Category Archives: 3-bottom

Wyoming public safety personnel, civilians honored at ceremony

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Hard News, , , , , , ,
The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety honored its police and firefighter personnel, as well as civilians, at an award ceremony late last month. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming Department of Public Safety Director James Carmody, addressing a standing-room-only crowd at the department’s annual award ceremony late last month, made clear his feelings on the role his police and fire personnel have in the Wyoming community.

 

“Tonight you will hear stories of unselfish acts of bravery, generosity, compassion and guy-wrenching determination,” Carmody said at the Feb. 23 event at the Wyoming Senior Center. “The events we speak of tonight are just a few of the many thousands of times that our men and women step into the breach of danger and work to keep our city a safe and comfortable place to live, work and play.”

 

While the evening honored all of the long list of winners of Certificates of Merit, Certificates of Achievement, Life Saving Awards and individual and unit commendations, the highlights of the evening were the five personnel who gained special honors. (See complete list here.)

 

Ofc. Carmen Morales was honored as Officer of the Year, Firefighter Lance Bowman was recognized as Firefighter of the Year, Milt Zaagman was honored as Civilian of the Year, and Det. D.J. VerHage and Firefighter Brad Dornbos each received the Chiefs Award of Professional Excellence.

 

Each of the five had their stories told and, afterword talking with WKTV, reacted to their awards.

 

Officer of the Year

 

Ofc. Morales has been with the department for more than 20 years, serving as a patrol officer, a detective and now in the warrant unit. She has been a long-serving member of the peer support group and awards boards. Carmody, in supplied material, described her as “passionate about bringing justice to the victims of crime and believes in the dignity of all. Her unwavering commitment to professional policing, her fellow officers and the community makes her someone we can all be proud to represent us as our Officer of the Year.”

 

Ofc. Carmen Morales (WKTV)

The award “means a lot to me,” Ofc. Morales said. “Number One: I was chosen from my peers. … I have been with the city of Wyoming for 25 years, so I have dedicated myself to this department for 25 years, even though I consider them my family. It means a job well done, for me. I have been in so many units in this department, that I have to say I am glad I was chosen for this award and not for one specific thing I have done for the city of Wyoming but for a collaboration of things.”

 

“Tonight’s special honorees have been recognized by their peers, this is a peer-driven process,” Carmody said of the award process. “The awards you see tonight are recommended and voted on by their peers.”

 

Firefighter of the Year

 

Firefighter Lance Bowman (WKTV)

Firefighter Bowman has served as the director of the Wyoming Public Safety Fire Divisions Quarter Master Program since its creation in 2014. He is responsible for providing clothing and equipment for full-time, part-time, dual trained and on call firefighters. Of Bowman, Carmody said, in supplied material: “We commend him for his bravery and thank him for his service. His commitment to the department and his continued display of courage in emergencies serves as an exemplary role model for his peers.”

“I am very pleased to accept this award from my peers that I work with everyday,” Bowman said.

 

Civilian of the Year

 

Milt Zaagman is congratulated by Wyoming Department of Public Safety Director James Carmody (WKTV)

Zaagman, a building maintenance worker for the City of Wyoming, has served the community for over 40 years and remains an integral part of keeping the department operating successfully. “Milt defines responsibility,” a release by the Pubic Safety Department stated. “He is often seen before the sunrises and on days off shoveling the sidewalks or sweeping leaves from garages, according to a peer panel evaluation. He is highly respected among his peers. His name is synonymous with kindness, respect, service and selflessness throughout the department.”

 

“I have 41 years with the City of Wyoming, with the police department,” Zaagman said. “Back in the ’60s, when I was in the military, I understood exactly what a brotherhood and sisterhood was, and I have felt accepted and felt that same thing with all these years with the Wyoming police department.”

 

Chiefs Awards of Professional Excellence

 

Firefighter Brad Dornbos (WKTV)

Dornbos, the fire divisions emergency medical technician coordinator, established a mutually supportive relationship with Metro Health. This partnership led to a $10,000 grant, which allowed the department to purchase advanced medical equipment and fund the training of their full-time firefighters as EMTs. “Brads dedication to improved service has been instrumental in enabling our department to save more lives,” Carmody said in supplied material. “The ability to provide improved services to our residents and our community is because of his hard work.”

 

“It is an honor to receive the award,” Dornbos said. “It’s definitely a team effort amongst my lieutenant, chief, and our crew that we all work together… it’s a reaffirmation that we’re doing the right thing and moving forward to help the citizens of Wyoming and hopefully save more lives with the upgraded licensure and with the future accreditation coming forward.”

 

Det. D.J. VerHage (WKTV)

VerHage has served on the department for 24 years and has been forefront on many of its most important criminal cases. “Detective VerHage has been a top candidate of this award many times, but this year was his year,” Carmody said in supplied material. “Each day he embodies our values of honor, courage, duty and trust through his determination and dedication.”

 

“It is very humbling. The chief was very gracious, by what he said,” VerHage said. “I am very thankful and grateful for my coworkers, everybody I get to work with. This is a team effort and anything that I did is only possible because of my coworkers and everybody that helps out with every case. Every complaint, everything that comes into the police department from our civilians, to all of our police officers, detectives, and the admin as well. It’s very nice what he said and very gracious and there’s many many more deserving of this award, so, thank you.”

 

For more information on the City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety, visit the city’s new website at wyomingmi.gov .

 

Deadline for 2017 Eclipse Award entries fast approaching 

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , , ,

 

By WKTV Staff

 

Calling the best and brightest producers, directors, actors, writers, and filmmakers to submit their entries for the 2017 Eclipse Awards! Entries are accepted until March 27th, 2017.

 

The Eclipse Awards honor content creators for Excellence in Craft in the disciplines of film, television, video, acting, sound, music and writing. Created by WKTV Community Television and Media as a means of empowering the West Michigan “voice” of content creators, the Eclipse Awards has become the “big event” for the creative community.

 

“There really are a large number of content creators here who are either fully established and enjoy the recognition or who are just starting out and have that spark of genius with a great idea,” said Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV.

 

Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV Community Television and Media

In the first round of voting beginning right after March 27th, voting members from Michigan select the nominees. Nominees are then announced at 7 pm EST on Monday, April 17th and streamed live on the WKTV Youtube Channels. A link will be available on The Eclipse Awards website, theeclipseaward.com. A second round of voting begins following the announcement and this time, voting members are joined by industry peers across the US and in Europe.

 

The tallies from those votes then decide from the list of nominees who will be the recipient of The 6th Annual Eclipse Award in each category and craft.

 

The Hyperion Award — a leadership award given to outstanding leaders in TV, Film and the Arts — is voted on by the Eclipse Awards Board of Governors. The name “hyperion” refers to the light that exists behind an eclipse and this is the leadership that The Hyperion Award honors; the individual in West Michigan who by example and leadership encourages others to excel and contribute to an already thriving community of content creators.

 

The 2017 Hyperion Award recipient will be announced on the day the Eclipse Nominations are announced and will be presented at the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards Ceremony televised live from City Flats Ballroom on Thursday, May 18th.

 

NEW to the Eclipse Awards this year, Los Angeles distributor FairwayFilm Alliance, through their Rogue Arts label, is offering a first look to the 6th Annual Eclipse Award winners in the feature film and documentary category. Following the night of the awards ceremony, when the winners are known, the connection between Fairway Film Alliance and the winner(s) in these categories will be arranged.

 

“We’re tremendously pleased to be working with all of our sponsors,” said Norton. “They really believe in the importance of West Michigan having regional awards recognition to help foster the creative spirit. The democratization of media over the last few decades has really given voice to a much wider array of creativity and WKTV wants to see it grow and expand.”

 

Here are the important dates:

  • Friday, March 27th at 5pm — Entry Window Closes
  • 1st Round of Voting Begins
  • Nominations Announcement 7pm on Monday, April 17th
  • Hyperion Award Recipient Announcement Monday, April 17th 7pm
  • 2nd Round of Voting Begins with National Judges
  • Nomination Certification Party, Monday May 15th
  • The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards Excellence in Craft Award Ceremony, Thursday, May 18th 7pm

 

More information can be found on the website www.theeclipseaward.com or by calling 616.261.5700. Entries are $35 for content creators and $20 for students, however there is no student criteria for voting by the judges.

 

The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards is sponsored by WKTV Digital Cinema, the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, West Michigan Film Office, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and Ferris State University.

 

Employment Expertise: 5 reasons to say “Yes!” to a temporary job

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,


 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Nearly 3 million people hold temporary jobs. The number is expected to increase as employers struggle to meet growing demand for goods and services. The trend is seen in a variety of occupations and pay levels, in all industries and at companies, large and small.

 

Temporary employment appeals to employers for obvious reasons, but there are advantages for employees as well. While temporary jobs are just that —temporary — taking a short-term position can be a smart career move.  Here are five reasons to seriously consider a temporary job:

  1. Temporary work can be a great opportunity to develop new skills or open the door to a new industry you hadn’t considered. You can also use the opportunity to sharpen your current skill set. Many staffing companies provide training to their temporary workers.
  2. Whether the position turns into a permanent job or not, you’ll meet new people. You’ll leave the job with new personal and professional connections. An expanded network can only improve your job search.
  3. If you’ve been unemployed for a long time, you may feel restless or hopeless. A temporary job can provide much-needed structure and purpose to your day.
  4. Temporary work often leads to permanent employment. A good work ethic and positive attitude will capture any employer’s attention. Treat everyday like an audition; if the employer is looking to hire full-time, you’ll be a front-runner.
  5. “A” job is better than “no” job. A temporary job beats a large gap in employment history on your resume. Many recruiters and employers will see your temporary work as a positive sign of your ambition and work ethic.

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

Cat of the week: Kate Spayed

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,
By Sharon Wylie
Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable cat from Crash’s Landing or Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Both cat rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Petrovich, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

It is infuriating when so-called ‘pet-owners’ move out and leave their cat (or dog behind), but when winter is in full force and they toss their pet outside to fend for themselves, well we find that selfish act unforgiveable. Luckily a rescuer was hot on the trail of a homeless tail attached to a very striking and saucy girl who wanted back indoors in the worst kinda way. She scooped her up, creating a cozy bed for her in the garage for the night (she has over a dozen kitties of her own so it wasn’t feasible to bring her into her actual home) until she could bring her to the clinic on Dec. 6, 2016.

 

At first the red patch tabby (born in the summer of 2013) was none too pleased being temporarily caged at the clinic, so Dr. Jen let her acclimate overnight, which helped adjust her cattitude immensely. Canned food proved to be the gateway to her soul, and by the next morning Dr. Jen was able to work her up to get her program-ready. With the exception of fleas, Kate Spayed, as Dr. Jen dubbed her, was a pretty healthy girl—thank goodness!

 

Once at Crash’s the diva that is Kate surfaced — she grumped, grumbled and groaned when any other inquisitive feline got too close to her personal space. One-on-one with the humans is another story — she is delightful, possessing the charm and manners of a sophisticated lady, but in the presence of those of her own kind, Kate tends to show her less than purrsonable side, getting overwhelmed quite easily and issuing warning bites so everyone knows to leave her alone. For that reason, we feel that our gorgeous gal should go into a home without any other cats or small children who may not understand her cues when she has simply had enough.

 

Don’t get me wrong, as she is a lovely cat who wants nothing more than to be loved—and to love on her person once again; she doesn’t understand why she was tossed out like trash, she doesn’t understand why her people chose not to love her anymore. What Kate DOES understand is that she is currently bunking with over 40 other cats who want to tickle her whiskers, snuggle up beside her and make friends, but she simply doesn’t have that desire in her. Plain and simple, she just wants a person to cherish her and make her feel comfortable and secure again—and we feel that is not too much to ask for at all; after all, Kate deserves to be a valued furry family member!

Want to adopt Kate Spayed? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

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.

UCOM benefit concert a ‘great way’ to discover what it is all about, according to director

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

United Church Outreach Ministry, or UCOM, is the secret that is not a secret, according to its Executive Director Dr. Bruce Roller.

 

For more than 30 years, the organization has provided resources to those in the community who are low income, “trying to give them the hand that they need, whatever that hand is, to help them move to a better quality of life,” Roller said.

 

For the clientele, what UCOM provides is no secret. This has included providing food and clothing for immediate needs along with programs such as financial, health, and workforce development. One of those programs has been “tutoring and mentoring in public schools so that the children get the eduction they deserve and are able to move on in that next generation,” Roller said, adding that could include perhaps going to college, which for some may have not been an option.

 

However, for those not in need or having never needed services like what UCOM offers, the organization may seem like the “best kept secret in town.”

 

“I don’t really like to say that,” Roller said with laugh, “as it is my job that it isn’t.”

 

Julianne Howe-Bouwens, seen here rehearsing for a Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production, will perform at this year’s 14h Annual Friends of UCOM Benefit Concert. (Photo by now.wktv.org)

One of the best ways UCOM representatives have found to share with its community about its mission and work is through the 14th Annual Friends of UCOM Benefit Concert which is Sunday, March 12, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4010 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Tickets are $25 with the event starting with a silent auction at 5 p.m. and a concert following at 6 p.m.

 

“This is a good place for people to jump in and begin to see what we do, Roller said. “They may begin to want to get involved in the work that is going on here.”

 

“This fundraiser, this effort, these people are so amazing,” said Julianne Howe-Bouwens, a local actress and singer who will be performing at Sunday’s Friends of UCOM Benefit Concert. “They help the community in so many ways by providing for people who are in need and it is such an honor for me to be a little part of that effort.”

 

Howe-Bouwens, who starred in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Sister Act” last year, will be joined by the area’s longest continuing choir, The Schubert Male Chorus. The entire program is coordinated by Phil Pletcher, who has lended his expertise to all of the benefit concerts these past 14 years, according to Roller.

 

The Schubert Male Chorus

UCOM was started in 1969 by the women of Smith Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ. The group began with a food collection and hot lunch program for students at neighboring Hall Elementary School, now Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School. As the group learned about its community needs, the program expanded and changed to fit them, with UCOM becoming what it is today. UCOM is now located 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming and is part of the All County Churches Emergency Services System (ACCESS), serving those in southwest Grand Rapids, Grandville, and Wyoming.

 

Roller said he hopes through programs like the benefit concert that UCOM will continue to expand its efforts to meet the needs of those it serves.

 

For more about the 14th Annual Friends of UCOM Benefit Concert or UCOM, visit www.ucomgr.org.

National author Jonathan Friesen brings his message of acceptance to the Greater Grand Rapids area

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , ,
Jonathan Friesen

Teens need messy books, according to author Jonathan Friesen.

 

“Messy books raise questions, without providing spoon-fed solutions,” Friesen wrote in an opinion piece for Fox News. “Messy books mimic life with their messy characters who muddle and fail — sometimes with finality.”

 

In reality, Friesen goes on to say, that “life simply unfolds. One moment we ride a good wave, and the next we are swept under.” Friesen knows this first hand since from adolescents, he has had to deal with Tourette syndrome, panic attacks and epilepsy.

 

So Friesen’s writes messy books, which is OK because “messy stories are good medicine” and they also remind us that we are not alone in what we what feel and deal with, according to Friesen.

 

Friesen, who is an international speaker, comes to Grand Rapids this month making a stop at the Barnes & Noble at Woodland Mall March 10. He scheduled to speak at 7 p.m.

 

Friesen has used his Tourette syndrome and epilepsy as a motivating force in his stories. His books, which include Jerk, California, The Last Martin, Aquifer, and Both of Me, give readers the opportunity to see life through the eyes of someone who is in some way disabled and struggling to be accepted and appreciated in their community. All of Jonathan’s books, which have earned him The American Library Association’s 2009 Schneider Award for Best Book for Teens and the Editor’s Choice Award, feature a lead character or protagonist with a physical or mental health condition.

 

His latest release, “Unfolding,” is a magical story of a child “dropped from the the Oklahoma sky” during a tornado. Her name is Stormi and she is the most perfect girl the narrator, Jonah, has ever met. Jonah has scoliosis and is debilitated by epileptic seizures, which he calls Old Rickety. And despite warnings from her grandfather, Stormi becomes Jonahs’s best friend and the two seek out the town’s biggest secret.

 

Friesen is the keynote speaker for the annual Michigan Reading Association Conference and a regular speaker at large and small events worldwide. He seeks to motivate and inspire young adult readers and writers through his personal story and message of accepting others for who they are, regardless of differences or disabilities.

Workshop combines ‘Practicing Inclusivity’ principles and conscious relaxation

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As part of its Women of Color Convening series, Our Kitchen Table offers “Setting Intention for Inclusivity,” 6 to 9 p.m. March 16, 23 and 30 at Sherman Street Church, 1000 Sherman St. SE. Wyoming resident, Stelle Slootmaker, a trained Yoga Nidra facilitator, will lead the three-part workshop. An OKT staff member, she has completed training in Practicing Inclusivity. Each session will combine Yoga Nidra guided relaxation and dialogue based on the principles of Practicing Inclusivity, a paradigm shift in how we, as change agents, can create a better world for all.

 

“Virtually everyone knows about Inclusivity … We all have a common need to be connected to others for our own wellbeing. However, our differences and viewpoints get in the way. It’s only by being aware of and practicing Inclusivity that we can overcome our current situation and satisfy this common need … We can actually transform our complex societal problems through Inclusivity – but only if we practice it,” says Shariff Abdullah, consultant, author and founder of Commonway Institute for Societal Transformation.

 

Yoga Nidra does not involve exercise — anyone can take part. The practice turns one’s attention inward where the consciousness can function at a much deeper level of awareness. In this deep state, you can achieve deep rest, inspire creativity and set your intentions deep within the subconscious where they may more easily take root and grow. This workshop will help you set a successful intention that guides you in your work for change and powerfully unites you with others holding the same intention.

 

Stelle Slootmaker

“Personally, Yoga Nidra has been a great help in my life,” Slootmaker said. “On those days when I am super busy, overwhelmed or exhausted, taking 20 to 30 minutes to practice Yoga Nidra refreshes my body and calms my mind so I have energy for the rest of the day’s tasks. The practice has also helped me realize some very important intentions.”

 

OKT invites its constituents, community members and all those working for social justice and inclusivity to attend. Space is limited to 20 participants. The cost of $60 to $175 (sliding scale) includes workbook, “Practicing Inclusivity.” OKT constituents currently involved in OKT programming attend for free. For information, email media@OKTjustice.org.

Video: Kentwood kicks off 50th anniversary celebration

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , , ,

Didn’t get a chance to attend the 50th anniversary kick off celebration for the city of Kentwood? Here is the WKTV broadcast of the event which is currently airing on the station.

 

Business Matters: Steelcase and Microsoft design technology-enabled spaces to enhance creativity

3-bottom, Local Business, Tech Trends, , ,
Photo provided by Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase and Microsoft Corp. have joined forces to explore the future of work, developing a range of technology-enabled spaces designed to help organizations foster creative thinking and better collaboration. These spaces seamlessly integrate the best of Microsoft Surface devices with Steelcase architecture and furniture. Today the companies unveiled five new “Creative Spaces” showcasing how Steelcase and Microsoft can help organizations unlock creativity for every employee.

 

Additionally, Steelcase and Microsoft announced:

  • That Microsoft is expanding its partner network into the world of design by bringing in select Steelcase dealers as authorized Surface Hub resellers.
  • Steelcase and Microsoft are working together to develop technology-enabled workplace solutions built on Microsoft Azure IoT technology.

“The problems people face at work today are much more complex than they used to be. They require a new creative way of thinking and a very different work process,” says Sara Armbruster, vice president of strategy, research and new business innovation for Steelcase.

 

“We believe that everyone has the capacity for creative thinking, and people are happier doing creative, productive work. Together, Microsoft and Steelcase will help organizations thoughtfully integrate place and technology to encourage creative behaviors at work.”

 

The companies’ exploration of creative work found that creativity is a process in which anyone can engage and requires diverse work modes as well as different types of technology. People need to work alone, in pairs and in different size groups throughout a creative process, and they need a range of devices that are mobile and integrated into the physical workplace. Additionally, spaces should inspire people without compromising performance.

 

For more information on Creative Spaces and the partnership between Microsoft and Steelcase, go here or here.

 

Modern dance premieres on GR Ballet’s stage with MoveMedia series

3-bottom, Upcoming Events, , , , ,
Robert Dekkers and Vanessa Thiessen will be presenting their new work “Dear Light Along the Way to Nothingness”. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The modern dance scenes in Chicago and San Francisco are two of a very short list of the world’s incubators of dance innovation, and this week the Grand Rapids Ballet is part of the innovation process as it hosts the latest installment of its MoveMedia series.

 

Robyn Mineko Williams will present the world premiere of “Gleam”. (Supplied Hubbard Street Dance Chicago/Todd Rosenberg)

Inbound to the ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theater will be three world-renowned choreographers bringing world premiere works to the stage: from Chicago’s Hubbard Street dance company is Penny Saunders and Robyn Mineko Williams, each with new works, and from San Francisco’s Post:Ballet is Robert Dekkers, who will be collaborating with Vanessa Thiessen on a third new work.

 

“MoveMedia: World Premieres” will be presented Friday to Sunday, March 10-12, with 7:30 p.m. performances the first two nights and a 2 p.m. matinee on the final day. Tickets are still available for all performances, but the Friday night is near a sell-out.

 

Williams’ work is titled “Gleam”; Saunders’ is “In Frame”; and Dekkers and Thiessen’s work is “Dear Light Along the Way to Nothingness”.

 

Now in its seventh year, MoveMedia is “a contemporary dance series featuring dance works merging visual elements of sets, props, costumes and lighting, framed by technology and digital media to enhance the body in space by providing internationally recognized choreographers a creative canvas,” according to supplied material.

 

Taking full advantage of that “creative canvas” will be the impressive group Saunders, Williams and the duo of Dekkers and Thiessen.

 

Penny Saunders will present “In Frame”. (Supplied)

Saunders began her professional career at The American Repertory Ballet, has been part of Chicago’s Hubbard Street company since 2004, and in 2016 was the recipient of the Process Grace Choreographic Fellowship.

 

Williams, originally from Chicago, spent 12 seasons with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, where in 2010 a work co-choreographed with Hubbard Street 2 director Terence Marling her work premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

 

Dekkers has been named one of “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine and in 2013 was nominated for an Isadora Duncan award for “Outstanding Performance — Individual” with the Diablo Ballet. Thiessen graduated from the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre, teaches at Reed College and the Northwest Dance Project in Portland (Oregon), and is the Post:Ballet’s movement director.

 

For a video of Dekker’s Post:Ballet, visit here … and click on Season VI Highlights.

 

For more information on MoveMedia, visit GRballet.com .

 

School News Network: Godfrey-Lee schedules superintendent interviews

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Education, , , ,
Current Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten will retire on July 1.

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

The Board of Education has scheduled special meetings in March to interview superintendent candidates to replace superintendent David Britten, who will retire July 1.

 

Candidates were narrowed from a field of 30 applicants. The following candidates will be interviewed in scheduled open public sessions:

 

  • Tamika Henry, principal at New Options High School in Allendale Public Schools;
  • Carol Lautenbach, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and accountability for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools;
  • Carlos Lopez, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools;
  • Margaret Malone, director of fine arts for Grand Rapids Public Schools.

 

Lopez and Lautenbach will be interviewed starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6; and Henry and Malone starting at 6:30 p.m on Wednesday, March 8, during special board meetings. Both meetings are open to the public.

 

After the initial round of interviews, the board is expected to narrow the field to two for a final round and selection scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, March 20. All interviews will be at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW.

 

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

Author of ‘The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas’ to visit March 22 & 23

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , , , ,

By Jennifer Jameslyn, GVSU

 

Interested in attending the author lectures, or meeting the author? Anand Giridharadas will be giving two public lectures:

 

March 22, 7 pm, Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan

 

March 23, 7 pm, Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, GVSU Allendale campus

 

Grand Valley State University’s Community Reading Project is a signature program of  Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Each year, the project selects one book to explore through discussion, co-curricular programming, classroom study and hands-on experiences in the Grand Rapids community. The year culminates in a visit from the author.

 

This year’s selection is The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas, by Anand Giridharadas.

 

Imagine that a terrorist tried to kill you. If you could face him again, on your terms, what would you do? The True American tells the story of Raisuddin Bhuiyan, a Bangladesh Air Force officer who dreams of immigrating to America and working in technology. But days after 9/11, an avowed “American terrorist” named Mark Stroman, seeking revenge, walks into the Dallas minimart where Bhuiyan has found temporary work and shoots him, maiming and nearly killing him. Two other victims, at other gas stations, aren’t so lucky, dying at once.

 

The True American traces the making of these two men, Stroman and Bhuiyan, and of their fateful encounter. It follows them as they rebuild shattered lives—one striving on Death Row to become a better man, the other to heal and pull himself up from the lowest rung on the ladder of an unfamiliar country.

 

Ten years after the shooting, an Islamic pilgrimage seeds in Bhuiyan a strange idea: if he is ever to be whole, he must reenter Stroman’s life. He longs to confront Stroman and speak to him face to face about the attack that changed their lives. Bhuiyan publicly forgives Stroman, in the name of his religion and its notion of mercy. Then he wages a legal and public-relations campaign, against the State of Texas and Governor Rick Perry, to have his attacker spared from the death penalty.

 

Ranging from Texas’s juvenile justice system to the swirling crowd of pilgrims at the Hajj in Mecca; from a biker bar to an immigrant mosque in Dallas; from young military cadets in Bangladesh to elite paratroopers in Israel; from a wealthy household of chicken importers in Karachi, Pakistan, to the sober residences of Brownwood, Texas, The True American is a rich, colorful, profoundly moving exploration of the American dream in its many dimensions. Ultimately it tells a story about our love-hate relationship with immigrants, about the encounter of Islam and the West, about how—or whether—we choose what we become.

 

Watch the author’s TED talk here to get an overview of the events of the book and their connection to present day issues:

 

You can participate in a virtual book discussion led by GVSU Brooks College alum Ashley Nickels here.

 

Check out the author’s most recent article, connecting the events of True American to the tragic shootings of two Indian immigrants in Kansas here.

 

 

School News Network: Tuesday Job Fair Seeks Teachers, Support Staff

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, , , ,

With a job fair Tuesday, March 7, Kent ISD and EDUStaff seek to increase the substitute teachers and support staff local districts badly need. The job fair takes place from 10am-2pm at Kent ISD’s administration building, 2930 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, 49525.

 

EDUStaff is a Grand Rapids area company formed in 2010 to provide substitute staff for schools and works with many districts across the state. (EDUStaff is also a sponsor of School News Network.)

 

Finding substitute staff is increasingly difficult for schools, according to Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Caniff. “As Michigan’s job market has improved, our districts are having a tough time finding good staff, including subs. And these subs are a critical resource and an important part of the school family. They help students keep learning when staff are out ill, tending to the needs of their own families, or participating in the professional development that improves achievement.”

 

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

 

Government Matters: The week in review

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Congressman Bill Huizenga’s Listening Tour is March 6 in Grand Haven

Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that the second stop on his listening tour will take place on Monday, March 6th in Grand Haven. The town hall style listening session will be held in the auditorium of Lakeshore Middle School and begin at 7 pm. This event is open to all residents of Michigan’s Second Congressional District. Media is asked to RSVP to Brian.Patrick@Mail.House.Gov.

  • Who: Congressman Bill Huizenga
  • What: A Town Hall Listening Session
  • Where: Lakeshore Middle School Auditorium – Lakeshore Middle School is located at 900 Cutler Street in Grand Haven
  • When: Monday, March 6th Doors at 6:15 PM, Town Hall from 7-9 pm

Signs will not be permitted in the auditorium. Those who would like to display signs are welcome to do so outside the middle school prior to the event.

Congressman Huizenga’s first listening tour stop took place in Baldwin on February 25th and was attended by over 300 people.


The State and Local Cyber Protection Act

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and David Perdue (R-GA) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help state and local governments combat cyber threats by increasing coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The State and Local Cyber Protection Act requires DHS’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) to provide assistance and training for state, local and tribal governments in preventing, preparing for and responding to cyber threats.

According to the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), state governments have identified improving cybersecurity as a top information technology priority. However, state and local governments often lack the resources or technical expertise to defend their networks from cyberattacks. Analysis from the Brookings Institute found that state and local governments vary widely in their abilities to budget sufficient resources and field the technical expertise necessary to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The State of Michigan estimates that they detect over 600,000 attempted intrusions to their information systems every day.

“This bipartisan legislation will help ensure every level of government has the necessary tools to protect their networks and respond to cyber attacks,” said Sen. Peters.


Self-driving vehicles

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representatives Fred Upton and Debbie Dingell called on the Trump Administration to prioritize the development and testing of connected and self-driving vehicles in the President’s proposed budget for 2018. The Members of Congress sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao urging them to include $200 million in their 2018 federal budget request for facilities designated by DOT as proving grounds for automated vehicle testing. In January, DOT designated ten sites across the country as national proving grounds, including the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti.

The letter calls for federal funding to help support the development of automated vehicle proving grounds and promote safe testing to validate these self-driving technologies and ensure they are ready for use on American roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 35,000 people are killed on our roads and highways annually. Connected and self-driving vehicle technologies have the potential to reduce accidents and save thousands of lives.

Full text of letter here.


Preparing youth and adults for high-skill, high-demand jobs

U.S. Senator Gary Peters has joined the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, a bipartisan caucus focused on improving and strengthening access to career and technical education. CTE programs help prepare youth and adults for high-skill, high-demand jobs in fields ranging from health care, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, marketing and sales, public safety and more. Each year, over 100,000 Michigan students enroll in CTE programs across 16 different career pathways.

“In an increasingly dynamic economy, we must invest in education and workforce development to equip workers with skills they need to compete in the 21st century,” said Senator Peters. “Career and technical education helps prepare America’s workforce for the jobs of the future in high-demand, good-paying career fields. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus to continue supporting CTE programs.”

Government Matters: Protecting the Great Lakes

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In response to recent moves by the White House

  1. ordering a hold on the release of a tentative plan to stop Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes by strengthening a choke point in the Chicago waterway system, and
  2. slashing EPA funding that pays for Great Lakes pollution cleanup by 97 percent (which would virtually eliminate annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding)

Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Mike Bishop (R-MI) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) led a bipartisan letter to President Trump requesting that he personally intervene to help protect the Great Lakes by releasing the first draft f the Brandon Road Report. The letter also respectfully requests President Trump to instruct the Army Corps of Engineers to continue working with state and local officials, as well as Great Lakes stakeholders, to implement a long-term solution for keeping Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. The bipartisan letter is signed by 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

“In order to protect both the ecosystem and the economy of the Great Lakes, we must have complete, accurate, and reliable information from the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Delaying the release of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam evaluation does nothing to stop the threat Asian Carp and other invasive species pose to the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. By slow walking this important information, the federal government is jeopardizing the livelihood of hardworking families in Michigan and across the Great Lakes Basin. Time is of the essence.”

 

The text of the letter to President Trump is available online here.

Kentwood 50: Railtown’s golden ale a natural fit for celebration

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Railtown Brewing’s Gim Lee, at the brewery’s tap room, will be serving up some spacial Kentwood 50 golden ale this year. (K.D. Norris/WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Following the City of Kentwood’s special City Commission meeting Monday, held as the kickoff event of the year-long Kentwood 50 celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary, the reception was held at Railtown Brewing Company and the beer of choice was — naturally — a golden ale brewed with a touch of mango.

 

Two reasons for the beer being the natural choice of the celebration: a 50-year anniversary is considered a “golden” anniversary, and the brew was the pick of some staff at the city’s Park and Recreation Department, which has, shall we say, a relationship with the 2-year-old Railtown.

 

The addition of the mango flavor? Well, the parks people also liked it so that was good enough for the brewery.

 

“A lot of the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department are actually mug clubbers here, they have a mug on the wall over there, they are just regulars,” said Gim Lee, who along with his partner Justin Buiter opened the brewery in late 2014. “They are friends and they asked if we would like to do something special (for the anniversary celebration) and we said ‘absolutely.’

 

“A group of them came, we sat down and collaborated on what they were celebrating and what kind of beer would work with that. They threw a whole bunch of different styles on the table, what they might want to try. They, as a team, actually landed on the golden ale — this is their golden 50th — and the mango being a golden fruit, that would be a perfect pairing. They wanted something unique and mango is a flavor not used too frequently.”

 

Railtown is located at 3555 68th St., in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. Since it opened it has grown to be a 3,500-square-foot space at the east end of the Village Mall plaza. The brewery’s tap room has 10 taps and usually 10 different brews available, and it has started to distribute kegs to other restaurants.

 

While the special Kentwood 50 brew was tapped at Monday’s invite-only opening ceremony reception, Lee said it would be available to the public — just maybe not until they brew up some more.

 

“We will have it on and off throughout the year, so people should be able to come in here and get it through the rest of the week — assuming we do not blow it out that first night,” he said. “We’ll see.”

 

If you fill the special Kentwood 50 growler at Railtown Brewing a donation will be made to the city’s Park and recreation department. (Supplied)

Also debuting on the night of the reception were growlers with a special logo, which are part of the brewery’s continuing support of the Kentwood 50 event. The brewery will be donating a portion of its growler sales as the celebration continues.

 

“We are raising some money for the parks and recreation department by doing this,” Lee said. “When you buy a growler, we will be donating a couple bucks back to parks and recreation every time you fill that growler, regardless of what beer it is. It doesn’t have to be the golden ale. This will be an on-going promotion.”

 

As far as the process of developing the new brew, Lee admitted it was pretty much like Railtown decides on any beer it brews — they like to drink it, so they know other people will like to like to drink it. Although, he said, this time they had to satisfy more tastebuds than just the staff’s.

 

“We have brewed golden ales, we have done a lot of that. That part is easy,” he said. “We took a different golden ale, we racked it off to what is called a firkin, a 10-gallon cask, it is an old-fashioned way of serving beer. In the firkin you can dose whatever you want in it, that is part of the fun of using a firkin — you can add a little fruit, extra hops, a little coffee, whatever you want. It is a really good way to experiment with different flavors. … based on that, that flavor profile, we can scale it up to a bigger scale” for brewing.

 

“The (Kentwood 50) beer has been done for quite a while, and that was intentional,” he said. “I wanted to make sure if they did not like it at all, I would have time to brew something else if I had to. Its been done for a month. They came in and tried it, and I tried it, and my brewers tried it. We all thought it was pretty nice.”

For more information on Railtown Brewing Company, call the taproom at 616-881-2364 or visit railtownbrewing.com (leads to a Facebook page).

 

ACSET: Providing access to healthy food

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Your Community in Action!

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

A trip to the grocery store is a regular part of many families’ weekly routine. Most people are lucky enough to hop in their car and run to the nearest store where they have access to an abundance of nutritious foods and fresh produce. But what happens if you don’t have reliable transportation? Is there a grocery store close enough that you can walk? Can you easily get to a store using public transportation? Once you get there, how do you carry your groceries back home?

Many households in our country face too many challenges to access healthy food for their families. According to the USDA, there 2.3 million Americans living in low-income areas that are 10 miles or more from a grocery store or supermarket. These areas are defined as food deserts because residents have limited access to affordable, healthy food.

Living in a food desert is a serious health concern. It has been found to lead to greater risk for heart disease in adults. Children are at risk too. Studies have found 53% more cases of asthma in kids who live more than a mile from a grocery store.

If you or someone you know is living in a food desert, there are local organizations working to address nutrition needs. ACSET CAA has many community partners that distribute healthy food throughout the county through their nutrition services. This includes locations within known food deserts. To learn more about qualifications, distribution dates and locations, visit CAA’s website: http://communityactionkent.org/programs/nutrition-services/

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

It may have been warm, but WinterFest was a success

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Students participate in basketball at Wyoming Junior High School. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

The weather was unseasonably warm for Wyoming’s first WinterFest, making organizers a little nervous as to whether residents would visit the seven sites hosting activities.

Those worries were put to rest as by 9:30 a.m. the Wyoming Junior High School already was hopping with students and adults getting in some hoops in the gym, visiting booths in the halls, and snagging some breakfast and partaking in the cake walk game in the cafeteria. By 10:30 a.m., greeters estimated that they had gone through about half of its 300 bracelets that each of the seven locations received to help count participants.

Students participate at one of the WinterFest booths. (WKTV)

“We are celebrating the success of the first One Wyoming WinterFest,” said Rachel Verwys, one of the event organizers. “Through the seven locations, we believe we connected with about 1,400 people through Wyoming for a fun-filled event that connected residents to one another and to community resources.”

Put together by the One Wyoming Community Collaborative, which is made up of a collaboration of school, businesses, government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community, the Wyoming WinterFest was considered the next step in working to bring residents, community leaders and business owners together to start the dialog of what they can do to improve their neighborhood, according to Jon Shaker, the marketing director for the salvation army Kroc center, one of the sponsors for the event.

“This is really nice for the community,” said Marilee Taken, from Beverly Reformed Church, located just down the street from Wyoming Junior High School. The church was handing out mugs, shirts, and popcorn. “It is such a wonderful idea to bring the community together for something fun and a great opportunity to meet your neighbors.”

Having grown up in the area of the Wyoming Junior High School, Elevation Church Pastor Chris Hall said he was thrilled at the opportunity to bring community members together to enjoy some fun activities – Hall’s church was providing the basketball games – and fellowship.

The vendor hall at the Wyoming Junior High School. (WKTV)

Even before the actual event, the planning process brought together more than 40 partners, businesses, nonprofits, churches, the city residents and schools, Verwys said. The idea was to have various locations opened within the city to bring the residents and organizations from that neighborhood together to start their own dialog on what they could improve their neighborhood, Shaner said. Along with the Wyoming Junior High School, The DOCK/The PIER, Vanguard Charter Academy, Calvary Church, Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, Community Church (Godwin Heights), and Grace Bible College all participated in the Wyoming Winterfest, which was Feb. 18. Locations were open at various times with each location offering food and an arrange of activities.

Many had planned winter activities. Hall said at the Wyoming Junior High School, there had been plans to have snow sculpting, but it was changed to fun with bubbles. “We just go with the flow,” Hall said.

As to whether the warmer weather helped the event, Verwys said she was not certain, but it certainly did not impede residents from attending.

“Another goal we accomplished was the connectivity to local community resources like health care organizations such as Metro Health Hospital, the library, KSSN, and the Girl Scouts,” she said. “The service volunteers provided at each location was amazing, WinterFest provided an avenue for about 350 people to serve generating well over 1,000 hours of service.”

With the Wyoming WinterFest deemed a success, One Wyoming is back at work planning future community-wide collaborations. Verwys said up next is a community-wide Earth Day event set for April 22.

Kentwood 50: Opening celebration brings dignitaries to town

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Former Kentwood mayors Richard Clanton, Jerry DeRuiter, and Bill Hardiman; former mayor Richard Root’s wife, Karleen; Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kelley, and first mayor Peter Lamberts’ son Richard.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It was a celebration of Kentwood’s past and future as residents, city leaders, school officials and students came together Monday night for the city’s kick off to its 50th anniversary.

 

Feb. 27, 1967, the Kentwood City Commission had its first meeting at Bowen Elementary School, so organizers of the year-long celebration decided it would only be fitting, and a perfect way to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration, if fifty years to the day, the Kentwood City Commission would have its meeting at Bowen Elementary School.

 

 

Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff said the district was excited to be able to help make that happen as both school and city officials are proud of the strong partnership that exists between the two organizations. In fact, at the meeting, Zoerhoff said it is that partnership between the Kentwood Public Schools and the City of Kentwood that has made the community the incredibly strong one that it is.

 

“I am excited to see what we will do in the next 50 years because its going to be something,” Zoerhoff said.

 

State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District) presents a proclamation with current and former state legislators to Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley.

Last night’s celebration had a definite eye toward the city’s future with Kentwood Public Schools students open the meeting with the Pledge of Alliance followed by students welcoming audience members in their native language, wearing the clothing of their homeland, which was designed to celebrate one of the city’s most unique attributes — it’s diversity. In fact, Kentwood is often called “the melting pot” as its residents represent more than 60 different countries, speaking more than 70 languages.

 

“If you ask a citizen of Kentwood why they like the city of Kentwood, the first thing that will come of of their mouth usually is diversity,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley to the almost 200-person crowd in attendance.

 

Kentwood’s residents’ and leaders’ willingness to work together have made it the success it is today, said State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26th District), who, on behalf of the state legislature and with other state officials, presented the city with a special proclaimation. For that reason, she believed the quote at the top of the proclamation from Henry Ford was especially appropriate for the city: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

 

Lt. Governor Brian Calley, who also was in attendance along with other national, state, county and local officials, said it is the attitude of strong people, strong families and strong communities that has made Kentwood and West Michigan the vibrant community it is today. He said that Kent and Ottawa counties make up 10 percent of the state’s population but has been about 20 percent of the job growth over the last six years.

 

Kentwood Public School students participate in the program with a special welcome to the audience.

“So in celebrating 50 years, I want to say to the leadership that this doesn’t happen by accident,” Calley said. “It happens when people really know there stuff. Who are accountable and transparent and have the type of professionalism to do it and do it right.

 

“And clearly in Kentwood, you do it right.”

 

At the closing of the meeting, each of the commissioners talked about how much they have enjoyed living, working and serving Kentwood, making it a place to call home.

 

“How can a community so diverse unify?” Kepley said. “I think we have the answer not just for Michigan, the country, but for the world. It is a very simple word, and the word is love.

 

“We love each other. Neighbors love each other, taking care of each other and that neighbor might not look like you, talk like you, worship like you, but there is love there and I think that is why it all works.”

 

During the meeting, Kentwood resident Dale Potter was recognized for his 30 years of service to the community as representative of the importance volunteers have played in building the city and helping to continue to grow, Kepley said. Also a clip of the Kentwood 50th Documentary was shown, which was produced by WKTV. The full documentary will be available March 20 and will air on WKTV.

 

The Kentwood 50 celebration continues as the Taste of Kentwood is March 2 and the audition deadline of the Kentwood’s Got Talent is Friday, March 3. The first round of the Kentwood’s Got Talent is March 9. For more information, visit www.kentwood50.com.

Author of ‘The End of Your Life Book Club makes a stop at Schuler with new book

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Will Schwalbe understands the importance of books in a person’s life.

 

It was the connecting force between Schwalbe and his mother as she dealt with pancreatic cancer. As the two sat waiting for her chemo treatments, Schwalbe turned to his mother and asked what she was reading. The following discussions on books lead to the runaway bestseller “The End of Your Life Book Club.”

 

As Schwalbe, toured with the book, he had a number of people reach out and ask for lists. “It got me thinking about life and books,” he told publishersweekly.com. So this time around, he put together a book, “Books for the Living” that is a celebration of reading and recommendation of specific books that may guide people through their daily lives.

 

Will Schwalbe

“I wanted this book to be a kind of virtual experience of sharing,” he said to publishersweekly.com. “Also a theme that was very important to me was the role of reading in our lives and being more thoughtful in limiting our electronic time.”

 

Schwalbe will be visiting Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, Friday, March 10. The program is at 7 p.m. with a book signing afterwards.

 

Schwalbe is the the founder and CEO of Cookstr.com, a leading recipe and cookbook website. As a journalist, he has written for various publications, including “The New York Times” and “The South China Morning Post.

 

For more about the the author visit or other programs at Schuler Books & Music, visit schulerbooks.com.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Carrot

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Meet smart, sassy Carrot!

 

Each week WKTV features adoptable pets from area shelters. This week, we focus on Carrot, a bunny available for adoption at West Michigan Critter Haven.

 

By West Michigan Critter Haven

 

Carrot is a Dutch rabbit with a beautiful gray and white coat. But she’s more than looks. She’s a smart, sassy girl and knows what she likes. She adores shoulder rubs and bum scratches. Like most rabbits, she takes pride in her personal space and doesn’t approve of any rearranging that she hasn’t done herself. She loves fresh leafy greens and grass hay. She will grunt her disapproval if you don’t feed her quickly enough, too. Her foster person adores her and Carrot has wiggled her way into the hearts of many that have followed her story and generously donated to cover her medical costs.

 

Like many of our surrendered critters, Carrot the rabbit was relinquished to us by a family who had outgrown her. She was a pet shop purchase for their daughter. Several years later when the daughter left for college, the parents decided they no longer had the time to care for Carrot. They reached out to us and we took Carrot as soon as we had an opening in our foster network, in October 2016.

 

As soon as Carrot came into our care, we had a suspicion something wasn’t quite right. While doing a careful physical check and nail trim for Carrot, we noticed her belly was quite enlarged and as tight as a drum. Our minds immediately went to reproductive organ cancer since Carrot was an unspayed female. Unfortunately, unspayed female rabbits have an 80 percent chance of developing uterine cancer. Spaying and neutering rabbits is absolutely crucial to their health and wellbeing. This is something that many rabbit owners are not aware of.

 

As with all of our unaltered foster rabbits, Carrot went in for her spay surgery just a few days after coming into our care. Our worst fears became reality when our veterinarian informed us that while the surgery went well, Carrot had been suffering from uterine cancer. The mass that was removed from her was nearly one-third of her body mass. And to make matters worse, less than 24 hours after her surgery, Carrot promptly demolished her sutures and ate the staples that were required for the size of the incision.

 

Carrot is a fighter with a huge personality. Her x-rays showed no signs of cancer anywhere else in her body. She also successfully passed her staples. We’re happy to say she’s in wonderful health. So aside from scaring the heck out of us with a rollercoaster of medical issues, the only thing she has left to do in our care is find her forever home.
Carrot is roughly six years old. In rabbit years, this is about middle age. Rabbits routinely live to be 12 years and older. She’s litter trained and spends her unsupervised time in a large dog exercise pen where she can stretch out and romp around freely. We do not advocate the use of cages, as they are quite restrictive. When supervised, she loves exploring her bedroom and other bunny-proofed parts of her foster home.

Carrot is a sweet, independent rabbit that will require a patient, loving adopter. She would do best in a home with adults or a family with mature children who will respect her and give her the space she needs to adjust. Since rabbits are prey animals, most do not like to be held. She is the type of rabbit that enjoys human company on her level. She enjoys flopping down near you while you watch TV or enjoy a book on the floor with her. She will also beg sweetly for treats by standing on her tippy toes against you to do her best to reach the treats in your hand!

Wearing the ‘cone of shame’ after eating her staples

Rabbits are not easy, starter pets. Carrot’s story is the perfect example of this. They are extremely intelligent and trainable. They require attention, love and a life indoors with their families. West Michigan Critter Haven is a chapter of the House Rabbit Society. To learn more about caring for rabbits, please visit http://rabbit.org/.

 

More About Carrot

  • Litter trained
  • Spayed
  • No small children

Want to adopt Carrot? Her adoption fee is $75. You can learn more about Carrot and other West Michigan Critter Haven adoptables at http://wmicritterhaven.org. All adopters must be at least 18 years old.

 

Interested in fostering small animals for West Michigan Critter Haven? Email info@wmicritterhaven.org.

 

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Donate at http://wmicritterhaven.org!

LocalFirst recognizes business owner for contributions to the Grand Rapids/Kentwood community

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Josephine “JoJo” White at her salon JoJo’s House of Beauty. (Photo of Courtesy of Josephine “JoJo” White)

By Bre Wilson

news@wktv.org

Josephine “JoJo” White recognizes that when a person makes the decision to leave a destructive relationship, they only have a short time to pack up and the last thing they may consider to grab is personal items such as shampoo and conditioner.

Which is why the owner of JoJo’s House of Beauty, located at 1801 44th St. SE, over the past several years has worked with the YWCA to make sure those items are available when people come to stay there.

“The YWCA has always been a great place to just give, they give so much to domestic violence and we wanted to just be a part of that,” White said. “We donate brushes and combs, hair care, whatever we have or whatever clients give to us.”

It is because of White’s dedication to building a better community that she was recently one of nine recipients of the LocalMotion Award presented by LocalFirst of West Michigan. Given out annual, the LocalMotion Awards are designed to recognize businesses, organizations and individuals leading the way in building vibrant, sustainable communities.  Each nominee was asked to complete a Quick Impact Assessment, which quantifies their positive impact through business practices such as philanthropic efforts, employee satisfaction and responsible waste management. From there, the LocalMotion Award recipients are determined and were announced at a special event earlier this year.

“I was totally shocked,” White said of being a LocalMotion Award recipient. “There were over 60 people who were nominated, so just to be nominated was a good thing.

“It was amazing to be recognized.”

White open JoJo’s House of Beauty three years ago after taking over her current location. Her goal has been to offer a multi-cultural salon designed to serve both men and women of all hair types. “Opening a salon has been a dream of mine since the age of 16, so it’s just a blessing to see my dreams come true,” she said.

Even before achieving her dream, White was committed to giving back to the community. Through the years, she has been very involved in many organizations from giving scholarship money to Omega Si Phi Fraternity Incorporation and Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporation to volunteering with Beauty of Zion Fashion ArtPrize hair show. White said she enjoys creating a positive presence in her community.

“LocalFirst is proud of all the busiensses in West Michigan who are making a positive impact in our local community,” said LocalFirst President Elissa Hillary. “The businesses recognized at the LocalMotion Awards are excellent examples of what it means to use business as a force for good and we applaud them for their commitment to positive social and environmental change in Grand Rapids and beyond.”

The other LocalMotion Award recipients are, from Grand Rapids, ACTPhotoMedia, LINC UP, Management Business Solutions, Mindful Vinyasa School of Yoga, and Mixed Staffing and Recruiting; from Grand Haven, C2C Galleries; and from Holland, EcoBuns Baby+Co.

Employment Expertise: First steps to a positive online presence

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By West Michigan Works!

 

More and more HR professionals are using the Internet to find information about job candidates. In a recent poll of recruiters, 93% said that they look at a candidate’s social profile and 42% of those said that they’ve reconsidered a candidate based on what they found.

 

Knowing this, how can you create a good online first impression? Here are a couple tips to get you started.

 

Google yourself. Look at the first three or four pages to see what an employer will see. A search that brings up negative or inappropriate content could land you in an employer’s reject pile. And while having negative content online may hurt your chances of landing a job, having no information is almost as bad; recruiters may see this being out of touch or lacking skills.

 

To combat this, you need to get fresh, positive content on the Internet. A good way to do this is to create or update your LinkedIn profile.

 

LinkedIn is the #1 social media site that employers and recruiters use to search for candidates, so it’s important to have a complete profile with detailed information about your skills and experience. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Photo: Your profile is 11 times more likely to be viewed if you include a photo of yourself. Be sure to use a professional-looking photo.
  • Headline: Your headline is the short description of you that follows your photo in LinkedIn. A strong headline uses key words that are relevant to the position that you’re searching for and makes people want to view your profile. This is your opportunity to sell yourself in 120 words or less. Be concise. Be creative.
  • Network: Once you set up your profile, connect with everyone you know: current and former colleagues, past employers, people in your industry, neighbors, family, friends and former classmates. And don’t forgot to follow companies that you may be interested in.

Building your online presence takes time, but these steps are a good start. Once you get some positive content on the web, remember to monitor it on a regular basis.

 

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

And the Oscar goes to: A review of the 2017 Academy Awards and where to see the films

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“Moonlight” won for Best Picture.

By Katelyn Kohane

 

“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Anything you want to, do it; want to change the world… there’s nothing to it.”

– Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

 

Last year I mentioned a little bit of history for the Oscars. So this year lets dive right into the night of glamor, which started with a great performance by Justin Timberlake.

 

They had many great presenters including a few from Star Wars including Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso) and Diego Luna (Cassian Andor). Some of the Avengers even “assembled” to present awards such as Chris Evans (Captain America), Scarlet Johnson (Black Widow), and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury/ Mace Windu). Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Ben Affleck (Batman), and Matt Damon (Jason Bourne) also made an appearance.

 

The show had some great performances through out the night. Sting performed “The Empty Chair” from Jim: The James Foley Story.  Auli’I Carvalno preformed “How Far Will I Go” from Moana. And Sara Bareilles performed Johi Mitchell’s “Both Sides” for the In Memoriam.

 

Emma Watson won for Best Actress for “La La Land”

Of course let’s not forget Jimmy Kimmel’s presence as host for the evening. He certainly had his own style for the night even though you could see a little of the Kimmel/ Damon feud throughout the event. However, I did find it funny when Damon tried to trip Kimmel and when Kimmel tried to play Damon off the stage with the orchestra.

 

The In Memoriam is always a nice touch for the evening and included Prince, Mary Tyler More, Gary Marshal, Gene Wilder, Kenny Baker, Debbie Reynolds, and Carrie Fisher. They even mentioned Bill Paxton who unfortunately passed away over the weekend.

 

Let’s talk the mishaps. There was Carvalno performance where she was hit in the head with a flag and she continued graciously. And of course, the biggest mishap of the Oscars was the mix up of the envelopes that were given to Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. No one could believe what happened. The audience in attendance and I would dare say that everyone watching were stunned. You could see their faces drop while watching, however; I thought the cast of La La Land held their own and accepted the mix up with dignity.

 

And just like that another year has come and gone for the Oscars. And just in case you are wondering where to watch some of these great films, which are still in theaters, you can find them at the following cinemas: AMC Grand Rapids 18 (formerly Star Theater), which has both “La La Land” and “Moonlight.” Many of the Celebration! theaters including North, South and RiverTown are still showing “La La Land;” and Celebration! Woodland has a number of the Academy Award-winning and nominated films including “Fences,” “Moonlight,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Moana,” and “The Salesman.”

 

Once again, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton St., will be featuring the Oscar Nominated Shorts series. There are two sets of documentaries, with Documentary A running through March 26 and Documentary B, which includes the 2017 Oscar winner “The White Helmets,” running through March 28. The animation series, which includes the 2017 winner “Piper,”  and the live action series, which includes the 2017 winner “Sing,” will run through April 1. Check for showtimes at www.uica.org.

 

In Honor of Carrie Fisher (one of my favorites) “May the Force Be With You.”

 

The full list and the winners of the 89th Academy Award are as follows:

 

Best Picture: Moonlight

Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea

Best Actress: Emma Stone for La La Land

Best Foreign Language Film: The Salesman by Asghar Farhadi

Best Animated Feature Film: Zootopia by Bryon Howard, Rich Moore, and Clark Spencer

Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali for Moonlight

Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis for Fences

Best Documentary Feature: O.J.:Made in America by Ezra Edelman, Caroline Waterlow

Best Director: Damien Chazelle for La La Land

Best Original Music Score: La La Land by Justin Hurwitz

Best Original Screenplay: Manchester by the Sea by Kenneth Lonergan

Best Original Song: City of Stars for La La Land by Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul

Best Writing Adapted Screenplay: Moonlight by Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney

Best Cinematography: Linus Sandgren for La La Land

Best Costume Design: Colleen Atwood for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Fin Them

Best Animated Short Film: Piper by Alan Barillo, Marc Sondhimer

Best Visual Effects: The Jungle Book by Robert Legato, Dan Lemmon

Best Live Action Short Film: Sing by Kristof Deak, Anna Udvardy

Best Film Editing: John Gilbert for Hacksaw Ridge

Community Health & Wellness Expo set to inspire heathy lifestyles

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The almost week of warm, spring-like weather had about everyone trying to take advantage of the outdoors whether it be hitting a few balls at the golf course or just walking around the neighborhood.

 

So with spring on the mind, it is only fitting that the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department announce the second annual Community Health & Wellness Expo is set for Saturday, March 4 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. The event, which is from 1 – 3 p.m., is designed to provide inspiration on how to get active and eat smart.

 

“We had a good showing from our first event,” said Val Mester, recreation planner of Wyoming Parks and Recreation. “We saw that those businesses who participated were able to network not only with the public but also with each other as well.”

 

While at the Wyoming Senior Center, the expo programs are not just for seniors but include things for children, adults, and families, Mester said. A variety of local businesses, clubs and organizations will host tables and hand out samples and other great goodies. The first 50 adults through the door will receive a special gift.

 

Just like last year, there will be demonstrations of several programs including line dancing, yoga, and kickboxing. Healthy snacks will be handed out and those who attend will receive tickets for a raffle.

 

“It is all designed to encourage people in the community to try new things,” Mester said, adding that the expo will also encourage residents to continue to get outside and exercise.

 

For more information about the Community Health & Wellness Expo or for other upcoming Parks and Recreation Department activities, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 530-3164 or visit www.wyomingmi.gov.

Previn & Newhof earns award for exemplary engineering achievement

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Leonard Schneider, American Council of Engineering Companies

 

Prein & Newhof of Grand Rapids, Mich., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 50th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for designing drainage and treatment system improvements at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.

 

ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based business association of the engineering industry representing more than 5,000 independent engineering firms throughout the United States.

 

The $20 million system is designed to eliminate environmental risks from aircraft deicing operations during the winter months. Stormwater from the airport’s north detention basin has been re-routed to a new outfall at the Thornapple River, while the west apron stormwater system was reconfigured to consolidate runoff from all major existing and future aircraft deicing areas.

 

In addition, the treatment system enhances the quality of the natural environment with an innovative design for collecting and treating propylene glycol, and managing stormwater. The green design uses gravity, vegetated beds, and natural organisms to treat the stormwater with essentially no power consumption or residual waste.

 

The project is among 162 engineering achievements from throughout the nation and the world being recognized by ACEC as the year’s finest examples of engineering excellence, and eligible for additional top national honors. Judging for the awards program — known industry-wide as the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry” — took place in February, conducted by a national 30-member panel of built environment leaders, along with experts from government, the media and academia. Award criteria focuses on uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, and generating excitement for the engineering profession.

 

Recognition of all award winners including top commendations — 20 Honor Awards, 16 Grand Awards and the prestigious “Grand Conceptor Award” for the year’s most outstanding overall engineering achievement — will take place at the annual EEA Dinner and Gala, a black-tie event to be held Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

 

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America’s engineering industry, representing more than 5,000 independent engineering firms and more than 500,000 professionals throughout the United States engaged in the development of America’s transportation, water and energy infrastructure, along with environmental, industrial and other public and private facilities. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.

 

Registration now open for the Michigan IDA Annual Spring Conference

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Technology and Literacy: The Ultimate Chicken and Egg Conundrum

 

By Heidi Turchan, SLD Read

Does your child continue to struggle in class specialized instruction and additional support? Are you overwhelmed with the choices of assistive technology? Have you ever had a bright student with unexpectedly poor reading, spelling and writing skills? Even though you thought your instruction was carefully planned, you somehow couldn’t reach that student.

For the past dozen years, educational technology has been the rage of schools across North America and abroad. It held great promise for students with reading and writing challenges, including dyslexia. However, too often this technology is nothing more than word-processing assignments, spell check, email and web searches — all of which require competent literacy skills to access.

Here’s the conundrum: no student can access these traditional technologies without competent reading, spelling and writing skills. Throughout this presentation, Elaine Cheesman will demonstrate instructional technology that is intuitive, research-based and focused on specific literacy skills. Dr. Cheesman offers solutions that can take students, teachers, tutors and clinicians beyond the conventional technologies to give them the technological keys to literacy success.
Dr. Elaine Chessman

Dr. Cheesman is an associate professor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and credentials as a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University, under the direction of Judith Birsh. Her primary research, teaching and service interests are teacher-preparation in scientifically based reading instruction and the use of technology in literacy education.

Dr. Cheesman received the Excellence in Teacher Educator Award from the Teacher Education Division of the Colorado Council for Exceptional Children, the Teacher of the Year and the Outstanding Researcher awards from the University of Colorado College Of Education. The reading courses she developed are among the first teacher preparation programs accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017
Where: Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich.

Register here.

GR Symphony, conductor Lehninger to take tour of historic Mussgorsky’s ‘Pictures’

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Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Marcelo Lehninger, will present “Pictures at an Exhibition” next week. (Supplied/Stu Rosner)

 

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Marcelo Lehninger, in his first full year as Grand Rapids Symphony’s Musical Director, has a long history with Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” — ranging from hearing it in its original piano solo form as a youth, to it being on his debut program at the famous Tanglewood Festival, to his now conducting it on both sides of the Atlantic in the span of a month.

 

But as he prepares to bring Maurice Ravel’s orchestrated version of the work to Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall on Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, he admits to having only a cursory knowledge of Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s progressive-rock, synthesizer-driven version.

 

And who is to blame him? He was raised in Brazil, surrounded by classical and Latin music — his father is German violinist Erich Lehninger and mother Brazilian pianist Sonia Goulart — and he was born in 1979, eight years after EL&P’s vinyl version debuted.

 

“I first heard the piece on its original piano solo version, and I felt in love with it,” Lehninger said in a email interview this week. “I’ve conducted many times — in fact I just conducted it in Europe (Slovenia) where I am right now. It was also on my debut program in Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony.”

 

The cover of Emerson, Lake and Palmers vinyl recording to “Pictures at an Exhibition”.

And, despite his only passing familiarity with the rock variation, he is all for even old rockers giving Ravel’s version a listen.

 

“I heard about the ELP version, but never got familiar with it,” he said. “In any case, we will rock with ‘Pictures’ next week in Grand Rapids!”

 

Ravel’s version, with its virtuoso violin work required, is the most “colorful” of all the versions, Lehninger believes, despite the fact that he studied both violin and piano early in his career.

 

“I definitely have an affinity for both violin and piano, not only because I studied these instruments, but because I grew up listening to them,” he said. “However, one instrument was never enough for me. I loved playing the violin and piano, but I needed more colors, more sounds; therefore I exchanged the 88 keys of the piano for 88 musicians in the orchestra.

 

“I believe that many composers that orchestrated the piece felt exactly how I felt playing just one instrument. This is a piece with so many sounds and colors possibilities, somehow the piano alone doesn’t achieve that. Therefore many composers orchestrated the piece. Although Ravel’s orchestration is criticized for not ‘sounding Russian enough’, it is my favorite orchestration of the piece. Ravel was a master of orchestration and with ‘Pictures’ he explores all the sound palette of the orchestra. I have to confess that I like Ravel’s version much better than the original piano solo version.”

 

In addition to “Pictures at an Exhibition”, also on the symphony’s upcoming program are Erich Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major with guest soloist Stefan Jackiw, as well as Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and “John Corigliano’s Promenade Overture from 1981.

 

Violinist Stefan Jackiw. (Supplied)

Jackiw’s career has included performing at the grand opening of Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall alongside pianist Emanuel Ax, soprano Renée Fleming and conductor James Levine. He may be best known to younger audiences for his performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the YouTube Symphony Orchestra at Australia’s Sydney Opera house, seen live on YouTube by more than 30 million people worldwide.

 

For more information on Grand Rapids Symphony concerts visit GRSymphony.org

 

Changing careers? Here’s how to find a job that’s right for you

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Local Business, , , ,

 

By West Michigan Works!

 

Did you know that the average person will change careers five to seven times in a lifetime? Not just a new job, but a completely new field. For example, leaving a marketing position for accounting or moving from manufacturing to retail.

 

Why do workers change careers so often? Sometimes it has to do with frustration in a current job. Other times, a business closure or downsizing forces a move. A lifestyle change can leave workers needing more time at home or a larger salary. As workers mature, they better understand their talents and interests.

 

Whatever the reason, multiple career changes is the norm in today’s workforce. So, how can you do it successfully?

 

Understand yourself. Take time for self-reflection. What are your passions, strengths and weaknesses? Not sure where to begin? Consider taking a personality test, like the Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment, to get started.

 

Find the right fit. Once you understand your skills and personal preferences, start exploring your options. There are many good career exploration sites online like Pure Michigan Talent Connect. Their Career Explorer page has tools that match your interests and skills with the best career for you.

 

Prepare. Research the position you want to transition into. Are your current skills transferable? Do you need additional training or education? Consider volunteering in the field. You can gain knowledge and make connections.

 

Network.  Speaking of connections, do you know anyone who is already working in the field? Would they be willing to provide a reference, or do they know of current job openings? Join a professional network in the field and attend local networking events. Prepare a strong elevator speech to let your new connections know why you want a new career.

 

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

Running with the Wolves; Wyoming high inducts five into its athletic Hall of Fame

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Wyoming High School inducted five student athletes, some from Rogers and some from Wyoming Park high schools, into its athletic Hall of Fame. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

When cross-town athletic rivals Wyoming Park and Rogers high schools combined to form the current Wyoming High School, two athletic traditions were combined and a new one was born.

 

That shared past and unified present was honored early this month as five one-time students athletes were inducted into the Wyoming High School athletic Hall of Fame.

 

The ceremony was held Feb. 10, between home boys and girls basketball games. Those inducted included Andy Vavere, Laura Erdmans Readle, Doug Chappell, Kim Blouw Norden and Eric Taylor.

 

For many of the inductees, it was not only night to be honored but to remember high school athletic careers and experiences still remembered fondly — including one where cross-town athletic competition led to a union of a different kind.

 

Andy Vavere, Rogers High Class of 1980, was not only a standout football, basketball and baseball athlete — highlighted by the basketball team’s deep runs into the state tournament in 1979 and 1980 — but he also met his future wife during his high school years.

 

Andy Vavere (WKTV)

“My favorite (athletic) memories were our tournament runs we had in 1979 and 1980. We were regional finalists in ’79 and semifinalists in ’80,” Vavere said. Rogers was 21-4 the first year and 21-5 the second.

 

During those years, Vavere was an OK Red all-conference baseball player in 1979, an all-conference quarterback in 1980, and a all-conference basketball player in both years. He was also the 1980 Adrian Allen Athlete of the Year Award winner.

 

But the longest lasting memory was meeting his wife, Margaret, who attended his school’s arch rival.

 

“I was a senior at Rogers High School in 1980 and she was at Wyoming Park, a competitive school, and we met through competition,” he said. “I started dating Margaret in 1979 and we got married in 1989.”

 

And, Vavere admitted, it was always a challenge to face Wyoming Park on the field: “Absolutely, those guys were great,” he said.

 

Running into the Hall of Fame

 

One of those “great” Wyoming Park athletes was cross country and track runner Kim Blouw, Class of 1990.

 

Blouw, who later graduated from Central Michigan University, was track all-state each of her four years of high school, and was an all-state cross country runner her junior and senior years. She held school records in the 800, 1,600, 3,200-meter runs as well as in the 2-mile relay run. And she was part of a state champion 2-mile relay team one year.

 

But, maybe, the highlife of her high school career was spring track practice after a 16-hour bus ride to Myrtle Beach, S.C.

 

Kim Blouw Norden (WKTV)

“I guess my favorite memories about high school would be my two coaches, Mr. (Frank) Grimm and Mr. (Dick) Locke, and traveling to South Carolina to go to Myrtle Beach, becoming a team, but not only a team but becoming a family,” Blouw said.

 

She also credits her family, both at home and on the Wyoming Park athletic teams, for keeping her focused and successful in her high school years.

 

“What made me do that was that I had two great parents who instilled a really good value system in us, myself and my brother,” she said. “I had really great coaches that really emphasized the importance of never giving up. I had a goal, and my goal was to go to college. And I was blessed with the ability to run. … So many people believed in me, encouraged me to excel in my career as a track and cross country runner. I embraced that.”

 

Three more honored with induction

 

Eric Taylor, Wyoming Park Class of 1988, had a basketball career that not only brought success to his high school, but to his college and professional teams as a player, and then carried him back nearly to full-circle as a high school basketball coach.

 

Taylor was an all-conference and all-state player his last two years at Wyoming Park, then  played basketball and earned a degree at Oakland University. He went on to play professionally in Europe, winning multiple championships, and earn his masters degree from Grand Valley State University. He now coaches varsity basketball at Grand Rapids Christian High School.

 

“My passion is giving back to students and to influence their lives in a positive way everyday,” Taylor said in supplied material. “It’s about the legacy to reach, teach, love and support all students and be an example and a role everyday for all students.”

 

Doug Chappel, Rogers Class of 1979, died in 2012 but left a mark on the basketball record books both at his high school and at University of Detroit. He was a multi-sport athlete but starred on the basketball court in high school — including being all-conference three years, all state two years including being one of the top five players in the state his senior year, and scoring 1,300 points while grabbing more than 700 rebounds. He then played four years of college ball at Detroit, scoring nearly 1,200 points and gaining all-league honors.

 

Laura Readle, Wyoming Park Class of 1981, was a multi-sport athlete, including all-conference honors multiple years in volleyball, basketball and track. She was a rebounding machine on the basketball court, averaging 29 rebounds a game one year, and a record-braking sprinter on the track. She went on to gain her bachelors and masters degrees from Aquinas College, coached AAU basketball for 10 years and is now the track coach at Tri-County High School.

 

She also still runs, and runs and runs — including finishing marathons, ½ marathons, triathlons and the 25K River Bank run spread out over 30 years, and recently participated in a 5-hour adventure race. And the track for Wyoming Park, at Godwin High School, is still one of her favorite memories.

 

She remembers “when the only track that was ‘rubberized’ not cinder, in the late ’70s, at Godwin High School … every track meet all 8 schools in our conference would be there,” Readle said in supplied material. “I met many wonderful friends from all the other schools in our conference and I am still friends with many of them today. It is also where I met my husband. Many, many happy memories!”

 

Kentwood 50: Registration deadline for Kentwood’s Got Talent coming up quickly

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

The registrations deadline for the Kentwood’s Got Talent is only a week away.

 

Those interested in singing, dancing, or making people laugh, need to register by March 3. The event is part of the Kentwood 50th Anniversary celebration, which kicks off on Monday, Feb. 27, with a special City Commission meeting that marks when Kentwood’s first City Commission meeting took place 50 years ago. Registration forms can be found at www.yourkprd.org and may be sent in online through the website or mailed to Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE., Kentwood.

 

The Kentwood’s Got Talent is a talent show with first round auditions set for Thursday, March 9, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton SE.

 

The contest is open to anyone ages six and up with adults and seniors encouraged to participate. A person may participate in one act, a solo or group. All acts are limited to five minutes. The event is family friendly, so music selection should be appropriate for all audiences. The Talent Committee does reserve the right to refuse materials or acts due to mature content.

 

Complete guideline details are available at www.yourkprd.org.

 

First round winners will be notified and will move on to the finals which will take place during the city’s weekend-long celebration in August. The Kentwood’s Got Talent final round is set for Aug. 11 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE.

March of Dimes Western Michigan hosts open house Feb. 28

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

 

By Ginger Feldman

 

Local Grand Rapids community members will have the opportunity to learn about the work, mission and events of the March of Dimes Western Michigan Market. A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 3:30-7 pm at their new office location, 3001 Orchard Vista Suite 250 in Grand Rapids. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the March of Dimes and their fight to end premature birth.

 

The March of Dimes Western Michigan’s former office space flooded in 2014 causing extensive damage structurally as well as to office furnishings and supplies. The building was eventually sold and the March of Dimes had to leave the space. Thanks to an enormous amount of support from partners in the community the March of Dimes Western Michigan is now settled into their new office space. Northstar Commercial and Steve Millman donated the 1,000 square foot office space, while over $7,000 of office furnishings were donated by UBU. The Fox and the Owl designed and donated building plans, layout, and colors while FASTSIGNS donated all the signage for the new office.

 

The March of Dimes is incredibly grateful for all the support they have received and want a chance to share with the community not only their new space but all the amazing work that’s being done there. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about locally funded programs as well as receive information on the March of Dimes premier fundraising event, March for Babies.

 

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP via email to Executive Director Ginger Feldman or by calling the office at 616.247.6861.

 

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and information, go here.

Government Matters: Huizenga, Stabenow stress critical importance of completing Soo Locks study

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

 

In October 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted an analysis of the economic impacts of a 6-month closure of the 49-year old Poe Lock at the Soo Locks complex. DHS concluded that the Poe Lock is the Achilles’ heel of the North American industrial economy and that such an outage would send the United States’ economy into a recession, closing factories and mines, halting auto and appliance production in the U.S. for most of a year and result in the loss of some 11 million jobs across the nation. Later that year, in December 2015, USACE agreed to reevaluate the BCR of upgrading the Soo Locks after acknowledging inaccuracies in its original BCR determination that left the project unable to compete for federal funding.

 

On Feb. 23, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of Senate Great Lakes Task Force, led a bicameral, bipartisan letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers stressing the importance of completing the study at the Soo Locks in an accurate and timely manner. U.S. Senator Gary Peters and Representatives Jack Bergman, Sander Levin, Fred Upton, Tim Walberg, Dan Kildee, Debbie Dingell, Brenda Lawrence, David Trott, and Paul Mitchell also signed the letter as members of the Senate and House Great Lakes Task Forces.

 

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently undertaking an economic reevaluation of a project to build a new navigation lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Locks complex in Michigan,” the lawmakers wrote. “This revaluation is necessary due to erroneous assumptions later acknowledged by USACE in its original economic analysis. We write to ensure that USACE engages stakeholders and considers appropriate transportation alternatives to ensure an accurate benefit-cost ratio (BCR) analysis for the project, which is critically important to our states and the entire country.

 

“We therefore encourage USACE to ensure that the BCR reevaluation of the Soo Locks project is conducted in a manner that is consistent with other navigation lock and dam project evaluations regarding alternate transportation modes, and that every step is taken to expedite the completion of this critically important analysis,” the lawmakers went on to say.

 

The full text of the letter is available online here.