Annual Summer Market hosted by Magnus Capital Partners (Courtesy, Magnus Capital Partners)
by Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Magnus Capital Partners (MCP) will host its third annual, free-to-attend Summer Market featuring more than 25 vendors at HōM Flats at 28 West Saturday, Aug. 12.
Open to the public and HōM Flats residents, the event will take place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 1401 Prairie Parkway SW in the City of Wyoming. Community members are invited to enjoy live music and browse items for sale from local food trucks, artisans and other vendors.
“This is the perfect fit of bringing people out of their apartments, gathering, and building those bonds with each other and with the community,” said Jason Chronowski, Magnus Marketing Manager.
In addition to bringing community members together, the Summer Market also works to support local artists.
“Our Summer Market at HōM Flats creates an opportunity for people to strengthen their community by supporting local small businesses, gain an appreciation for the depth and breadth of emerging local artists, and engage in a positive atmosphere that recognizes our most basic need to create connections with others,” said Magnus CEO Vishal Arora.
(Courtesy, Robert Couse-Baker at pxhere.com)
Chronowski said that feedback on the Summer Market has been positive, with residents saying they enjoy the event and meeting their neighbors.
“It’s nice that this has both elements to it where it’s not only for our residents, it’s for the public too,” said Chronowski.
Attendees are encouraged to park at the south end of the 28 West Place Mall parking lot, located just east of HōM Flats at 28 West off of Prairie Parkway. Overflow parking will be available at Wyoming High School.
More than just a summer market
The event will serve as the main annual fundraiser for the Magnus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating art, culture and community-building in the areas where Magnus Capital Partners operates.
Focused on building connections with artists and local communities, the Magnus Foundation often utilizes funds to pay local artists to give HōM residents free art classes. The Foundation also commissions artwork from West Michigan artists to be used at various MCP locations.
Though the Magnus Foundation is a recent addition to MCP, Chronowski says it is off to a “really good start,” and that events like the Summer Market help “develop that momentum” in keeping the Foundation moving forward.
To learn more about the Magnus Foundation or to make a contribution to the Foundation, email info@magnuscapitalpartners.com.
Event sponsors
The sole platinum sponsor for this year’s Summer Market is Hooker DeJong, Inc. Other key sponsors include Coldbrook Insurance, Merchants Capital, Rohde Construction and Highpoint Community Bank.
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps: Patty, guitarist Lucas Powell, and original drummer Alec Klinefelter. (Courtesy of the band)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
Listening to Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps’ latest EP release, it is clear why they called it Perpetual Motion Machine. The five-song release is all about power pop, with a fair amount of rockin’ blues blasting through, and continues the band’s drive to its own sound and popularity.
“Not slowing down in 2023, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps are stepping hard on the gas pedal and touring more cities and music festivals than years prior,” the band states on its website. “The trio have plans to record their next full-length album within the year.”
So expect a fast ride on a summer night when the band hits the stage Tuesday, Aug. 8.
The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m.
A wild ride for Patty and her music
Michigan native Patty PerShayla hit the scene as a singer, songwriter, and multi- instrumentalist after winning the 2019 WYCE Jammie Award for Best Rock/Pop Album for her solo EP, Oracle Bones, according to a bio on her website.
But later in 2019, she joined forces with guitarist Lucas Powell and drummer Alec Klinefelter to form Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps. After road-testing their music, they released their “blues-infused, riff-driven debut album,” Cheap Diction, in 2021. (Current band drummer is Chris Thomas.)
A music video from that album went on to win Best Music Video at the 2022 Grand Rapids Film Festival, and another was featured at the 2023 Michigan Music Video Awards.
When Patty is not touring with the Mayhaps, she plays solo gigs and even toured with the equally great local band of multi-instrumentalists, The Accidentals, in 2021. For more information on Patty’s musical journey, visit: Patty PerShayla at home in Nashville.
For more information about Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps and a video of the song “Spill” from the new EP, visit pattypershayla.com.
About the concert and venue
The Tuesday evening concerts feature a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, however alcohol is not permitted in the park.
“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier in introducing the concert series.
Tina Austin (left) and Jennifer VanderMeer. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor
In 2011, Jennifer VanderMeer was working on a project in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During a walk along the James River on her day off she noticed a man with two young girls. The girls were crying because their dad was going to pitch two ducklings into the water.
VanderMeer intervened.
“That was my first rescue,” she said. For six weeks, the ducklings lived with VanderMeer in an apartment. When the job ended she brought them home to Michigan where they lived long, spoiled lives.
VanderMeer is an ornithologist. “I love birds. It’s a passion and has been a profession for over 20 years,” she said.
For years she volunteered for Michigan Duck Rescue. In October 2020, with the encouragement of her late husband Lenny Rockwell, she opened Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary. The Rockford-based rescue specializes in ducks.
“Ducks and other domestics get overlooked,” VanderMeer said. “They need someone to be their voice. They’re sweet souls.”
Home to 130 ducks, 10 breeds
Close to 130 ducks are housed at Wanderlust with 10 breeds represented. Each duck has a name and VanderMeer can tell the story about how each one came to be a resident of the sanctuary. Most are from Michigan: Millennium Park, the Flat River in Lowell, the Muskegon Causeway, a busy intersection in Jenison, a Sand Lake park, a pond behind Home Depot in Grandville and several other recognizable locations. A few came from Indiana and Illinois.
“They were dumped — in ponds, lakes, streams, wherever there is water,” VanderMeer said. “Don’t dump ducks. It’s illegal to abandon animals.”
Domestic ducks can’t fly, so they can’t escape predators. They also don’t know how to forage for food. “They either fall prey to a predator or they starve to death,” VanderMeer said.
Most of the dumped ducks are drakes; male ducks. She explained that people get ducks for their eggs. When they discover their ducks are drakes, they get rid of them. People also buy ducklings as Easter presents. When they grow up and the novelty wears off, the ducks are dumped. Ducks also come from classroom projects; eggs hatch into fluffy cute ducklings, and then what?
Ducks can live 10-20 years
Jennifer VanderMeer with Gertrude, who has a deformed leg. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
The rescue of one duck, Gertrude, almost didn’t happen.
“Lenny said no more ducks,” VanderMeer recalled. But he agreed to go along to see the Khaki. Someone had put a zip tie on Gertrude’s leg when she was young. As the duckling grew the hard plastic didn’t budge causing deformity and infection.
Lenny’s no more ducks turned into we’re taking her after he witnessed the abuse done to the young duck. He even held her while the veterinarian examined her.
“He had the biggest heart,” VanderMeer said. Lenny died Sept.14, 2022, three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The couple had 21-1/2 years together.
While Lenny was sick VanderMeer devoted all her time to him and relied on volunteers, especially Tina Austin, to care for the ducks.
“She’s a godsend,” VanderMeer said.
Years ago, the two women met while working as waitresses. They reconnected through Facebook after the sanctuary was started. Tina, a vet-assistant and owner of a pet care business, has 17 chickens and seven ducks.
VanderMeer’s dad, a biologist and a lover of animals, also volunteers. He has five flocks at his Ada home that will soon be moved to the sanctuary.
Gertrude survived and is part of the Disabled Flock; all have leg issues. They live in a fenced area in the garage where they get extra care and aren’t stressed by abled ducks.
“Her leg is permanently disabled, but that doesn’t stop her. She’s very tenacious,” VanderMeer said.
Duck Village
The majority of the ducks live in Duck Village, a maze of dog kennels that provide homes to small flocks such as the Dirty Girls Flock, Eaters Flock and the 19-member Dutch Village Flock that came from the Dutch Village in Holland.
Each flock has a coop where they spend nights. The coops are latched, chained, and for extra security a cement brick is placed in front of its door. It takes close to an hour each evening to tuck all the flocks in for the night.
Numerous predators
Domestic ducks have numerous predators including raccoons, possums, fox, hawks, coyotes and snapping turtles.
“The words ‘sitting duck’ is quite applicable,” VanderMeer said.
Duck Village is predator-proof. The 20 enclosures have woven wire tops, chicken wire skirting, and dig guards. In addition, there is a camera surveillance system so Duck Village can be monitored at all times.
In the summer there is a pond where the ducks get supervised swim time.
Funded by donations
The sanctuary is funded through donations. It costs $300 to $500 per month for food and the wood shavings used for bedding. They go through a 40-pound bag of duck pellets every day. Ducks also eat corn, greens and mealy worms. They love fresh vegetables and fruit, but the food has to be cut into small pieces because ducks don’t have teeth. It takes close to four 5-gallon buckets of cut-up eatables to ensure enough for everyone.
Frozen peas are a favorite treat.
Last fall people from the Rockford area donated enough uncarved pumpkins to fill the garage.
VanderMeer sells duck eggs to help pay the bills. When egg sales and donations don’t cover expenses, VanderMeer pays the difference.
But the expense is worth it. While the ducks aren’t cuddly like a dog or cat, they can be sweet and sassy. They wiggle their tail feathers when they recognize their names and they’re trainable.
“They all have different personalities,” VanderMeer said.
When she told the usually chatty, loud flocks that Lenny had died there was silence across the sanctuary. Some ducks lowered their heads, others turned their backs to her, some went into their houses or into corners.
“Ducks understand more than people give them credit for. They’re feeling emotional creatures. They form strong bonds, not just with other ducks, but with people. A lot of people don’t see that.”
Since Lenny passed, VanderMeer has struggled with the workload of running and caring for the animals at the sanctuary. She also has three cats and four dogs.
Officer Willshire of Kentwood PD (left), Officer Klaassen of Wyoming PD (center), and Officer Quintard of Wyoming PD (right) talk with families at Celebration Cinema (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
City of Wyoming’s first responders and leaders teamed up with several departments across Kent County as they joined residents at multiple gatherings to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 1.
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out began in 1984 to promote safety in communities and build relationships under positive circumstances. Participating cities encourage residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.
Deputy Melissa Gokey with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department said a personal highlight of National Night Out is photographing all the events. “I get to go to every single location,” said Gokey. “I get to see a little piece of everything.”
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Residents were also able to see a variety of first responder vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, marine units, mobile command centers, and even horses.
Kent County encouraged participating local businesses to set up a booth with children’s activities.
“The whole point is to educate kids on safety and to build that partnership with them and other businesses within the community,” said Gokey. “It just helps them to feel safe and comfortable around us.”
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gokey went on to say that all first responders join in during National Night Out, including the Road Commission and Army National Guard, in order to make the event a memorable experience for the kids.
“Setting up an event like this is going to be a much different way for children to feel comfortable approaching us, talking to us, and asking questions,” said Gokey.
Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster said, “Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community. National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”
Wyoming resident Megan Washburn agreed. “It’s nice to see them out, having fun, eating hot dogs, and being regular people,” said Washburn.
The Black Experience (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The Black Experience is a family-friendly three-day event put on by the Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) that will focus on spreading Black Joy and cultivating healing in the Black community by providing influential information in several key impact areas. Taking place on the campus of Calvin University, The Black Experience runs Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.
“We know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy–things that inspire, support and uplift Black culture. This is an event that will do that,” said Lesa Hardiman, Program Director for BIC.
The Black Experience will promote intellectual, cultural, and thoughtful leadership and innovation in the areas of education, economics, health and well-being, serving elders, and ensuring protection in an environment that is empowering, entertaining, and exciting.
“We will be celebrating rich culture and wonderful things that are happening with our BIC partners in so many other ways here in the city,” said Dallas Lenear, BIC Board Chair. “We wanted to highlight and celebrate the joy of what it means to be Black in Grand Rapids and Black in America.”
Lenear also commented that The Black Experience is not just for the Black community.
“We invite any and all people who would want to attend, to do so,” said Lenear. “We believe it will be fruitful for the entire community.”
What to expect at The Black Experience
The Black Experience will kick-off with a 70s Party at Calvin University’s Prince Conference Center on Friday, Aug. 11 and will feature the live band Entyce: featuring Bedrock, activities, prizes, and more.
“[The 70s] are such a great microcosm of the Black experience in America,” said Lenear. “It was right at the height of the civil rights movement. You have all this vibrant culture and art and expression, even in the clothing, that demonstrates this new era of blossoming out of this painful past and dealing with the struggles then. There was a reclamation of identity that was eminent in the styles and in the music.”
The Black Experience keynote speakers (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)
Saturday, Aug. 12 will bring workshops with keynote speakers Melody Shari, Dr. Steve Perry, Chris Sain Jr., and Dee Dee Taylor. The day will also feature local speakers, Kids’ Corner, Vendor Expo, COVID Memorial Walk, food, and more.
The event concludes Sunday, Aug. 13 with The Black Experience Jazz Brunch Invasion where people are encouraged to patronize one of three participating Black restaurants and partake in delicious food.
Evolution of the Black Impact Collaborative
The genesis of the Black Impact Collaborative stemmed from negative aspects of the Black experience in the world during the pandemic.
“We wanted to identify, to illuminate, and even to change the disparate outcomes that Black people were experiencing related to COVID-19,” said Lenear.
BIC began meeting daily in April 2020 to develop an immediate response to the pandemic.
Partnering with Cherry Health, BIC undertook several endeavors to help the Black community, including hosting multiple COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination events, and organizing a livestream interview with health professionals to discuss facts pertaining to COVID.
BIC also instigated an online tutoring program for students.
“We developed a program that continues to support students regardless of their learning format,” said Lenear.
While BIC no longer believes there is a need to meet daily, Lenear said, “We still have a vibrant board and active partners, and are still seeking to make a long-term impact in the city.”
To learn more about the Black Impact Collaborative, visit: https://bicgr.com/
Award-winning Kent District Library (KDL) will ask Kent County voters to consider a millage renewal at a reduced rate on Nov. 7.
If approved, the lower millage rate of 1.1 mills will fund KDL’s operations for 15 years, and taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024, even though the current millage doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2024.
“We recognized that if we were to stay with a straight renewal, we would end up with income we don’t need,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “We feel that we should only ask for money that we need and that we can use, and let the public keep more of their own money.”
The ability to offer a lower millage is partly due to a growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue.
“As good stewards of taxpayer dollars, we want to lock in savings for residents now,” said KDL Board Chair Andy Erlewein.
(Courtesy, Kent District Library)
KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches with its extensive collection of more than 700,000 physical items, 15.6 digital items, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs, and a host of patron-focused services from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hotspots, to early literacy initiatives and a large assortment of talking books and Braille resources.
These resources ensure the average KDL patron receives over $1,300 worth of service each year.
“The return on investment that we provide the public is unsurpassed,” said Werner.
Approximately 90% of KDL’s operating funds come from the millage with the remaining 10% funded through a series of Friends of the Library groups, dedicated volunteers who support their branches through book sales, and other fundraising activities.
In 2022, KDL saw an increase of more than 61% in program and outreach attendance, a 6% rise in total circulation, and a 26% rise in computer and Wi-Fi usage.
Werner attributes the increase in community use of KDL resources to dedicated staff and quality programming and outreach.
“One of the things we practice here is a constant environmental scan and a refusal to become complacent,” said Werner. “We are proud to represent everyone in the county…we are committed to helping them all. That is the spirit of what we do.”
Werner would like to remind residents that Summer Wonder is still in full swing.
“It’s not too late to sign up!” said Werner, adding that nothing makes KDL staff happier than seeing community members come in and utilize their services.
“At the end of the day, libraries are not about books, libraries are about people and transforming lives,” said Werner. “We are really excited to deliver [the millage] to Kent County residents and continue our tradition of excellence.”
The Soul Syndicate is coming to the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
The on-stage lineup of local Funk/R&B+ powerhouse Soul Syndicate may change each year it makes its annual visit to Wyoming/Kentwood community concert stages, this time as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park on Aug. 1, but one thing that doesn’t change is the “heart and soul” they bring to the stage.
The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m. Running since June 13, the remaining concert is Aug. 8 with Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.
A cool look and masterful musicianship
On stage for Soul Syndicate are 10 or more musicians. Regulars include Colin Tobin and Katie Sarb on lead vocals, Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboards, Tom Taylor on drums, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen on baritone and alto saxophone, Jeff Carroll on the “bone” (trombone), and Danny Giacobassi on tenor saxophone.
The Soul Syndicate has some pretty cool swag too (Supplied)
The Soul Syndicate, according to its website, pays tribute to the most influential Funk, Soul, and R&B artists “with a sophisticated look, masterful musicianship, and a crowd-pleasing act…The group delivers an experience that will keep the audience dancing all night long, with a dedicated horn section and male/female vocalists, the group masterfully combines the best, classic dance music into multi—song medleys.”
Members of The Soul Syndicate have performed with such diverse artists as Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie and the Blowfish, The Cars, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Spinners, Kansas, The Guess Who, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, and Rosemarie Clooney.
Each Tuesday evening concert features a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is not permitted in the park.
“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier while introducing the concert series.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has selected West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco to install a one-of-a-kind suspended art piece in the newly expanded Concourse A.
Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport continues its commitment to showcasing local artists through its public art program. The Concourse A extension, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth, will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, an aerial art installation and murals.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jeffrey, whose unique artistic vision and expertise will undoubtedly elevate the passenger experience,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With millions of travelers passing through our Airport each year, we are delighted that the diverse talents of our art community will be shared with visitors from all over the world.”
Songco is a multidisciplinary artist who uses installation, sculpture, photography and video to explore the intersections of his personal story with contemporary American culture.
West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“I’m truly honored to create artwork that depicts a story about West Michigan,” said Songco. “I’m grateful to the Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey Foundation for this opportunity, as well as the continued support of opportunities for regional artists. I’m passionate about the arts and culture of West Michigan, and I want this artwork to reflect that sense of pride.”
(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The artwork, titled Facets, will consist of three large-scale, site-specific suspended sculptures, composed of hundreds of strands of colorful, multi-sided shapes.
“Like the sparkling gems of a necklace, this work is colorful and flashy,” said Songco. “I’ve had the privilege of engaging with local residents, workers, and visitors in a variety of ways, and Facets is a celebration of the different and beautiful faceted gems of our community.”
The Ford International Airport’s Concourse A expansion will transform the travel experience for passengers, featuring modern amenities, eight new gates, additional concession and retail concepts, sustainable design elements and more. With Songco’s artwork as a focal point, the Airport can further enhance the guest experience, creating a memorable journey for all travelers passing through the space.
During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.
Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”
Give me five: A resident gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.
The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water activity at 5:45 p.m.
Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members across our city.”
Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”
National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers, neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build relationships with public safety.
To learn more about National Night Out, visit natw.org
The state of Michigan has allocated another $5 million to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to help with the development of the Sustainable Business Park in Kent County that will create jobs and increase recycling.
The budget allocation will support site infrastructure at the Sustainable Business Park and follows an initial $4 million state investment for the project in 2022. Last month, the Michigan Public Service Commission also granted a $5 million Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant for the Kent County Bioenergy Facility, the anchor tenant at the Sustainable Business Park.
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for West Michigan and the state to drastically increase recycling, reduce dependence on landfills, and create local jobs. The facility is a public-private partnership between the Department of Public Works and Anaergia. The Sustainable Business Park, planned for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center pending approval by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, will be built on land that was initially purchased by Kent County to create a new landfill.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“For too long, Michigan has been a dumping ground for trash and the Sustainable Business Park will help change that by increasing recycling and boosting our energy independence starting right here in Kent County,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County DPW. “We are thankful the state of Michigan recognizes the importance of reducing our dependence on landfilling so we can help protect our land, air and water, including our Great Lakes.”
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility is a mixed waste processing facility that will process up to 600,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste and 175,000 tons per year of organic waste to produce natural gas and fertilizer. The facility and greater Sustainable Business Park will help Kent County achieve its goal of diverting 90% of trash from landfills by 2030.
“Sustainable materials management is essential to Michigan growing a vibrant circular economy that puts Michiganders to work making new products from the materials residents take to their curb each week,” said EGLE Public Information Officer Jeff Johnston. “EGLE is eager to support projects that align with the State of Michigan’s new materials management plan to increase recycling, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) said, “Kent County’s Sustainable Business Park will define the future for waste management in Michigan and boost the viability of circular economy concepts.”
The new facility will also reduce Kent County’s reliance on landfilling municipal solid waste, meaning resources will not be spent constructing, maintaining, and monitoring additional landfills.
“Building the facility in Kent County will put West Michigan on the map as a national leader in recycling and reducing waste, as well as create jobs and investment from companies that can join the Sustainable Business Park and convert waste into usable products,” Bass said.
The Kent County Development of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station, and South Kent Landfill.
Author K.D. Norris with novel “The View from Gleninagh North” at Schuler Books. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
After a vacation trip to Ireland in the early 2000s, and while working at WKTV Community Media and Mlive, local writer K.D. Norris wrote and recently published his debut fiction novel, “The View from Gleninagh North,” through Schuler Books Chapbook Press.
The novel is a personal look at Ireland — its landscape, people and recent history — wrapped around a human story of personal exploration and romance.
“I have described it as ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ meets ‘Bicycle Diaries.’ At its heart it is a romance novel, but there is a fair amount of travelogue as well,” Norris said. “Much of it was written in a coffee shop in Cedar Springs, and later at a local Starbucks before work.”
“The View from Gleninagh North” is available at Schuler Books Grand Rapids at 2660 28th Street SE, schulerbooks.com, and Amazon.
An outsider’s view
The View from Gleninagh North by K.D. Norris. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)
The novel’s narrator is Matthew Maybourn — “Ah, Matty, a good Irish name, that!” — a lifelong writer and recent widower who has left his middle-class, mid-life comfort zone. As an unplanned favor to a Hollywood friend and filmmaker, he is immersed in modern Ireland’s cultural landscape to write the impossible book: a sequel to “The Quiet Man.”
An outsider in a small, rural village on Galway Bay, Matty explores his new world and other people’s life stories in search of not only a novel idea, but possibly a new meaning to his own life. All with a view from Gleninagh North.
“There is a fair amount of history and culture in the book as well, mostly true, as I could not write about my Irish characters without giving a glimpse of why I think they are who they are,” Norris said.
“And I have to thank members of my local writers group and the team at Schuler Books Chapbook Press for their support, advice and work in helping me get this book into print and available to readers,” Norris said.
About the author
K.D. Norris lives in Cedar Springs with wife TJ. He has published short stories in several regional anthologies, including “An Affair of the Mind,” published in 2021 by the Grand Rapids Region Writers Group (GRRWG) of which he is a member. He also had an essay selected for publication in “The Mailer Review” national publication, and has written numerous award-winning journalistic stories over his 30-plus year career in journalism and mass media.
For more on his professional and literary background, visit kdnorris.com.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city. Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and enable residents to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.
Mayor Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re looking forward to spending an evening out and about in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood such a wonderful place to call home.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Food, fun and games Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. These include events at the following locations:
Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities 5-8 p.m.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party 6-8 p.m.
“Community outreach”
Kentwood Police Sargeant Tim Wierenga said community outreach is one of the main reasons for this event.
“Allowing our community members to engage with officers and elected officials near their homes, asking questions about current or ongoing issues that they may have not asked if this was not available and seeking input on how to handle disputes or just simply saying ‘Hi,’ and sharing a pop or snack,” Wierenga said.
“Our department truly enjoys getting out and talking with the community in this very casual manner. I know that several party planners will reach out many months ahead of time due to the positive reactions they receive from their residents.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. The observance seeks to promote community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO. Groups who are interested in hosting an event can reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Derrick Wolterink at wolterinkd@kentwood.us or 616-656-6569.
Guadalupe Alejos (Courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
By Trinity Health
In 1973, Guadalupe Alejos was one of the first to undergo a kidney transplant at what is now known as Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Fifty years later, that kidney is still functioning and has allowed him to lead a full, happy and productive life. He raised his family and now enjoys his retirement years.
Today, doctors tell their patients a kidney from a living donor lasts an average of 15 to 20 years, and from a deceased donor, 10 to 15 years. The longevity of Alejos’ kidney is miraculous.
The future didn’t look that bright back in the mid-1960s when he was diagnosed with a degenerative kidney disease called glomerularnephritis, which affected both of his kidneys. For several years, Alejos held the disease at bay with medication. In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Lupe.
Lupe (left) and Guadalupe Alejos. (Courtesy, Trinity Health of Grand Rapids)
“When I married him, I knew he was sick,” Lupe said. “I knew what I was getting into. Your heart rules.”
Both Alejos and his wife have a great faith in God, which permeates their daily living.
By 1973 at the age of 27, Alejos’ kidneys were barely functioning, and he was so ill that Lupe found him collapsed, unable to walk. He began dialysis, and Dr. William Bouman (now retired) told him his only hope was a kidney transplant.
The hospital was just starting a transplant program, and Dr. Bouman – one of its founders – cautioned Alejos that the transplant procedure was still unproven.
“I was so sick, that even if my chances [of survival] were 10 percent, I’d have taken it,” he said.
His six brothers were tested as potential donors, and his oldest brother, Vincente, agreed to give Alejos one of his kidneys. Following the transplant, Vincente has had no issues living with just one kidney.
On July 23, 1973, Dr. Robert Levine (now deceased) – another of the program’s founders – performed what then was a new and rare procedure in Grand Rapids, transplanting the kidney into Alejos’ abdomen. The diseased kidneys were not removed, so he actually has three kidneys.
Every six months, Alejos visits the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center, and follows a healthy lifestyle to keep his kidney functioning. For 25 years, he worked in social services for the State of Michigan, retiring in 2001.
“Without the transplant, I would have been gone long ago,” Alejos said.
Lupe said, “I thank God every day. Thank you for giving us every day to enjoy life.”
The Alejos family also have a devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and proudly display her statue at their home. They attribute Alejos’ transplant success to Our Lady’s intervention.
Our Lady of Guadalupe statue. (Courtesy, Trinity Health of Grand Rapids)
Because of his transplant, Alejos and his wife have been able to travel to Mexico and California to visit family members during these past five decades. The couple has also enjoyed raising their three children, who have given them seven grandchildren. “Now we are waiting for great grandchildren,” Lupe said with a smile.
As they reflected on the care they received at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Alejos and Lupe shared their thoughts.
“Trinity Health Grand Rapids is a hospital you can trust for a kidney transplant and other health issues. I was so lucky to have dedicated doctors who took care of all my needs. The hospital has caring and attentive people. I would recommend them by all means,” Alejos said. “God works in mysterious ways. I think He chose those doctors to help me and others, and to use them for His purpose.”
Lupe added her thoughts as well: “I am so grateful to God, Vincente and the doctors for the years we have had together. I’ve had my share of illness too. And Guadalupe was able to be there for me because of his transplant.”
The couple’s gratitude also extends to organ donors, especially living kidney donors.
If you decide to do it,” Lupe said. “May God bless you. That is a big gift. I can’t say enough to those who decide to do it.”
Since 1973, The Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center has performed close to 3,000 kidney transplants. It is the first and only kidney transplant center in Michigan to partner with the National Kidney Registry, an extra avenue of hope for hard-to-match patients.
One of the latest technological innovations, robotic live donor nephrectomy, has created even more opportunities for live kidney donations for our patients. Transplantation services are provided by the most experienced multidisciplinary kidney transplant team – composed of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, referral coordinators, financial coordinators, and medical assistants – in West Michigan.
Hospice care team members who feel well-taken care of are better equipped to take care of patients. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
By Emmanuel Hospice
It’s no secret the health care industry is experiencing a critical staffing shortage – and hospice is not immune from the trend.
According to a 2022-23 Hospice Salary & Benefits Report, turnover rates for registered hospice nurses reached 25.15% last year. Nurses also accounted for 16.97% of vacancies. Hospice aides and certified nurse aides, or CNAs, also represented a large percentage of job vacancies and saw high turnover rates, 19.05% and 29.84%, respectively. Providers have also reported shortages among social workers and nonclinical staff.
Overcoming this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach to recruit and retain team members. Candidates are seeking a better work culture that is supportive and collaborative, better compensation and benefits and a better organizational focus on patient care – not the bottom line.
Since its inception, Emmanuel Hospice has been working to differentiate itself in these areas. In addition to providing competitive pay, great mileage reimbursement, paid self-care days and holidays, among other benefits, the nonprofit leans on a thoughtful culture.
“We’re unique,” says Katie Joseph, Emmanuel’s Human Relations generalist. “Number one, we’re independent, so we’re not tied into a larger system where you can get bogged down in red tape.
“We’re very nimble, which makes us able to try new things easily. All of us are under one roof, so if someone has an idea, we’re apt to try it, especially if it shows promise of helping those we serve.”
Another way Emmanuel sets itself apart is by offering a wide array of complementary therapies – everything from essential oils to its Art Legacy program.
“Because of that spirit, we find ourselves with more tools in our tool kit,” Joseph says. “And that translates to more creativity and more opportunities to reach out to our patients and their families.”
Joseph emphasizes a third hallmark: The way Emmanuel’s leadership team cares for its staff members.
“We really do care for our employees,” she says. “We can’t take care of our patients if we aren’t also taking care of ourselves. When someone on our team says ‘What can I do for you today?’ they’re really asking that in a genuine way. Because we know if you’re feeling well-taken care of, you’re better equipped to do that for others.”
According to Joseph, the Emmanuel Hospice culture – its beliefs and values – is imbedded into every aspect of the organization, and to a newcomer, it’s evident from the first interview.
“We are intentionally thoughtful,” she says, “and from feedback we receive, we’re known for our transparency and supportive nature. We want our people to succeed, and in expressing that, nobody is ever treated like a number, like just another worker. In short, we care.”
Something called “vital behaviors” are also baked into everyday life at Emmanuel. Those are statements and affirmations that help all employees understand expectations, codes of conduct and the importance of consistent messaging.
“We start by assuming good intentions of one another,” says Joseph. “We believe in doing what we do and doing it well. And we’re life-long learners.
“Not only do we incorporate these behaviors into everything we do, but we are constantly reminding our staff of them through emails and other updates that stress respect and open communication. We want the best out of ourselves and one another.”
Emmanuel is also very thorough about its onboarding process for new employees, which involves careful transitioning and plenty of room for questions and feedback.
“We want someone to know ahead of time what a situation might require. It’s not unusual for a nurse to spend a half day with a massage or music therapist. That helps each team member realize what another does, and how it all fits together.
KDL Kelloggsville Branch Library Cameron Holmes hopes area residents will stop by to check out the branch during its Birthday Bash on Aug. 2. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
This Aug. 2, Kent District Library hopes area residents will swing by to check out the books and materials at its KDL Kelloggsville branch as the branch marks its fifth anniversary.
Located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 Division Ave. S., the branch was opened in 2018 with a state-of-the-art media center at the high school was transformed into a community library. KDL manages the two-story facility, which is open to the community members after school hours and during the summer.
Even through the facility has been open for five years, there are still people in the community who are not aware of it, said KDL Kelloggsville Branch Librarian Cameron Holmes.
The KDL Kelloggsville branch’s entrance is located on the north side of the Kelloggsville High School. (Courtesy, KDL)
“The event is designed to provide a service to the community but also to help create awareness about the facility and that it is open to the public,” Holmes said, adding that the library entrance is tucked into the north side of the school and is not easily visible from the road.
The Birthday Bash, which starts at 1 p.m., will be outside, which Holmes said he hopes will attract people to come in and check out the event. The event will include a foam party, take and make crafts for adults, goodie bags for children, tours of the branch and, of course, ice cream. The KDL Bookmobile also will be there.
The branch is full service, providing an arrange of materials for children to adults along with the Beyond Books program and other KDL services.
For the summer, the KDL Kelloggsville branch is open 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.Mondays and Wednesdays and noon-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the school year, the branch is open from 3-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
For more about the KDL Kelloggsville branch or KDL offerings, visit kdl.org.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced the death of its former K9 dog, Dutch, today.
“It is with profound sadness that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announces the death of retired police K9 Dutch,” the department stated in a prepared press release. “Dutch served with the Wyoming Police Department for approximately nine years before retiring in 2020.
Retired K9 Dutch
“Dutch was a lot and beloved member of the Wyoming Police family and will be greatly missed.”
Dutch served the department for nine years, retiring in 2020. After his retirement, he went on to live with his handler, Officer Kelsey Eisen.
“I don’t know what I would do if someone said I couldn’t keep Dutch after working all those many training hours and working the road ,” Eisen said during Dutch’s retirement celebration in 2020. “You literally spend more time with the dog than you do with your family. So if someone was to tell me that I couldn’t take him afterwards it would be devastating and I would be heartbroken that I couldn’t give him that special treat afterwards for how much work he has done in the city and couldn’t spoil him in retirement.”
For past three years, Dutch’s only job was finding the couch and getting all the attention from Eisen’s family.
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin at the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
Saturday is the kick off for the 2023 Metro Cruise kicks — which is under new organizers — with the annual Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.
The Miss Metro Cruise event is set to start at 11 a.m., according to Walter T. Pyper. Along with Paper, Bebe Von Schweetz, a top ten Metro Cruise finalist in 2021 and 2022 and Victoria Jean, Miss Metro Cruise 2022, make up the Boss Pin-Up Babes, which is the organizer of this year’s Miss Metro Cruise.
Pyper said there is not a lot of changes to the event with the car show running fro 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Top Ten Finalists from the preliminary round will compete for the title of Miss Metro Cruise 2023 on Saturday, Aug. 26.
A new twist to a familiar event
“We are so excited to be taking over the event,” said Molly Sheehan, aka Bebe Von Schweetz. “We are looking forward to bring new life to the program itself and to shake things up a little.”
Miss Metro Cruise contestants strike up a pose. (WKTV)
Sheehan and her partners have a lot of experience in participating in pin up events like Miss Metro Cruise. Sheehan was a Top Ten finalist in 2021 and 2022 for Miss Metro Cruise and has travelled and competed in other events. She also has encouraged a number of ladies to join “the sisterhood of pin up” and participate.
“Pin up competitions are traditionally the same, but there are things you can do to spice it up a little,” Sheehan said. “We really want to think outside of the box for ideas to take Miss Metro Cruise into a different direction and keep it fresh as we are going forward.
“We just can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s event.”
Because the group took over the event in May, Sheehan said there won’t be a lot of changes to this year’s program. Participants will be at the preliminary, posing with cars and talking to fans. Past winners might be there as well.
GReater Level takes over Metro Cruise
The Boss Pin-Up Babes are not the only new addition to the Metro Cruise, but the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce has turned over the entire Metro Cruise event, scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26, to the production company GReater Level.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, who took over as head of the Chamber last year, said he started looking at the purpose of how each chamber event supports and fits into the overall Chamber mission.
“For the past several years, Chambers, especially the ones that are our size, have really moved away from solely providing events and have increased supporting local businesses by uncovering ways we can offer more on programs for its businesses,” Morgan said, adding the programs center on workforce development, leadership training, being at the table supporting our businesses, diversity and inclusion, and other business services.
In fact, the Chamber recently received about $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Kent County for workforce development support and training to local businesses in the South Kent County area.
“This support and training will allow us to help local business access needed information, connectivity, and business education,” Morgan said. “These resources will go toward providing several services at no or low cost to local businesses that are staples in our communities. Funding will serve as a support for new businesses created because of being displaced, those diversity affected by the pandemic, as well as businesses that are striving to expand their services in a struggling market.”
The Chamber also recently developed the new initiative Diversity Business Council designed to serve business owners in underserved and underrepresented communities.
An 18-year tradition
Started in 2005, Metro Cruise, which his centered around the love of classic cars, was created as a result of M-6 being built and opened. The concern was that traffic would dissipate from 28th Street and turn a street that was once the second busiest in Michigan into an afterthought.
28th Street did struggle and iconic businesses, such as Studio 28, closed. However, in recent years, there has been development such as the city’s 28 West project and the apartment complex HOM Flats. Lindo Mexico opened a new location and longtime places, such as Marge’s Donuts, have renovated and/or expanded in the past 18 years since Metro Cruise started.
Over those 18 years, Metro Cruise has grown as well. Last year, the event had two locations in Wyoming and Kentwood. As the 2022 event closed, the remaining key Chamber members involved with Metro Cruise announced they were retiring. Morgan said he looked around the Chamber and realized they did not have the skill set to maintain the operation on a volunteer basis.
Handing over the reigns
“Financially, it is quite a big undertaking,” Morgan said. “As the Chamber Board looked at the direction the Chamber was going, the vibrancy of 28th Street, and the need for the Metro Cruise to be staged on a more professional level, it became obvious that it was time for us to hand the reigns over.”
Brandon Simmons, owner of GReater Level and who has served as the Metro Cruise project manager for the past several years, stepped up to continue the Metro Cruise legacy.
“GReater Level has served as the project manager for several years and we believed they are positioned for success with this event,” Morgan said. “We look forward to seeing how the Metro Cruise grows in its benefit to the local business along the 28th Street corridor.”
According to the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the event will again have two locations. Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.
Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”
That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.
“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.
“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”
No questions asked
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)
At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”
During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”
The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
Suggested food donations include:
Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
Vegetables, canned
Fruits, canned
Shelf stable milk
Non-stick spray
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce
Cooking oil
Jam/Jelly
Cereals
Pasta
Rice
Soup
* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.
Personal care item suggestions:
Soap of all kinds
Shampoo/conditioner
Disposable razors
Feminine products
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Diapers
Some other ideas include:
Kid-friendly non-perishables
Crayons, small toys, games
School supplies
To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Gezon Park was the most recent park to receive updates and improvements including a new splash pad. The park was completed last summer. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
Residents playing coed softball as there are concerts going on at Lamar Park. Children playing in the splash pads while a family is having a birthday party in one of the shelters.
Krashawn Martin was named Parks and Recreation director in October. (WKTV)
These are just a few of things that warms Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin’s heart as she travels around the City of Wyoming visiting its 21 parks, which total about 700 acres of park property.
The parks are a mix of developed with a few that are not. The parks are scattered throughout the city with the most northern being the almost 14-acre Marquette Park, 1251 Marquette SW; and southern are the 94-acre Gezon Park, 5651 Gezon Court; and the 2.2-acre Frog Hollow, 2050 Metro Court. Just to note, Gezon is the city’s largest park.
July is Parks and Rec Month
“My office is the overflow area,” Martin said with a laugh as we walked into her office, which among the items has a few boxes with prizes and games.
Those items are for the department’s July Pop-Up in the Park events in celebration of the national Parks and Recreation Month, an annual event since 1985 that promotes building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recognizes the staff and volunteers who maintain the parks.
Wyoming’s Pop-Up in the Park is every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. with the park location announced Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. on the Park and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.
A Look Back and Ahead
“This year we are more into a planning year,” she said, adding that the department is kind of “exhaling” after all of the projects that have been completed over the past several years.
Several of the City of Wyoming Park’s have had new playgrounds installed in the past couple of years. This one is located at Ideal Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The flurry of activity started with Ferrand Park in 2018 followed by Ideal, Jackson and last year, Gezon. All the parks received new play equipment and shelters with Ideal, Jackson, and Gezon also adding splash pads and restroom facilities.
Martin said restrooms have been a priority this year with work being down on such facilities at various parks. The department also is looking at renovating the pickle ball courts located at Pinery Park.
But this year’s biggest focus has been on the department’s five-year master plan. Parks are being reviewed for possible projects along with evaluating the department’s other assets, such as the Wyoming Senior Center, to make certain that the Parks and Recreation Department is meeting residents’ interests and needs.
“We are surveying residents and talking to users about what type of recreational programs they want to see and what activities they would like to have at the parks,” Martin said, adding the goal is to meet current interests but also that those programs have longevity with resources being used many years down the road.
Some Other Changes
The Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation oversee the city’s Concerts in the Park series. (WKTV)
Along with the construction work, the department has added special events now overseeing the annual Concerts in the Park series and the holiday celebration, Wyoming Gives Back. The Parks and Recreation Department also will be managing the 36th Street Market located on the northern section of the former 36th Street site, next to the Godwin football stadium. Opening date for the market is spring 2024 with construction set to start this summer, Martin said.
The past year also included Martin being selected as director for the Parks and Recreation Department. She started with the city six years ago, first serving as the the special events and marketing programmer. She then was the recreational supervisor followed by serving as an analyst in the city manager’s office before returning to Parks and Recreation as its director.
“I feel like I am doing what I have always been doing, only we a really cool team,” Martin said.
Just a Few More Things
Martin and her team currently are planning and preparing for the upcoming fall months, which will include a new Youth Flag Football program with Godwin Public Schools (register soon if you want to get in as the deadline is July 30) along with popular favorites, such as the Trick-n-Treat Trail.
Martin also points out that there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy the splash pads. The city has five, one at Gezon, Lamar, Jackson, Ideal, and Oriole, along with a dog park (membership required) at Marquette Park. The splash pads are open through Labor Day.
Other park amenities include playgrounds; basketball, pickle ball, and tennis courts; softball fields and walking trails. For activities, events or more information about the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation and the city’s 21 parks, visit wyomingmi.gov/city-departments/parks-and-recreation.
East Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra hosts a podcast at WKTV called Great Lakes Music. Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University. (WKTV)
By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
A melomaniac is defined as a person who absolutely and enthusiastically loves music. Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra fits that definition wholeheartedly.
“Music is something I have been surrounded by for as long as I can remember,” he explained.
His Mom is a director of music, his father is a Latin percussionist and his siblings all have college music degrees. His grandmother is a talented singer and pianist.
“Currently, music has brought me connections to understanding the world and to people in a way that I plan on pursuing as far as I can,” he said emotionally.
Great Lakes Music host Judah Guerra (right) and guest Kevin Jones, a Michigan State University percussion instructor who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
His music history started with flute lessons at the age of six. And then he joined the Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir that year. Trombone came next in middle school followed by remarkable experiences at music camps. Thus began his love for jazz.
“I started playing electric bass in 8th grade because my dad had one and always to wanted me to play it. My junior year of high school I bought an upright bass because at that point I was coming to the point of my gigs where bass players weren’t handy,” he said of his love of the instrument.
In high school, Guerra participated in as many musical ensembles as possible. At Grand River Prep he was in the band, choir, jazz band, pep band, pit, and also had lead roles in musicals he participated in. He also played in college bands in the area, honor bands, Grand Youth Symphony, the St. Cecilia Jazz Orchestra and a band he started out of that orchestra called GR Groove. To say the least, he was very busy with music in high school.
During Guerra’s senior year he transferred to East Kentwood in order to be in-person during the pandemic.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol. (WKTV)
“East Kentwood was extremely helpful in getting me to play at a higher level, and it was very inspiring to see my peers play because of the level they were at.“
Currently, Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University on a full scholarship. He studies bass and trombone with a world class faculty there, he noted.
“Michigan State has been an inspiring institution for me to continue my musical path.”
Great Lakes Music podcast at WKTV
Judah credits WKTV for giving him the opportunity to start a podcast named Great Lakes Music. He has always wanted to have a podcast ever since he started watching his heroes from far and wide talk when the world went online during the pandemic.
“I want Great Lakes Music to be able to highlight the musicians in Michigan at a high level, and to give people a sense of what talent is,” he enthused.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews and jams with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.
The podcast itself highlights a new artist every episode.
“It is a chance for the guests to tell their story, give advice, and comment on the music scene as it is,” he explained.
“WKTV has been extremely helpful with the podcast and getting my name out there. The whole staff is out of this world in terms of their talent and kindness; two traits that are very rare to find,” he concluded.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews Joel Ferguson, former Verve Pipe band member.
Edna (from left without masks), Verna and Ellie, residents in adult foster care, tackle a holiday craft project with help from Fran, one of the residence aides who provide wrap-around services. (Photo courtesy, Care Resources)
By Care Resources
West Michigan offers a wide range of housing and care options for older adults. Determining the best fit can be difficult decision.
Year after year, surveys show the majority of adults prefer to remain in their own home and in their community as long as possible, rather than in a nursing facility. These wishes are in line with the goals of Care Resources, a community-based program that promotes healthy and independent living for people 55 years and older in West Michigan.
As a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, Care Resources provides services tailored specifically to the needs of individual participants to help them avoid hospital or nursing home placement to the greatest extent possible.
While the organization’s ultimate goal is to keep participants living independently, there are circumstances where other options must be considered. That’s where housing alternatives like adult foster care and assisted living come in. These residential settings can provide an enhanced level of care for individuals who cannot live alone but want to avoid nursing facility placement.
To help meet the needs of participants in these situations, Care Resources partnered with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) to open adult foster care homes in 2022 for qualifying participants. The three homes on Kalamazoo Avenue, all adjacent to Care Resources, can house a total of 30 residents with staff working three shifts to provide support at all hours.
Annie, a resident in adult foster care, celebrates her birthday with Priscilla, one of the Care Resources residence aides who provide wrap-around support services. (Photo courtesy, Care Resources)
“Residence aides are on-site around-the-clock to help serve meals, monitor medications and provide any other one-on-one attention that may be needed,” Care Resources Social Services Manager Paula Lett said. “Our wraparound support services – doctors, therapists and social workers – also come directly to participants in the homes to provide specialized care.”
The homes aredesigned just like a regular house with bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and common area where the residents can socialize. There’s also a small gym area for physical therapy and exercise.
“It’s an intimate setting with a personal home-life touch,” Lett said. “The participants enjoy meals together and really get to know the staff there – it becomes like a small family.”
While residents can live in the homes permanently, short-term respite stays of one to two weeks are more common.
“I like to explain it as a little bit of tune-up for those going in for respite,” said Kelly Malski, a social worker at Care Resources. “Participants get extra TLC, start taking their meds properly and get stronger while also giving their caregivers a break. It’s amazing what getting a temporary amount of this level of care can do for caregivers and participants alike. It can have an all-around positive impact.”
Lett and Malski shared other common scenarios for utilization of the housing:
Hospital discharge: Participants coming out of a hospital stay who need a higher level of care or closer medication monitoring in order to transition from hospital to home.
Unplanned, immediate need for support: Caregivers who are experiencing an emergency and have a sudden need for a safe place their loved one can go for proper supervision and care.
Families going on vacation: Families who are unable to take their loved one with them on a trip and cannot find coverage for in-home support while they’re away.
So, how do caregivers know which housing alternative is right for their loved one?Participants of Care Resources can simply connect with their care team to start the conversation. For those not in the program, Malski recommends examining the situation from a few angles.
“If you’re at the point where you think your loved one should be placed into a nursing facility, it may be time to find out whether a program like Care Resources can help provide other solutions for keeping them in the home longer,” Malski said. “That could be a matter of increasing in-home care, visiting a day center more often, providing therapies or accessing other services.
“If you’ve felt you’ve exhausted all those options, then a housing alternative may be the best choice to avoid needing permanent placement in a nursing facility.”
To find the right fit, individuals can start with a call to Care Resources at 616-913-2006 or find more information online at CareResources.org.
Wyoming resident Diane Dykema learned about how many unwanted bunnies there were, she started Bunnies-R-Us rescue. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
By Janet Vormittag WKTV Contributing Writer
Wyoming resident Diane Dykema has a passion for rabbits and thought breeding and selling bunnies would be a fun hobby. She changed her mind when people started asking her to take rabbits they no longer wanted.
“I didn’t realize how many unwanted bunnies there were,” Dykema said.
That realization compelled Dykema to transition from breeding to rescue. In July 2019, she started Bunnies–R–Us and began taking in unwanted rabbits and finding them new homes.
In 2022, Dykema adopted out 92 rabbits. She has a 100% rate of finding new homes for rabbits in less than two months.
Education the key
Dykema thinks most people get rid of rabbits because they aren’t educated on what is involved in caring for their new pet.
“You can’t put a rabbit in a cage and leave it there,” she said. “Having a rabbit is a big responsibility.”
Sp,e buddies bond with each other and become best buddies. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
Before taking home one of Dykema’s rabbits, tentative adopters are required to sit through a one-on-one, hour-long educational session. Using handouts and videos, Dykema teaches them what rabbits should and shouldn’t be fed. She shows how to hold a rabbit and explains why exercise is important.
Rabbits in Dykema’s care get out of their cages at least once a day to play with toys in an exercise pen.
People learn rabbits never look sick, have a high tolerance for pain, and can die from stress. Rabbits can also be trained to use a litter box.
Adopters leave with a folder full of information, a starter kit with litter, hay and bunny food, and Dykema’s telephone number.
“They know everything they need to know before they leave,” Dykema said. “They can also call me anytime.”
If people are hesitant about adopting, they can foster to adopt.
Some of the bunnies available for adoption at Bunnies-R-Us rescue. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
Working to make an adoption a success
Besides owner-surrendered rabbits, Dykema gets rabbits from people who find domesticated bunnies roaming outside. “People think they can live like a wild bunny. They can’t.” She added that rabbits shouldn’t be released outside—they lack survival skills and are vulnerable to predators.
Recently Dykema took in seven bunnies from Traverse City Animal Control who got them from a rescue that had closed.
Adoption fees range from $30 to $100 and depends on age, breed and if the rabbit is spayed/neutered. Dykema doesn’t routinely spay/neuter rabbits but won’t adopt a male and female together unless one of them is fixed.
Dykema said adoption fees keep people from taking rabbits for snake food or meat.
Some rabbits bond with each other and become best buddies. Dykema won’t breakup a bonded pair or trio, but if the pair consists of a male and female, one must be spayed/neutered.
“I don’t adopt a male and female together. I learned that the hard way,” Dykema said. She also won’t adopt to someone who has a rabbit of the opposite sex at home. She explained that one gentleman adopted two females and neglected to tell her he had a male at home. He soon brought her a dozen young rabbits and the male rabbit.
Dykema is learning as she goes and now charges an intake fee and asks that a rabbit’s cage be included in the surrender to reduce the stress on the rabbit.
A family affair
When full, Dykema asks people to foster the rabbit they want to surrender until a new home can be found. She has room for about two dozen rabbits and she does most of the work of feeding and cleaning by herself. Recently, a 13-year-old girl started volunteering to help care for the bunnies.
Diane Dykema checks on the bunnies. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
Dykema’s family is supportive of her rescue. Her husband, Russ, helps where he can and her daughter works on the website and makes bunny videos.
Dykema said rabbits are often a neglected animal and are usually looked at like a farm animal. She sees them differently and hopes to educate people about their true nature.
“They’re smart and clean,” she said. “They can be silly and are easy to care for. They each have their own personality. Each one is different and unique.”
Janet Vormittag started Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals in 2006 as a monthly publication. It’s geared towards West Michigan readers and features pet-related advertisers, animals available for adoption, and articles about animal rescues and pets. In 2018, Cats and Dogs transitioned to a quarterly publication. The print edition is free and can be found at local libraries and businesses.
A final resting place is important in allowing a spirit to move on. (Pexels.com)
By Wayne Thomas WKTV Contributing Writer
When Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters were asked to investigate at one of our areas largest local cemeteries it didn’t seem special. Now consider the unique coincidence that my mother, father, grandmother and cousin are all buried in this particular cemetery. Due to a signed confidentiality agreement the name of this location must remain anonymous but here are the fun facts of the case.
The key word in this paranormal investigation was “creepy”: creepy stuff, creepy feelings in both the office located in the middle of the cemetery and the Mausoleum located near this office. The manager had been mysteriously scratched on her arm while at her desk in the office and saw a dark humanoid figure out of the corner of her eye while looking toward the hallway. She also heard ghost voices on multiple occasions.
Another employee reported seeing dark figures sitting in the break room and in the office hallway where he also heard footsteps and different unexplained voices several times. A disembodied male voice was heard saying “Hey” and a woman’s voice was heard saying, “Hello.” A younger woman and an older woman’s voice were heard, apparently the older woman wanting “Help.” Other unexplained noises were heard by both employees in the office area along with ghostly voices and apparitions seen in the hallway.
During the original investigation things got interesting later in the night between 12:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. as our K-2 EMF detectors started lighting up indicating increased electromagnetic fields. At the same time, we were hearing what sounded like responses to our questions known as EVP’s or Electronic Voice Phenomena heard through our P-SB7 paranormal Spirit Box. Spirits answering our questions and interacting with the living indicates what Ghost Hunters call an intelligent haunting where ghosts typically have some sort of unfinished business.
Through examination of evidence and a preponderance of the clues we noticed certain patterns and were able to draw several intriguing parallels to the original client testimony. We concluded in our report that, “We believe the spirits are drawing us to the north end of the office hallway. Our EMF detectors were pointing us in that same direction and on the next visit we need to take a better look at the north end of the office hallway.”
We returned about a month later and a clue was revealed. Located at the very north end of the hallway was a locked door to a closet, a sort of vault that held the cremated remains of deceased individuals. We learned the deceased were all in limbo, waiting to either be buried in the cemetery or for interment in the mausoleum. At this time we were also informed that behind this locked door were several sets of cremated ashes being stored because they remained unclaimed. Additionally we were told of funeral homes in our area with the same predicament and those claims were confirmed.
Ashes can be buried at a cemetery, placed in a mausoleum or a columbarium. (Pxhere.com)
So how much of a wide spread problem had we uncovered? More than two million urns in funeral homes across North America are waiting to be collected. Thirty-one countries around the world practice cremation with 99% in Japan, 77% in the United Kingdom, as the United States approaches 60% with 1% unclaimed. (Michigan has about a 55 percent cremation rate.) The general consensus being, it’s important to find a final resting place for the deceased, not a funeral home. Different states have different rules as to how long they will store ashes before acting on them, sometimes burying them in mass graves.
Historically, with the exception of Buddhists favoring cremation, many religions were against cremation and regarded it as a less respectful way to deal with death. Obviously, a growing number of people now accept the process as a personal choice. Most agree that the cremains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as a traditional religious funeral or memorial service and placed in a permanent location for remembrance, like a columbaria in a church.
Ashes may be scattered with permission of a land owner, buried underground in a cemetery or even at sea. A modern choice is to plant a tree with the ashes and it’s relatively inexpensive. Have you inherited the cremated remains of a family member or someone you didn’t really know and have been storing them in the basement or a closet? Don’t underestimate the significance of the dignity and respect in the rituals and ceremonies surrounding the dead that all cultures and religions practice. To those spirits waiting in limbo for their final disposition, “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering, seek out the light.”
UPDATE: From Wyoming Department of Public Safety “We are grateful to report that Amir and Adonis Ezell have been located and are unharmed. Early this afternoon a family member of Mr. Ezell dropped the children off at their mother’s residence, and they are now safe. Mr. Ezell has not been located by officers at this time. This case will be reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
Suspect Jacobus Lamont Ezell, 25. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety.)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety are searching for Jacobus Lamont Ezell who after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend took their two children, 18-month-old Amir Ezell and 4-year-old Adonis Ezell.
At approximately 5:23 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW on a report of a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they learned that after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, the suspect, Jacobus Lamont Ezel left with the two children. The suspect is the biological, non-custodial father of both children. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the children given the circumstances of this incident as well as the fact that the suspect is reported to have a mental disorder.
The suspect was last seen with the children in the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW. It is believed that he left the area on foot with the children as well as a baby stroller.
The suspect has been identified as Jacobus Lamont Ezell a 25-year-old black male. He has black hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet tall, and weighs 180 pounds. His hair was described as being styled in “half-afro and half- twists.” He was last seen wearing black pants, white shoes, and no shirt.
Amir Ezell, 18 months.Adonis Ezell, 4 (older picture)
Pictures courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The children were identified as:
Amir Ezell, an 18-month-old black male, approximately two feet tall, weighing 30 pounds, andwearing a green onesie and red and white socks.
Adonis Ezell a four-year-old black male, approximately three feet tall, weighing 40 pounds, andwearing spider-man shoes and red and white socks.
The stroller was described as being a Graco brand, black and white in color.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety are giving this their full attention and are seeking the public’s help in locating the children. The children have been entered into the National Crime Information Center, an Endangered Missing Person Advisory has been submitted to the Michigan State Police, and a Child is Missing Alert has been activated.
Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Jacobus Ezell is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
Dominic Dorset as Kristoff and Collin Baja as Sven in the “Frozen” North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy (Disney)
By John Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
If you call him “Kristoff,” Michigan native Dominic Dorset won’t mind.
“Yes, this is,” he said when we called him “Kristoff” answering the phone in a recent WKTV interview.
Is he tired of people calling him his character name?
“No, that’s alright,” he said. “I’m used to it by now, if anything.”
Dorset, a native of Saline, and 2022 graduate of the University of Michigan theater program, is excited to be on his first major tour in Disney’s “Frozen,” which plays this week (July 11-16) at DeVos Performance Hall, presented by Broadway Grand Rapids.
Bringing to life a familiar story to life
He’s learned a lot about the show, and being on the road, since the tour kicked off last September.
“I’ve gotten more comfortable with the part, having done the show eight times a week,” he said with a laugh.
Dominic Dorset (Courtesy)
“We have new cast members who come and go, so it changes, and the show has to adjust if the theater is bigger or the crowds livelier.”
The goal, he said, is to have consistent performances.
“But the reality is, we, as actors, have good days, and we have bad days,” he said. “We have days where we’re more energetic, and we have days where we’re a little slow. You’re never going to see the same show twice. But, overall, it’s always going to be ‘Frozen.’”
From the producers of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” The Tony-nominated “Frozen” brings back the familiar story – and songs – that fans of all ages know and love.
Something familiar
Wth music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, “Frozen” the musical is based on the 2013 film of the same name and centers on the relationship between two sisters – Elsa and Anna – who are princesses.
As fans know, Elsa has magical powers to freeze objects, and people, which she has difficulty controlling. She inadvertently causes the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter, and nearly kills her sister.
Kristoff and his trusty reindeer companion, Sven, play a key role in the storyline.
Dorset said fans of the “Frozen” movies will love the musical because of the familiar songs, “but it’s going to be more than that, too.”
“It’s a Broadway production, which means it’s going to have the highest quality of dancing, singing, acting, set design, costume design, puppetry – EVERYTHING!” he said. “It’s top-notch quality. It’s amazing.”
Something new
Fans will also get to hear a lot of new songs not in the films.
“The writers wrote about a dozen new songs…so if you come see the show, you’re going to see the movie you know, but you’re going to see a lot more than that…You won’t hear these songs anywhere else except for on this stage.”
Dorset said he’s been a fan of the film from the time it came out, “along with the rest of the world.”
“I guess I consider myself to be a pretty big Disney fan,” he said, growing up on the Disney Channel.
He said his parents recount how, as a kid, he was “obsessed with Cinderella and Snow White.”
“Which is kind of funny,” he said. “I was really into Disney from the time I could walk.”
A love for theater
He started in local theater in fourth grade, then at Saline High School. A summer camp between his junior and senior year in high school on the campus of UM introduced him to theater students all across the country.
Lauren Nicole Chapman as Anna and Dominic Dorset as Kristoff in the “Frozen” North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy (Disney)
“I got to see kids who were really, really good. Some who had already been on Broadway. That was eye-opening to me and showed me what was possible.”
He applied to several colleges, but was excited to land at the University of Michigan because it was so close to home.
He said the thrill of creating shared experiences on stage is the magic that has him hooked every night.
“I just love stepping into somebody else’s shoes,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s telling somebody else’s story, finding the similarities and differences between you and the character that you’re playing, and bringing the words to life for a live audience.
Whole different experience
“There is something about everybody going through the experience of that story in the same room together is really addicting to me.”
That’s why fans should come see “Frozen,” he said. It’s the familiar story of Elsa and Anna, but in a live setting.
“It’s their journey of finding love and acceptance with one another, and other people, but it definitely has some updates, some new interpretations and just things you won’t get from seeing the original movie.” Dorset said. “So you have to come see the stage production.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Children take turns falling off the edge of the pool with Mia Dodd’s support, teaching them how to safely enter the pool. Credit: Ashley Zhou
LANSING — Strapped with goggles and neon-colored pool noodles tucked under their bodies, three young students paddle towards coach Mia Dodd as she walks backward, looping around the shallow end of the pool.
Fearlessly kicking their feet and blowing bubbles, they make their way past the pool dividers, where the pool floor begins to dip down. Dodd holds their hands one by one as they learn to safely sit on the edge of the pool and jump in.
Every Tuesday through Thursday morning, Laurie Jonckheere watches her two granddaughters receive free swim lessons at this pool in Howell.
“They’ve always both liked the water,” Jonckheere said. “It’s good for people to know how to swim. You never know when you’re going to need to do it on an emergency basis.”
Teaching youngsters swimming skills is part of a larger effort to reduce drownings in Michigan, particularly on the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes can be dangerous for swimmers when the weather changes. Drowning deaths have gradually increased across the Great Lakes from 74 in 2010 to 108 last year, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue.
According to the rescue project, there have been 15 drowning deaths so far this year.
Dodd leads lessons at the Highlander Aquatic and Fitness Center, part of a collaboration between Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Southeast Michigan swim facilities aimed at closing the poverty gap in communities where many families can’t afford swim lessons. The effort taught more than 1,000 children to swim last summer and has grown to 1,300 students this summer.
Through feedback from park visitors and surveys, Huron-Clinton Metroparks officials say there is broad interest in swimming and water facilities, but the cost of lessons can be a barrier for many Detroiters and children of color.
Danielle Mauter, the agency’s chief of marketing and communications, said a staggering 70% of children in Detroit have little to no swimming experience.
“Our ultimate goal is to be for every single person in Southeast Michigan to know how to swim,” Mauter said. “Each year, the metroparks are interested in growing the number of lessons served year over year, and that was our big focus this summer.”
Summer is also when swimmers hit the beaches across Michigan.
In recent years, the state has taken more steps to protect their safety, including fining swimmers who go into the water despite double red flag warnings at designated state park beaches.
The “double red flag” was introduced last summer to indicate where people are prohibited from going into the water, with exceptions for “board sport recreational individuals” such as surfers and kiteboarders.
Although the park flags run consistently on state beaches, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no control over how a city or township beach flag system is run, said Pat Whalen, the district supervisor for DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. State and city beaches have different meanings for the red flag, he said.
For example, in South Haven, a red flag signals the water is closed and swimmers can be fined $1,000 if they ignore the warning. But a 10-minute drive away, Van Buren State Park follows DNR’s flag system where a red flag is merely a recommendation to stay out of water, not an order, with no fine for doing so, said Dave Benjamin, a co-founder and an executive director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.
Michigan’s beach flags are “consistently inconsistent,” Benjamin said, which leads to some drownings being attributed to a lack of awareness of water conditions. He said 66% of drownings involve people who know how to swim.
Not understanding the meaning of safety flags can leave even competent swimmers vulnerable.
“There’s no education and enforcement there, so it dilutes the meaning of the flag,” Benjamin said. “We do want everyone to learn how to swim, but we also want them to understand that knowing how to swim isn’t water safety.”
Even good swimmers can drown if they’re not taught how to handle a rip current, a common challenge on the Great Lakes.
DNR’s Mauter said rip currents—sometimes called riptides — are less of a focus in swim classes as most lessons take place in pools, although some lessons take place on open water beaches, touching on lake safety.
Last year, Illinois passed a law requiring water rescue equipment on all private and public Lake Michigan waterfronts. Bob Pratt, also a co-founder and an executive director of the rescue project, said he wants similar legislation in Michigan.
Ashley Zhou has an environmental reporting internship under the MSU Knight Center for Environmental Journalism’s diversity reporting partnership with the Mott News Collaborative.This story was produced for Bridge Michigan.
LANSING – Tucked away in the center of Michigan State University’s campus is the nation’s oldest university botanical garden – and a site of the emerging practice of horticulture therapy.
Tucked away in the center of Michigan State’s campus is the nation’s oldest university botanical garden – and a site of the emerging practice of horticulture therapy. The 150-year-old Beal Botanical Garden is a “healing space” where “pretty much everything we do is horticulture therapy.” By Anna Lionas.
“We have people laying in the garden, popup Pilates classes, tours, anything you can imagine,” said Maeve Bassett, the education program director at the 150-year-old Beal Botanical Garden. “In a very general sense, pretty much everything we do is horticulture therapy.”
The practice engages people in gardening and plant-based activities, according to the American Horticultural Therapy Association. It is facilitated by a trained therapist with specific treatment goals.
Encouraging people to use nature as a healing space is a growing discipline, Basset said. Whether they are mathematicians, musicians or veterinarians, her specialty is to find ways to connect the Beal Botanical Garden to what people are interested in.
“The garden has always been made primarily by and for botanists,” Bassett said. “My aim is to show every single person on campus how they can engage with it and get something out of it.”
Following the Feb. 13 shooting that killed three students and seriously injured five others on Michigan State’s campus, the Beal Garden team decided to launch a program already in the works called Nurture Your Roots. The idea was to provide some guidance to the grieving campus.
“It was intentionally designed to be acted out within the garden space because being outdoors and surrounded by nature is an added element of wellness.” Said Angelica Bajos, a Beal Scholar and a garden staff member who studies the environment and sustainability.
Nurture Your Roots focuses on individuals and their wellness and mindfulness.
Locations throughout the garden have a scannable QR code that provides a wellness experience unique to that site. Users are guided through practices like exercise, meditation, writing poetry and listening to music.
“We want to help people develop habits to feel better and healthier about themselves,” Bajos said.
Beal isn’t the only place on campus where students and other people connect with the environment.
“Nature is a great place to reconnect and separate from all the terrible things that have been happening,” said Jessica Wright, the education coordinator at the university’s Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden.
Horticulture has been part of Michigan State since the university opened in 1857. The university was founded in 1855 as an agricultural school and designed to host an abundance of green space. University officials describe the campus as “a key component of a sustainable university, enhancing biodiversity and providing habitat for pollinators.”
Take a stroll south of Beal Botanical Garden and end up in the MSU Horticulture Gardens featuring 14 acres of themed gardens that bloom all summer.
Visiting the Horticulture Gardens means stepping into a different world. A large set of greenhouses at the entrance holds plants, students studying horticulture and, in the springtime, butterflies.
School groups ranging from kindergarteners to graduate students tour them.
“The gardens are a healing and restorative space at MSU,” said Stefon Funderburke, an instructor of a university class that visits sites around campus for its curriculum and that recently toured them. “I will definitely be coming back.”
Wide-eyed students captured colorful flying insects with cell phones. One trio huddled around a butterfly that was laying unmoving in another student’s palm. The group listen intently as Wright from the 4H garden explained that this butterfly was at the end of its life cycle.
“Often students will tell me coming to the gardens brings them back to their childhood and reminds them of fond memories in nature,” Wright said.
The garden is a great way for students to reconnect with nature and an invaluable landscape laboratory for horticulture students, she said.
It also welcomes people with a general passion for nature, said Kollin Bartz, a computer science major who began working at the gardens because of his love of plants.
“I’ve always had a membership to my community garden in my hometown,” Bartz said. “I think being around plants has a positive impact on mental health.”
4-H Butterfly Garden on the MSU campus. Credit: Anna Lionas
While a valuable resource, many students are unaware of the gardens, according to those who tend them.
This summer is a good time to get to know them as there are many programs happening at the MSU Horticulture Gardens and for the 150th anniversary of the Beal Botanical Garden.
Bajos said, “It’s really important that we have a lot of greenspaces on campus. Everyone is coming from different backgrounds, so you never know what people had access to or didn’t before coming to MSU.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The City Center project includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The City of Wyoming’s City Center project got a boost this week with a $20 million public infrastructure grant from the state of Michigan that will accelerate the project to be completed in two years.
The public infrastructure grants are part of the state’s “Make It In Michigan” $82 billion budget, which was recently passed by the state House and Senate and expected to be signed by the governor soon.
“The investment from the state allows us to expedite the City Center project and complete most of the phased project immediately,” said City Manager John Shay. “Watching this project come to fruition is a success for our entire community and we are deeply thankful to Senator Winnie Brinks and State Representative John Fitzgerald for putting a spotlight on our community infrastructure project.”
In January, the city received $6 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution from Kent County. That coupled with the city’s investment of $10 million of its own ARPA funds allowed the for the completion of the first phase of the City Center project, which includes a pedestrian bridge across 28th street and 3.1 miles of non-motorized trails.
The City Center project is located near the 28 West site and adjacent to Hom Flats. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The additional $20 million from the state will allow the city to complete the second phase which is an additional 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails, with a total of 4.6 new non-motorized trails that will connect the City Center to the trails in Pinery Park and the Kent Trails system in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker, and Byron Township.
The second phase also included the burying of overhead power lines along 28th Street between Burlingame and Clyde Park avenues. The lines needed to be buried to prevent them from having contact with the bridge, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s community and economic development director. Burying the lines also accommodates the city’s form-based code, which designs a more walkable experience within the city, and it improves the aesthetics along the corridor with less visual clutter, Hofert said.
Construction on the pedestrian bridge is expected to kick off at the end of July. The bridge, which will provide a safe crossing for 28th Street, also referred to as M-11, will be located near Hook Avenue on the north side of 28th Street and will serve as the entryway to the city’s future downtown center and provide a direct connection to the city’s park system. The bridge is estimated to be completed in spring of 2024, Hofert said.
On the south side, the bridge, will anchor on to the city’s 28 West project and the future City Center site. Adjacent to the City Center site, Magnus Capital has invested $62.9 million into Hom Flats, a mixed-income housing project that incudes class A commercial space and office space.
The burying of the utility lines will improve aesthetics along the corridor by reducing visual clutter. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
This summer, residents also will begin to see work done on burying the utility lines underground, Hofert said. Work on the non-motorized trail project will begin in the spring of 2024 and continue through the spring of 2025, she said, adding that the original 3.1 miles is about 90% completed in the design phase with the other 1.5 miles scheduled to be prioritized over the next month for design.
“For months, my colleagues and I listened to our constituents about their priorities, and this budget reflects those priorities and works for all people across Michigan,” said State Representative John Fitzgerald. “I am grateful to have brought home more than $30 million to the 83rd House District. Notably, $20 million has been awarded to the City of Wyoming for a transformational infrastructure project that will create economic opportunity for the people of this community and put Wyoming on the map as the preeminent suburb in metro Grand Rapids.“
The City of Wyoming’s master plan, which was adopted in 2021, includes an updated 28th Street sub area plan with recommendations for the City Center project. In September, the city will host an open house for residents and community members to learn more about Wyoming’s City Center.
Retirement. Ah, that golden period of life we all look forward to. You’ve worked hard over the years and it’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But before you sail off into the sunset, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place. There are some crucial questions to answer, so let’s dig in.
1. When do I want to retire? The “when” is more significant than you might think. Retiring too early might mean you’ll need to stretch your savings for a longer period. Wait too long, and you might not have as many healthy years to enjoy it. The age at which you retire can also affect your Social Security benefits. It’s a complex puzzle, and it’s worth spending time to piece it together.
2. How much money will I need in retirement? This is a biggie. You need to estimate your living costs in retirement. Will you travel? Do you plan to spoil the grandkids? Maybe you want to pick up some new hobbies? All of this will cost money. And don’t forget about healthcare – a significant expense for many retirees. You’ll also need to consider inflation; it can significantly erode your purchasing power over time.
3. Where will my income come from? Your days of drawing a regular paycheck are ending, so where will your money come from? Consider all sources of income: Social Security, pensions, retirement savings like 401(k)s and IRAs, annuities, and any other investments. Maybe you plan to work part-time? It all adds up. Just remember, some sources of income may be taxable, so make sure to account for that.
4. How will I spend my time? This might seem trivial compared to the financial questions, but it’s equally crucial. Staying mentally and physically active in retirement is essential for your health. Do you plan to travel, volunteer, go back to school, start a business, or spend more time with family? Maybe it’s a mix. Either way, it’s your time now. Make sure to spend it in ways that bring you joy and fulfillment.
5. What kind of legacy do I want to leave? Not everyone likes to talk about this, but it’s an essential part of retirement planning. Do you wish to leave something for your loved ones or a cause close to your heart? This could affect how you save and invest during retirement. Estate planning, including creating or updating your will and setting up any necessary trusts, is key here. It can ensure your wishes are followed and could help your heirs avoid unnecessary taxes and legal complications.
So, there you have it. Five vital questions to help you navigate your retirement journey. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to any of these, and your answers might change over time. That’s okay. The important thing is to start thinking about these questions and making a plan. And don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like financial advisors or estate attorneys. They can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling retirement!
Bonus Tip: The most important thing about retirement is having a comprehensive plan that includes a foundation of safe money which covers financial stability, healthcare needs, and personal fulfillment. This ensures that you have the resources to support your lifestyle and take care of any unexpected challenges, while also making the most of this new stage of life. Planning for retirement is an ongoing process and should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued across Michigan due to wildfire smoke from Quebec, Canada that has blanketed West Michigan, creating a haze that has drastically reduced visibility and air quality throughout the state.
With 483 active fires across Canada and that smoke infiltrating the United States, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Michigan through June 28.
Earlier this week saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids well over 200, firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the AQI is classified as “unhealthy” with AirNow placing Grand Rapids at 195 and IQAir at 192.
While these numbers fluctuate and are projected to drop over the next few days, the current air quality has prompted health advisories that remain in effect.
Recommendations:
*Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
*Shorten the length of outdoor activities
*Move physical activities indoors or reschedule them
Wyoming concert and Whitecaps canceled Tuesday night events
Several West Michigan activities were canceled or postponed, including the West Michigan Whitecaps game scheduled for Tuesday evening and the Wyoming Concerts in the Park performance by Cabildo. The Whitecaps game has been rescheduled to Friday, June 30 as the first game of a doubleheader.
“Having to reschedule activities due to poor air quality was new terrain for us,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director. “While it was disappointing to postpone the concert, we are looking forward to rescheduling and hosting this community event. Public safety is of the utmost importance and that guides the decision to cancel or postpone programs.
“Stay tuned for Concert in the Parks updates by following us on social media.”
The Whitecaps posted a statement on Twitter stating, “In consultation with local weather and health officials, and for the safety of fans and players and in accordance with MLB safety guidelines, tonight’s game has been postponed due to poor air quality.”
While many outdoor events were canceled or postponed and others moved indoors, some events like the Michigan National Guard Air flyover on Tuesday still occurred, though those lining the Grand River were disappointed, unable to see the aircraft due to the smoke covering the sky.
West Michigan residents are urged to continue precautions and limit outdoor activities through Wednesday, June 28th.
For more information on the Canadian wildfires, visit the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc website.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
The concert is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at the park, located at 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW with the series set to run every Thursday through July at Cutler Park and then switching over to Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave. SW, in August.
Sponsored by Byron Township and presented by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios, the community concert series is free. Residents are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. The Juicy Wieners will be selling hot dogs and pork sandwiches also will be available.
P. Williams Productions tapes each concert, which are rebroadcasted on WKTV throughout the summer.
July 13: That Beatles Thing – A local cover band transports you back in time to hear the hits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
July 20: Ryan Curtis Band – This Michigan-born, Idaho-based artist covers anything from folk to bluegrass to rock to blues through personal stories and life lessons.
July 27: The Soul Syndicate – This party band tributes iconic funk, soul, and R&B artists with electric, high-energy performances.
The August series at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave. SW, includes:
Aug. 3: Great Scott! – This Grand Rapids-based party band has something for everyone, playing hits from the fifties through today.
Aug. 10: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain – Traveling all the way from East Tennessee, this award-winning bluegrass group has played at the Grand Ole Opry and around the world.
Aug. 17: The Soul Syndicate – A familiar group in Grand Rapids, the band performs funk, soul and R&B.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to participate in its Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4.
The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.
“Our Fourth of July Celebration is a community-favorite event and is a tradition we have enjoyed for many decades,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to gather in the summer sun and connect with friends and neighbors while celebrating with food, fireworks and fun.”
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the day. Community members who are interested in volunteering can visit kentwood.us/july4 to sign up or call 616-656-5270.
Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Pancake and sausage breakfast
The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place fro 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.
5K race and fun walk
The NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route will take participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.
Parade
At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will feature a new route that starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.
Carnival
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival filled with rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for purchase at the event and in advance for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Friday, June 30 and Monday, July 3. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
Spectators line up for a past Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Community booths, beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks
The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bucket O Maybes, the Decades-Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Community members should also note 52nd Street is under construction between Kalamazoo and Breton avenues, which may impact routes for the event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/EventDetour.
The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly to learn more and sign up.
Other Local Fireworks Celebrations
Grandville: Tuesday, July 4 at Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show
11 a.m. Parade on Wilson Ave. and Flyover along the parade route.
Noon to Dark: Food Vendors
1 to 4 p.m. Penny Carnival by the Scouts
2 to 9 p.m. Kids Zone Inflatables and Activities
2 to 4 p.m. Live Music from Ian Ormiston
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live Music from John Rush
7 to 10:15 p.m. Live Music from After it All
At Dark: Fireworks
Grand Rapids Fireworks: Saturday, July 1 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Music starts at 6 p.m. with DJ Rob Sparks and 8 p.m. Stone Soul Rhythm Band. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m.
East Grand Rapids: Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk over Reeds Lake.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Tatum Hawkins, director of development and communications for the Women’s Resource Center. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The smile on Tatum Hawkins said it all when J.Jill store manager Joell Austin told her there was up to $25,000 available for her to spend on clothing for the Women’s Resource Center’s Business Boutique.
“It’s like a fairy tale,” said Hawkins, who is the director of development and communications for the Women’s Resource Center.
Half hour into the shop, she stood in disbelief when Austin told her the amount had gone up to $35,000.
“This is just so amazing,” Tatum said. “For the women who we work with, clothing is so expensive and often times they are just trying to get food on the table. Having something that is new that looks professional and they feel good in often aids in helping them in a job interview.”
Helping Women Succeed
Set to mark its 50th anniversary, the Women’s Resource Center provides programs to help women secure stable, well-paying employment and achieve financial independence.
J. Jill store manager Joell Austin with Business Boutique volunteer Teresa VanWyk. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
When a participant is job ready, she has the opportunity to shop for free at WRC’s Business Boutique, Hawkins said. Participants are able to select up to two outfits complete with accessories, under garments and make-up. Volunteers serve as their personal shoppers, helping a participant to select clothing items, Hawkins said.
All the clothing is donated and in fact, J. Jill stores at both RiverTown Mall and Woodland Mall have sent out-of-stock clothing to the boutique in the past. Austin said each of the J. Jill stores has a compassion fund that is dedicated to helping provide resources to women.
“We are thrilled that we can contribute to the Business Boutique along with helping them shop today for items that they need,” Austin said.
On Monday’s shop, Hawkins said she was looking for a range of sizes. The Business Boutique has quite a bit of winter clothes, so summer pieces and items that could be layered were a main focus.
“Sometimes a woman may have been sent to jail in the winter and comes out in the summer and they do not have anything for that season to go out on an interview or for the workplace,” Hawkins said.
New Partnership with Woodland Mall
Recognizing the importance of having the right attire for a potential job, Woodland Mall has formed a new partnership with the Business Boutique to regularly stock it with clothes and accessories from mall retailers and donation drives.
“Access to workplace attire can be a barrier to securing employment — and ultimately, economic independence for women,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall. “We are grateful to be able to support the Women’s Resource center’s efforts to address this with a partnership that will offer women an expanded selection of workplace-ready attire from our retailers and community.”
Utilizing a “store-within-a-store” concept, the mall will have a dedicated section of workplace apparel at the Boutique, which will be kept stocked year-round with clothes and accessories through donation drives and retailer partnerships.
The Women’s Resource Center is set to celebrate its new facility at 816 Madison Ave. SE with an open house on Wednesday, June 28, from 3-6 p.m. Within the new facility will be a new and improved Business Boutique that is scheduled to open later this month.
John Hartig, the retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge. Credit: University of Windsor.
A new book about the Great Lakes is written to reflect that their problems, solutions and champions are interrelated, much like the ecosystem it portrays.
“This whole thing of bringing stakeholders together, creating a vision, co-producing knowledge, co-innovating solutions is in the book,” author John Hartig said. “You don’t get that anywhere else.”
Hartig’s “Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds” (Michigan State University Press, $24.95) highlights 14 people who created programs and solutions to help communities that depend on the lakes.
These leaders took on the goal of restoring the Great Lakes through service and guidance at such environmental hotspots as the Detroit River, River Raisin, Rouge River and Muskegon Lake.
They all are hardworking and determined and share the same love for the lakes, Hartig said.
“The pollution problems of the Great Lakes are really people problems,” he said. “People created these problems and to solve them it’s going to take people working together.”
The retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge, Hartig continues his lifelong Great Lakes work as a visiting scholar at the University of Windsor and member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy board of directors.
Through research, education and advocacy, he has fought for the cleanup of the lakes, demonstrating why action is necessary and significant to the communities that benefit from them. And he’s paid attention to people who have done similar work.
Hartig profiled people he deemed as Great Lakes champions. They share the same passion and help their communities remember how important the lakes are for people.
“They’re wel- respected in the community and they have trust,” Hartig said. “It takes sometimes decades to get trust.”
Such trust comes from advocacy groups, religious organizations, governments and industry, he said.
“They were these facilitators of the process and that takes a rare person.”
The champions include a married couple working to clean up Green Bay,Wisconsin, drain commissioners who brought communities together to do group service, members of the Water-keeper Alliance that led many efforts in keeping the water clean and safe to consume, local government officials who fought to clean up industrial processes. Many of these people worked on environmental justice before it was fashionable, especially in Detroit, Hartig said.
These champions realize it is important to know that when you do not know the answer, you should create boundaries on what you are an expert on and what you need to seek more knowledge on, Hartig said. It is a strategy that creates connections. People who are okay with saying they do not know everything create a sense of modesty and open the door for collaboration, Hartig said.
John Hartig notes that new Great Lakes champions can apply lessons learned in the past to emerging problems. Image: Michigan State University Press, $24.95).
And new Great Lakes champions are emerging, he said. People strive every day to help the lakes out and to continue the work of the earlier champions.
The lessons learned by the generation of champions he wrote about should not get lost as today’s problems call for a new mechanisms and assets to solve them, Hartig said. Each generation comes with its set of environmental issues. Thirty years ago, science was more respected than it is now.
The misinformation that is prevalent today washes away the foundations of science, he said. Years ago, everyone just believed and trusted what was said about the environment.
That erosion of trust in science complicates problems like climate change. Emerging champions will have to learn to balance work in progress while staying up to date with what climate change is doing, he said.
“I think this generation has some other challenges to deal with like misinformation and disinformation,” Hartig said. “They have to fight that battle and then now I think they have to also be always thinking about climate change.”
Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, he said.
It leads to intense storms, higher water runoff and more erosion that can contaminate food webs and chains. The emerging champions must have the same passion as the previous ones. But they are taking on distinct challenges with a new wave of environmental problems. Good facilitators and having a passionate support system fuels the involved individuals to becoming champions, he said.
What makes it different is that it manifests “the importance and the value and benefit of the ecosystem approach,” Hartig said.
BestPals Animal Rescue Center is having a party and you’re invited.
“We’re celebrating the past—ten years at this location—and combining it with looking forward,” said BestPals Executive Director Michelle Kenat.
The celebration is Saturday, June 25, noon to 5 p.m., at 6674 Blair Lane, Holland.
There will be games for children, tours of the facility, food trucks, a live DJ, prizes, raffles, a bouncy house and other animal rescues. There will be pets available for adoption.
“We’re going to have so much fun,” Kenat said.
BestPals is seeking more support from the community. Kenat’s goals for the future include a new furnace for the cat building, an expanded emergency fund, a generator for backup power, a sprinkler system for fire suppression and a transport van.
Rescue is in her blood
Kenat has been involved in rescue her entire life. Growing up in Chicago, she got her first dog when she was three. Her grandmother picked up stray dogs and Kenat was her helper.
“It’s in my blood. It’s my passion,” she said.
One of Michelle Kenat’s favorite things to do is to cuddle with the cats. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
When Kenat was 16, she started volunteering at a shelter. She met a woman who used her home as a rescue for cats and dogs. “She was my mentor and role model.”
After Kenat married, she and her husband moved to Holland to raise their children.
When the kids were older Kenat started volunteering at Harbor Humane Society. Eventually, she was hired as the shelter’s intake coordinator. She met like-minded people, and they saw a need for another option for owner-surrendered pets.
Making the dream a reality
Kenat’s dream was to have a home where she could have a rescue. After a divorce, she looked for her dream house. She found it at 13888 Blair St. in Holland. The three-acre site had a house, a pond, and an out building that had once been used as a dog boarding facility.
“I didn’t even see the inside of the house when I said I wanted it,” she recalled.
The site was close to US 31 and the Chicago-raised woman loved the sound of the traffic. “I hear the cars and it soothes me,” Kenat said.
BestPals officially opened in 2013. The group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. They have room for 30 cats in the renovated dog-boarding building where there are large kennels with cat trees, cubbies for sleeping and plenty of toys. Each kennel has a window where outside birdfeeders attract birds to entertains the cats.
The house’s attached garage has been transformed into a dog kennel with room for 10 to 15 dogs. Kenat also fosters cats and dogs in her home.
The perfect adoption makes it worth it
BestPals takes in owner-surrendered pets and cats and dogs from overcrowded shelters. Two shifts of volunteers come each day to clean and play with the animals.
Michele Kenat with some of the dogs in the BestPals rescue. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
Kenat said the hardest thing about being in rescue is finding a balance between rescue and the rest of her life.
“It’s definitely 24/7,” she said.
Kenat manages intake, takes animals to the vet, gives medications, screens adopters, trains and oversees volunteers, and does fundraising. She spends more time on running the business end of BestPals than she would like.
“I thought there would be more time to enjoy each animal,” she said. She loves walking the dogs and cuddling with the cats.
The best part of having a rescue is finding the perfect family for a cat or dog. An example is a half deaf dog who was adopted by a family that knew sign language.
Kenat works hard to match pets to families. She only does foster-to-adopt, meaning a cat or dog lives with their new family before adoption fees are paid and papers signed. BestPals has less than a one percent return rate.
“There’s nothing like a perfect adoption,” she said.
Janet Vormittag started Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animalsin 2006 as a monthly publication. It’s geared towards West Michigan readers and features pet-related advertisers, animals available for adoption, and articles about animal rescues and pets. In 2018, Cats and Dogs transitioned to a quarterly publication. The print edition is free and can be found at local libraries and businesses.
