There’s a common belief that no hiring happens in December. Many recruiters and hiring managers would disagree. In fact, some may need to fill positions by the end of the year. During this time, competition is lower. If everyone else believes no one is hiring around the holidays, they won’t be applying for the jobs you want. Take advantage of this; you will be more likely to stand out in a smaller pool of applicants.
Don’t take a break from your job hunt during the holidays. Instead, make the most of it! Here are some ways you can use the holiday season to your advantage.
Network at holiday gatherings. Attend as many events as possible and mention your job search to friends and family. Be prepared with a strong elevator speech to describe your goals and what you are looking for. Ask for recommendations and introductions to people that could help in your search.
Ask for an Informational Interview. An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone who is working in an area or at a company you are interested in. If someone in your network is taking vacation time over the holidays, request a meeting or phone call. Ask if they would be willing to offer advice.
Follow up. While hiring managers are still looking to fill positions over the holidays, they may not make job offers until after the New Year. Stay in touch to let them know you are interested. Send a holiday card and stay on their radar until the position is filled.
Make sure you can be reached. Check your voicemail and email regularly and respond in a timely manner. Be available to take calls and schedule interviews, even if it’s the day before Christmas.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
One of the first paintings you notice when you walk into the Dominican Center at Marywood Art Gallery is that of a figure with its heart int its hands.
Just looking at it, you can tell it speaks of a tremendous lost but it also gives hope — hope to answers and to a better a future.
Artist Reyna Garcia
For Artist Reyna Garcia, it is one of the most important pieces of her current exhibit “Ayotzi, Inspiration, & Revolution,” also the title of the piece, as it it is dedicated to the parents of the 43 students who kidnapped from Ayotzinapa Rural Teacher’s College in 2014. Official reports state the students had commandeered several buses to travel to Mexico City to commemorate the anniversary of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre. During the journey, a group of the students on one of the buses — the 43 missing male students — was intercepted. To date, the students or their bodies have never been found.
“It is about the parents of the 43,” said Garcia of the painting. “They are still looking for them every single day. They don’t stop. They are asking their government, saying we want to know where they are.”
Garcia said the tragedy is that there are many parents and relatives in Mexico who are searching for missing love ones due to the violence taking place in the country. It is her hope that by raising awareness of what happened to these students, Americans will begin to see that the money being sent to help is being funneled into other places.
“The message from me is that the parents of the 43 missing students are fighting for dignity,” Garcia said.
The exhibition is not only about the the 43 missing students, but reflects on Garcia heritage and connection to the Greater Grand Rapids area. More than 11 million people have immigrated from Mexico to the United States in hopes of building a better life, Garcia said, something that is reflected in her “Voices of Hope.” “This piece represents the difficult transition immigrants go through when coming to the United States to create a better way of life,” Garcia said. “They leave behind what is familiar like family, culture, and country and head toward what is new to chase the American Dream.”
Other images feature friends, known Mexican leaders who have been killed or in prisoned, Day of the Day imagery, and reflections on Garica’s own personal journey of acceptance.
“I hope people understand that we are human beings,” Garcia said o those who come to view the exhibit. “That we are are here and we provide culture and identity and we provide a lot of positive things and we love this country too.”
Art is part of the foundation of the Dominican Sisters, said Sister Francetta McCann, curator at the Dominican Center Art Gallery. “It is prayer, study, teaching and art,” McCann said, adding that for that reason the center has long had an art gallery.
“Ayotzi, Inspiration, & Revolution” will be up at the Dominican Center at Maywood Art Gallery, 2025 E. Fulton St. There is an opening reception set for Sunday, Dec. 11, from 1 – 4 p.m. which is right around the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Day, which is Dec. 12. The gallery is open Mondays — Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fridays from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Grand Rapids Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns to DeVos Performance Hall for two weekends — Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
When the annual run of the Grand Rapids Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” hits the stage Friday, Dec. 9, it will include staring rolls by the company’s professional dancers and, as always, often a stage full of youth dancers.
Again this year, Kentwood sisters Grace and Micah Jones will be among those lending their talents to the production a part of the ballet’s youth dance program — one sister because she sees dance as a possible future career and the other because it is just “so much fun.”
The classic family holiday tradition returns to DeVos Performance Hall for two weekends — Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18 — with four evening shows and four matinees. Live orchestra music is provided by Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau.
Grace, a 16-year-old junior at Grand River Preparatory High School, has been dancing at Grand Rapids Ballet for 11 years and has been a member of the Junior Company since its inception. This year will be her 8th Nutcracker appearance.
Grace Jones
“I started dancing when I was 2, my parents saw that I loved movement and loved dancing,” Grace said last week, prior to a rehearsal. “My parents saw I needed something to get my energy out so they said ‘Let’s put her into dance.’ I really didn’t get into ballet right away. I was into jazz and tap and hip hop, but at about 5, I went into ballet because I loved the movement.”
She also loved The Nutcracker, thanks to her father, Ronald.
“I remember going to The Nutcracker every year, when I was younger,” she said. “My dad would take me every year, starting at 4 and then every year until I was 8, when I got to be in it for the first time.”
Seven productions later, she is still excited about the annual holiday production.
“I have always loved being in front of the audience,” Grace said. “I love sharing, I love exposing the audience to something new. For me, when I first watched it, it was so beautiful, to watch those beautiful dancers, the beautiful colors and costumes and shapes they make on the stage. I said ‘Wow. I want to do that.’ … Now I want to give some other girl that feeling, the feeling I felt when I was younger.”
According to her mother, Sandra, Grace hopes to dance in college while pursuing professional opportunities. But she sees dance as a means to other career paths as well.
“I love teaching, maybe teaching dance, “ Grace said. “I would love to show others the joy I found in dance.”
One of the people she has shown the love of dance to is her sister.
Micah, age 13 and a 7th grader at Cross Creek Charter Academy, says music is her first love — she has been playing the piano for 8 years, and her mother says she has talked about assisting with her college expenses by playing piano for ballet companies.
Micah Jones
But Micah has been with working with the Grand Rapids Ballet youth program for four years and will be in the Nutcracker for the third year.
“I saw saw my sister, and other people, in dance and it looked so fun,” Micah said, explaining why she wanted to dance. “It is so free, you get to move how you want to move.”
She also said she receives plenty of advice and encouragement from her older sister.
“Since she is such a good dancer, she really helps me when I need help, with technique or how I am supposed to move,” Micah said.
And as far as her first time in front of the usually large crowds watching the Nutcracker, any advice from her older sister?
“She told me not to think of the crowd, just remember your choreography, remember what you are there to do.”
While the two sisters will be dancing different rolls this season, the thing they have in common is an affinity for the famous battle scene. “It is a giant battle scene,” Grace points out, while Micah simply says the scene is “so much fun.”
Anybody who has seen the production knows what they are talking about; those how haven’t have two weekends worth of opportunity.
For more information, call 616-454-4771 or visit grballet.com
Renowned film director, Harold Cronk (“God’s Not Dead,” “God’s Not Dead 2”), teamed up with film students from Compass College of Cinematic Arts to create a music video featuring singer-songwriter Micah Tyler and his chart-topping song, “Never Been a Moment.”
Filming took place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids located on the main floor and in the former Grand Rapids City Hall clock tower located on the third floor. The video was released earlier this week on FreeCCM.com.
“It was a huge confidence builder receiving the role of production coordinator on a professional music video,” said Stephanie Norton, a Kentwood resident who is a senior at Compass. “I was really excited but at the same time terrified I might screw up. The production coordinator is a big job.
“The production coordinator makes sure everything is running smoothly before, during and after the shoot. I had to book the accommodations. During the shoot, I was in charge of making sure everyone is happy.”
Micah Tyler sings “Never Been a Moment” while filming at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.
Cronk currently is in post-production for his next feature film, “God Bless the Broken Road,” which features Tyler’s music. Tyler is well-known for his parody on the millennial generation called “You’ve Gotta Love Millennials,” which was for a Christian leadership conference earlier this year. The video received more than 23.1 million views on social media and almost 2.5 million views on YouTube.
“Micah Tyler was very kind and worked really hard. He kept the energy high and was very down to earth,” Norton said.
Several Compass College interns and alumni have been working on Cronk’s film. When the opportunity arose to create a music video for Tyler, Cronk reached out to Compass College offering interns and students in the music video and sound design courses experience working with professionals.
“Harold is an excellent teacher who continually offers Compass students excellent on-set opportunities,” said Compass College President Keri Lowe. “Even with his success as a filmmaker, he continues to look for ways to serve and give back to his community.”
Compass students worked on many different aspects of the music video project, from scouting locations to camera work, to assistant directing, to sound and editing.
Compass College Senior, Jonathan Clark (right), holds the film slate as Micah Tyler (right) prepares for the next take. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.)
“The most exciting part of the process was the first shot of day. It is exhilarating when you see everyone working hard, but also having fun,” Norton said.
For Compass College senior Paul Rice, the most exciting part of the process was post-production. “I was selected to work as the primary editor for the project,” Rice said. “It has been a great opportunity for me to work on a professional project.”
The music video is scheduled to be released Friday, Dec. 9 on Vevo.com and Tyler’s YouTube channel, MicahTylerVEVO. “God Bless the Broken Road” is expected to hit theatres summer, 2017.
The City of Kentwood will host its annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 9, at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE.
Kicking of the event will be the annual Holiday Light Parade featuring local business and organizations including the Kentwood Police and Fire departments. The parade will start at the Kentwood Baptist Church, 2875 52nd St. SE and travel north on Breton for about a quarter of a mile, ending at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE.
Also taking place from 5 – 9 p.m. will be the Elves Express Gift Shop at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. Families will be able to shop for grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, friends, pets, and anyone else on their list. Also WKTV will be at the library to record Christmas greetings.
For more information about any of these events, visit www.yourkprd.org.
The Great Candy Cane Hunt
It’s Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop SW.
Santa Claus will lead children through a scavenger hunt of hidden candy canes scattered in the Veterans Memorial Garden. Once the children have found all the sweet treats, they will head over to the Wyoming Senior Center for lunch and activities such as a holiday craft, work on a coloring book or to play games. Santa also will be visiting with all the children, collecting holiday wish lists.
The cost for the Great Candy Hunt is $4 for children ages 3-14 years old and $6 for non-residents. Additional family members of all ages may attend the event and have lunch for an additional $2 each. Pre-registration is required. Call 616-530-3164 or register at www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration by Thursday, Dec. 8.
The Nutcracker
The Grand Rapids Ballet kicks off its traditional holiday presentation of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, with performances this weekend and next at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.
Re-imagined by “Polar Express” author Chris Van Allsburg a couple of years ago, the production follows the story of Clare and her doll as they battle the Mice King and his army and travel to the Land of Sweets and meet its ruler the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production features choreography by Val Caniparoli and set design by Eugene Lee.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit grballet.com or call 454-4771, ext. 10.
Flick’s Festival Favorites
Everybody has some favorite holiday films and this weekend the Flick’S Family Film Festival celebrates its favorites by featuring two popular films, the 2000 “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Polar Express.”
Showings will be at area Celebration! Cinemas including South Celebration! Cinema. Showtimes do vary, so make sure to check local listings. Tickets are free for children 12 and under and $5 for anyone else.
Break away for the day and ride the Santa Train. Each child will be personally escorted to meet with the big guy by his elves and receive a present. A story-telling princess will read Christmas-themed books to the children as the Coopersville & Marne Railway train speeds along the tracks.
The Coopersville & Marne Railway is located at 311 Danforth St., Coopersville. Departure times available for this weekend are 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Other departure dates are Dec. 17, 18 and 24. Tickets are $19/adults, $18/seniors (60 and older), $17, children 2 – 12, and free, children two and under.
Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses’ Holiday Concert
Made up of students from throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area, including Wyoming and Kentwood, the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses bring some holiday favorites and traditional classics to life in the organization’s annual holiday performance.
The performance is Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis NW. Performances are at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $5 for students.
What in the world is the Burren? I’d read an article about it on my flight, but it looked pretty rugged and stark so I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Turns out it’s a magical place (a description I use a lot in Ireland). The Burren is a region in County Clare and means “great rock.” It covers about 250 square kilometers, and the crisscrossing cracks in the limestone are called “grikes.”
I headed first to the nearby seaside town of Doolin. The sun was shining — an unusual state of the sky — which made a trip to the shore even more enticing. Doolin is an adorable little town with the usual brightly colored shops and pubs. I popped into O’Conner’s for lunch and ordered their seafood chowder, rich and creamy, served with brown bread and butter, and poked around in a few of the shops (there are only a half a dozen). My favorite, of course, was the tiny used bookstore.
Then I headed down to the pier, for what I thought was a 10-minute visit for a photo of the ferries, until I discovered a whole other world — strips of limestone rock, pocked with holes holding puddles and daisies. These long striations go on for miles and miles. You can climb on them and though rugged, with hiking boots they weren’t hard to navigate.
Past the stone fence, I climbed on rocks studded with white and yellow daisies, along a deep ultramarine sea, under a cerulean sky filled with billowing white clouds. I was entranced. I hiked a bit, plunked down, and then didn’t move for an hour, watching the sea splash against the rocks in a cut-out in the cliffs, and contemplated life.
A man walked by, whistling, which reminded me of my grandfather who used to whistle. It was a happy sound and I looked up as he passed. He peeled off his clothes down to a speedo and donned a bathing cap. Was he really going to swim in those frigid roiling waters? He did. “Likely a bit cold,” another man commented passing by. I agreed, as I sat bundled up in my fleece and rain jacket.
After climbing over big boulders, I ended up on a ledge, high above the water, which would normally make my knees wobble, but for some reason I felt okay, maybe because there was sun and no wind or because the rocks were rough and flat, so I felt fairly stable in my boots. The swimmer appeared far below, out in the water, taking huge strokes as he navigated without apparent effort through the sea.
Big gray clouds moved in, motivating me to get up and climb my way back to the parking lot, past signs warning of things not to do and I reached my car just as the first raindrops hit.
Taking the scenic route along the shore, I saw lots more of the starkly beautiful Burren. Rain and sun took turns, and I stopped for another walk, not quite sure why walking on rocks was so much fun, almost kind of spiritual. The road wound along the coast and I stopped to pet some ponies in a perfect pasture with a million-dollar view, and fed one my apple.
The area is known for its music, so after hours of fresh air and exercise, I spent a bit of the evening back in Doolin, listening to the weaving of accordion, flute and fiddle, sipping an Irish beer, a fitting end to a day on the barren Burren.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50+ free spirit 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!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Godwin Heights seniors Donta Sanders and Damien Bell peeled the skin off green Granny Smith apples in long strips. They later assembled the tart apple slices, sweetened up with sugar and cinnamon, into pies.
“I’ve never made a pie before. It’s a cool experience to make pies with my friends,” said Damien.
Art teacher Deanne Basse led the after-school apple pie-making extravaganza with about 40 ninth- through 12th graders, explaining how to measure, peel and criss-cross strips of dough into lattice to top their pies.
It was the second year for the pre-Thanksgiving event with the mission of sending students home with pies.
Art teacher Deanne Basse teaches students to make pies to bring home for Thanksgiving.
“Not a lot of the kids have a lot of experience in cooking,” said Basse, who loves to bake. “This is a way they can contribute to their families.”
Bill Shafer, high school director of information services, donated more than 300 apples, and other staff members chipped in with supplies as well.
Students left with ready-to-pack pies, but it was questionable whether the pastries would last much past Thanksgiving.
“I’m eating it today,” Donta said. “My mom will give me a hand.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
‘Tis the season of running around to buy things for family and friends. The Christmas shopping season is officially in full swing. So in order to help with your shopping I’ve put forth my top five tech buys for the 2016 holiday season.
1. Portable Device Charger: With our lifestyle being so much on the go go go. Small and light this would make a great gift for anyone living the fast paced mobile life. Small and light weight and under $25* it may just be worth to pick a couple up to give as gifts and keep one for yourself.
2. Wireless kitchen scale: I’ve spoke before about how I think a wireless scale is must for the kitchen and this one tickled all my digital fanciness. For a $99* price tag it does jump up into my luxury item but this may be worth it, especially with all the holiday baking. While you’re baking, a scale like this maybe a great tool to get the kids involved in the kitchen too. What kid doesn’t want to help make cookies?
3. Hydra Water Bottle : The water bottle to end all water bottles? This one would be it. Bluetooth with speakerphone, charges my phone, built in light and it will hold water. I think I just would have to make sure this is in my camping gear from now on.
4. Wireless Headphones : Last year the wireless portable speakers was on my list. This year wireless headphones make my top 5. With more than 5,000 customer review these are a must see item. Looking to a brand name your familiar with, I offer you these from Sony.
5. Spire Mindfulness and Activity Tracker: In today’s world it seems like we are constantly on the go go go. From the moment we wake up it seems we barely get a chance to breath. Sprie says it allows you to discover calm. Breathe better, Live better.
Hopefully one of these items help cross someone off your Christmas shopping list or maybe even give you an idea for a gift for yourself. Remember no matter what you give or receive that best present is the time you spend with family and friends. Happy Holidays everyone.
*Pricing at the time when article was written. All pricing is subject to change. Author does not receive compensation and the opinions express are solely that of the author’s.
The freezing February of 2015 brought with it an onslaught of homeless cats trying to get in out of the cold. As it so happens, this little doll was displaced when her deadbeat owners moved out of their trailer and left her and a comrade behind, their only refuge the dark, dank and dismal underbelly of their previous home.
When a neighbor caught wind of what had happened, she brought the two inside, but having two elderly cats of her own, she wasn’t comfortable letting them mingle, nor could she keep them long term.
Although displaced and a bit disheveled, Mija didn’t fare too badly except for being intact, flea-ridden and full of internal parasites. Mija (pronounced ‘Mee-Hah’) was born in the fall of 2012 and tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Had Dr. Jen had not spayed her, she would have brought five FeLV-positive babies into the world as she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
This is one absolutely adorable little kitty. She possesses lots of calico ‘tude packed in a small package, likes to wander around, and makes a habit of walking up to MUCH bigger cats and letting them know that she’s the boss! It’s funny to watch the looks that these big boys give her. She is a people lover though. Pick her up and she’s a purr noodle.
What we don’t understand is how someone could have such blatant disregard for life and toss this kitty in the cold like she was garbage. Thankfully she is in a warm, safe place and the volunteers are doing everything in their power to promote how precious and perfect she is.
Granted, Mija’s viral status will make adoption a bit more challenging, but taking home a positive kitty IS a viable option provided safeguards are taken if you already have a multi-cat household. Given her propensity to spout off if someone gets in her face, we’re pretty sure she wouldn’t mind being the only cat in a residence that could devote attention solely to her.
Want to adopt Mija? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Check out the Volunteer Informational Sessionon Dec. 11. If you’d like to get in on this kitty love fest, sign up for the Volunteer Informational Session. Take a tour of Crash’s, meet the kitties and learn how you can contribute your heart to our organization. RSVP to volunteer@crashslanding.org to reserve your spot.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Big Sid’s is special because it is one of the largest shelters in the nation that caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV or FeLV. Read about Big Sid’s here.
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.
Jessica Hanselman is excited about her new position on the Wyoming District School Board and said she is ready to take on the challenges facing the district.
Hanselman won one of two open seats on the Board Nov. 8 with 4,640 votes. Incumbent Lisa Manley received 5,016 votes.
“My vision includes a greater connection between the Wyoming Public School District and the larger community, to build community pride and increase involvement in district initiatives and activities,” said Hanselman.
Hanselman wants the district to raise its public profile and publicize its successes more broadly, so that the community gets the opportunity to know the district’s achievements and best practices. She also wants to cultivate community relationships between the education community and human services community, including mental health organizations.
“Often, public entities operate in silos, for many reasons,” she said. “However, I believe students served in the schools would benefit from streamlined communication and the sharing of best practices and resources, wherever possible. It will take me a bit of time to determine whether there are any pressing concerns or problems, but I am happy to work with the rest of the board to help with any issues that arise.”
She said that many of the challenges faced by all districts, including Wyoming Public Schools, is the continued failure at the state level to fund education at the level it deserves, and new mandates handed down by the Michigan House of Representatives that are often unhelpful, uninformed and may create unnecessary barriers for educators to do what they know best.
“As necessary, I am willing to be a voice for the district with our state legislators, and partner with other districts who are seeking to advocate for their students at the government level.
“Wyoming Public Schools is worthy of being a sought out education destination for our community, and I want parents to know why WPS is a highly desirable school home for their children.”
If your route this week requires you to go through the intersection of 44th Street and Breton Avenue, you might want to find an alternative.
For one day only – Wednesday, Dec. 7 – the Kentwood intersection will become a four-way stop while the traffic signal is replaced.
“The City of Grand Rapids was able to put in for a federal grant to fund the replacement work at the intersection,” said Tim Bradshaw, City of Kentwood’s Director of Engineering and Inspections. “Grand Rapids owns about an eighth of the intersection and Kentwood owns about seven-eighths of it.
“Grand Rapids was able to get about 80 percent in federal funding which helps significantly in creating a better, safer intersection.”
The equipment at the intersection was between 25to 30 years old, according Bradshaw. The signal heads and wiring are scheduled to be replaced with work at the intersection having started earlier this week.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 44th Street and Breton Avenue intersection will be a four-way stop. Commuters passing through that intersection should follow the rules of the road for a four-way stop. Those rules includes yielding to the driver on your right if both vehicles come to the intersection at the same time and yielding to a driver who is at the intersection before you.
“We do expect traffic will get backed up there,” Bradshaw said, adding that the work may be done sooner depending on weather. Weather forecasts are indicating snow in the morning which could slow workers down, Bradshaw said.
A group of local residents are part of a documentary on philanthropy which will air on WKTV 25 this month.
Grand Valley State University Associate Professor Salvatore Alaimo explores the concept of giving through the stories and perspectives of a variety of people from a group called the Caregivers Sewing Group who meet at Wyoming’s Gall Sewing and Vac Center to Emmy-nominated star of “M*A*S*H” and “Providence” Mike Farrell.
“What is Philanthropy?” will air at noon Wednesday, Dec. 7; 11:30 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 9; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, on WKTV 25.
Also sharing their stories on philanthropy are U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, of Iowa, Newman’s Own Organics President and Co-founder Neil Newman, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, Estée Lauder Companies’ Evelyn Lauder, Civil Rights leader Dr. William G. Anderson and Indiana super volunteer Amber Kriech. Their comments are mixed in with some of the leading scholars in the field along with average citizens.
Emmy-nominated star of “M*A*S*H” and “Providence” Mike Farrell
According to Alaimo, his film, “What Is Philanthropy?,” enhances our understanding of the concept of philanthropy and its role in American culture and society. It seeks to broaden perspectives for giving, enhance understanding for philanthropy’s capabilities and shortcomings, and provoke us to reflect on our giving, he said.
“Philanthropy is not well understood by policy makers or the general public,” said Aaron Doorman for the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. “This film helps address that problem. A thorough and honest portrayal of the strengths and shortcomings of philanthropy is just what the doctor ordered.”
The film has been shown in several universities throughout the United States including locally at Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College and Hope College. The film was an official selection to several film festivals including Queens World Film Festival, Bare Bones International Film Festival, Kingston Film Festival, Asheville Cinema Festival and was nominated for a 2015 Eclipse Award.
Alaimo, PhD, is an associate professor in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration at Grand Valley State University where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in philanthropy and nonprofit administration.
The Kentwood Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing endangered person. Willie Donald Crawford was last seen on Dec. 3 near his home at 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue in the City of Kentwood. According to family, Crawford does have the beginning stages of dementia, is partially blind, but is not on any medications. The family is concerned for his safety due to his age.
Crawford is an 81-year-old black male, approximately 6 feet and 150 pounds. He has a full gray beard, gray/black hair and brown eyes. Crawford was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans, brown hiking boots and a black baseball hat.
Anyone having any information regarding the whereabouts ofCrawford is being asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580, or your local law enforcement organization.
Kentwood residents Micah McDonald and Adam Wright in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” (Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre)
When Kentwood residents Adam Wright and Micah McDonald headed into auditions in early fall, they both had their sights set on Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s children production of “Holes.” Instead, they ended up being dancing dishes and flatware in the company’s presentation of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
“This summer, I actually was doing another show [the summer repertory production “Into the Woods”] and everyone was talking about ‘Beauty and the Beast,’” said McDonald, who is a 2016 graduate of East Kentwood High School and is pursuing theater at Grand Rapids Community College. “I knew I wanted to be in another show at Civic and they had double auditions for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Holes.’ I was thinking ‘Holes,’ but I kind of wanted to be a part of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it had been a part of my childhood, and I ended up getting a part.”
Wright said he went into auditions looking for a possible role in “Holes,” but instead landed in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” along side his friend McDonald, who the two shared the role of the prince in “Into the Woods.” Along with being a wolf, townsperson and dancing dish, Wright again portrays a prince, this time the young, selfish prince who is turned into the Beast.
“It was kind of hard becoming that prince,” said Wright, who is a sophomore at Caledonia High School. “It was difficult in that the young prince is such a nasty person, stern and very hard on people.” A trait that Wright simply does not have.
McDonald is also in the ensemble, portraying a villager along with a gargoyle and a candlestick during the “showstopper —according to both McDonald and Wright —number of “Be My Guest.”
“There is so much going on,” McDonald said of the “Be Out Guest” scene. “It was so hard to learn but it all came together. The scene is extremely entertaining and so much fun and the crowds reaction has been amazing.”
In fact the cast has been overwhelmed by the positive reaction of the audience and community. “In a preview, we had more than 25 seconds of applause,” Wright said.
“We have had sold out shows and the crowds, their reactions, laughing at everything,” McDonald said. “It really has been a good time for everyone. The audience is so engaged and there have been so many little kids helping to bring the magic of the story to life.”
In fact the reaction the Civic Theater production has been so overwhelmingly positive that tickets are limited. Check online, at grct.org for availability.
McDonald, who got the acting bug at East Kentwood High School as a junior when he performed in “Cats” under the directorship of Scott Mellema, said he hopes to pursue Christmas musical theater in New York. But no matter where he goes next, being part of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will be a special memory for him.
“I partially wanted to be a part of this show because it is a part of my childhood and it gave me the opportunity to relive that part.”
And for Wright as well, the production has been an experience he will not forget. “It truly has been magical being apart of a truly amazing cast and having the opportunity to bring my childhood to life,” Wright said.
Marketing and Communications Direction, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Nonstop service from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will begin in Grand Rapids in April of next year.
American Airlines announced the service today, which will be operated by American Eagle. The service begins on April 4, 2017 – just in time for Spring Break – and will feature 12 weekly round trips. Tickets already are on sale.
“Nonstop service to Reagan National Airport has been a target market of ours, and we are happy to have this route added for both our leisure and business travelers headed to the Washington, D.C. area,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Interim President & CEO Phil Johnson. “We are confident that our West Michigan community will support this service as we continue to expand our route map with American Airlines.”
The flight schedule for the new service includes departure times from Grand Rapids twice daily at 7:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and one daily departure at 9:40 a.m. on Saturdays. Service departing DCA and returning to GRR is twice daily at 10:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Sunday through Friday, with a 4:00 p.m. daily departure time on Saturdays.
American Airlines has served Gerald R. Ford International Airport passengers for more than 25 years, and also has nonstop service to Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place Friday, Dec. 9.
Everyone is invited to attend an evening filled with festive events, which include a Holiday Light Parade, carriage and hay rides, live holiday music and pictures with Santa.
The free event will be held on Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 pm at the Kentwood Public Library, 4950 Breton Ave. SE in Kentwood.
“The holiday event at the Library is quickly becoming a highlight for our community, creating traditions and memories for our kids,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “What a great way to begin the season by celebrating peace on earth and good will toward all with your neighbors.”
The night begins at 6 pm with a Holiday Light Parade. The parade will start at the Kentwood Baptist Church at 2875 52nd St. SE and travel north on Breton for about 1/4 mile, then end at Kentwood City Hall at 4900 Breton SE. (More info here.)
At 7 pm, the tree will be lit in front of Kentwood Public Library, along with live holiday music from East Kentwood High School Jazz Band. Guests can shop in the Elves Express Gift Shop from 5-9 pm — and gifts start at just $2.00 each.
Sip some hot chocolate while eating cookies and get a photo with Santa!
Information is available on the City of Kentwood’s website, www.ci.kentwood.mi.us or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270. You can also follow the City of Kentwood on Facebook for the most up-to-date information regarding city events.
When it comes to encouraging students to give it their all, band director Troy Anderson says take the leap and yell “Geronimo!”
By that he means hold nothing back. Blow those horns and pound those drums with gusto.
“Why are you so scared of making a mistake?” Anderson recently asked his Kelloggsville High School band students as they were learning a song. “Please stop being scared of making a mistake. I need you to play big, whether it’s right or wrong. Geronimo. Jump please.”
Anderson leads his middle and high school bands by expecting the best, but still letting students know getting there is a messy process. Mistakes are part of the experience. He finds himself giving the Geronimo speech quite often.
“It’s a way to get them to realize that there are certain things that just aren’t that serious,” he said. As a student Anderson was timid about performing, and, as a result, missed out on experiences. “A lot of times they make mistakes because they’re scared,” he added.
Notes of Praise
Comments from some of director Troy Anderson’s band members, as compiled by fellow musician and student journalist Alexandrea Groters:
Lidia Torres, a senior clarinet player, said Anderson helped her open up and come out of her shell. “He has given every student an opportunity to be a part of the band,” Lidia said. Even if they had financial needs and didn’t own an instrument, “He found a way so that no kid would feel left out.”
Grady Sakshaug, a junior trombonist, said Anderson makes sure everyone understands the music, with a sense of humor. “He forms a connection with the students.”
His passion for students shines through, said Nyla Buggs, a sophomore trombonist. “(He’s) not negative in any way and he always tries to help out in any way he can.”
Instructing Lifelong Musicians
Anderson has spent the last dozen years encouraging Kelloggsville sixth- through 12th-grade bands to take the leap. During that time, band numbers have grown at all grade levels, even tripling at the middle school.
A trombonist, drummer, music writer and gospel music lover, the Northview High School graduate received his degree in instrumental music education at Western Illinois University.
Students are encouraged to go big in Troy Anderson band.
He now directs 264 students with help from assistant band director Amanda VanderMeulen. When Anderson started, there were 64 students in the high school band. Numbers in recent years have ranged between the 80s and 90s. At the middle school, numbers have grown from 27 to about 75 sixth-graders, from 30 to about 60 seventh-graders and from 15 to 50 eighth-graders.
Since his first year, Anderson has opened the high school band room during lunch to everyone, even non-band students, welcoming them to eat and hang out. People schoolwide became more aware of the band.
“You open it up, you let people in,” he said. “It changed a lot of things. It got to a point that we started to get asked to different events we normally didn’t do. … They got to know the kids.”
First- and second-place competition finishes have been numerous, but Anderson said it’s much more important to him to see music become a lifelong part of students’ lives. With middle school students he’s witnessed many moments when students first realize they can play and perform. “I get kids who don’t say a word and by the time they graduate they are section leaders, or drum majors.”
He often watches performances of former students who have gone on to pursue music careers and degrees. “That to me is the best thing,” he tells students. “That you enjoyed it so much here that you’re willing to go on (with music) from here.'”
Anderson’s dedication impresses middle school Principal Jim Alston.
“His passion for the music and band in general is contagious,” Alston said. “So when he travels to the elementary buildings to talk to incoming middle school students, the majority want to take part in band because they see his passion for music.”
Despite his openness to trial and error, Anderson demands accountability, from his students and from himself — with pushups.
While holding his podium during class, he performed five fast standing pushups after high school band students let him know he had forgotten to pause in the song they were practicing. If a student makes a mistake on the field they drop and give him five or run laps.
One time Anderson owed his students 25 pushups, which he did on the football field during marching band practice. “None of us are above the rules, we all have to follow them, even me,” he said.
Alston said Anderson provides the right mix of nurturing and high standards.
“He impacts them as musicians by allowing them to grow. He challenges them to get better every day. Those students benefit from his teaching style of holding them accountable for the music material, but building great positive relationships with them at the same time.”
Those relationships continue after graduation, Alston added: “Troy always has someone coming back to see him and talk to him.”
Alexandrea Groters rehearses.
Music and Burger King
Anderson, who has performed around the nation and the world, is the music minister at Shepherd’s Arm Ministries and writes music for other churches. He plays drums for the Flat River Big Band, trombone for Big Band Nouveau and in the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band.
But he became inspired to become a teacher while working at Burger King for 10 years, beginning at age 10. He became a trainer and manager by 18, and the job served as an anchor as he worked his way through college.
Even then, “I loved teaching,” he said of leading the Burger team employees. “I love music and I love teaching, so I just put it together.”
He especially loves teaching at Kelloggsville, a very diverse district, because of the differences students bring to the band. In his music appreciation class, he encourages students to bring in music representative of their cultures, from Korean music called K-Pop to African music. They also bring in food, another one of Anderson’s favorite things, and the band banquet becomes a spread of international foods.
“I’ve had so many great kids,” he said. “That’s what I love about the district, even beyond the music. Like any band director, I try to foster a good family atmosphere. I try to pride myself on this being a safe zone.”
The impact of that at the middle school is immeasurable, Alston said. “Band students are some of the most positive, academic students in the building. The more students we have involved in music and the fine arts, the better our behavior decreases and our scores increase. So to have someone like Troy in our building, pushing our students and growing his program, the better we will be as a whole.”
With a consistent message and stellar music, Anderson gives students faith in their own abilities — and the courage to yell “Geronimo!”
“The only thing I do is give them the ball and say here you go. You’re a family,” he said. “Really they do it all on their own.”
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
Santa visits the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is getting into the holiday spirit with a music festival, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Kris Kringle will be listening to children’s requests, and passing out treats with Mrs. Claus in the Airport’s Grand Hall from 1 – 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera to snap a photo with Santa Claus. Photos with Santa are free of charge, but the airport is asking guests to bring in two non-perishable food items per person.
In addition to Santa’s appearance, GFIA’s traditional Holiday Music Festival is running the week of December 5-9. The 22nd Annual Holiday Music Festival brings in middle and high school choirs from around West Michigan singing a variety of Christmas carols.
Of the 15 choirs performing, several of those are from the Wyoming and Kentwood area. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 p.m. is Legacy Christian 7th and 8th Grade Choir. Wednesday, Dec. 7, the choir from Godfrey-Lee High School performs at 11 a.m. followed by East Kentwood High School Varsity Voices at noon. Thursday, Dec. 8, the Madrigals from South Christian High School perform at 1 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Wyoming Junior High Concert Choir performs at 10 a.m. with the choir from the Potter’s House at 2 p.m.
“Our airport is extremely busy around the holidays, but it is important for us to reflect upon what this season is all about,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Phil Johnson. “We are hoping we can put some smiles on children’s faces as they sit on Santa’s lap and listen to carols, and at the same time we are asking West Michigan to give back to the community by donating non-perishable food items to those in need.”
The donated food items will go to Mel Trotter Ministries – a Grand Rapids organization serving the hungry, homeless and hurting in West Michigan through its shelter, food pantry, and job readiness and housing placement services.
“Life-change can start with a meal. That’s why we are blessed to partner with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport during our Fall Food Drive again this year,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “Partnerships like this one help make it possible for Mel Trotter Ministries to stock our pantry and serve more than 110 families a week who are seeking emergency food assistance.”
More and more HR professionals are using the internet to find information about job candidates. In a recent poll of recruiters, 93% said that they look at a candidate’s social profile and 42% of those said that they’ve reconsidered a candidate based on what they found.
Knowing this, how can you create a good online first impression? Here are some tips to get you started.
Google yourself. Look at the first three or four pages to see what an employer will see. A search that brings up negative or inappropriate content could land you in an employer’s reject pile. And while having negative content online may hurt your chances of landing a job, having no information is almost as bad; recruiters may see this being out of touch or lacking skills.
To combat this, you need to get fresh, positive content on the internet. A good way to do this is to create or update your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn is the #1 social media site that employers and recruiters use to search for candidates, so it’s important to have a complete profile with detailed information about your skills and experience. Pay close attention to the following:
Photo: Your profile is eleven times more likely to be viewed if you include a photo of yourself. Be sure to use a professional-looking photo.
Headline: Your headline is the short description of you that follows your photo in LinkedIn. A strong headline uses key words that are relevant to the position that you’re searching for and makes people want to view your profile. This is your opportunity to sell yourself in 120 words or less. Be concise. Be creative.
Network: Once you set up your profile, connect with everyone you know: current and former colleagues, past employers, people in your industry, neighbors, family, friends and former classmates. And don’t forgot to follow companies that you may be interested in.
Building your online presence takes time, but these steps are a good start. Once you get some positive content on the web, remember to monitor it on a regular basis.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Brent Karhoff, of Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors, speaking Nov. 30 to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Briefing Luncheon. (K.D. Norris/Now.WKTV.org)
Brett Karhoff, of Hungerford Nichols CPAs and Advisors, told Wyoming and Kentwood business leaders Wednesday that changes are likely coming to personal and small business taxes in the wake of the election of President-elect Donald Trump — but, he warns, don’t expect quick action.
“We have a new president, not a new tax law, yet,” Karhoff said, speaking Nov. 30 to the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Briefing Luncheon. Despite having Republican control of the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, “Personally, I don’t think they will get it done in a year … maybe not even in this (2-year Congressional) term.”
In a discussion titled “The President’s Tax Plan: What will it mean to your business and family over the next four years?”, Karhoff detailed the existing Republican “A Better Way” plan — so-called the “Blueprint” — which proposes reducing the number of tax brackets; reducing tax rates on capital gains, dividends and interest income; and eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax.
A key part of the Blueprint for personal taxes, he said, would be to eliminate all itemized deductions except mortgage interest and charitable contributions — pointing out that medical deductions could be on the block, something that could greatly impact seniors.
For business taxes, he said, a key point would include reducing corporate tax rate to 20 percent,
He also detailed some how some of Trump’s election season “contract” with taxpayers are similar or different from the existing Republican plan. (The contract is at donaldjtrump.com/contract)
Trump, according to his contract, would repeal the Net Investment Income Tax and, similar to the Blueprint, the Alternative Minimum Tax. It would also greatly increase the standard deduction for single and married taxpayers, more than doubling it.
For business taxes, Karhoff said, a proposed business tax rate of 15 percent could be good for small business, while a proposed one-time rate of 10 percent for repatriation of corporate profits held offshore could be good for large businesses.
While proposed tax reductions are made clear by both the Blueprint and Trump’s contract, Karhoff said, what is missing is how the revenue side of the federal budget will be balanced — “That may be the surprise in 2017.”
The bottom line for most Wyoming and Kentwood personal and small business taxpayers, Karhoff said, is that people should just watch and wait.
“It is probably worth paying attention to what is going on, what the Trump camp is planning,” he said. “Because I do think it will happen and you need to be prepared. (Changes) will come at some point and you need to be ready. To do that, there are some things you need to think about now, get all your itemized deductions into this year, maybe, into 2016, because in 2017 you may not be able to use them. You need to just watch and plan.”
Since the City of Wyoming established the City of Wyoming Tree Commission on July 18, this volunteer citizen group, also known as The Tree Amigos, has been busy laying groundwork to support its mission of increasing the City’s tree canopy. Accomplishments so far include creating by-laws, electing officers, confirming a fiduciary, moving the Tree City USA application forward and investigating grants and fund raising ideas.
Caitlin Boyce Saladin
This Saturday, Tree Commission members – and other Tree Amigos – will march in the Wyoming Santa Claus Parade along Division Avenue. They will hand out informational brochures and colorful decals featuring a new logo, designed by sixth-generation Wyoming resident Caitlin Boyce Saladin. A senior at the Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, she has long been active in environmental and social justice causes. She graduated in 2013 from Catholic Central High School. “I grew up with a backyard full of trees,” Saladin said. “Even though our house was just a couple blocks from 44th Street and Burlingame, I got to see deer, opossums, skunks, racoons, birds and squirrels. I hope my little contribution might help my hometown to have more trees in more neighborhoods.”
The Wyoming Tree Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Appointed members include former City councilman, Greg Bryan; Pam Jurick, arborists William Brown and Lauren Davis; retired teacher, Jim Ward; Godwin neighborhood watch leader, Lee Groth; and Stelle Slootmaker, Saladin’s mother. Citizen volunteer Elizabeth Kreager has been an active, dedicated participant. The Tree Commission invites all Wyoming residents who would like to join in at meetings or activities to come on board. After all, you can’t have too many amigos!
The Wyoming Tree commission, nick-named The Tree Amigos, seeks to develop and promote programs that maintain and improve Wyoming’s tree assets in our city’s public and private properties. We strive to foster a healthy, species-diverse tree canopy that meets or exceeds coverage percentages suggested by the Michigan DNR, US Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.
Lisdoonvarna is the matchmaking capitol of Ireland, and I just happened to be passing through during their annual festival. Even though I wasn’t looking to get matched, I admit I was curious, and have to say it’s hilarious.
The town is studded with signs about matchmaking, along with hearts and cupids. A friendly old chap stopped to ask me if I’m here to get matched. When I told him no, he asked, “Have any of the old codgers come on to you yet? You should take 4 or 5 home with you; if one doesn’t work out you have plenty more to choose from!”
It turned out to be country-Western weekend. Really? I came all the way to Ireland for some Irish music and I got American-style Country? When I sat down and ordered fish and chips at a recommended restaurant, the place was almost empty but as I ate, it gradually filled up… with 80-something-year-olds! I swear, nobody there was under 75, and most were 10 years older.
But when the music started up, those octogenarians flooded the floor and danced like you wouldn’t believe and like I wouldn’t even begin to try. One gentleman at the bar kept trying to get me to dance but while all the older ladies were dressed to kill in their Sunday best and high heels, I was still in my hiking duds, including my clunky boots, so I passed. At that point, the place was jam-packed, from youngsters at the bar to a few who looked 90, and everyone in between.
This whole area around the Burren is full of interesting stops, including small artisan producers creating perfume and chocolate. Maybe to use in the matchmaking process?
I drove along a narrow, winding road through beautiful countryside full of cows, stone fences and wildflowers, out into the middle of nowhere to find the Burren Perfumery. It’s a lovely little place of stone buildings and organic gardens, started as a cottage industry in the ’70s by a botanist and passed through a couple of hands to its present owner. They make wonderful smelling all-natural lotions, balms, perfumes and candles, and let you wander through their gardens.
The tea room has baked goods to die for. I opted for a slice of the homemade carrot cake and a cup of tea made with herbs from their garden; whole leaves floated unstrained in my cup — mint, lemon balm, fennel, marjoram and ladies mantle. It’s the sensory details that make the place special, the sights of colorful petals, sounds of bees buzzing and birds chirping, smells of sweet perfume and tastes of luscious treats.
The next day, I veered off of the main road when I saw a sign for Hazel Mountain Chocolate. Another successful small producer, they have a shop where you can peek through a glass window to watch them create their confections. They make all kinds of different treats, something for every taste, and the place is rich with history as well.
Also on the property is a sweet little cafe with organic salads and amazing home-baked desserts. How do you ever decide?
When I pulled off down an interesting-looking side road, I ended up at a deserted abbey, which dates back to the 1100s. I wandered through the tombstones and ruins of the church all alone, under a half blue, half gray and moody sky, and marveled at the age of the inscriptions.
So if you get to Ireland, make sure you don’t miss County Clare and the Burren, and if you time it just right, you may even get matched.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50+ free spirit 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!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
James “Jim” Gill, the new president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
By Tara M. Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board announced today that James “Jim” Gill has been hired as its new President & CEO.
Gill, who comes to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) from Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh, was selected as the finalist for the position by a search committee.
The Airport Authority Board voted unanimously to hire Gill at today’s board meeting.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to West Michigan, and we know he will thrive as the next CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said GFIA Board Chairman Roger Morgan. “Jim has a track record of strong leadership, community partnerships, and he is well known and well respected among his peers in the aviation industry. Jim will continue to spark our growth as we invest in customer service, technology and construction projects, and serve as a catalyst for West Michigan’s economic progress.”
Gill is an industry veteran with more than two decades of senior airport management experience. With deep roots in the Pittsburgh area, he has served 13 years of that time at the Allegheny County Airport Authority, whose two airports serve more than 8 million passengers per year. There he has been CFO since 2007, and added the COO position to his duties in 2015. He has also previously served as Interim Executive Director. Gill also spent six years at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority as Deputy Airport Director & CFO.
Gill is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and an International Airport Professional through Airports Council International, one of a very select group of airport professionals to hold both credentials.
Gill has many successes in his career including personally overseeing the operation of Pittsburgh International Airport transfer from county control to a new independent airport authority, which was a multi-year, complex process requiring significant operational knowledge and dynamic collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including the FAA which must ultimately approve the transfer. Moreover, while serving in the capacity as Interim Executive Director at Pittsburgh, Gill facilitated an agreement to have Allegiant Air begin point-to-point service there as the airline’s first medium hub, a successful operation which has grown from five destinations in 2014 to eleven destinations today.
“I am delighted to be joining the talented team at GFIA and I look forward to moving forward together,” said Gill. “An airport is so often the first and last impression that travelers have of the community and region, and so one must be committed to delivering outstanding operational performance while exceeding customer service expectations. I know we will continue to have an outstanding record of success in West Michigan, and I am excited to help lead the airport into a new, expansive era while working closely with the Authority Board, airport management, staff, and our community and business partners.”
Among the Airport’s future plans is a current Gateway Transformation Project, which is set to complete Phase One in summer 2017. Additionally, the Airport Viewing Park is set to open in the spring, and GFIA is on pace to break another passenger record for 2016. Airport leadership is also underway in updating the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Master Plan.
“One of the things that attracted me to this job is the excitement surrounding the growth of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Gill. “I am really looking forward to seeing all of these projects come to fruition, and to be the leader that helps drive even more growth and development in the future.”
The search committee was headed by GFIA Board Member Floyd Wilson, and Board Chairman Roger Morgan. Steven Baldwin & Associates – an Airport Management Consulting firm based out of Albany, New York – assisted in the recruiting process
“Jim has significant business and economic development experience,” said Wilson. “That is a perfect fit for the direction the board has envisioned for the new Authority.”
GFIA, which was named the top airport of its size in the region in 2015 by Airports Council International (ACI), welcomed a record 2.5 million passengers last year.
Gill will officially start work at the airport on January 9, 2017. He replaces Brian Ryks, who resigned in March to accept a position as CEO of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
You might say that songstress Cécile McLorin Salvant, the season opening performer for the St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2016-17 Jazz Series, wasted no time in adding Grammy winner to her already melodic name.
On the heals of being the youngest winner the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, McLorin Savant’s debut recording, WomanChild, was nominated for a Grammy in 2014 and her follow-up recording, For One to Love, won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album this year.
St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook, in supplied material, was not overstating facts when she said: states, “At 27 years old, Cécile is already a sensation.”
So expect a sensational night of vocal jazz when McLorin Salvant takes the stage Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Cécile McLorin Salvant
McLorin Salvant’s repertoire includes interpretations of little-known and scarcely recorded jazz and blues compositions, as well as unique takes on jazz standards, and original music and lyrics sung in a variety of different languages – English, Spanish and French, her native language.
The rest of this season’s St. Cecilia Jazz Series includes young — as in 13-year-old — pianist phenom Joey Alexander on March 23, and the SFJAZZ supergroup performing the music of Miles Davis as well as their own compositions on May. 4.
At the McLorin Savant concert, there will be a free post-concert “Meet-the-artist” reception for all ticket-holders. A pre-concert reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres is available for $15 per person in addition to the ticket cost.
For more information and tickets, call 616-459-2224 or visit scmc-onlilne.org.
Mushka (born in March of 2009) was a homeless boy whose whereabouts prior to his rescue were unknown, but he was as timid and reserved as they come.
During those first few days at the clinic, he cowered and shied away from Dr. Jen as she ran blood work on him and cleaned out his ears which were impacted with ear mite debris. And since he had just been neutered days before, he needed a good, old-fashioned bath to remove the grease and oils common in intact males, known as stud-tail. Usually at the end of a cat’s stay with Dr. Jen, he or she is putty in her hands, but that wasn’t the case, and Dr. Jen sent Mushka down to Big Sid’s for some much needed compassion, gentle and positive interaction and heaping doses of one-on-one! If anyone can bring out a frightened cat’s inner lion, the dedicated volunteers can for sure.
Mushka is as handsome as they come when his ears aren’t flat against his head. The volunteers dote on him daily and allow him to slowly open his petals and blossom; in time he will flourish and realize that life is better than good at Big Sid’s.
Mushka is adoptable! Go here to read about the adoption process and then fill out an application form here. Get info about Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) here.
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.
Don’t let this happen to you… or your car. Mind the rules.
If you live in the City of Wyoming and park on the street, there are no worries three seasons out of the year.
But during the winter months, it’s a different story — parking on both sides of the street can restrict the width of the street to a point where emergency vehicles are unable to have access.
To provide better access, the City implements Odd/Even Parking restrictions from December 1 until March 31. See the Odd/Even Parking ordinance for specific information.
According to the ordinance, from December 1 through the end of March of each year and during any declared snow emergency, any motor vehicles and other licensed trailers or equipment “shall be parked only on that side of the street having even numbers on even numbered calendar days and on that side of the street having odd numbers on the odd numbered calendar days between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7 pm of the same day with the following exceptions:
When a residence is on a cul-de-sac, on-street parking shall only be on the even numbered calendar days.
When a residence is on a street already posted “No Parking”, the no parking restrictions shall apply.
Parked cars will not be ticketed from 7 pm to midnight. At any other time, cars must be parked on the correct side of the street according to that day’s date.
So, in a nutshell: On even numbered calendar days, park on the side of the street with even numbers (addresses) between midnight and 7 pm. On odd numbered days, park on the side with odd numbers. OK to park on either side from 7 pm to midnight.
One year ago, MercyMe was riding on a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an experience that guitarist Mike Scheuchzer remembered as “surreal.”
“To ride down the road and see that many people, crammed on the street, it was literally like being in a movie and right in the middle of it,” he recalled. “That was one of the most surreal things I’ve ever done in my life.”
Today, the Grammy-nominated band from Greenville, Texas, is preparing for its 2016 Christmas tour, which opens Tues, Nov. 29, with the Grand Rapids Symphony at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville.
So far, MercyMe has only done about eight to 10 concerts with orchestra. But if Scheuchzer had his way, all of the group’s Christmas shows would be with symphony orchestra.
“It’s a stunning experience,” he said. “To add what an orchestra brings, it makes it feel that much more like Christmas. It’s really beautiful.”
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the 7:30 p.m. concert at Resurrection Live Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW. Tickets start at $30.
Grand Rapids is the only Christmas show in the Midwest that MercyMe will perform with symphony orchestra this holiday season, making the concert an extra special experience for them.
“None of us are classically trained musicians,” said Scheuchzer, who co-founded MercyMe with vocalist Bart Millard, in 1994. “We have huge respect for what these men and women do. We stand in awe.”
Consisting of drummer Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarist Barry Graul along with Scheuchzer and Millard, MercyMe will be in Grand Rapids with a Christmas-flavored concert including songs such “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.”
When his father died in 1991, Millard, took up pen and paper to reflect on the loss.
Alone on a tour bus in the middle of the night, Millard, only 18 years old at the time, drew on his faith and gathered his thoughts about what it would be like to stand before God in heaven.
The lyrics became “I Can Only Imagine,” a song on MercyMe’s 1999 album, “The Worship Project.”
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorists attacks in 2001, the ballad soon dominated Christian radio, crossing over to mainstream radio in the next two years, spending 16 weeks in total on the Hot 100 Adult Contemporary Chart.
In 2010, “I Can Only Imagine” became the first single in the Christian genre certified platinum with over 1 million digital downloads. Four years later, it was certified double platinum with over 2 million digital downloads.
The Grammy-nominated band from Greenville, Texas, is credited with six of the top 50 Christian songs of the first decade of the 21st century, according to Billboard.
Winner of two American Music Awards, nominated for five in all, MercyMe’s hits include “Here With Me,” “Homesick” and “So Long Self,” The band was in Grand Rapids as part of the Rock and Worship Road Show that appeared in the Van Andel Arena in February 2013.
Letter by letter, fourth-grader David Espinoza read through the alphabet on flash cards. English-learner teacher Nicole Adams timed him with a stopwatch at 40 seconds. Unsatisfied, David wanted to try again.
“Last week you were only able to do it in one minute. Now 40 seconds seems slow,” Adams said.
David, a recent immigrant from Cuba who started at Gladiola Elementary School in September, tried again, hesitating at just one letter. His time: 34 seconds — a personal record. “Wow! Wow!” Adams exclaimed to a gleeful David, who wrote the time down on his data sheet.
First-grader Gustavo Aburto Ambriz shows his story to EL teacher Nicole Adams.
David is learning English letters, sounds and reading. By the end of the school year, he will be much more proficient. Adams spends time with him conversing in Spanish and English, in ways that capture his attention. David knows a lot about dinosaurs and, in Spanish, talked excitedly about a brachiosaurus. In English, he practiced words like “mouth” and “neck” while describing the prehistoric beast.
“He’s really eager to learn and not afraid to practice,” Adams said. “He will be much more fluent by the end of the year.” He has strong Spanish speaking, reading and academic skills, she said, so he’s on the right track.
Gladiola is one of only 35 schools recognized by the Michigan Department of Education for academic efforts for English learners over the past two years, and is eligible to be named a 2016 Title 1 Distinguished School in the category of Serving Special Populations (English learners). Also in the running are West Godwin Elementary in Godwin Heights Public Schools, Explorer Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools, Sibley Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Appleview Elementary in Sparta Area Schools.
The top two schools will be announced in late November and recognized at the 2017 National Title 1 Conference in Long Beach, California.
The schools have shown growth in proficiency levels with their EL population.
David Lyon, who was hired as principal last year, credits a strong culture of shared leadership in the building and strong EL instruction including a full-time EL teacher, formerly Laura VanderWerf and now Adams.
Fourth-grader David Espinoza, who is from Cuba, uses beads that correspond to questions to grow his vocabulary.
He said EL students are held to high expectations, and not not limited because of low proficiency in English, Lyon said.
“Sometimes the perception in your struggle with English is your struggle with ability. This really proves you’re a very capable student in spite of your struggles with the language,” he said.
In-depth language instruction challenges EL students in Adams’ class to really think about words. They hold colorful beads resembling a caterpillar. Each bead corresponds with different questions on the classroom wall. When David thinks about a dinosaur, for example, he goes through each bead. What does it do? What does it look like? What is it made of? What are its parts? Where does it live? And what else?
At Godwin Heights, Director of Instruction Michelle Krynicki said staff works hard to build relationships and collaborate. Oftentimes, instruction can be tweaked in classrooms to benefit all students.
“The celebration for us at West Godwin is embracing the idea that all of these learners are our responsibility,” she said.
It was the night before Thanksgiving and not a student was sitting at Wyoming’s Daniel Heintzleman Auditorium as there were costumes to sew, props to prepare, and lines to review.
This weekend, the Wyoming Theater Company presents the musical “The Addams Family.” Created by cartoonist Charles Addams as a satirical version of the ideal 20th Century American family, “The Addams Family,” with its fascination with the macabre, became a cult hit in the mid-1960s with videos, an animated TV series, books, two feature films and a 2010 Broadway musical following. It is the musical that the Wyoming High School students are set to present this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec 1 – 3.
“It is very outside the box for us,” said junior Caitlyn Bulthuis who plays Grandma. “It’s a lot bigger show than what we have normally done in the past.”
Ansleigh Hamilton as Morticia and Pablo Marcos as Gomez.
It is also quite the opposite of the children’s productions the company presented last year, said 11th grader Clayton Howell who plays Pugsley Addams. “When I first read the script, I thought it sounded like a lot of fun,” Howell said. “And of course, I could see myself playing Pugsley.”
The characters in “The Addams Family” are very distinct from the crafty, but jolly, schemer and patriarch Gomez to the “electric” personality of Uncle Fester. This means having the right set of actors to pull off such an eccentric group of characters is essential for the show, something Director Jeremy Schnotala said he found when looking at his possible cast.
“I have a pretty good group of leads, about seven, who I felt could handle the parts along with about 10 future leads in the upcoming classes,” Schnotala said. “I applied early for the rights and we actually promoted this musical in the spring to help create some buzz for it.”
“Last year I played a Twit in ‘The Twits,'” said senior Matt Bulthuis, who plays Lucas in “The Addams Family.” “This part is really different for me and I like the change as I have the freedom to act more on my own and to improvise.”
The story centers around Wednesday who, normally a cold-hearted person (her favorite doll is a headless Marie Antoinette), has fallen in love with a normal, everyday guy named Lucas. This comes much to the surprise of her family but before Wednesday will agree to marriage, the two families must meet.
“I like the music,” said senior Cianna Gomez who plays Wednesday. For most of the cast, it is the music that makes the show. Among the most recognizable songs is “When You’re an Addams.”
“The music is so much fun,” said senior Olivia Cool, who is part of the orchestra pit. “When you perform at a concert, you have to play a specific portion. With the musical, there is more variety with you being asked to add or subtract depending on what is needed.”
“I really love the jokes,” said 11th grader Melissa Hadzikic, who plays Lucas’s mother Alice Beineke. “I really like the dynamics of the two families, one that is weird and kooky and the other that is normal and regular — here they are so different and they come together to make it work.”
The cast and crew
Much like the story, it takes all kinds of people to put together the production. More than 70 Wyoming High School students are involved from acting to building costumes, from back stage to the orchestra pit.. Many of the students have worked long days since unlike many high school companies, Wyoming Theatre builds all of its items for each show, Schnotala said.
“It’s my last musical,” said Ansleigh Hamilton who wanted it indicated that she said it with a sniff. Hamilton who plays Morticia, said she has been performing since seventh grade and has loved every moment. “It’s been work but its been fun. There is a little bit of dancing and [the show] has become a great favorite.”
Grand Rapids area beer lovers this fall will again get a chance to belly up the bar and learn more about their favorite libation as the Grand Rapids Public Museum returns its Beer Explorers program starting Thursday, Dec, 15.
A sampling of beers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program — yes there is glasses of what you like available for purchase. (Supplied)
The series — which explores the roots of brewing beer with hands-on experiences related to the brewing and tasting of beer — will include programs on Jan. 12 and Feb. 16.
Classes begin at 6 p.m. and will be held on the 1st floor of the museum. Admission to each class includes general admission to the museum as well as three beer samples. A cash bar will also be available.
The December program is titled “History of Beer” and will feature museum curator Alex Forist talking about the history of beer but focused on the brewing history of Grand Rapids, as well as Michael Steil, from Founders Brewing Company, discussing the science of brewing.
The January program, “Beer Pairings”, will feature Founders experts discussion why certain beers and desserts work together. The February program, “Barrel Aging”, will focus on the process of barrel aging and how different factors affect the taste and quality of the beer.
Tickets to Beer Explorers is $8 for museum members and $18 for non-members. Participants must be 21 and older.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For tickets and more information visit grpm.org.
On Nov. 27 at 12:50 am, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a single vehicle accident on 68th St. SW east of Wilson Ave SW, in Byron Township.
Tyler Vanderwest of Wyoming was traveling eastbound on 68th St SW, when he lost control of his 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix and struck a tree. The 18-year-old was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Speed appears to be a factor and the accident remains under investigation.
For those of you who, like me, are on a mission to fill out your Beer City Brewsader Passport book by visiting all the participating Western Michigan breweries and brew pubs, the constantly growing list of brewers is a pleasant frustration.
But good news: The passport book now has an addendum adding nine additional beer stops to the original 23 locales — including Wyoming’s Kitzingen Brewery — where stamps and brews are available.
Experience Grand Rapids officially rolled out the second edition of the Beer City Passport last week. Among the new stops are Atwater GR, Bier Distillery, City Built Brewing, Creston Brewery, Elk Brewing’s Comstock Park location, Greyline Brewing Co., Schmohz Brewing Company, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker, and Fountain Hill Brewery at Grand Rapids Community College.
For those of us with a partially filled out passport already, the addendum sticks on the back of the original. But it is a little bit of a tricky maneuver, so do so before you start tasting at you next beer city stop.
The Beer City Passport, which debuted a little more than a year ago, has had more than 4,200 beer lovers get at least eight stamps and join the Brewsaders club, according to Experience GR.
“The Beer City Passport was a huge success in the first year,” Janet Korn, senior vice president of Experience GR, said in supplied material. “We created the second edition to add new craft beer locations and prepare for future breweries. When a new brewery opens, we will announce on our website if they are going to be a part of the Passport. If they are, visitors can go there and collect a stamp on one of the newly included blank pages.”
To become a Brewsader, the passport must be either take to the Welcome Center in Grand Rapids Art Museum or mailed directly to the Experience GR office. New this year, collect all 32 stamps and earn an Ultimate Brewsader wallet card which offers discounts on the Beer City merchandise at GrandRapidsStore.com and perks at local businesses.
According to Experience GR, Longwoods Intl. found that 1 percent of Western Michigan tourists come specifically for beer compared to the national average of about 5 percent.
For more information visit ExperienceGR.com/Brewsader. and join the social media conversation at #GRBrewsader.
The Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble continues its holiday tradition with the annual presentation of the “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” ballet Thanksgiving weekend.
The original ballet, based on Clement C. Moore’s familiar poem and set to traditional holiday music, features mischievous mice, dancing stockings, magical toys and Santa with his prancing reindeer, all combining to create a wonderful hour of family entertainment.
Because the show is about an hour long, it is great for any age and a nice way to introduce younger children to the arts. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE.
Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students. This show does sell out quickly. For tickets, go to careballet.org.
A nativity scene from Italy is part of the Meijer Gardens holiday display. (supplied)
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
So you ate a lot of turkey over Thanksgiving and now are looking for a place to walk it off that does not necessarily involve shopping. Head over to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline NE, which has opened its annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World.
The exhibit features more than 40 international trees and displays as well as the railway garden that meanders through four indoor garden spaces and features recreated Grand Rapids landmarks. There will be narratives and special displays from Iceland, Ghana, Germany and the countries and other counties and cultures.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 8. For more information, visit meijergardens.org.
Have Another
The popular a cappella group Straight No Chaser returns to DeVos hall Friday, Nov. 25, for its “I’ll Have Another…World Tour.”
The North American leg — which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cappella group’s foundation in 1996 and the first show at Indiana University — will be at 8 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.
The group became pYouTube sensation with is holiday performances. They have been touring since 2008 and in the past several years and in the past several years have made a departure from holiday music. This year, the group has returned to the holiday classics with its latest recording “I’ll have Another…Christmas Album.” The new album features a number of holiday classics, such as “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Winter Wonderland,” along with such songs as “Run, Run Rudolph” and “To Christmas” (The Drinking Song).
Tickets for the Straight No Chaser concert are $34.50 – $64.50. The concert does sell out quickly. for more information or for tickets, visit devosperformancehall.com.
A walk in the wintry woods
Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, is open year around and offers lots of seasonal opportunities.
Complete a self-guided hike using one of the center’s free, themed-trail day packs located at its Visitor Center or rent snowshoes for a different way to explore the nature center’s trails. There are also Blandford’s Heritage Buildings that allows visitors to take a trip back in time along with an opportunity to visit with the songbirds, birds of prey and mammals in the observation area.
Cost is $3 per person. Blandford Nature Center is open 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Monday — Friday and noon — 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information about upcoming events and activities, visit blandfordnaturecenter.org.
The saying goes that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. Unmistakably, there is a dancing intensity reflecting from the two shining panes of our coming featured guest. Raúl Alvarez is a high-octane communications strategist during the week. On the weekends, he trades his business suit for basketball shorts and plays some of the most fervent over-40 roundball in the city of Grand Rapids. He joins Alan to talk about personal identity and getting stuff done.
There are books galore in Rebecca English’s high school classroom. New and old and of many genres, they are categorized and in bins along the walls, on shelves and in a closet-turned-library.
There are also bundles of yarn stacked in a container on the floor, wooly materials to be knit into hats and mittens. Several handmade scarves hang from hooks on the wall.
When it comes to connecting with students, English does so purl by purl and page by page. She invites them into her den-like classroom for endless supplies of books and knitting needles, which she said are great mediums to get students to relax, talk and develop a sense of belonging. Their effectiveness is evidenced by teenagers who pop into the classroom to visit her during lunch every day.
They take a seat to read, eat or just start a conversation.
“When you walk into my room, kids always say it’s like walking into a big hug,” said English, who has taught at Godwin Heights High School for 23 years. “I want it to be cozy and nurturing.”
Sophomore Cecilia Montejo said she started writing poetry after being inspired by English. “You can be comfortable here. It’s a warm place inside school.”
“She has this smile on her face and is always happy,” sophomore LLuvia Fuentes said of English. “It’s full of books. It’s like the library in here.”
Three days a week at noon, the classroom becomes Knitting Club, Writing Club or Book Club, all which English advises. Over half-finished scarves, prose or verse, lots of bonding takes place.
“We talk about different situations, laugh and solve all the world’s problems,” English said.
Reaching Out to ‘Invisible’ Students
Teacher Rebecca English has more than 3,000 books.
English teaches special education English and social studies classes, and general education multicultural literature. A native of Grand Rapids, she grew up “with floor-to-ceiling bookcases” in her home. Her parents (her father was an Episcopal priest) stressed giving above everything else.
So as a teacher, English made it part of her job to do more than required. She jokes that a huge chunk of her paycheck goes toward books. Students call her an Amazon fanatic, and the staff at Schuler Books & Music know her by name.
She started the clubs — Knitting Club is in its third year, Book Club in its second, and Writing Club is new this year — to give students another way to be involved with school.
“I basically just saw a big need,” she said. “Our school offers sports, band, choir, art, but sometimes students fall through the cracks. Sometimes certain students do not feel a sense of belonging and feel disconnected from their own high school.”
English herself was once an “invisible student,” she admitted, so said she relates to those who tend to go unnoticed, those at the back of the class, not an athlete or academic superstar.
She also realized another need in Godwin Heights, a diverse district where more than 80 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch rates. “Some of our students come to school and this is their safe haven,” English said. “I think every kid wants to feel special in someone’s eyes, like someone’s caring for them.”
So her room is a sanctuary. During club sessions, students feel safe and free. “Goodbye social media for an hour. Goodbye fast-paced world. Goodbye chaos-filled minds,” English said.
English goes the extra mile in other ways. She brings groups of students to movies that are based on the books they read; she takes them shopping and to lunch. She hunts down the right book for the right student. Senior Zy Scott often spends her lunch hour in English’s classroom with a book in her hand. She didn’t even like reading much before she met English, who introduced her to “drama books,” she said.
Students in Knitting Club have ample material.
“Now I read every day,” Zy said. “She knows what kind of books I like, and we talk about them.”
Principal Chad Conklin said English’s work makes a big difference at Godwin Heights.
“Rebecca has a fantastic heart and passion for our students, and she works hard to ensure all students have an opportunity to connect to a club to build a sense of school pride and self confidence,” he said.
English, who has two daughters, even made sure one teenager had a home. “I had a student who needed a foster placement a few years ago.
Davonte ended up living with English’s parents, and now, at age 20, recently moved out on his own, she said.
“I feel kind of like that’s what I was put on Earth to do, to give back,” she said.
Advocating for Students
She is also her students’ biggest champion. In her ninth- and tenth-grade special education English class, she asks Shakespeare trivia questions. Students rattle off answers on his birthdate, wife, family and theatre. They know a lot about the Bard.
“I’d put them against anyone in the school,” she said. “They are Shakespeare experts.”
English loves to see students accomplish their goals, to see them dare to try new things. When they succeed it impacts others, she insists. In Knitting Club, they learn to make beautiful, handmade gifts and to teach others how to knit.
“The look on student’s faces when they come into the Knitting Club glowing because they were able to make a homemade Christmas gift for their family, is priceless.”
Student Edwin Daniels, also a former non-reader, talks about how he’s already read five books this year because English stocked her shelves with a series he really likes.
But getting to know English is about more than books and knowing Shakespeare, he said.
“We share in here. We share whatever. We’re different shades,” he said, about the ethnically diverse class. “(That students are different) doesn’t matter.”
What matters is the way English makes students know they are always welcome by handing them spools of yarn, a favorite novel or a comfy place to talk.
“I cannot help but smile and feel the joy,” she said. “My students have found their place.”
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