“Protector.” That is the one word that Santino Ysasi’s sister said would best describe her bother.
“He was the big brother of seven,” said Christina Mller, of Greenville, adding there were eight children in their family. “He looked out for us. He mostly taught us what life was about. He was the protector.”
Ysasi, 46, was killed on Oct. 19 at around 3:30 a.m. behind the now closed St. James Catholic Church on Bridge Street NW. Someone discovered his body around 9:45 a.m. The Kent County Meidical Examiner ruled the death a homicide but has not shared how Santino “Tino” Ysasi died.
Family man
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Ysasi worked for his grandfather, Martin Morales, who owned Little Mexico Cafe on Grand Rapids’ West Side. He also worked worked at Adobe, Beltline Bar, and Casa Martina. He was a businessman, running a business removing personal items after an eviction. He also worked at Fence Consultants, running a crew for the company, and eventually did roadside service.
Recently, Ysasi had fallen on hard times and was homeless, living behind the St. James Catholic Church.
“He was not one to ask for help,”Miller said, adding that most of the family were unaware that he was homeless. “Living in Greenville, I would see him at family events and he never said anything about needing help.
“If I had known, I would have had him come up and stay with me. He would not have liked it because he was city boy,” she said with a small laugh, “but he didn’t say anything and I think it was because he didn’t want to put any stress on me.”
Along with leaving behind his siblings and mother, Ysasi was the father of five and the grandfather of two. Family was important to Ysasi, Miller said, adding he did everything he could to support his family.
Reward raised to $5,000
His family is hoping that a recent increase to reward money for tips to the person or persons responsible for the death of Ysasi, will help bring closure. The reward money for tips is now $5,000.
“It is really hard to move forward because we don’t know why,” Miller said. “It is the reason I decided to add the $1,800 to put the award at $5,000. The economy is a little tough right now and I am hoping this will help encourage people to come forward.”
From WOODTV, the video released by the Grand Rapids Police Department on a person of interest in the Santino Ysasi homicide.
Earlier this month, the Grand Rapids Police released video of a person walking around the scene and are hoping people will take note of how the individual is dressed and other features to help identify who the person is.
“No one can figure out why,” Miller said. “We have talked to those in the homeless community and they have told us Tino always keep things cool and tried to work things out between people.
“For now the focus is on gettin justice for Tino and proving the family with some peace.”
Anyone with information about Santino’s homicide and who is involved is urged to contact the Grand Rapids Police Major Case Team at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer, safely and anonymously, at 616-774-2345 or at silentobserver.org. State law protects Silent Observer’s tips and records which assures anonymity. Silent Observer will pay the enhanced $5,00 reward for information given to one of its tip lines that leads to the killer’s arrest.
Hoping to make a difference
Miller said while the family can not rollback time and prevent what happened to Ysasi, they do recognize they can make a difference to those living on the street. It is why they are giving back to the homeless community by hosting a hot dog event in March.
“Having the opportunity to talk to so many people in this community and hear their stories, especially during the candlelight vigil for Tino, it really has changed my perspective on when I see someone on the street asking for a dollar,” Miller said.
Making older homes energy efficient is one concern. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for the state to invest $437 million in affordable housing in her budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, environmental advocates say she didn’t go far enough.
Whitmer’s proposal falls far short of the $1.6 billion investment environmental groups hoped for after some Democratic legislators pushed unsuccessfully for that amount last year.
Charlotte Jameson, the chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council, said Whitmer’s proposed budget is a good starting point to begin negotiating with the Legislature.
“The important building blocks are all there for further negotiations,” Jameson said.
Whitmer acknowledged that her budget is unlikely to be passed exactly as presented, joking in a press conference, “That’s going to be pretending. We know how this process goes.”
Moving in the right direction
José Reyna, the executive director of the Grand Rapids nonprofit GreenHome Institute, said that even though the plan falls short of what organizations in the “Resilient Homes Michigan” coalition hoped for, he is still pleased with what Whitmer included.
Jose Reyna (Courtesy, Green Home Institute)
“It’s incremental, and that’s typically how funding works in government,” Reyna said. “To move in that direction was a positive signal of things to come in the future.”
Whitmer’s proposal for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 includes funds to improve energy efficiency through rebates on home appliances, develop new affordable housing options and rehabilitate vacant, underused and blighted structures.
Her new $437 million affordable housing proposal comes on top of an additional $300 million for housing the Legislature recently approved for this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.
That budget supplement included money to convert underused properties, like vacant factories and schools, into housing and small businesses.
Addressing the need for middle-class housing
The need for middle class housing has to be addressed. (Pxhere.com)
It also included funding for the “Missing Middle” program, which builds housing for middle-class families. Whitmer expanded eligibility for that program.
Whitmer’s office noted that someone earning the median income in the state could afford a house priced around $175,000, but the average cost of a new home is $307,000.
Additionally, half of renters spend more than 30% of their paycheck “just to keep a roof over their heads,” Whitmer’s office said.
Employees making minimum wage would have to work two full-time jobs to afford the fair market value rent of a two-bedroom home, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition in Washington, D.C. They would have to work 61 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom home.
And that’s before accounting for utilities and other costs, which can be especially pricey in aging homes that are poorly insulated and have energy-inefficient appliances.
Making homes more energy efficient
Consumers Energy and DTE customers also face increasing utility costs because of the spike in fossil fuel prices. Low- and moderate-income households spend between 6% and 21% of their income on energy, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Whitmer’s office notes that 47% of the state’s housing stock was built before 1970, highlighting the need for improvements to energy efficiency.
Jameson said, “Electric and gas utility bills for Michiganders are set to hit an all new high next year as rising costs for methane gas and fossil fuels get passed on to customers.”
Jameson said that investing in weatherization and transitions to electric heat pumps and other energy technology would help consumers avoid the “sticker shock brought on by a dependence on volatile fossil fuels.”
According to a report from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, every $1 invested in reducing energy waste in homes – through more efficient windows, lighting and other technologies – could save homeowners $3.20 or more on future energy bills.
“Weatherization is an important tool for reducing home energy costs while ensuring our homes are safe and comfortable,” Sherman said. “These projects also support and help grow Michigan’s workforce.
“Advanced energy companies employ close to 120,000 people in Michigan, with the majority of those jobs connected to energy efficiency,” she said.
Weatherizing not always always possible
However, weatherizing older houses is challenging due to other side effects of their age.
According to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, 25% of all weatherization projects across the state are deferred because the buildings need a new roof or upgrades to remove carbon monoxide to qualify for funding administered by the state.
That proportion is even higher in older areas like Detroit, where the deferral rate is as high as 75%.
Briana DuBose, the director of strategic community initiatives for Detroit nonprofit EcoWorks, said further investment would help address socioeconomic disparities in the impacts of climate change.
“Low-income communities and communities of color are shouldering the impacts of our climate crisis and are the least able to cope with rising costs,” DuBose said.
DuBose said the full investment of $1.6 billion would have ensured that “we are building wealth by investing in communities that we have historically left behind.”
Buildings and appliances are the third-highest producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
“Buildings are responsible for close to 20% of Michigan’s greenhouse gas emissions, and combustion of fossil fuels indoors from heating and cooking leads to unsafe levels of toxic air emissions in our homes,” DuBose said.
The state’s first Statewide Housing Plan
Reyna said proposals for more state spending on affordable housing could face challenges from legislators and groups who oppose development incentives.
Whitmer signed an executive directive earlier this month reorganizing how the state funds and builds housing. The change shifted the administration of some grants from the Michigan Strategic Fund to the State Housing Development Authority, a move that her office says allows more flexible funding to promote and expedite housing innovation.
Last year, Whitmer released the state’s first Statewide Housing Plan with goals to build or rehabilitate 75,000 housing units, weatherize and improve energy efficiency for 15,000 homes, and make housing more secure for 100,000 families.
GVSU Board of Trustees approves a new Master Plan. (Courtesy, GVSU)
The Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees approved the university’s Master Plan at its Feb. 24 meeting at the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Trustees heard the plan is designed to embrace technology and create an environment for diverse learners and advance equity.
The plan envisions a more cohesive footprint at the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, providing more greenspace with a “campus quad” near the Seidman Center, a student center/dining hall and a new Center for Talent, Technology & Transformation known as Blue Dot, among other improvements.
“The approval of the campus Master Plan does not represent a commitment of capital, but does help focus the vision and anticipated capital projects for Grand Valley campuses and aligns them to support Reach Higher 2025,” said Trustee Elizabeth Emmitt. “It is exciting to imagine how the campuses will evolve and think about the impact on our community.”
Blue Dot would serve as a keystone component of a planned renovation and expansion of the Eberhard Center, which is located adjacent to the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.
In Allendale, the plan shows a more pedestrian friendly layout with more modern living centers, a renovated and expanded Kirkhof Center and continued improvements of athletics facilities.
One major idea includes converting Campus Drive to focus on pedestrian and bus traffic while diverting most traffic to Laker Drive. The plan also calls for the phased replacement of Kistler, Copeland and Robinson living centers, which are the original living centers from the 1960s, with more modern facilities.
At the Health Campus in Grand Rapids, plans call for adapting and renovating classrooms and other areas for new technologies and to better accommodate nursing and health sciences curriculum.
The board also heard a presentation from Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Brandon DeHaan about safety measures and planning on campus in the wake of the shootings at Michigan State University.
The presentation followed a February 23 campus safety briefing DeHaan hosted with President Philomena V. Mantella and Sgt. William O’Donnell, Grand Valley’s emergency manager.
In other board action:
Jesse Bernal, chief of staff to the president and vice president for Inclusion and Equity, said Grand Valley is leading Michigan in advancing diversity and inclusion. Bernal presented highlights from the Division of Inclusion and Equity’s annual report, stating Grand Valley’s graduation rates for students of color and underrepresented students surpass rates of those cohorts at other Michigan public universities. Bernal said equity gaps on campus are closing due, in part, to the coordinated approach to inclusion and equity adopted in 2015.
Trustees approved the reauthorization of four public charter school academies, Chandler Woods Charter Academy, in Belmont; East Arbor Charter Academy, in Ypsilanti; and two Michigan Mathematics and Science Academy locations in Warren. Trustees also approved appointment or reappointment of charter school board members.
Trustees welcomed the return of Shelley Padnos and the new appointment of Ronald Hall to the board. Padnos, an attorney and the current executive vice president of PADNOS, a company known for its innovative recycling process, previously served on the board from 2007-2014. Hall, a Southeast Michigan business leader and attorney, is new to the board. Both were appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to eight-year terms beginning February 2.
The avian flu has not harmed Michigan’s commercial turkey farms to date. (Photo by Mikkel Bergmann)
LANSING – While avian flu has disrupted poultry flocks in Michigan and spurred higher egg and chicken prices, turkeys in Michigan – wild and farmed alike – have been spared from the virulent disease, industry leaders and government officials say.
Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinary specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency conducted surveillance for avian flu last spring and fall, finding the virus primarily in swan, geese, ducks, vultures and eagles and, on a lesser scale, hawks and falcons.
Moriarty said no cases of avian flu among wild turkeys were found.
Turkeys have less risk factors
Turkeys are at less risk of infection than many other bird species because of a handful of factors, Moriarty said.
Wild turkeys are not scavengers, so they don’t get sick from eating infected animals. They also don’t travel together in colonies, meaning mass transmission of avian flu is unlikely, she said.
No cases have been reported so far in 2023, according to the department’s communications director, Jennifer Holton.
Nancy Barr, the executive director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, said avian flu has been spotted in one commercial flock of turkeys since the start of 2022, but turkey farmers have prevented its spread to other flocks since.
Barr said since that initial case in 2022, turkey farmers have implemented biosecurity measures like perimeter buffer areas that control which people and vehicles can enter a farm.
Not crossing the line
“They draw an imaginary line around the outside of the farm and they have certain restrictions for any vehicles or people that come across that line to make sure that they aren’t potentially bringing anything from the outside,” Barr said.
A more important biosecurity measure is the line of separation at a barn door, according to Barr.
That means only farmworkers can enter barns where turkeys are housed, she said. Those workers have had no contact with other poultry and change clothes and sometimes shower before going in.
“That’s probably one of the most primary things they do,” Barr said. “Equipment is cleaned or designated just for that house. So it’s thinking about every single thing that comes into that house to keep those birds healthy.”
Spring migration a concern
Barr said that turkey farmers are nervous about the upcoming northward migration of other birds from the South this spring.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, symptoms of avian flu in birds include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, swelling in body parts, loss of energy and appetite, discoloration and sudden death.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, Michigan ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of turkeys raised, with 5.1 million annually.
Ottawa and Allegan counties are the only two counties with more farmed turkeys than human residents, according to the USDA. Ottawa County produces 70% of Michigan’s commercially raised turkeys.
Protecting the local turkey industry
Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Louis Hunt, who handles avian flu matters, said the county takes the disease seriously because of the threat posed to turkey producers in the area.
He said when he has visited farms that have turkeys and other poultry, the precautions taken by the producers were “impressive.”
“First of all, you’re met with all the signs that these are biosecure facilities, and I guess that sounds intimidating,” Hunt said about his farm visits. “They have taken great pains to keep separated any potential vectors” of the disease.
On his visits, Hunt had to certify that he had no contact with any poultry in “multiple” days. He also had to be decontaminated and change his clothes.
He said owners of backyard flocks in Ottawa County have received information about what to watch out for and were ordered to immediately report any infection.
As for the upcoming migratory season, Moriarty said the DNR is preparing for a resurgence of cases in the spring and flu for wild birds, based on last year’s experience.
“Migration and large-scale movements of different bird species, it’s kind of a perfect scenario to have the virus be mixing and moving across the landscape,” he said.
Barr said Michigan is in the “Mississippi flyway,” a major bird migration route, producers will be watching their flocks diligently to ensure as little infection as possible.Most producers will assume the migrating birds are potentially infected.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
The mural, “Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much,” was designed and installed by local artist Reb Roberts in 2020 in the Ford International Airport. The 80-foot mural is part of the Airport’s Public Art Program (created in partnership with the Frey Foundation) and is located on the ramp leading up to Concourse A. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is requesting proposals for murals and 2D wall art applications to be displayed in the newly expanded $110 million Concourse A.
Designed by architect Jorge Barrero of HKS, Concourse A will mimic the experience of arriving in West Michigan. Artists should aim to complement West Michigan’s identity from the blues of Lake Michigan and the natural tans of the dunes to the grays and purples of the urban core to the greens of the forests and farmland in between.
“This new modernized concourse was designed to reflect the unique characteristics of our region,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “Our design team was very intentional about creating opportunities within this new space to showcase the diverse talents of our local art community.”
The Concourse A project – part of the Elevate capital expansion program to enhance the Airport’s facilities and infrastructure – is designed to reflect the culture of the region. This $110 million extension will more than double the length and width of the existing concourse to meet the growing passenger demand for air travel.
90,000 square feet of new space
New dining options, amenities, such as an executive lounge, and retail options will be located throughout the 90,000 square feet of new space.
Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport will continue to invest in the local art community through its public art program. Concourse A will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, a suspended art installation and wall art.
Artists interested in submitting proposals for mural and 2D wall art can find more information at flyford.org/elevate/opportunities. Submissions are due March 26, 2023.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is pleased to announce that four local artists have been selected to install permanent terrazzo floor art designs in the $110 million Concourse A expansion.
Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport will continue to invest in local artists through its public art program. The Concourse A extension – part of Elevate capital expansion program – will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, a suspended art installation and wall art. The four artists selected to feature their terrazzo designs include:
George Eberhardt III
Kim Nguyen
Maureen Nollette
Michael Pfleghaar
“We are thrilled to feature these talented artists, each of whom brings a unique viewpoint of West Michigan, in our newly enhanced and modernized Concourse A,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “With millions of passengers passing through our Airport every year, we are delighted that the diverse talents of our art community will be showcased to all coming to our region.”
Each terrazzo design reflects a different aspect of West Michigan — from the blues of Lake Michigan to the natural tans of the dunes, the grays and purples of the urban core to the greens of the forests and farmland in between. Artists crafted designs to complement the physical context of the local region while also expressing the non-physical perception, diversity and unique identity of the larger West Michigan community.
George Eberhardt III, inspired by aspects of Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” referenced Lake Michigan and its water elements in his design that measures a diameter of 15 feet.
George Eberhardt III. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
With a background in program development and curriculum design, Eberhardt focuses on enriching the lives of youth and diverse communities as an artist, muralist and art teacher. A previous ArtPrize® winner, Eberhardt’s mural work can be seen across West Michigan with pieces at Slows BBQ in downtown Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools, West Grand Neighborhood Organization, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, among many others.
Kim Nguyen. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
Kim Nguyen referenced the cities and towns of Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan areas while also including representations of Grand Rapids’ agricultural, medical and manufacturing industries in her design. Her installation will pay homage to our community’s former moniker, “Furniture City,” while winding the Grand River and Grand Rapids’ proximity to the shores of Lake Michigan.
“I am overjoyed and feel incredibly honored to be one of the artists helping new residents and future travelers see the beauty of our home through artwork beneath their feet,” Nguyen said. “I have always felt a fondness for airports because they bring me the thrill of travel, and in the case of Ford International Airport, the relieving feeling of being almost home.
“I have a photograph where I am two years old and meeting my three older brothers at Ford International Airport, it is there that I met them and my grandparents for the very first time. Though I was born in Grand Rapids, my family are refugees and immigrants from Vietnam, and I can’t imagine what they felt when they landed here in West Michigan.”
Maureen Nollette. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
Maureen Nollette, inspired by a photograph she took of a Sand Cherry shrub on a roadside beach in Michigan,created designs to showcase the vastness of the Lake Michigan Dunes and the region’s native flora.
Nollette is currently the visiting assistant professor at Grand Valley State University in the department of Visual & Media Arts and was previously a resident artist for the Josef and Anni Alvers Foundation and Ngo Le Korsa Project in Sinthian, Africa, as well as for the Marble House Project in Dorset, Vermont.
Michael Pfleghaar recently completed a collection of plein air paintings which wastranslated into his terrazzo designs to replicate West Michigan’s natural forestry and agriculture.
Michael Pfleghaar. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
Pfleghaar has permanent collections at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Steelcase, Inc., Herman Miller, the State of Michigan and Grand Valley State University. Apple, HBO, CBS, ForeSee, Hayworth and Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts are a few of the organizations that have utilized his illustrative artwork.
The four terrazzo designs will be installed in highly visible locations for direct interaction with passengers. The artists worked closely with contractor, Central Tile and Terrazzo Co., to ensure the terrazzo accurately matches their artistic intent.
The installation of the terrazzo art pieces is expected to be completed by June 2023. For more information about the artists and the capital expansion program, Elevate, visit flyford.org/elevate.
A rendering of the front of the new Southridge Behavioral Hospital which will be located near the corner of 64th Street and Byron Center Avenue. (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
The groundbreaking of new 96-bed freestanding inpatient behavioral health hosptial located near the corner of 64ht Street and Byron Center Avenue is scheduled for this summer as plans for the facility progress.
Southridge Behavioral Hospital is a joint venture partnership between University Health Services and Trinity Health. In June of 2022, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a Final Order granting Havenwyck Hospital Inc., a subsidiary of University Health Services, a certificate of need approval for 60 adult psychiatric beds, allowing University Health Services and Trinity Health Michigan to move forward with plans for the new facility.
“We are excited for the future opening of Southridge Behavioral Hospital, because we know there is an incredible need for inpatient services in our community,” said Matt Biersack, MD, president of Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “The acquisition of the land and design development are key milestones to making our vision a reality. We are excited to break ground this year, when we will really begin to see the hospital take shape.”
Southridge Behavioral Hospital, which is scheduled to open in 2025, will accommodate up to 96 beds, which includes the 60 adult beds plus 24 geriatric beds previously approved by MDHHS. The facility will be located at 2145 64th St. SW near Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center. The location is just south of the City of Wyoming and Byron Center boundary.
The design of the new hospital incorporates modern, innovative, evidence-based care elements that focus on patient safety. Programming will be tailored to individual patient needs, with core psychiatric services and counseling supplemented by enrichment activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and outdoor activity.
The facility will employ approximately 170 full-time and part-time staff including physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, administration, dietary, and housekeeping personal.
The Southridge Behavioral Hospital is designed to tie into the growing network of behavioral health services in the area, including UHS-operated Forest View Hospital and Trinity Health Michigan’s new partnership with Network 180 to open a Behavioral Health Crisis Center for the rapid availability of assessment services on a walk-in basis.
For more about the Southridge Behavioral Hospital, visit www.soutridgebh.com.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Kent County Community Action’s 2023 Walk for Warmth will take place March 4. (Pxhere.com)
On average, households will pay 12.7 percent more for home heating this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), which means more people may struggle to pay their heating bills.
With that in mind, the Kent County Community Action will bring back its Walk for Warmth event, designed to raise awareness and funds for heating fuel assistance programs.
“All of the money raised from this event will go straight to people who need help in keeping their utilities on,” said Gustavo Perez, the director of the Kent County Community Action.
The Walk for Warmth is a statewide event with local communities usually hosting the walk in February. The Ottawa County Community Action Agency hosted its event at the beginning of February. The Kent County Walk for Warmth is set for March 4. Participants will meat at 8:30 a.m. at the Kent County Community Action (KCCA) offices, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Suite 110. The walk starts at 9 a.m. and will travel the block around the KCCA offices, which is Martin Luther king Jr. Street to Sheldon Avenue to Sycamore Street to Jefferson Avenue.
According to a recent report from NEADA, the national rate of utility arrearages (the amount of money families are behind on their electric and gas bills) is at about $16.6 billion since the end of the last winter season. About 20.8 million households, that is about one out of six, owed an average of $791. This is up slightly from June 2022 when the total arrearage place stood at about $16.3 billion and the average amount owed was about $783.
Closer to home, Perez said he is still compiling the 2022 numbers however, in 2021, Kent County Community Action helped more than 4,000 houses with gas, electric and water.
The Kent County Community Action provides a number of programs to Kent County residents, one of which is the Utility Assistance Program. Residents do need to qualify for the assistance.
In the past, when people did no qualify, Walk for Warmth funds were used, however; due to the COVID pandemic, KCCA was not able to host the walk for the past two years with the Walk for Warmth fund currently unavailable to assist homeowners.
“What this allows is for raised funds to help close the gap for those who cannot keep the utilities on in their homes,” Perez said.
The goal for this year’s event is to assistant more than 20 households, which means the 2023 Walk for Warmth would need to raise around $10,000.
“We are working with people who are facing shut-off, so we are only helping them get caught up so they can keep the heat on,” Perez said. “We are not paying for a single home’s heat for a year, but only the amount to make sure the heat does not get turned off.”
As Michiganders struggle to deal with the aftermath of the Feb. 13 shootings at Michigan State University, many are juggling conflicting emotions: anger, fear, sadness, rage, grief, helplessness and others.
That’s all normal in light of the trauma we collectively witnessed Monday night, according to Dr. Caelan Soma, the chief clinical officer for Starr Commonwealth in Albion, Mich. Many watched the search in real time for the lone gunman who terrorized the East Lansing campus, killing three and sending five to the hospital before turning the gun on himself.
And many, Soma says, are struggling for answers days later.
Soma says the first step is validating the feeling that this was a very scary situation that elicited an acute stress response for many of us, whether we had a student or loved one on the MSU campus or a child on a campus across the country or we are Michiganders without a direct connection.
“You begin to relate to what those kids experienced last night and put yourself in their position,” Soma said. “Even if you are safe at home, understand the person is no longer a threat and logically know the danger has passed, you can take on a lot of those symptoms and reactions as well.”
Those stress hormones can continue to roil in our bodies for weeks, keeping us on a high state of alert with fear and worry. Soma notes the next step is to find things that make you feel safe – and that can have little to do with logic.
“Telling yourself that the police have the shooter, he can’t hurt anyone anymore, that everyone is safe and lockdown is over isn’t helpful,” Soma explained. “What you have to do is help your body return to a state of balance.”
That can differ person by person, but Soma says it often comes back to connecting with people – hearing the voice of a loved one, spending time with friends, being able to discuss what happened and how you are feeling and then hearing others are feeling the same way. Other body-based ways to help you feel comfort and safety might include cozying up to watch a movie, listening to music, baking cookies, going for a walk or anything that helps you get your body back in balance.
“Our stress response is intense anxiety, and telling people to chill out doesn’t help,” she says. “They need to feel their body is chilling out and experiencing a sense of safety. It doesn’t matter how old you are.”
Founded in 1913 as a home for runaway and homeless boys, Starr Commonwealth has grown and evolved over the decades to provide community-based programs, education and behavioral health services that create and promote universal hope, boundless love and limitless success for children. Starr recognizes that trauma is real – but it does not seal an individual’s fate.
For more information about Starr Commonwealth and its services, visit starr.org.
The recent cardiac arrest of the Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin during a Monday Night Football game coincides with the beginning of American Heart Month, and the annual February focus on cardiovascular health. Focus is needed for any health plan to be a success, but executing that plan poses a distinct challenge.
With many new research studies, medications, supplements and therapies available, formulating a health plan that most adults can maintain throughout the year can be confusing. Here are five tips that should be both sustainable and successful.
1. Diet and exercise
The familiar trope ― more exercise, healthier diet ― remains the best place to start. The benefits to your heart of a healthy diet and exercise can fill a library of books.
Adding exercise is an important tool for a healthy heart. (Pxhere.com)
The typical American diet is riddled with too many calories, excessive carbohydrates, and the wrong type of fats. An unhealthy diet can lead to numerous health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes and cancer, just to name a few. Billions of dollars are spent on these health problems caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.
Without making changes, an unhealthy lifestyle can rob us from months and years of great life with our family and friends. Are those chips, dips and large sodas more valuable than another healthy year or two with your kids? Grandkids? Friends? Travel?
Let’s make 2023 the year we get off the couch, put down the remote control and cell phone, choose a small beverage (instead of the supersize) and get some exercise.
2. Drink more water
As we eat better and exercise more, another health problem comes into focus: chronic dehydration.
Drink plenty of water to make it easier for your heart to pump blood. (Pxhere.com)
Sixty percent of our body is water, so better hydration is beneficial to many bodily systems ― including circulation. Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. It helps the muscles work more efficiently, effectively reducing the heart stress on well-hydrated individuals.
A myriad of problems results from dehydration, including muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and immune system dysfunction, just to name a few. Take your water bottle to work or school, fill it several times a day, and enjoy the benefits of drinking water. The cost is almost nothing, while the benefits are enormous.
3. Remember your annual check-up
Annual check-ups are important. (Pxhere.com)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person health examinations and preventative studies were canceled. Now is the time to make sure you see your health care provider to get a thorough physical examination and recommended tests (blood work, x-rays, etc). These include screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases of the heart.
In addition to annual check-ups, don’t forget any important screening tests for your demographic group, such as a colonoscopy or mammogram. As the pandemic wanes, we are starting to see patients returning for evaluation. Unfortunately, we are detecting advanced health problems that were ignored during the pandemic. The treatment for these ignored problems will be more demanding, aggressive, expensive ― and possibly less successful.
See your healthcare provider soon to get a thorough physical exam, and recommended tests to prevent any avoidable health problems.
4. Quit smoking
Heart attacks are side affects from vaping and legalized recreational marijuana. (Pxhere.com)
The U.S. has done an amazing job to decrease cigarette smoking. The detrimental health effects of smoking are profound, well-documented, and affect every system in the body.
In the last few years, however, vaping and legalized recreational marijuana use have eroded our progress. Heart attacks are among the many side effects of smoking, which also include oral cancers, lung cancers, strokes and COPD (emphysema). Chemicals used in popular vape flavors like clove, mint and vanilla can harm blood vessel cells that help keep the heart healthy.
Make 2023 the year to not light up or vape.
5. Sleep
Getting seven to nine hours of sleet every night is another healthy step. (Pxhere.com)
One additional concern to mention: we all need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. This might mean turning off the TV, not surfing the internet as long, or putting down our video games.
Studies show short sleep duration or poor sleep quality is associated with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Habitual short sleep increases the chance of cardiovascular events.
Sleep also keeps us alert and attentive for the following day. Get a good night’s sleep, so the following day is yours to conquer!
Ronald G. Grifka, MD, FAAP, FACC, FSCAI is the Chief Medical Officer of University of Michigan Health-West, and Cardiologist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
LANSING – When the horrendous shooting occurred on the Michigan State University campus, student journalists rushed in to cover the tragedy, its impact on the university and community, the investigation and university security.
Their reporting and photos about the Feb. 13 attack that killed three students and seriously wounded five others has appeared prominently in local and national media.
For example, the majority of student correspondents for Capital News Service, our public affairs reporting practicum, were quickly on the job, reporting for The State News – the independent student newspaper – Lansing City Pulse, Impact 89 (WDBM-FM) radio and Michigan Advance.
Articles by another MSU journalism student have been featured in the Washington Post.
In my role as a journalism professor, I see their professional-caliber work as a vivid demonstration of the importance of training the next generations of news gatherers and storytellers.
That’s increasingly crucial in an era when traditional U.S. mainstream news media – magazines and newspapers, radio and television stations – are slashing staff, merging companies, even going out of business. The trend is depriving the public of timely, fair, ethical and accurate information and news.
One damaging result is the growing number of “news deserts” in the United States, counties without a newspaper of their own.
The nonpartisan Center for Community News has been researching the growth of university-led, student-staffed news services that give students real-world experience while providing communities with the news they need.
“Millions of Americans get their news from student reporters working in university-coordinated newsrooms, news labs and classes,” the center pointed out in a study released earlier this year.
Such collaborations “are high-touch programs in which faculty teach and mentor students, edit and assign work and coordinate with media partners — enabling local stories that would not exist otherwise,” according to the center, which is based at the University of Vermont.
I fully endorse the center’s assertion that “local news is more than just a trusted source of critical information: It’s an essential ingredient in a healthy democracy. Communities with dedicated local news organizations report higher levels of civic engagement, social cohesion, and effective problem-solving.”
The center says, “We connect student journalists at every stage of life with local news organizations to help build a world in which every community has access to reliable information by and for the people who live there.”
MSU has two such news services.
Credit: Asher Freedman
Students in Capital News Service, now in its 41st year, report on Michigan public policy, government and politics for about 45 newspapers and online news outlets across the state.
Our subscribing member news organizations range in circulation size from the Detroit News to small community publications such as the WKTV Journal. They range geographically from Iron Mountain to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula and from the Northern Lower Peninsula to Sturgis and Three Rivers in Southwest Michigan and Monroe, Blissfield and Adrian in Southeast Michigan.
Our second student-news service, Great Lakes Echo, reports on the environment – including energy, transportation, environmental justice and environmental health – in Michigan and the other Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. Many of those stories are reposted by other news organizations in the region.
Elsewhere in the state, broadcast students at Eastern Michigan University partner with National Public Radio affiliate WEMU to produce audio stories, according to the Center for Community News.
Nationally, more than 100 colleges and universities have some type of academic-news collaborations, according to the center. In other Great Lakes states, there are also statehouse-focused programs run by the University of Illinois and by the State University of New York at New Paltz.
“Universities and colleges can provide leadership and resources to address the local news crisis,” the center’s January report said. “Many are doing something, but many could do more.”
They need to prepare students to cover the news that matters and the news that engages the public, whether it’s a mass shooting, the impacts of climate change, elections, pandemics, fluctuating gas prices, even the World Series and the Oscars.
As the center’s report puts it:“Democracy needs local news. Colleges and universities are part of the solution. Students are looking for meaningful experiences, and to learn by doing.”
Eric Freedman is the director of Capital News Service and the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University.
Morenas Event Venue is located in Kentwood. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Setting the stage. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Heading down the aisle. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
By D.A. Reed WKTC Contributor
“I’m feeling good,” said Chloe Kimber (soon-to-be Jenne) as she stood in the Morenas Event Venue bridal room waiting for her wedding to begin. “I’m sure I’ll be nervous once I get up there.”
Chloe, however, looked anything but nervous. Smiling and appearing completely at ease, she held her bouquet of flowers loosely as she talked with her mother.
Officiant Zara Northover presides over the wedding of Chloe Kimber and Alexander Jenne. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
High school sweethearts, Chloe and fiancée Alexander Jenne decided to participate in Morenas Mini-Mony Day on Feb. 14 after her mother sent her the link from a news article, leaving the couple only a month to prepare.
Even though Chloe and Alexander planned for a 2024 wedding, Chloe shrugged and said, “Why wait?”
The bride admitted that she didn’t have any specific “wants” for her wedding, so Mini-Mony Day worked well for the couple. When asked where Chloe found her elegant knee-length dress, she laughed and struck a pose as she responded, “Amazon. Same day delivery.”
Chloe and Alexander were the first to get married at Morenas Event Venue, the upscale event space in Kentwood, on Valentine’s Day. Couples were offered a luxury high-end event for only $50.
“We understand that some couples are looking to have a nice wedding but are not in the position to pay the hefty price tag that can entail,” Britney Hoskins, owner of Morenas Event Venue, said in supplied material.
Hoskins launched Mini-Mony Day on Jan. 1, organizing the entire event in just a few weeks.
The idea came to Hoskins while designing a photoshoot. “This is my specialty,” said Hoskins. “I do huge, grandiose setup(s), and then nobody sees it until it’s in a magazine. I thought, this year, what if we leave up our shoot for people to get married on Valentine’s Day? We were already doing something beautiful and decided to let people utilize it to actually get married.”
Britney Hoskins, owner of Morenas (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Hoskins adorned the 5,000 square foot event space with white, gold, and red, including a lavish ceiling installation valued at $10,000. Heavenly Designs supplied lighted signs and balloons, and BD’s Dysfunktional Entertainment provided music.
Officiant Zara Northover drove in from Detroit to marry the five couples who participated in Mini-Mony Day, Charla Dee Photos provided photography services, and BreAna Harris created mini cakes for each couple.
Mini-Mony Day saw five couples joined in marriage, and one proposal, with Hoskins overseeing it all and making sure things ran smoothly and that clients were comfortable.
Within a span of 30 minutes, couples were treated to a wedding ceremony, signing of the marriage license, mini cakes, a first dance, a group family dance, and photographs—all provided by vendors at virtually no cost to the couples.
“The vendors are just as important today (as the couples) because they are giving of their time and energy,” said Hoskins. “They are excited to be here for these couples, and that makes the whole ambiance so different.”
Giving back to the community is important to Hoskins, even though it might not always be easy
For many business owners, giving away free products and services isn’t a viable option. What Hoskins found among this group of vendors was a willingness to give freely.
“No one did the bare minimum,” Hoskins said. “All of us gave our best versions, and that makes it so much more special.”
Chloe Kimber and Alexander Jenne feed each other cake. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“This is a feel-good (event),” Hoskins continued. “In business, mostly everything is about money. Sometimes we just get to give the feel-good moments, and I’m really excited about that.”
Hoskins’s desire to create memorable events for people shows in her thoughtful design of Morenas Event Venue.
“I’ve done this for eight years,” said Hoskins, “so when I designed Morenas, I genuinely tried to think of all the ‘woes’.”
Private rooms for the bride and groom that are easily accessible all day long were a must-have on Hoskins’s list. “(Often) our brides will disappear from the chaos and take a moment to breathe,” Hoskins said.
Rooms for caterers to store food, a back door for vendors to enter and exit discreetly, a glass bay door, and ample parking were all carefully thought out in the design.
Morenas Event Venue isn’t Hoskins’s first foray into business
Hoskins founded Allure Limousine in 2013 and currently owns a Detroit-based award-winning event planning company called The Top Pic Collective.
Top Pic also encompasses The Luxe Rental Collective, a 7,000 square foot warehouse in Sterling Heights where she rents supplies to other designers and brides who want to DIY. “It’s a designer’s haven,” said Hoskins.
Splitting her time between Grand Rapids and Detroit, Hoskins said that Morenas Mini-Mony Day was special to her because she was there to see it all.
“I don’t always get to see my weddings,” Hoskins said. “It’s actually a rarity. I come and set up before the bride ever sees it and tear down after the bride has left, so a lot of times I never get to meet them. So when I get to stick around to see the weddings, I am emotional.”
Helping others create memorable events is Hoskins’s way of sharing the blessings she has been given in the business world: “Giving back to the community is really important to me.”
For more information on events and inventory rentals at Morenas Event Venue, visit www.morenasgr.com.
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
More than 58 million birds have been affected by the avian influenza outbreak countrywide, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy, pxhere.com)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Extraordinary price hikes on eggs over the past year and continuing inflation costs have had consumers and local business owners concerned.
340 Million: Prior to the avian influenza outbreak in 2022, that was the number of laying hens across the United States. 15 million of those hens could be found in Michigan.
Those numbers average one hen for every consumer in the country.
“For every citizen in the United States, there was one laying hen,” said Ernie Birchmeier, Senior Relations Specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau.
More than 58 million birds affected countrywide
Since the avian influenza outbreak, however, over 58 million birds were affected countrywide, creating a hitch in egg production that resulted in higher prices for one of the country’s main staples.
(Source: USDA Rural Development)
In January of 2022, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs was $1.93. During the past year, consumers were hard pressed to find a dozen of those same eggs for under $5.
“We lost about 45 million laying hens across the country from that influenza outbreak. That has had an impact on the size of the laying flock in the United States and has decreased egg production,” Birchmeier said.
Various strains of avian influenza are an annual occurrence.
“Typically, when you have an avian influenza outbreak, it is spread during the spring and the fall when wild birds migrate back to the north from the south and vice versa in the fall,” Birchmeier said. “When you co-mingle those birds, they bring different sets of diseases and will typically cause an influenza outbreak.”
The number of birds affected by influenza is not normally so high. So why was the bird population hit so hard in 2022?
“In 2022, (avian influenza) lasted all year, during both seasons,” Birchmeier said. “So it’s continued to have an impact.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When will egg prices decrease?
Birchmeier said there have been reports of consumers seeing a softening in egg prices, with many lowering to more normal levels. But he cautions that it will take time to see a significant change.
“It takes time for eggs to be set, then for those eggs to hatch,” said Birchmeier, relaying that birds are typically 5-1/2 months old before they start laying. “It’s going to take time to replenish those flocks.”
(Source: Bureau Labor of Statistics)
Labor, transportation and energy costs add to the price
Consumers are urged to remember that labor, transportation and energy costs also are up and that factors into the cost of food along with the influenza outbreak.
There was a general food inflation of around 20 percent in 2022. Add in the impact of a reduction in egg production, and it influences those prices even more.
Farmers replenishing flocks helps soften prices
“If we can get through spring without any major problems, and farmers can replenish those flocks, we should see a decrease, a softening, of egg prices back down to more normal levels,” Birchmeier said. “It’s just going to take time for supply to catch back up (with demand).”
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
For many local businesses, eggs are a staple — one needed in abundance.
“It’s hard to be a breakfast place (right now),” said Delanie Haisma, a server at Anna’s House restaurant. “That’s a common thing that we supply.”
But Haisma also said that the post-pandemic general inflation is what has had the biggest impact on their business.
When asked if Anna’s House has increased prices due to rising egg prices, Haisma said, “Since the eggs have gone up, no, but about a month before that happened, we did raise our menu prices by 25 to 75 cents on a couple of items.”
Continuing supply issues also have had a large impact.
“It’s hard to keep stuff in stock, and sometimes we have to go through a third party,” Haisma explained.
Other local restaurants also have had to adjust menu pricing due to general inflation.
Real Food Café recently instituted a three-percent surcharge to all checks to offset fast-rising expenses, including rising employee wages, fuel charges, and the escalating cost of food and other goods.
Even though rising prices have stunned most consumers, Birchmeier urges buyers to consider the true value of a dozen eggs priced at $5. “That’s still a pretty good value when you consider the amount per egg. Forty cents per egg is still a pretty good value compared to a lot of foods.”
Perspective also plays a role in remembering the value of a product: “Five dollars for a dozen eggs versus $5 for that cup of coffee you stood in line and waited for,” Birchmeier said.
Michigan spared major avian flu outbreaks
Birchmeier went on to say that although the entire United States has been impacted by the influenza outbreak, Michigan as a whole has been spared any major outbreaks in our laying flock, and that other areas of the country are paying more for eggs than Michiganders.
“We are very fortunate in this country to have the food supply that we do,” Birchmeier said. “And we have choices. And we have the ability to shop around.”
Birchmeier encourages consumers to shop around for better prices than what they may find at their usual store.
“Very seldom do we ever have to worry about whether or not there is product on the grocery store shelf,” Birchmeier said. “We saw that for the first time in many people’s lives in our country during the pandemic. But our farmers are out there every day to make sure that we have a wholesome and abundant food supply in this country.”
Extra bio security measures in Michigan
Egg-laying facilities have tight bio security measures implemented by farmers that have been in place for many years. Because of these extra steps, Michigan has been spared major outbreaks in our laying flocks.
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Controlling traffic flow on and off the farm, regulating the number of visitors to the farm, and making sure trucks are cleaned as they enter and leave the farm, are all steps Michigan farmers have taken to diligently keep diseases from their flocks.
“Our farmers know they need to protect the birds inside those buildings,” Birchmeier said. “For their livelihood, but also to make sure that they are producing a (safe) product for the consumer.”
Conspiracy theories put to rest
With emotions running high and bank accounts running low, Birchmeier warns against incorrect theories about causes for the egg price hike.
“We have to be very careful about everything we read on the internet and social media and make sure that we are getting accurate information rather than potential theories.”
There are other factors as to why chickens may not be laying eggs. In the winter months, it is common for chickens to go into a molt, or molting process, during which it is typical for chickens to stop laying eggs.
Regardless of the reason, Birchmeier said it is important to remember that production and distribution systems are already set and in place no matter how much farmers produce in a year.
“If there is a chink in the armor, or a link in the chain that’s broken, that’s when we run into disruptions,” he explained. “A lot of our consumers don’t understand that because we never have to think about it. (Food) has always been there.”
‘It all comes back to perspective’
“Relative to the rest of the world, we are in a fantastic position here in the United States to have a wholesome, abundant, affordable food supply typically all of the time,” Birchmeier said.
He explained the importance of understanding that farmers are greatly impacted by all this as well.
“We’re feeling the brunt of high labor, high energy costs, as well, across our food production system. But farmers themselves can’t pass those costs on, they have to absorb them, versus other manufacturers and goods and services (that) typically add those costs on and pass them along to the consumer. We see our ups and downs in the agricultural department from an economic standpoint as well.”
Birchmeier strongly encourages consumers to know the facts before jumping to conclusions, and to ask farmers if they have questions.
“We are glad to share our information because we’re all together in this.”
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
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (red scarf) takes part in a previous Unity Walk to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. at Woodland Mall. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Woodland Mall will host the second annual Unity Walk to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. with the City of Kentwood and the ninth African American Live Museum with New Hope Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 25.
To kick off the day’s events, community members are invited to gather at the food court inside Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, at 11 a.m. for a walk that will end in front of Von Maur at 11:30 a.m. A ceremony will immediately follow and feature welcoming remarks from Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, a proclamation presented by various community members, live music and refreshments.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to again host our Unity Walk to Honor MLK at Woodland Mall,” Kepley said. “It will be the start to a great day celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other leading African American figures through New Hope Baptist Church’s Live Museum. We welcome community members of all ages to join us.”
More than 25 live performances
The Unity Walk will be followed by the African American Live Museum presented by New Hope Baptist Church. Starting at 1 p.m., community members can witness more than 25 live performances featuring notable African American figures throughout history and in current culture across several areas, including politics, sports, science, arts and entertainment. Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson will be among the legends appearing throughout the mall until 5 p.m.
John Davis portraying Carter G Woodson — 2019 Live Museum at Woodland Mall. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A distinguishing factor of the Live Museum is how the performers, ranging in age from 10 to 66, bring their persona to life by adopting mannerisms of the legendary figures they are portraying while sharing facts and stories from their lives. Visitors can watch and listen to the performances to learn about the figures and enjoy the realistic depictions.
“The African American Live Museum is one of our outreach ministries with the intentionality of relationship building,” said Dr. Cathy Large, drama ministry leader of New Hope Baptist Church. “This is a great opportunity to help educate the community about the historic achievements of Black Americans and to share the wonderful talents of our performers.”
The Live Museum was an annual event for many years at the mall until the pandemic. Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, says the mall is thrilled for its return, along with the continuation of the Unity Walk.
Quentin Henry Jr portraying Langston Hughes — 2019 Live Museum at Woodland Mall. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We are proud to partner with the City of Kentwood and New Hope Baptist Church to offer these impactful events,” Ross said. “Both will give our guests the opportunity to learn through personal connections and interactive experiences.”
The Wednesday’s Mr. Sid’s Video Series will feature an original video by Sid and Beulah Lenger.
The video is “America Then,” which will be followed by a presentation by Mike Martin on “Presidents We Need to Especially Remember in 2023.”
Mr. Sid’s Video Series is Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. There is a 15-minute hymn sing that starts at 1:45 p.m.
The series runs every third Wednesday of the month. Upcoming presentations are:
March 15: WOTV’s Terri DeBoer will lead discussions of her new book “Grieving Well: A Healing Journey Through the Seasons of Grief”
April 19: Will feature several immigrants sharing their stories of hopes and challenges and adjusting to a new world.
May 10: Grand Valley State University History Professor and Director of GVSU’s Veteran History Project James Smither will present “Death and Life in the Big Red One: A Soldiers Journey from North Africa to Germany.”
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two separate crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles.
At approximately 6:52 a.m. on February 9, officers and firefighters responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a semi-truck at 28th Street and South Division Avenue. The semi was turning from northbound Division Avenue to westbound 28th Street when it struck a 55-year-old male Wyoming resident who was crossing 28th Street at the intersection.
The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for significant injuries. He was last known to be in serious condition.
At approximately 7:24 a.m., officers and firefighters responded to a report of a pedestrian struck near Chicago Drive and Nagel Avenue Southwest.
A 32-year-old female resident of Wyoming was crossing Chicago Drive when she was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound. The pedestrian was then struck by another vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The name of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Wyoming accident investigators are currently investigating both crash scenes and the circumstances of the crashes.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
A tragic situation lead local artist Kim Johnson to be a witness to the chaos world of the healthcare workers as they struggled to help those with COVID 19, which in turn has lead to an insightful and personal narrative of what Johnson saw.
“If My Paintings Were on These Walls” will premiere on Feb. 17 on WKTV’s Comcast Channel 25. (WKTV)
Friday, Feb. 17, WKTV will premiere Johnson’s short film “If My Paintings Were on this Wall” at 7 p.m. on Comcast Channel 25 or you can live stream it at WKTV.org. The film is a combination of watercolor paintings and an essay by Johnson with video clips, narrated by Grammy Award winner singer, actress and author Debby Boone.
“Having seen Kim’s artwork, I knew that she would do a beautiful job executing this project.” Boone said. “There is real emotion and humanity in these pictures that is quite beautiful and her essay really communicates the sacrifice [many] have been willing to provide for people during such a trying time with the pandemic and the overload in these hospitals.
“You know they are exhausted and their personal lives are maybe falling apart and yet, they still show up with love and compassion for the people they’re trying to serve.”
The story of Kim and Georgia Johnson
Covid 19 turned many people’s lives upside down and local artist Kim Johnson and her mother, Georgia thought that was going to be the case for them.
But a trip to the hospital lead to the discovery that Georgia did not have Covid like everyone thought, but rather metastasized breast cancer, which would take her life in 21 days.
During that time, Kim Johnson spent every waking hour at the hospital and when her mother was getting tested or sleeping, Johnson, with sketchpad in tow, would draw what see was seeing: the nurses looking so tired but kept going, health care workers being yelled and assaulted by frustrated and frightened patients; and those running from one hospital room to another to take care of patient needs.
“At the time, I was a pretty bitter person,” Johnson said. ”I disliked anyone in the healthcare field. I disliked [Georgia’s] doctor because I thought he could have caught it.
“I was pretty nasty and my attitude stunk in the time that she was there and a lot of times I left the room and took my sketchpad with me and God worked on my heart a little bit because one of the first things I saw, or rather heard, was there was a patient screaming. The F-bomb was flying right and left, and the next thing I know this nurse came out and she was balling…she crumbled to the floor in tears and someone came to console her.”
This would be the first of many sketches but after her mothers death, Johnson’s resentment toward anyone in the healthcare, caused her to pack up the drawings along with her art supplies. After selling the family home, she had no intention of having anything to do with art.
Finding compassion and gratitude
Six months later, Johnson began to have a change of heart, developing compassion for the healthcare workers. She rekindled her love for drawing and watercolor painting, and through most of her supplies were in storage, she was able to find a few supplies packed away including the sketchbook she had at the hospital.
One of the 38 paintings by Kim Johnson.
It is from that sketchbook she wrote her essay about her experiences and interactions within those 21 days and painted 38 4×6-inch paintings, all of which is included in the video.
Johnson has long followed and admired four daughters of legendary singer Pat Boone since 1977 when Debby Boone recored the song “You Light Up My Life.” She also was a fam of the 1979 Boone Family Easter Special. Through a meeting on the now defunct My Space, Johnson meet and became friends with Cherry Boone O’Neill, Debby Boone’s sister. It was through that friendship, which eventually migrated to Facebook, that she met Debby Boone, who upon hearing of the project agreed to narrate it.
“Honestly, I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity to meet Debby Boone, let alone work with her on a project I created,” Johnson said. “She narrated something I wrote. I still cannot believe that it is happening. I am beyond honored.”
There will be a private showing of the film at the WKTV Community Media Center in February. In March, there will be a public showing that will be followed by a brief appreciation recognition for healthcare workers in all capacities. The film also will be available on Kim Johnson’s YouTube channel at the end of March.
Cassandra Lawson (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press)
Cassandra Lawson loves art, but she loves teaching even more. For her, enjoying the job is the most important thing.
“If you want to be an art teacher you have to love teaching even more than you love art because it’s even more important,” Lawson said. “I think there are a lot of people that go into education who do it cause they love the art, they love science or social studies.
“Still, they don’t love teaching as much and you have to love teaching, which I do you have to be a people person. You have to talk to people all day and you’re using your brain all day long.”
Lawson went to Macomb Community College for a year and then finished off her schooling at Grand Valley State University. She majored in art education and minored in ceramics. She student taught at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Coit Creative Arts Academy and teacher assisted here at Wyoming High School.
Lawson wanted to be a teacher originally but she added art to the title as well. She talked about the WHS’s welcoming student body.
“I love it,” she said. “I really like the student body I feel like everyone here has a sense of community and family. Everyone is really friendly. I’ve worked in other schools where everyone is pretty self-sufficient but I feel like here everyone leans on each other in a good way.”
Regan Mead is a junior at Wyoming High School. Regan is a journalism student and member of the cheer team.
Meet English Teacher Elizabeth Schoof
By Matthew Czurak WKTV Contributor
Elizabeth Schoof (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press/Elizabeth Schoof)
To get to know her students, English teacher Elizabeth Schoof spent the first week of school playing fun games and activities such as the Soup-Salad-Sandwich game, where students not only learned a little about each other but also about Schoof such as her favorite book is the “Twilight”series.
“It was a good week it’s good and it was nice to get to meet and know and learn about each other,” Schoof said..
A graduate of Aquinas College, Schoof strides to be nice to all of her students and is always helpful if they are stuck or confused.
Everyone has role models and Schoof’s was her English teacher. Schoof herself not only was a student teacher, but she was also at one point a student who wanted to be a teacher. I asked her her opinion on the best first steps to becoming one.
“Pay attention to what teachers now are dealing with in the classroom cause you will deal with it too,” she said as advice to those wishing to pursue teaching as a career. “And when you are in the classroom pay attention in college.”
Before entering the field, most teachers start as student teachers, studying under other teachers. From the experience, they understand how students will think and act. I asked Ms. Schoof what her experience was like as a student teacher and if she thinks “it’s better being your own teacher.”
“It has been fun. it’s nice to be able to teach my own way without someone else controlling the classroom I like the freedom” was her reply to the question she also was a student teacher under her English teachers.
I asked Ms.Schoof what she would like people to know about her this was her response.”I like to have fun I like to talk I like to have conversations about what is going on in the world, cultures, movies all sorts of stuff”
Matt Czurak is a freshman journalism student at Wyoming High School. Matt enjoys French class.
The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc are partnering to host the eighth annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to join the best-shot doubles competition at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will go to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FreezeFest. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per team and one canned food donation.
A photo from a previous Freeze Fest tournament. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“It has been exciting to watch Freeze Fest and our other disc golf events continue to grow each year,” said Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “We continue to be amazed by and are grateful for the generosity of the disc golf community.”
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers nonperishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
“The annual Freeze Fest gives the disc golf community a great opportunity to enjoy the game during the off season while also supporting the local community,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “This is one of our favorite events of the year and we’re proud to continue partnering with the City of Kentwood on this tournament.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since its opening. To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood opened a second pantry location in 2021 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Eliminating noncompete agreements would allow nurses to be better advocate for patients, according to some in favor of the ban on noncompete agreements. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – The Federal Trade Commission’s recent announcement that it is considering a ban on noncompete employment contracts will improve wages of health care workers, as well as care for patients, according to a policy expert for the nation’s largest nurses union.
FTC Chair Lina Khan said such contracts are bad for workers and prevent wages from raising. In a press release announcing the proposed ban, it was estimated that the change would increase wages by $300 billion a year.
Noncompete contracts are agreements between employees and employers that typically bar workers who resign from taking new jobs in the same industry in the same geographical area for a set period.
The proposed ban, which would bar employers from entering or continuing a noncompete contract, is now in a question and comment period which will last until March 20.
Giving employees more flexibility
Economic Policy Institute President Heidi Shierholz said noncompete contracts are typically used to keep workers from a source of power: quitting and taking another job.
Shierholz said because noncompete contracts prevent people from resigning to work elsewhere, they keep wages low and contribute to a mismatch in the labor market.
“Noncompetes keep people locked in jobs that aren’t necessarily the best job for them,” Shierholz said. “Our whole economy works better when there are good matches between jobs and workers.”
Shierholz, whose institute is a liberal-think tank in Washington, D.C., said about 45% of jobs that require a college degree use a noncompete contract.
According to Bloomberg Law, 45% of primary care physicians are bound by noncompete contracts.
Local case heading to court
Last week, it was announced that Trinity Health Michigan and four surgeons have filed in federal court seeking to have noncompete contracts with Orthopedic Associates of Michigan (OAM). According to the lawsuit, the four surgeons, who worked for OAM, are being prevented from working at Trinity Health Grand Rapids (formerly St. Mary’s) due to noncompete contacts.
As reported by MiBiz, Trinity and the surgeons are alleging that “monopolistic behavior by OAM, which will seriously disrupt care for patients needing orthopedic surgery in Kent County,” and cost Trinity Health Grand Rapids millions of dollars, according to court filings.
According to the lawsuit, OAM, through mergers with other orthopedic groups, has about 64 percent of the market share. It is estimated that Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) has about a 23 percent share with the rest held by private groups.
Noncompetes limit advocacy
The National Nurses Association, which is the nation’s largest registered nurses’ union, opposes noncompete contracts and similar agreements that prevent nurses from more easily leaving their jobs.
The Michigan Nurses Association, based in Okemos, is its state affiliate.
Brynne O’Neal, a regulatory policy specialist for the union, said noncompete contracts have consequences for patient care because nurses won’t be able to work locally for a period if they resign for any reason, including to protest unsafe patient conditions.
“Nurses are patient advocates,” O’Neal said. “That’s a very core part of their role.
“When employers hold nurses hostage as debtors, nurses can’t speak out about unsafe working conditions and can’t exercise the professional judgment required to provide safe and effective nursing care. Ultimately, patients suffer,” she said.
Other changes FTC is considering
In addition, the FTC is considering banning “training repayment agreement provisions” (TRAP) that require employees to repay their employers for training they underwent to work at the company unless they stay there for a set period of time.
O’Neal said TRAP contracts are a common way for employers to discourage employees from quitting, calling them “de facto noncompete clauses” because employees could incur major costs for leaving their job.
John Karasinski, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association senior director for communications, said the organization has no position about the possible ban on noncompete agreements but would like to see policy changes that bring more health care workers to the state.
The American Hospital Association declined comment on a possible ban, but pointed to a letter cosigned with other business groups which asked the FTC to extend the question and comment period to late April.
Shierholz said that if noncompetes are banned, workers who were subject to them will, over time, see their wages go up because they will more easily be able quit lower-paying positions and take ones with higher pay.
O’Neal, of the nurses’ union, said that a ban will allow nurses to more easily encourage safe patient conditions and keep their jobs.
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
Second from left, Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt joined from left, CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley, (Holt), Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster,, Wyoming Sergeant Jeremy Walter, Wyoming Captain Eric Wler, Wyoming Lt. Brian Look, and CALEA Commissioner Marcus Brown for the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s recertification. (Supplied, CALEA)
Public administration was never a calling for Curtis Holt. In fact, when he entered Grand Valley State University in the 1980s, his goal was to become a certified public accountant.
“I got through my sophomore year and I thought, ‘Geez, I am not sure I want to do this anymore,” he said. “I took another semester and I thought I am pretty sure I don’t want to do this. So I kind of said I have a four-year scholarship [for football and wrestling] and I need to get out of school in four years. What fits all my classes?
“It was public administration.”
After being in public administration for 36 years, 26 in the City of Wyoming, Holt is retiring as Wyoming’s city manager on Feb. 16. The announcement of Holt’s retirement was made in October with the city currently conducting a search for his replacement. Current Deputy City Manager John McCarter will serve as acting/interim city manager until a city manager is appointed.
At Monday night’s council meeting, Holt was recognized by state and local leaders for his dedication and service to the City of Wyoming.
“Curtis is the only city manager I have ever known,” said Mayor Kent Vanderwood, who presented Holt with a watch as well reading a city proclamation thanking Holt for his years of service. “He is the only one I have ever worked under and he has taught me a lot in those 17 years, everything you need to know about city government and some.”
To watch the Feb. 6 Wyoming City Council meeting where the city honors Curtis Holt, click here.
Vanderwood noted that Holt has worked on numerous local, state and national boards. He was instrumental in helping the city construct its current city buildings, the city hall, public safety department and the 62-B District Court and for the sale of Site 36, where the former GM plant once was located. Holt also was a leader in consolidating area dispatches into the Kent County Dispatch Authority Board.
”I’ve had the privilege to work with City Manager Holt for the past 16 years, and he has always been an advocate for the City of Wyoming and our staff,” said former Mayor Pro Ten and city councilor Sam Bolt when Holt announced his retirement in October. “He is one of the hardest-working people I know and his commitment to our city and our residents is reflected in the caliber and consistency of his leadership.”
The trail to Wyoming
Holt hails from another West Michigan community, Spring Lake, and that is where he would start his public administration career, as an intern, working for a man who would become his mentor, then Spring Lake Village Manager Eric DeLong, who recently retired as deputy city manager for the City of Grand Rapids.
Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. (WKTV
“Eric taught me a ton and he put me on a bunch of projects and it kind of became fun,” Holt said. “The variety over accounting is what really attracted me [to public administration]. Sure there was accounting, but there was personnel and projects, and engineering and everything else. You kind of get a taste of so many different things and become an expert in none of them but you get to be a part of so much and that is what has been fun.”
After graduating from GVSU in 1985, Holt continued at Spring Lake with a two-year internship along with coaching football and wrestling and taking classes for his master’s degree. In 1987, he earned that master’s and landed his first job as assistant city manager at Cedar Springs. Two years later, he became the city manager of the City of Ostego.
“Within the city manager field, you’ve got to move up if you are going to be successful,” Curtis said. He interviewed for Wyoming’s deputy city manager position on a Wednesday and the next day, he interviewed for the city manager position in St. Joseph. Expecting a call back from St. Joseph on Friday, he instead received a call from then Wyoming City Manager Don Mason.
Friends and peers pointed out that the Grand Rapids area was a good opportunity because there were a lot of communities that were working and growing together. This meant that there would be lots of opportunities for partnerships and working together on issues in Lansing. So before St. Joseph could call back, Curtis decided to take the position in Wyoming.
Wyoming became home
“It became home,” Curtis said. “My kids went to [Wyoming] Rogers [now the Wyoming High School,] my wife worked at Rodgers. We’ve had really good councils. Councils that were very supportive of the staff and what we did. The staff itself, great staff members, really good people.”
Mayor Jack Poll with City Manager Curtis Holt (left) and City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg during a City Council meeting. (WKTV)
Holt leaves a mark not only on the City of Wyoming, but the community in general, noted State Rep. John Fitzgerald, who served on the city council for two years. During his state proclamation presentation to Holt at the Monday night meeting, Fitzgerald said along with the city facilities, Holt had overseen three master plans including the current “Re-Imagine” plan and improved the financial standing of the city.
“The biggest struggle I have had over the years is money,” Holt said. “Funding cities is a difficult business today— especially to adequately fund the services residents need.
“If you compare the City of Wyoming to virtually any other city in the state of Michigan, you will find that we are one of the leanest city’s out there, which is great because it means that we have been very judicious in people and things.”
Achieving that has not been an easy feat since the State of Michigan funds its cities at one of the lowest levels and is one of the strictest on its property taxes. This provides little options for cities to generate revenue, Holt said, adding while other states allow for local taxes or impact fees, Michigan cities can only raise money through property or income taxes.
There’s no ‘I’ in ‘we’
Still, the City of Wyoming has been able to provide many services other cities do not such as snowplowing the sidewalks, taking care of water lines including lines from the home to the main line, and even clearing debris for residents after the 2016 tornado.
“I say ‘we’ because this is not a Curtis idea but that it is something that staff has said is the right thing for the community because they are good people,” he said.
Proudest achievement: “The sexy thing would be to say we built these billings, but I don’t think that,” Holt said. “What I am most proud of is that we haven’t kicked any cans down the road for our future residents to pay for.”
This is because city staff has done its “due diligence” in maintenance and asset management, taking care of its roads, water, sewer, and city buildings and paying on its debts, he said
Time for the next level
Holt admits that there are other projects he would like to work on and see to completion, but he recognizes that now is a good time for him to retire. There are family things, a first granddaughter to be specific, and just wanting to do some adventuring, play golf and fish.
Curtis Holt address the audience during the Feb. 6 City Council meeting. (WKTV)
But mostly, he sees the city is going through a change. There is a new mayor and three new council members and the next generation has stepped into many of the city’s leadership roles, allowing him to leave the city in good hands.
“I know this that the people who are working here are 100 percent capable, 110 percent capable of taking this city, what we do and how we do it to the next level and you can trust them,” he said during Monday’ nigh’s meeting. “You can support them and you know that the first thing they believe in is it is about ‘we,’ not about me and that really is the way I have always lived my life.
“I believe that is the way that this city will go and that the ‘we’ will win and the ‘we’ will be better every single day.”
We know how critical movement and strengthening classes are for older adults. Studies show that incorporating a balance and exercise program can help prevent falls, leading to maintaining independence. Throughout the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s nine-county region (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties) evidence-based classes are offered through a number of partners. Recently, we have worked to encompass the entire area and it’s healthy aging classes into a cohesive and consistent branding through a new name: “Engaging Wellness.”
The Engaging Wellness community is comprised of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids Community College, Ionia County Commission on Aging, Ludington Senior Center, Mecosta County Commission on Aging, Osceola County Commission on Aging, The Salvation Army, Senior Neighbors, and St. Ann’s Senior Services. All programs are designed specifically for older adults and these partners are dedicated to helping them stay active and independent.
Engaging Wellness programs focus on aging with resilience for fun, fitness, falls prevention, and friendship. Wherever they live or take classes, we want participants to recognize they are part of this Engaging Wellness collective that is committed to the same set of standards and quality classes while meeting seniors where they are on their fitness journey.
Yoga is just one of the options offered in the Engaging Wellness. (Pxhere.com)
“We’re so thrilled to restructure our classes under the Engaging Wellness brand,” shared Barb Nelson Jandernoa, Healthy Aging Contract Administrator with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. “This will give older adults in our area a boutique fitness experience where they are understood, heard, and seen. These classes, our wonderful instructors, and, of course, our amazing seniors help make up the vibrant community of Engaging Wellness. We’re excited for what is to come.”
Engaging Wellness classes are offered throughout the region both in person and online so that participants can take classes that are the best fit for them. A Matter of Balance and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program will give folks just beginning to exercise, or those recovering from illness or injury, a place to start. Yoga, EnhanceFitness, Tai Chi, and Silver Sneakers Circuit are other classes that will help build endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Class fees and Silver Sneakers certification vary by location.
Those interested should check out the classes in their area. For more information, call 616-588-2580 to be connected with the partner in your county. To participate in Engaging Wellness classes, participants must be over 60 years of age and live in one of the following nine counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, or Osceola.
The eaglets, E21 and E22. (Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation )
After surviving the devastating hurricane Ian, losing the entire nest, returning as a couple to rebuild one stick at a time, delivering two healthy eaglets and then fending off attacks by owls and other eagles, our cherished eagle, Harriet, has gone missing…her fate is unknown at this time.
She was last seen Thurs., Feb. 2 leaving the nest located on the Pritchett property as she has countless times. A typical day…until it wasn’t! This time, she strangely has not returned. This is totally out of character and a sign something is very wrong. Meanwhile, M15 has been staying closer to the nest with the two eaglets doing double duties of both adult eagles. Many eagle watchers are deeply pained as we watch him so sorrowfully (yes, eagles speak in various tones with many meanings we recognize) calling out and looking for his loved mate. He even brought in her favorite treats, trying to entice her return.
Other eagles in the area
However, deeply concerning has been the presence of and attacks by other unfamiliar eagles entering the area, some as a grouping. After suffering through several brutal owl attacks in recent weeks, M15 bravely had to leave the eaglets unattended as he fought off three apparently invasive, attacking eagles at the same time. We held our collective breath wondering how one eagle could protect, feed and train two feisty eaglets alone…more so while fighting off multiple strange eagles at the same time. Yet, always amazing us, he has been doing all that and thankfully keeps returning so far.
While we pray and try to be positive, the attacking group of unfamiliar eagles is not a good sign, more so with Harriet’s mysterious, uncharacteristic absence. Did she try to fight them off? We know Harriet would not allow this and M15 can only do so much. Just leaving the babies unattended as he flies to get necessary food leaves the babies and nest vulnerable. It reminds eagle watchers of the horrific incident that took place during Christmas in the northwest area of Florida. After weeks of waiting, the shell broke open and the bird was almost out…but as the newborn was literally seconds from being completely out of its shell, an unknown eagle swooped down grabbed it, killed it in seconds in front of horrified eagle watchers. And we have not forgotten about Ozzie or how M15 came to the nest.
Leaving the nest alone
A 2016 photo of Harriet and M15 (Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation)
Media and eagle groups are putting out much information. People in the area have been reminded of laws in place to protect eagles. Basically, reminding people the Pritchett family is allowed to have cameras up but laws to protect eagles and human property on which they nest will be enforced. There appears to be trouble with well intended people trespassing, disturbing the area as they search for Harriet and baiting. No one is allowed to bait the area (as it appears some have done) for many valid reasons. For instance, where did the meat come from, how was it handled, was it contaminated by salmonella or a creature that had eaten rodenticide, or hit with lead…things that could harm an eagle. Placing meat next to the road can be risky for the eagles as well as drivers. And, it can attract unwanted competitors…like the more aggressive eagles seeking new territory.
It has been reported the Pritchett family and eagle watchers are distressed but not giving up yet. They reportedly have been out searching their grounds, working with media to ask people to be on the lookout, to call authorities immediately if Harriet or an injured eagle is located, but to please not venture onto their private property.
The search for Harriet
One unverified report I saw claimed a person in the area saw Harriet Thursday, the day she left, struggling to cast a pellet (undigestible waste) but could not because it appears she had swallowed fishing line with a hook…which could be treatable if she is found but fatal if not. (That would be a mankind created crisis which would legally allow human intervention and treatment.) Is that report true? We do not know. Others question if an owl or unfamiliar eagle fought with her? She is a very old bird who has led a remarkable life…anything is possible.
I stated early on this season that territorial fights for food and nesting would be intense this year after Hurricane Ian came through the area. Just look at the photos of all the downed trees with nests in them!!! None of us, however, foresaw Harriet missing while M15 fought three eagles at once without her protecting their territory or babies. If Harriet can, she will return. If she cannot, we do know M15 will risk his life to save all and assume her duties. Can he continue doing that? It is rare, but has happened elsewhere and the season ended with strong birds.
One thing about this nest which continues to impress is how for years it joins thousands of people across the globe together…how we share in learning, joy, pain and support. Today, we sadly brace for the worst but collectively hope and pray for another miracle.
About 25 different vendors were at the expo. (WKTV/Nathan Slauer)
The event was about making connections.
More than 200 participants attended the expo. (WKTV/Nathan Slauer)
A family explores options at Mary Free Bed.
By Nathan Slauer WKTV Contributor
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department highlighted recreational opportunities during its inaugural Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Jan. 26. The community event featured 25 vendors and attracted more than 200 guests.
During the expo, local businesses and agencies spoke with attendees about adaptive services available for people of all abilities. Information booths provided information about sports ranging from hunting to karate.
City of Kentwood employees enjoyed opening the Kentwood Activities Center up to the public and creating an environment focused on learning and collaboration, said Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.
“We’re highlighting Kentwood’s programs, but also our community partners,” Przybysz said. “This is a one stop shop for people to get involved. We have the space, and we want to be a jumping off point.”
The Adaptive Recreation Expo took place as part of an ongoing effort to promote healthy living in Kentwood. For more than two decades, the City of Kentwood has offered adaptive recreation programming to the public.
Young people ages 12 and up are the primary audience of the adaptive recreation program, although there are special events geared toward adults. Participants with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities can each find something to enjoy.
Dance, rock-climbing, and bowling rank among the adaptive recreation program’s most popular activities. Each week, the Leisure Club provides social activities such as cooking and arts & crafts.
During the summer, participants have the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Kayaks are available for use, and many individuals leave their wheelchairs on the shore and paddle out onto the water.
For Przybysz, it is empowering to see people with disabilities challenging themselves and trying new things. Although many cities currently do not provide adaptive recreation programs, Przybysz said she believes it is possible to build a culture of physical activity for people of all abilities by establishing effective partnerships.
“See who you can partner with,” Przybysz said. “Are there organizations already serving disabilities? Support people who are already doing good work. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
Those who missed this year’s Adaptive Recreation Expo can still find ways to get involved. Volunteers are needed for the Valentine’s Day Dance on Feb. 9.
For more information about the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation opportunities, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.
Spiritual caregivers provide a caring listening ear for hospice patients and their loved ones as unique questions and experiences arise during life’s final journey, helping them find peace. Pictured are Spiritual Caregiver David Veldt with former patient Richard Murley. (Courtesy of Emmanuel Hospice)
There are a lot of ways to define and discuss the ways in which a hospice professional might nurture a patient’s spirit.
For the Rev. Madelyn Thompson, a spiritual caregiver at Emmanuel Hospice, it doesn’t lean much on credentials she might bring to the bedside. Instead, it relies on her ability to listen, learn and be actively present.
“One of my favorite spiritual influences,” says Thompson, “is Henri Nouwen, who said, ‘The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing…not healing, not curing…that is a friend who cares.’
“Generally speaking, being spiritual is being in a relationship – with yourself, with other people, with nature, with your pets, with creation,” Thompson says. “What I’ve discovered is that patients can be most distressed at life’s end with regrets or unforgiveness, wishing they’ve done something differently. I might not be able to fix things, but maybe I can help them be at peace with themselves. That’s nurturing the spirit.”
Although Thompson has an advanced degree and plenty of experience, she prefers to focus on how she’s still observing and absorbing.
“I don’t have a plan when I walk through a door,” she acknowledges. “I have to rely on something other-worldly, something other than myself.”
Over the course of some 20 years working in hospice care, Thompson has become increasingly aware of how the spirit is much more powerful than any words she might bring to a patient and their family.
She’s also been struck by how an awkward moment can be placated in the most beautiful and bittersweet ways. Many years ago, flustered at not being able to reconcile all the people in a room paying their final respects to a dying woman, a 5-year-old great-grandson burst in, flung himself on the patient’s bed and said, “I will love you forever, grandma,” then kissed her and disappeared.
“The whole countenance of the room started to change,” says Thompson, who believes that moment – and so many others she’s witnessed – was rendered by the divine.
She’s quick to admit how “that’s not always the lovely case,” but more times than not, if you’re patient, “some redemption can occur.”
Thompson has worked for other hospices, and emphasizes, “Every hospice shares some components, but you can tell which ones go above and beyond, who extend complementary therapies, who continue to offer a hand and an ear to loved ones even weeks and months after a loved one has passed.”
She says the best hospices attend to the whole person, including their spirituality. “And that involves listening to their life story, to their experiences, allowing them to guide us into how we can help them, rather than walking in and saying, ‘I know how to help you.’”
As an interfaith organization, Emmanuel Hospice meets the spiritual needs of all individuals, guiding patients and their loved ones in finding solace and strength through a peaceful life transition.
Over the years, Thompson says she’s discovered “we all express ourselves and our spirituality in different, creative ways.”
She notes the more she exposes herself to opportunities for more learning, the better she’ll be prepared to nurture that spiritual side.
“I like to assume we’re all interconnected and interested in one another’s stories,” she says. “I find solace in building on that base of love and understanding.”
The sturgeon tank at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is located on the top floor with a window overlooking the Grand River. (WKTV/Adam Brown)
A new immersive experience for the whole family has arrived at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The Sturgeon Excursion, the first interactive virtual game built on the museum’s new PublicOS platform, is now open to the public.
The Sturgeon Excursion is an element of the larger aquatic exhibit known as Grand Fish, Grand River. Chief Curator Alex Forist said the exhibit tells the story of lake sturgeon and their unique role in the watershed and native culture of the region. In addition, Grand Fish, Grand River seeks to educate the public about threats faced by the lake sturgeon, including how they have become endangered due to overharvesting and what the public can do to help.
Sturgeon Excursion is a natural extension of that educational mission. Patrons may visit Grand Fish, Grand River to read about lake sturgeon, with the interactive game as an option for those visitors looking for a deeper dive and a way to interact personally.
“Human beings are social learners,” said GRPM Digital Strategist Josh Freeney. “We like learning with other humans, that’s why a place like a museum is so amazing.”
Simply put, a museum is a place to share a learning experience with others since we all experience the exhibits together. The digital game enhances that experience by immersing patrons in the exhibit’s distinct world.
What is the Sturgeon Excursion game?
To play the Sturgeon Excursion, GRPM guests can scan any of the QR codes around the exhibit with their personal devices. Then, players are given a virtual sturgeon and tasked with helping it swim to freedom by traveling down the Grand River into Lake Michigan. The game asks questions, which the player can answer by watching a brief video or reading the information around the room. Each correct answer gives the player a piece of virtual food to feed the sturgeon. Give the sturgeon enough food, and it will grow big enough to swim to freedom.
Screenshot of the online game available on the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s website. (WKTV)
The Sturgeon Excursion is not limited to Grand Fish, Grand River. To get enough food to free the sturgeon, players must also visit two other exhibits – West Michigan Habitats and Anishinabek: The People of This Place. Players learn about the sturgeon and answer questions through the context of these other exhibits, with the Anishinabek exhibit adding the historical factor.
There is a single-player option intended for members of the general public, where one patron plays the game on their own device. The game also features a multiplayer component that the GRPM designs for student groups from local schools. With this method, all players collaborate and share one sturgeon. Multiplayer encourages students to work and learn together to help the sturgeon get to Lake Michigan.
Per Freeney, the GRPM hopes to make the multiplayer version more accessible to the general public, which is why they encourage the public to play the game and give feedback on what works and what might not. In addition, the QR code method was designed to increase accessibility, allowing anyone with any device to play the game.
The Public Response
The public response to the Sturgeon Excursion game and greater Grand Fish, Grand River exhibit has been positive overall. Freeney highlights one instance of a school group acting particularly rowdy, then working together to help the virtual fish when given the tasks of the digital game. Also, when quizzed about what they learned at the end of the game, the group answered every question correctly.
Participants answer a series of questions to move through different levels in the game. (WKTV)
Freeney attributes this to the “game-ified” nature of the experience, as it is still a quiz but disguised as a scavenger hunt-type game. As a result, the students learn valuable information all through the lens of a fun, interactive virtual game.
All the information in the game is available around the exhibit’s room. However, it’s the presentation of that material that matters. Each person learns differently, and younger students learn better when playing a game versus reading books and facts.
What the Future Holds
Ultimately, Forist said he hopes that the game, coupled with the related exhibits and historical context, can one day be taken out of the museum into the community to increase public awareness.
“Eventually, this will help us break outside of the walls of the museum altogether. There’s all kinds of great content and learning opportunities in the community,” Forist said. “If we can still bring that museum quality experience to those, it’s unlimited where you could go with it.”
The GRPM’s digital platform allows for easy communication and collaboration between the museum, the local community, and other institutions sharing the same mission.
A remote version of the game is also available for those who cannot make it to the museum. Originally developed as a contingency after Covid-19 closed the museum, the remote game remains available and follows a similar setup as the in-person game. Schools can log on to the game remotely and work together to answer the questions, and single players can access the game from home, at work, or wherever they might be. The remote game features a virtual map of the museum, complete with models of the accompanying exhibits, so all of the information from the museum is accessible to those who cannot physically attend.
With the remote option, each person can learn in whatever way suits them best, whether by physically coming in or remaining in the comfort of their home. The public can access the remote version by visiting the Grand Fish, Grand River page on the GRPM’s website.
Kent County’s Waste-to-Energy facility. (Courtesy, Kent County Department of Public Works)
Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation’s most extensive portfolio of district energy systems, will partner with Kent County Department of Public Works to operate the Waste-to-Energy facility in Grand Rapids.
Vicinity and Kent County have entered into a long-term service agreement that ensures the facility will operate safely and efficiently. The partnership will save Kent County in operating costs annually while reinforcing its commitment to quality service, the environment, and the local workforce.
“For more than 30 years, Waste-to-Energy has been a key part of Kent County’s integrated waste management system, and it allows our community to responsibly and reliably dispose of solid waste while producing local energy and reducing the amount of waste going into landfills,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We’re continuing to invest in the Waste-to-Energy facility, and this new partnership with Vicinity will ensure it operates safely and efficiently for years to come.”
Vicinity has welcomed the existing plant employees to its team and will hire more team members to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable services are delivered to the residents and businesses served by the facility. This partnership marks a critical milestone in Vicinity’s commitment to sustainability and bringing new jobs and services to West Michigan.
“We are proud to serve as the new operator of this critical piece of Kent County’s waste management system and look forward to continuing to work with the community well into the future,” said Kevin Hagerty, deputy CEO and chief operating officer of Vicinity Energy. “In addition to ensuring a smooth transition from the prior operator, our team has been hard at work on providing the most reliable, resilient, and sustainable services possible.”
The Waste-to-Energy facility incinerates non-hazardous solid waste from municipal and commercial operations in Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming. Each year, the facility prevents 190,000 tons of waste from going to landfill, generates enough energy to power 11,000 homes, and recovers enough steel to make 3,000 cars.
The Waste-to-Energy facility upholds the highest environmental standards, achieving Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) designation each year since 2006. The facility also meets or exceeds the strictest federal standards set forth by the EPA and other regulatory bodies and employs sophisticated clean-air technologies to achieve superior environmental performance. The plant operates, on average, 90% below permit limits.
“We are thrilled to partner with Kent County and welcome the new members to the Vicinity team in Grand Rapids,” said Jesse Douglas, vice president and general manager of Vicinity’s Grand Rapids operations. “This transition of operations is an exciting step for both the County and Vicinity to bring innovative solutions to the communities we mutually serve.”
Vicinity also owns and operates the heating and cooling facility that provides clean steam to about 10 million square feet of space in downtown Grand Rapids. Vicinity’s district energy system maintains between 90-95% efficiency year-round. All Grand Rapids customers connected to district energy have a 38% lower annual carbon footprint than if they were to self-generate heat, with future improvements intended to offer renewable, carbon-free energy solutions as part of Vicinity’s Clean Energy Future plan.
The Kentwood Police Department is inviting individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement to attend its recruitment event on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
The event will take place 6-8 p.m. and include two one-hour sessions at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Similar to the department’s fall event, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about KPD’s sponsored police recruit position and other employment opportunities, connect with current officers, tour the department and more.
The informational sessions will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., beginning with an overview about working for the department. Attendees only need to attend one of the sessions, which will cover the same information. Tours, networking and opportunities to learn more about specialized units at KPD will follow. Refreshments also will be provided.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re seeking passionate, community-driven individuals to join our team, especially as a sponsored police recruit,” Police Chief Litwin said. “This position has been an important part of our efforts to recruit students of all backgrounds and to hire individuals who are representative of our diverse community.
“We met a lot of great candidates during our last recruitment event and look forward to connecting with even more people interested in careers in law enforcement this time around.”
Selected recruit applicants receive full scholarship
The event will feature information about all department employment opportunities, with a special focus on the sponsored police recruit position. Selected police recruit applicants will receive a full scholarship from KPD to attend the Grand Valley State University Police Academy or another approved police training program in fall 2023.
No prior law enforcement experience required
In addition to the police academy sponsorship, recruits receive competitive pay throughout the academy, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, a 9 percent employer retirement plan contribution and continuing education and training. Individuals who successfully complete the academy and other required certifications and training will be sworn in as patrol officers with the Kentwood Police Department. No prior law enforcement experience is necessary to apply for this position.
No registration is required for the event and no prior law enforcement experience is necessary to attend. Attendees should plan to bring something to take notes with.
A photo from a past recruitment event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Individuals who are interested in working for KPD but cannot attend the event can receive more information by contacting Recruitment Officer Ryan Smith at smithr@kentwood.us.
The City of Kentwood will host its sixth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.
The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.
A photo from a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon, including Valentine-themed snacks, music and a photo booth.
“It can be difficult to find opportunities to run in the winter, especially races,” said Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator. “Our Valentine’s Dash provides a fun, festive opportunity to participate in a winter race, whether you’re an avid walker, first-time runner or a seasoned racer. All are welcome to come out and join us.”
Online registration is available until Feb. 10 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Racers should register by Jan. 26 to guarantee a shirt. Registration is $30 until Jan. 29, $35 from Jan. 30 to Feb. 10 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available atkentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to runners during the race.
Around 8:37 p.m on Jan. 31, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred inside Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave.
The initial investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred inside the establishment between two patrons. One of the involved individuals, a 34 year-old male, was stabbed several times and transported to a local area hospital in a private vehicle prior to police arriving on scene. The individual is currently undergoing surgery and is in critical condition.
A person of interest in the stabbing, a 54 year-old male, was located a few blocks away from the restaurant and is being detained for questioning.
It is early in the investigation and detectives are working to learn the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345
Are you looking to make positive changes in the new year? Self-care is always a great resolution. If you’re in the market for styling and pampering, Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood offers a palette of beautifying businesses within a five-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
Owner Laura Signore at Lilith’s Lair (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Like the neighborhood itself, Heartside’s salons and stylists offer everything from classic elegance to the cutting edge. Since it opened 10 months ago, Lilith’s Lair (25 Division Ave. S) has set the standard for coloring outside the lines. The rainbow-colored basement salon invites you to come as you are and connect with a look that expresses your identity.
Owner Laura Signore described the underground salon as “creepy cute. It’s basically a permanent spot for my Halloween decorations.”
In addition to nine independently contracted stylists, Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists, including adorably weird stickers, prints and handmade lashes. “It’s a total sensory experience,” Laura said.
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be!
“I’ve seen people walk in here with natural blonde hair and leave with a head of rainbows. It may take nine hours, but it’s always a blast.”
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be! (Courtesy, ArtRat)
The rainbow walls aren’t just for show: Every stylist in the shop is part of the LGBTQ+ community. (But Laura promises they “won’t check your gay cards,” and everyone is welcome.)
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
“In 2022, we were so blessed to find stability, and in 2023 we want to do so much. We’re excited to participate in our community more and more. We want to interact with local organizations, like The Diatribe. We want to have more events, like we did on Halloween and New Year’s Eve, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a sex-positive, gender-affirming, safe place for the queer community.”
Whether you need a short, masculine cut; lush natural color; or a rainbow mane, you can head to Lilith’s Lair’s Instagram and Facebook to peruse the salon’s work and find the perfect artist for your needs.
Here are some more choice cuts from Heartside’s salon district:
Pure Vanity (3 Oakes St. SW) is your destination for wigs (both synthetic and human hair); tape-in extensions; and beautiful balayage. In English or Spanish, owner Paloma Maldonado offers customers an “ever-evolving” resource for hot new Heartside hair talent — whether you’re looking to bring some life back into your mane, picking out the perfect lace front,or seeking a stylist que tiene los mejores chismes, Pure Vanity has you covered. Appointments 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Blonde Theory (64 Division Ave. S) is a small, sultry and sophisticated boutique focused on creating a luxurious, individualistic salon experience. Blonde Theory can take you from a brunette bob to 12” platinum blonde. Blonde Theory is available by appointment only. Visit the salon’s website.
Avenue Barber Shop (123 Division Ave. S) is a “grassroots-as-you-get” homage to the classic barber shops of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Grand Rapids native Chris Lapham opened the shop in 2017, where he cuts hair and trims beards with a staff of three. Ask about bookings for wedding parties! Appointments11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (lunch break at 2 p.m.),11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
Posh Nails and Spa (38 Commerce Avenue SW) After fighting tooth-and-nail through 2022, why not stop in for a mani-pedi? Posh offers both dip powder and acrylic options as well as a variety of aromas for your pedicures. Whether you prefer a Lavender Field Escape or to be Pampered by Pitaya in state-of-the-art massage chairs, Posh promises “everything it takes to restore your energy and revitalize your spirits.” Appointments 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m,. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)
It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.
Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.
Manufacturer of the Year
RoMan Manufacturing
861 47th St. SW, Wyoming
Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.
Service Business of the Year
University of Michigan Health-West Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming
University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.
Retail Business of the Year
B2 Outlet Stores Various locations 962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming 350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.
Other Award Recipients
Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)Amanda Villa receives the Volunteer of the Year Award. (WKTV)Jerry Good accepts the Committee of the Year Award on behalf of the Chamber’s Santa Claus parade. (WKTV)
The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.
The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.
For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.
“A living trust…is more flexible and more private than a will. It affords you, your assets, and your heirs greater protections should you become incapacitated.”- Consumer Reports
Most people understand that a will is an estate management document that takes effect after a person dies.
However, there is also a way to administer your estate and ensure your wishes are followed. A living trust is a fund set up while you are alive to help you plan your estate more efficiently and privately.
A living trust is a legal vehicle used to pass on the assets of an estate, such as property, investments, collectibles, and other assets. It is sometimes chosen by people who want to help their heirs avoid a lengthy and expensive probate process or fear they may become incapacitated later in life.
A living trust provides clear instructions about dividing assets once the original owner passes away.
You can fund a trust using several sources, including:
· Cash and bank accounts
· Real estate
· Insurance
· Intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks
Formation of a living trust involves the owner of the assets, called the “grantor,” removing his or her name from ownership. Then, the assets are placed into the trust’s name. This process is known as funding the trust.
Once funding occurs, the grantor designates a “trustee,” charged with ensuring that all the trust provisions execute correctly. A trustee must be carefully selected and could be a relative or close associate of the grantor, or even a reputable third party such as a lawyer, banker, or accountant.
Establishing a trust fund enables the grantor to leave an inheritance to their heirs, also called “beneficiaries.” The grantor can even place specific conditions on receiving trust items.
Living trusts come in two different versions: revocable and irrevocable. Revocable trusts tend to be the least complex and most common type. Revocable trusts offer flexibility in that they can be changed or canceled by a grantor.
Advantages of a Living Trust
All living trusts offer some unique estate management advantages.
These include:
Increased privacy.
Unlike wills, living trusts are not public documents. The public cannot get copies of a living trust without permission from the trustee.
Shorter, less expensive probate. With a trust, the trustee can take care of end-of-life issues, like dealing with creditors, more efficiently. The trustee can act immediately, without the need to wait for a probate judge to decide.
The Downsides of a Living Trust
Before deciding to set up a trust, you should recognize that there are potential downsides.
Trusts can be costly: Depending on your circumstances and your goals for a trust, it can be expensive to set up. Some people attempt to set up trusts themselves, using forms or an online platform to avoid this.
You must participate in the process: When a grantor establishes a trust, he or she has the sometimes tedious job of retitling assets. Failing to retitle assets means the trust will not perform to expectations.
Whatever you decide, always use an authorized attorney to prepare your trust. Never use an insurance agent who claims to be working with an attorney; these can be more costly and are frowned upon by the legal community.
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.
During the pandemic, Isabella Diaz-Borrello branched out starting her own jewelry business. (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press)
Over the past couple of years, a Wyoming high school student has worked to develop her own line of alternative jewelry, Dusk Shoppe, that is affordable to all.
In 2020, during the first quarantine, Isabella Diaz-Borrello decided to start up a business as a way to make money and express herself through jewelry. It all started when her father gave her money and told her to “make something out of this, try to double what I gave you and make more.”
While brainstorming ideas, she came across videos on TikTok of other people making handmade jewelry.
She felt inspired.
“I thought, I can do that too,” she said. Dusk Shoppe came to life at this moment. Originally, Dusk Shoppe started off as just an earring business: charms, toys, and other accessories. Eventually, Isabella expanded to wire-wrapped earrings, more intricate designs, polymer clay earrings, and resin earrings as well.
As her business evolved, Isabella started to experiment with other types of accessories. She now makes beaded necklaces with chain details and charms, bracelets, keychains, and stickers (which are her very own design). There may be more additions as well.
“I hope to make and sell ceramic at my shop sometime soon,” she said.
For handmade jewelry, her products are fairly priced. Resin earrings are $10, polymer clay earrings are $15, wire-wrapped earrings are $8, necklaces are $25, bracelets and keychains are $6, and her stickers are $3.
The challenges of having your own business
Although her business has grown, there have been struggles. Advertising has been one. She advertises on Instagram and TikTok through her business accounts.
Earrings created by Isabella Diaz-Borrello (Courtesy, Dusk Shoppe)
“I tried making a TikTok once, but it didn’t work out,” she stated.
Isabella hopes to advertise Dusk Shoppe more in the new year through Instagram and TikTok posts. She is also planning more advertisements about her Depop shop and looking at other art markets.
Advertising has not been a huge hit, but her art markets have. At art markets, her business can run itself.
“I’ve only been doing art markets for a year, I did about six last year,” she said.
She hopes to do way more art markets this year, but her real goal is to partake in a market at the yearly Pride Festival.
“There was a booth that was selling jewelry, but it looked like mass-produced jewelry,” she said. “It had a huge line.”
She believes her business needs to grow in size and get better at advertising, that’s the milestone. “It can be expensive and you need a lot of products,” she said.
Dusk Shoppe has had its ups and downs, but Isabella has succeeded in her past goals. Stay updated on new additions to her shop, and remember, if you’re wanting to start a business, think of the wise words of Isabella: “I can do that too.”
Isabelle Mosher is a senior journalism student at Wyoming High School. She plans to study biochemistry at Michigan State University.
Sunday Night Funnies will host shows honoring Black History Month and Women’s History Month. (Courtesy, Sunday Night Funnies)
The Sunday Night Funnies standup comedy show celebrates diversity by hosting both a special February Black History Month show and a March Women’s History Month performances.
The Black History Month show features an all-African American lineup of comedians on Sunday, Feb. 5. Besides that night the two other Sunday Night Funnies performances on Feb. 19 and 26 will feature African American comics who didn’t perform on Feb. 5. Note, there is no show on Feb. 12 because of the Super Bowl.
March 5 will be the March Women’s History Month show featuring an all women lineup of comedians for the first time in the fourteen-plus-year history of the Sunday Night Funnies.
“Both of these special shows are something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” said Brian B. producer and MC of the Sunday Night Funnies. “Because of Covid, we were off for close to two years and didn’t start back up again at Spectrum Entertainment Complex till late February of 2022. Now that we’ve been back a year, I felt the time was right to do them both the right way.
“Besides these two special performances I plan on doing more like these throughout the year. Those are in the planning stages right now and will be announced at a later date.”
Brian B. said since he started the Sunday Night Funnies back in the fall of 2008, one of his goals for the show was to be able to offer a stage to a diverse lineup of comedians.
“I think it’s much more interesting for the audience to hear from people of different races and ethnicity, gender, as well as age ranges,” he said.
Since the start of the Sunday Night Funnies in the fall of 2008, more than a 1,100 different comedians have performed at the show.
“We’ve had a great spectrum of comedians perform from pretty much every type of background imaginable,” Brian B. said. “Also, I’m happy to say that I’m seeing a lot more women doing standup now than we did in the past which is great. As far as age ranges go, we’ve had a wide span of performers- everything from a nine-year-old girl to man in his mid-seventies and everything in between.”
About the Sunday Night Funnies: The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot.) It’s a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from the Midwest and around the country. The Sunday Night Funnies is a weekly free admission show that starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW.
