Chicago would go on to play college basketball?”
Always Improving
Donnie’s GPA has climbed from a 1.5 his sophomore year to a 2.7. He hopes to end the year close to a 3.0.
He’s looking forward to his next step.
“My plan is to go to Olivet and dominate. I don’t plan on being an average player. I don’t want to be average anymore. I want to be great.”
Donnie said he grateful to many people who have supported him.
“Most of the kids who come from my situation, they don’t get out of Chicago, let alone finish high school and go to college. To be the first college student (from his family) is going to be pretty amazing. I’m going to continue to work hard and make sure I am the first college graduate.
“I’m just blessed.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts outdoor concert series runs June 15 to August 25, 2017. Thursday evening concerts begin at 7 p.m. in front of the Flat River, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, in downtown Lowell, Mich. Food and spirits are available; admission to the concerts and parking are free.
The concerts promote the best of the region’s talented musicians, featuring music groups exclusively from Michigan. A diverse mix of music including Blues, World Music, Roots, Rock, Swing, Big Band, Jazz, Country, Americana, Folk, Indie, Funk, R&B and more draw upwards of 1,000 visitors each week. The concert venue is wheelchair-accessible; bleacher seating is available or attendees may bring their own folding chair.
June 15 – Harper & The Midwest Kind – Blues, World Music, Roots
Borrowing from Western and Aboriginal music, an original take on the roots genre labeled “World Blues”.
June 22 – Brena – Rock, Motown. Features horns, violin, keyboard, electric and acoustic guitar and vocal harmony.
June 29 – Rhythm Section Jazz Band – Swing, Big Band, Jazz
“Little Big Band” consisting of alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.
July 6 – Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys – Country, Rock, Americana
Honest storytelling and music that explodes into the audience like an electrifying dose of adrenaline.
July 7 (Friday) – The Bronk Bros. – Country, Southern Rock, Americana. Combines impressive vocals, remarkable guitar playing, rocking harmonica, and crowd-engaging stage energy.
The Lowell Showboat
July 13 – The Steve Hilger Band – Blues. Progressive blues mixed with traditional blues music, come out for an exciting blend of smokin’ hot blues!
July 20 – Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys – Americana
Eclectic Bluegrass band with distinct vocals, tight harmonies, instrumental expertise and creative arrangements.
July 23 (Sunday at 3 p.m.) – 126 Army Band, “The Governor’s Own” – Military Ensemble – Grand Rapids based citizen-soldiers, the band has been providing music for the nation since 1857.
July 27 – The Natchez Trace – Country, Rock. Award-winning group, celebrating 30 years, kickin’ instrumentation and tight 4-part harmony.
August 3 – The Ragbirds – Folk, World Music. A fusion of folk rock and pop hooks over danceable world rhythms stirred with a Celtic fiddler’s bow.
August 17 – Olivia Mainville & the Aquatic Troupe – Folk, Gypsy Swing, Indie. Known for energized, dynamic performances and gargantuan musical talent.
August 24 – The Hip Pocket – Funk, R&B Band. High energy R&B, with cutting edge horn arrangements and exceptional musicianship.
August 25 (Friday at 6 p.m.) – Rockin’ for the Showboat. Alive & Well, The Adams Family, Josh Rose, The Preservers, Time Hungry, The Upstage Crew Blues Band – Regional and local bands joining forces to raise money and help rebuild a Lowell community icon.
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 28.
By WKTV Staff
While there will be many Memorial Day events this holiday weekend, events honoring those who died while serving in the various branches of the U.S. military, one of West Michgan’s proudest traditions is the U.S.S. Silversides’ Lost Boat Ceremony.
Also a Memorial Day Weekend tradition, WKTV’s coverage crew will be at the event and will rebroadcast the ceremony multiple times.
This year’s Lost Boat Ceremony, hosted by Muskegon’s U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum, is set for Sunday, May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the museum, located at 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon.
WKTV will broadcast the ceremony on Cable Channel 25 on Monday, May 29, at 10:15 a.m. and again at 9 p.m. It will also be broadcast Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m.
The ceremony starts with a fly-by featuring “warbirds” — planes from World War II. There is also a special guest speaker, this year U.S. Navy Capt. Fred Bertsch (Ret.). The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute and the starting up of the engine of the U.S.S. Silversides.
Kemal Hamulic talks with Alan Headbloom during a 2013 interview for “Feel Like You Belong” in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
By Kemal Hamulic
Being mindful and respectful of your employees’ needs in the workplace can ensure a happy workforce, increased employee satisfaction, and better productivity. Sometimes, even just showing an interest in the background of an employee can motivate that individual to try harder. For employers with a diverse workforce, it is especially important to keep up on current events.
One such event is the religious observation of Ramadan. For 2017, May 27 is the first day of fasting that will continue for Muslims worldwide for the next 31 days. It culminates in the holy day of Eid-al-Fitr, celebrating the end of the religious fast.
For American human resource managers with employees who practice Islam, there are two important considerations to ease this month of fasting for them: prayer time and the physical challenges of fasting.
First, you need to know that observant Muslims pray five times a day. The actual prayer times are calculated based on several factors, one of them being geographical location. The times vary and are affected by changes in the hours of sunrise and sunset. For our town of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the dawn prayer on May 27, the first day of fasting, starts around 4:25 am, and the sunset prayer starts around 9:15 pm. At the end of the month, these prayer times shift: 4:20-ish am for the dawn prayer and 9:30-ish pm for the sunset prayer on June 26. (Click here for a prayer timetable.)
Those who fast will not be able to eat or drink ANYTHING between the dawn and sunset prayer times.
Here are six recommendations that will help your employees during these fasting times and beyond:
Prayer. Let Muslim employees know that there is a quiet room available for them to pray.
Stress. Try to adjust work schedules and work duties for observant Muslims to help them work without the need to hydrate or eat.
Food. Offer to make reasonable adjustments for storing food during Ramadan. This is primarily important for those who will be working after the sunset prayer, that is, third-shift employees. Very often, Muslims bring homemade food prepared exclusively for this occasion. This food is halal (similar to kosher) and is taken at certain times. Letting employees go to the break room at a specific time, or having them keep a small food box at their work station are examples of what can be done.
Clothing. Try to be flexible regarding dress codes; if there are situations or areas where flexibility is not possible (for safety reasons, etc.), make an effort to explain company policy and rationale to your Muslim employees. Then, importantly, be consistent with all other employees and their religious needs.
Other Employees. Address the issue of fasting with non-Muslim employees to make sure that it is not interpreted as a sign of religious favoritism. In the past, some Americans have interpreted religious accommodations as “preferential treatment” for Muslim employees.
Scheduling. Make advance scheduling arrangements to ensure there are enough employees to cover the workload on the last day of fasting. Observant Muslims will try to get a day off on this day.
Understand that different ethnic groups take different approaches and use different standards of Islamic observance. You can compare this to your Christian or Jewish family and friends: some are much more observant and some much less. In the case of Muslims, you may find a devoted Saudi believer who will not drink alcohol, eat pork, or smoke, while you may find among Bosnian Muslims that some do not mind smoking and will be flexible on that rule, while fully observing all others.
In explaining the concept of accommodation to non-Muslim employees, help them remember that a flexible workplace tries to work with everyone’s needs:
A nursing mother may need a private space to express milk at break time.
A colostomy patient may need the privacy of a single-use restroom to change a stoma bag.
Catholic workers may wish to have off on Good Friday.
I should emphasize the value of diversity in this working arrangement. For example, non-Christian employees might well volunteer to work on traditionally Christian religious holidays in exchange for having days off for their own holidays. It is a win-win situation for employers.
If explanations are clear and employees understand that all of us work best when we are respected and accommodated, all are prepared to give their best effort and succeed for the company.
___________________________________________________ A 1997 refugee to the United States, Kemal Hamulic has been working with minority groups on various levels for over a decade. His encounters range from community outreach work to diplomatic interpreting to international business negotiations. His formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in international business and a Master’s in finance. Kemal has extensive experience living abroad and speaks fluent English, Bosnian, and German and is proficient in French. He has given seminars and prepared workshops on the topic of diversity for government agencies and private entities.
This is part two of a two-part series about Community Action Month.
For 53 years, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in the United States have been fighting poverty at a local level. They are guided by their individual missions and are committed to the Promise of Community Action to improve the community by helping people help themselves and each other.
In Kent County, ACSET CAA is focused on providing services to generate a higher quality of life for all residents. In 2016, ACSET CAA:
Weatherized 101 homes
Provided tax preparation assistance to 2,662 individuals
Made 1,090 utility payments
Distributed 1,945,560 pounds of food
Served 18,068 Latin-inspired meals to seniors
ACSET CAA is grateful to their partners and volunteers. Without the support of 76 partner organizations and 36,588 volunteer hours they would not have the same impact on our community. Together, they are helping people and changing lives.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
House members seek to block proposed arms sales to Saudi Arabia
By Corie Whalen
Rep. Justin Amash
A bipartisan group of six representatives, led by Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), have introduced a joint resolution of disapproval, H.J. Res. 102, to block proposed sales of precision-guided munitions and other offensive weapons to the Government of Saudi Arabia. The joint resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).
Congress was notified of the proposed sales, which are part of a larger arms deal with Saudi Arabia reportedly worth $110 billion, on May 19.
“Saudi Arabia has one of the worst human rights records and has supported many of the extremists terrorizing the people of the Middle East and the world,” said Amash. “These arms sales extend a reckless policy from the Obama administration and prior administrations, and they come at a time when the Saudi government is escalating a gruesome war in Yemen.”
Huizenga Statement on Updated CBO Health Care Score
Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02)
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) has issued the following statement after the CBO released its updated score for the American Health Care Act (AHCA):
“The CBO projection confirms that the American Health Care Act will lower premiums and reduce the federal deficit. Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services released a study detailing how premiums for Michigan residents on the individual market have increased by 90% over the last four years alone. ObamaCare is collapsing and isn’t sustainable. We need to restore the ability for hardworking Michiganders to choose the health care plan that best meets their needs. The AHCA is a positive step in helping to achieve that objective.”
Stabenow Statement on CBO Score of Trumpcare
By Miranda Margowsky
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement on the Congressional Budget Office’s score of Trumpcare that shows 23 million people would lose health insurance:
“Today’s non-partisan report confirms once again that Trumpcare is a bad deal for Michigan families. It raises costs and takes us back to the days when insurance companies were in charge of your health care. If you or your family member has a “preexisting condition” like cancer, pregnancy, or diabetes, you could lose coverage or be forced to pay a lot more. I’m ready to work across the aisle to lower costs and improve care for Michigan families, but this plan makes people pay more for less.
Peters, Stabenow Announce New Pipeline Safety Legislation
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have introduced a package of bills that would increase pipeline safety in and around the Great Lakes and account for the unique needs of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The bills announced today would raise liability caps for Great Lakes pipeline operators; expand and clarify U.S. Secretary of Transportation’s authority to suspend or shut down unsafe oil pipelines; strengthen federal review of oil spill response plans; increase transparency surrounding oil spill response and clean up plans; and create a Center for Expertise in the Great Lakes region to study freshwater oil spills.
“The Great Lakes ecosystem is unlike any other in the world, and many existing pipeline safety rules and regulations do not adequately protect this precious resource from a disastrous oil spill,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
“We cannot allow another devastating pipeline break like the one that dumped a million gallons of oil in to the Kalamazoo River in 2010,” said Senator Stabenow.
These actions build on previous efforts by Senators Peters and Stabenow to increase pipeline safety in the Great Lakes. In 2015, Peters and Stabenow introduced legislation to strengthen pipeline oversight and improve response plans for oil spills under ice-covered waters. These provisions were included in the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act, or PIPES Act, which was signed into law by President Obama last year.
Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen Homeland Missile Defense
Bipartisan Legislation Would Accelerate Process for New Missile Defense Site & Fort Custer Among Finalists to Host
U.S. Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, joined his colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen and improve the reliability, capability, and capacity of U.S. homeland missile defense. TheAdvancing America’s Missile Defense Act of 2017 will, among other actions, accelerate the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the next step in developing an interceptor site in the Midwest or the East Coast of the United States. The Missile Defense Agency is preparing the EIS for three potential additional missile defense sites, including the Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.
“The United States faces an evolving number of security threats — from North Korea’s provocative missile tests designed to inflame global tensions, to Iran’s ballistic missile tests in defiance of a UN Security Council resolution,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “It is critical that America take proactive steps to bolster our missile defense systems so we are prepared in the event of a missile attack directed at our homeland.
The Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act of 2017 will take a comprehensive review of current American missile defense system capabilities, including:
Promoting an integrated, layered ballistic missile defense system that incorporates different aspects of missile defense, such as ground based sensors and radars;
Authorizing an additional 28 GBIs;
Speeding the development and deployment of advanced interceptor technologies;
Accelerating the development and deployment of a space-based sensor layer;
Authorizing increased missile defense testing; and
Requiring a DoD report on potentially increasing GBI capacity.
Peters Statement on President Trump’s 2018 Budget Proposal
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Federal
U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Spending Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal, which makes drastic cuts to programs that Michigan families and businesses rely on:
“I am extremely concerned that President Trump’s budget proposal makes significant cuts to critical programs that boost Michigan’s working families, support economic development in Michigan’s urban and rural communities, and protect the Great Lakes which are vital to some of our state’s largest industries.
“Rather than investing in policies that promote manufacturing, support small businesses, strengthen education, and drive our economy forward, President Trump’s budget only offers counterproductive cuts that would stifle Michigan’s economic growth and strain the pocketbooks of Michigan families. While Congress has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively, any budget passed by Congress must address the needs of middle class families, seniors and small businesses.”
Stabenow Statement on Trump Budget Request that Eliminates Great Lakes funding
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following news that President Trump’s full budget request for the 2018 fiscal year still completely eliminates funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:
“It’s official—President Trump’s 2018 budget zeros out funding for our Great Lakes. Thanks to thousands of people across Michigan speaking out, we already stopped cuts for this year. This is a moment for Michigan when we all need to stand together to protect our Great Lakes.”
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which Senator Stabenow authored in 2010, is critical to supporting jobs, fighting invasive species, and protecting the Michigan way of life. Earlier this month, Senator Stabenow led the bipartisan effort to successfully pass full funding for the Great Lakes for the remainder of fiscal year 2017.
Stabenow Statement Following DeVos Speech Outlining Massive Cuts to Public Education
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following a speech by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos outlining a proposal to make massive cuts to public education:
“Parents’ worst fears were realized today when Secretary Betsy DeVos outlined the Trump Administration’s plan to shift billions of dollars away from our nation’s public schools. These policies have already failed children and families in Michigan and now Secretary DeVos wants to implement them nationwide. Instead of working cooperatively to improve our schools, this administration is playing politics with the future of our children.”
Community members are invited to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country as the City of Wyoming holds its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29.
Mayor Jack Poll will host the ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Garden, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. The service will be recorded by WKTV and aired at 8:30 p.m. that evening as part of the station’s Memorial Day programming.
The hour-long ceremony will feature:
• Guest speaker Joe Clemens, who served for eight years as a cryptographer with the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces. Since retiring from the service, Clemens has focused his energy helping homeless veterans access the services they need – from housing, food and clothing to job training, education grants and healthcare coverage.
• The Lee High School Band, under the direction of Kevin Gabrielse, who will perform select numbers during the prelude, “On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss” by Holsinger during the program and “God Bless America” at the closing of the ceremony.
• A performance of Taps by Bronson Swan, a graduate of Lee High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Photo by Harriet Sturim
• The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, who will fire a rifle volley salute to the service men and women who have died.
“The City of Wyoming is honored and privileged to recognize the men and women who have served in our armed forces and those who continue to serve,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This Memorial Day, the City again gathers with our fellow citizens to pause and reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
“We invite all to come and join us for this special tribute at the Veterans Memorial Garden.”
Those who attend are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or folding chair. Parking is available at the Wyoming Senior Center and Pinery Park. The City will have handicapped accessible parking located in front of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, as well as some additional spaces.
Attendees are invited to view the brick walkway and arch installations in Veterans Memorial Garden. Titled “Duty,” “Honor” and “Country,” the arch installation was completed last year when “Country” was installed. The arches signify the words spoken by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1962 as he reflected on what it means to be a member of military service.
The City of Kentwood will mark Memorial Day with a parade on Monday, May 29, hosted this year by the Amvets Post 23.
For the past several years, the Amvets Post and the America Legion D.W. Cassard Post 208 have shared the responsibilities of hosting the annual parade and service with one group hosting it one year and the other hosting it the next. For 2017, it is the Amvets who have organized the event.
The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), near the corner of 48th Street and Eastern Avenue. From there, it will head west down 48th Street to Kentwood’s Veteran’s Memorial Park located in front of the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. At the park, there will be a ceremony including the laying of five wreaths, one for each of the branches of the military service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The service will last about an hour.
The entire parade and service will be rebroadcast on WKTV 25, at 12:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. In fact, the entire program for that day will focus on Memorial Day activities and will include “Salute to Honor” at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; a Memorial Day Tribute at 10 a.m.; “Lost Boat Ceremony” at the USS Silverside at 10:15 a.m. and 9 p.m.; City of Kentwood Memorial Day Parade at 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; “Lest We Forget” at 1 p.m.; the Vietnam Moving Wall at 6:30 p.m.; and the City of Wyoming Memorial Day Service at 8:30 p.m.
The WKTV Government 26 channel will feature “Salute to Honor” at 6:30 p.m. and the National Veteran’s Creative Arts Festival at 7 p.m.
For West Michiganders, at least those sticking around the Grand Rapids area and not heading up north, a Memorial Day weekend visit to the Lake Michigan shoreline is a great option if not a must.
(State of Michigan)
But with the un-official start of the summer outdoor season also a Memorial Day weekend, outdoor adventures also bring the un-official start of Michigan’s deer tick season — and with black legged (deer) ticks comes the risk of Lyme disease.
Most humans are infected with Lyme disease through the bites of immature ticks, called nymphs, that feed during the spring and summer months. But these nymphs are approximately the size of a poppy seed, so they are hard to see.
“Prompt removal of ticks is the best method to decrease the chance of Lyme disease,” Dr. Paul Heidel, Ottawa County Department of Public Health medical director, said in supplied material. “Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, a rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis, or joint pain within 30 days of being bitten by a tick.”
Routinely, ticks must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for the Lyme disease bacterium to be transmitted.
The State of Michigan and local health officials have suggestions to avoid Lyme-carrying ticks:
When outdoors, walk in the center of trails, and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass.
Around home, create tick-safe zones in your yard by keeping patios and play areas away from vegetation, regularly remove leaves, clear tall grasses and brush around home, place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, and use a chemical control agent.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent) or Picaridin on exposed skin, and treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents) with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin — do not use permethrin directly on skin. (Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)
Bathe or shower after being outside in tick-infested areas (preferably within two hours). And conduct a full-body tick check (under arms, in and around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waist and especially in hair), especially inspect children.
Finally, if you find a tick attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.
Summer is knocking on our door, and Blandford Nature Center seems as busy as ever. As we close out the end of the school year, prepare for Summer Day Camps, and develop our Community Programs for the upcoming months, we have many openings for volunteers to come out during this busy, sunny season. Check out the Volunteer Opportunities below to get a sneak peek of all the things happening around Blandford!
Farm Day Open House
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 27
Don’t miss this family friendly event down on the farm! Meet the goats, chickens, and pigs; say ‘hi’ to your local farmers; check out our plant sale; listen to a story; and play some games. This is a great option for a Memorial Day ‘stay-cation’.
2017 marks the 6th year of Blandford Nature Center’s fundraising trail run/walk! Join us for an evening of fitness, food, and fun. Run or walk the trails through Blandford’s property. Afterwards, celebrate the summer solstice with us at our Summer Celebration!
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, Blandford is preparing to take on a few landscaping projects in the various gardens and green spaces around BNC. We need help planting.
We’ll be making several trips to buy/collect native plants from local nurseries so there will be a variety of days available for planting. Please specify a time frame during that day’s open hours so we can plan accordingly.
Eco-Stewardship work focuses on habitat restoration, trail restoration, stream clean-up and removal of invasive species on several sections of our 264-acre site.
NEW THIS YEAR! Perfect for volunteers who want to get their veggies on and hands dirty. Currently offered once a month with the potential to add more days as the season becomes busier.
Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. For more info, call 616.735.6240.
All registration fees and donations will be used to further Blandford Nature Center’s mission to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.
The dean of Stratford Wellington sells his school to potential students.
Stratford Wellington defines prestigious with its top-notch professors, some of whom have earned Noble Prizes and more than 3,000 activities from birdwatching to the debate team. And with only 13,000 attendees, anyone should feel honored to be accepted.
However freshman Calvin feels only the pressure to not only to succeed but to do so exceptionally. And to Calvin, he could possible do that if he didn’t have to deal with his drugged out roommate Trevor.
Thus is the basis of Indie producer Matt Whitney’s film “4.0” or “How I Killed My Roommate for Better Grades” which will be the featured film at WKTV’s Midnite Movie on Saturday, May 27.
“Darkly funny and full of twists and turns, ‘4.0’ explores the struggle of depression, the rigors of higher education, and the dangers of secrets,” Whitney said.
“4.0” started as a project pitch by Whitney and some college friends. Time constraints did produce what the group wanted and the concept sat until last year, when Whitney was able to write a script he felt conveyed the message he wanted to share.
“It’s both a commentary on the sometimes sorry state of higher education, and a study of the different ways depression manifests in people,” Whitney said a 2016 Kickstarter description. “This is a story I need to tell. It deals with issues very personal to me. Depression is a daily issue for me, and far from this film being an exotic form of therapy, it is a way to show those who have never struggled with depression what it really is, and to give a voice to people who struggle with it now.”
The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced it will once again be participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The program provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their community, especially after a military move. A list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is happy to participate in Blue Star Museums once again this summer, ” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the GRPM. We are proud and privileged to offer this benefit to those who are serving our nation and their families.”
“The Blue Star Museums program is a great opportunity for the NEA to team up with local museums in every state in the nation to support our service members and their families,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “It means a lot to offer these families access to high-quality, budget-friendly opportunities to spend time together.”
The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find participating museums and plan your trip, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children’s museums, including newly participating museums: the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia; The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis Tennessee; the Hagerman Fossil 3 Beds National Monument in Hagerman Idaho; and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer.
“Whether they want to blast off at a science museum, take a walk through nature, or encounter animals at the aquarium, Blue Star Museums will help service members and their families create memories this summer,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “This fantastic collaboration with the NEA brings our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”
If you’ve job searched for more than a day, there are a handful of words you’ve probably heard over and over:
Network.
Personal brand.
Elevator speech.
LinkedIn.
Soft Skills.
What do these words actually mean? How do you do them well?
Welcome to our five-part series, Job Search Buzzwords. We’ll explain these terms in an easy way to understand. And, give you practical ways to start putting these words into actions.
Job Search Buzzword: Networking — What is it?
Dictionary definition: interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career.
Our definition: Getting to know other people in the community so you can help them and they can help you.
How to do it?
Forget the phrase networking. Instead think relationship maintenance. Networking is about meeting people you want to share ideas and resources with and are genuinely interested in staying connected. Networking is a way of thinking and not a “thing” you do once a month.
Networking is natural. When was the last time someone you knew asked you for a restaurant recommendation? Or asked for your thoughts on a problem they had with a project? This is networking in action! You develop relationships with people. And, they trust what you share because you have a relationship with them.
Attend events that make sense for you. Don’t go to every networking event planned. You’ll wear yourself out. Instead go to the events with interesting speakers or people attending.
Prepare before you go.
Decide your goal for going before you step in the door: do you want to meet with three people, meet a specific person, or find someone you can help.
Avoid awkward conversations. Have a few conversation starters in mind: ‘How did you hear about this event?’ ‘Have you ever been before?’ ‘Hi, I don’t know too many people here, so I wanted to introduce myself. I’m [name].’
Follow-up. People are busy. The next day, send a quick email to remind them of you and your conversation. Make sure to send them any articles, videos, project examples you promised.
Maintain the relationships. After you send your follow-up email, connect to them on LinkedIn. Do they tweet? Follow them on Twitter. Monitor your social media feeds and comment on their posts sometimes. Email them once in a while to check-in. And keep an eye out for them at future networking events.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
KISD Assistant Superintendent, Organizational & Community Initiatives and Legislative Affairs
Kent County voters on May 2 turned out to the polls and expressed confidence in their schools by approving a ballot proposal that will provide crucial support to all 20 districts in Kent ISD. The enhancement millage will yield approximately $211 per pupil for each of the next 10 years, beginning with the 2017-18 school year.
These dollars are essential to help our schools meet the needs of students, maintain programs and create more connections to the world of work as we prepare young adults for careers.
They also create a small, but stable and reliable source of revenue for schools as Lansing grapples with perennial budget problems, which make it very likely legislators will be tempted to drain even more money from the School Aid Fund for higher education in coming years. Currently, more than $600 million is going out of the School Aid Fund to support community colleges and universities.
Just a week earlier, the Senate Fiscal Agency projected a $2.072 billion hole in the general fund budget in five short years, due largely to the road package that passed in 2015 with a commitment to use general fund dollars to augment the fuel taxes dedicated to road repair. Other factors contributing to the projected deficit were elimination of the Personal Property Tax on business and the sales tax on the difference between the price of a new vehicle and the customer’s trade-in.
Legislators are already responding to the pressure. In the wake of the bleak general fund projections, Republican Rep. James Lower of Montcalm County introduced HB4261 to divert some $430 million from the School Aid Fund to the general fund by reversing the decades-long policy of applying all tax refunds to the state’s general fund.
Amid all of this, Kent County taxpayers sent a clear message to Lansing: Education is important. Students deserve better. We need to adequately fund our schools to ensure a positive future for our children, and our communities.
So, again, on behalf of our students and our schools, thank you. For those of us who have devoted our careers to the education of children and the betterment of our communities, it is reassuring to know our community values our commitment to this work. Cheers!
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
A faculty research scientist in aging from the Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University was selected as a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
Sandra Spoelstra, associate dean for research and scholarship, was nominated for the fellowship by KCON faculty members Cynthia Beel-Bates and Rebecca Davis, who are also GSA fellows.
The GSA will honor all fellows at its annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, in November. Fellowships recognize people who have contributed outstanding and continuing work to the field of gerontology.
Spoelstra co-leads a program designed to help adults who live below the poverty line remain at home and within their communities rather than moving into a nursing home. The MiCAPABLE (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders) program has successfully reduced falls and hospital admissions while improving a person’s ability to function in a home setting.
Spoelstra’s research team, including co-investigator Sarah Szanton, from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, received three grants to support implementing MiCAPABLE statewide next year.
Cynthia McCurren, dean of KCON, said, “This is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Spoelstra’s commitment to improving the overall well-being and health of older adults.”
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 a new forever home. 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.
I’m a playful 2-year-old girl looking for my forever home! I have been waiting to find my family since October of 2016 at Humane Society of West Michigan, and before that at another shelter. I’m an active and playful dog who would do well in a home with no small children due to my activity level. Being only 2 years old, my family would ideally be willing to spend some time and energy training me to help me become the perfect fit! I’ve got a lot of love to give and know I could make someone very happy! I am currently living with a foster family to give me a break from the stress of the kennels so that I can relax in a home environment. If you’re interested in meeting finding out more or meeting me please call Humane Society of West Michigan at 616.453.8900 to schedule a meet and greet. My adoption fee ($175) will be paid by Kool Toyota, and Kool Toyota will also give my new family a $100 gift card to Chow Hound Pet Supplies to help get me settled!
We are a pair of 13-year-old cats who have lived our whole lives together. We are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. We would like to live in a quiet, relaxed home where we would have our own space to snuggle up and nap. We are both front declawed. Senior pets (ages 7 years and older) always have their adoption fees waived due to generous grant funding.
A test for heartworm disease (if six months or older)
A first series of vaccines including DHLPP (distemper combo), Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, and rabies (if older than 14 weeks of age)
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Treatment for internal parasites
One dose of flea preventative
One dose of heartworm preventative
The organization 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.
Math teacher Luke Wilcox, who is credited with playing a large role in creating a culture of success at East Kentwood High School, is the 2017-2018 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
Wilcox, who began his teaching career at East Kentwood 16 years ago, was honored today with the award, announced by State Superintendent Brian Whiston, at an assembly attended by students, educators and Wilcox’s family. He was selected from between 60 and 70 nominees.
Wilcox said he is thankful to many, including teachers who served as incredible mentors to him and his students, who “inspire, push and help me to grow.”
“You guys are the reason I come to school every day,” he told students in the audience.
He succeeds Tracy Horodyski, a Kenowa Hills teacher who was the 2016-17 MTOY.
Wilcox teaches Advanced Placement statistics, with a very high percentage of his students passing the AP test. He has served as a leader in school improvement since East Kentwood was named a state Priority School four years ago. Since then it has leapt from the 4th percentile mark, meaning 19 out of 20 schools in Michigan were deemed better, to the 49th percentile today.
Tyler Zahnke succeeded in school with help from math aide Doug Morse, left, and Nancy Calvi, Kent ISD consultant for the visually impaired.
Tyler Zahnke sat down at his musical instrument – aka, his Toshiba laptop – and proceeded to open a wonder-box of sounds. He called it “Welcome to the Tape.”
Out the sounds came, tumbling one into the next: Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1; an announcer spouting “Hi boys and girls!”; daffy cartoon voices; a snippet of Van Morrison’s “Moondance”; and then several voices stitched together to say, “Welcome to a very special Mini Nifty mixtape, five years in the making.”
“That is how the CD begins,” Tyler said with some pride, after the soundscape ended. It was, he explained, an artistic form called “sound collage.”
“Sound collage is where you take pieces of collected audio and basically glue it together,” Tyler said. “After all, the word ‘collage,’ from French, means ‘gluing together.’”
Tyler knows whereof he speaks when it comes to sound. He creates great quantities of it, both in collage and more traditional musical forms. All unaided by sight — and perhaps enhanced by his lack of it.
Blind since birth, Tyler has turned his inner vision loose on music, as well as writing, while navigating the challenging terrain of academics required for a high school diploma.
He has done so with plenty of support from MySchool@Kent, a partly online and partly face-to-face program offered by Kent ISD that provides flexible, online learning for students with special circumstances. Tyler is the first blind student to graduate from the program – a fact of which he is rightfully proud.
“I managed to do it,” Tyler said. “I can’t believe it, personally.”
Perseverance plus Help
He actually completed his graduation requirements late last year, but plans to walk in the commencement ceremony of Northview High School East Campus, his base school, in early June. More than 35 MySchool@Kent students are expected to graduate from their home districts this spring.
Tyler finished his requirements both by online instruction and by coming to MySchool classes at the Kent Career Tech Center, where he worked for long hours with an aide on math — the toughest subject for a student who couldn’t see the shapes and angles of a problem.
Tyler Zahnke sits in on a jam session earlier this month at the Fulton Street Pub (photo courtesy of Rachel Buzzitta)
Principal Cary Stamas credited Tyler’s perseverance for his success, as well as MySchool’s flexibility and dedicated staff members who helped him.
“It starts with Tyler and his motivation and hard work to achieve,” Stamas said. “It really speaks to what our goal is, which is to try to figure out what roadblocks there are for students to achieve their goals. And how do we use the flexibility we’ve been given to innovate and alter things in a way that makes the experience something of value to them, and something of integrity.”
Flexibility also came from Northview Public Schools, where officials arranged for Tyler to enroll in the alternative East Campus school and connected him to MySchool. They enabled him to stick with the program after his father died two years ago and Tyler moved to live with his mother in Rockford.
Through all the challenges, Tyler drew on assistive devices for the blind as well as his own intelligence. As graduation came within sight, he applied himself more diligently, coming to the Tech Center three or four days a week when only two were required.
“I’m very proud of him,” said Nancy Calvi, a Kent ISD teacher consultant for the visually impaired who’s worked with Tyler since he was 3. “I’m so glad he made it. A lot of the reason he made it is he’s just a smart kid.”
A Bright Musical Mind
Tyler’s smart all right. That quickly becomes obvious when you first meet him, and he begins citing websites, musicians and authors with ease. He seems to know the Internet like the back of his hand, or rather the touch of his fingertips.
He’ll casually mention Jonathan Bowers, a mathematician and father of googology – “the study of ridiculously large numbers,” as Tyler puts it. Or he’ll tell you about the singer Imogen Heap starting a fair trade organization for the music industry that he supports, then break into singing her song “Let Go.”
Indeed, Tyler aims for a career in music, both as a studio session musician and as a composer for music libraries that provide sound for TV, radio and movies. And he plans to continue advocating for visually impaired people as a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan.
He has composed numerous tracks, both solo on his Yamaha keyboard and with fellow advocate for the blind and musician Elizabeth Kazmierski of East Grand Rapids, with whom he has a longtime group they call Mini Nifty. “Welcome to the Tape” is from a longer work in progress he’s composing with her.
Tyler believes being blind and a musician enables him to see, in a sense, things other people don’t. He said he is proud of his blindness.
“I just think it’s a unique look at life,” he said firmly. “There’s a whole scene the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be knowledgeable about, a whole culture.
“Being a musician, I get to hear about composers and artists that the rest of the world seems to miss. The same goes for blindness. I know the world has discovered Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, but for goodness’ sake, have you discovered Kevin Reeves? I don’t think so,” he added with a laugh.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
With four of the five Great Lakes bordering Michigan along with all the lakes our great state has, boating is a popular hobby with Michiganders.
This week, WKTV will be airing a special program featuring United States Power Squadron National Safety Boating Test so area residents can brush up on their boating safety knowledge. The program will air at 1 a.m. Thursday, May 25, and again at noon Friday, May 26.
There are some 80 million recreational boaters in America engaged in all sorts of activities from paddling to cruising, from fishing to sailing. Yet many states do not require certification of any kind to operate a recreational boat. That’s why the United States Power Squadrons, in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard, has produced this program.
By watching this program, you can test you knowledge on topics import to your boating enjoyment. Featuring 27 questions on a wide range of boating topics, including Homeland Security, Rules of the Road, Aids to Navigate, Carbon Monoxide, and Small Boat Safety, you will watch real life scenarios and answer questions about what you would do in these situations.
As you watch, score yourself. You may want to hone your skills and increase your knowledge, and if so, take a USPS Boating Course or one of the other public courses or seminars to help make your boating a safer and a more enjoyable activity. USPS is dedicated to bringing you and its members practical information. Informed boaters have more fun, and statistics show, are far less prone to accidents afloat.
Organized in 1914, USPS has grown to become America’s largest boating educational organization with about 50,000 volunteer members in more than 450 local squadrons providing public and advanced boating courses, courtesy Vessel Safety check and more more. For details on USPS courses and members, call 888-FOR USPS or visit www.usps.org.
This year’s Legacy Trust Award Collection will feature nine Wyoming area residents among the 143 Michigan artists who will showcase their art for a chance to be sponsored in ArtPrize.
For the eighth consecutive year, Legacy Trust is sponsoring a statewide art competition for adult artists with disabilities in an effort to bring their voices and vision to ArtPrize, an international art competition that draws hundredss of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids each year. Dates for this year’s ArtPrize are Sept. 20 – Oct. 8. Artists from Ada to Zeeland, the Lower Peninsula and into the UP have submitted artwork.
Artists from Wyoming include:
David DeBoer, Head Chef, mixed media
Adam Reidsma, The Workshop, mixed media
Jill Lindgren, Dogs, mixed media
Ryan Oosterheart, Fishing at the Cabin, mixed media
Mary Helmic, Abstract Geometry, mixed media
Jeffery Baar, Spring is in the Air, marker
Carole McDonald, Sapphire, mixed media
Jerrilynn Anderson, Getaway Place, acrylic
Tyler Riley, Bird’s Eye View, acrylic
Four winners will be chosen – one by a panel of celebrity judges, two by public vote and one special juried award – and sponsored in ArtPrize, the world’s largest art competition.
The public will have a chance to view and vote for its favorite entry on Tuesday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, located in downtown Grand Rapids. Votes can also be cast online at LTACarts.org.
Along with the nine from Wyoming, there are 51 Grand Rapids residents whose pieces were selected. For a sneak peek at all 143 pieces, visit the Legacy Trust Awards Collection Facebook page.
Winners of LTAC 2017 will be announced on May 30. Along with having their artwork entered into ArtPrize, the winning artists will each receive a cash prize of $500. All entry fees and promotion expenses for ArtPrize will be paid by Legacy Trust, which, for the fifth year, has secured the high-profile DeVos Place venue for the winning artists during ArtPrize.
