The cities of Wyoming and Kentwood participated in National Night Out with all day events and locations around each city. WKTV was there to take in the action and the community building.
City of Wyoming
Category Archives: 3-bottom
New faces move on for general election in Gaines Township
Current Gaines Township Supervsior Don Hilton, Sr. lost his bid for a seat as a township trustee at the Aug. 2 primary.
Hilton, along with five others, was seeking one of the four trustee spots on the board. Kathy Vander Stel received 1,655 votes; Tim Haagsma received 1,588 votes; Daniel Lee Frying had 1,405 votes, Angela Burnside had 1,178, Hilton had 1,064 and Eric Fouch had 984. All candidates are listed as Republicans. The top four vote getters move on to the November ballot.
The rest of the Gaines Township board positions were uncontested. Rob DeWard ran for supervisor. Crystal Asterisk ran for clerk and Laurie Lemke ran for treasurer. They were all listed as Republicans and will move on to the November election.
Currently no Democratic candidates have come forth for the township election.
Wyoming Police investigate shootings in 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW
The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into several shots being fired early this morning in the 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW.
According to a release from the department, units were dispatched to 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW in reference to several shots being fired today at approximately 5 a.m. A victim was on scene and stated he had encountered three subjects breaking into a vehicle while he was driving down the street, according to the release. One of the suspects became confrontational. The victim began driving away and then heard the gunshots and bullets striking his vehicle. He drove to a nearby business and called police. Officers located several shell casings in front of this address.
Officers checked the area and found multiple vehicle larcenies in the area. Officers came across several people in front of an address in the 1800 block of Wyoming Ave. SW. According to officers, a female handed an officer a purse stating someone showed up and said it was stolen. Officers secured the residence and took several uncooperative subjects into custody. A search warrant was executed resulting in a handgun and several stolen items being recovered.
Several individuals aged 16-18 were interviewed. Charges are pending. Although a firearm was recovered, officers are attempting to find the actual shooter. If anyone has knowledge of this incident they are asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer, 1-866-774-2345.
Wyoming Bond Proposal passes
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.
Bond Proposal – Yes
This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.
Final result: Ponstein takes 7th District Republican Primary; Allen to face Mast for 12th District
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.
Kent County Commissioner Stan Ponstein was the first to announce his victory over challenger and former Kent County Undersheriff Jon Hess last night via Facebook.
Ponstein posted “Thank you Grandville and Wyoming voters, my work for you will continue.”
For most of the night, with only half of the 13 precincts for the 7th District Kent County Commission seat reporting, Jon Hess was ahead by 50 votes. It was just before midnight when all the precincts had reported that it showed Ponstein beating out Hess for the Republican spot on the November 8 ballot, 1108 to 963.
Poinsettia’s work to keep his Kent County Commission seat is not over yet as he faces Democratic challenger Logan Arkema in the Nov. 8 general election.
The Democratic candidate for the 12th District Kent County Commission seat also was decided with Christian Allen, 166 votes, beating out Peter Hickey, who had 155 votes, and Albert S. Abbasse, who had 133 votes. Allen will face off against Republican incumbent Harold Mast in the Nov. 8 election.
All 19 Kent County Commission seats will be up for election on Nov. 8. Several of the seats had uncontested races for both the Republican and Democrat spots. For the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, the remaining Kent County Commission seats up for the general election are: District 8 Republican incumbent Harold Voorhees and Democratic challenger Franklin Cornielle; District 9 Republican incumbent Matt Kallman and Democratic challenger Keith F. Courtade; District 13 Republican Jessica Ann Tyson and Democratic Betsy Melton (District 13 incumbent Dick Vander Molen is not seeking re-election).
All election numbers are from the Kent County Election Returns.
Postler and Postema win 2nd and 3rd Ward in Primary Election
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.
The City Council election is non-partisan. The top two will advance to the general election in November with the winner earning a seat on the Wyoming City Council.
Wyoming 2nd Ward
Wyoming 3rd Ward
Johnson and Shoemaker win 72nd District; Brann wins 77th District in primary
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.
It will be the battle of the Steves for the 72nd District State House of Representative seat as Republican Steven Johnson and Democrat Steve Shoemaker will face off in the Nov. 8 general election.
Steven Johnson, a Wayland resident, came out on top of a field of five candidates all vying for the Republican spot in yesterday’s primary on the November general ballot. Johnson had 2,257 votes with restaurant owner Tony Noto coming in with 1,758 votes followed by school teacher Ryan Gallingly with 1,555. Bill Hirsch had 1,367 votes and Kentwood resident Robert Coughlin finished with 646 votes.
The 72nd District includes the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County and Leighton Township, Wayland Township, Dorr, Township and the City of Wayland in Allergen County. The seat is currently held by Ken Yonker, who is vacating due to term limits.
The race for the seat was tight with Noto actually defeating Johnson by less than 100 votes in Kent County. However, Johnson secured a strong lead in his home county of Allegan where he finished the night with more than 600 votes ahead of Noto.
In the 77th District State House of Representatives race, restauranteur Tommy Brann beat out business owner Frank Murin for the Republican spot. Brann had 6,752 votes to Murin’s 755. Brann will face off against Democrat candidate Dana Knight for the seat being vacated by Thomas Hooker due to term limits. Hooker actually ran a successful bid against long-time Byron Supervisor Audrey Nevins Weiss. Hooker received 2,699 votes and Weiss had 1,469.
The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming.
Stelma wins Sheriff race in Primary
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well informed and more involved in local matters.
With more than a 20,000-vote lead, current Kent County Sheriff Lawrence Stelma secured his spot yesterday as the Republican candidate for the sheriff position in the November general election.
Stelma beat out three Republican challengers in yesterday’s primary election. He received 27,382 votes with the next closest candidates being Timothy Lewis with 6,539 and John Stedman with 6,464. Stacey Browe received 3,830 votes.
Stelma will face off against Democrat challenger Michael B. Scruggs in the Nov. 8 general election.
The remaining Kent County offices had uncontested races for both Republicans and Democrats. Those vying for spots in the November general election are Republican Chris Beck and Democrat Alida Bryant for prosecuting attorney; Republican Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Democrat Chris Reader for clerk/register of deeds; Republican Ken Parrish and Democrat Jody Betten for Treasurer and Republican Ken Yonker and Democrat Rachel Hood for Drain Commissioner.
For the 17th Circuit Court Judge, Curt Benson had the largest number of votes with 18,867. Joe Rossi had 16,923 and Thomas Murray, Jr. had 12,107. The two top vote getters, Benson and Rossi, will face off in the general election.
National Night Out a huge success in Wyoming, Kentwood
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
The mayors and police officers from both Kentwood and Wyoming kicked off National Night Out activities in the wee hours of the morning at Consumers Energy, 4000 Clay Ave. SW.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley were joined by officials from Rockford, Walker, and Grand Rapids at the Consumers Energy location for the annual reading of the official National Night Out proclamation which all the participating communities’ governing boards have approved.
Established in 1984 with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Night Out marks its 33rd year. The event’s goals are to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
“This is an opportunity for people to get to know their neighbors,” said Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody. “When I was young, your community and the people you knew were your neighbors as people spent time on the front porch.”
Today, people are more transient with individuals and families moving in and out of a community on a regular basis. Neighborhood groups are still the main “eyes and ears” of a community, Carmody said adding that Neighborhood Watch groups are helpful in preventing crime before it even happens.
National Night Out is administered by the National Association of Town Watch. The National Association of Town Watch officials have indicated that the 2016 National Night Out event could be the largest ever, involving about 38.3 million people in more than 16,700 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
For 22 consecutive years, Consumers Energy has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch as the recipient of the National Electric Utility Award.
The Wyoming Consumers Energy location has served as the early morning kick-off to the local activities with police cars from various municipalities on hand as early as 5 a.m. Two large Consumers Energy trucks also were on site with buckets extended above U.S. 131.
“We appreciate the support we receive from our cities and law enforcement agencies not only for this annual event, but during every day of the year,” said Guy Packard Consumers Energy vice president of electric operations. “We feel it’s very important to show our appreciation of police officers across our state.”
Feel Like You Belong: Khalid Karadsheh
By: Alan Headbloom – Feel Like You Belong
Whether you’re from Africa, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe, nothing says “home” more than finding the foods that give you comfort. Enter Jordanian-born Khalid Karadsheh, co-owner of Mediterranean Island grocery in southeast Grand Rapids. For two decades, Khalid has provided thousands of imported foodstuffs to his diverse and growing clientele. He talks with Alan about his love of food, pride in his Arab roots, and affection for his adopted American homeland.
Alan Headbloom hosts Feel Like You Belong, a show filmed at WKTV focused on sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States.
The journey ends as District 9 falls to West 5-3 at the Big League World Series
By: Mike DeWitt
District 9 battled their way back from the bottom of the bracket at the Big League World Series but fell to West in a back-and-forth game that ended the team’s quest for a championship.
In a rematch of District 9’s first tournament game, a 3-0 loss, District 9 battled from an early 2-0 lead after West drove in two runs in the first inning. The score remained until Jarod Nickel made contact and brought home Drew Hernandez on a fielder’s choice. John Corey would strike out on the next at bat, but District 9 had finally found a groove in the batters box.
Two innings later, in the bottom of the sixth, Bruce Buurstra knotted the score at two with a line drive to right field that brought Jace Beatty home. Two batters later, Corey hit a sacrifice bunt to bring Brendan Oosse home and gave District 9 a 3-2 lead with one inning to play.
However, the lead would be short-lived as West scored on an error and then on a sacrifice fly by Kawena Alo Kaonohi that scored Shadd Santo and gave West the lead for good.
District 9 had one final chance in the bottom of the seventh that was quickly squashed due to two strikeouts and a groundout to the pitcher.
While the end result wasn’t what District 9 was hoping for, the boys had a fantastic tournament that started with four straight shutouts in the Regional Tournament and extended to the semifinals of the United States Bracket at the Big League World Series.
‘Studio Brew: The Colors of Beer’ celebrates the art of brewing
The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) will present Studio Brew: The Colors of Beer to celebrate the art of brewing through the visual arts, drawing its inspiration from an integral quality of beer: its color. Studio Brew will run August 11 through October 30, 2016.
The MMA invited 26 Michigan artists to produce artworks in their choice of media that replicate a single hue from the SRM scale for measuring the color of beer (SRM is a scale for measuring the color intensity of a beer). From pale amber ales to dark stouts, the SRM encompasses a range of rich oranges, yellows, reds, and browns. The result is an exhibition of paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, and sculpture that lead the viewer through the colors of beer.
For the viewer, the exhibition is an experiment in fun, an opportunity to experience art through the lens of the familiar and popular act of drinking a finely crafted beer. For fans of Michigan art, the show allows viewers to see how artists solve the creative challenge of making an artwork that must, when viewed from a distance, communicate a single color. The show is, in the end, a reminder of the joy of creating, be it art or a microbrew.
The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, August 11, from 5:30-7 pm. After the reception, brew masters Chad Doane and Ryan “Rhino” Wasson from Muskegon’s Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, will discuss their craft as part of the opening event.
Studio Brew participating artists are: Richard Aardsma, Lisa Ambrose, Nick Antonakis, Douglas Baker, Diann Marie Bartnick, Sue Boehme, Robyn Bomhof, Bill Chardon, Patricia Constantine, Topher Crowder, Adam Dahlstrom, Thomas A. Depree, Erin Hoffmann, Lori Hough, Sue Line, Billy Mayer, Cara O’Brien, Patricia Opel, Michael Peoples, the late T.L. Pfliger, Frederic A. Reinecke, J. Arthur Sanders, Tom Tomasek, Paul Van Heest, Kathleen VanDeMark, and David Warmenhoven.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., between 2nd & 3rd Streets in downtown Muskegon. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org or call 231.720.2570 for visitor information. The MMA is closed on Mondays.
Sign up now for the 3rd Annual Buck Creek Cleanup on Aug. 13
Time to give the creek some love!
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Buck Creek Cleanup, which will be held this year on Saturday, August 13 from 8 am to noon and includes a free lunch. Check in at Lemery Park (4212 Byron Center Ave. SW in Wyoming) at 8 am.
Spend the morning cleaning up trash along and in Buck Creek while meeting new friends. Start with a Biggby coffee and Marge’s Donut Den breakfast, meet your team leader to get directions and a super cool t-shirt, then head out to various sites along the creek.
Car pool with your neighbors and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, comfortable shoes, waders, or boots are great. (Flip-flops are poison ivy-friendly.) Bring bug spray and a reusable water bottle (stainless steel is eco-friendly.) Gloves will be provided unless you have a favorite pair. Supervised children are welcome.
All volunteers are invited to an Osgood Brewing lunch, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.
Contact Pete Miller 517.420.4003 for more information or to sign up, or go here to register. For more info, go here.
This event is being organized by Schrems Trout Unlimited and the newly formed Friends of Buck Creek. Friends of Buck Creek is a group of concerned residents, businesses and governmental units that are interested in improving Buck Creek. Buck Creek is more than 20 miles long,and has an approximate watershed area of 50 square miles. Currently Buck Creek is a cold water resource that is highly threatened because of its urban nature.
District 9 tops Southwest to move on in Big League World Series
By: Mike DeWitt
Statistical information for this story was Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
After staying dormant in a tournament open loss to West, District 9’s offense came alive against Southwest, producing five runs in the first three innings to coast to a 5-1 victory. Bruce Buurstra went 3-3 at the plate with an RBI.
Pitching stayed a strength for District 9 as Bennett Norry allowed only two hits and no earned runs while striking out four batters during his 4 2/3 innings of work. Bruce Buurstra and Mark Primus finished out the rest of the game with an inning each. Southwest only managed one run due to an error.
District 9 scored one run on a groundout by Brendan Oosse in the first inning. Two more runners were brought home in the second when a sacrifice fly by Jarod Nickel brought home Buurstra. In the third, Buurstra singled to bring home Isaiah House to start the inning.
With the win, District 9 moves on in the double-elimination tournament to play South Carolina on Friday night at 7:30pm.
Visions of Venice
By Lynn Strough
When words simply won’t do… Lynn Strough takes us on a visual journey of Venice.
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About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman 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
Reprinted with permission
Tree Amigos realize goal, City of Wyoming establishes Tree Commission
In a unanimous vote, Wyoming City Commissioners approved a resolution last week to establish a Wyoming Tree Commission, which is designed to promote healthy tree coverage and variation of tree species in the City of Wyoming. The move was prompted by a group of Wyoming citizens called The Tree Amigos, who have been working with City leadership since February to establish a platform to become a Tree City USA.
By establishing an official city tree commission, Wyoming has taken the first step to becoming a Tree City USA.
Members of the Wyoming Tree Commission include:
• Bill Brown, resident arborist
• Greg Bryan, former city commissioner who spearheaded The Tree Amigos’ efforts
• Lauren Davis, resident arborist
• Lee Groth, Godwin Neighborhood Watch
• Lenny Guiliano, Oriole Park Neighborhood Watch
• Pam Jurick, Grenadier neighborhood resident
• Stelle Slootmaker, Oriole Park neighborhood resident
“We are thrilled with the council’s unanimous vote,” Slootmaker said. “The designation as Tree City USA will help promote Wyoming as being a great place to live and work.”
Established in 1976, Tree City USA is a nationwide program that provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees. There are currently more than 3,400 communities in the country that have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA, including 123 in Michigan. To become a Tree City USA, municipalities must have:
• A tree care ordinance
• An Arbor Day proclamation
• A community forestry program with a $2-per-capita operating budget
• A tree board, department or citizen committee
Tree City USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Slootmaker at TreeAmigosWyoming@gmail.com.
For more information, call the City of Wyoming at 616.530.7272 or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. Follow the City on Twitter @WyomingCityHall and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming.
Wine connoisseurs have an abundance of choices this summer
Thanks to tremendous growth in Michigan wine and a spike in both quantity and quality of vineyards and wineries, West Michigan’s wine culture has quickly evolved into a tour de force with people around the world coming to try these new wine offerings. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy local wine by attending events, scheduling a tour or bringing home a bottle or two from these local wineries.
South
The Lansing Area has numerous downtown restaurants and they love to bring wines from around the world to Michigan. You can sample fares ranging from local wineries to some from within the United States and even other countries. Either way, you’re getting a diverse lineup of fantastic wines each with their own history and distinct style.
Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks offers two wine-influenced spirits. The Kissing Cousins is a Featherbone Bourbon that is aged for 15 months in their barrels and then an additional six in used wine barrels. Journeyman’s Fine Girl Brandy is distilled from Vidal Blanc grapes grown at St. Julian Winery before being aged in Last Feather Rye Whiskey barrels. You’ll find a unique take on wine here.
Dablon Winery & Vineyards in Baroda is a must visit in Southwest Michigan. They have a gorgeous tasting room and events throughout the summer. You can also take a tour with one of their winemakers through their vineyard, barrel room and wine production area. There is live music throughout the summer so that you can have a soundtrack to your tastings. Sip these handcrafted, estate-grown and -produced wines this summer.
Every month there is something happening on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. This July, enjoy some of the newest additions to the trail such as Cogdal Vineyards, Dablon Winery & Vineyards and Vineyard 2121. Wineries are close enough that you can enjoy two or three and come back next time for a few different ones. Get more out of your wine trips with a day on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
Central
Muskegon has a great recurring event for wine lovers: The Art & a Glass event is your Thursday Happy Hour! Every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, grab a glass and check out some of the great art pieces at the Muskegon Museum of Art. General admission is free during this event so this is a great opportunity to discover your local museum at no cost.
Bygone Basics Cooking School located at Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast in Montague will host their Pasta & Pinot event on July 23rd and 31st. Here, you’ll be able to learn how to make fresh pasta by hand! Enjoy a glass of wine there or bring your own. This event is all about the pasta, but wine is more than welcome as you cook and eat your pasta creation.
Downtown Ludington loves its wines. They have a boutique winery, tasting room and gift shop located right in the heart of downtown Ludington. They love their local and unique wines as they match their creations to the seasons.
Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids offers over 100 wines by the glass in addition to their extensive bottle list. It has been recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten places in the country offering wine flights. Pair your favorite wine with one of their locally sourced dishes for a great evening of wining and dining with friends and family.
North
Black Star Farms in Traverse City has fun and unique experiences built around their wine. One of these is their Sunrise Sundays: Yoga in the Vines which is every Sunday in July. Enjoy one hour of gentle yoga followed by a special six-flight wine tasting. Following yoga, you will head over to their tasting room where you’ll be guided through your flight. If yoga isn’t your style, you can sample visit their tasting room where their helpful staff will help you explore their range of wines.
Hotel Walloon’s Wine Maker’s Weekend is November 4th and 5th. This year’s event will feature Adelsheim Vineyards from Williamette, Oregon. The meet and greet will be on Friday, November 4th while the dinner at Walloon Lake Inn will be on Saturday, November 5th.
Douglas Valley in Manistee transforms 640 acres into a sustainable vineyard community. At the center of Douglas Valley is their town square and winery, surrounded on all sides by orchards, vineyards and farms. The rolling hills and panoramic view of Lake Michigan adds a rhythm of nature that is remains unparalleled to this day.
Blustone Vineyard in Lake Leelanau started 20 years ago when the owner’s family visited the area for the first time. They quickly fell in love with the lakes, dunes, hills and fields. Now, the area is home to their vineyard and winery. Their love for family and this amazing part of Northern Michigan reflects in every glass of their wine.
Bellaire offers family-owned wineries with the scenic views of the area. Views such as Lake Bellaire, Torch Lake, and the vineyards where your favorite wines are produced will act as the backdrop to your perfect summer evening. Enjoy a glass or two as you spend time with friends and family.
Charlevoix has helped put Northern Michigan on the map for its famous wines. They have several locations that offer complimentary wine tasting including their Farmer’s Market every Thursday morning. There is even a specialty store that sells unique and hard-to-find wines both local and internationally.
With a wine and mead tasting room in Beulah, St. Ambrose Cellars takes the ancient beverages of mead and wine and gives them a modern twist. They pride themselves on being a family friendly destination and are a must-see destination the next time you vacation up north. They’re pushing boundaries with their innovations in both flavor and process.
Situated on 190 acres of farm in Petoskey, Rudbeckia Winery is nestled in the rolling hills of the “Up North.” The winery has a beautiful view of both Lake Michigan and Walloon Lake. Of course, the main draw is their wine. They specialize in creating limited quantity, delicious artisanal wines that is a must taste for any enthusiast.
A visit to the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula is the perfect summer getaway. Enjoy nine unique wineries as you make your way through this beautiful part of our great state. The wineries include stunning views, tasting rooms, decks, hospitality and their signature wines.
More West Michigan Wineries
South
- Henderson Castle Inn and Winery, Kalamazoo
- Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council, Lansing
- Fenn Valley Vineyards, Fennville
- White Pine Winery, St. Joseph
- Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, Baroda
- St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw
- Crane’s Pie Pantry, Restaurant & Winery, Fennville
- Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Johns
- Contessa Wine Cellars, Coloma
- McIntosh Apple Orchards & Winery, South Haven
- Lawton Ridge Winery, Kalamazoo
- Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Buchanan
- Round Barn Winery, Baroda
- 12 Corners Vineyards, Benton Harbor
- Cogdal Vineyards, South Haven
Central
- Lemon Creek Winery & Tasting Room, Grand Haven
- Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
- Kayla Rae Cellars, Rockford
- Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids
- Cascade Winery, Grand Rapids
- Muskegon Farmers Market, Muskegon
North
- Bonobo Winery, Traverse City
- Peninsula Cellars, Traverse City
- Chateau de Leelanau, Suttons Bay
- Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City
- Willow Vineyards, Suttons Bay
- Boathouse Vineyards, Lake Leelanau
- Shady Lane Cellars, Suttons Bay
- Hawthorne Vineyards, Traverse City
- Chateau Chantal, Traverse City
- Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Cedar
- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, Suttons Bay
- Left Foot Charley, Traverse City
- Michigan BrewVine, Traverse City
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Traverse City
- 45 North Vineyard and Winery, Lake Leelanau
- TC Brew Bus, Traverse City
Kendall fashion students get inspired by Grand Rapids Public Museum collection
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is partnering with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion to open a new fashion exhibit, “Inspired Style,” on Aug. 6. This new exhibit is a collaborative fashion project, where students used the Museum’s fashion collection for inspiration to create new, modern interpretations of the historic pieces.
Nine students each chose a garment from the Museum’s collections from different decades spanning the 1850s to 1950s. Their new pieces incorporate elements of the historic garments into their own original work, resulting in a modern artistic interpretation.
Visitors will be able to examine the various details of both the students’ pieces and the historic garments they drew inspiration from.
This exhibit will open in the GRPM’s Circle Theater, located on the Museum’s third floor, on Saturday, Aug. 6 and run through Jan. 8, 2017. Admission to this exhibit will be included with general admission to the Museum.
The GRPM’s extensive clothing collection offers a significant and multi-faceted view of the social, cultural and fashion history of the Midwestern United States. Since the GRPM began collecting in 1854, it has amassed a comprehensive collection of more than 10,000 clothing items, with strengths in fashionable garments from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is especially strong in the areas of women’s clothing, wedding attire, uniforms, items with local provenance and unique special function items, such as women’s athletic wear. Currently, most of these collection items are stored in the GRPM’s climate-controlled archives.
Working with KCAD’s Fashion Studies students is one way the GRPM is making its extensive Collections an open and accessible community resource. Students have learned through these artifacts by studying not just the garments but the social environment and circumstances during which the original garments were created.
“By opening up this amazing connection to our history, the Public Museum allowed our students to explore fashion from a social perspective in addition to the technical and creative aspects of garment design,” said Assistant Professor and KCAD Fashion Studies Program Chair Lori Faulkner. “It was an immersive experience which will guide our students to be intentional in their design process, informing and enhancing their work.”
“It is exciting to partner with the KCAD’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion students to be able to use our Collections in a new and exciting way,” said Andrea Melvin, collections curator at the GRPM. “Our fashion Collection is one of the most expansive collections we have, and we are always looking for fun ways to share more of what we have with the community; this exhibit is doing just that.”
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.
Call to Makers Extended to August 10 for the Grand Rapids Maker Faire
By: Kate Moore
Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire announced today that the Call to Makers for the 3rd annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire has been an extended! Makers now have until Wednesday, August 10 to sign up to showcase what they have invented or are making. This year’s Maker Faire will be August 20 & 21 held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and nearby Grand Valley State University’s John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering.
Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at makerfairegr.com. Spots are first come, first serve basis with openings inside both the GRPM and GVSU as well as outside on the GRPM’s lawn. This year’s Maker Faire expects to see over 7,000 visitors throughout the two-day event.
Featuring both established and emerging local “makers,” the Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration featuring tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. Visitors will see installations from local West Michigan inventors, innovators and tinkerer, as well as makers traveling greater distances to showcase.
The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 21. Tickets are available for purchase at makerfairegr.org with $2 off per ticket through Friday, August 12.
Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.
The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by the GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Follow the development of the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page.
MOPAR enthusiasts… rev your engines July 30
The resounding answer will be “YEAH, it’s got a Hemi!” during the 28th annual MOPARS at the Red Barns Show and Swap Meet that takes place at the Gilmore Car Museum, 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, Mich. on Saturday, July 30 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Presented by the West Michigan Mopar Club, this family-friendly car show and swap meet is the region’s largest all-Chrysler products event of its type. More than 350 Mopars—Chrysler Corporation’s name for its product lines that include Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, DeSoto and Imperial—will take over the Gilmore Car Museum historic campus. The show is open to all Chrysler-powered vehicles of all eras, including muscle cars, antiques, street rods and trucks.
This year’s event honors the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler Street Hemi, as well as the 40th Anniversary of the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare.
The iconic Charger, introduced in 1966 as a two-door, fastback hardtop, dominated NASCAR in 1969. Ten years later, the 
orange “General Lee” sped onto TV screens in the CBS hit Dukes of Hazzard.
When it comes to muscle cars, the 426-HEMI has obtained legendary status. It was 50 years ago that it first became available on civilian production cars and went on to help define an era and set the question, “That thing got a Hemi?” into our memories.
In 1976, the all-new models Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare were designed to be more upscale than their predecessors, Dart and Valiant. Motor Trend magazine named them the “Best Buy of the Day” and followed that up with awarding both as “Car of the Year.”
Saturday’s event promises to be the largest Mopar gathering in the Midwest as it fills the show fields at the Gilmore Car Museum. Whether your dream machine is a Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, or a vintage DeSoto or Imperial, you’re sure to find it—or that hard to find part needed to finish your project car—at MOPARS at the RED BARNS car show and swap meet on Saturday, July 30.
Participants can show their Mopar powdered vehicles for $20 each, while the general public will be admitted for only $12.00 per person. That includes visiting the entire Gilmore Car Museum campus and all exhibits at no extra charge, and those under 11 are FREE!
The Gilmore Car Museum—North America’s Largest Auto Museum—is located just 20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo on M-43 and Hickory Road. You can learn more about the Museum and its events at www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call 269.671.5089 for more information.
The 28th annual MOPARS at the Red Barns Show and Swap Meet will be sure to please as West Michigan’s largest all-Chrysler products car show, featuring over 350 muscle cars, plus antiques and special interest vehicles!
For those on the show field, there will be a chance for 84 trophies in 28 classes, covering virtually ALL MOPARS! Plus, special awards will also be given for Best of Show, Class of 1966 in honor of the Gilmore Car Museum’s 50th Anniversary, Best Club Participation, Longest Distance, Dodge Charger & Street Hemi 50th Anniversary, and Aspen/Volare 40th Anniversary. The car show will also include a large swap meet, food vendors, a beverage tent, and live music! For more information please contact the West Michigan Mopar Club at wmmccommander@aol.com.
Exhibitor Admission: $20.00 per vehicle w/two persons
24/7 Information Line: 269.664.5595
Going Local: Daniele’s Pizzeria
By: Mike DeWitt
Before Joanne left on vacation she made one request — pull Daniele’s Pizzeria out of the Going Local hat until she came back. I had to remind her that we run a legit operation here at WKTV News. We couldn’t let a personal request ruin the integrity of our newest feature. The name would stay in the hat and the Going Local Gods would decide our next locale.
Fast forward a few days and the hat made its decision… Daniele’s Pizzeria! Sorry, Joanne.
Four weeks into Going Local and the flavors have been all over the map. My tastebuds have taken a trip from Chinese, to barbecue, to Mediterranean, and now pizza. It’s a world tour right here in Wyoming and Kentwood.
While our last three locations were all sit-down restaurants, Daniele’s Pizzeria located at 846 52nd street is built for takeout and deliveries. There is a small bar area inside that seats up to four and one table outdoors if you wanted to stay and eat, but a majority of patrons choose takeout or delivery. Their hours are also geared towards dinnertime as they don’t open until 4pm throughout the week.
Scanning over the menu, Daniele’s makes more than just pizza. They have dinners with spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and manicotti, wings and appetizers, stuffed riceballs called arancini, salads, subs and dessert. It’s a small operation, but it packs a lot of punch. With all of those options, we chose to keep it classy and original — a deluxe pizza and cheesy bread.
The deluxe pizza came with mozzarella cheese, ham, sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and they did not skimp at all on the toppings. The pizza was packed with toppings all the way to the crust line. I measure a pizzas quality on how well the cheese stays on the crust. There is nothing more frustrating that picking up a slice and having all of the cheese and toppings fall off and land in the box. Daniele’s passed with flying colors as the cheese stayed on the pizza. It’s the little things.
When it comes to pizza, it’s almost impossible to make a bad pie, but you KNOW when you eat a good one. Daniele’s pizza is in that category with their flavor, crust texture, amount of cheese and toppings, and the richness of the sauce. The pizza came out to just under $15 and easily fed three of us.
No pizza is complete without the cheesy bread to accompany it. First off, the cheesy bread is a generous size with 16 pieces of thick, fluffy bread. It is well seasoned and adds the perfect side complement to the pizza for an added five dollars.
Overall, Daniele’s Pizzeria makes wonderful pizza and needs to be tasted if you consider yourself a pizza lover. While the pizza was great, there are two things on the menu that I need to try. The arancini, or deep-fried riceballs, look and sound exceptional. Honestly, I’m bummed I didn’t order one along with the pizza. There is also one other gem on their menu that is only available Monday through Wednesday and it’s called the D-Burger. It’s a 1/2 pound sausage patty sandwiched between two 7-inch pepperoni pizzas.
Joanne, when you come back we’ll need to put the D-Burger in the hat. It’s a perfect creation that is begging to be devoured.
Post Script
Just my luck, I missed out on yet another Going Local foray. So far, I’ve missed China City, Le Kabob and now, Danieles. But who’s counting? So, maybe the food gods are being brutal but Mike, ever the gentleman, kindly saved one piece of pizza pie for me to try — along with several slices of cheesy bread — and that I surely did. I find that the proof of a pizza is in heating it up again the next day.
Our microwave here at work isn’t the greatest, and I unintentionally left the pizza slice heating for a bit too long. (I just can’t win!) I can say this, however: The cheese still stayed on the pie, and the crust was scrumptious. I’m not a fan of sausage, but the other toppings were flavorful and satiated my hungry belly. The cheesy bread was amazing, even the second day.
Joanne, when you come back, we’ll need to get another pizza pie and try the arancini.
Renée Stout: ‘Tales of the Conjure Woman’ opens at KIA July 23
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) opens a new exhibition on July 23: Renée Stout: Tales of the Conjure Woman. The artist will visit the KIA for a reception and exhibition preview Thursday, July 21, 5:30-7:30. The event is open to the public and included with $5 admission.
“Tales of the Conjure Woman offers a peek into a world ruled by superstition and ancestral wisdom,” said Karla Niehus, Associate Curator of Exhibitions. “Stout’s work explores African cultural and spiritual traditions with humor and affection, through her alter-ego Fatima Mayfield — a New Orleans herbalist and fortuneteller. Visitors will step into the illusion of another time and place to enjoy ‘artifacts’ of conjuring and hoodoo practices.
Stout explores an underground system of African-derived folk beliefs, transmitted from slavery to the present, which have morphed and adapted to cultural conditions including plantation life, Christianity and the modern urban existence. Through found objects, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, glassblowing, installation and compelling storytelling, Stout creates a lair where Fatima helps people get where they want to be, using charms, amulets, powders, oils, goofer dust*, candles and roots. One client may be looking for love while another seeks good luck with the lottery, but there is always trouble to be managed.
Stout has said, “The thing that continues to influence my interest in the history of root-working and conjure is that it hasn’t been as fully researched and documented in the way other belief systems in the world have been … It’s my way of honoring the ancestors.”
“Renée Stout has been exploring this conjuring cosmology through her art since the 1980s,” said Niehus. “Through her art, we are provided a lens through which we can view some of the rich traditions and cultural practices of African America.”
*Goofer dust is a compound used by Southern root doctors and conjures to work Enemy Tricks. A proprietary mix of graveyard dirt, sulphur powder, rattlesnake skin and powdered herbs, goofer dust is alleged to jinx an enemy in family, money, job and health matters.
About the artist
Renée Stout grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in 1980. Originally trained as a painter, she moved to Washington, D.C. in 1985 where she began to explore the spiritual roots of her African-American heritage through her work. Her exhibition history includes solo shows at Hemphill Fine Arts in Washington, D.C.; The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, LA; David Beitzel Gallery in New York, NY and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Stout has been included in group exhibitions at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh; The Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore; the High Museum of Art in Atlanta; and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.; among several others. She has been the recipient of awards from The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Foundation, the Bader Fund, The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation and the High Museum’s Driskell Prize. Most recently, Renée Stout received the 2012 Janet and Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize.
Farm Market Recipe of the Week: Blueberry Maple Muffins
Blueberry-Maple Muffins
Makes: 12 muffins
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
1/3 cup whole flaxseeds
1 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup nonfat buttermilk, (see Tip)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
2. Grind flaxseeds in a spice mill (such as a clean coffee grinder) or dry blender. Transfer to a large bowl. Add whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking
powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; whisk to blend. Whisk eggs and maple syrup in a medium bowl until smooth. Add buttermilk, oil, orange zest,
orange juice and vanilla; whisk until blended.
3. Make a well in the dry ingredients and stir in the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Scoop the batter into the
prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with sugar.
4. Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly, 15 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly.
Tips & Notes
No buttermilk? You can use buttermilk powder prepared according to package directions. Or make “sour milk”: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.
Nutritional Information
Per muffin: 208 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 36 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 3 g fiber; 184 mg sodium; 149 mg potassium.
New Mini Exhibit ‘An Olympic View’ Opening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
By: Kate Moore
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today the new mini exhibit An Olympic View will open July 23rd. With the Summer Olympics arriving soon, this exhibit celebrates the history of the Games, athletes from Grand Rapids, as well as the Brazil, the 2016 host.
This year is the first year the Olympics will take place in a South American country. An Olympic View allows visitors to learn more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil leading up to and during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Visitors will learn about Ancient Greek history and see Ancient Greek artifacts that are part of the GRPM’s Collections. Other artifacts include insect jewelry, Brazilian coins, ancient Greek Lekythos as well as much more.
In the modern era, 12 athletes from Grand Rapids have competed in Olympic Games. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about each of these 12 athletes, their sport and if they were Olympic medalists. In An Olympic View visitors will explore the locations of the modern Olympic Games. Visitors will pose as a gold medalist in this year’s Olympics in an interactive photo opportunity.
Admission to the mini exhibit An Olympic View will be included with general admission to GRPM. This exhibit will be on display from July 23 – August 21, 2016, coinciding with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.
The Museum plans to showcase several mini-exhibitions, or pop-up exhibits, each year. They are modeled after pop-up stores, and are intended to be shorter in duration, showcase something new, tie into national and current events and showcase the GRPM’s Collections on a routine basis to the community. For further details visit grpm.org.
Couch Surfing in Treviso, Italy
By Lynn Strough
What do you do when you want to go to Venice, but the hotels are way out of your budget, and you’d really rather get to know the locals anyway, than stay in an anonymous hotel in a crazy tourist area?
You try couch surfing!
Couch surfing is more of a cultural exchange than a free place to stay. True, there is no charge (although it’s suggested that you bring your host a small gift, or cook them a meal). If you are not familiar with couch surfing, go to the website for all kinds of information. You become a member (free, or a nominal charge if you want to be “verified”) and then you can host or surf or both. It’s not like a home exchange, you can surf and not host, or host and not surf, and it’s a fantastic way to meet people from all different cultures and make travel more affordable, too.
I unofficially couch surfed at the beginning of my trip in 2014, staying with a woman in Australia that I’d never met, and then with several of her friends. But this was my first official couch surf using the Couch Surfing site. And what a great experience it turned out to be!
My host, Tiziana, an Italian woman about my age, welcomed me with a smile and a big hug, and whisked me off to a huge, late night party where I was the only non-local and non-Italian, and I got to try my very first “spritz,” (prosecco and Aperol). The next night she invited her Couch Surfing friends, both hosts living in the area, as well as their guests, to a dinner at her home to welcome me.
She cooked her grandmother’s pasta recipe for me (I cooked for her as well, although it’s not my area of expertise, so I also gave her a watercolor that I’d painted, and took her out for lunch). She showed me around the city of Treviso, where we dined like the locals in a restaurant full of old phones, checked out the market, and she showed me the architecture as well as telling me a little about the city’s history –- Treviso is known as home of the famous Pinarello bikes.
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I did get to go visit Venice for two of the days that I stayed in Treviso, once on my own, and once with a couple of lovely young couch-surfing girls from Germany. Typically, a couch surf is for one to three days, and Tiziana had agreed to host me for two. But we were having so much fun that she kept extending the invitation to stay longer. We still had to go wine tasting, she told me.
The area is known for its famous prosecco, and we were told to go to a small, boutique winery known for the best. It’s the kind of place where the owner is also the winemaker and tasting room host in his home, with old family portraits on the walls. His mother and daughter came to say hello, and we were given several wines to taste. We were not only not charged, but when we tried to buy some wine to take with us, he insisted on giving it as a gift. There was even a small sculpture garden nearby that he and his daughter showed us on our way out.
But the fun didn’t end there. Also nearby was a tiny but famous restaurant, where there are no employees; you just help yourself to what you want –- bread, cheese, wine, charcuterie, hard boiled eggs –- and then you check yourself out on their register. In the barn attached to the restaurant, a couple of cows lay snoozing, and the view outside where the few tables lay scattered is spectacular.
One of the other local couch surfing hosts invited me to a dinner with even more couch surfing guests. We all pitched in to help with the cooking. Francesco taught us how to play cards, a game called Buracco, and we realized that out of the group of us, we were from six different countries, including Italy, France, Romania, Azerbaijan, Albania, and the U.S.
It’s nice to help pay for gas when your host takes you touring places, and also to offer to help around the house, like doing dishes, cooking prep, laundry, or whatever special skills you might have to offer.
Tiziana asked me to help her out with my art skills and create a sign for her school where she teaches English, and I was happy to oblige. We visited her school, which had just let out for the summer, and she introduced me to some of her colleagues, and provided me with endless amounts of art supplies. Again, not your typical tourist experience.
My couch surfing experience was so amazing that I lined up my next couch surf while still in Treviso –- next stop? Paris!
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman 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
Reprinted with permission
It’s all about the ‘play’ at Kentwood Parks and Recreation
It is probably most fitting that the month of July is Parks and Recreation Month. The only full month of summer when the weather is nice enough to be outside and do something. And for many individuals, the best place to do that something is at a local park.
So in honor of July being Parks and Recreation Month, I decided —in a two-part series — to check out what is happening in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood when it comes to parks and recreation.
This piece focuses on Kentwood. To check out the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department story, click here.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Come and play is the mantra of the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department as it launched one of its newest programs this year, Positive Leadership Activities for Your or P.L.A.Y!
During the week, the P.L.A.Y! mobile vehicle visits one of five Kentwood parks: Veterans Park on Monday; Northeast Park on Tuesday; Home Acres Park on Wednesday; Kelloggswoods Park on Thursday and Pinewood Park on Friday. P.L.A.Y! coordinators bring games, art supplies, and every ball imaginable —basketballs, soccer balls, gym balls, footballs — with the goal of providing free, fun activities for area students.
“It is designed to give kids something to do during the summer,” said Scott Cogswell, one of the P.L.A.Y! leaders who also has background in elementary physical education and runs a ski and snowboard shop in Jenison.
P.L.A.Y! is a drop-in program and being new, the numbers have been low, Cogswell said, adding that coordinators are seeing returning children especially now that the students know when and where P.LA.Y! will be.
“It is a fun and free thing for families,” said Kentwood resident Naomi Miller. Miller said she had planned to check it out after seeing a flyer about the program at Home Acres Park. “Sometimes when you are heading out to the park you don’t know if there will be a friend. This way, you know there will be someone to play with.”
Since the beginning of the American Parks and Recreation system — which actually dates back to the early 1900s — the goal of any Parks and Recreation program has been to reach and fill the leisure needs of its community with both R.E.A.C.H. and P.L.A.Y! being excellent examples of how the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is doing just that.
But providing community program is only one part of what a Parks and Recreation Department offers in any city like Kentwood or Wyoming. Parks and Recreation, developed more than a 100 years ago, through a growing concern for leisure activities and has four components that are still the main focus: adult education, parks, voluntary organizations and playgrounds. Around 1935, many states were passing laws allowing local municipalities to operate parks and recreation departments and by the early 1940s, organized recreation services were firmly established in American life.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department oversees 16 parks that includes two trailheads at Stauffer Station and Wing Station and is currently following a five-year plan for capital improvements for the parks, Dawson said. In fact establishing that plan was one of the first things Dawson did when she joined the Parks and Recreation Department a couple of years ago.
By utilizing a mixture of community block grants and other grant money, the Department has been able to add new playground equipment at various parks along with work on basketball and tennis courts at Old Farm Park. Just like Wyoming’s Ideal Park, Kentwood’s Kelloggswood Park was hit by the 2014 tornado with it receiving upgraded bleachers and benches and a picnic shelter.
But it has been community involvement in the Parks and Recreation Department that has helped to determine some of the programs and improvements such as the dog park at Kelloggswood Park and the Farmers Market which operates every Saturday morning by city hall, Dawson said. Another example of this community involvement is the tee pads for the disc golf course at Old Farm Park.
“Disc golf is popular in the community and it was the owner of GR Hobby and Disc Golf who came to us about the need for concrete tee pads,” Dawson said. Through a series of tourney fundraising effort, the $8,000 needed was raised with players and residents enjoying the upgrade.
While halfway through its five-year plan, Dawson said working with residents and community leaders to determine needs and wants has been the key so that everyone — no matter ability, age, or skill — has has the opportunity to play, she said.
Wyoming marks the summer with the opening of Ideal Park
It is probably fitting that the month of July is Parks and Recreation Month. It is the only full month of summer when the weather is nice enough to be outside and do something. And for many individuals, the best place and way to do that something is at a local park.
So in honor of July being Parks and Recreation Month, I decided —in a two-part series — to check out what is happening in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood when it comes to parks and recreation.
This piece focuses on Wyoming. To check out the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department story, click here.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Besides the 28 West project finally moving forward this summer, the City of Wyoming had another big reason to celebrate the summer of 2016: Ideal Park reopened.
The park was one of the casualties of the tornado of 2014 with the city spending the past two years cleaning up the debris and replacing the trees.
“I know a lot about insurance and what it covers,” said Director of Community Serices Rebecca Rynbrandt with a little laugh. For example, insurance would help with the removal of the trees but not all of the debris and deadfall that was left. Also, the city had to fill in where the trees once stood.
“With 100-year-old trees they had pretty large bulbs which left large holes that had to be backfilled,” Rynbrandt said.
The cost for the tree removal was more than $500,000 and with like any budget, when something happens, you may have to shuffle a few things around, Rynbrandt said. So the city did a little rearranging of its almost $5 million parks and recreation budget, of which about $3 million comes from a 1.5 millage approved by Wyoming voters in the mid-1990s. The rest of the budget comes from grants at about $1.5 million and service and rental fees.
There is a lot left to do at Ideal Park — such as replacing the playground equipment, improve signage, adding a basketball court, establish a trailhead, and foliage and vegetation — which the city is hoping a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund will help cover some of the costs.
But Ideal Park is open and it’s a nice way to mark the month of July, which happens to be Parks and Recreation Month.
The current American Parks and Recreation system actually dates back to the early 1900s, when a growing concern for leisure activities gave birth to the recreation movement which had four components: the adult education movement; the development of national, state, and municipal parks, the establishment of voluntary organizations and the playground movement. Around 1935, many states were passing laws allowing local municipalities to operate parks and recreation departments and by the early 1940s, organized recreation services were firmly established in American life.
Today, Parks and Recreation Departments, like those in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, offer a host of programs for all ages along with overseeing the care and maintenance of its parks.
The city of Wyoming has 21 parks totaling about 700 acres and a vast majority of the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget goes for the care and maintenance of those parks such as resurfacing projects, new fencing and tree replacement. It may not be as noticeable as new playground equipment other amenities, but such general maintenance is important in keeping the parks safe and vital for the community.
“If you are on the Wyoming Public Schools tennis team, you are going to notice the tennis courts have been resurfaced,” Rynbrandt said. “Someone who uses the baseball field 8 at Pinery Park is going to notice the new backstop and if you are a passionate dog owner, you are going to notice the new canine castle at the dog park.
Along with the resurfacing and redevelopment projects at Pinery, Lamar, Lemery, and Jackson, the 30-year-old exercise equipment at Pinery Park was replaced this year.
But the parks are only one component of what the Parks and Recreation Department handles. The Department oversees the Wyoming Senior Center, which received security upgrades along with a new front entrance. The Department also provides support for special events such as the Concerts in the Park series run by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Program as well as community programs, such as the Pumpkin Patch and T.E.A.M. 21 Fun Run, and athletic programs such as the football program formerly run by the South Kent Recreation Association (SKRA).
And another of its biggest projects for the summer is the renovation of the Wyoming Library facility, which the city owns the building and Kent District Library owns the collection. The $800,000 project includes resurfacing the parking lot, new carpet and furniture and converting the former Book Warm Cafe into a new multipurpose area for meetings and other activities.
There is more on the horizon, Rynbrandt said. The city’s five-year parks plan shows more than $26 million in capital need, which includes major maintenance and replacing of assets such as playgrounds, fencing and trail work. Among those capital improvements is funding the master plans for Ferrand, Oriole Phase II, Jackson and Gezon.
Saugatuck Center for the Arts goes a little country with next featured artist
The Babbas, a Nashville-based jazz duo, will be performing at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on July 25 at 8 p.m. as part of the Summer in the Studio concert series. Tickets are $15 each and are available online at www.sc4a.org or at 269-857-2399.
The duo, made up of vocalist Annie Sellick and versatile guitar player Pat Bergeson, are well known for their jazz-based ensembles. However, their music draws on many different styles and features acoustic guitars, harmonicas and some percussion.
Sellick is a highly regarded Nashville-native who enjoyed stardom in her hometown and across the world. She has toured nationally and internationally and has recorded with many notable artists including Joey DeFrancesco, Bela Fleck, and Mark O’Connor.
Bergeson moved to Nashville and has performed alongside Chet Atkins, The Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings. While in Nashville, Bergeson recorded with other chart-topping artists including Lyle Lovett and Wynonna Judd.
“I love our Summer in the Studio concerts for their intimacy. Annie’s voice has the power to move people – I know concert goers will be knocked out!” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “Together Annie and Pat really create jazz magic.”
The Summer in the Studio series rounds out with two-time Grammy nominee Matthew Santos, and perfectly blended vocals and guitar playing with Drive South. More information can be found at sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.
The performance is part of the Summer in the Studio Concert Series sponsored by Carol and Greg Josefowicz. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is at 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.
Wyoming District 9 to play for Big League Regional Championship and a trip to the World Series
Local Wyoming District 9 may be the host for the Central States Region of the 2016 Big League Baseball Tournament, but their pitching staff has been anything but friendly. Bennett Norry and southpaw Cade Cintorino combined to throw another gem in a 2-0 win over Indiana District 10 last night. The shutout marked the third straight for District 9 and earned the host team a spot in the championship on Thursday at 5:30pm.
With Cornerstone University’s DeWitt Field as a backdrop, the semifinal game was a pitchers duel at its finest. Indiana starter Brock Hinton gave up two unearned runs on just four hits over five and two-third innings, but took the loss. In the other dugout, Norry gave up only three hits and struck out seven in his six and two-third innings. The only thing preventing him from a complete game was the 105 pitch count which is the maximum allowed in the tournament.
Cintorino came on to give up a triple to pitcher David Keating, but struck out pinch hitter Deyonne Hunter to get the save and preserve the shutout.
District 9 got off to an early lead by scoring a run in the first inning as lead-off hitter Christian Falicki singled to start the game and advanced to second on a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt by second baseman Austin Anderson. He then scored on a hard hit ball by left fielder Jace Beatty that went through the legs of Indiana first baseman Stephan Walker.
The only other marker came in the fifth inning as third baseman Elijah Spencer reached second base to start the inning when his ground ball deep in the hole to Indiana second baseman Korrie Griggs was thrown wild and into his teams dugout. He advanced to third on another well executed sacrifice bunt by center fielder Jarod Nickel and was brought home on an infield ground out to second by Anderson.
That was more than enough for Norry, as Indiana got runners into scoring position only two times while he was on the mound. Indiana’s best chance to score came in the sixth with runners on first and second and no outs as a result of a hit batsman and a walk, but catcher John Corey gunned down his fellow catcher from Indiana, Bailey Sheldon at third as the lead runner in an attempted double steal. Norry then got Walker to strike out swinging and closed the inning by getting left fielder Kyler Doran to fly out to Nickel.
District 9 gets Wednesday off as they wait to see the results of which team comes out of the losers bracket. Illinois will play Ohio at 5 pm and the winner of that game will play Indiana at 7:30 pm with that winner getting to the championship game on Thursday night against District 9 at 5:30 pm with a game to follow if District 9 were to lose.
The champion will then head to Easley, South Carolina to compete against four other USA regions along with four International regions for the Big League World Series Championship taking place between July 26 and August 2.
Windmill Island Gardens Celebrates Peak Week
During the week of July 24 – 30, Windmill Island Gardens will celebrate Peak Week, the period of summer when the gardens are at the height of their beauty. The week will be filled with flowers and fun for all ages. As an added incentive to enjoy the gardens during Peak Week, an accompanying child can enter for free with every purchase of an adult ticket.
The Island’s horticulture staff is excited to share the gardens with the community as they represent the end product of months of designing, planting, and maintenance. This year’s garden theme is “Year of the Butterfly.” The theme is evident in more than 20 beds which mimic butterfly coloring as well as the new “Vlinder Veld” butterfly-attracting garden.
One highlight of the week is the culmination of a photo contest in which guests are encouraged to capture the beauty of the gardens and attractions during the month of July. Pictures should be emailed to windmill@cityofholland.com by Thursday, July 21 to be eligible to win. From July 22-27, a juried winner, a Facebook-vote winner and a visitor-vote winner will be chosen from the Top 5 photos.
Tuesday, July 26, is Kid’s Day on the Island. Kids and parents will enjoy scavenger hunts, activity pages, carousel rides, crafts, games, and much more. Of course visitors of all ages are invited to tour the De Zwaan windmill and explore the rest of the Island. As a special double-up treat, TWO accompanying children can enter free with each purchase of an adult ticket on Kid’s Day.
On Wednesday, July 27, there will be a night of relaxing fun for the whole family. In a special after-hours event from 6 – 8 pm, guests are invited to tour the gardens with a member of the horticulture staff. The evening will also feature the announcement of winners in the photo competition at 7 pm. This after-hours event is free of charge though not all attractions will be available during this time.
Join Windmill Island Gardens during this special time to celebrate Peak Week with flowers, family, and fun. For more details, please visit windmillisland.org or the Windmill Island Gardens Facebook page.
Summer West Michigan teens shine at the Civic
This summer, West Michigan teens are learning theatre through a whole new light. Under the keen guidance of Civic Theatre professionals, students are learning the art of performance through specialized dancing, singing, and acting (Intensive) classes. Those with an interest in the technical aspect of theatre are participating in hands on classes in set and costume design, lights and sound, and backstage crewing. Students will showcase their deepening talents with community performances of Sideways Stories from Wayside School and Into the Woods Jr.
“The Intensive is a six week program that opens possibilities for our students. Some will journey to college in this field, while others will flourish in other career choices” stated Allyson Paris, Associate Director, “this program awakens confidence and creativity in each child, and strengthens their life skills for today and as future leaders.” Students meet and learn from theatre professionals from across the nation. Each week a Friday master class is held and led by renowned artists from the likes of Purple Rose Theatre, Looking Glass Theatre, Broadway cast of Book of Mormon and many Collegiate Theatre Programs including Hope College, Columbia College and Western Michigan University.
Paris noted, “We are proud to be one of the only theatres in Michigan to provide this type of Intensive programming for young people. It is filling a void in our community and is just the tipping point of more exciting educational programming taking center stage beginning this fall.”
The performances run from July 29 – August 7 with tickets costing between $10 -$16.
About the Productions
Sideways Stories from Wayside School is an adaption from the book series by Louis Sachar by the same name. Wayside school is many things, not one of them is anywhere near normal. The school is a thirty-story building with one classroom on each floor. The teachers range from being kind and caring to turning kids into apples for giving a wrong answer, some may or may not even exist. As if grade school wasn’t tough enough these zany characters, they must embark on the bizarre classroom journey that is sure to delight audiences.
Into The Woods Jr is James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative adaptation of many intertwined classic fairytales by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. This production first hit Broadway in 1987, where it won several Tony Awards. Since then the musical has been produced many times as well as earning itself a Disney film adaptation. This story follows familiar family favorites like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, the beanstalk climbing Jack, as well as countless other memorable characters in this enchanted tale through a magic wood.
Wyoming District 9 moves on to semis at Big League Baseball Regional
While the 2016 Central States Big League Baseball Regional Tournament may have moved from its usual location of Wyoming’s Pinery Park to DeWitt Field on the campus of Cornerstone University, it showed little effect on the host team from Wyoming District 9.
Behind nine strikeouts, no walks, and only two hits allowed, Christian Falicki led his team to a 9-0 shutout victory over the team from Illinois in the afternoon opener for both.
That put District 9 into Monday’s winners bracket nightcap against Missouri, a team that received a first round bye due to their immense travel distance. District 9 was just as dominant under the lights as they had been in the sun, as they posted their second shutout of the day, 8-0.
Mark Primus got the win as he pitched the first four innings and faced the minimum 12 batters. The only runner to reach base was Dylan Hoelscher with a second inning lead off single, but was thrown out attempting to steal second to end the inning. Primus finished with five strikeouts on the night and no walks. He was replaced by Bruce Buurstra, who had started the game in right field. Buurstra worked two innings and gave up two hits, struck out one, and helped himself out as he picked Hoelscher off first base after he had reached on an error in the fifth. In the sixth inning, he was helped out by his defense when third basemen Eli Spencer and second basemen Isaiah House turned a double play to close out the inning. It was the first time throughout the game that Missouri had two runners on base in the same inning.
Andrew Bojas closed out the game by pitching the seventh inning where he gave up a walk and a base hit. Bojas stranded the runner on third base after his second strikeout of the inning. A diving catch by second baseman House followed to usher in an official end to the game.
Offensively, District 9 was the visiting team in the game and got off to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning as House singled and was pinch run for by Jake Ritsema, who scored on a single by Brendan Oosse after he had reached second on a wild pitch by losing pitcher, Blane Meyer. They added another run in the second as Buurstra and catcher John Corey both singled in the inning. Corey came home as center fielder Jared Nickel grounded out to the shortstop.
They made it 3-0 in the third as designated hitter Oosse scored on a wild pitch. The score stayed there until a five run sixth inning, thanks in large part to two walks and two Missouri errors, was put together by only two hits.
District 9 will play Tuesday night at 7:30pm against Indiana. Indiana defeated Iowa early yesterday and followed it up with a 4-3 victory over Blissfield, the other Michigan team in the tournament. The winner of Tuesday’s game will advance to the championship game on Thursday at 5:30pm. The loser will play at 7:30pm on Wednesday night.
Acclaimed author Linda Castillo at Schuler Books July 20
Linda Castillo, the acclaimed author of the internationally bestselling Kate Burkholder mystery series, will hold a talk and signing at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids at 7 pm on Wednesday, July 20. Castillo has published 30 books throughout her career and has received numerous industry awards. Her book Sworn to Silence was adapted as the motion picture An Amish Murder, starring Neve Campbell. Castillo is currently touring to promote the release of her newest Kate Burkholder novel, Among the Wicked.
About the Book
In this electrifying thriller, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called upon by the sheriff’s department in rural, upstate New York to assist on a developing situation that involves a reclusive Amish settlement and the death of a young girl. Unable to penetrate the wall of silence between the Amish and “English” communities, the sheriff asks Kate to travel to New York, pose as an Amish woman, and infiltrate the community.
Kate’s long-time love interest, State Agent John Tomasetti, is dead-set against her taking on such an unorthodox assignment, knowing she’ll have limited communication — and even less in the way of backup. But Kate can’t turn her back, especially when she hears there are children in this cult and they may be in danger. She travels to New York where she’s briefed and assumes her new identity as a lone widow seeking a new life.
Kate infiltrates the community and goes deep under cover. In the coming days, she unearths a world built on secrets, a series of shocking crimes and herself, alone… trapped in a fight for her life.
#AmINext? #4Unity Shines Bright
#AmINext? On a picture perfect day in downtown Grand Rapids, four 16-year old students caught the attention and respect of our community. Their goal was a peaceful assembly of citizens, city officials, activists, and police to promote understanding and unity in a time of racial tension and mistrust. National cases such as the police shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, a shooting in a St. Paul, Minn. suburb involving victim Philando Castile, and the Dallas killings of five police officers inspired the students to take action.
The young organizers of #4Unity, Danielle McMillon and Je’Ana Mason of Forest Hills Northern High School, Eugene Brown of Union High School, and Desiree Taggart of Grand Rapids Montessori, had a common goal of giving a platform for solutions to address racial disparity and violence, especially pertaining to policing in urban communities. “We are tired of the hate, violence, and pain. We cannot continue to LIVE in fear. We are the future generation with a question for you…#AmINext?.”
It is a huge credit to these young people, after dealing with months of nasty media coverage, social media repeatedly calling for protest, and fear induced by agitators that they chose to reach out in peace. Theirs was a message of unity. Instead of adding to the violent rhetoric, they planned an assembly based on educating people on their rights and ways to be part of the solution.
While initially planning their rally using a Black Lives Matter theme, the organizers were contacted by the group asking that they do not connect the assembly with BLM. The #4Unity organizers then changed the name to #AmINext #4Unity in order to have a separate identity. In a statement Thursday the BLM clearly distanced themselves stating, “Before anyone gets their ‘peace’ (which has long become code for silence, passivity, compliance and respectability), we deserve justice. Before talks of unity, we must speak openly about how Black and Brown communities are viciously torn apart by systems and institutions of injustice and violence.”
The Peace Assembly was run very professionally. Rose Parks Circle was filled with supporters and many brought signs to express their views and concerns. Speakers included Elizabeth White, representing the Mayor’s office, who offered a moment of silence to remember those we have lost to violence. Grand Rapids Police Chief David Rahinsky shared thoughts on working together for the greater good. Rahinsky stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. He asked those in attendance to “join police in their role to be part of the change you wish to see.” Inspiration and poetry were shared by Eugene Brown and Sara Brooks.
The most informative talk was given by Attorney Anthony Green who, along with the ACLU, spoke on a citizen’s rights and responsibilities when having encounters with member of law enforcement. Greene emphasized a person’s responsibility not to escalate a situation. He also pointed out that many officers are now equipped with recording technology that can work to a citizen’s benefit. It is your right to clearly state your right to counsel or to state that you do not give your consent to a search where there is no probable cause. Communication and cool heads can avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Christy Buck, Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation, shared real solutions with the crowd such as the “Be Nice” campaign. “For every action,” said Buck, “you will cause others to think, act, and feel.” NICE is an acronym for Notice, Invite, Challenge, Empower. Everyone needs to do something if we want to see real change.
As professional and peaceful as the assembly was, it was unfortunate that members of Black Lives Matter presented themselves in front of the stage. Where peace and unity were being offered, these silent protesters were a distraction. Many of their signs were inflammatory, such as “Police Do Not Protect, They Harm” and “Unity Before Justice is Insulting.” When they stood with their large signs and black tape across their mouths, they blocked the view of those on the stage. As they stated they wanted no affiliation with #4Unity, it is questionable why they were even there.
To conclude the assembly Pastor Dennis and Dr. E. Jean McMurray bathed the event in pray, lifting up women, men, and children. As the “amens” rang out, Pastor Jermone Glenn gave an impassioned close that emphasized that with unity, “You will NOT be next,” relying on the power of God to let justice prevail.
The inaugural #AmINext #4Unity Peace Assembly was a success. Peace was evident. Unity was advanced. The need and desire for more communication was heightened. Those in attendance were hugging and talking. The officers were shaking hands all around. Danielle, Eugene, Desiree, and Je expressed their frustration to the community; however, their courage to step out in peace makes these young men and women wise beyond their years. On Saturday afternoon the light rose above the darkness. The #4Unity organizers are planning for more peace assemblies in the future. For more information, you can go to their website at WWW.AMINEXT.LIFE or #AmINext on Facebook.
Kathy has been writing for WKTV Kentwood Now for 3 years. She has been married for 28 years to her wonderful husband, Duke. Together they have 2 children, Emily and Daniel. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with the Casting Bread Mobile Food Pantry at Kentwood Christian Church, making sandwiches at Kids Food Basket, and leading Ladies Bible Study on Thursday nights. Writing has been her passion since elementary school and she loves to write about how others enjoy what they are passionate about!
A New Frontier: Kayaking down the Grand
By: Deidre Doezema-Burkholder
Nothing says summer in Michigan quite like enjoying an afternoon on the water. With the sun brightly shinning and the birds gliding through a gentle breeze over head, five friends and I made our way down the Grand River via kayaks.
Months leading up to our kayaking adventure, my husband and I had been talking about things we wanted to try that would get us outside and enjoying our surroundings. During the deliberation, kayaking came up. My husband had some friends who enjoyed it, his son included.
So, my research of local options began and luckily I came across GRPaddling.com and a bevy of options. Did I want to take a lake or a river? How about a moonlight trip? Or maybe something with a dinner or a picnic? The bountiful options left me spinning with glee!
While this was to be our first trip, I thought I would take it easy and keep it simple and close to home. After reviewing many of the available options, I found one on a launch site not far from my own home. Perfect! What could be better than finding something so close to home?
How about being driven to the site of the launch?
GR Paddling picks you up at a location of your choice whether it be home, work, or where ever works best for you. However, I still had reservations about the stability of the kayaks. This would be our first kayaking trip and we had a non-swimmer in our group as well. Jeff from GR Paddling responded quickly and professionally assuring me that everyone would be equipped with life jackets and that the kayaks were quite stable and unlikely to tip over on the Grand River. With that good news, the trip was booked!
The day of our trip, Jeff arrived with a van carrying the six kayaks for us to use that day. Once we were all loaded up, we were off to our launch point in Eastmanville.
Upon arrival, we were given the obligatory legal forms to sign while Jeff unloaded the kayaks and brought out drink options that we could bring on the river with us. We were also given the option of a waterproof case for our phones in case anyone wanted to bring their device along. Jeff explained the different kayaks and their styles. Different colors differentiated between different kayaks:
Blue – the most stable and also the slowest
Yellow – quicker than Blue on the water
Red – Sleek and nimble little number build for gliding quickly through the water
Once we figured out our kayak color, we were given some instructions and reviewed a map of the route.
We formed a train to carried the kayaks down to the launch point. This particular launch site had an assisted launch for canoes and kayaks which made it simpler and safer to launch into the water. Jeff gave a few last instructions on how to use the paddles and then one at a time we glided into the Grand River. Once in the water, we had a chance to get used to the balance and maneuvering of the kayaks. It didn’t take long until we were on our 7 mile trek downriver.
It was a beautiful day, a sunny blue sky lightly dotted with puffy white clouds and a head wind just strong enough to slow us down. As we made our way down river, we were able to enjoy the nature around us and the company we were with. For 2 hours and 45 minutes, no one sent a text message, checked Facebook, or answered an email. Instead, we spotted multiple turtles taking advantage of the sun, a blue heron come in for a landing, and a majestic bald eagle soaring above us.
When we reached our half way point, aka opt out point, Jeff was there with his camera snapping shots and making a point to ask each person in the party how we were doing and feeling so far. Our group all agreed to paddle on and Jeff gave us an update on how far we had yet to go. The last couple of miles were calmer as the wind was no longer slowing us down and we were feeling more confident in our ability. When we arrived at our end point, Jeff once again met us and was there to help guide our kayaks safely onto shore.
Snacks and drinks awaited us on land, which was incredibly nice due to the need for a boost in calories after the trip. Kayaking is a calorie killer! After the kayaks were packed up and we were loaded back into the van everyone discussed what area of their body hurt the most: Shoulders, arms, backs – you name it and someone was hurting there.
While we all had our aches and pains, every one of us wanted to go again. One member of the party said that the trip convinced her to purchase her own kayak. The trip was so enjoyable that we want to turn it into an annual event.
GR Paddling gives us plenty of options to try different areas of the Grand River and other rivers and lakes year after year.
Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West Michigan area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.
