Category Archives: 3-bottom

Michigan band Pop Evil entertains kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; plays GR Feb. 25

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By Kelly Taylor, WKTV

 

Michigan band POP EVIL took time out of their tour schedule to visit with some special fans at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee recently. The band was invited by the hospital as part of Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, an initiative that mobilizes the music community — artists, fans, corporate partners and sponsors — to join in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

“Playing for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a career highlight,” said Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kakaty. “Whenever you can help bring inspiration and positivity to children in need it makes it all worthwhile. Being able to bring smiles to both the kids and their families was humbling and something we hope we can do more of in the future.”

 

The band performed some of their biggest hits like Footsteps and Take It All. Video of each performance can be seen here. Bassist Matt DiRito added, “It has been such an honor to be able to work hand-in-hand with the staff and families at St Jude. Those kids have touched our lives in a way that is so incredibly powerful and different from anything we have experienced in our travels across the world.”

 

Pop Evil was formed in North Muskegon, Michigan in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty. He then added Dave Grahs, Dylan Allison, and Jamie Nummer. Later, guitarist Tony Greve was added as a temporary studio musician for the band but was invited to become a full-time member in early 2007.

 

The band will perform in Grand Rapids on Feb. 25 at the new venue, 20 Monroe Live. Go here to get tickets.

 

Need to make some home repairs? Kent County increases grant funding

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By Lisa LaPlante

 

Residents in need of repairs or home modifications may be eligible for additional funding through a grant available in parts of Kent County. The Board of Commissioners voted this morning to provide an additional $181,689 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for repairs on homes owned by low- to moderate-income families.

 

Kent County currently contracts with Home Repair Services (HRS) to provide home repairs of up to $10,000 for eligible clients outside of the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming (which have their own funding components). Those living in Kentwood would be eligible. The Kent County CDBG funds two programs:

*         Minor Home Repair Program: emergency home repairs to single family, owner-occupied homes for very low income homeowners making 80 percent of area median income (i.e. roofs, septic systems, furnaces, etc.);

*         Access Modification Program: modify homes of eligible individuals with mobility impairments in order to improve access and use of the home.

 

“The County partnership with Home Repair Services is vital to many homeowners,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “Home repair or modification is often difficult for families living on a fixed budget, especially our most vulnerable elderly residents or those living with disabilities. This funding will assist families with necessary repairs that will also help retain or improve home values.”

 

“Home Repair Services is thrilled and honored to partner again with Kent County to maximize the use of these extra funds,” said HRS Executive Director Joel Ruiter. “We look forward to strengthening additional lower-income and vulnerable homeowners throughout the County. Successful and safe homeownership builds value and results in a stronger more vibrant community for us all.”

 

To learn more about Home Repair Service programs, call 616-241-2601 during business hours or go to www.homerepairservices.org.

Kentwood 50: 16th Annual ‘Taste of Kentwood’ — Bigger, tastier than ever

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By WKTV Staff

What tickles your tastebuds — Thai? Mexican? Barbecue?

This year, Taste of Kentwood will host more than 15 local restaurants on March 2 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

There will be a variety of food including the above-mentioned perennial favorites, Thai, Mexican and barbecue — plus soups, sandwiches and other gastronomical delights. Sample delicious creations from Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Pepping’s South Kentwood, The Candied Yam, Celebration! Cinema South, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Jet’s Pizza, On the Border, Beta Bars, Bloop Frozen Yogurt, Larues Kitchen & Catering, Taco Bob’s, Zoup! and Mosbyspopcorn.

“Taste of Kentwood is a great way to showcase the variety of restaurants we have in the community and a delicious and wonderful way to bring together our local community with our businesses,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley.

The event is open to the community. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.yourkprd.com. Two time slots are available, from 4:30-6 pm. and from 6:30-8 pm.

For questions, please contact City of Kentwood’s Park and Recreation Event Coordinator Laura Barbrick at barbrickl@ci.kentwood.mi.us or 616.656.5272.

California dreaming — back to the USA

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Lynn Strough

Travelynn Tales

 

This is the final installment in this year-long journey, at least for WKTV. Lynn is currently wintering in Mexico and deciding where to go next.

 

After 18 months outside the U.S., it was time for a brief return. Leaving Thailand when my six months of visas were up and with the first draft of my book manuscript completed, I made a sweep through California to renew my passport and, more importantly, to see family and friends. In keeping with my backpacker’s budget — this included house- and pet-sitting, a cobbling together of places to stay. Opportunities arose and disappeared per usual on this journey, more chances for a planner like me to keep practicing letting go.

 

Through an amazing synchronicity, an American woman I met via Facebook — a fellow house and pet sitter — offered up a California cat sitting job she had to turn down due to a prior commitment. My first stop for 10 weeks was set in the city of Sacramento caring for Cinco, a 15-year-old cat. Easy — just feed him, clean out his litter box and keep him alive until his owners come home. That was before I knew about the cockroach invasion or the neighborhood gunfight, but that’s another story.

 

Sacramento is California’s capitol and it’s worth a stroll through the Old Town near the dome to learn a bit about American history — about the gold rush and stage coaches and the Wild Wild West. (It’s still a bit wild.)

 

The highlight for me was seeing my daughters after almost two years on the road (one of the downsides of being a nomad on a limited budget is being far away from loved ones). My Michigan daughter was visiting my Los Angeles daughter, and they took the coastal train up to visit me. It was a much too brief but wonderful reunion, including a hike in the Auburn hills.

 

Sacramento reminded me of what it’s like to live in American suburbs, taking daytime walks in neighborhoods virtually abandoned by people off hiding in cubicles at work, a stark contrast to the streets in places like Thailand that are bustling with people no matter what time of day. Empty yards of manicured grass led me to a lush rose-scented garden surrounding the local library, and grocery stores loaded with all of my favorite (and much-missed) foods. Reverse culture-shock set in — people who spoke English, signs and labels I could read, and driving a car once again — the homeowner’s giant old SUV.

 

Several dear friends came to town — too many to name, and it was such a delight to reconnect after being out of the country for so long. When my friend Beth came from Michigan, we got to check out Lake Tahoe for a couple of days. Tahoe has some of the most stunning scenery in California, in fact in the entire U.S. Take a spin around the whole lake in a day and you’ll see fabulous lookouts.

 

My plan was to end up in Napa, a town I’d lived in for several years, and then a housesitting stint in Redwood City, but those opportunities vanished like coastal fog. It’s a little unnerving not knowing where I’m going next, but when I can stop stressing and let curiosity overtake fear, something interesting always comes up. This time it included a pet sit in a luxury condo in San Francisco and another in an apartment with a view in Tiburon, across the bay. San Francisco is one of my favorite cities, and my lively charge Loki kept me very busy hiking its famously steep hills.

 

Luckily I had a few hours each afternoon between dog walks to explore on my own — places like the famous Fisherman’s Wharf with barking seals, scents of sour dough bread baking and tastes of Ghirardelli chocolate. And then there’s bustling Chinatown, full of colorful shops displaying all manner of scarves, shoes and jewelry.

 

San Francisco is also home to some of California’s best museums — SFMOMA, the De Young and Legion of Honor art museums, and the fascinating Californian Academy of Sciences where you can view the stars in the planetarium, walk through a tunnel of sea creatures and feel what it’s like to be in a building during an earthquake.

 

There’s Haight Ashbury, full of tie-dye, and fashionable Union Square. In San Francisco, even getting around can be fun with sounds of street cars clanging and clacking up and down the rails. Along with a daily dose of that gorgeous red bridge, I felt at home in California once again.

 

Across the Golden Gate lies Sausalito and the tiny town of Tiburon –my next stop, for the care of a small pup and the real boss of the place, a cat. In a one-bedroom apartment high up on a hill, I enjoyed the most spectacular scenes of the bay in exchange for hanging out with Bea and Mowgli. One thing housesitting allows besides free accommodations is a chance to see how it feels to live in an amazing variety of places. And with kitchens, a chance to save money by cooking at “home”. Even though it’s not my own place, I’ve learned to get outside my comfort zone and make home where I hang my hat.

 

Life in Tiburon was slow, filled with dog walks, writing, visits from more friends and deckside dining, both at seaside and on the apartment’s sky-high deck. The views were mesmerizing in the daytime, at sunset and with glittering gold dust scattered across the horizon at night. It was hard to close my eyes at the end of the day as I didn’t want to miss a moment of such beautiful sights.

 

Angel Island State Park is a short ferry ride away, so I was able to hop over for a day hike. It’s not only a lovely place for a nature fix, but it’s also full of history about the Asian immigrant experience. Sometimes called “the Ellis Island of the West”, it was a detention point for immigrants from China, Japan and India, among other countries. You can tour some of the original buildings.

 

Soon enough, my house sits ended and with new passport in hand — good for 10 more years — I booked a Megabus down to L.A. For the budget-minded traveler, avoiding flights running over $200 oneway from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Megabus is a great alternative ($26 to $46, depending on date and time). True, an overnight ride for eight hours on a sold-out double-decker bus isn’t the most comfortable way to travel, but with more time than money, it’s part of this nomad’s life. And you meet the most interesting people! Next stop, a peek at L.A. and a tour of the beaches in SoCal.

 

About Lynn Strough

Lynn is a 50+ wanderer whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.

 

“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”

 

travelynnlogoAll images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales

Reprinted with permission

Kentwood kicks off year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a special city commission meeting

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The first Kentwood City Commission met on Feb. 27, 1967

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

On Feb. 27, 1967, the City of Kentwood had its first commission meeting at Bowen Elementary School. Fifty years to the day, the city commission will once again meet at Bowen Elementary to kick off Kentwood’s golden anniversary.

 

“February 27 marks a truly historic occasion for the City of Kentwood,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Celebrating the original City Commission meeting is a memorable way to honor Kentwood’s past while looking forward to our future.”

 

Long before the city was even mapped out as Paris Township, people were coming to the area mostly because it reminded them of their former homes, with rolling hills and good soil, said Ray Boisvenue, a local historian who has helped collect oral histories of many of Kentwood’s residents.

 

In 1939, the township organized with resident Joel Guild suggesting the name Paris for the area after his former home of Paris, New York. Guild was then elected the first township supervisor. The township at that time was a perfect square, bordered by Hall Street to the north, 60th Street to the south, Division Avenue to the west and Patterson Avenue to the east.

 

As the township grew, so did the neighboring City of Grand Rapids, which slowly chipped away at the township’s area though annexations. The first annexation took place in 1891 but the bulk happened from 1958 to 1963 causing residents to fight for incorporation. It would take three attempts and the announcement of a new $4 million shopping center – Woodland Mall – for the vote of incorporation to pass by a slim margin of 177 votes in favor on Feb. 20, 1967.

 

A few minor details had to be worked out, but the newly formed city had its first meeting Feb. 27, 1967, with Peter Lamberts elected as the city’s first mayor. The rest of the city commission include Dale Heyboer and Robert Ide as commissioners-at-large, Preston Miller and Quinten (Jack) Ward from Ward 1 and Gordon Gezon and Clifford Barnes from Ward 2.

 

Kentwood officials moved into the current city hall structure in 1979.

The anniversary commission meeting – which will feature the current City Commission, Mayor Stephen Kepley, Commissioner-at-Large Betsy Artz, First Ward commissioners Gerald DeMaagd and Robert Coughlin and Second Ward commissioners Erwin Haas and Michael Brown – is at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Bowen Elementary, 4483 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The event will feature special programming provided by the current city commission. The meeting will flow much like a typical city commission meeting but with special tributes and fun facts about the city and will include a two-minute clip of the Kentwood 50th Anniversary documentary produced by WKTV.

 

According to organizers, the evening will be a celebration of the community’s growth and recognition of the residents, schools, businesses and nonprofit that have made Kentwood a great place to live, work and raise a family. Among the special guests scheduled to attend are Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, both of whom will be presenting proclamations honoring the city.

 

Kentwood 50th Anniversary events have been planned throughout the year. Among the public events coming up in the next couple of months are the Taste of Kentwood set for March 2, the Kentwood’s Got Talent auditions March 9 (registration deadline is March 3), and an Easter Egg Hunt April 15. There is also a breakfast planned to honor businesses that have been in Kentwood since 1967 on March 23. Also, Railtown Brewing Company, 3555 68th St. SE, Dutton, will be unveiling a special beer next week in honor of Kentwood’s 50th Anniversary.

 

“We have been working really hard to make this a special year for our community,” said Kentwood Treasurer and Kentwood 50 committee leader Laurie Sheldon. “Our residents, businesses and organizations have made Kentwood an amazing city and we are making sure we express our thanks through great events in 2017.”

 

Other programs include The Vibe – a Parks and Recreation Gala that raises money for the department’s programs will be May 19 and a weekend-long street fair and festival August 11 and 12 that will include food, kid-friendly events, live entertainment and the finale of the Kentwood’s Got Talent.

 

The Farmer’s Market, Fourth of July celebration and parade and all other city-sponsored events also will be focused on the Kentwood 50th Anniversary.

 

WKTV also will be providing coverage of many of the events along with special Kentwood 50 stories at now.wktv.org.

 

For more about Kentwood’s 50th Anniversary celebration, visit www.kentwood50.com.

City of Kentwood seeks candidate to fill commission seat

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The City of Kentwood is seeking applications from residents to fill a vacant position on the City Commission.

Applicants must be a Kentwood resident and registered voter.  The selected candidate will complete the vacant Commissioner-At-Large term, which expires in November 2019.

“A Kentwood City Commissioner is an important leadership position providing a unique opportunity for a resident to perform a key role in shaping our community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Many exciting initiatives are being developed and implemented in the City and I encourage anyone interested to apply.”

Steven Redmond recently resigned from the Commissioner-At-Large position. The City Commission will begin receiving applications on Feb. 22 and plan to have an appointment made by early April. The City will accept applications through noon on March 10.

Residents are encourage to apply in person at the Kentwood City Clerk’s office, located at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, or online at:  www.ci.kentwood.mi.us.

Need a job? Here’s where to look

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Kent County is home to many organizations dedicated to helping residents meet their basic needs: food/nutrition, energy efficiency, transportation, housing and employment.

 

ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) assists many low-income individuals with emergency food, energy, transportation and housing needs. They also have direct contact with individuals who want and need meaningful employment. Seeking to create self-sufficiency amongst its clients, CAA refers these job seekers to organizations that focus on workforce development, like West Michigan Works!

 

With three service centers in Kent County, West Michigan Works! welcomes anyone looking  to advance their career or find a new job. Visitors can take advantage of no-cost services, such as:

  • Office resources to job search: internet, phone, fax and copier
  • Weekly Job Blast email with immediate job openings in West Michigan
  • Workshops to help you get your next job: resumes, interviewing, career exploration, etc.
  • Onsite hiring events with employers looking to fill current job openings
  • Specialized services for youth, veterans and migrant workers
  • And many more, based on eligibility!

To get started, visit a Service Center near you:

 

Franklin Service Center

Kent County Human Services Complex

121 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

 

Westside Service Center

215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm

 

Sparta Service Center

36 Applewood Dr, Sparta, MI 49345

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8am – 12pm & 1pm – 5pm

 

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

The butterflies spring out at Meijer Gardens starting March 1

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Butterflies of all colors and patterns will be flying around Meijer Gardens’ tropical conservatory starting March 1. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s tropical conservatory, starting Wednesday, March 1, will be home to the first of more than 7,000 tropical butterflies that will be hatched and start flying around the heads of both children and adults alike.

 

Can’t you just see the Facebook photo?

 

Butterflies are Blooming runs through April 30. The annual show attracted more than 170,000 visitors last year.

 

With butterflies from Africa, Asia, South America and Central America, Butterflies Are Blooming is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation, according to Meijer Gardens.

 

The Atlas moth (not really a butterfly, but big and beautiful) will be making an appearance. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/William Hebert)

Approximately 60 colorful species will be flying freely in the five-story, 15,000 square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, wherein the 85-degrees and 70-percent humidity environment mimics tropical regions that the butterflies call home.

 

“Our exhibition this year celebrates shape and pattern,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture, said in supplied material. “The butterflies and the natural environment of the conservatory are wonderful examples of how these patterns reveal themselves all around us. This exhibition provides a superb opportunity for our guests to view caterpillars, wings, flowers and foliage with a renewed appreciation for the world around us.”

 

Species of butterflies expected to arrive include the blue Common Morpho, whose iridescence impresses in flight; brushfoot varieties such as the Clearwing, Lacewing and Zebra Mosaic; the “Longwings” such as the Small Blue Grecian, Doris, Postman and Tiger butterflies; and the “Gliders” such as the Emperor, Ruby-spotted and Tropical Swallowtails.

 

Special related events include “Who Am I?” A Butterfly Ballet”, with two shows on both March 4 and March 18, a program performed by the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company; as well as Tuesday Night Lights, running each week throughout the exhibit’s run, where visitors bring their flashlights to find the butterflies at rest throughout the conservatory.

 

For more information visit MeijerGardens.org.

 

Cat of the week: Rio

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Rio needs a home all to herself

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).

 

Up for a challenge? Rio is one tough nut to crack, but we KNOW on the inside of her hard exterior there is a sweet center waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. We have seen glimmers of her gentle self when she has been alone in a room with ’just us humans’ but the problem is that we don’t have the accommodations that she soooo desires.

 

See, the problem lies with the fact that Rio was in a home of her own—her VERY own—for nine long and luxurious years before she had to be abruptly returned in the summer of 2015. Seems that when her mom moved into a new house without a foyer or vestibule, Rio took to running outdoors; even though she is a senior (born in late 2005) and a chunky 12 pounds, this girl is FAST—and her owner couldn’t keep up. After months of putting up with her antics and fearing for her safety, it was decided that she should come back to live with us, lest she end up splattered on the pavement.

 

Now, Rio doesn’t understand one bit why on earth she has ended up in a place overrun with cats of all shapes and sizes—and she isn’t afraid to express her dismay and disdain quite loudly. We had hoped that she would simmer down and settle in over time — especially after Dr. Jen had to extract quite a few of her teeth due to profound dental disease — but that didn’t happen.

 

And since it is impossible for us to provide solo housing in a facility that holds on average 90-100 kitties at a time, we have had to make do and shuffle her from room to room, allowing a cat or two in at a time in the hopes that she would take a shining to them.

 

The sad fact of the matter at hand (er, paw) is that Rio is miserable in our place—even as awesome as it is—so we are desperately trying to find her a place to reside where she can be the Queen of the Castle, a Rapunzel of sorts since she cannot be allowed outdoors due to her front declawed and semi-toothless status. Until then, we will do our best to sooth our angry beastie and shower her with understanding and anti-anxiety medication to ease her less than desirable cat-itude.

 

Rio really is a sweetheart—just not in her current surroundings, and she isn’t going to blossom until she is truly comfortable and content. So if you feel you can help us all out by opening your heart and home to a grumpy old girl who really needs peace and solitude in order to regain the happiness she so suddenly lost, please let us know!

MORE ABOUT RIO

  • House trained
  • Spayed/Neutered
  • Declawed
  • Current on vaccinations
  • Prefers a home without cats

Want to adopt Rio? 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.

2017 Total Eclipse informational session at Public Museum set for March 1

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The Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

By Kate Moore

Grand Rapids Public Museum

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) on Wednesday, March 1, for a special presentation on what people in West Michigan can do for the 2017 total solar eclipse.

 

On Aug, 21, the first significant total eclipse of the sun visible across a broad area of the continental United States since 1970 will take place midday. As the moon slips between the earth and sun, observers within the 70 mile wide band of the total eclipse, stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, will witness complete darkness for up to two minutes and forty seconds.

 

On March 1 at 7:30 p.m., Dave DeBruyn, Curator Emeritus of the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium and current GRAAA President, along with WZZM Meteorologist George Lessons will give a presentation about this year’s eclipse including useful tips to potential eclipse chasers and answer questions. The duo will also share information about the GRPM’s eclipse event that will take place at the GRPM on August 21, 2017.

 

DeBruyn will discuss how the motions of the sun and moon produce eclipses, but rarely total solar eclipses over a given location. Participants will learn what to look for and concentrate on during the eclipse, as well as what not to do. DeBruyn has traveled the world to see five total solar eclipses.

 

Lessens will discuss prospects for clear weather at various places along the path of totality. A weather system at the place of observation at eclipse time or midday convective cloudiness in the air could ruin viewing opportunities. Lessens will suggest locations where that is least likely to happen.

 

The presentation on March 1 will take place in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Meijer Theater and is free to attend for the general public.

Recycling Facility in Grand Rapids shut down due to baler malfunction

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UPDATE: The Kent County’s Recycling & Education Center is now open and processing recycables as of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.

 

Kent County’s Recycling & Education Center experienced a mechanical malfunction in the baler that caused the facility to shut down. During this time the Recycling Center is unable to accept recyclables placed at the curb for pickup by waste haulers.

 

“Despite having preventative maintenance programs and dedicated maintenance staff, there are always going to be things that happen to the equipment that are outside of our control. Sorting equipment in these state-of-the-art processing facilities is dependent on all pieces working together,” said Darwin Baas, Director of Kent County’s Department of Public Works, an enterprise fund of Kent County that owns and operates the facility. “The baler is a critical piece of equipment in our system and we are unable to run for any length of time without it.” Residents and businesses are encouraged to hold off placing recycling carts out for service for the next couple of days in anticipation of the facility being able to process recyclables again at the end of the week.

 

Currently between 1,000 and 1,250 tons of material is awaiting processing on the ‘tipping floor’, where waste haulers dump recyclables that will be processed once the plant is back up and running. Kent County is working closely with two different companies to assess the baler repairs and establish a timeframe.

 

Haulers that normally deliver recyclables to the Kent County Recycling & Education Center are being redirected to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility, about a mile away, as of 2 p.m. today.

 

“Sending recyclables to the Waste to Energy Facility is not ideal. Sending recyclables to Waste to Energy is a much better alternative than landfilling. We can extract the energy, generate electricity and feed that back into the grid for productive use,” noted Baas.

 

While the Recycling Center is down the service fee for haulers tipping recyclables will be waived.

 

Kent County DPW will post updates on the progress of the electrical repairs on its recycling website, www.recyclekent.org.

Kentwood resident reveals a little behind the mask magic in company’s upcoming production

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By Joanne N. Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Commedia dell’arte may sound intimating but according to Kentwood resident Tim Corbett, who is the founder and playwright of Hole in the Wall Theatre Company, it really is not.

 

“I have never had anyone come to a show and say ‘that was unpleasant.’” Corbett said. “It has always been ‘that was fun, when are you going to do that again?”

 

It is has been awhile since Corbett has performed commedia dell’arte but this weekend he brings back the troupe, Hole in the Wall Theatre Company, as part of the Lake Effect Fringe Festival taking place at downtown Grand Rapids’ Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave.SE. It’s a group he helped establish while attending the University of Michigan Flint but it went dormant as the members graduated and went their individual ways.

 

After graduation, Corbett moved to Kentwood to be closer to his son, eventually getting married and settling in. But there was always an inclination to bring back Hole in the Wall Theatre, which mostly presents commedia dell’arte. This year, it all seemed to align as the other founding member, Jordon Climie, had moved to the area. Add in returning member Ryan Moya, along with Corbett’s wife Lauren Booza, Lauren Greer, Samantha Klaskow, and Tamar Erickson — and well, the “Hole” gang was back together.

 

So what is commedia dell’arte?

 

“Well, it is basically what all comedy comes from,” Corbett said. “It is what our modern television sit-coms are based off of.”

 

Commedia dell’arte or “comedy of art” is a form of theater that was started in the sixteenth century in Italy and quickly spread throughout Europe, creating a lasting influence on Sharkespeare, Moliere, opera, vaudeville, contemporary musical theater, sit-coms and improv comedy. The form is credited for the creation of actresses (versus male actors portraying females) and improvised performances based on sketches or scenarios. “Often we are given the direction and what is going on, but have to come up with the dialog and actions ourselves,” Corbett said.

 

The theater form is also know for its masks in which the actors/actresses use to create their characters, characters who represent fixed social types such as foolish old men, devious servants or military officers. The masks, according to Corbett, serve as a way for the actor to become fully immersed into the character and accents the character’s extremes making, in the end, for good comedy.

 

Which, according to Corbett, making good comedy is what it is all about in Hole in the Wall Theatre’s upcoming production, “The Whole Vine Yards.” The diVonstro family vineyard has been going bankrupt over the last three generations and Modestina, the current head of the estate, is at about the end of her financial rope. That is, until a mysterious box is discovered and inside what appears to be a treasure map. Now Modestina has to outwit and out-run her nosey neighbors, crafty servants, and love struck youths to find the treasure to save the family’s vineyard.

 

Showtimes are at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb 25, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. For more information about Hole in the Wall Theatre, visit the company’s Facebook page. For more information about the Lake Effect Fringe Festival or LEFF, visit www.dogstorytheater.com.

 

Meijer Gardens gives a taste of summer with early concert announcements

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St. Paul & The Broken Bones will be on the Meijer Gardens concert schedule this summer. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/David McClister)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The catchline for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park summer concert series goes something like “It’s how you know its summer.” So it seems appropriate that after an almost summer-like run of weather over the weekend the Gardens gave us a tease of summer with the announcement of three of the acts coming to the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens 2017 concert series.

 

On Monday, Meijer Gardens announced that up-and-coming Southern soul powerhouse St. Paul & The Broken Bones will be in town on June 9; the sweet sounds of Four Voices: Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the Indigo Girls will hit the stage on June 12; and the classic rock (and so much more) music of Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson will make a rare small-venue visit on Aug. 18.

 

Members of Meijer Gardens members pre-sale period will be April 29 through May 12 this season, with general public sale Starting May 13.

 

The Four Voices concert, led by the grand-dame of folk music Baez, will undoubtedly be a night of lovely songs and lovely voices in harmony, and just hearing Tull founder and frontman Anderson dancing around with flute in hand will be worth the price of admission on a hot August night.

 

But the scheduling of St. Paul & the Broken Bones will likely be one of those “I heard them first at the gardens” kind of events.

 

Led by vocalist Paul Janeway, the Bones gained notice with their single “Call Me” off their debut recording “Half the City” from 2013, but after opening for the Rolling Stones on a few dates in 2015 and the playing the Glastonbury Festival last year, they are really getting a buzz going with their second album, “Sea of Noise”, from last year.

 

For lack of a better label, the band is often called a  “gospel-tinged, retro-soul garage” band and hailing from Birmingham, Ala., and the sextet certainly has its southern soul credentials in order — including not being afraid to do an Otis Reading cover to two.

 

The new album also marks a little more depth of music and depth of songwriting for the band and Janeway.

 

“Sea of Noise,” Janeway says on the band’s website in describing the album, “is not quite a full-blown concept record. It is focused in terms of subject matter — finding redemption and salvation and hope. (The single) ‘Crumbling Light Posts’ comes from an old Winston Churchill quote, in which he said England was a crumbling lighthouse in a sea of darkness. I always thought that was a really interesting concept — that we’re falling anyway. In this day and age, it is the noise that has defined so many things. We’re going to fall to it eventually, but for now we feel like our heads are above water.”

 

It is likely that the audience at Meijer Gardens will be glad they dove into the deep southern water with the Bones this summer.

 

For more information on the concert series, visit meijergardens.org

School News Network: Brain Games: Focusing on Memory to Reduce Effect of Poverty

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Second-grade teacher Patrick Sokol talks about how memory works with his students. (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)

By Erin Albanese

 

School News Network

 

Kelloggsville Public Schools second-grade teacher Patrick Sokol is working to close gaps in achievement seen in students raised in poverty, and he’s zeroing in on helping students develop “working memory.”

 

In his West Elementary classroom on a Friday morning, Sokol drew a mixing bowl on a whiteboard in front of his students. He asked them to name ingredients needed to make pancakes. They eagerly answered: “eggs,” “baking powder,” “vanilla,” “flour,” “sugar,” as Sokol wrote the list on the bowl.

 

“If we get those all in the bowl, we are going to be able to do something with them. We are going to be able to make pancakes. But what if there are holes in the bowl?”

 

He told students to think of their brains like the bowl: They need to be able to use what they put inside. “If you can’t keep those things in your brain, are you going to be able to do anything with them?”

 

Isaiah Wiseman and Alivia Walber work together on remembering numbers.

Sokol’s mini-lesson was an introduction to activities aimed to improve students’ working memory. That’s the ability to store and manage information in one’s mind for a short period of time, like remembering a list of items or series of number long enough to apply them to what you need.

 

During a game called “If I Went,” students named items they would bring to the beach or camping. On their turns, they recalled items named before them in order. “If I went to the beach I would bring food, an air mattress, marshmallows and…,” said Myana Santiago-DeJesus, remembering the items named by her classmates and adding “shelter” to the list.

 

They also created a string of numbers, adding one at a time, and recalling them with a partner.

 

Students enjoyed the tasks, taking pride in remembering eight, nine, even 10 numbers in a row, and a list of camping items worthy of the Scouts, but Sokol’s purpose is larger than meets the eye. He is hoping to “fill the gap” in memory function caused by the stressors present in many of the lives of students who grow up poor.

 

Sokol’s work is part of an ongoing study by Kelloggsville staff, administrators and Board of Education members of Eric Jensen’s book, “Teaching with Poverty in Mind.” In Kelloggsville, about 78 percent of students are considered economically disadvantaged, qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and research shows students who grow up in poverty struggle with working memory.

 

That could be a factor in the stark correlation between poverty and student achievement. An analysis by School News Network as part of its series “The Burden of Poverty, a Backpack of Heartache,” shows a close correlation between poverty and performance in the 20 school districts in the Kent ISD. In almost all cases, the districts with the lowest family income levels also had the lowest scores on standardized tests.

 

In his book, Jensen, a former teacher who now presents on brain-based learning, explains that constant stressors affect the developing brain, “creating a devastating cumulative effect.”

 

“The prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, crucial for learning, cognition and working memory, are the areas of the brain most affected by cortisol, the so-called ‘stress hormone,'” he writes, citing brain research from various sources.

 

“Experiments have demonstrated that exposure to chronic and acute stress actually shrinks neurons in the brain’s frontal lobes–– an area that includes the prefrontal cortex and is responsible for such functions as making judgements, planning and regulating impulsivity and can modify and impair the hippocampus in ways that reduce learning capacity.”

The Jensen book study – which started by reading and discussing chapters – is a long-term project involving ongoing district-wide training, Assistant Superintendent Tammy Savage said.

A Board of Education committee dedicated to poverty is gathering information this year. Administrators and staff members are studying and attending seminars on poverty, have watched a webinar by Jensen and attended a two-day Michigan Department of Education session in November with Jensen on his book. They hope to bring him to Kelloggsville to present.
Gianchrist Mendez-Jimenez and Yuleika Gonzalez-Morales work on remembering a series of numbers. “9, 0, 1, 8, 6, and 2,’” said Gianchrist.

The goal is to apply some of his strategies in the classroom and embed tools to boost student effort and engagement, Savage said. It’s also about developing empathy and understanding of living situations many teachers haven’t experienced.

The district has long been aware of the high level of need and has worked hard to address it, she said. This is about going deeper and examining poverty from different perspectives. “There are a lot of things we are already doing. That was an affirmation for the district. We are already doing a lot of things to connect with students and parents.”
More than just brain development, training involves developing strong bonds with students, which leads to better achievement. “We are focused on student engagement, and it goes back to building relationships with kids,” Savage said. “Research has always proven that student/teacher relationship is key.”

Teachers are doing fast-track relationship builders, recommended by Jensen, in the classroom. For example, they share something personal with students once a week.

 

“In order to build a relationship with somebody, it can’t be one-sided. It can’t be just the students sharing,” Savage said. “Teachers have to share about themselves too. The more we share about ourselves, the more students are going to feel connected with us.”

 

Jensen also recommends staff members provide a favor or a show of empathy so powerful that students remember it well; invest two minutes a day for 10 consecutive days with the student who needs it most; and discover three things other than a name about a student each day, every day of the year.

 

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

School News Network: Board Member’s Bywords: Grit, Growth, and Giving Back

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Kentwood School Board Vice President Allen Young (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)

By Erin Albanese

 

School News Network

 

If Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Allen Young was standing in front of a classroom, he would tell students to never give up. He would tell them to use the “Kentwood grit” for which the the district is known, and which he himself has used plenty of.

 

“I would love for them, whatever dream they have, to make sure they follow it,” said Young, a board member since 2012. “I would have to be really honest with them because I would have to tell them that life brings about changes. There are going to be hills and valleys and curves in the road, but stick to it.”

 

Kentwood is all about the growth mindset, meaning that people can get smarter through hard work and practice, he said. “Keep exercising that brain. Don’t let it go soft, and also don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

 

Young, a maintenance coordinator for Linc Up, a community development organization in Kent County, grew up in Arkansas. He remembers being an average student who struggled in some classes. “I had to throw in a little extra grit,” he said.

 

But his goal was to graduate with honors, which he did in 1973, and enrolled in a trade school. He then worked in the metal distribution industry for many years before working in maintenance.

 

He and his wife, Johngerlyn Young, have one son, Austin, a 2014 East Kentwood graduate and now a sophomore at Morehouse College, in Atlanta.

 

For Young, serving on the board has always been about giving back. “I’ve always had the desire to help. I followed my son all the way from kindergarten through graduation, so I have a passion for education and for young people to improve themselves.”

 

He said the biggest challenge of the job, which requires about 10 hours of work per week, is dealing with the limits of the budget.

 

“You want to try to not cut anything, but sometimes you have to do that. We try not to do it so it’s going to be a detriment to the students. It can be painstaking.”

 

Boards of education are the frontline for parents and community members to address issues they feel strongly about. Young said he’s happy they come to him. “I don’t really accept those as complaints,” he insisted. “I accept them as concerns.”

 

When asked how much the stipend for board members is, Young had to ask a fellow board member. “I didn’t have a clue!” he said about the $40 per meeting rate.

 

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

The Interview: more answers to common questions

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Editor’s Note: This is the final in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions.

 

The interview is a time for you to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions during the interview can set you apart just as much, if not more, than how you answer questions. Questions are the best way to show your interest in the company, demonstrate confidence and highlight your qualifications.

 

The key to asking good questions is the same as answering them. Do your homework before the interview. Practice and be prepared. Here are some recommendations to get you started.

  1. Ask a question that shows you have done your research. Address one of the company’s core values or goals and ask how the position you are interviewing for connects to it. For example, “Your core value of sustainability and reducing environmental impact is something I believe strongly in. How does this position contribute to this value, especially in day-to-day work?”
  2. Ask questions to learn more about the company culture. A question like, “What do you enjoy most about working here?” is an opportunity to see a more personal aspect of the company. If the interviewer struggles to find an answer, it may be a red flag.
  3. “What skills and experience does the ideal candidate for this position need?” If the interviewer mentions a skill that you haven’t addressed yet, here’s your chance to provide an example.
  4. Finally, the following questions can help you determine is the job is a good fit for you:
  • “Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?”
  • “What are the top challenges this position faces?”
  • “How do you define success for this position?”

Come prepared with at least four questions to ensure you have something to ask at the end of the interview.

 

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

Spring-like weather has Kaufman Golf Course, along with others, open Monday

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The Kent County Parks’ Kaufman Golf Course

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The warm temperatures this weekend may have put the kibosh on the Grand Rapids Griffins’ Great Skate Winterfest and other winter activites, but the unseasonably warm weather is bringing good news for golfers.

 

The Kent County Parks Department announced today that Kaufman Golf Course, which is located in Wyoming at 4807 Clyde Park Ave. SW, announced last week that it would be open for walking play only for the next three days, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Feb. 18 – 20. Reservations can be made by calling 616-538-5050. Online reservations are not available at this time.

 

“Kaufman Golf Course has a reputation as a great course among the golfing community,” said Parks Department Director Roger Sabine. “We’ve seen turnout grow in recent years. The staff at Kaufman have really helped keep this course in phenomenal shape and one of the top public courses in the state.”

 

Rates for these special February dates are $19 for 18 holes, or $13 for nine holes. Seniors can play 18 for $15, nine holes for $10.

 

For more information about all of the Kent County Parks, visit www.kentcountyparks.org.

 

Several private courses will be open as well this weekend.

 

“This is probably about the third time in 20 some years that we have been open in February,” said Mike Boogaard, owner and operator of Pines Golf Course, 5050 Byron Center Ave. SW. This weekend, Pines Golf Course will be open and allowing carts, probably one of the few courses that will be doing so, Boogaard said.

 

If both weather and course conditions allow it, Boogaard said, then he will open the course. “And the phone has been ringing pretty steady asking if we are going to be open,” he said. For available tee times, call 616-538-8380.

 

The same holds true about conditions for other courses as well. Maple Hill Golf Course, 5555 Ivanrest SW, has facilities open throughout the year and its course will be open for walking only during the warm weather, according to sources at Maple Hill. For more on Maple Hill, call 616-538-0290.

 

Several of the golf pros did recommend that if you are interested in taking advantage of the the warm weather by getting in a game that you call the course you are interested in first to check available tee times.

Tickets on sale now for Whitecaps opening day April 6

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Play ball! West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at Fifth Third Ballpark. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

 

Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers have reported, position players are filtering in. That can only mean that, despite the current weather in Grand Rapids, spring is coming and the Whitecaps season is coming too.

 

The first tickets for the 24th season of baseball at the Fifth Third Ballpark went on sale this week, with opening day planned for April 6, as tickets for the 4Topps tables and the opening day bash in the Stadium Club are now available. Regular game tickets for all 70 home games season will go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 21.

 

At the Whitecaps opening day, the first 1,200 fans through the gates will receive a Whitecaps Alpine Hat courtesy of Fifth Third Bank, and there will be a post-game fireworks display.

 

The 4Topps tables include four swivel chairs at a rounded table behind home plate, with exclusive wait service so you don’t have to wait in concessions stand lines. Tickets for Safeco Insurance 4Topps tables are $110 and the number of tables was expanded to a total of 30 tables a year ago.

 

The Opening Day Bash in the indoor Pepsi Stadium Club overlooking right field is a special event for the 6:35 p.m. opening day game against the South Bend Cubs. In addition to access to the Pepsi Stadium Club, each ticket includes an all-you-can-eat barbeque from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for $26 per person. The Stadium Club is usually rented to large groups for Whitecaps games.

 

Fans can order 4Topps tickets and Opening Day Bash tickets, as well as regular game tickets later, online at whitecapsbaseball.com, by phone at 616-784-4131 and in person at the Fifth Third Ballpark administrative offices  at 4500 West River Drive, Comstock Park. A complete schedule is also available online.

 

Expat life – back in Chiang Mai

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Lynn Strough

Travelynn Tales

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move to another country? To be an expat in a foreign land? For six months I had a sampling of what that’s like in Thailand. It’s easier than you might think.

 

At first it can seem really foreign — different language, even different alphabets, different foods, different religions and different customs. For someone like me, who finds all of these differences fascinating, it’s like living in a dream. People in Thailand are very friendly, polite, welcoming and kind. And in bigger cities or resort towns, many speak some English. As an American, I feel lucky that English has become the current universal language. There are many expats from all over in Chiang Mai, the city where I took up residence and whether German or Korean or Brazilian, all generally communicate in English.

 

First thing to do when arriving is to secure a place to live. There are options for every budget, from shared hostel to small private room to luxury condo or large house. Being in the budget range of travel, I found a place at Mai Mansion, a bright pink building of single, private rooms for the affordable price of 5600 baht — about $156 American dollars a month — plus utilities. Yes, that’s right, you can rent your own furnished place for under $200.

 

If you find your place a little too spare, there are fun, inexpensive places to go for a few items to spruce it up, like the night markets. For under $10 you can buy colored lights, a ceramic vase and fabric, among other things to add some splashes of color.

 

What’s eating like in another country? Delicious! In Thailand, of course, there’s a variety of tasty Thai dishes, including pad Thai and curries. Thais like their food very hot, but they are happy to tone it down for us farangs (foreigners). At small local restaurants you can enjoy dinner for as little as 30 baht, or about $1.

 

If you get homesick for other cuisines, in bigger cities like Chiang Mai you have plenty of options — Mexican, Italian, Indian, American — for a slightly bigger price tag. Even at $6 for dinner, it’s a lot more affordable than eating out in the U.S. or Europe.

 

With a severe mushroom allergy I was concerned, as mushrooms are common in Asia but as soon as I arrived, I asked someone who spoke both languages to please write me a note that told of my allergy, which I simply showed to the servers. No allergy emergencies in six months, I’m happy to report.

 

What about transportation? There are many options there as well. You can hop on a very affordable songtheaw, the little red buses that chug down the roads all over. Or grab a tuk tuk, a sort of cart attached to a motorcycle. Many people rent scooters for around $70 a month, which gives you a lot more freedom or you can rent a bike. And of course, there’s always walking.
What does one do in Thailand once you’re settled in? So many options: take a cooking class or go visit an elephant rescue center (please don’t ride the elephants as it can hurt them, go instead where you can feed and help bathe them). There are beautiful temples everywhere which you can visit, and you can even attend a meditation retreat to explore your spiritual side.

 

If you’re feeling stressed out, for a mere $6 you can experience an hour Thai massage, but I recommend that you splurge on a two-hour coconut oil massage for less than $20. My new friend Pitt does an excellent job, and will leave you feeling like you’re floating.

 

It’s fun to just wander around and see what you might discover, including all the unique flora. You might even get lucky and be there during the flower festival. And speaking of festivals, there are many. In April is Songkran, the Thai New Year, with its crazy water festivities, and in November the stunningly beautiful Loy Kratong lantern festival, where thousands of little boats made of banana leaves are set off on the river, while thousands of paper lanterns are sent floating up in the night sky.

 

Many “digital nomads” go to Chiang Mai for an inexpensive place to live and work, and there are lots of internet cafes and co-working spaces with super wifi connections. And for those who are into shopping of the more modern variety, there are shopping malls as well.

 

In fact, you can get just about anything you want in cities like Chiang Mai, my home base, and certainly everything you need. If you need medical attention, they have topnotch doctors and dentists for a fraction of the cost of care in the U.S. You may just find your prescription for a tenth of the cost of at home. My migraine pills in the States are $40 each by prescription while in Thailand the same brand is $4 over the counter. And I had a great teeth cleaning by the dentist herself for $27.

 

But back to more fun — near Chiang Mai you can head out to a nearby park for a day of lounging in little waterside huts, eating and swimming, or if you’re more daring, head to the Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai for some cliff jumping. There are other trips as well, such as up to visit the hill tribes or on the winding road up to sleepy little hippy town Pai, where you can take a soak in the waterfalls.

 

So much to do, although my main purpose was to work on a book, so I had to hide myself away and try not to get too distracted. It’s easy to make friends in a place like Chiang Mai — whether at the coffee shops or the gym (for $27 a month you can have use of a gym and a pool), the festivals, just walking down the street or at the many meet-up groups.

 

Whether you’re a student taking a break,or a retiree, have been laid off from your job or just need a sabbatical, I highly recommend visiting a foreign country for a period of time, a month or longer. Can’t afford it, you think? Think again. You can housesit or house swap, or couch surf or do like I did and sell everything, though you don’t have to do anything quite so drastic. You can rent out your home, and I bet for the monthly rental income, you’d be able to afford a plane ticket, room and food in Thailand. You can live there pretty easily for $1000 a month (or less if you travel with someone and share accommodations).

 

Work? See if you can take a sabbatical, so your job is waiting for you. Or see if your job can be done remotely — wifi is not hard to find, and neither is your own slice of paradise.

 

Don’t have any savings? Start by keeping track of all your daily expenditures, and I bet you can find a myriad of ways to cut back and stash cash away. Coffee? Lunch out? Cigarettes? Drinks after work? That new pair of shoes when you already have 12 pair in your closet? Speaking of closets, what about cleaning them out, along with your garage, and selling some stuff on eBay? It’s all about priorities. Before you know it you’ll have enough to take off for a month (or maybe a year). In fact, for the same amount that you spend on that one-week cruise or staying at a fancy hotel with a golf course, you can stay for a month in southeast Asia. You may decide not to come home.

 

Concerned about safety? I’ve felt safer in 15 other countries than I do in most places in the U.S., especially as a woman traveling solo. So take off and explore the world! I think you’ll be happy you did.

 

About Lynn Strough

Lynn is a 50+ wanderer whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.

 

“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”

 

travelynnlogoAll images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales

Reprinted with permission

Ai Weiwei at Meijer Gardens: Where art, social activism meld

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Politics, , , , , ,
Ai Weiwei self portrait surrounded by supporters and police. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

When asked about the artist Ai Weiwei, Ping Liang — board chair of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, international businesswoman, and a Chinese-American with a deep understanding of modern Chinese culture — readily defers artistic questions to the Garden’s chief curator.

 

But both she and Joseph Antenucci Becherer, who serves as Meijer Gardens vice president in addition to his curatorial duties, understand that to appreciate Weiwei one must go deeper than simply his art. One must understand his history and his culture, especially his social activism both inside his rigidly controlled home county and around the world.

 

Ping Liang, board chair of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and chief curator Joseph Antenucci Becherer, in the main gallery of the exhibit “Ai Weiwei at Meijer gardens: Natural State”. (WKTV)

 

“I came to know Ai Weiwei’s reputation through the 2008 Olympic stadium, called the Bird’s Nest. At that time, his name wasn’t taken in a very good light because of the Chinese media, which is very controlled,” Liang said, as she and Becherer sat together with WKTV recently and dove deep into the exhibition Ai Weiwei at Meijer Gardens: Natural State, which is running though Aug. 20.

 

Detail “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn” in Legos image. (Supplied)

“We only knew him, according to the Chinese media, as a person who purposely broke a very valuable antique jar. We also heard he used vulgar language, kind of insults, purposely. So, I didn’t really know too much about him. Of course, when Joe, here, talked (to us) about Ai Weiwei, as an artist, I was like ‘Wow!’”

 

And as she dug a little deeper, what Liang found was much more than simply an artist as portrayed by the Chinese media.

 

“He has this very famous family, particularly his father, Ai Ching, a very famous poet in China, and how his family suffered during the Cultural Revolution, even though his father was a very prominent and early Communist Party member,” she said. “And when we look at some of (Weiwei’s) artwork, the insults, and some of the themes, I started to understand. He is actually a social activist. That was very rare in China.”

 

‘Everything is politics’

 

Becherer, too, advocates for an understanding of the artist’s politics as well as his art — it is no coincidence that one of Ai Weiwei’s most well known sayings is “Everything is art. Everything is politics.” Blending his art and his politics is, in fact, the “natural state” of Weiwei’s world.

 

Joseph Becherer, Meijer Gardens vice president and chief curator. (WKTV)

“I think it always makes it more meaningful to know something about an artist’s biography when you are looking at their painting or their sculpture or whatever their work happens to be, because we all carry some part of us with us into whatever it is we do for a profession,” Becherer said. “With someone like Weiwei, it is probably more of an extreme, because for him art and life are inseparable.”

 

Becherer, in an essay accompanying the exhibit, states that Ai Weiwei’s art was influenced by, among others factors, his father’s life and clashes with the government, the artist’s growing up isolated from modern industrial China and being influenced by “traditions and artisan efforts of rural China,” followed by his emersion into Beijing’s late 1970s youthful avantgarde and his spending much of the 1980s in New York City before retiring to Beijing in 1993 when his father fell ill.

 

Maybe most importantly, however, Ai Weiwei’s art is influenced by increased use of social media and increased social activism — including his criticism of the Chinese government in the aftermath of the 2008’s Sichuan earthquake.

 

“In the following years,” Becherer’s essay states, “Ai Weiwei came under surveillance and was beaten, hospitalized and denied the right to travel. In 2011, he was arrested and mysteriously detained for 81 days, to the shock of the international cultural community.”

 

It was not long after that Ai Weiwei become a worldwide cause célèbre — and Becherer and Meijer Gardens began their interest and relationship with the artist as part of the the Garden’s pursuit of acquiring the massive sculpture “Iron Tree”.

 

Ai Weiwei’s “Iron Tree” has been on display for two years, but now an extensive exhibition of the artist’s works is on view. (Supplied)

“We started visiting Weiwei more than three and a half years ago, it was initially about acquiring ‘Iron Tree’,” Becherer said during the recent interview about his first meeting with the artist, who was practically under house arrest at the time. “Our process has always been that we try to engage directly with the artist. We want to understand, obviously, how the artist is living, how things come together, how things came to be. So, we began out of that, the very beginning, a sincere desire to know more about him. … It started out in one way, but it evolved and this exhibition was the result.”

 

And the exhibition is another example of Ai Weiwei’s continuing evolution.

 

“He seems to be more and more engaged in universal ideas,” Becherer said. “He seems to be more engaged with global concepts of freedom of speech and human rights. So it (his art), yes, is still related to his biography and, yes, it is related to his nationality and his heritage. But he seems to be more comfortable with the world stage.”

 

Now on the world stage

 

In July 2015, Ai Weiwei’s passport was returned and he was able to travel once again. Today, he divides his time between Beijing and Berlin, where he maintains studios.

 

It was in Berlin, in 2009, that Ai Weiwei created a massive exhibit of 9,000 children’s backpacks on the side of a building, backpacks which represented the number of children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake — with colored backpacks spelling out “For seven years she lived happy on this earth,” a sentence with which a mother commemorated her daughter.

 

And the artist’s focus on social activism, and his influence both in and outside of China, has not changed according to Liang, who has more than 30 years experience in international business including extensive work in China and throughout Asia as managing director of AlphaMax Advisors LLC as well as serving on the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. She says Ai Weiwei’s example and causes have greatly impacted her and many of her friends and business associates around the world.

 

Ping Liang, board chair of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (WKTV)

“Now I realize he actually inspired the birth of modern social activism in China,” Liang said. “He and his friends were so active when Sichuan earthquake took place, and the aftermath, when thousands of young children were killed. I remember seeing, on global media as well as Chinese media, the devastation, the building collapsed, and the cry of parents whose only children lost their lives in this earthquake. … Now I look back, I understand that he was trying to raise people’s awareness about what really happened. What you really need to know. This should not be kept as a secret. That is why I describe him as an inspiration for the very beginning of social awareness and activism.

 

“In terms of his impact on the world, it is huge,” she added. “When I travel around the world, everybody talks about Ai Weiwei … People realize he was actually trying to get social justice for the earthquake victims. Actually, because of that a lot of Chinese, overseas Chinese, started donating to the earthquake victims. And a lot of young people started volunteering for non-profit organizations. I thought that was just tremendous. This is the impact he has had.”

 

Ai Weiwei at Meijer Gardens: Natural State is more than 30 works including iconic works from the artist’s repertoire and work specific to Meijer Gardens located in galleries, conservatories, public spaces and the auditorium. For more information visit meijergardens.org .

 

Get to know your neighbor at the first-ever Wyoming Winterfest

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The group behind Wyoming’s one-on-one mentoring program is branching out with the first ever Wyoming Winterfest this Saturday, which is designed to get people out and talking to their neighbors.

 

Put together by the One Wyoming Community Collaborative – made up of a collaboration of schools, businesses, government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community – the Wyoming Winterfest is 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, said Jon Shaner, the marketing director for the Salvation Army Kroc Center, one of the sponsors for the event.

 

“With the success of the one-on-one mentoring program, we began to look at what would be the next best thing we could do to help unite people together who might be interested in working within their own neighborhood to improve the quality of life,” Shaner said.

 

February was selected because “in the spring, people tend to be out and about and that is when the festivals start,” Shaner said. “But in January and February, this is a time when we tend to holed up with Netflix and hang out at home. We thought this would be a good way to get people out and talking to each other.”

 

The Wyoming Winterfest is similar to National Night Out, which takes place in August. This Saturday’s event will have seven different locations in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Each location has activities that have been planned by churches, residents and businesses of that neighborhood. Shaner said for example, the Kroc Center, which is located in the north end of the city, has partnered with groups in the Godwin Heights area such as the North Godwin Heights Business Association and Community Church. Each site will have its own slate of events, but all will feature free food, family-friendly activities and giveaways from businesses and other local organizations.

 

The DOCK/The PIER, located near Kelloggsville High School at 4669 S. Division Ave., will kick things off with free breakfast from 9 – 11:30 a.m. The morning program will include games and prizes and high school students reading various speeches from African American leaders from past and present. There also will be a reading corner for children.

 

Also taking place from 9 a.m. to noon, will be a variety of activities including a bounce house, basketball contests, games, blood pressure checks, snow sculpture contest (weather permitting) and more at the Wyoming Jr. High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. Food will be available as well as vendor and informational booths. Activities will be accessible from the main parking lot on the east side of the building off of Wrenwood.

 

Activities at Vanguard Charter Academy, 1620 52nd St. SW, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include outdoor ice skating (weather permiting) and inflatables indoors. There also will be a coffee bar, hot chocolate and pizza as well as a snow dough snowman making contest.

 

Starting at noon, Calvary Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave., will be offering lunch, kids games, bingo, and tax consultation. The Calvary Church program runs from noon to 3 p.m.

 

Also starting at noon will be outdoor and indoor games including Zumba and a bounce house at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW. There will be raffle prizes as well. The program at Godfrey-Lee runs until 4 p.m.

 

Community Church (Godwin Heights), 150 Burt Ave. SE, – the program the Kroc Center has partnered with – will be offering indoor games, Zumba classes and art from 1 to 4 p.m. Food also will be available.

 

Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW, will have activities from 1 to 4 p.m. as well. Those activities include sledding and snow scupting (weather permitting) broom ball, ice skating, games, races and crafts.

 

The entire event is supported by several community organizations including The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Family Fare, Metro Health: University of Michigan Health, Wyoming Community Foundation, Roosevelt Park Ministries, and UCOM.

 

For more information about the event or about One Wyoming, visit onewyoming.com.

School News Network: Language, Culture and ‘Jambo!’

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Editor’s Note: Places of Refuge is a series focusing on refugee students and their journeys, their new lives and hopes for a future in West Michigan, and the many ways schools and community organizations are working to meet their needs.

 

Tito Ekundat, teacher Rebecca Bing, and Toussaint Melchsedek give their Swahili greeting, “Jambo!” (Photo provided by School News Network.)

By Erin Albanese 

School News Network

 

Sixth grade teacher Rebecca Bing remembers a particularly tough day at school. She walked down the hall, feeling a little tired and pensive. Suddenly, Toussaint Melchsedek passed by, a big smile on his face, and said, “Jambo!”

 

“All of a sudden I felt so happy,” she told Toussaint, a sixth-grader, and Tito Ekundat, a fifth-grader, of the memory. “Whenever you guys talk to me it reminds me of home, and it makes me feel so thankful that I get to work here and that I get to speak with you guys.”

 

Toussaint Melchsedek, a refugee student from the Congo, is known around school for his big smile.

At Wyoming Intermediate School, “Jambo!” brings about lots of smiles. Whenever Bing sees Toussaint or Tito, they all wave with two hands and yell the Swahili greeting. Bing often has candy on hand for Tito, who has a sweet tooth.

 

“It’s candy, hugs and ‘Jambo!'” said Bing, with a laugh.

 

Toussaint and Tito are refugee children from the Congo region, which is made up of two war-torn countries along the Congo River in Central Africa. They immigrated to the U.S. with their families after living in refugee camps in Rwanda and Tanzania. This is Toussaint’s second year as a Wyoming student and Tito’s first. The boys speak Swahili and tribal languages, and have found a connection with Bing, who was raised in Africa by missionary parents.

 

Bing, who still calls Africa home, speaks Swahili, recently honing the language she had set aside for 17 years to help Toussaint and Tito. While they all speak different forms of the language, the trio is able to converse about school, sports, family life and much more.

 

“We make it work, don’t we?” Bing said to the boys.

 


Tito Ekundat, a refugee student from the Congo, takes notes with his fifth grade class

Bing helps provide communication to the boys’ parents. She led the effort to have the families fill out Christmas wish lists that led to many donations of toys and clothes from staff members. Toussaint, who speaks much more English than Tito, also helps translate for his younger friend.

 

“She’s so helpful,” said EL teacher Marissa Bliss about Bing’s work with the boys’ parents. “We’ve been able to communicate with the families. Having her experience and background builds the trust with them too. We’ve had a lot of success getting communication to the family. It makes a big difference.”

 

Bonding Over ‘Home’

Bing, who has taught in Wyoming Public Schools since 2014, was raised in Maryland until sixth grade, when she moved to Africa with her parents, Dale and Carol Linton, missionary teachers at an international school in Ethiopia and Kenya. Africa became Bing’s home until she returned to attend Hope College. “My memories are so rich… I loved the culture; I loved interacting with the people and all the friends I made. I really acclimated well to that being my home.”

 

Tito and Toussaint are getting used to their new home in the U.S., and share lots of good news with Bing. Toussaint recently learned to ride a bike, a skill he talks about with pride. He also likes being able to take hot showers, the changing seasons and that “we have money,” he said. He has learned to speak English and to read.

 

“I like America because you always have food and there’s no hunger. In Africa you have hunger,” he said.

 

Tito loves soccer and his house, and is clearly adored by his classmates, some of whom are also working to learn basic Swahili.

 

Bing remembers experiencing culture shock when she returned to the U.S. in 2000. She didn’t know what the internet was, hadn’t learned to drive and had forgotten about everyday American particulars, like that stores have automatic doors. “I was so out of tune with my age group,” she said.

 

At Wyoming Intermediate, Tito and Toussaint’s peers are happy to spend time getting to know the boys. “Students are very welcoming and eager to learn about your culture and to share,” Bing said. “It’s a great place to have that initial school experience…It welcomes that diversity.”

 

Tito and Toussaint remind Bing of her own childhood and the friends she made across the globe years ago. “I think it is just the biggest blessing to be able to work here and it’s so neat to see how it all comes together. It’s such a joy for me to come to school and see how little bits of that prior life come into my work life. I get to use (a language) I haven’t used in such a long time and interact with people from my homeland.”

 

Precision medicine is the next topic in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ ‘Intriguing Conversation’ series

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The new concept of “precision medicine” and how it’s revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare is the next topic in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Intriguing Conversation series. The free program takes place Tuesday, Feb. 21, at its new morning time of 8 – 9 a.m.

 

Big data analytics, artificial intelligence, pharmacogencomics, and wearable are all under the umbrella of “precision medicine.  Dr. Adam Kadlec will dig into these topics and answer questions about how the intersection of technology and medicine is changing how we manage our own health care and interact with our health care providers.

 

Kadlec is a fellowship-trained Endourologist with expertise in all forms of minimally invasive surgery. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees with highest honors at the University of Wisconsin and completed residency training in Urology and a fellowship in Endourology and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

 

Kadlec practices at the Western Michigan Urological Associates. His model of care is shared decision making, and he’s passionate about building long-term and trusting relationships with his patients as he helps them navigate health-related decisions both big and small.

 

Mix and mingle, grab a cup of coffee and breakfast nibbles from Uncommon Grounds, and take a peek into the future of technology and medicine.

 

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 400 Culver, Saugatuck. More information on this event can be found by visiting sc4a.org or calling 269-857-2399.

Cat of the week: Heyward

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Just look at that handsome mug

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).

We happen to think that ALL of our Crash Cats are good looking, but this guy right here is one hot commodity, and so flipping handsome we can hardly contain ourselves when we gaze upon his gorgeousness! Hunky Heyward (born in late 2011) ended up homeless and helpless in mid-October, 2016 when a cat lover provided him with the safety and comfort of a really awesome outdoor coop she has set up for the strays she often comes across out in her northeast Grand Rapids neighborhood.

When Dr. Jen had the extreme pleasure of welcoming him into our program on November 14th, he was extremely shy and suffering from severe dental disease; in fact the neutered male had pockets of pus present in his mouth and was missing many teeth that had literally rotted and fallen out sometime before his rescue. He was pretty scruffy and matted, probably from not being willing to groom himself as meticulously due to profound oral pain, so we spruced and fluffed him up while he was under anesthesia for his surgery. He looked and smelled SO much better once he woke up and was able to enthusiastically dive head first into bowl after bowl of yummy soft food.

Once at the shelter, Heyward hunkered down in his two-story cat condo and refused ANY and ALL human contact for two whole weeks, though he delighted in the endless supply of meals and didn’t mind people speaking softly to him. Then, all of a sudden, at exactly the two-week mark, he waltzed on out of his condo and demanded affection, and he hasn’t stopped since that wonderful, glorious day. He prefers to stay tucked away out of the limelight but will seek out attention when all is quiet in the shelter.

Heyward is especially fond of belly rubs and lap snuggles; we suspect that once he feels comfy and cozy in his new, mellow home, he will offer his tummy up for major pets and warm the laps of those who have chosen to take a chance on him, take him home and love him up one side and down the other:) Heyward deserves to be doted on and adored, and he will most certainly reciprocate your kindness with unconditional love.

Want to adopt Heyward? 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.

Help for seniors who can’t leave home

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Your Community in Action!

 

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

 

Nearly two million Americans over the age of 65 rarely or never leave their homes. In fact, there are more homebound seniors in the US than there are living in nursing homes. Many of these individuals are homebound because they have illnesses like heart and lung disease, arthritis and dementia. They may no longer have access to transportation or they may experience anxiety when leaving the house.

 

Whatever the reason, research has found that those unable or unwilling to leave their homes don’t always receive the care they need. They are more isolated than their counterparts in assisted living. Increased isolation increases the risk of depression, dementia and long-term illness.

 

The majority of homebound adults in the United States are low-income and face language barriers. This makes it more difficult to get adequate care and even proper nutrition. To help meet the needs of these individuals in our community ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) delivers meals to homebound seniors over the age of 60 living in Kent County. Nutritious and flavorful meals are delivered to their homes each weekday, Monday through Friday.

 

ACSET CAA also offers door-to-door transportation for seniors who need a ride for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other services. Transportation is reserved for low-income seniors over the age of 60. Buses run 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To find out if you or a loved one qualify for meal delivery or transportation, call ACSET CAA at (616) 336-4000. Latin American Services staff are available to assist Spanish-speaking seniors with their needs.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org

Local Dyer-Ives poetry contest open for submissions

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WKTV Staff

 

The annual Dyer-Ives Poetry Competition, a program managed by the Grand Rapids Public Library, is now accepting original and unpublished poetry submissions from residents of Kent County and college students attending classes in Kent County.

 

The competition is free to enter, but only one poem per person is accepted. Submissions begin Feb. 1 and close March 1 at midnight.

 

The Dyer-Ives Poetry Competition was started in 1968 by poet James Allen at the urging of John Hunting, the founder of the Dyer-Ives Foundation, to “encourage excellence in writing and to provide recognition for local work of high quality,” according to supplied information.

 

The annual contest is open to poets ages 5 through adult, separated into three categories. Winners selected in three age categories have their poems published in Voices, receive a cash award, and participate in a reading during the Festival of the Arts in June, held at the Grand Rapids Public Library main library.

 

The judge for this year’s competition is Oliver de la Paz, author of three collections of poetry, Names Above Houses, Furious Lullaby,  and Requiem for the Orchard; winner of the Akron Prize for poetry chosen by Martìn Espada. He co-chairs the advisory board of Kundiman, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of Asian American poetry, and teaches at Western Washington University.

Divisions are K-8th grade, high school through undergraduate college, and post-graduate students and adults.

 

For more information, including the various ways and library locations to submit poems, visit grpl.org/dyer-ives .

 

Just announced, Von Maur will be coming to Woodland Mall

3-bottom, City of Kentwood

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It’s official, the up-scale American department store Von Maur will be moving into the Woodland Mall.

 

Woodland Mall’s parent company, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust or PREIT, announced today that Von Maur will open its first store in the Grand Rapids region at the mall, located near the corner of 28th Street and the East Beltline. Von Maur has two stores in Michigan, one at Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor and another at Laurel Park Place in Livonia.

 

The 90,000-square-foot store will fill a portion of the 313,000 square feet where Sears is currently located. In January, Sears Holding Company announced it would be closing 26 Sears stores and 78 KMarts, which included the Sears store at Woodland Mall. That Sears store was one of the first tenants of Woodland Mall, which opened in 1968.

 

“The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is an incredible opportunity to allocate capital to fortify one of the strongest assess in our portfolio, said PREIT CEO Joseph F. Coradino in a prepared statement on the company’s website. “Through the recapture of Sears and signing of Von Maur; we’re proactively reducing our exposure to select department stores, while simultaneously offering exclusive, high-quality retail and dining experiences that will continue to fuel traffic and strong sales at the property.”

 

Von Maur along with an array of small shop spaces and about 30,000 square feet of “quality polished” casual restaurants will be added by 2016, according to PREIT’s press release,.

 

“Woodland Mall represents the ideal addition to our existing stores in Michigan,” said Von Maur President Jim von Maur. “We are excited to grow our loyalty customer base by providing a high level of service and a unique assortment of merchandise. We look forward to becoming a premier shopping destination in Grand Rapids for years to come.”

 

Founded in 1872 in Davenport, Iowa, Von Maur currently operates 31 stores in 14 states. The family-owned company is known for brand name and specialty apparel, shoes, accessories and gifts, and features products from leading brands such as Eileen Fisher, Free People, Coach, Joe’s Jeans and Tommy Bahama. Von Maur also offers a number of customer service benefits such as free gift wrapping and shipping services.

 

PREIT owns several mall properties, with the bulk of its holdings in Pennsylvania. The Woodland Mall is the company’s only Michigan property.

 

When the announcement came of the closing to the Sears stores, PREIT stated it has been working to reduce the number of Sears and KMart stores in its portfolio from 27 to 10 since 2012.

TraveLynn Tales: a year around the world

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

By Lynn Strough

Travelynn Tales

 

Just the words, “world travel” sound romantic. What’s it like to really chuck it all and travel around the world for a year? After visiting over a dozen countries on a shoestring-budget, I thought I’d do a little visual re-cap of some of the highlights.

 

First stop on my world travel adventure — Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, where I took a leap of faith as well as a leap in the ocean, and later frolicked with rock wallabies, felt the spiritual draw of Uluru, soaked up the sun on Sydney’s beaches and toured the famous opera house. From the capitol, Canberra, to Melbourne to Tasmania, I not only explored all the scenic beauty Australia has to offer, but the beauty and hospitality of the people as well, couch surfing with wonderful souls who opened their homes to me (too many on this journey to name in one blog).

 

Sad to leave the land of Oz, I was at the same time excited to check out the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, from fjords to waterfalls, helicopters and glaciers and swimming with dolphins — to tracks and tramping to wine. It was sensory-overload in every aspect.

 

After all that adventure, it was time to slow down with a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Thailand, focusing on breathing and letting thoughts float by (world travel isn’t all about constantly moving). Other treats lay in store in Thailand as well, like cooking class, night market shopping and even swimming with elephants.

 

From there, a swing through Cambodia to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and with the help of a generous friend, to buy a tuk tuk for a young man struggling to start his own business.

 

Japan has long been on my list, and exceeded any dreams of what this locale would bring. From the bustle of Tokyo, to a ryokan in cherry blossom-filled mountains near snow monkeys soaking in hot springs — to historic, temple and shrine-filled Kyoto and out to the hush of Arashiyama’s bamboo-forest, Japan was a feast for the senses.

 

As hard as it was leaving Japan, Croatia was calling, with historic cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Zadar — crystalline waters of National Parks Plitvice and Krka, and scenic islands to hop — Mljet, Korcula, Brac, Hvar, and hundreds more, all set like gems in the vast blue ocean, the colors of which are hard to describe. I even managed to slip in a day trip to Montenegro.

 

Farewell, Croatia meant hello, Slovenia and fairytale Bled, with its island and church and jade-colored lake — and of course, what fairytale would be complete without castle, knights and dancing ladies?

 

Only thoughts of Italy, Venice and gelato, could pry me away from Slovenia. Who can resist singing gondoliers, carnival masks, bridge-stitched canals and Italian wine? Italy also brought the Amalfi coast, Isle of Capri, historic Pompeii, Rome and the Cinque Terra.

 

France included not only couch surfing in Paris and tangoing in front of the Eiffel Tower, but a free private tour on the top of Notre Dame amidst a city full of art and architecture. Loire Valley is filled with castles and I managed to explore several, including Chenonceau, Villandry, Cheverny, and Chambord. Although I didn’t meet a prince, I did get rescued by a fairy godmother, but that’s another story.

 

In the South of France, amidst fields of sunflowers, I sat for a couple of weeks. My first housesit for two little poodles (and a lazy tortoise) gave me use of my own private pool. Spain also lay waiting on my world travels — beautiful Barcelona, infused with the influence of Gaudi, including Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia, and tapas and flamenco rounded out the experience.

 

After months of sun and following summer, it was time to head someplace cool, so I hopped a flight to the emerald isle of Ireland where for a few days in Dublin, I discovered the joys of craic (Irish fun, including music and liquid refreshment) and was even turned temporarily into a leprechaun. Renting a car was the only way to get around on the backroads, so I headed off on the Wild Atlantic Way, through fields of green in every shade, along coast, past grazing sheep, through rainbow villages and castles and Celtic ruins.

 

In time for my second housesit, I flew to Scotland, where first I sampled the magnificent city of Edinburgh, then headed to Fort William to care for a feisty border collie and hike the highlands, while housesitting in a Victorian manse on a hill overlooking a loch.

 

From one dog sit to another to another, I was dropped into Dickens, in a little village called Corsham, where I walked much more slowly with my 15-year-old charge and also fed a visiting peacock named Kevin. A day to cruise through Bath led to four days in lovely London, full of museums, parks and markets.

 

Rounding out my year of world travel was yet another dog sit in Hove in the south of England, for two lively little dachshunds and walks on Brighton’s promenade. All in all, it was an amazing journey — this just scratches the surface.

 

When my year was over, not ready to return to the States, I spent six months in Thailand writing about my adventures. I’m now wintering in Mexico!

 

About Lynn Strough

Lynn is a 50+ wanderer whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.

 

“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”

 

travelynnlogoAll images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales

Reprinted with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Matters: Opposing views on DeVos confirmation

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Hard News, Kentwood Public Schools, Politics, , , ,
News of Your Government

WKTV Staff

 

Following the U.S. Senate confirmation of West Michigan’s Betsy DeVos as President Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Education, local U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) had very different responses.

 

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI)

Rep. Huizenga, in a Wednesday, Feb. 8, post on his Facebook account, said: “Congratulations to West Michigan’s own Betsy DeVos on being confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of Education. Betsy will work tirelessly and fight to ensure that every child in America, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education.”

 

Sen. Stabenow was not quite so congratulatory.

 

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

In a Feb. 8 supplied statement, Sen. Stabenow said: “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans confirmed Betsy DeVos to lead the Department of Education. I’ve heard from an overwhelming number of Michigan families who have shared their strong concerns about her long record of pushing policies that have seriously undermined public education in Michigan and failed our children. That is why I joined with half of my Senate colleagues, including two Republicans, to oppose her nomination.”

 

Sen. Peters comments on President’s nomination for Supreme Court

 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D -MI), on Feb. 1, issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch, who currently serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States:

 

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)

“Just as President Obama did, President Trump has a constitutional responsibility to nominate Justices to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Senate has a constitutional responsibility to consider those nominees. For 293 days, Senate Republicans failed to fulfill that duty by denying President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, the same thorough and public consideration process that they are now urging for President Trump’s nominee.

 

“I take very seriously the Senate’s responsibility to advise and consent on all nominees, and every individual who could be serving on our nation’s highest court deserves to be fully vetted. As President Trump’s nominee moves through the judicial hearing process, I will be carefully reviewing his qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court, which is a pillar of American democracy.”

 

Sen. Peters introduces Legislation Helps Protect Domestic Violence Victims and Their Pets

 

U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), along with Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), on Feb. 8, reintroduced the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by violence against their pets.

 

Multiple studies have shown that domestic abusers often seek to manipulate or intimidate their victims by threatening or harming their pets, but according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), only three percent of domestic violence shelters across the country accept pets. Similar legislation is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

“Abusers often exploit the emotional attachment victims have with their pets, leaving victims of domestic violence stuck choosing between their own safety or leaving a beloved pet in harm’s way,” Sen. Peters said in supplied material. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will help empower victims to leave abusive situations, get a fresh start and keep their pets who are treasured members of their families.”

 

School News Network: More Space to Study, Mingle, Connect

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

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

The completely renovated Kelloggsville High School is taking shape, with the opening of eight spacious new classrooms bordering a large common learning area where students can study, mingle and connect their technology.

 

A lounge area is a favorite feature of the new commons area.

In the new space, students recently gathered for homework and group work and passed through more quickly from one side of the building to the other. “It is like a college setup,” said Principal Kevin Simmons. Furnishings include a large projector screen, tables and chairs. There’s a lounge area and a platform for students to sit on.

 

“I personally like it a lot. My favorite part is the comfy chairs and couch,” said freshman Alexandria Demond.

 

“It’s really cool, the chairs and all the open space we get,” said freshman Tony Cortez.

 

“If you have extra work, you can do it here and chill with friends,” added senior Terry Michael.

 

The district started construction last spring on high school improvements, funded by a $33.9 million bond issue passed last February. Of that, $27 million is going into improvements of the high school at 23 Jean St. SW.

 

The new space is decorated in school colors, blue and orange.

“This is exciting. The most exciting part was coming back from winter break and watching the kids react,” Simmons said.

 

Still-to-come improvements, to be completed by fall, include a new competitive-sized gymnasium with a second-floor track. The gym will host varsity games, which are currently held at Kelloggsville Middle School, and allow for more practice space. The auditorium will receive theater-style seating for 480; and a media center will serve as a hub for learning and community center. Use of facilities will be open to the public.

 

Other highlights are a reconfigured parking lot and a new school entrance, relocated from Jean Street to Division Avenue.

 

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

Cat of the week: Clawed LeMew

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Meet Clawed LeMew!

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).

At the tail end of January 2015, Wyoming resident April D. came across this very hot mess of a cat on a bitterly cold winter day; abscessed and oozing, this intact male needed help ASAP. So she contacted us and we got him out to the clinic the very next day, which turned out to be not a minute too soon, as there was way more going on than what met the eye. Not only was this 5-year-old tom cat (born in early 2012) suffering from multiple infected bite wounds on his very swollen and lame left rear leg, but both of his ears were terribly infected , one of his nails had been completely torn off resulting in a nasty infection AND he was anemic from a blood parasite carried by fleas.

Although he looked really rough on the outside, it was the lack of red blood cells that was the bigger threat; he ended up requiring two different types of antibiotics, narcotics and steroids to treat all that ailed him. However, in spite of it all, within three weeks after his arrival, our fabulously fine fella with the frayed ear tips recovered completely. In fact, to look at him now, you would never guess the laundry list of issues he had upon arrival into our program.

It took a bit for Clawed LeMew to fully acclimate to his surroundings, something that we totally understand given his tumultuous history and the fact he came in looking like a furry little punching bag. He is still a bit head shy (who can blame him?) but each and every day he is with us he becomes less leery of the other cats around him. However, Dr. Jen admits being told that he is one to speak his mind and spew kitty profanity if someone gets a wee bit too close for comfort.

Clawed adores human attention and is very willing to engage in sessions of belly rubs and heavy petting (sounds naughty right?) but he isn’t too fond of being picked up. He gets a little spooked if you move too fast around him, so we try to remember to go slow and shower him with his favorite tasty treats, Temptations. He may have been a bit of a bad boy while out on his own, but now that he is part of this new team, Clawed gets to stop being defensive and show his softer side.

It has been remarkable for us to literally watch his transformation occur right before our eyes — not only has he developed into a mature, well-adjusted fella, but he has shown us, and more importantly himself, that he is capable of being gentle and loving. He thoroughly enjoys soaking up the reassurances and tender touches of the volunteers that are spoiling him on a daily basis.

Since life on the streets proved to be aggressive and chaotic for Clawed, we will strive to find him a home that is calm and quiet, one where he can settle in, hunker down and reap the rewards of being a handsome, pampered house cat.

Want to adopt Clawed LeMew? 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.

Wyoming Department of Public Safety seeking assistance in Jan. 26 robbery

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The car the suspect is believed to have left the scene in. (Photo courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety)

Wyoming’s Department of Public Safety is still seeking the public’s help in locating the suspect in a Jan. 26 robbery of Speedway gas station.

 

At approximately 3:15 a.m. on Jan. 26, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a robbery in the 1300 block of Burton Street SW. The clerk reported that an approximately 20-year-old black male came into the store and demanded money while pointing a handgun, according to a police report. The suspect was wearing all black, with a hooded sweatshirt pulled up over his head. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the report.

 

The report also stated that witnesses reported the suspect left the sense in a white two-door sedan, possibly a Honda Civic and fled westbound on Burton Street.

 

Photo of suspect in Jan. 26 robbery. (Photo courtesy of Wyoming Department of Public Safety.)

Recently, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety was able to obtain photos from the in-store video system at the gas station and is asking the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

 

Recently, the public was able to assist in identifying a suspect in a Feb. 4 Marathon gas station robbery. The suspect, Christopher Charles Wood, 39, from Grand Rapids, has been arraigned on an Unarmed Robbery, Supp 4 charge with a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 15.

Local theater festival marks fifth year, continues to grow

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Five years ago, a group of theater lovers looked around Grand Rapids and saw a lot of community-wide events centered around specific themes such as LaughFest and ArtPrize. And this group decided it was time for Grand Rapids to host a community-wide event for theater.

 

Thus the Lake Effect Fringe Festival was born.

 

“Can you believe it?” wrote Mary Beth Quillin. one of the organizers and a member of GEM Theatrics, in announcement about the upcoming event. “The little theater festival that could is now celebrating five years at the Dog Story Theater.”

 

During those five years, the event also has grown from mostly weekend events during the month of February to programming throughout the month, and this year, has expanded into the first weekend in March.

 

Week day events include Comedy Outlet Mondays performing every Monday at 7 p.m. during the Festival. Also during the week is The Brutal Sea’s presentation of “Love & Semiotics,” a new play written by Kimberly Snyder and directed by Alex Michael Cook. The production, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 8 and 9, is about a young woman who is visited by a novelist’s ghost and is forced to confront her relationship with reality and herself. Due to language and themes, the production is for mature audiences only. Christopher Van Der Ark is set to do a reading form “Collage of a Dystopian Midwest: a play by various authors” Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. and local playwright Stephen Douglas Wright will read from “The Ghost of Jimmy Dean” March 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.

 

Hole in the Wall Theater performs Feb. 25 and 26.

There are several Wyoming and Kentwood participants in the festival including members of the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, who performed “Titus Andronicus” last weekend. Coming up, Kentwood resident Ann Celeste Cloyd directs the Blue Star Players’ production of “36 Questions,” where two college seniors attempt to replicate an experiment to create real love in a laboratory setting on themselves. “36 Questions” is at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 and 3 p.m. Feb. 19.

 

Also from Kentwood is the Hole in the Wall Theatre Company, a Commedia Dell’Arte group that will present “The Whole Vine Yards” at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 and 3 p.m. Feb. 26. In this tantalizing tale, the diVonstro family vineyard has slowly been going bankrupt over the last three generations, and Modestina, the current head of the estate, is at the end of her financial rope. Then a mysterious box with a treasure map is discovered with everyone from the vineyard owner to the neighbors to the servants racing to get their hands on it.

 

Other productions throughout the month include:

 

One of the original LEFF participants. The University Wits, returns this weekend, Feb. 10 – 12, for Yasmina Reza’s dark comedy “God of Carnage.” Four parents come together to “calmly” discuss the fight between their children, but as tempers flair and neuroses collide, the night evolves into disturbing and hilarious mayhem. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

 

Also this weekend are two songwriting workshops, the LEFF Songwriting Workshop with Julia Yob from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, and the two-hour musical-writing workshop M.Y. Musical World at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12.

 

The following week, Feb. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m., Art by Ellis will present “The Bald Soprano,” the classic French farce that launched Theatre of the Absurd a half-century ago. Directed by Roger Ellis, the story centers around the Smiths who entertain and insult their guests the Martins, who can’t remember whether they actually know each other.

 

Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., Midwest Stage Company presents David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago,” which takes a look at sex and relationships.

 

Since the festival’s inception, GEM Theatrics has wrapped it up and will do so again this year March 3 and 4, with the West Michigan premier of “Chapatti,” by Christian O’Reilly. The husband-and-wife team of Gary E. Mitchell and Quillin play two lonely animal-lovers in Dublin. When Dan (Mitchell) and his dog Chapatti cross paths with Betty (Quillin) and her 19 cats, an unexpected spark begins a warm and gentle story about two people rediscovering the importance of human companionship. Show times are at 8 p.m.

 

LEFF performances are all at the Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson SE. Tickets are $14/adults and $8/students and seniors. Comedy Outlet Mondays tickets are $5 each. For more information, visit www.dogstorytheater.com.

63rd District Court receives high satisfaction rating for fourth year

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For the fourth year in a row, the 63rdDistrict Court for Kent County received high marks from the public regarding their experiences with the court. Using a survey that was administered in courts statewide, the 63rd District Court asked court users questions about whether the Court was accessible, timely, and fair, and if they were treated with courtesy and respect by judges and court staff.

 

“The focus of the 63rd District Court is to serve the public, so we very much appreciate their input,” said Chief Judge Sara J. Smolenski. “Both Judge Jeffrey O’Hara and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our court staff.  We want to continue to improve the efficiency of our court, while respecting the rights of all persons.”

 

The 63rd District Court’s area covers all the townships in Kent County such as Gaines, Byron and Caledonia.

 

Highlights from the survey include:

 

  • 97% of court users said they were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff.
  • 91% of courts users were able to get their business done in a reasonable amount of time.
  • 87% of court users said the way the judge or magistrate handled their case was fair.

 

“We use the responses from the survey to assist us in our quest to constantly improve our service to the public,” said Court Administrator J. Kevin McKay. “Our goal is for every person who comes through our doors to feel like they were heard and treated fairly.”

 

Developed with input from judges and court administrators statewide and tabulated by the State Court Administrative Office to insure accuracy, the survey enables courts to identify strengths, provide positive feedback to employees, and target areas for improvement. The survey was completed by a range of court users, including parties to cases, attorneys, jurors, and others.

 

The public satisfaction survey is part of a statewide initiative of the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office to measure and report on court performance. From 2013 through 2016, nearly 100,000 surveys were completed in courts throughout Michigan. Visit www.courts.mi.gov for more information.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre hosts immigration discussion

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By Nancy Brozek

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

 

What is it like to be an immigrant in West Michigan? That is the question Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is asking our community. In conjunction with the highly anticipated production of “Ragtime the Musical,” Civic Theatre has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Library and area experts to engage in community conversation on immigration during this important time in American history.

 

“Ragtime” is told through the eyes of an African American Harlem musician, a white upper class suburbanite, and an Eastern European family of immigrants all hoping to find a place in American at the turn of the 20th Century. Just as relevant a topic now as then, panelist will lead the audience in a discussion on these themes in a modern context.  Speakers will share historical insights and present day experiences.

 

Panelists include:

 

Ricardo Tavarez, Pastor at En Vivo Church

 

Susan Kragt, Executive Director at West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center

 

Kristine Van Noord, Program Manager at Bethany Christian Services’ Refugee Adult & Family Programs

 

Kelsey Herbert, Office of Social Justice at Christian Reformed Church of North America

 

Irina Nadrau, Grand Rapids Public Library

 

The event takes place from 7 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. The event is free and attendees will receive a discount to Civic Theatre’s production of Ragtime the Musical (on stage Feb. 24 – Mar. 19)