The City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series will return with free concerts at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The series features three West Michigan performers on the third Thursday of each month from January through March. Artists will play a range of genres and each concert will feature a food truck outside offering a variety of cuisines for purchase.
“We’re pleased to welcome three great West Michigan artists to perform in this year’s winter concert series,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “This series offers an opportunity to stay connected with the community throughout the cold months, enjoying fantastic company and performances.”
The lineup of performers and food trucks is as follows:
The Kevin Brewster Trio will perform a variety of jazz music with an emphasis on hard bop, bebop, contemporary and R&B genres. (Courtesy, Kevin Brewster)
Dylan (pictured below) will present a mix of original music and covers. She’ll perform a variety of folk, pop and rock styles and top 40 hits.
(Courtesy, Melissa Dylan)
Lighting Matches (pictured below) will perform original alternative-rock tunes featuring thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic harmonies.
(Courtesy, Lighting Matches)
The concerts will take place in the library’s Community Room from 6:30-8 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. More information is available at kentwood.us/WinterConcerts.
Shay Gallagher is the City of Kentwood’s new deputy city administrator.
In this role that began on Dec. 27, Gallagher will oversee a variety of City operations with the mayor to support the City’s mission and vision. He will be responsible for providing policy and procedure guidance, strategic planning, program evaluation and communications strategies to ensure City goals and objectives are met and services are provided in an effective and efficient manner.
Gallagher will foster cooperative working relationships with all City staff, the City Commission, intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and community organizations to develop and implement programs that provide high-quality services, support strong neighborhoods and promote a sustainable economy.
He will facilitate implementation of the City’s parks, trails and recreation millage investment plan and lead other special projects. He also will represent the City on multi-jurisdictional committees and boards.
“We are pleased to welcome Shay to the City of Kentwood,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “Shay brings a strong background in public administration that will be a great benefit to our team and community. I look forward to his partnership in furthering the City’s efforts to foster a thriving community for all.”
Seven years of municipal leadership experience
Gallagher brings seven years of municipal leadership experience to the position, including most recently as village manager of Sparta. In this role, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of all village services, including police, public works and streets, water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, airport, finance and administration.
As village manager, Gallagher also oversaw a $12 million annual budget with more than 20 full-time employees in six departments and two bargaining units and implemented a comprehensive capital improvement plan.
Gallagher was resourceful in securing grants and other funding for various village projects. He acquired $363,375 in grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for revitalization and placemaking. He also assisted in securing an $850,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and Michigan Department of Transportation Aeronautics for a new airport runway lighting system, among other accomplishments.
Prior to Sparta, Gallagher served as deputy city manager of Coopersville, deputy supervisor of Algoma Township and village manager of Lakeview. In these roles, he assisted with budget preparation and presentation, operational oversight, implementation of board/council vision and policies, leadership to various department directors and staff and management of special projects.
“I’m honored to serve the City of Kentwood as deputy city administrator,” Gallagher said. “I look forward to collaborating with all departments, commissioners and community partners to implement commission and community priorities.
“I hope to hit the ground running with Kentwood’s upcoming parks improvement and placemaking opportunities as well as supporting many other department initiatives citywide.”
Gallagher is active in the Grand Valley Metro Council, International City-County Management Association, Michigan Infrastructure Council, Michigan Municipal Executives and West Michigan Municipal Executives.
He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and government and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.
This morning, Jan. 3, 21 county commissioners were sworn in, of which eight were new commissioners. (Courtesy, Kent County)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners were sworn and had its organization meeting this morning with two Wyoming and Kentwood county representatives elected to leadership positions.
Due to redistricting, the board was enlarged from 19 to 21. This included the new District 20, which covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming, mostly the Godfrey-Lee School district, and a southern portion of the City of Grand Rapids. The district has a large Hispanic population and was created to help provide a voice to that community. Ivan Diaz was elected to serve that district. Diaz was selected to serve on two county committees, the Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Kent County Community Action Governing Board.
The other new district, District 21, is comprised of Cascade, Caledonia, and Bowne townships. Walter Bujak was elected to serve that district.
District 10 Commissioner Emily Brieve, whose district includes a southern portion of the City of Kentwood, was sworn in as vice chair. (Courtesy, Kent County)
District 10 County Commissioner Emily Brieve, whose area, due to redistricting, now includes a southern portion of the City of Kentwood, was elected as vice-chair of the board for a second term and will serve as chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee. Brieve has been on the board since 2015 and works for family’s business, FastoolNow.com. District 6 Commissioner Stan Stek, whose district is mostly the City of Walker, was elected as chair for a second term. Stek has been on the board since 2014 and is an attorney at Miller Canfield. Serving as vice-chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee is District 18 Commissioner Stephen Wooden, whose was elected minority vice-chair for the board.
District 8 Commissioner Dan Burrill, who served as a City of Wyoming Council Member and whose area is a large portion of the City of Wyoming, was selected to be serve as the chair of the Legislative and Human Resources Committee. Burrill has been on the board since 2021 and is an associate broker at Five Star Real Estate, small business owner, and a licensed builder. Burrill also was selected to serve on the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board.
Other appointments for commissioners were:
District 7 Commissioner Stan Ponstein, whose district is mostly the City of Grandville with a portion of the City of Wyoming, was selected to serve on the Lakeshore Regional Entity Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board.
District 9 Commissioner Matt Kallman, whose district is Byron Center and a southern portion of the City of Wyoming, was selected to serve on the Senior Millage Review Committee and as the chair of ACSET Governing Board.
District 12 Commissioner Monica Sparks, whose district covers a portion of the City of Kentwood and a portion of the City of Wyoming, was selected to serve on the Area Agency on Aging Western Michigan Advisory Council and the Ready at Five Proposal Review Committee.
District 13 Commissioner Michelle McCloud, whose district is mostly the City of Kenwood, was selected to serve on the Public Works Board and the Senior Millage Review Committee.
The County Board of Commissioners meetings are usually the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the County Administration Building, Third Floor, 300 Monore Ave. NW. For more about the board, visit accesskent.org.
Grab your warmest blanket, settle in with a good book and sign up for Kent District Library’s winter reading program, Let It Snow.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
“There’s no better time to cozy up with a good book than in the winter,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming Manager at KDL. “Let It Snow offers you a chance to read in various genres, and you might just discover a new favorite book.”
In 2022, more than 3,600 people completed Let It Snow.
For more information or to sign up, visit kdl.org/snow. Track your reading progress online using Beanstack or complete and turn in a paper form, available at any KDL branch.
ArtRat Gallery is enjoying a long winter’s nap until Jan. 5, but our Heartside neighborhood is staying lit to welcome 2023 this Saturday night.
Whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, a costume party, a basement punk concert or a good old-fashioned bar crawl, check out a dozen New Year’s Eve events within a 5-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
The Apartment Lounge’s first party of 2023 “is going to be a big deal,” manager Jason Martin told ArtRat. “My favorite part is seeing how much fun everyone is enjoying the performances.” For $10 cover, you can be a part of the festivities at Grand Rapids’ oldest LGBTQ-friendly bar. The event will be hosted by drag doyenne Jasinya Maria Sanchez, and the cover includes party favors and a champagne toast. Jason tells us there’s only one more booth available (which includes charcuterie and a bottle of bubbles), so reserve your front-row seats before it’s too late.
The Beacon Corner Bar has two reasons to celebrate, one is New Year’s Eve and the other is marking its first anniversary. (Courtesy, Beacon Corner Bar)
Grand Rapids’ new home for Long Island-inspired “sea and land fare” has two reasons to party: It’s celebrating both the new year and its own one-year anniversary with a three-course coastal dining experience that features live music by Mark Levengood. ($65)
Want to ring in 2023 from a rooftop? The Hilton invites you to head up to Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden, “Grand Rapids’ only rooftop lounge NYE experience.” There will be charcuterie and New York Sours, not to mention an amazing view. Tickets are available here. ($100)
“This year has gone by so fast, and we are looking forward to celebrating the beginning of 2023 with you!” The chefs at Divani have created a $75, three-course menu (with gluten-free options) to ring in the new year. Reserve your table here.
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh! (That’s “Happy New Year!” in Irish Gaelic.) Raise a pint at Dublin Hall’s Glitter and Gold Party, with music by DJ Tony Banks. The event will include party favors, a late-night buffet and a champagne toast. Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets are $40 pre-sale or $50 at the door.
Co-owner and sommelier Shatawn Brigham told ArtRat that GRNoir will offer “six to eight” varieties of bubbly for your New Year’s delectation, as well as livejazz from saxophonist Alain Sullivan and his quartet.
House of Wine kicks of the New Year with a champagne tasting. (Courtesy, House of Wine)
Do you get a kick from champagne? House of Wine invites you to “treat yourself” by making a NYE reservation for drinks and small plates. They’ll be hosting an exclusive champagne tasting to help kickstart your New Year’s Eve celebration. (Book online here.)
Heartside’s new queer-owned salon is proud of its creative and inclusive environment. On NYE, you can explore the space with an evening of glitter, local art vendors and pole performances. Stylists will be offering discounts on glitter-y makeup and hair applications from 6-8 p.m. so you can leave “ready for the countdown at your local gathering place!” Pole performances will run from 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Get your $10 tickets here!)
ArtRat’s neighbors at Rockwell Republic are looking back to the 1980s this New Year’s Eve: Sport your biggest hair and brightest windbreaker, and enter to win a $200 cash prize at the gastropub’s ‘80s-themed costume party. Book ahead for a complimentary champagne toast; the festivities begin at 8:30 p.m.
Head on down to South Division’s venerable LGBTQ+ nightclub, and celebrate the 2023 New Year with a snack buffet, party favors and a house diva performance, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Legendary Rumors DJ Monica Parker will be spinning tracks alongside DJ Timmy T. Doors open at 8 p.m., admission $25.
If you’re more the party-crashing type, there’s still a place for you (that isn’t your parents’ garage) this Saturday night. The all-ages, alcohol-free music venue is hosting its New Year’s Eve Trash Bash: a “big family reunion” featuring Chain Ripper, The Mollusks, The Sissy Boys, Dregs, American Cheese and Fetus Deletus! Come check out these Michigan punk/metal/hardcore bands from 7 p.m. till midnight. (The gnarliest NYE celebration in town costs just $10 a ticket!)
And if you prefer a lower-key start to 2023, stock up at Grand Vin (15 Ionia Ave. SW). Owner Kimberly Grimm told ArtRat, “We won’t have an event at the shop on NYE, but we do have more than 60 different types of sparkling wine available at every price point to help customers celebrate at home!” Stop in from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Saturday so house sommelier Thom Grimm can help you put the right fizz on your New Year’s Eve.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Christmas trees that are being recycled should have all the ornaments, lights and other decorations removed. (Pxhere.com)
Residents of the City of Wyoming may recycle their natural Christmas Tree at the Yard Waste Drop-Off Site, 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW.
The site will be open during its regular hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and addition on the following Saturdays: Dec. 31 and and Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trees should be clean of ornaments, lights and tinsel before dropped off to the site. Residents should have their IDs or be able to show proof of residency.
The Yard Waste Drop-Off site will resume regular winter hours through March 29, which are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information about the site, visit the “All About Leaves” under the Public Works tab at wyomingmi.gov.
According to those at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, students have until March 1 to apply for scholarships available through its organization. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Community Foundation)
If you are a high school graduate interested in pursuing welding as a career, there is a scholarship for that. Perhaps you are interested in nursing or education or maybe you are interested in a post-graduate degree in business or law. There are scholarships for that.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for more than $1 million in scholarships to support students pursuing post-secondary education and training. By completing one application, students will be considered for hundreds of scholarship opportunities from more than 80 scholarship funds. Students pursuing bachelor and graduate degrees or technical training certificates are eligible to apply.
Some of the scholarships are specific to studies, high schools or colleges. For example, the Pullen/Lambers Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Wyoming High School who attend a credited U.S. college/university with a preference given to education or entrepreneurial studies.
If you are senior or graduate from Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, Grandville or Grand Rapids, you could apply for the Hackett Family Scholarship. Students at Grand Rapids University Prep Academy can apply for the Founders’ Scholarship and South Christian students planing to major in healthcare, education or business may apply for the Roger and Jacquelyn Vander Laan Family Scholarship.
There is also scholarships like the Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students studying violin, viola, violoncello, or the bass viol. There is not financial or residency requirements.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation noted in a press release that it is committed to providing opportunities for first generation students with financial need to further their education. Scholarships are available for students with a wide variety of backgrounds, GPA’s and levels of education from public and private institutions. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded $1.45 million in scholarships to 630 students.
Contributions from community members make the scholarship funds possible. Many donors have chosen to set up a fund to honor a family member or to provide opportunities for students to attend college or pursue a specific profession. Award decisions are made by more than 100 volunteer community members with applicable experience who serve on scholarship advisory committees.
The general scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year opened Dec. 1 and will remain open until March 1, 2023. Interested students can find more information and apply at GRFoundation.org/Scholarships.
The City of Kentwood is offering tree and string light recycling services to residents this holiday season at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
From Dec. 27 through Jan. 31, residents may bring trees between 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The drop-off site is closed Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday and Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when City offices will be closed.
Remove all decorations, lights, wires in advance
All decorations, lights, wires and other non-natural materials must be removed from the trees in advance. A drop-off box for recycling string lights is located near the front doors of the Public Works building now through Jan. 31.
Proof of residency required
The tree recycle site is available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. The string light and tree recycling services provide residents with a convenient, environmentally friendly way to clean up holiday decor.
“This is a special time of year for many, and cleanup is not often top of mind until the flurry of gatherings and parties passes,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We’re glad to offer these services to give residents a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of trees and string lights after the holiday season has come to an end.”
For more information about the Department of Public Works and its other seasonal services, visit kentwood.us/DPW.
The City of Wyoming snowplow team works to make sure streets are cleared within a 24-hour period after a snow event. It is the same for the City of Kenwood. (City of Wyoming)
As the blizzard of 2022 makes it way across the midwest, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are making preparations and gearing up to plow the roads.
Both the cities have issued blizzard alerts on their respective Facebook pages. Residents are encouraged to prep their vehicles with emergency items in case they get stranded.
In the case of a power outage, contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 or visit ConsumersEnergy.com for outage updates. For emergencies, such as a downed power line or tree blocking a roadway, call 911.
Snowplow vehicles will be out over the weekend. During a storm in both cities, crews work around-the-clock with trucks on the road 24-hours a day. Crews from both cities try to make sure that all roads are cleared within 24 hours after the snow event has ended. Both the City of Kentwood and the City of Wyoming prioritize plowing from highest-volume streets to lowest-volume streets.
City of Kentwood
Major streets, such as 44th Street, 52nd Street, Kalamazoo Avenue and Eastern Avenue are plowed first.
Collector streets, which are many of the main streets of the subdivisions, are plowed next. Some examples of collector streets are Baileys Grove Drive, Stauffer Avenue and Gentian Avenue.
Once the collection streets are clear and safe, local streets, which are streets within subdivisions, are plowed next.
Cul-de-sacs/stub streets are plowed last with smaller trucks. For the cul-de-sacs, the snow is placed in areas that are suitable for snow storage, so it is recommended that all items in the a cul-de-sac, such as soccer goals and portable basketball hoops, be removed.
If a resident needs to report a snow removal issue, visit kentwood.us/psr. For more information on winter maintenance and resources, including snow removal efforts, street parking rules and tips for avoiding frozen water pipes and meters, visit kentwood.us/WinterMaintenance.
City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming has about 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets.
The city’s first priority are the major streets, such as 28th Street, 44th Street, Burlingame Avenue, Byron Center Avenue and Clyde Park Avenue, which carry the most traffic and have the highest speed limits.
Second is the collector streets, which disperse throughout the residential neighbors. The goal is that residents are within a reasonable distance from either a first or secondary priority street that is plowed.
The last to be plowed is the culs-de-sac and the remaining residential streets. The streets are plowed when the snow depth reaches four inches, either from a storm event or snow accumulation.
For snow removal concerns and other related issues, visit the All About Snow section on the Public Works page at wyomingmi.gov.
Clearing of Sidewalks
In the City of Kentwood, it is the property owners responsible for clearing two or more inches of snow, ice and other obstructions from sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses. The City of Kentwood does plow some of its sidewalks. For a map of those sidewalks, click here.
In the City of Wyoming, sidewalks are plowed by a third party contractor at night when there is two or more inches of new snow accumulation. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks free of obstructions such as garbage cans and parked vehicles.
Fire Hydrant Maintenance
In both cities, it is the resident’s responsibility to keep the fire hydrant clear if it is located on your property. Residents should clear a path from the street to the fire hydrant and three feet around the hydrant.
Parking Rules
Both cities have winter parking rules.
In the City of Wyoming, it is odd-even parking. If the day is an even number, 2, 4, 6, 8, then residents may park on the side of the street with even number addresses. If it is an odd number day, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, then park on the side with odd number addresses.
Wyoming residents are encouraged to move their vehicles between 7 p.m. and midnight (12 a.m.) to assure that plows can get down and clean both sides of the street.
In the City of Kentwood, parking is not allowed on any public street between 1 and 8 a.m. and when street parking could make it difficult or prevent snow removal.
Communications Director, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
Raise your hand if you’re comfortable navigating a conversation about mental health. Now raise your hand if you’re not sure where to start.
At the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, we believe it starts with knowledge, which creates confidence. We empower individuals through our be nice. action plan and programs for schools, businesses, teams and faith organizations.
“This plan works because it’s simple,” said Christy Buck, Founder of be nice. and Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. “It’s four steps that give you the knowledge to recognize depression, guide you through tough conversations, and empower you with the information and resources you need to start navigating appropriate treatment options. be nice. is simple, powerful and life-saving.”
be nice. program is two-fold
On a macro level, the logo itself is a call to kindness, civility and inclusion. It’s recognizing that how we treat one another has an effect on how a person thinks, acts and feels – their mental health. On a micro level, be nice. is an action plan to equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize, understand, accept and take action when it comes to mental health through four simple steps – to notice, invite, challenge and empower.
1. notice
Begin by noticing what’s good and right about the people around you so you can notice when something is different. The plan starts with the knowledge to recognize, or notice, the signs and symptoms of a mental health concern or illness.
Behavioral
Quitting favorite sport/hobby
Avoiding social interaction
Sudden/unlikely drug or alcohol use
Cry frequently for no reason
Neglect responsibilities, loss of motivation
Can’t sleep or sleep constantly
Physical
Lack of hygiene, personal appearance
Fatigue, lack of energy
Overeating or loss of appetite
Weight loss or gain
Headaches
Unexplained aches or pains
Psychological
Acting out, aggressive, quick to anger
Heightened sadness, guilt, indecisiveness
Lack of emotional responsiveness
Frequent self-criticism
Hopelessness, loneliness
Thoughts of death or suicide
2. invite
When you notice changes lasting two weeks or longer, it’s time to invite yourself to reach out. Many times we notice something is different about the way someone is thinking, acting or feeling, but we don’t address it. Oftentimes, we stay quiet because we don’t want to hurt a person’s feelings, get a negative reaction, or be wrong – with be nice., we keep it simple.
“I’ve noticed ________ and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do to help?” This conversation starter shows that you care and you’re asking from a place of concern. You’re not attacking their actions or character, you’re simply checking in.
3. challenge
The No. 1 reason someone doesn’t speak up when they’re struggling is because of the stigma or shame they feel. They’re worried about how others will perceive them. You can be someone who challenges the stigma surrounding mental health, illness and treatment. You can challenge stigma with your words and empathy! The third step is also about challenging an individual to seek help and utilize resources. Here in West Michigan, we are fortunate to have many local options for help and treatment. We live in a digital age, and there’s a variety of mental health supports available for a wide range of needs.
Nationwide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [988] is available 24/7 for anyone struggling with their mental or emotional health who needs a listening ear, immediate coping exercises, or assistance navigating further help.
4. empower
Ultimately, the be nice. action plan is meant to empower individuals with knowledge and resources. The MHF is an organization that educates individuals of all ages and demographics in this life-saving action plan. Having the correct knowledge surrounding mental health gives us the confidence to take action when we notice changes and the empathy to decrease stigma.
Being aware of our protective factors and positive coping mechanisms are great ways to help keep our mental health in check, and further, knowing what resources are available in our schools, teams, workplaces and communities empowers us to be resilient.
988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, call 988 to speak with a professional who can help.
To learn more about each step of the be nice. action plan, visit benice.org.
‘Tis the season to watch out for holiday scammers. With the holidays fast approaching beware of any deals that appear too good to be true. Scams create the illusion of being trustworthy on the outside yet are a façade fooling consumers into sharing personal information and sending money.
Scammers are looking for all kinds of way to trick you out of your money. (WKTV/Tessa Schultz)
Scams can come in many shapes and sizes, yet they aren’t the gift you’d like this holiday season. Scams can appear blatantly obvious or they can be concealed from what seem to be reputable sources.
Some of the biggest online shops have had scammers impersonating the organization. Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and your local department stores all have scammers lurking around impersonating trustworthy transactions and tricking consumers.
Scam Data
Federal Trade Commission data reports that in 2021 online shopping scams contained $3.92 million in total reported losses with the median loss for consumers was $500 dollars.
Shoppers that have fallen victim to questionable purchases are not always compensated for their financial losses. According to the FTC, 25% of 2021 consumers reported a loss to fraud.
Types of Scams
Some of the most common scams are internet auction fraud, phishing, order confirmation scams, and technical support scams.
Internet auction fraud occurs when a seller misrepresents merchandise online. In many cases, items are left undelivered, with the buyer at a loss for their money. Scammers may advertise items with outrageous deals and discounts swindling shoppers into franticly buying nonexistent listings. Eventually, shoppers are met with remorse when their item never arrives on their doorstep.
Phishing is a scam where fake emails, text messages, and websites are used to commit identity theft or steal personal information. The criminal may ask personal questions fishing around and urging you to share your bank account numbers, debit card pin, or other personal information. Typically a scammer’s contact information mimics the names of larger brands hustling shoppers into trusting and handing out their personal information.
Order confirmation scams provide unwarranted emails, texts, and phone calls claiming that you need to confirm or deny unauthorized purchases. Amazon recently published a memo warning customers of scammers mimicking counterfeit transactions and seeking personal information. Panic-stricken shoppers may rush in order to cancel fake purchases when in reality they are being conned.
A technical support scam is a type of fraud where a scammer insists that you need to buy tech support for your devices.
Data breaches can occur to those who download software on their devices. Sensitive information can be stolen, hacked into, and leaked.
Malware is online software containing viruses and spyware. Malware is often undetectable and is a large threat to your online security.
Tips to Avoid Scams
Always use direct websites when seeking customer service and tech support.
Do not react to scams based on the principle of urgency. Many scammers want you to feel the need to “act now.”
In no case should you provide payment, or bank account information, install software, or purchase gift cards when prompted to respond in an urgent nature.
Be cautious when providing any personal information including account numbers and passwords when completing purchases online or on the telephone. Contacting customer service with any questions regarding transactions may ensure safe shopping.
Santa and his reindeer want you to steer clear of holiday scams this year, be sure to travel with ease online to protect your wallet this season.
Santa and his elf helper waiting to greet children at the Nitzel’s home. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
It looks like a scene out of a Hallmark movie: colorful holiday lights with Santa and his elf helper sitting on a wooden bench waiting to greet the children.
But it is not a Hallmark movie, it is right here in the City of Wyoming, 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. This is the home of Mark and Barb Nitzel, longtime Wyoming residents who have been spreading a little Christmas magic for the past several years.
“I do this, getting out there, to make people feel good,” said Mark Nitzel, who will be out again this Friday as Santa from 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Snowstorm or not, I’ll be out there. I was out there during the last snowstorm.”
An award winning display
Nitzel has always enjoyed the magic of Christmas and the holidays, especially the lights.
Mark Nitzel in front of his Christmas tree. (WKTV)
“The lights started with me putting up a few and then adding to it,” Nitzel said. The display gradually evolved to take over his front yard and his neighbor’s fence. Dubbed “Clark Griswold,” Nitzel’s passion soon spread, making it a neighborhood affair.
“Next door, he started adding lights,” Nitzel said. “We found a sleigh and put it on his roof. The people across the street moved in a few years ago and they too have been adding lights.
“It was really kind of cool to see it grow.”
The light display even snagged Nitzel an award “The Christmas Light Pajama Run Award” in 2018.
“I just heard someone on the porch and went out to see who it was,” Nitzel said. “I asked what they were up to and they shouted ‘Merry Christmas,’ pointed to the porch and ran to their car and jumped in. They were all wearing those old-fashioned pajamas with the buttons on the back.”
Then came the jolly elf himself
Of course with his warm and welcoming personality and love for the season, it was only a matter of time before Nitzel would be asked to play Santa. That person was his daughter, Samatha Roman who own’s Old Souls Studio, 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW.
“She asked if I could be Santa at her studio for photos,” Nitzel said, adding with a laugh, “the next thing I know, I am outside greeting people as they drive by (my home).”
Nitzel is not one for recognition. It has been his “elf helper” Barb who has been promoting the light display and visits with Santa.
“I can’t be Mrs. Claus, she is too sweet,” Barb Nitzel said with a laugh. “(Mark) retired in 2020 and he does it because he loves it. There is nothing like seeing the kids’ faces. The joy and the happiness just brings tears to your eyes.”
“Happy Christmas to all”
Nitzel, who also volunteers at Family Food Network of Wyoming, said he just enjoys seeing people get a little cheer from the lights and visiting with Santa.
Santa with some guests. He will return this Friday from 6:30 – 8:30 at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
“Last weekend, there was a lady who drove by a couple of times and then finally stopped to ask how much it would be for a picture with Santa,” Nitzel said. “I told her it was free.
“She got out of her car and we took the picture and she sat and talked with us for a little bit, telling us that she thought she was going to lose her job. By the time she left, she had captured a little bit of that Christmas cheer back. That’s what it’s all about.”
Nitzel said he recognizes that not everyone can afford to go to the mall to see Santa and for some children, the mall can be overwhelming. But at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW, everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and enjoy the holiday lights.
“It’s about giving back to the community,” Nitzel said. “It becomes a social event for everybody, talking and wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas,’ which makes it kind of nice to see.”
Vintage + More is located at 3101 Broadmoor Ave SE. (D.A. Reed, WKTV)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Kate Kemperman, granddaughter of New York Yankees baseball player and Grand Rapids native Wally Pipp, recently gained ownership of Vintage + More, LLC in Kentwood.
Though Kate Kemperman’s ownership of Vintage + More is new, Kemperman’s family has deep roots in West Michigan.
Walter Clement Pipp (Wally) was born on February 17, 1893 in Chicago, but at only 2 years old, moved to Grand Rapids with his family in 1895.
Wally Pipp led the American League with 12 home runs in 1916 and nine in 1917 while with the New York Yankees. (Courtesy, Kate Kemperman)
A student at Catholic Central High School, Pipp played baseball for several Grand Rapids leagues because “they didn’t have a baseball team at Catholic Central when my grandfather was there,” Kemperman explained.
Pipp played a few games with the Detroit Tigers in 1913, but his rights were sold to the Yankees in 1915 where Pipp became New York’s starting first baseman.
Pipp led American League in homers for two years
Leading the American League in home runs in 1916 and 1917 (12 and 9, respectively), Pipp was one of the AL’s top power hitters throughout his career, driving in over 100 runs in each of the following years: 1921, 1923 and 1924.
Pipp played in three World Series and helped lead the Yankees to victory against the New York Giants in the 1923 World Series beside Babe Ruth (also Pipp’s roommate and friend), Bob Meusel, Joe Dugan, and Waite Hoyt.
Vintage + More Store owner Kate Kemperman and Wally Pipp’s granddaughter. (D.A. Reed, WKTV)
Though her grandfather passed away in 1965 when Kemperman was three years old, she loved hearing stories about Pipp from her father and other people who knew him.
“My grandpa had a presence to him,” Kemperman said.
15 years in the Major Leagues
After playing 15 years in the Major Leagues, Pipp retired at age 35 with a .281 career batting average, 90 home runs, and 1,004 RBIs.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Catholic Central High School a few years ago – the first person to hold that honor without having played for a Catholic Central team – and is a 1972 inductee into the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame.
Enter Lou Gehrig
During a game in 1925, Yankees legend Lou Gehrig filled in for Pipp who was out of the lineup with a headache. Gehrig would then run a streak of 2,130 consecutive games, a record that would last for 56 years, until Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. broke it. Ripken Jr. still holds the record of 2,632 consecutive games played.
Vintage + More store owner Kate Kemperman talks with a customer. (D.A. Reed, WKTV)
Generational residence
Kemperman was raised in Grand Rapids, following in her grandfather’s footsteps by attending Catholic Central with her five siblings, and chose to raise her own family in the same area, purchasing a house in her childhood neighborhood with her husband Mark where they raised their two daughters.
A vendor at Vintage + More for the past three years, Kemperman took over the store when previous owner Shelley Cappiello retired.
“It was the perfect opportunity because I was kind of thinking about it, and so was Shelley,” Kemperman said.
Offering an eclectic mix of farmhouse style furniture, home decor, jewelry, clothes and more, Vintage + More was exactly what Kemperman was looking for as she began a new phase in life.
After 35 years of owning her own catering business, Katie’s Cuisine, Kemperman said that “I began thinking the last year or so that maybe I want to do something a little different.”
With costs rising due to inflation, “people are looking at recession,” Kemperman explained. “And I thought this would be a great shop for recession. The prices are so good, and people are looking to buy local, buy secondhand, or little things that are handmade.”
Something for everyone, plus a store greeter
Vintage + More customers are often greeted at the door by Natalie, Kemperman’s 15-year-old dachshund. Natalie wanders the store freely and is quite amenable to attention, though she often chooses to stay by Kemperman’s side.
Kate Kemperman’s 15-year-old dachshund, Natalie, often greets customers at Vintage + More. (D.A. Reed, WKTV)
“She’s pretty attached,” Kemperman said about Natalie. “I’ve had her for a long time. She does great here and the customers love her.”
Visitors to Vintage + More also will find a “shop within a shop.” Kate’s Eclectic Fashions, Kemperman’s previous foray into becoming a vendor at the store, is still going strong. Consisting of 27 consigners, the clothing and accessories portion of Vintage + More can be found at the front of the store.
The rest of the shop is comprised of 26 vendors, and Kemperman ensures that each vendor has their own unique style or content to offer.
“We try not to compete with each other,” Kemperman said. “Vendors have their own little niche — which makes shopping all the better.”
Giving back
Though Kemperman lost her husband in 2014 after a short battle with cancer, her future remains in West Michigan as she looks to give back as much as she has received.
Vintage + More offers an eclectic mix of farmhouse style furniture, home decor, jewelry, clothes and much more. (D.A. Reed, WKTV)
As Kemperman takes the reins of Vintage + More, she has already begun serving her community by offering more than just a shopping venue.
Raising money for local causes is high on Kemperman’s to-do list. Snuffle mats for dogs can be found near the front of Vintage + More, with all proceeds going to the Kent County Animal Shelter, and Kemperman is currently looking for another cause to support with the store as well.
All about the people
Kemperman’s favorite part of owning Vintage + More is the people.
“I love hearing stories from the people,” Kemperman said. “I love hearing about why they’re buying something. I love to help them as they look for certain items.”
Special events also are being integrated into the shop’s calendar, offering customers even more opportunities to shop and mingle with other community members. Upcoming events can be found on the Vintage + More Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
“It’s a welcoming store,” Kemperman continued. “There’s always a cup of coffee waiting for you if you want it. The vendors are friendly, and they put their heart into everything they make.”
Vintage + More is currently open to taking a few new vendors for furniture and home goods, and entrepreneurs of all ages are welcome to join the store’s waiting list if space is not immediately available.
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
However, the council will shortly be down to six again as current council member-at-large John Fitzgerald will be stepping down at the end of the year to assume his roll as the 83rd District state house representative in January.
The council will appointment a Wyoming resident to fill the vacant seat. The term ends in 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.
Fitzgerald along with State Representative Tommy Brann, who is terming out of his seat this year, were recognized for their service to the city and its residents. It was also noted that Brann was recently named House Representative of the Year by the Michigan Information and Resource, Inc. (MIRS)
Wyoming Council member John Fitzgerald (right)State Rep. Tommy Brann (right)
The fall 2022 Alpha Wolf recipients. From left, sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo, junior Gage Behrenbrinker, freshman Zander Creamer, junior Dominik (Buster) Cross, sophomore Tarren Calvert, senior Bryce Bosovich, and freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra. Not pictured is Jesus Valadez Cano. (Courtesy, John Doyle)
Along with the addition of the freshman and sophomore classes, the school welcomed 170 students from other schools, of which 47 students were from different countries, and 28 new staff members.
To represent the high school body, 1,300 paper chains were strung together across the gym’s ceiling.
“Every paper chain represents you. It represents our staff,” said teacher John Doyle, who helps to organize the Alpha Wolf program. “There are over 1,300 chains and they are all connected because that is what we are about.”
A11 Moment Ahead
Guess speaker Mark Kuiper, from the Wyoming High School staff, focused on the second part of the Alpha Wolf theme, “What is your A11 Moment Ahead?”
“An Alpha Wolf Moment Ahead is when you chose not to judge someone based on the color of their skin or that they talk different than you and they may share a different view of the world.” Kuiper said. “Instead you get to know them, know their story…An AW Moment Ahead of kindness, compassion, and graciousness usually appear in the usual, in the mundane, ordinary day-to-day, hour-by-hour routine of our lives. We need to look past our own face. We need to look up.
“Because the moment you look up, you begin to see the signs and when you decide to chose kindness over indifference, when you decide to chose compassion over apathy, when you chose grace over holding a grudge…you are seeing AW 11 Moments ahead become a lifetime and it will change a life.”
Zander Creamer walks up to receive his award. (WKTV)Zander Creamer is congratulated by his family. (WKTV)
Freshmen
Zander Creamer
According to many, the best word that encompasses freshman Zander Creamer is leader.
“This young man is getting it done at Wyoming High School,” according to staff. “Whether in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria or participating in extra-curricular activities he radiates Alpha Wolf 11 to all who cross his path.”
It did not take long for Creamer to settle in at the high school and as he did, he helped others make the transition to their new chapter in life.
“He is really a sweet kid who constantly has a smile on his face to try and to make people feel welcome and to lift them up when they are feeling down,” students and staff said.
No matter the setting, Creamer makes the effort to get to know the people around him and let them know they feel valued and appreciated through his contagious smile and kind words.
He figures out math problems on his own time. He enjoys robotics, riding his bike, and eating Mexican food as well as spicy, sweet and sour. He has a love for soccer and enjoys watching the Olympics, especially baseball.
Freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra sits in the audience. (WKTV)Omar Resendiz-Parra accepts his award with his family. (WKTV)
Omar Resendiz-Parra
From that description, it did not take long for students to recognize that freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra was the next Alpha Wolf.
“I have never heard him say an unkind word or be remotely critical about anyone,” said one of his teachers. “He has never said anything out of frustration or irritation. In fact, he has challenged himself to be a better version of a kind and gracious person that he already is.”
During parent teacher conferences, Resendiz-Parra helped his father understand by translating everything. He does everything with a kind heart, according to another staff member, and he is willing to help anyone on a daily basis.
Students and staff all agreed that Resendiz-Parra leads by example.
Sophomores
Tarren Calvert
Sophomore Tarren Calvert shakes hands with family members. (WKTV)
Unusually the first thing sophomore Tarren Calvert will ask someone when he sees them is how his/her day is going.
Calvert simply does good deeds whether anyone is looking or not and people are looking. They have noticed how he goes out of his way to help others, especially helping classmates with homework and other tasks.
“It does not take long for everyone who meets this Alpha Wolf to feel the positive energy he gives with everyone he meets,” according to students and staff, adding that this junior varsity basketball star is positive, respectful and selfless.
Sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo walks up to accept her award. (WKTV)Berlinda Pablo-Pablo stands with her family for a photo. (WKTV)
Berlinda Pablo-Pablo
All it took was the statement “She is a flute player and participates in the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Mosaic Scholarship program” for many to quickly guess that sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo was the next sophomore Alpha Wolf.
“Those who have interacted with this student have said this Alpha Wolf 11 left them with a lasting impression,” according to staff. “She is hardworking, strives for excellence and is the embodiment of joy.”
According to her peers, Pablo-Pablo is “a great friend with a sweet and tender heart, a kind shoulder with a big smile, constantly friendly, and never rude to anyone, and she is supportive and ready and able to cheer up a person and make them laugh.”
Juniors
Gage Behrenbrinker
Junior Gage Behrenbrinker walks up to accept his award as his family watches. (WKTV)
A member of the variety football and basketball, junior Gage Behrenbrinker is definitely a servant leader.
Just some of the words/sayings staff and students said about Behrenbrinker were:
Very cool
Always happy
Likes helping classmates and is always helping at school
Works to improves everyone they are around
Always a positive attitude
Makes everyone’s day better
Polite
Respectful
Inspiring
A great role model
A great leader
Someone we all look up to
Because of these many attributes, Behrenbrinker, according to many, is the perfect example of an Alpha Wolf.
Junior Dominkik (Buster) Cross is congratulated by family members. (WKTV)Dominik (Buster) Cross poses with his family for a picture. (WKTV)
Domink (Buster) Cross
Always there for his friends and family, junior Dominik (Buster) Cross uses his voice to encourage the absolute best out of everyone.
According to staff, Cross is bold, honest, and optimistic and there is never a day that he does not put his best foot forward.
He leads by example, has a smile that lights up the room, and always shows grace especially in the face of challenges, which is why the students and staff chose him to as an Alpha Wolf.
Senior Bryce Bosovich is congratulated by family members and staff. (WKTV)Bryce Bosovich stands with his family. (WKTV)
Seniors
Bryce Bosovich
“I have never had the opportunity to have this scholar in class at the junior or high school, but every time I have had conversations with him it has been super respectful, polite, and mature and sometimes sports related,” said teacher Shawn Veenstra who was one of several Alpha Wolf presenters.
For Bryce Bosovich, it was noted it was difficult to compact all the Alpha Wolf characteristics that he has in a short narrative, but the presenters were certainly willing to try.
Comments from students included:
“He is my best friend and has always helped me when I am going through something.”
“He never fails to put a smile on my face.”
“He is always super nice to everyone in class and is always kind to people he sees. He has just an awesome personality and if I say so myself this guy has a bright future on his shoulders as well.”
According to staff, Bosovich’s laugh is instantly familiar. He is thoughtful, respectful, selfless, and always positive.
Jesus Valadez Cano
Jesus Valadez Cano moved to the United States from Mexico a few years ago and in that short time has established himself as a person of integrity, humility and someone who cares about others and their successes.
“When others in class may not understand something or have different ideas Jesus (Valadez Cano) is considerate and works with them in a positive way,” according to staff. “There is no pretense and no arrogance from this student. He simply lifts others up. He has only one mode: positive.”
Known for working with Spanish students to make sure they understand their school, about every student in the school loves working with Valadez Cano because he is such a great listener, values the opinions of others and openly shares his own ideas.
The U.S. Air Force investigated unidentified flying objects from 1947 to 1969 through the Project Blue Book. (Pxhere.com)
In March of 1966, the Air Force dismissed a wave of UFO sightings in southern Michigan as nothing more than “swamp gas.”
At the time, a then Michigan Representative and future U.S. President Gerald R. Ford called these reports and the people making them “flippant.” Ford had the foresight to call for a “congressional inquiry” into the growing number of reported unidentified flying objects and asked for government transparency. Ford proposed that either the Science and Astronautics Committee or the Armed Services Committee of the House should schedule UFO hearings and invite testimony from both the executive branch of government and some of the UFO witnesses.
Unfortunately, there was never a formal congressional hearing and the Air Force dismissed and discredited these reports by 40-60 extremely credible witnesses, including as many as a dozen police officers.
Project Blue Book
The U.S. Air Force had been investigating unidentified flying objects since 1947 under Project Blue Book out of Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio but the project was terminated in 1969. Of the 12,618 sightings reported, 701 remain “unidentified.”
Project Blue Book concluded that no UFO reported presented a threat to national security or indicated technologies beyond our own scientific knowledge, nor was there evidence to categorize these sightings as extraterrestrial. Other sources suggested that the best cases were never part of Blue Book, especially those of national security over military installations and power plants.
According to the National UFO Reporting Center, Michigan ranks in the “Top 10” of states with the most UFO sightings since the 1950s with more than 2,400.
The Lakeshore Event
The 1994 Lakeshore UFO siting was reported on my various media outlets.
On March 8, 1994, more than 300 witnesses, including police and a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport, reported multiple UFO sightings in at least 42 counties across Michigan.
Jack Bushong, Jr. was the “radar guy” on duty when Ottawa County emergency dispatch called the National Weather Service office after receiving multiple reports with more than 100 people reporting “strange lights in the sky.”
“I either saw them hovering or they were jumping at a high rate of speed over to the next spot,”he said. The lights would jump 20 miles at a time at an estimated speed of 72,000 MPH. The fastest any human has traveled is 24,816 MPH on the Apollo command module. The police officer was seeing the same thing with the same object. This historic radar and ground verified UFO sighting has been labeled the “Lakeshore Event.”
Bushong said he had “never seen anything like it,” it was as if they “wanted to be seen,” and they were “putting on an air show.”
Being transparent about what is in the skies
UFOs have demonstrated “unusual flight characteristics” remaining stationary in winds, moving against the wind, maneuvering abruptly at very high speeds without a source of propulsion, no air intake, no sound, and no exhaust.
Bushong quickly ruled out “ground clutter,” weather balloons, commercial drones, “swamp gas,” or any type of hoax. Bushong received ridicule at the time and through the years but since the U.S. Department of Defense released videos confirming “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAP) he’s felt more comfortable talking about it. Because of the stigma attached to reporting sightings, commercial and military pilots were reluctant to come forward fearing they might be putting their careers at risk and called a “kook.” As the Pentagon releases more UFO/UAP videos, more pilots, intelligent officers, and radar operators are reporting events.
The big question that remains is transparency or secrecy. Can the government and military maintain the U.S. national security and be up front with the public at the same time? According to a massive database of U.S. reports, encounters with UFO/UAPs have left people with radiation burns, brain and nervous system damage, and even “unaccounted for pregnancy.” The truth is out there and we have had our fill of “flippant” reports and reporters. Keep your eye to the sky.
Check out Jack Bushong, Jr. and Bill Konkolesky, Michigan Mutual UFO Network director and author of two books “Experiencer” 1 and 2 on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast episode # 72.
As we approach holiday travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is expecting a busy week and is reminding guests to pack their patience.
The Ford Airport is expecting travel levels similar to 2019. While they are ready for guests, they are reminding travelers of the importance of patience and planning ahead.
“We are eager and ready to help guests connect with their family and friends over the holidays as West Michigan’s gateway to the world,” said COO Alex Peric. “We encourage guests to pack their patience while fellow community members work diligently to ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone.”
Travel Stats
Expected Holiday Travel: 165,000-plus passengers from December 19 through January 2. This includes both departing and arriving passengers.
Traffic: Guest traffic is currently at 98 percent of 2019, which was a record-breaking year for the Airport. Ford Airport expects to be at or near 2019 levels by end of 2022. Currently, they are seeing an average of a 22 percent increase in guest numbers from 2021.
Peak Holiday Travel Dates: December 19 through January 2. The busiest departure day is expected to be December 22.
Top Destinations: Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Punta Gorda and Orlando.
Airline Contacts
For questions about specific flights, baggage handling, and more, reach out directly to the airline.
Allegiant (702-505-8888)
Delta Air Lines (800-221-1212)
Southwest Airlines (800-435-9792)
American Airlines (800-433-7300)
Frontier Airlines (801-401-9000)
United Airlines (800-241-6522)
TSA Inquiries: TSA.gov
Weather and Staffing
As a reminder, the Ford International Airport never closes. Inclement weather can cause delays and cancellations. The Airport manages clearing runways and other infrastructure while individual airlines are responsible for plane de-icing. Individual airlines also are responsible for check-ins and all matters related to gates, including departures and deplanings.
Vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S) crackles with energy all year ‘round — but the holiday season gives our neighborhood record curators a special opportunity to hook you up with Christmas classics and unforgettable gifts for the audiophile on your list.
This year, Vertigo owner Herm Baker has stocked brand-new copies of 20 different holiday albums, such as The Temptations’ Christmas Card, Sufjan Stevens’ Songs For Christmas and the Home Alone soundtrack, as well as the albums Herm told ArtRat are his best seasonal sellers: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash’s The Christmas Spirit, Elvis’ Christmas Album and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas.
Other seasonal collections feature Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and the Beach Boys. And if you need your holiday Mariah Carey fix, Vertigo stocks two different albums to choose from: the 1994 Merry Christmas album, which features Carey’s original rendition of “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You, which features an “Extra Festive” version.
New adventures in hi-fi
Vertigo’s staff of four is always ready to hook you up with music you’ll love. For this occasion, Ethan and Logan stepped up enthusiastically to help ArtRat explore Vertigo’s holiday collection.
“David Bowie and Bing Crosby!” exclaimed Logan, rifling through the racks. “This one just released this Black Friday on its 45th anniversary. How could you go wrong with Bowie?”
“And A Charlie Brown Christmas! This one is selling fast. It’s my favorite holiday album to listen to — you don’t normally get to hear it on the radio. We also have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I love a good movie score.”
“This one is like, post-rock Christmas, and probably the coolest seasonal record we have.” Ethan said, picking up a copy of Scarlet Holliday, a three-song EP the band MONO created with producer Steve Albini in 2021 as a “special little gift” to bring hope to listeners feeling isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Who wants to listen to the same music over and over again?” Ethan asked. “This one still feels festive, but it’s different.”
Vertigo has also stocked Canned Heat’s Christmas Album and Blondie’s Yuletide Throwdown, as well as No Presents on Christmas by King Diamond for those who really want to take the holiday season to the next sonic level.
If none of these picks jingle your bells, Vertigo has three crates of used holiday records priced at $1 each.
“I recently had a customer come in looking for a specific singer-songwriter Christmas album for a gift,” Logan said.
“I wasn’t sure we’d find it, but we flipped the first record and there it was. So, even if we all think we might not have it, we probably do!”
Vertigo’s crates contain yuletide music created with organs, music boxes, gospel choirs or guitars. One record in the store’s used Christmas section reads, “Obenkirchen Children’s Choir: a musical experience of unusual charm and merit, so appealing they make you want to cry.”
Unknown pleasures
And if you want to find a gift for the discerning music fan, Vertigo probably has it. “This isn’t your average shop,” Ethan told ArtRat. “This is a real-deal, old-fashioned record store.”
Whether your tastes run to an instructional Jazz Dancing vinyl that guarantees to “prepare you for any current dance craze,” or John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Years, which offers “some of the key words uttered by President John F. Kennedy, humbly presented as a perpetual record,” you can find it at Vertigo.
Vertigo’s shelves are stocked with B-side compilations and rarities, special-edition releases, and more, perfect for gifting to the music lover or trivia buff in your life.
Vertigo Music is open Monday through Friday 12-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 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.
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. (Pxhere.com)
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. Cases of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are rising to an extent of overwhelming hospital emergency departments, creating a ‘tripledemic’ for the community.
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all respiratory viruses but they differ in how they spread. The flu can be spread by respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) and on surfaces. COVID-19 can also spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols but does not spread on surfaces. RSV spreads heavily through contaminated surfaces, so washing your hands and surface cleaning is very important to mitigate the spread of RSV.
While symptoms may indicate what you have, it is hard to make an official diagnosis without being tested for RSV, flu, or COVID.
RSV is one of the more unknown viruses that can spread during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported high levels of RSV related emergency room visits in Michigan. This has prompted the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Kent County Health Department to advise residents to take action to prevent the spread and protect your loved ones as we approach the holiday season.
What is RSV?
RSV is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection with mild or no symptoms for adults and older children, but can be very harmful to small children and the elderly who do not have a built up or strong immune system. There is also no vaccine for RSV at this time. Early symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, decrease in appetite, and cough that can progress into wheezing or difficulty breathing.
What is the flu?
Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lung. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8% on average of the United States population get sick from the flu. The CDC reports that children are most likely to get sick from the flu with those over the age of 65, less likely.
What is COVID?
COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus that was identified in 2019. It causes a respiratory illness. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
How to prevent the spread:
The spread of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV could get worse as people begin to travel more for the holidays to see family, especially if they are seeing very young children or elderly family members. One of the simplest tricks to protect very young children from RSV is to not kiss them or be in close contact with their faces. According to the Kent County Health Department, hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection.
Other strategies to mitigate the spread include:
Staying home when you are sick
Avoid close contact with others if you have cold or flu like symptoms
Always cough/sneeze into your arm, never your bare hands
Frequently clean your phone when you get home from a long day as well as surfaces heavily touched like door knobs and countertops
While there is no vaccine for RSV, there are flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. There are no costs for most vaccines. To learn more about vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office about what vaccines you may need this winter.
By Matthew Stinson Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington
Nathan Johnson, NAVFAC Washington design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis (Photo by Regina Adams)
A former Grand Rapids resident was named the first-ever project manager of the year by the Navy.
Nathan Johnson, was announced by Capt. Eric J. Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington commanding officer, as having been selected for this honor on Nov. 28. Johnson, design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis, as the Project Manager of the Year. Johnson is the inaugural selection of this new annual award and was chosen from a competitive field of NAVFAC Washington project managers.
“Nathan is currently managing more than 20 active pre-award projects valued over $220 million, including multiple waterfront/recapitalization program projects at the U.S. Naval Academy,” Hawn said. “He is a key member coordinating anticipated sea level rise requirements in each of these waterfront projects and is an exceptional project manager. He has my strongest personal endorsement as the 2023 NAVFAC Washington Project Manager of the Year.”
Johnson has served with NAVFAC Washington for 12 years at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and now Naval Support Activity Annapolis.
“I’m somebody who prefers to keep my head down and get the job du jour done and being recognized with this award is an unexpected honor,” Johnson said. “I’m well aware that there are many talented project managers in this organization, so the pressure to live up to this title is on.”
Over the past three years, Johnson has successfully executed and completed more than 20 projects valued at more than $45 million at multiple installations with multiple customers. These projects included shoreline restoration, multiple sports field lighting projects at the U.S. Naval Academy, and upgrades to wastewater treatment plant at NSA Annapolis.
“The wastewater treatment plant denitrification project was particularly interesting due to the fact that retrofitting an existing wastewater treatment facility with a new and relatively high-tech treatment process required us to become conversationally fluent with some chemistry that I hadn’t encountered since college,” Johnson said. “That project succeeded due to collaborative support of a quality A&E, highly engaged Utilities and Energy Management staff and field operators who were able to quickly learn and help troubleshoot the system.”
Johnson notes that success in the project management arena is the result of team effort. Consistently showing up prepared and willing to support your teammates is how one demonstrates value to the team. Throughout his career, he has found that reputations are built by demonstrating consistency. Strong and consistent efforts and abilities show up in the results of the work and are clearly recognizable over time.
“I feel strongly that any of the successes with which I am associated here at Public Works Department Annapolis are due to the team efforts of a group of dedicated individuals,” Johnson said. “Design Chief Joe Zurzolo’s encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the U.S. Naval Academy is only rivaled by his extraordinary understanding of NAVFAC design and construction processes.
“Bert Taylor’s recent promotion to our A&E supervisory general engineer position from the seat I currently occupy has meant that he remains within shouting distance whenever I have a question he can answer. The major waterfront projects I manage are tenaciously design-managed by John Jones, a fellow civil engineer and fellow Hokie. Finally, my counterpart design-side project manager Aaron Kramer carries the other half of this office’s workload with ease.”
Johnson grew up in Grand Rapids and Northern Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2009 and is a proud dog-dad to a handsome boxer-pit mix named Chili.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg administers the oath of office to Kent Vanderwood, who is the city’s newest mayor. (WKTV)
Kent Vanderwood admitted that the most challenging thing over the past four months has been reminding people that he was the mayor elect — not the mayor.
That all changed at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting when Vanderwood took the oath office, officially becoming the city’s mayor.
“It is with thankfulness and humility that I accept this gavel tonight and with it the privilege of serving this community and leading the council for the next four years,” Vanderwood said in a prepared statement he read. “It was not something that I anticipated happening but when the circumstances made it abundantly clear that I should run, I accepted the challenge and have not looked back.”
Dignities, such as Kentwood City Commissioner Betsy Artz and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Keith Morgan, along with friends, family, residents and city staff watched as Vanderwood along with Renne Hill and Sheldon DeKryger took the oath of office to serving on the city council.
Hill was one of two candidates elected to the councilor-at-large seats. Rob Annoys, the other candidate, was not able to attend Monday night due to a work conflict and will be sworn in later, according Vanderwood. Both Hill and Arnoys are new to the council.
DeKryger was elected to his second term to the first ward council seat. He ran unopposed in the November election.
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg shakes hands with the city’s newest council member, Renee Hill. (WKTV)First Ward Council member Sheldon DeKryger takes the oath of office. (WKTV)
Vanderwood’s first action as mayor was to recognize the contributions of former Mayor Jack Poll and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for their years of service to the city. Both Poll and Bolt retired from the council. Vanderwood then lead the council through the process of electing Third Ward Council member Rob Postema as mayor pro tem.
Another of the council’s first actions will be to appoint a resident to fill John Fitzgerald’s councilor-at-large seat, Vanderwood said. Fitzgerald will be serving the City of Wyoming as one of the newest member of the state’s House of Representatives.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood with newly elected (by the city council) Mayor Pro Tem Robert Postema. (WKTV)
The appointment will be until 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.
In his speech, Vanderwood stated when he campaigned he promised to focus on three main areas: maintaining the city’s financial stability which means maintaining a healthy fund balance and preserving the city’s high bond ratings while keeping citizens’ taxes as low as possible. He also would make public safety a top priority by funding the police, fire and first responders, and continue to support the economic growth of the city.
“I intend to follow through on these goals starting tonight but I will need the support of the council, the city staff, and all of our great citizens,” he said. “My promise to you tonight is that I will serve honorably and my very, very best to both fulfill the oath I took early tonight and work with you to meet these goals.”
Mayor Kent Vanderwood thanks former Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for his years of service to the city. (WKTV)
New Councilor Renee Hill talks to re-elected First Ward Councilor Sheldon DeKryger during a break at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood (third from right) with his family. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood looks his new seat on the Wyoming City Council Monday, Dec. 5. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
South Godwin Elementary School opened Jan. 3, 1956. On June 16, 1938, Wyoming High School first senior graduation ceremony. The Wyoming Township Police was established in 1941.
This and other fun facts about the City of Wyoming can be found in the Wyoming Historical Commission’s 2023 calendar, which was released earlier this month.
The calendar features 12 photos of the city along with signs from businesses that at onetime were part of the Wyoming community. Along with listing holidays, sprinkled throughout the calendar are special dates related to the city such as when former President Bill Clinton visited Rogers High School (March 13, 1992).
The calendar is available at the Wyoming Library History Room, which is open Tuesday evenings and Saturdays form 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The calendars are also available at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
The calendars are $10 each with the money raised going back to commission projects.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
Santa is coming to town this Saturday for the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Santa Parade.
The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. starting near Division Avenue and 32nd Street and heads south, ending just before 44th Street.
“This is one of my favorite projects,“ said Bob O’Callaghan, former president of the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber and committee chair for this year’s Santa Parade. “Celebrating our businesses along Division Avenue is a great way to provide holiday cheer for the businesses and for the community. Our sponsors want to give back to the community and this is a perfect way to do that.“
This year’s sponsors are 105.3 HOT FM, 97 WLAV-FM, Arrowaste Inc., Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille, Car City, Catherine’s Health Services, Consumers Energy, Diversified Protection and Investigations, Godwin Hardware & Plumbing, Hobart Sales & Service, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Credit Union, Stassen Electric, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, VanDyke Mortgage, WKTV, Wyoming Moose Lodge, YoChef Catering & Cafe, and Honor Credit Union.
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for Saturday at around 12:30 p.m. (immediately after basketball programming) and again at 7:30 p.m. Check wktv.org for other air times.
“To see the looks on the children’s faces is a wonderful experience which is why I have been on the planning committee for years with the Chamber,” said Mike Zomerlei of Diversified Protection and Investigation Services. “With more than 50 participants it takes a great deal of logistical planning and a lot of hours but it’s worth it!.”
This year’s parade will include marching bands from four local high schools, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Grand Rapids. There also will be several local officials such as Mayor Stephen Kepley as well as police officers and fire fighters from both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The grand marshal is Jackie Green, former 2021 Mrs. American and co-host for 105.3 HOT FM.
Of course this is all in celebration of the arrival of the most famous elf in the world: Santa Claus.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
On Sunday, Dec. 11, WKTV 26 Government Channel and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99 will be featuring live coverage of the Orion spacecraft’s entry back to earth and the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean to complete the Artemis 1 Mission.
Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. with the splashdown scheduled at 12:40pm. Live coverage will continue through Orion’s handover from Mission Control in Houston to the Exploration Ground Systems recovery teams in the Pacific.
Afterwards, there will be an Artemis 1 Orion post-splashdown news conference at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that is paving the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.
For more information on NASA TV or the Artemis 1 Mission, log on to www.nasa.gov.
Kentwood Police Captain Ryan VanderVeen said the Department’s October recruit open house was very successful and they hope to at least hire 10-15 officers per year through this program.
“We were able to meet with several dozen potential recruit officer candidates that night,” explained VanderVeen, of their Oct. 13 event. “Those selected will attend the 15-week Grand Valley State University Police Academy beginning in May of 2023. In addition, we will soon begin another hiring process in which those selected will attend the GVSU Police Academy beginning in August of 2023.
VanderVeen said they hope to continue this program in the future so they can “recruit great candidates of all backgrounds, who have a passion to serve the citizens of Kentwood as a police officer.”
“Our department officer staffing is down right now,” VanderVeen said. “Even if we were not down, we would still be pursuing the recruit officer position.”
VanderVeen said the recruitment events explain the hiring process and requirements of becoming a police recruit.
“We had many police staff on hand and were able to meet one-on-one with applicants to answer their questions. Those that attended were given the opportunity to tour the Kentwood Police Department and see what we have to offer.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Applicant requirements
High school diploma
Michigan driver’s license
No felony criminal convictions
No prior law enforcement experience necessary
The recruit officer position is considered a “sponsored” position, meaning that once selected and hired, Kentwood pays all costs for the employee to attend the GVSU Police Academy, according to VanderVeen.
Recruits receive wages during academy
Also, because the recruit is an employee, they will be paid wages and receive benefits while attending the police academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and passing the State of Michigan licensing exam, the employee will be promoted to the position of police officer with the Kentwood Police Department.
“This is an excellent way for someone to enter the field of law enforcement in a non-traditional manner,” VanderVeen explained. “We’ve had engineers, accountants, military veterans and others in the business field join the Kentwood Police Department through this program.
“Previously, those that wished to become a police officer likely needed to quit their current employment, foregoing wages, to attend a police academy. This program removes that roadblock because the academy costs will be covered, and the recruit will receive a wage during the academy.”
To find current job openings at the Kentwood Police Department and apply, visit kentwood.us/employment.
The East Kentwood team that competed in the We the People District Finals last week. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)
East Kentwood’s American Political Thought students brought home top honors from the We the People District Finals which were hosted at Kent ISD last week.
The school’s team, which includes 21 seniors, finished second overall with several groups within the team also receiving first and second place awards.
Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence received first place for their analysis of the American version of the rule of law and international perceptions of the system.
Taking second place were Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sarah Chapin for their explanations of the philosophical underpinnings of American constitutionalism. Also taking second place are Andrew Dame, Rebecca Moore and Mike Nguyen for their understanding of the evolution of Congress’ powers and limitations on them.
To prepare, the East Kentwood team accumulated 55 hours of practice time with coaches outside of the school day in addition to time spent preparing for those sessions on their own. Coaches volunteered their time to help prepare the team for the variety of aspects of the competition — which includes presentation and public speaking skills along with an incredible depth of knowledge in constitutional law, philosophy, politics, American history and current events.
The team is currently working on new content in preparation for Jan. 6 when they will travel to Michigan State University’s College of Law for the State Finals. The first place team at the State Finals will earn an invitation to represent the state of Michigan in the National Finals in late April. For the 2021-2022 school year, the East Kentwood team took second at the State Finals with East Grand Rapids taking the top spot.
“A few years ago, I had a realization when taking a look at coffee shops all over the United States: We’re all doing the same thing — serving high-quality coffee,” Jon told ArtRat. “At The Lantern, it’s different. We focus on the environment, our service and your experience.“
That commitment to Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood guided The Lantern through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and still shapes the way the popular coffee spot treats customers, other local businesses and the community at large.
Steve Wiltjer and Kevin Wallace opened The Lantern in April 2013, in the old Grand Central Engineering Building — a site that had stood gutted and empty for 15 years. The space is much bigger on the inside than it seems when you pass by; the spacious downstairs area still features the Grand Central’s original wood and is filled with tables and desks for people to socialize or work.
“I have all of my meetings at Lantern,” Rock Dandeneau, owner of Taste Buds-Kitchen Connects, a catering business just around the corner at 122 Division Ave S, told ArtRat.
Down in the vault
The historic building holds some surprises. John led me down to a former bank vault that’s now The Lantern’s dry-goods storage. “This door is the original one,” he said, spinning the combination lock. “It’s supposedly worth a lot, too … But it’s so heavy, no one has moved it!”
Inside, there’s not much space. “It forces us to work a little differently, more intentionally. For example, instead of ordering 10,000 to-go cups, we order 1,000.” He pointed out ingredients that go into The Lantern’s latest offering: homemade oat milk. Though the ingredients are Michigan-made, the recipe required a lot of tweaks and a journey to New Orleans where Jon met a master oat-milker to learn his ways. After Jon added his own personal touches, the cafe added it to the menu on Monday.
The coffee bar is intentional with its waste, too. Just outside the vault, the space also holds The Lantern’s compost bins: All coffee, filters, and tea scraps are composted for distribution to local farms.
Navigating a pandemic
Jon started at The Lantern as a barista, but his role grew over time. In 2020, he was already on track to take over ownership responsibilities from The Lantern’s founders when COVID-19 hit.
For a gathering spot like The Lantern, social-distancing requirements were a critical hit, and the cafe shut down entirely for several months. “I didn’t want to reopen without indoor seating,” Jon explained. “It’s such an integral part of what we are.”
Jon remained committed to operating The Lantern while keeping customers safe. “I didn’t really have experience doing that kind of thing,” he said, “but I saw it as an opportunity to save something that was important to me, to not just watch it die in front of me. While there are trials and tribulations, I always [work] to pull myself up.”
The Lantern team shares Jon’s focus on the cafe’s role as stewards of the community. Savannah Jeanelle took a moment to talk with us. Between brewing my Malabar Tea and packing a shot of espresso, our local barista filled ArtRat in about what Lantern does best.
“Engrained within us, we are a part of — and take part in — this community,” Savannah said. “All are welcome. This community is so full of vibrant people: artists, musicians, people with stories to tell.
“No matter who you are, we’ll always be happy to make you a drink and have a conversation.”
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.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and essay contest winner Clara Wells pose for photos after the Tree Lighting on Dec. 1. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
It was a chilly, festive and activity-filled event at Kentwood’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade last Thursday at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The festivities included carriage rides, children’s crafts, food trucks, live music, a visit from Santa, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and the main events: the parade and tree lighting, of course.
One of the highlights of the night was grand marshal Clara Wells, a fifth grader at Brookwood Elementary, who was in the same float in the parade with Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and later helped him light the Christmas tree in front of the library.
Wells achieved the honor by winning a new student essay competition among Kentwood students/residents from ages 5-18. Participants were asked to write a 1,000 word essay entitled, “Why do you love living in Kentwood?”
“It really was a good essay about what makes Kentwood so special,” said Mayor Kepley of Wells’ composition. “She talked about our parks and trails, and the schools.”
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (left), Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar at the Kentwood Tree Lighting, 2022. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff pose with Santa. Bottom row, from left: Spencer McKellar and Shelby Henshaw. Top row, from left: Ann Przybysz, Laura Barbrick and Lori Gresnick. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
When asked what he loves about Kentwood, Kepley said he loves it “because it’s a taste of heaven … because the world has come to Kentwood.”
A city of diversity
“It has such diversity, and to be able to have such diversity and live in peace and love with one another is just a wonderful thing,” Kepley continued. “I live in a neighborhood with 13 homes, and those 13 homes represent the world. We just feel blessed because we have relationships with our neighbors. You see how it can work with different backgrounds.
“A lot of people living in Kentwood weren’t born and raised in the United States, including my lovely wife Susan, who was born and raised in Kenya.”
All in one
Kepley talked about the unity of having all the City’s events in one area, compared to having them spread around in years past.
“We have really focused on bringing everything here (around the library), centralizing things, whether it’s the tree lighting, July Fourth, all our events like the concert series, food truck rallies, the parade, the farmers market.
“We really don’t have a downtown, but we’re trying to create this place around the library and City Hall where people can create traditions and memories.”
Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry
Tree Lighting attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. For more info, check out this site: kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Area choirs will be performing that Gerald R. Ford Airport this week. (Pxhere.com)
As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Ford Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 26th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place Dec. 5-9 in the airport grand hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
A total of 20 West Michigan choirs from grades first through 12th are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day. All festival performances are free and open to the public.
Some of the local groups performing are
Legacy Christian Honors Choir, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5
East Kentwood High School Varsity Voices, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Calvin Christian Chroale, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6
Lee High School School Choir, 11 a.m.. Dec. 6
Wyoming Junior High Concert Choir, 11 a.m., Dec. 7
Wyoming High School Honors Choir, 12:30 p.m, Dec. 7
Legacy Home School Alliance Choir, 2 p.m,, Dec. 7
U-Prep Choir, 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8
Potters House High School Choir, 2 p.m. Dec. 8
South Christiaan High School Madrigals, 2 p.m. Dec. 9
The full schedule of performing choirs is at FlyFord.org.
“Thank you to the many local school choirs for your preparation and participation in bringing joy to the Airport,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “We hope our passengers and guests can pause from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy these performances.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming 2022 tree lighting ceremony. (WKTV)
“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Stowell, Wyoming’s assistant to the city manager, as she talked about the 2022 Wyoming Gives Back event.
Held at City Hall this year, the event was buzzing with residents and guests dropping off toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, listening to music provided by local students from Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public schools, and visiting with city officials. On hand was the Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Fire Chief Brian Bennett, police officers, firefighters as well as Councilor John Fitzgerald, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood, and newly elected Councilor Renee Hill.
Stowell said more than 1,200 toys were collected at the event. The event usually averages around 1,000.
“Before the event, we had a person drop off about 100 toys,” Stowell said.
The event wrapped up with the Wyoming High School Jazz Band leading participants outside for a tree lighting ceremony.
City Hall was busy Dec. 2 for the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
The hall of vendors at Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
The Godwin Heights High School Choir opens the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood records a Christmas greeting. (WKTV)
Residents who donated toys received raffle tickets for prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
A couple of students color pages during the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
A group of residents record a Christmas Greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt (far right) helps hand out prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Wyoming High School’s Jazz Band at Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
The Wyoming High School Jazz Band closes out the Wyoming Gives Out event. (WKV)
The Wyoming Fire Department records a Christmas greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Keepsake Photos)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Despite a turbulent start in life and the odds stacked against them, local twins Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson didn’t let any roadblocks get in their way.
“People look at us and don’t realize everything we’ve been through,” said Monica Sparks, local business owner and Kent County Commissioner covering a portion of Wyoming and Kentwood. “You look at someone and think that they have it all together or have everything, but we had a very rough start.”
Born to a young heroin addict
Sparks and her twin sister, Jessica Ann Tyson, were born to a young girl addicted to heroin. At 16 years old, their mother already had two children and was in the foster care system when she gave birth to them.
Though they recall a few good memories of their birth mother, most memories involve having to care for themselves as far back as preschool.
“We pretty much had to fend for ourselves all the time,” Sparks said. “I never remember her fixing a dinner, ever, except for one time having fried shrimp from takeout.
“We couldn’t get the cereal because the cereal is on top of the refrigerator, and (their mother and guests) are passed out and we are too small to get it,” Sparks continued. “We tried many things to get that cereal down, but it never worked.”
Many, many days of hunger
At times, the sisters would resort to eating out of dumpsters, but Sparks said they remember “going to bed hungry many, many nights.”
Birth mother viewed with compassion
Despite their harsh childhood experiences, Sparks and Tyson view their mother with compassion.
“Neither of us fault her for that,” Sparks said.
Tyson agreed.
“We’re grateful, if anything else,” Tyson added. “She could have made alternative choices and she really loved us as babies. I believe she was just a product of her environment and her generation.”
Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)
Misguided help, that led to a kidnapping
Upset by the lack of care she witnessed from the twins’ mother, their preschool and daycare provider kidnapped Sparks and Tyson in a misguided attempt to help.
“I remember being in the trunk (of her car),” Tyson said. “She was hiding us.”
The police found the twins at their provider’s house and returned the girls to their mother despite the provider explaining about the neglect at home. It was only a few days later, however, when a state worker came to visit them.
“I remember that day like it was today,” Sparks said.
The state worker told the girls that they would need to leave for a time while their mother got some help.
Separated, and lots of tears
“We didn’t know it was going to be forever,” Sparks continued. “They separated us. They put us in two different places.”
Sparks described being separated from her sister as “Sick. Sick. All I did was cry and call my sister’s name.”
After a short time, the twins were brought back together and placed in the foster care system. Unfortunately, it was not a good placement. Once again facing neglect and abuse, Sparks and Tyson found themselves approaching strangers on the street to get food.
“We were little kids, just three or four, on the street, on a corner, hoping that this group of men would feed us,” Sparks said.
Food and safety at school
Tyson remembers loving school because, “school was warm, school let you stay inside, you got free lunch, you could eat.”
Even through these difficulties, compassion flows from both women.
“(Our foster mom) was just a hurting person who hurt other people,” Tyson said. “She was very abusive and was in foster care for the wrong reasons.”
Advocates and angels
Through it all, Sparks and Tyson remember small acts of kindness.
“We had advocates,” Sparks said. “Little angels around that would really take care of us.”
A Muslim family down the street from the twins’ foster home would often give the girls food if they joined the family in evening prayer.
They recalled a lady down the street who left her apartment door open and placed snacks – Sparks remembers raisins and nuts, Tyson remembers Jolly Ranchers – inside the door for them to take at any time.
Finally, a loving, stable home
Sparks and Tyson were seven years old when a school teacher named Joyce Ann Richardson, recently divorced and unable to have children of her own, came to the adoption agency in the hopes of adopting a young child. She found Sparks and Tyson.
The twins’ parents, Joyce and Alonzo Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)
Sparks and Tyson both remember Joyce traveling every weekend to come visit the girls no matter the weather. When the abuse at the twins’ foster home was discovered, Sparks and Tyson were allowed to live with Joyce full-time. For the first time, the girls had their own room and a caring provider.
Encountering difficulties with the state allowing her to adopt the twins, Joyce took them to church for prayer. The minister, also a Purple Heart Korean war veteran, fell in love with the girls — and with Joyce.
Alonzo Edward Sparks and Joyce began dating, were married four months later, and have been married for 41 years. Together, they adopted the twins at 8 years old.
Due to lack of structure and socialization in the twins’ lives, Alonzo and Joyce were intentional in their parenting. Sparks openly calls it “damage control.” Both girls were enrolled in private schools, etiquette training, modeling training, public speaking, Girl Scouts, and more.
“There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us,” Tyson said. She admitted that Alonzo and Joyce were strict in their parenting, but, “What did it hurt?” Tyson said with a shrug.
Local business and political leaders
Both Sparks and Tyson are leaders in their community, both as business owners and politicians, and are dedicated to serving others.
Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Douglas Johnson, Keepsake Photos)
“We have very big hearts and it’s because we want other people to have opportunities,” Tyson said. “We don’t rest on our laurels, and we don’t take excuses. You always continue to strive to do more, to be more, to go further – and take others with you. We are always looking to take others with us.”
“As a person, you want to do your part in society,” Sparks said. She believes that, whether or not you have a hard life, “it’s the choices you make after that” that matter.
“I can rest on my past and blame, blame, blame, but it’s not going to do anything for me. It’s not going to do anything for the area I’m in, the society I’m in, and I have to make the choice to say, ‘How do I do better?’”
Sparks and Tyson both attribute their current success to “good and solid parenting.”
“Parents who were invested and parents who actually cared,” Tyson explained.
Alonzo and Joyce raised the twins to have awareness for “understanding purpose, understanding … that we are in control of our destiny. We are in control of our own fate.”
That awareness instilled a desire to help others in their community.
“Monica and I see more for other people because we are not supposed to be here, statistically,” Tyson said.
Extremely close, but opposing political parties
Sparks and Tyson entered the political realm in an effort to extend that help, but as members of different political parties.
When first running for office, Sparks declared her political affiliation to be with the Democratic party, Tyson, the Republican Party. Both decisions were products of research and personal preferences.
Tyson grew up believing Alonzo and Joyce were Republicans. When Tyson ran for office and had to declare a party, she was surprised to find out they were not. She then asked the question of herself, “What am I?”
“I didn’t want to just check a box, to just assume that I was one thing or another,” Tyson said, “but once I started researching the platforms of the parties, then I tried to see how it aligned with my ‘everyday.’ Once I saw how the Republican party aligned with my ‘everyday,’ and then once I saw how I voted (in the past), I typically voted Republican.”
The reason for voting Republican was not a conscious choice. Tyson said she listened to the message each candidate brought to the table, not their political party affiliation.
“I wish that was something most people would do, but unfortunately we get caught in the cog of being one thing or another,” Tyson said.
Politics don’t drive a wedge between them
Sparks and Tyson believe the political parties are merged in many ways.
“We all say the same thing,” Tyson said. “We want the pursuit of happiness, life, liberty, justice … we want healthy families, healthy schools. Most of the time I find that people are talking about issues and how to solve them.”
However, Sparks and Tyson are not immune to how polarizing politics can be. In an effort to help create hope and understanding between people, Sparks said they are currently working together on publishing a book about “the polarization of America … and how to bridge that gap.”
“There are a lot of gray areas,” Sparks said. “People want you to say something is black or white, yes or no, but there are many different pockets or issues that spawn off one main issue.”
Both sisters recognize a direct correlation between their political and business lives with how they were raised. An example: “Being responsible, making sure we took care of our business financially, things of that nature,” Sparks said.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun.
“We are very close,” Sparks said. “We do a lot of things together. And, we do things that we love to do, so it propels us forward. We don’t feel like we work. We know we work; we don’t feel like we work.”
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
Saturday is the day — the day that the City of Wyoming will host its once-a-year curbside yard waste pick up.
The City of Wyoming’s yearly curbside leaf pick-up is this Saturday, Dec. 3. (Pxhere.com)
Every year on the first Saturday in December, the City of Wyoming hosts a free curbside yard waste pick up for its residents. This year, that falls on Saturday, Dec. 3.
To participate, residents should have all yard waste out on the curb by 6 a.m. Leaves should be in paper bags. Brush should be tied in bundles and not more than four feet long.
Yard Waste site still open
The City of Wyoming’s yard waste site, located at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW., is currently open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Starting Dec. 12, the hours will change to 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
At the site, there is a leave and grass pile and a brush pile. Residents are asked to sort items accordingly. To use the area, residents are required to show proof of residency, such as a photo ID or a utility bill, to the guard shack. Residents should enter the site off of Burlingame Avenue.
Currently, undocumented workers cannot get a driver’s license because the State Attorney General Office has determined an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a citizen of Michigan. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – Undocumented Michiganders are fighting for the right to obtain a driver’s license, an action supporters say could generate $100 million for the state.
An initiative called Drive SAFE could pave the way.
Some advocates say they hope Michigan becomes the 19th state to pass similar legislation. Supporters range from teacher and nurse associations to religious groups and business owners.
SAFE stands for Safety, Access, Freedom and Economy, all of which would be improved by the passage of the bills, said Simon Marshall-Shah, a policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, a nonpartisan policy institute.
“This is a case of people being able to freely get where they need to go,” Marshall-Shah said. “This often can involve supporting their families, taking a child to school or the doctor’s office, getting other health care services for themselves or their families, going to church.”
Concerns about undocumented workers driving
A passionate supporter of the legislation is Rob Steffens, the owner of Steffens Orchards in Sparta, 15 miles north of Grand Rapids, who says he is worried about undocumented workers who have been driving to and from work in Michigan for years.
“They want to follow the law, and they can’t,” Steffens said. “And they are not going anywhere. There isn’t a plant in Michigan – and I don’t care if you are talking about turkey, chicken, apple, cherry or asparagus – that doesn’t have undocumented workers.”
The package contains two bills in the House and two in the Senate. They were all introduced in 2021.
So far the bills are stalled in committee.
“We did have a hearing that was scheduled back in 2021 that was under the (House) Rules and Competitiveness Committee,” Marshall-Shah said. “The hearing was pulled at the last minute.”
Hope for the future
But as 2022 ends and a new legislative session is set to begin, the League for Public Policy says it hopes the bills may be finally heard in committee, Marshall-Shah said. If not, momentum is building to take it up again in the new session.
“In terms of the Drive SAFE bills being able to move forward in both chambers, I do see a possibility for that in this upcoming session,” Marshall-Shah said. “I think that the Drive Michigan Forward Coalition overall has really built up a lot of support among legislators and among advocates.”
Drive Michigan Forward is a coalition of organizations run by immigrants and their allies who believe in the restoration of driver’s licenses for all people, according to the group’s website.
In 2008, the Secretary of State implemented an opinion of former Attorney Gen. Mike Cox that said an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a Michigan resident. Since then, undocumented people in Michigan have been unable to receive a driver’s license.
Not everyone in favor of the Drive SAFE legislation sounds as confident as Marshall-Shah.
“The committee process is clearly controlled by the Republicans, and they have been uninterested in moving this forward in the past,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, a cosponsor of the Senate bills. “My expectation is that it is not going to be moving, especially now that it has gotten so late in the legislative calendar, but I don’t really know.”
Improved public safety and reduced insurance costs are key attributes of the legislation, Irwin said.
“Right now, we have a number of drivers who, because of the law, cannot get properly licensed,” he said. “We have a lot of drivers in Michigan who are not paying into the insurance system.”
A potential revenue source
Money is a big selling point, Marshall-Shah said. Undocumented people in Michigan in total hold almost $2.5 billion in spending power.
That money can’t be spent in areas around the state and in local economies if undocumented Michiganders are denied access to a driver’s license, said Marshall-Shah.
On top of that, Michigan would bring in over $100 million over a decade because of these laws, according to the League for Public Policy. The money would come from license fees and revenue from registering vehicles and sales and gas taxes.
Opposition to this legislation has not come from any specific person or group, said Marshall-Shah.
“I would say the pushback in general has come from people who are really unaware of the benefits of the bills,” he said. “Certainly we’ve seen a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment at-large over the last few years, particularly at the federal level and under the Trump administration.”
Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.
As part of its preliminary investigation into a Nov. 28 house fire that claimed the lives of two people, the Kentwood Fire Department believes the cause was accidental.
KFD, in partnership with the Kentwood Police Department and Michigan State Police, continues to investigate the fire in the 400 block of 48th Street SE. Fire investigators are looking into possible electrical issues after finding a space heater near the fire’s origin.
At 3:23 a.m. on Nov. 28, the Kentwood Fire and Police departments were dispatched to the 400 block of 48th Street SE in response to a residential house fire. A KFD medic unit was the first to arrive and initiated rescue attempts, followed quickly by additional Kentwood and Cutlerville firefighters, who joined efforts to rescue individuals in the home and put out the fire.
The home was occupied by 11 individuals at the time of the fire. Nine of the residents made it out of the home safely. Medical assistance was provided to a 12-year-old female and a 19-year-old female, who were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death for both individuals was smoke inhalation. Their names are being withheld pending notification of loved ones.
Kentwood Police Department seeking info on recent homicide
The Kentwood Police Department is asking anyone with information on a homicide that occurred Friday, Nov. 25 at the 5100 block of Wichita Dr SE to call 616-656-6604.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Officers arrived on the scene and located a 30-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds in the hallway of one of the apartment buildings. The subject was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
This is the most recent picture of Raymond Tarasiewicz. The photo was provided by his family.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues to search for missing Wyoming resident Raymond Tarasiewicz and are asking residents to continue sending tips and information.
Tarasiewicz, 69, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. The closet cross streets are Burlingame Avenue and 44th Street.
He is described as a white male, 6-foot, 2 inches tall and about 225 pounds. He has white hair and a white beard. He wears black prescription glasses and may be wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.
Tarasiewicz has early signs of dementia. According to the Wyoming police, he has been known to wander and go into garages or outbuildings in his neighborhood. Tarasiewicz is known to frequent the 36th Street/Burlingame Avenue area. He has medical issues and requires medication regularly. He does not have known access to money and did not take his cell phone with him.
If you have seen Raymond Tarasiewciz or have information, please call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 1-866-774-2345.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have followed up on all leads that have developed since the time Tarasiewicz was reported missing. Detectives have also followed up on all tips received from citizens as they continue to actively investigate this case. Numerous resources have been used to attempt to locate Tarasiewicz and he is listed as missing in both law enforcement and other databases.
Family members have indicated that if anyone sees Tarasiewicz to call out “Hey Ray!” to try to help snap him out of his daze and call 911 to get him the medical attention he needs.
Anyone who may have seen Tarasiewicz or has information on his location that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
