The state of Michigan has a long and rich tradition of producing outstanding acoustic-based music and this week’s performance of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series features a homegrown West Michigan band that’s adding to that legacy.
Roosevelt Diggs, a four-man band that has been perfecting its craft since 2008, takes the stage Thursday at 7 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. A versatile band, Roosevelt Diggs blends country, blues, rock and roll, folk and blue grass into a melting pot of true Americana music.
There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged
to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market next door
in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“We are kind of a melting pot,” said Logan Duddles, who with his brother Levi Duddles is one of the two vocalists of the group. “None of those individual genres label us exactly. You can use Americana to encapsulate us, but it’s a struggle to categorize our sound down to one thing. We have a lot of elements of American music in our style.”
Along with providing vocals, Logan Duddles also plays acoustic guitar while brother Levi is on the electric guitar.
“We share the vocals,” Logan said. “We don’t look at it as our having one lead vocalist. There are certain songs that I sing and certain songs that he sings.”
The band also includes Jon Shears on upright bass and Jeff Leitch on drums.
Roosevelt Diggs. (Photo Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)
Logan and Levi have been making music together since a young age back in Reed City. They connected with Shears in 2008 to form the band, while Leitch came on as a drummer three years ago.
17 years and counting
Since forming in 2008, Roosevelt Diggs has made steady progress. Initially, the band had a goal of being able to play local shows and maybe cut an album someday. In the past 17 years, the band has soared beyond initial expectations and continues to add to its legacy.
“Our goals were pretty low starting out,” Duddles said. “At first, we just wanted to be able to play a few shows. Our goal was to work hard and practice every day and get a little better. Through the years, we looked at it as we wanted to be better as a band than we were three months ago. We’ve been able to release four albums and have been able to play at some amazing venues and some great festivals around the state.”
The band’s first album came out in 2012, followed by ones in 2014, 2018 and 2023.
WYCE Jammie Award Winners
The growth and success of Roosevelt Diggs is evident in the albums it produces. Their 2018 album (Better Days) and 2023 one (Reverie) were both WYCE Jammie award winners.
Among the venues the band has played are Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Wheatland Music Festival and the Hoxeyville Music Festival.
“We feel very fortunate through the years to have played at some amazing venues and festivals,” Duddles said. “We have played at some places that have definitely been on our bucket list.”
Right out of the phone book
Along with a unique style, Roosevelt Diggs also has a unique name. Similar to the Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet from Frankenmuth who came up with their unique name when a relative mentioned the name of a local resident, Roosevelt Diggs came up with their name from a similar local angle.
“Way back before cell phones kids use to do prank calls on the phone,” Duddles said. “One day we went through the phone book and we saw the name Roosevelt Diggs and that name stuck with us. Years later when we needed a name for the band we remembered the name Roosevelt Diggs. We were looking for something different and it just stuck.”
The band is looking forward to Thursday’s concert in Kentwood and promises an entertaining and energetic show for concertgoers.
“We play high-energy shows,” Duddles said. “We get into our performances. We dig in and don’t just go through the motions. We have fun and make it a good time and give the fans as good a show as we can.”
Concertgoers will also be treated to a broad range of music.
“We play a lot of different music,” Duddles said. “Some bands just sound the same. We pull in a lot of different genres. There will be something everybody will like and hopefully more than just one. It’s a lot of different genres all melting together to produce some great music.”
The City ofKentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
National Night Out is an annual event celebrated across the country that seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
In partnership with the Kentwood Police Department, Woodland Mall will host a free public event from 3 to 5 p.m. Community members can explore a police cruiser and Special Response Team truck and try on police vests and hold shields in the mall’s outdoor plaza area between Red Robin and The North Face at 3195 28th St. SE. A KPD K-9 officer and dog will be on-site to teach attendees about a K-9 unit’s role in law enforcement.
The event also features special appearances by superheroes as well as face painting, balloon twisting, a photo station and giveaways.
Kentwood National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“National Night Out is one of the many ways the Kentwood Police Department strengthens relationships and demonstrates our commitment to serving all who live, work and visit our city,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We are looking forward to connecting with both longtime and new residents during these fun, casual citywide events.”
There also will be over 10 neighborhood events throughout the evening featuring a variety of food and activities, including games and appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog. At these events, community members of all ages also will have an opportunity to connect with Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders as well as explore and learn about police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles.
Kentwood National Night Out. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We welcome all opportunities to engage with community members, which is essential to effective public safety,” Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “Events like National Night Out help our firefighters and residents come together as a community and get to know one another better.”
National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country.
Learn more about Kentwood’s National Night Out events at kentwood.us/NNO.
Community members interested in hosting a National Night Out neighborhood block party are encouraged to reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Brooke Lowe at 616.656.6564 or loweb@kentwood.us.
Several Kent County organizations have partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host mobile pantries each month.
Below is a list of mobile food pantry locations open to the community. Each listing consists of date, time, location and drive-thru or walk-thru designation.
Though the selection of food varies each month, a variety of fresh and frozen items are always available at the mobile pantries.
Mobile food pantry schedule for July 21 – Aug. 19:
Popular West Michigan-based band, Phabies, will take the stage at Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, July 22 at 6 p.m. with their eclectic mix of original alternative rock/pop songs.
A DIY band
The Phabies band is a direct reflection of its founder, Laura Hobson, and her refusal to be forced into one style or genre.
“I never really wanted to feel stuck or pigeonholed in any certain style or genre,” said Hobson. “I didn’t want to present as only one thing while we were still trying to figure out our sound.”
While many bands target one style or sound, Phabies creates songs that unashamedly cross genres.
The band does not shy away from creating a unique and eclectic sound (Courtesy, Phabies)
“It keeps my brain interested,” said Hobson. “I need a lot of mental stimulation to stay interested.”
Phabies not only creates their own sound, but their show sets and outfits as well – putting Hobson’s art degree to daily use and earning Phabies a reputation as a “DIY band.”
Even the band name was formed from an eclectic mix of Hobson’s personal experiences.
“It involves an old screen name, a run-in with a feral cat, a road trip to Canada, a book written by Steinbeck – there’s a lot of overlapping things that resulted in the name,” Hobson said with a laugh.
Friendship and trust
Though Phabies bears Hobson’s personal signature, the group formed in 2018 out of friendship and trust – and is stronger because of it.
The band members began as friends, and have remained close friends through the years (Courtesy, Phabies)
“I had been looking to start a band for a very long time, but I didn’t want to randomly hobble a group together that would later fall apart or wouldn’t feel exactly right,” said Hobson. “It took a long time to find my people.”
Band members Garrett Stier (guitar/bass/vocals), Joshua Holicki (drums), Max McKinnon (synth/keys), Andrew Deters (guitar) and Hobson (vocals/guitar/keys) have remained friends throughout the years, and Hobson believes that is due to the thoughtful construction of the band.
“General advice for people looking to start groups: don’t rush into it,” said Hobson. “Make sure you can really trust and feel safe with the people you’re playing with.”
That friendship and trust plays an important role in enjoying what they do.
“Every practice is fun; it never feels like work,” said Hobson. “It was really important to have a group of people that I can really laugh with and feel like my truest, freest self.”
More than just notes on a page
For Stier and Hobson, that feeling of connection and safety extends from the band to music itself.
Stier said music has been a constant source of joy for him over the last few years.
Music provides an experience unique to each individual (Courtesy, Phabies)
“It’s a place to go and be reminded that there are good things, there are things that bring people together.”
Stier went on to say that he has experienced music bringing people together in various ways through live concerts, recording albums and rehearsals with the band. The people he has met and friendships he has gained make him appreciate music even more.
Hobson associates returning to the stage time and again with facing her fears and the unknown.
“It’s knowing that you can do a hard thing or something that is scary,” said Hobson. “Every time I am done with a show, I remember that I can do it. I think that’s really important because it is scary to perform. There’s something to be said about musicians who get up there every single day and perform a new song on stage or tell a story or give away parts of themselves.”
Though Hobson has performed solo shows and appreciates the different ways she can interact with the audience during those shows, she said being part of a group makes performing less intimidating.
“All eyes split between five people is a little less scary than all eyes on just me,” said Hobson. “You are so vulnerable; it just feels safer when I’m with my friends.”
Hobson said being onstage also helps her tap into parts of herself that otherwise remain hidden.
“I think there are parts of myself that surface when I am up there that I am not in tune with off the stage. It feels like you’re tapping into something else, and I’m interested in that feeling.”
Lyricism as poetry
Hobson crafts her songs with care, putting time into both the lyrics and music.
“I like to approach lyricism as poetry, where there’s a lot of symbolism and a lot of things you could read between the lines and glean different information from if you looked for it,” Hobson said, adding that she loves how lyrics can be interpreted in the same way as paintings.
Hobson encourages different interpretations of her music by listeners (Courtesy, Phabies)
“I think the best compliment you could receive as a songwriter is somebody else’s interpretation. Even if it’s not what you intended, that’s okay. That’s what art is.”
Hobson said writing songs, like group performances, is a way to share the weight of life.
“A lot of times I will write songs to unburden myself, to share the load and get things off of my mind and disperse it. Because it’s easier to carry when it’s spread among many people.”
Simultaneously, Hobson uses her songs to help unburden her listeners.
“It feels important to remind people that they are cared for, that somebody else is considering their happiness.”
A curse…and hope
Phabies recently released their latest album, The Curse Of Caring, in June. The band has a full lineup of summer shows throughout Michigan, with hopes of out-of-state touring and recording in the fall.
“I didn’t let myself do any writing as we were pushing the album out,” said Hobson. “Now I have this backlog of energy that I’ve been furiously trying to capture on my instruments and probably will be going towards album number three.”
However, both Hobson and Stier are also focused on sharing songs from The Curse Of Caring.
“With writers or with musicians, whenever you release something into the world, it’s new to everybody else, but we’ve been holding on to these songs and working on them for the last two or three years,” said Stier. “We are really doing our best to stick with these songs and to share them.”
And the message contained within The Curse Of Caring is an important one, Hobson said. The album’s songs explore loss and grief while also holding space for happiness and joy.
Phabies’ latest album explores grief while also offering hope (Courtesy, Phabies)
“The curse of caring is that double-edged sword. If you do care for things, you’re also going to experience great sadness when things change or when you experience loss.
“But at the same time, caring is what makes us human,” Hobson continued. “In some ways, caring does often feel like a curse because those of us who care the most have the most to lose.”
The album’s last track provides listeners with an uplifting message of hope.
Phabies has released two full-length albums, Fire Seed (2022)and The Curse Of Caring (2025), as well as several EPs and singles over the years.
Hobson and Stier said they are grateful for the opportunity to record two music videos using the WKTV Community Media studio in Wyoming, and urge other artists to utilize the media station’s resources as well.
“It’s a great resource to use that exists in our community,” said Hobson.
Learn more about Phabies and their music here and here.
Concert details
Concerts in the Park performances are free and family-friendly.
Food trucks offer food for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab some food and enjoy the music!
The complete 2025 Concerts in the Park lineup can be found here.
The mid-summer air will be full of hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s this Thursday as Sunchaser takes the stage for this week’s concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.
A band of veteran musicians from the West Michigan area that formed in 2021, Sunchaser is a five-piece group that plays a wide variety of musical styles from rock to country, blues, R & B and more.
This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. It also will be Backyard Barbeque Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market and plenty of farm-fresh goodies will be available. There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market which takes place next door in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sunchaser has experience playing at many different venues around West Michigan, from outdoor concert series, clubs and restaurants, private and corporate events and local veterans’ halls where they enjoy playing for veterans. This Thursday’s show will be the first time the band has performed at the Kentwood concert series and the group is excited about the opportunity.
“We are really excited about playing at the Kentwood Concert Series for the first time,” said Rusty Benmark, a guitarist and vocalist with the group who has over two decades of experience performing in classic rock and blues bands in the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas. “We are looking forward to putting on a great show and hope that everyone will enjoy themselves.”
Concertgoers can expect an energetic performance with a variety of musical genres from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The band plays hit covers from those decades by such notable artists as Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, The Eagles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Dwight Yoakum and The Rolling Stones to mention a few. Sunchaser’s eclectic song catalog also includes Motown covers of Marvin Gaye & The Capitols as well as classic rock hits of Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, The Zombies, Linda Ronstadt and the B52s.
Sunchaser. (Photo Courtesy, Sunchaser)
“We pride ourselves on our diversity and our set list/catalog that spans multiple decades,” Benmark said. “We play a wide variety of different genres. We have a lot of diversity in the band and the members of our band also play multiple instruments. We also have a variety of different vocalists so there is a lot of variety in our performances.”
The diverse musical background and experience enables the band to cover a wide-range of styles. The musical diversity is one of the things the group believes is their biggest asset and the group constantly tries to push the envelope into different areas.
“The feedback from audiences has been very positive,” Benmark said. “Audience members often comment that there’s a little something for everyone in our set list.”
The group counts four solid vocalists in its lineup and having multiple lead singers enables the group to cover a variety of styles.
Along with Benmark, the group includes Bob Seif, the founding member of the band who plays guitar, keyboards, percussion and vocals. Seif has been playing and singing music in the Grand Rapids area since he was seven years old.
The band formed during the pandemic “Music is the best therapy, period,” Seif said. “The only good thing to come out of the Covid pandemic for me was our band.”
Barb (Bobbi) Bean is one of the lead vocalists and also plays the keyboard. Bean has over 30 years experience performing in local and regional musical groups both big and small.
Pat Gil plays the bass guitar. Gil has been playing the bass guitar for over 30 years in various bands around the Midwest.
“We like to make our audiences happy,” Gil said. “We pick a lot of groove-oriented songs to get people moving. Our unofficial slogan is, ‘We play it, you shake it.’”
Mike Danielson is the drummer for the group and also a vocalist. Danielson began drumming at the age of 10 and started playing in his first band in the seventh grade.
“I have always liked many styles of music,” Danielson said. “I have played in different style bands to hone my experience in that style. Music has been an important part of who I am for my entire life and has been so therapeutic for me and many friends along this journey.”
The band is a tight-knit group that enjoys performing and making music with each other.
“We really enjoy what we are doing,” Benmark said. “We are pretty tight friends and that shows up on stage. We have a lot of fun and also add some humor to our shows. We want our audience to really enjoy the performance.”
Along with playing popular covers, the band also plays some deeper cuts and some music that audiences may not have heard in a while.
“We like to find some things that are not covered by a lot of bands,” Benmark said. “Our concerts are not all the same songs. You hear a different sound due to our versatility and having people playing different instruments and different vocals.”
Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief funds may now qualify for additional assistance (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Consumers Energy’s electric and natural gas customers who qualify for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds and haven’t received the full $500 annual payment credit may now qualify for additional assistance under a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy in effect immediately.
State Emergency Relief dollars help certain income-qualified customers take control of their past due energy bills up to a maximum of $500. The one-time federal funds disbursed at the state level are distributed to customers who apply and whose household income is 150% of the federal poverty level or below.
How it works
Beginning July 7, new customer applicants who haven’t received relief in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends Sept. 30, are eligible to receive the $500 per commodity cap, regardless of their past-due balance.
Previous SER recipients who haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap can apply for the remaining amount (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Previous SER recipients who have already received funding since Oct. 1, 2024—but haven’t reached the $500 per commodity cap—can apply for the remaining amount starting July 11 through Sept. 30. These payments may result in a credit on the customer’s account.
“We’re dedicated to equity, accessibility and affordability for Michiganders who count on us for reliable electricity and natural gas,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer.
“Through our various energy savings programs, energy assistance offerings and partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we support the growing needs of our customers who experience challenges paying their bills.”
This new policy could allow customers to receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Under the former policy, a customer who owes $250 to keep their account active could apply and, if approved, get a credit paid back in that amount but would not have been eligible for additional relief in the same fiscal year. Under the new policy, however, that customer could now receive an additional $250 to meet the maximum annual allocation allowed of $500 if they have accumulated additional arrears.
Additional energy assistance
Last year, 540,000 customers received $38.4M in State Emergency Relief funding. In total, 137,000 families across 30 Michigan counties received some type of energy assistance.
In addition to State Emergency Relief funds, there is additional help available for anyone who needs assistance with their energy bills by calling 2-1-1, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations. Customers can also visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance.
To make it easier for customers to find the help they need based on their situation, Consumers Energy recently launched “My Personalized Offerings,” an easy-to-use tool that empowers customers to identify and enroll in custom payment assistance and energy management programs. The optional tool is free and available to all customers at ConsumersEnergy.com/Offers.
The local band presents a premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience with six veteran musicians and decades of combined stage and touring experience (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department)
Beloved rock and roll icon Tom Petty may have died in 2017 at age 66, his music lives on in soloists and tribute bands worldwide. One such band is West Michigan’s own The Insiders: A Tom Petty Tribute Band who will take the stage at Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m..
According to The Insiders’ website, the local band presents the premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience with six veteran musicians and decades of combined stage and touring experience.
The Insiders’ frontman, Max Lockwood, is a songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who grew up listening to Tom Petty.
Max Lockwood is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Courtesy photo)
“My mom would play the Greatest Hits record while she worked out,” Lockwood says on his website.
“I’d sit at the top of the stairs and listen to those songs—it was my most requested CD as a young kid.”
Lockwood’s high school band frequently performed Petty songs at local shows.
“Tom Petty was part of the great American landscape to me—a legend by the time I was musically conscious. We got a great crowd reaction with Petty tunes, and people frequently commented that I sounded a lot like him.”
Lockwood’s music is a combination of rock-n-roll with folk and pop genres, and is known for heartfelt lyrics that contemplate truths of love, adversity and growth. The musician’s powerful voice, raw emotion and flair onstage draw crowds at each performance.
Honoring a legend
After Petty’s passing in 2017, Lockwood organized the tribute band by performing a benefit concert with a group of his favorite musicians. The sold-out show raised thousands of dollars for a local domestic shelter – and The Insiders was born.
There has been no shortage of demand, and the band continues selling out shows across the midwest.
“We try to honor what Mr. Petty and the Heartbreakers have done for rock and roll each night,” Lockwood says on the website. “We’re fans of the music first and foremost. These songs are woven into the fabric of the American identity.”
The Insiders are based in Grand Rapids and are available for public and private functions. Find out more here.
Max Lockwood “catches air” at a recent Lowell show (Courtesy photo)
Concert details
Concerts in the Park performances are free and family-friendly.
Food trucks will offer delicious bites available for purchase. Bring a comfy lawn chair or blanket, grab some food, kick back and soak in the tunes!
The complete 2025 Concerts in the Park lineup can be found here.
When it comes to summertime pests in Michigan, the pesky mosquito is generally thought of first. While that annual nuisance is prevalent again this year, another pest is making a comeback and taking its toll on Michiganders.
Like the mosquito, ticks are another summertime culprit that feasts on humans and spreads its own varieties of disease.
Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, are increasing across the state of Michigan.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Lyme disease cases have increased 168% over the last five years. Michigan recorded 1,215 cases of Lyme disease in 2024, as compared to 452 cases in 2020. Anaplasmosis cases in Michigan have seen an almost fivefold increase over the last five years, with 82 cases in 2024 compared to 17 in 2020.
Lyme disease most common one in Michigan
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan. (Michigan Health and Human Services) Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is the second most common tick-borne disease and cases are increasing, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Blacklegged ticks. (Photo Courtesy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the MDHHS. “If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health, and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.”
Key Points from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*Infected ticks are found most commonly in forested areas in the northeastern, north-central, and mid-Atlantic states, and in smaller areas within Pacific Coast states. *Lyme disease bacteria causing human infection in the United States are spread to people by blacklegged (Ixodes) ticks. *In general, infected ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit infection; prompt tick removal can prevent transmission.
Roughly 75% of Michigan Counties have a known risk for Lyme disease according to the latest map published by the Michigan.gov. Menominee and Dickinson Counties in the Upper Peninsula ranked first and second in the state for most confirmed cases of Lyme Disease. However, closer to home, Kalamazoo County was fourth, Ottawa County seventh and Allegan County is eighth in number of confirmed cases.
Unlike many other diseases, there is currently no vaccine to guard against Lyme Disease.
“There is a Lyme Disease vaccine for dogs,” said Dr. Maria Diuk-Wasser, a professor of ecology, evolution and environmental biology at Columbia University, who is researching the spread of ticks and which parts of the country tend to harbor disease-carrying ticks. “There is a vaccine in the works that is scheduled to come out in a couple of years. There used to be a vaccine for ticks, but it was taken off the market due to poor sales about 20 years ago.”
The early symptoms of Lyme disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, are fever, headache, extreme tiredness, joint stiffness, muscle aches and pains and swollen lymph nodes. Signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease typically begin one to two weeks after a bite, often after being in wooded or brushy areas where ticks commonly live. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can decrease the risk of serious complications.
Classic Lyme disease rash. (Photo Courtesy, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
According to Health and Human Services, both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick is well-established in parts of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and has been expanding its range over the years.
The MDHHS is encouraging Michigan residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the outdoors. Protect yourself against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by following these tips.
*Avoid tick-infested areas that harbor them like grassy, brushy and wooded areas. Individuals should walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter on trail edges. Dogs and cats can encounter ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products. *Apply an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin. Treat clothes before going out to forested areas or hiking with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. *Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, including in your own yard. Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks carefully with tweezers. *Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors, preferably within two hours, to wash off and more easily find ticks. Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks.
For more information on Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions, or how to submit your tick and/or photo of a tick, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme.
Despite months of economic uncertainty stemming from tariff policies and ongoing global trade tensions, the West Michigan economy has remained resilient, according to data collected by a GVSU researcher (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Despite months of economic uncertainty stemming from tariff policies and ongoing global trade tensions, the West Michigan economy has remained resilient, according to data collected by a Grand Valley State University (GVSU) researcher.
Brian Long, Director of Supply Management Research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his monthly survey of local firms and purchasing managers shows the regional economy has gained unexpected strength through the summer.
Three-year highs
In fact, Long said two key metrics in his recent survey — the new orders index and production index — hit three-year highs. The survey’s new orders index measures a company’s business improvement while the production index reflects a firm’s output.
“Almost any firm with a supply chain that originates anywhere outside of the country is having trouble keeping up with the tariff wars on virtually a daily basis,” Long said.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Fortunately, most of our respondents seem to be taking it in stride partially based on the experience gained from the COVID crisis, but almost all of them are holding up major decisions on new equipment, plant expansion, new sourcing and so forth until the trade war with their segment of the supply chain is resolved.”
Long said the short- and long-term business confidence among local firms has also remained relatively stable since a sharp drop in April, when the tariffs were first announced.
“In the industrial market…one of our survey respondents says that tariff management is becoming more routine,” Long said, adding that the respondent continues to watch tariff deadlines despite that belief.
June survey key index results of West Michigan businesses:
New orders index (business improvement): +21 vs. +14 in May
The sweet sound of traditional Celtic music will create an atmosphere of Saint Patrick’s Day in the middle of summer as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series welcomes On The Lash to the stage Thursday night.
The band features traditional Irish/Scottish music that it personalizes with its original voices. On The Lash not only provides new takes on classical Irish songs and Celtic music, but also features original songs in the traditional Irish/Scottish standards.
This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It also will be Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market as local bike organizations are featured. There also will be food trucks on hand and concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Farmers Market next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
This week’s concert will have you in the mood to drink some Cream Ale or Stout while listening to some relaxing Celtic melodies.
On The Lash provides a local flavor to the Celtic music it plays as the band, which has been together for three years, is comprised of former Western Michigan University students who have West Michigan roots.
“We’ve been together for three years as a band, but we’ve known each other for a decade,” said John Robey. “We met in college at Western Michigan where we were all music majors. I grew up playing Irish and Scottish music and a couple of the other members also played this type of music.”
Robey plays the fiddle in the band which also includes Patrick Harson on guitar, Joel Myers, mandolin, and Elizabeth June, vocals and flute.
“Eizabeth is the star,” Robey said.
The band performs year-round, but is at its busiest during March, November and December. They play at concert venues during the fall and winter months and venture to outdoor festivals during the summer and early fall.
“We play a very exciting blend of classical Irish and Scottish music,” Myers said. “We play some covers of Irish and Scottish-style songs and we also have our own original music.”
Along with their performances, the band also spreads their knowledge of traditional Celtic music throughout the community.
“We also do a fair amount of work with schools teaching Irish/Scottish music and putting on workshops,” Robey said. “We like teaching Irish/Scottish music and presenting it to newcomers who want to know more about it.”
The group is excited about the upcoming show in Kentwood and looks forward to performing the Irish/Scottish variety of music to this week’s concertgoers.
“We are looking forward to playing in Kentwood,” Myers said. “It will be a really fun show. We will be playing some of the traditional staples along with some other really good Irish/Scottish music. We will also be playing some of our own songs. We bring a lot of energy and the people at the show will have a good time.”
The band will play some covers of some of the traditional Irish jigs and reels and also will cover some traditional Irish/Scottish bands of the 1970’s and 80’s including Silly Wizard, a Scottish folk band that formed in Edinburgh in 1970. Silly Wizard was one of the more popular Scottish folk bands of the 1970’s and 80’s.
On The Lash also will do some covers of The Paul McKenna Band, which is one of the top folk bands to come out of Scotland in the last 20 years.
To get a taste of what On The Lash has to offer the band has just released their first album currently available on Spotify. The five-song album is called Fireside and a preview can be found on the band’s website onthelashband.com.
Most of the music on the album is from the traditional Irish heritage that is the primary influence of the band.
Catherine’s Health Center CEO Megan Erskine (left) shaking hands with Mel Trotter CEO Chris Palusky celebrating the joint partnership to operate a full-service medical clinic at Mel Trotter Ministries (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)
Mel Trotter Ministries, the largest provider of services to people experiencing homelessness in West Michigan, announced an expansion of its partnership with Catherine’s Health Center. This expansion will result in increased health clinic services for guests staying at Mel Trotter’s shelter at 225 Commerce SW in Grand Rapids.
Catherine’s is now offering full-time medical care at Mel Trotter Ministries. This new partnership will provide 40 hours per week of comprehensive primary care services to guests, with plans to expand access to the broader Heartside community by early 2026.
Mishel Pollard of Catherine’s Health Center standing in the hallway at the full-service medical clinic (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)
The clinic will serve as a “medical home” for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering walk-in appointments and a full spectrum of services including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), immunizations, screenings, well-child visits, diagnostic lab services, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialty care.
Additional care
In addition to primary care, Catherine’s will provide:
16 hours per week of dental hygiene services
4 hours per week of psychiatric care
40 hours per week of case management support
The entrance to the full-service clinic at Mel Trotter Ministries (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)
Bringing integrated services to the community
“We are grateful to Mel Trotter Ministries and their generous partners and donors for laying the foundation for this model of care,” said Megan Erskine, CEO at Catherine’s Health Center. “Their commitment over the past four years…has made it possible for us to expand our place-based care model and bring full-time, integrated services to this community.”
Catherine’s Health Center staff working in the full-service medical clinic. Left to right: Ollie Irwin, Mishel Pollard, Bettie DeChemin (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)
Catherine’s has spent the last three years delivering healthcare directly to the unhoused in shelters, churches and encampments. The new clinic represents the next evolution of this work, complemented by a mobile medical van that will continue to provide outreach and services across the region.
“We’re extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Catherine’s Health Center so that we can deliver the best possible care to our guests,” said Chris Palusky, CEO at Mel Trotter Ministries.
“When our renovated clinic space opened two years ago, it was our goal to provide services that healed the body and the spirit of those in need of assistance. This new service agreement will help us do that by bringing a more complete spectrum of care for anyone coming to our shelter.”
Tammy Morgan of Catherine’s Health Center working in an exam room at the full-service medical clinic (Courtesy, Mel Trotter Ministries)
The initiative goal is to provide personalized and dignified care to guests while reducing non-urgent emergency department visits and unnecessary hospitalizations. Ultimately, leaders at Mel Trotter Ministries and Catherine’s Health Center believe that improved physical and mental health outcomes will enhance housing opportunities and stability for individuals trapped in the cycle of homelessness.
Stay tuned!
The clinic expects to open its doors to anyone experiencing homelessness starting in October. An open house at the clinic is planned for Oct. 22.
To view Catherine’s Health Center upcoming events, click here.
Kyle VanEerden, Market Manager (right), and Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The City of Wyoming provided a tour of their new community market space, Godwin Mercado, on Tuesday, July 1.
Managed and programmed by Kyle VanEerden, Godwin Mercado Market Manager, and the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, the market space will support local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events.
Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department Director, provided a preview of the nearly completed 6,000-square-foot, $6.2 million facility.
“The Godwin Mercado is a year-round market facility that we are looking at as a really amazing and beautiful gift to the community here in Wyoming,” said Martin.
“A lot of work has been done to get us to this point,” Martin continued, noting that the Mercado groundbreaking was held seven months ago. “It’s amazing to see the progress that has happened in the building so far.”
The Mercado will be fully operational in fall of 2025 and will soon open for community reservations and events. The full farmers market will open in spring of 2026 to allow a full season for farm vendors.
Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department staff talk with local media in Godwin Mercado’s outdoor plaza (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Fulfilling a vital need
Not only will the Mercado provide fun and educational activities and events, market days will provide fresh and healthy food options with access to all food assistance currencies. This will fill key gaps in the area’s food system and help support the well-being of local residents.
“This is definitely fulfilling a need,” said Martin. “We’re definitely trying to fill a gap in the food system over here. There are some options of grocery stores nearby, but we really want to be able to provide fresh food options to the community right here in this neighborhood while also providing some education.”
A community hub
On the west end is the Mercado outdoor plaza, a multipurpose space that can accommodate vendors, activities and live music, seating and can be rented for community events. Electrical power is available for food trucks and other event needs.
The Godwin Mercado outdoor plaza (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Imagine there’s live music happening, there’s a lot of community, there’s kids laughing, there’s people talking,” said Martin. “That’s what this space should feel and look like once we’re fully operational.”
Accessible from the outdoor plaza is the Mercado main entrance and lobby. Restrooms can be found immediately to the left upon entering the lobby. Down the hall is a multipurpose room that can be utilized for meetings and during events. Another small room offers appliances such as warmers, a freezer and a refrigerator with a window connecting to the main event space.
Godwin Mercado main event space (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The main event space includes automatic overhead doors and room for 20-24 vendors. Outdoor space for additional vendors is available along the building’s north wall.
Two utility rooms with storage space and a full AV setup at the east end of the building round out the market space.
Events year-round
Godwin Mercado is open all year – even during Michigan’s winter months. Eight automatic overhead doors that open and close facilitate that year-round possibility.
Large overhead doors can be opened or closed depending on weather (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“In those colder weather months, maybe you’ll see the garage doors down, maybe we’ll have a little breeze going,” said Martin. “But this gives us a great amount of space to be able to have vendors.”
A single market day will be hosted each week during the winter months. Two market days will take place during the summer months.
Planning is already in progress for both a fall festival and a holiday market. The City’s annual winter event, Wrap Up Wyoming, will also take place at the Godwin Mercado.
Restoring a previous historic Wyoming event is also under consideration.
“Wyoming historically has had a pretty significant flea market that used to take place on 28th Street,” said Martin. “We’re hoping to bring back a semblance of a flea market that will take place here.”
Intentional connections
A mural installed by the nonprofit, Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts, will be painted by a local artist on the outer south wall of the Godwin Mercado building.
The north side of the building is equipped with two connecting paths to the surrounding neighborhood, space for outdoor vendors, seating, a play area for children, and a bike repair station.
One of the walking paths connecting Godwin Mercado to the adjoining neighborhood (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A neighborhood connecting walking path and the bike repair station site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Krashawn Martin talks about the various ways the market space connects to the community (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A seating area on the north side of Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Space for outdoor vendors and community/family gatherings on the north side of Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The north side of Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Godwin Mercado parking area connects with the Godwin Heights school athletic complex (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The City’s reconfigured trail network, its proximity to the highway and Silver Line bus route, and the walkable neighborhood location will make the Mercado easily accessible to everyone.
“We’ve tried to be really intentional with some of our neighborhood connectors,” said Martin.
Educational collaborations with local schools and organizations are also in planning stages. The goal is to provide youth with education about fresh foods, fun collaborations with the adjoining Godwin Heights school athletic complex activities, and encouraging entrepreneurial skills by bringing youth in as vendors for a special market day.
Godwin Mercado landscaping is well under way (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Martin is cognizant, however, that other local organizations provide much of what the Mercado will offer the community – and she has no intention of reinventing the wheel.
“There are a lot of programs that are doing this work already, so it’s just finding those partnerships and having this be the space that people need for the ideas they already have,” said Martin. “We really want this to be an asset to the neighborhood that’s right here around us.”
Come one, come all!
Godwin Mercado will host a free grand opening event on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are really looking at that as a huge community block party, a gift to the community,” said Martin. “We want to give an opportunity for people to see and feel the space, and see some things that might be [around during] market season.”
Attendees can expect food trucks, local vendors, kids activities, live music, games, a free meal (while supplies last) and more.
Rendering of completed Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Resource links
The Godwin Mercado full market grand opening is planned for spring of 2026. For updates, sign up for the Godwin Mercado newsletter here.
Interested vendors can sign up to participate weekly or for the entire market season via an online vendor application.
For more information about Godwin Mercado, click here.
Makenna Diller, a registered dietitian with Care Resources PACE®, talks with Vicki S. about the importance of hydration during the hot summer months and how fruits can help. (Photo Courtesy, Care Resources)
There’s nothing quite like summer in Michigan, but the heat waves that come with it can be dangerous, particularly for older adults and other vulnerable populations.
Registered Dietitian Makenna Diller with Care Resources, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, says older adults are at increased risk for heat-related health problems for several reasons.
Stay hydrated
“The biggest concern for all of us when it comes to really hot days is making sure we are staying hydrated,” Diller said. “It is especially important for older adults, who are more likely to have health concerns or medications that impact their ability to keep cool.
“Additionally, the body’s triggers for thirst diminish as part of the natural aging process. That combined with memory issues or other cognitive changes may make it more difficult to remember to drink water.”
Diller says the trigger for thirst is the last step in terms of our bodies telling us we need water, so don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Having a plan in place to ensure ongoing fluid intake is key. Regular reminders from caregivers and loved ones can help.
Add flavors
Diller also encourages finding ways to make drinking water more enjoyable by adding flavors, such as cucumber or lemon.
“It is important to keep getting fluids, and that doesn’t always have to mean just water,” Diller says. “Fluids can come from anywhere. There are a lot of foods we can incorporate that support hydration. Think of any fruit or vegetable that’s juicy or watery when you bite into it.”
Add fruits and vegetables for fluid intake
Diller says melons, lettuce, celery, grapes, berries, oranges and pineapples are all great options that can count toward your daily fluid intake.
“Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can be a win-win for getting that fluid component, but also great vitamins and minerals,” she adds.
How meals are prepared on hot days also is important. Diller recommends avoiding the use of ovens and stoves, which can really heat up a home.
“Find meal prep ideas online that use alternative kitchen equipment and personalize them to your own tastes,” Diller says. “That may look like a microwave, air fryer or pressure cooker, anything that can put off less heat, but still result in a substantial meal. Searching for ‘air fryer recipes’ or ‘summer pressure cooker ideas’ is a great way to get the creativity going.
“Consider buying foods that are already pre-cooked in the store, such as rotisserie chicken and canned veggies or beans. Salads and cold sandwiches also are great options that have the added benefit of being easy to prepare and personalize with different ingredients.”
Whenever considering dietary modifications, Diller recommends getting specialized guidance. She says dietary health plans should be customized to individuals’ specific health needs, lifestyle, age and tastes as well as cultural background and financial situation.
“With a dietitian, you can get the most up-to-date research and medical nutrition therapy recommendations that are relevant for your specific situation,” Diller says. “If you aren’t enrolled in a program like Care Resources, your primary care provider may be able to make a referral.”
Nutrition counseling is one of many services for adults 55 years and older provided by Care Resources. For more information, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org.
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Carnival with rides and games for all ages at City Hall. Wristbands for the carnival will be available for purchase Wednesday, July 2, until Thursday, July 3 for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center.
4 to 10 p.m. – Evening Celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music – all leading up to FIREWORKS at DUSK.
Community members are encouraged to bring credit and debit cards to the event since all activities and many vendors are cashless. Find all the details, including parking and volunteer information, at kentwood.us/July4.
“Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments begin planning months in advance to make Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration a memorable event for all,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From the morning pancake breakfast to the evening fireworks, this celebration is a great opportunity for our community to come together, have fun and honor the holiday.”
Check out the Kentwood Summer Concert Series Lineup for July From 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 14 there is live music from local bands. Bring a blanket or chair and watch the performances on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase each week. Concertgoers may also bring their own food and beer or wine. Get there early and explore the Kentwood Farmers Market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.
July’s lineup includes four performances: July 10 – On the Lash, performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que & Catering. July 17 – Sunchaser, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World. July 24 – Grupo Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters. July 31 – Roosevelt Diggs, performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes. Please note: There’s no concert or Farmers Market on July 3. For more information about the concerts, go to Kentwood.us/MarketsAndMusic.
Shop Local at the Kentwood Farmers Market through Aug. 21 The 11th season of the Kentwood Farmers Market runs through Aug. 21. You can find fresh produce, baked goods, tea, craft items and more from a variety of local vendors from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Food trucks also are on-site each week.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Summer Food Programs
Free lunches for children and some adults are available again this summer through Kent District Library’s Gather 2 Grow program, a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Kids ages 0-18 and individuals who are younger than age 26 and have a disability can enjoy a nutritious lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday through Aug. 29 at KDL – Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Learn more at kdl.org/lunch.
In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is starting its annual SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program, providing eligible households with $120 per child to purchase nutritious groceries. This initiative ensures kids have access to healthy food while school is out, bridging a gap in food security for thousands of kids in Michigan. Learn more and apply here.
The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch will offer a variety of programs this month, including: KDL Lab Experience: Creature Power: Thursday, July 3, 10-11 a.m. Explore the amazing world of creatures big and small as we dive into fun animal activities. Ruff Readers: Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This unique read-aloud program in partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs Inc. pairs kids with a trained therapy dog and their handler. Kids read their favorite book and the pooches curl up, listen and enjoy. Eric Litwin – Pete the Cat Family Concert: Tuesday, July 15, 10-11 a.m. Join Eric Litwin, the original author of the “Pete the Cat” series as well as the author of “The Nuts and Groovy Joe,” for a groovy time of song singing, guitar strumming and picture taking. Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights: Tuesday, July 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Melissa Kaelin, founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel,” to discover how to view the northern lights. Learn how an aurora is created and the best methods for predicting an aurora display.
Also, check out KDL’s Author Talks, online conversations in which authors of interesting, popular, informative and compelling books share more about their work, their writing process and the things that inspire them. These conversations are led by passionate readers from the Library Speakers Consortium, and they offer a chance for attendees to ask questions about their favorite authors and topics. Learn more at kdl.org/authortalks. Find a full list of KDL events at kdl.org
Home Lead Inspections Get ahead of lead: Homeowners who live in a home built before 1978 can get free paint, dust and soil lead testing through Kent County Community Action. Learn more and apply for the Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction program by visiting gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:47 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Jaycee Park (1088 Gentian Dr. SE).
Upon arrival, officers located shell casings, along with damage to a vehicle. At this time no injuries were reported, and no suspects have been arrested.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
From now until Aug. 30, the WAR Chest Boutique invites the community to shop with purpose at their annual summer Tent Sale that features a wide variety of items at greatly reduced prices (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming invites the community to shop with purpose at their annualsummer Tent Sale.
From June through Aug. 30, a wide variety of items will be available under the gondolas in the boutique’s front lawn, including new and pre-owned products as well as imperfect merchandise at greatly reduced prices.
#ShopWithPurpose
Sale items are hand-crafted by at-risk women (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The retail arm of non-profit organization, Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l), the WAR Chest Boutique includes retail stores, an online boutique, and product parties held in homes, businesses and churches throughout the United States.
Specializing in hand-crafted items by at-risk women in WAR, Int’l partnering programs, each product in the online boutique and in the retail stores comes with a story card detailing personal stories of men, women, and children who have passed through WAR, Int’l programs.
WAR, Int’l seeks to help women at risk. Using culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects and partnerships, WAR, Int’l provides safe places to heal from abuse, trafficking, exploitation and more.
“Our mission is two-fold,” states the WAR Chest Boutique website. “We seek to market and sell handcrafted items made by at-risk and rescued men and women from around the world, supporting culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects, while educating our shoppers about the risks the vulnerable face in our world.”
Tent sale details
Tent Sale items include jewelry, scarves, keychains, books, bookmarks, toys, ornaments, fabric, home decor, craft supplies, jewelry-making supplies and more.
The summer months include indoor monthly specials as well (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Also featured during the summer months are indoor monthly specials. During June, customers can enjoy 30% off all orange-tag clearance items.
WAR Chest Boutique hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Boutique staff begin bringing Tent Sale items inside a half-hour before closing time, but customers are welcome to continue shopping indoors and outdoors until 5 p.m. During potentially stormy days, extreme heat conditions, or Mondays before the lawn service mows the grass, customers may shop Tent Sale items inside the boutique.
Shopping options are available online as well (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Summer exceptions to regular WAR Chest Boutique hours are June 26-27 (closed for inventory) and July 4 (closed for Independence Day).
Can’t make it to the tent sale? #ShopWithPurpose online here.
Purchases help free and empower survivors (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
All purchases from the WAR Chest Boutique help set women and children free from exploitation and slavery, and empower survivors to live and work with dignity and hope.
To learn more about the WAR Chest Boutique, click here. To learn more about WAR Int’l, click here.
While hospice is often associated with death, Melissa Wedberg with Emmanuel Hospice will tell you it’s more about living. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
It may be surprising to learn that’s the first question Emmanuel Hospice asks every new patient. Isn’t hospice about dying?
While hospice is often associated with death, Melissa Wedberg will tell you it’s more about living, especially at Emmanuel Hospice, where she serves as vice president of community relations. With more than a decade in the hospice industry, Wedberg has spent years dispelling this and many other myths.
Despite having roots in the U.S. dating back to the 70s, there remains a lot of mystery about hospice. Common questions Wedberg hears include: What is hospice and who’s eligible? How does hospice work? How is hospice paid for?
The medical definition of hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live, but Wedberg encourages anyone with a serious illness to learn about hospice services sooner than later. The six-month prognosis is a guideline, not a guarantee or definitive timeline.
“Individuals can be on hospice for months or even years,” Wedberg says. “Studies show hospice care can actually increase life expectancy.”
Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life through comfort care, symptom management and emotional and spiritual support. Some providers provide those basics and so much more, as Emmanuel does with its patient wish program and complementary services such as music and massage therapy.
You don’t need a physician referral to start the process. Wedberg stresses that anyone can inquire about hospice and be evaluated for eligibility.
“If anyone is interested in hospice care, we can do an evaluation,” she says. “A hospice physician gives the first certification, then the primary care provider can either agree or disagree that, based on our assessment, this person has a life-limiting illness that qualifies them.”
Patients must also elect to forgo curative treatments. To be clear, this decision does not involve hastening the end of life, but rather focusing on living more comfortably.
“It is important you have goals of care that align with the goals of hospice,” Wedberg clarifies. “That is to say, you no longer want to take great measures to prolong your life, that you accept your disease process for what it is and just want to be comfortable and happy in the time you have left.”
But what does that look like? Wedberg says when Emmanuel Hospice asks, “how do you want to live,” people often talk about the little things in life that matter most.
“We hear a lot about what is important to people, such as making family memories, remaining connected to their faith community, eating their favorite meals and doing activities that bring them joy,” Wedberg says. “Our team will design a care plan around the things patients want most.
“Many people also tell us they don’t want to have the trauma and the drama of medical care anymore. They don’t want to go back and forth to emergency rooms or doctor offices getting poked and prodded rather than doing what they enjoy in the safety and comfort of their home and with their loved ones.”
Another important detail most people don’t know: You have choices.
“We are really fortunate in West Michigan to have a lot of options when it comes to end-of-life care, but not every provider offers the same services or operates in the same way,” Wedberg says, encouraging people to visit Medicare.gov to compare ratings. “You can call and interview multiple providers before you make a decision. It’s important to find one that’s a good fit for your needs.”
What about the cost? The good news is hospice care is often completely paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance carriers. Most commercial plans also have some form of coverage. For individuals who are uninsured, pro bono care may be an option.
“Pro bono is not the standard in our industry,” Wedberg adds. “But as a faith-based nonprofit provider, it is Emmanuel Hospice’s position that if someone needs and wants end-of-life care, the cost should not be prohibitive. Everyone deserves a good end of life.”
Kari Lynch shares about remaining true to her authentic self as a singer-songwriter – and how that has set KLB apart in the music industry (Courtesy, KLB)
The Kari Lynch Band (KLB) is returning to Lamar Park on Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. with fan favorites and new songs from their upcoming album, including a new single being released June 27.
Dubbed a “force to be reckoned with,” Kari Lynch isn’t holding back as she prepares to take the stage during Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park second summer performance. The independent artist’s unapologetic authenticity continues to shine through in original music that weaves pop-rock nostalgia with modern singer-songwriter sensibilities – while circumventing mainstream expectations.
“I’ve always done what I believe is best for a song, and I’ve always tried to stay true to the type of music that I want to make outside of what’s popular,” Lynch says. “I’m not trying to make a song go viral, I’m just trying to write a song that I think is going to resonate with people.”
The Kari Lynch Band opens for Toby Keith, August 2021 (Courtesy, KLB)
Alone and imaginative
Though currently residing in Nashville, TN, the young and imaginative Lynch grew up in Clare, MI. A self-professed introvert, Lynch began writing songs and poems at the age of seven as a way to process her emotions.
“As a kid, I just felt really different,” says Lynch. “I always wanted to go off alone and be with my thoughts.”
Lynch’s parents divorced when she was four years old, and she remembers that time as confusing and emotional.
“When you’re a kid, so much of that is so hard to understand,” says Lynch. “I had these huge feelings and I didn’t know where to put them.”
So she put those feelings on paper.
“My natural thing was to go in a corner, or close the door, and sing or write a poem or song,” says Lynch. “Nobody taught me how to do it. It was very much like music chose me.”
The practice of writing has remained constant throughout Lynch’s life when there is something she is trying to understand or process.
“It’s one of the best forms of release.”
Lynch uses her natural gift for storytelling to create songs that resonate with audiences (Courtesy, KLB)
Wildly creative
Lynch’s music career began when she moved to Grand Rapids and formed the Kari Lynch Band. The band has experienced various changes over the past 15 years, but Lynch says she grateful for all of them.
“All the iterations of the Kari Lynch Band have always been the greatest guys, the most talented people,” says Lynch. “I’m so lucky that these musicians rolled into my life and I get to play music with them.”
The artist says keeping friendships and communication as top priorities solidifies KLB members into a cohesive unit.
Creating something real
For Lynch, the most important part of music is connecting with listeners (Courtesy, KLB)
Lynch has never followed mainstream expectations and believes that is why her music stands out to audiences.
Though the songwriter does think about hooks and memorable melodies, her main focus is not writing a hit song. It is writing and telling a story that is honest and real.
“I’m trying to tell the story the way that I think it needs to come out,” Lynch says. “I’m trying to write a song that I think is going to resonate with people.”
And when Lynch releases her final product, it is with zero apologies and zero disclaimers.
“When I put it out in the world, I’m just going to put it out there. I wrote it in a way that feels really good to me, and I really hope it resonates with somebody else. Because at the end of the day, it’s really all about that connection for me.”
Shaking things up
Because Lynch’s songs can be intensely personal and introspective, releasing certain songs to the public is often be a nail-biting experience for the artist.
“It’s always a little scary when you’re sharing something because it’s so vulnerable.”
However, Lynch says that she ultimately feels good about releasing songs that make her nervous because those are the songs listeners relate to the most.
“I’ve found that some of the songs I am most scared to release are the ones people really connect with,” says Lynch. “I think people need real, tangible things like that to connect with sometimes.”
For Lynch, art is not always meant to be easily digestible. “It’s meant to shake things up a bit. It’s meant to make people think a little bit differently about things or feel something maybe they’re struggling to feel.”
The trendy bus
When youth reach out to Lynch about songwriting, the artist urges them to be true to themselves – even if that means going against the flow.
“When you’re younger, you have this inclination to go with the flow and do what everybody else is doing. It’s so easy to do the thing that’s popular.”
Lynch encourages those she meets to be authentic, even if it is not popular (Courtesy, KLB)
However, Lynch continues, authenticity is what shines through.
“Sometimes it takes longer if you’re not doing the popular thing, if you’re not riding the trendy bus. But I really believe that, if you keep doing it, authenticity always shines through.”
And what you create will find an audience.
“There’s somebody out there who needs to hear what you’ve created, and only the way that you create it is going to resonate with them,” says Lynch.
“Any time you’re creating from a place of honesty, it’s going to resonate with somebody.”
Lynch went on to say that she believes people are “aching for things that are real” – herself included.
“I truly want to be myself…I want to sound like Kari Lynch. At the end of the day, trends are trends. Everything has a time, and I’d rather make music that feels timeless or feels like it’s going to stick around than go after certain production notes or drum beats that are popular right now.”
A new season of music
Lynch is excited to return to the Lamar Park stage, reconnect with fans and share new music. She hopes all concert attendees are able to immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy every aspect of the KLB show experience.
“My favorite thing about making music is truly connecting with people,” Lynch says. “That is what makes all the things about being an independent musician worth it, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The Kari Lynch Band opens for Toby Keith, August 2021 (Courtesy, KLB)
Concert details
Concerts in the Park performances are free and family-friendly.
Food trucks will offer delicious bites available for purchase. Bring a comfy lawn chair or blanket, grab some food, kick back and soak in the tunes!
The complete 2025 Concerts in the Park lineup can be found here.
Kentwood Police Officers were dispatched to a potential shooting in the 200 block of 48th St. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 18.
During the investigation it was determined that an altercation between a 19-year-old male and 17-year-old female subject took place. The male suspect fired one round at the female which did not strike her, and then fled the scene. Several hours later the male suspect contacted and met with Kentwood Police Department Detectives. He has since been lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on related charges. No injuries were reported and there is not an ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to join its Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 4.
The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show, and more. Community members are encouraged to bring credit and debit cards since all activities and vendors are cashless.
“Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments begin planning months in advance to make Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration a memorable event for all,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From the morning pancake breakfast to the evening fireworks, this celebration is a great opportunity for our community to come together, have fun and honor the holiday.”
The day starts with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 3 and younger.
City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The 5K race and fun walk begins at 8 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route takes participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All finishers will receive a medal.
At 9:30 a.m., the parade begins at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade travels south on Walma Avenue to Breton Avenue, turns north at the roundabout, heads east on 44th Street and ends at Crestwood Middle School.
Carnival rides, games and prizes
City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
From 10:30 to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival featuring rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies.
Wristbands for carnival rides also will be available for $20 at the event and in advance Wednesday, July 2 through Thursday, July 3 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. City Hall is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday.
The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Signal Trip, Simply in Time and Par-llo Connection.
The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.
City of Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration, 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1 to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
The event’s diamond sponsor is Macatawa Bank, and the gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, DTE Foundation, Lacks Enterprises, Metronet, MCSA Group Inc., MSU Federal Credit Union, Sabo PR, Spark 43 Architects and Triangle Construction Inc. The silver sponsors are Arie Nol Auto Center, Moonlight Graphics Inc. and Wolverine Building Group, and the copper sponsors are The Joint Chiropractic, Kent County Health Department and Renewal by Andersen.
The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Learn more and sign up at kentwood.us/4thofJuly.
Local fan favorite, The Soul Syndicate, will take the stage at Park Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks and Recreation)
It’s time to put your dancing shoes on! Local fan favorite, The Soul Syndicate, will take the stage at Park Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. for the first 2025 Concerts in the Park summer performance.
With their sophisticated appearance, masterful musicianship and trademark high-energy performances, the 10-member band will pay tribute to influential funk, soul and R&B artists in a soul-infused entertainment experience designed to keep the audience dancing.
“It’s always a ride playing Wyoming because the crowds are always fantastic; it’s just always fun,” says drummer Tom Taylor.
Soulful sounds from master musicians
The band delivers high-energy performances at every venue (Courtesy, The Soul Syndicate)
Audiences will be treated to the soulful sounds of Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboard and sounds, Colin Tobin as lead male vocalist, Katie Sarb as lead female vocalist, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen and Danny Giacobassi on saxophone, Jeff Carroll on trombone, Tom Taylor on drums, and Eugene Griffith as sound engineer.
No strangers to large events and festival stages, members of The Soul Syndicate deliver a unique sound and crowd-pleasing experience at every venue they visit with their carefully crafted multi-song medleys.
Though soul, funk and R&B genres are musically related with soul and funk often considered sub genres of R&B, it is only in the past five years that The Soul Syndicate has deviated from their original plan of playing pure, classic soul music.
“Eleven years ago the original idea behind the band was really more around being strictly classic soul,” says Taylor. “That late 60s Motown, Stax, Memphis, Philly soul music. We wanted to do something different, something that was unique.”
At the time, pure soul music was unique to the West Michigan area. Though many people enjoyed The Soul Syndicate’s performances, many songs were not well-known and did not generate the excitement band members were hoping for.
So they decided to change it up.
May I have this dance?
“About five years ago we started to think about becoming more of a pure dance band, adding a lot more funk elements, really keeping the popular songs but making it a little funkier,” says Taylor. “Like anything, it’s evolved from there based on audience reaction and some of the events that we started booking.”
The Soul Syndicate’s popularity soared when the band began playing their own arrangements of song medleys. Suddenly, people were coming to see them perform at multiple events and saying they liked the band’s new sound.
And those medleys, Taylor says, keep the audience on the dance floor.
“Folks don’t like breaks,” Taylor says with a laugh. “If they’re on the dance floor, they like to keep going until they get tired.”
The band may tweak the medleys from year to year, but they continue to add more to their playlist.
“We all love playing together and love seeing big crowds dancing. There’s nothing better.”
The Soul Syndicate performs at several venues throughout the year (Courtesy, The Soul Syndicate)
Band growth, awards and playing with stars…
Only half of The Soul Syndicate are original members of the band, but the past decade has brought plenty of growth, talent and new friendships.
“When we started, the horn section was just a trumpet and a saxophone,” says Taylor. “And now we’ve got a four-piece horn section: a trumpet, two saxes, and a trombone.”
Many band members, Taylor included, perform with other groups as well as with The Soul Syndicate. That has provided band members with opportunities to play with nationally known artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Guess Who, Natalie Cole, Rosemarie Clooney, Elvis Presley Jr., The US Navy Commodores Band – and more.
“The longer you’ve been doing this, you make a lot of relationships and never know who you’re going to run into in different parts of the area, different parts of the country and different theaters,” says Taylor.
The band’s only original music album won a Jammie Award for Best New Artist during their first year of inception.
They chose to move away from original music, however, due to varying ideas about how important original music was to their shows and a level of audience disinterest when playing lesser-known songs.
“Original music is great but, for us, if someone doesn’t know the song, they may not dance to it,” says Taylor. “They may applaud politely, but then wait for that next well-known song.”
The Soul Syndicate performs at a previous Frederik Meijer Gardens concert (Supplied)
More than just notes on a page
For Taylor, music has always been his escape.
“It takes me away from my corporate job and lets me unwind and just play the drums and drive a large horn band,” says Taylor. “There’s nothing better than that.”
Taylor went on to say that each Soul Syndicate member relates to the feeling of escaping into music they love. And doing it together is an added bonus.
“The members of the band are great friends,” Taylor says. “We get along really well, we collaborate very well together. We all laugh, we have fun.”
And The Soul Syndicate enjoys seeing other people having fun.
“We just love making people happy. We love what we do.”
See the band perform – more than once!
The Soul Syndicate has some pretty cool swag too (Supplied)
The Soul Syndicate is available to play for weddings, corporate events and the festival stage. To reserve the band for an event, click here.
Taylor urges audiences to check out their website for additional summer events.
“Check out our website; all of our dates are posted there,” Taylor says. “We have a lot of public performances in 2025 for people to come see us, especially outdoor concerts.
“We love the support of folks coming out to see us numerous times during the summer.”
Concerts in the Park details
The weekly Concerts in the Park performances are free and family-friendly.
Food trucks will offer delicious bites available for purchase. Bring a comfy lawn chair or blanket, grab some food, kick back and soak in the tunes!
The complete 2025 Concerts in the Park lineup can be found here.
Up next on stage for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is That Beatles Thing at 7 p.m. tonight on the lawn behind City Hall.
Come celebrate the timeless music of the Beatles tonight behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase. The Summer Concert Series features a local music group on Thursdays, June 5 through Aug. 14 (except July 3) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Kentwood Farmers Market The Farmers Market runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series have become community favorites for neighbors, friends and families to come together for food, fun and festivities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From local vendors and themed farmers markets to live music and delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone at our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series.”
The Farmers Market offers a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. The market’s season harvest sponsor is Renewal by Anderson, the artisan sponsor is Corewell Health and the friend of the market is Arie Nol Auto Center.
A new addition to this year’s June Farmers Markets is a free Zumba class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the concert stage.
Here’s the summer lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 12 – Art at the Market at the Farmers Market, featuring an opportunity to create a work of art using produce to create a painting. That Beatles Thing performing Beatles covers. Food trucks include El Globo Restaurant Mobile, Scott’s Pig Roast, Kool Breze, Media Famous Street Foods and Luna Bella’s.
June 19 – Celebrate Kentwood Culture at the Farmers Market with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. Motherland House Concerts bringing the vibrant sounds of Africa. Food trucks include Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, YoChef’s Catering Company, Cheezy Duz-It and Dune Buggy.
June 26 – Produce Bingo at the Farmers Market. Hark Up Horns performing jazz, swing, pop and rock. Food trucks include Baerrito, La Rotisserie, Sanse Filpino Cuisine and Freddy Franks.
July 10 – Bike Night at the Farmers Market featuring local bike organizations. On the Lash performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que and Catering.
July 17 – Backyard Barbeque and farm-fresh goodies at the Farmers Market. Sunchaser Band, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
July 24 – Christmas in July at the Farmers Market, featuring holiday-themed goods. Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
July 31 – Fitness Fun at the Farmers Market featuring a quick HIITER demonstration. Roosevelt Diggs performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
Aug. 7 – Throwback Thursday at the Farmers Market with a chance to win a prize for best dressed. RocknSoul performing covers of songs from the 1970s and ’80s. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Taqueria Mi Pueblo MI, 616 Kabob Stop and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack.
Aug. 14 – Back-to-School Bash at the Farmers Market, featuring a foam party, school supplies giveaway and more. Innuendo playing rock and roll covers. Food trucks include Tacos la Familia, Cheezy Duz-It, Motor Mouth MI, Kool Breze and PAC Brazilian Food.
Aug. 21 – Dog Days of Summer at the Farmers Market featuring more vendors and services for your furry friends. No live music, but food trucks Tacos Mexico, Taste of Toya’s World and PizzaMI will be on-site.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the following locations:
Dedicated community member Michael Hadding shakes Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley’s hand while donating a $10,000 check to the City’s Little Free Pantry. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood has accepted a $10,000 donation to support its Little Free Pantry, which provides nonperishable food and personal care items to community members in need.
Michael Hadding, a dedicated community member and longtime supporter of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department, donated to the Kentwood Community Foundation to help keep the shelves stocked at the Little Free Pantry.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Mike’s generosity and dedication to our community are truly inspiring,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This donation will make a meaningful difference for many community members who rely on our Little Free Pantry.”
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry started in 2017 to address immediate local needs. It is open to all community members year-round, offering non-perishable food and personal care items anonymously with no questions asked. A Little Free Pantry is available at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch,4950 Breton Ave. SE. Several donation bins are also available throughout Kentwood.
Hadding actively volunteers and participates in many Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department programs and activities, including helping to clean up litter and treat invasive plants in parks and trails and taking photos at community events. He has also been spotted shoveling snow at local school bus stops to help prevent kids from slipping or falling. Hadding was named Volunteer of the Year in 2021 for completing more than 100 volunteer hours and being involved in many Kentwood Parks and Recreation programs.
“After living in Kentwood for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how hard the city staff work behind the scenes – managing and operating the Little Free Pantry, helping anyone in need quietly and compassionately,” Hadding said. “This donation will help them order more food in advance, enhancing the experience for those who use the pantry.
“I wanted to give back in a way that truly helps the community that has been good to me, and this is one way I can return the favor.”
Community members interested in donating to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry can find a list of suggested food and personal care items and a link to make a financial contribution at Kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
From Left, Guillermo Cisneros, President and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Yeli Romero, Owner of ACCESO VIP GR, holding her Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser May 22, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
When Yeli Romero was 10 years old, she wore her mom’s high heels and pretended to be a boss.
“I wanted to be glamorous, walk red carpets, and inspire others,” said Romero, who dreamt of being on TV or radio as a youngster. “I used to call radio stations just to hear my name on air; it made me feel seen.
“Today, I’m proud to be that voice for others. My dream is to one day be a host on Univision.”
That young boss in her mom’s high heels grew up to accomplish many of her dreams…and much more.
Romero recently won the Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser held May 22. The Gala celebrates the award winners and the rich Hispanic culture in West Michigan, according to the Chamber’s Website.
“It’s a milestone that proves hard work, consistency and passion truly pay off. This award recognizes commitment to community, leadership and entrepreneurial impact. I believe my years of service in both business and media, my advocacy work, and my efforts to support underrepresented communities through bilingual media contributed to this recognition.
“When I found out I had won the Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award, I cried tears of joy,” said Romero, who graduated from Adelante High School in Grand Rapids in 2002, which has since closed. “It was an incredibly emotional moment. I felt seen, celebrated and uplifted by my community. This award isn’t just for me — it’s for every person who has supported me and every client who has believed in my work.”
Romero was nominated for this award by Deena Scianimanico, Membership and Events Manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“I nominated Yeli Romero because she is a constant presence in our community,” Scianimanico said. “Whether she’s serving as a mistress of ceremonies, leading Zumba sessions, advocating for important causes, or conducting interviews; she is everywhere. She’s amazing on social media, with a vibrant personality and impeccable sense of style.
“I often see her at the Hispanic Chamber, providing one-on-one business coaching and actively taking advantage of the benefits we offer. She also sets aside intentional time to work on herself and her business, not just the daily grind. That kind of boundary-setting and commitment to personal growth is rare and so important. She’s an inspiration and a powerful example of how to prioritize self-development while staying deeply engaged in the community.”
Yeli Romero, Host of WKTV Soundbites en Espanol.
WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)
Her business, ACCESO VIP GR, began as a radio segment she and her husband hosted on La Mejor GR, where they conducted interviews and shared community events and business promotions, thanks, she said, to the opportunity given to them by Chuy Morales.
“Our passion for promoting businesses quickly became evident, and we realized we loved the promotional work even more than hosting,” Romero explained. “What started as a hobby became our full-time business.
“Today, ACCESO VIP is a full-service bilingual marketing company offering everything in one place: social media management, digital marketing, graphic design, photography, video production, radio, TV, newspaper advertising, and printing. The name means “VIP Access” because we believe every client and follower deserves that VIP experience.”
She created the business after seeing the need for culturally relevant marketing where Latino business owners could find all services in one trusted space, and thanks to her strong network, she was able to integrate services into customized marketing packages.
ACCESO VIP has more than 500 clients, including Independent Bank, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Puertas Abiertas, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Meijer, the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SpringGR, Bethany Christian Services, LAUP, Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative, Southwest Business Association, and The Other Way Ministries.
“We help them grow their presence, amplify their mission, and connect with both Spanish- and English-speaking communities,” said Romero, who has promoted more than 3,000 events through culturally relevant marketing.
Yeli Romero, Owner of ACCESO VIP GR, and husband Jesus Gomez.
Her team consists of her husband Jesus Gomez, along with a collaboration of talented designers, photographers and creatives.
“And we love mentoring interns and providing them real-world marketing experiences. Many have gone on to work with larger companies, and we’re proud to have been a stepping stone in their professional journey.”
Born in Mexico, Romero moved to Grand Rapids when she was 16 years old.
“I come from a hardworking family and was raised alongside my siblings, Juan Manuel and Elivira Romero, by parents who always encouraged us to be strong and dream big,” she said. “I’m now happily married to Jesús Gómez, and we have two wonderful sons, Isaid and Jael, who are my pride and joy.”
Before launching ACCESO VIP, she worked at many different places, including as a general manager/sales person/event coordinator/radio host at 93.3 FM La Poderosa, as a sales manager/radio host/event coordinator/voice-over artist at La Mejor GR and as a radio host at Alegría Latina 92.7 FM.
“I found my passion at the La Poderosa radio station,” Romero said. “Though I started as a secretary, my role soon grew to involve more tasks, including promotional and fundraising activities. During this phase, I discovered that I enjoyed being involved with my community and the importance of being part of making an impact.”
WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)
A certified Zumba instructor since 2017, Romero teaches wellness and fitness classes.
“I previously taught at the YMCA and for the City of Grand Rapids,” she said. “Now, I focus on private sessions for organizations and companies, including Steelcase, Rockford Construction, The Other Way Ministries and the West Michigan Hispanic Center.”
Finding time for more passions
Romero also holds many community leadership roles, including the manager of both the Southwest Business Association and Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market, and the Wellness Advocate and Social Media Manager of Puertas Abiertas.
“I help amplify their mission, support survivors of domestic violence and trauma, and manage their online presence,” said Romero of Puertas Abiertas.
Grand Rapids Community College has played a major role in her professional and personal growth.
“I consider myself a lifelong learner,” said Romero, who’s pursuing a marketing degree at GRCC. “I love education and believe in learning something new every day.”
A personal story: Alopecia Universalis
While in high school, she was diagnosed with alopecia universalis, a condition that causes total body hair loss, including on the scalp, and a severe form of alopecia areata, “a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles,” according to Wikipedia.
“Losing all my hair was one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Romero explains. “This started when I was still in high school. That time in my life was very stressful as an immigrant new to this country trying to finish high school away from family and friends.
“I struggled for many years with myself and my beliefs. I suffered from bullying for many years and issues with confidence and feeling like I couldn’t share my story even with my family. Even though this was an obstacle for me, I didn’t let it stop me from learning and finding my passion. I continued to grow and find my place in the community.
“Eventually, my confidence grew and I was finally able to share my story with my community in 2021. I kept it a secret for 19 years; even while building my businesses.
“In 2021, I decided to share my story publicly and began advocating for others. I’ve raised funds to buy wigs, taught Zumba classes without my wig (out of state), and have spoken out to educate others. I want people to know they are not alone or less worthy.
“It’s important to raise awareness: please don’t touch our heads, and be mindful when someone wears a wig; it means more than most people realize. Small acts of kindness make a big difference.”
WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)
Two more important passions
As a radio host at WYCE 88.1, where she hosts El Mundo Musical, Despertando con Yeli every Saturday morning, this positive show features Latino music, interviews, community resources and event announcements.
The other one takes place here at WKTV. As a TV host of Soundbites en Español, she informs and empowers the Latino community.
“I proposed the idea, assembled a great team, and we now cover topics like health, immigration, finances, sports, education and more.”
WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero out with the WKTV Truck. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)
Proudest career achievement?
“Helping people feel seen.”
“When someone tells me, ‘Yeli, your show helped me do something important,’ that fills me with pride. My work is about service and connection.”
Biggest passion?
“Empowering my community,” Romero said. “Promoting access to resources. Helping women, business owners and youth believe in themselves.”
WKTV Soundbites en Espanol Host Yeli Romero out in the community. (Photo Courtesy, ACCESO VIP Jesus Gomez)
Favorite thing outside work?
“Going to the gym and relaxing in the steam room. It’s my time to reset. I believe that mental and physical health are essential to face the world.
“I also love spending quality time with my family.”
When did I realize my strength?
“In 2009, during a St. Jude Children’s Hospital training. Watching those children fight for their lives reminded me that if they could be strong, so could I. That year, we raised $50,000 in a radio-a-thon.
“It changed my life.”
Ultimate dream?
“To become a national TV host on Univision, continuing to advocate for my community on a broader stage.”
Handling obstacles?
“I face them head-on; with faith, resilience and a growth mindset. If I don’t have the answer, I ask for help, find solutions and transform challenges into opportunities.
“God is a very important factor in my life. I feel like at moments in my life I lost faith, but that has made my faith even stronger because of all the opportunities he has presented to me. My family has also been an important part of my life in supporting me and encouraging me in a hard time.”
A Kentwood Police welfare check of a person falling asleep while driving near 28th St. led to a short pursuit which ended with the suspect crashing and striking several police cruisers at 44th St. and Kalamazoo Ave.
The incident, which occurred at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, began as Officers responded to a welfare check and located a female driver sleeping in her car. She then fled in her vehicle immediately after being contacted by police and the short pursuit ended in the suspect crashing. The driver was taken to a local hospital and then lodged at the Kent County Correctional facility. Other drivers involved in the accident were checked for minor injuries while at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Summer Wonder brings participants a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities – and lots of fun for everyone (Courtesy, KDL)
Summer Wonder’s “WonderFold” contains a tracking log for participants (Courtesy, KDL)
Kent District Library is taking readers on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and experiencing!
The Summer Wonder challenge is designed for multiple learning styles and abilities to keep readers of all ages engaged and inspired. The program brings participants a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, reading, STEAM activities – and lots of fun for everyone.
Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills.
Participate in Summer Wonder, running from June 2 – Aug. 8, by picking up a Wonderlog at any KDL branch or signing up online at kdl.beanstack.org. It is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages.
“Earning prizes for reading and having fun – what could be better?” said Leigh Verburg, Branch Programming and Outreach Specialist. “Summer Wonder includes stories, activities and discovery for all ages, so sign up together and let the fun begin!”
More free summer programs!
KDL offers a great line-up of free summer programs and presenters including singing, magic, animals, puppets, STEAM activities and more. For a complete listing, visit kdl.org/events.
For more information on the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org/summer.
Trinity Health Grand Rapids is one of only 36 breast centers in the nation with this certification and one of only two in Michigan (Courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
Trinity Health Grand Rapids is one of only 36 breast centers in the nation with the certification and is one of only two in Michigan. Trinity Health Breast Center – Lakes Village in Norton Shores was also awarded this distinction.
Highest level of care
This is the highest level of recognition awarded by the NQMBC, a program developed by the National Consortium of Breast Centers. It recognizes a center’s quality performance based on several data-driven criteria, such as timeliness from biopsy to surgery, documentation of margins, genetic testing for patients, and much more.
This certification is the highest level of recognition awarded by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (Courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
“It is always rewarding to see our hard work pay off,” said Bess Connors, MD, Medical Director, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Comprehensive Breast Center.
“This award reflects years of efforts to ensure we are providing the highest level of care to breast cancer patients in West Michigan. This distinction demonstrates the commitment of our team to achieving excellence for each patient every day.”
Total care, total confidence
Trinity Health Grand Rapids Comprehensive Breast Center focuses on total breast health, including all-digital mammography, genetic counseling, and the latest treatments.
“Along with Trinity Health Breast Center – Lakes Village, we are the only Michigan breast center to achieve this distinction,” said Dr. Connors.
“We want our patients to be confident in the care they receive, and this is just one way we can demonstrate that care close to home can also be world-class care. These certifications give us annual opportunities to review our work and make sure we continue to excel among breast centers nationally.”
Learn more!
Information about all services offered at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Comprehensive Breast Center can be found here.
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens will transform both the outdoor gardens and indoor galleries, showcasing the artist’s dynamic range and masterful creativity (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
Continuing a decades-old relationship with internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces a major exhibition of his work: CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens. The exhibit will open on May 1, 2026 and run through Nov. 1, 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Dale Chihuly back to Meijer Gardens,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “His groundbreaking art creates unforgettable connections between nature, culture, and human creativity.
“Guests will be captivated by the dynamic interplay between Chihuly’s spectacular art and our gardens’ natural beauty.”
An immersive transformation
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens will transform both the outdoor gardens and indoor galleries, showcasing the artist’s dynamic range and masterful creativity. The exhibition will feature monumental outdoor installations such as Chihuly’s towering glass sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and other site-specific artworks nestled within Meijer Gardens’ landscapes.
Chihuly’s “Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier” showcases the artist’s masterful creativity (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
Indoors, visitors will experience a varied survey of works highlighting more than four decades of Chihuly’s artistic evolution. Featured series include: Baskets, Macchia, Seaforms, Putti, Ikebana, Persians, Venetians, Cylinders and Rotolo. Each piece is complemented by original drawings offering insight into his creative process.
The exhibition promises to be an extraordinary and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating the profound impact of one of the world’s most innovative artists.
Celebrating the arts
Presented by Macatawa Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank, the exhibition runs from May 1, 2026 through Nov. 1, 2026 and is the third time Chihuly’s art has been presented at Meijer Gardens. Previous Meijer Gardens exhibitions include an indoor exhibition in 2002 and a sprawling outdoor experience in 2010.
“At Macatawa Bank, we celebrate the arts and the important role creativity and artistic abilities play in fostering strong, vibrant communities,” said Jon Swets, Macatawa Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honored to be a part of this inspiring exhibition displayed upon the beautiful backdrop of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.”
Guests will enjoy the dynamic interplay between Chihuly’s art and the Gardens’ natural beauty (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
Additional information about the CHIHULY exhibition and the permanent sculpture collection at Meijer Gardens can be found here.
*This exhibition is organized by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in cooperation with Dale Chihuly and Chihuly Studio. The work displayed is protected by copyright, any copying is expressly prohibited.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31.
The Kickoff to Summer Celebration will feature a variety of food trucks and market vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities and live music – all taking place around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
“We’re eager to welcome the start of another beautiful summer with our Kickoff to Summer Celebration,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “With delicious food, live music and plenty of local vendors, this popular annual event brings together family, friends and neighbors for a memorable day.”
The food trucks and beer tent will be open throughout the event. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews, including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. Starting at 1 p.m., more than 15 vendors will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, sweet treats and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods will vary by vendor.
Kentwood Kickoff to Summer Celebration 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A kids zone featuring two foam parties, face painting, an obstacle course and yard games will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.
The event’s gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Construction Inc. and MSU Federal Credit Union. The silver sponsors are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and the copper sponsors are The Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Andersen.
The Kentwood Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in the 3100 block of Creek Dr. in Wingate Apartments.
At approximately 6 p.m., Officers responded to this location with reports of a shooting after a verbal argument. During the investigation, two victims arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Both victims arrived with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Kentwood Police are still actively investigating and searching for all involved persons, however, this is not believed to be a random act of violence, and there is no known threat to the public currently.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail will be closed from 44th Street to Wing Avenue starting Wednesday, May 28, through the end of June for resurfacing and other improvements.
Work is scheduled to start Wednesday, May 28, with fence and boardwalk repairs, storm improvements and minor excavation from Kalamazoo to Wing avenues. Starting Monday, June 9, the work area will extend to East Paris Park. The trail will then be resurfaced with new asphalt.
Additional improvements include new benches, refuse containers and way-finding signage to enhance the trail user experience.
The project is expected to be completed at the end of June, weather permitting.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, May 24, in the 4700 block of Ridgebrook Ave. SE.
Upon arrival, officers located several casings, along with damage to vehicles and a residence. At this time no injuries were reported, and no suspects have been arrested.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Editor’s Note: WKTV is reposting this unique, local story in honor of George David Payne and all United States veterans.
The weeks leading up to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during a top secret mission in WWII, 17-year-old sailor George David Payne mailed two letters home from the ship.
Some 77 years after his brother tragically died on that ship off the coast of Japan, Sparta resident David Payne still gets extremely emotional reading those last letters.
“I get choked up when I read that last letter,” said David, who never met George David. “From my understanding he was a quiet, nice kid. I’ve never heard anything bad about him.”
Below is an excerpt from one of the two final letters from George David Payne (Seaman 2nd Class):
One of the two letters Wyoming sailor George David Payne sent home just weeks before the USS Indianapolis sank off the coast of Japan on July 30, 1945. (Courtesy, David Payne)
Dear Mom, Dad and Kids,
I hope this letter finds all of you in the best of health. I feel pretty good myself.
Tell dad and all the kids I said hi. Tell Jean the same. I suppose you are having quite a time with the kids.
Tell grandma and grandpa I said hello. Boy, I’ll sure be glad when I get another leave, but I shouldn’t start thinking about a leave already.
I suppose it is pretty nice weather in Michigan now. Anyway, it should be summer. Well, I’ll have to say so long for now.
Love to all the family,
George David Payne
Tragedy strikes shortly after letters sent home
Tragically, not long after the letters were sent, torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58 sank the USS Indianapolis to the bottom of the Western Pacific Ocean within minutes on July 30, 1945.
Only 316 men survived
An estimated 300 men died aboard the ship, while nearly 900 sailors abandoned it, leading to several days of fighting off sharks, dehydration and injuries. Only 316 survived.
Top secret mission delivering atomic bomb components for use on Hiroshima
On a top secret mission that began in San Francisco, the Indianapolis successfully delivered atomic bomb components to Tinian Island. The components delivered were used in the atomic bomb (Little Boy) that the United States dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.
USS Indianapolis in its prime. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
“Many are familiar with Captain Quint’s retelling of the ship’s story in the 1975 film, “Jaws.” Few, however, understand the far-reaching impact of the incident and the tremendous amount of documentation and research conducted in the wake of the incident that continues to impact how the Navy operates today,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division.
George David Payne is remembered by two siblings (David Payne and Suzanna Green) in a WKTV interview last summer (2022). July 30, 2023, marked the 78th anniversary of the sinking of the Indianapolis.
Siblings Jim and Cherie Payne, and mom Lillian Payne at their home: 305 Murray St., Wyoming, in 1945. (David Payne)
“I wasn’t born yet when George died,” David continued. “I didn’t realize I had a brother that died in the war until I was seven. In the early fifties, there was a program on TV showing the Japanese sinking that ship and my mother Lillian started crying and said your brother was on that ship.”
While recently looking at a photo of his brother Jim, Mom Lillian and sister Cherie (dated June 20, 1945) enjoying a happy day on the front porch, David said it soon turned tragic about a month later with the death of his brother on July 30, 1945.
David said his brother George David wasn’t old enough to sign up for the war so his dad signed the necessary paperwork in 1945 to let him join the Navy.
A short stint on the ship
“He was only on that ship for two weeks,” said David, age 75, who’s lived in Sparta for over 30 years. “I had an older brother in California (Nick Alberts, from his mother’s previous marriage), and he met him out there. George stayed for Nick’s wedding in California, and then got transferred to the USS Indianapolis.”
David said Nick, a member of the Seabees in California at the time, blamed himself for George’s fate.
“My little buddy”
USS Indianapolis Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
“He blamed himself for getting him transferred and going to the wedding,” said David, as he cried explaining the sad details. “He always called George ‘my little buddy,’ and said, ‘I can’t come home without my little buddy.’”
Because of that lingering guilt, David said his big brother Nick didn’t return home for 15 years.
“He had guilt, but did finally come home in the late fifties when I was 14 years old,” David continued. “Nick left a book on the Indianapolis with me.”
Most of the 12 siblings (seven girls, five boys) grew up on 305 Murray Street in Wyoming and attended Kelloggsville High School.
Providing after death
Many of them experienced the Great Depression. And it wasn’t lost on any family member how far George’s Navy death gratuity went to pay for their necessities.
“Our mother bought our school clothes and everything we needed from that check, it helped out our family so much,” said David, born on September 17, 1945, less than two months after the Indianapolis sank. “Both mom and dad got 20 or 30 dollars a month from George’s death.”
Gruesome shark attack stories
David Payne honoring and remembering his brother George David at a USS Indianapolis memorial in 1995 in Indy. (Courtesy, David Payne)
During a USS Indianapolis memorial event held in Indianapolis in 1995, David learned firsthand about the tragedy from several survivors.
“Through the years, we didn’t talk about it much and we were hoping he wasn’t trapped in the ship or killed by sharks,” said David, who attended with his wife Mary and sister Suzanna Green.
“Some of the guys relayed the terrible stories, talking about sharks dragging away their friends. It must have been hell.”
He said nearly 200 sailors attended, and recalls some talking about the gruesome shark attacks.
“I remember one guy’s account saying he heard a fellow sailor’s last word’s while getting dragged off by a shark, he screamed for his mother, and David imagined his brother George screaming for mom as well, as he cried retelling his memorial experience with survivors.
“There were some terrible stories. They had to go through hell.”
A “wonderful guy”
Green said George David was “kind-hearted, and definitely cared about his country. My mother cried over his death all of her life and made sure all of us knew we had a brother George David. He was a good kid.”
Green, who also attended the 1995 Indianapolis memorial, recalls the heavy emotions of the event.
“We went there because it was in his memory,” said Green, who taught for 30 years in the Grand Rapids Public School system. “And it was very emotional when we found his name on the monument. Dave put Mary on his shoulders and she put a piece of paper up there and she scratched it with a pencil.”
A proud celebration of life and service
Siblings David, Suzanna and Margie Payne at home on 305 Murray St. in Wyoming in the late 40s. (David Payne)
“It made me feel real close to the brother that I never saw,” Green continued.
“I knew him, but never saw him. I was very proud that his name was there and that he was remembered. It was a celebration of his life and his service.”
Green said their faith got her through the tragedy.
“Mom read the bible every day,” Green explained. “I love him like I grew up with him and that’s because my mother kept his memory alive.”
“We love him even though we didn’t ever get to meet him. And he still is well loved.”
Navy changes status
The Navy officially changed the status of George David and 12 other sailors lost when the Indianapolis was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27, 2022.
The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.
The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.
Remembering George David through his clothing
At age 12, David found one of George’s Navy peacoats.
“I put it on and came upstairs and asked mom if I could have it,” he recalled.
His brother James would put on his Navy uniform occasionally.
A friend’s dad and Battle of the Bulge veteran from World War II, James Emanouil, age 97 at the time of the original article, used to spar with George David in the early forties at a local gym in Grand Rapids.
“I think George David wanted to join this war because of James and Nick.”
Service to the country goes way, way back
David’s fascination with genealogy led to a discovery of another young veteran from long ago. He learned that a great, great, great grandparent fought in the American Revolution at age 15, Eli Payne, Sr. His 100-year-old aunt, at the time, gave David a charcoal drawing of this relative.
Captain Charles B. McVay III
Captain Charles B. McVay III, commander of the USS Indianapolis. (Naval History and Heritage Command Archives)
Per the Naval History and Heritage Command website, “Captain McVay was court-martialed in the aftermath of the sinking and found guilty of recklessly endangering his crew by failing to zig-zag, in spite of I-58 Captain Mochitsura Hashimoto’s testimony at the trial stating that such maneuvers would not have changed the outcome of his attack. The conviction effectively ruined McVay’s career. It was controversial at the time and remains so today.” (Hashimoto was the Japanese submarine commander that sank the USS Indianapolis.)
“McVay had a distinguished naval career prior to the loss of the Indianapolis. He served as Executive Officer of the USS Cleveland during the North African landings in November 1942 and earned a Silver Star for his actions aboard the same ship in the Solomon Islands in March 1943.”
After his death, McVay was exonerated by United States President Bill Clinton and the 106th Congress in 2000. Captain McVay committed suicide on November 6, 1968.
The bold paragraphs below are excerpts from survivor Captain Charles B. McVay’s detailed “Oral History – The Sinking of USS Indianapolis”
This is all documented in the Naval History and Heritage Command Archives. For a complete account of “Recollections of Captain Charles B. McVay, III,” visit here.
Captain McVay:
Commander Flynn
Executive officer [second in command on the ship] came up, Commander Flynn, and said, “We are definitely going down and I suggest that we abandon ship.” Well, knowing Flynn and having utter regard for his ability, I then said, “Pass the word to abandon ship.”
Dividing up rations floating at sea
I looked over the material that we had, the food stuffs, and told the people that I would open one Hormel tin per day. It contains 12 ounces and we would divide that evenly, and I also figured out each person could have two biscuits and two malted milk tablets, which I knew would last us about ten days.
Attacked by sharks
We had sharks, or rather they had sharks down there [in the life preserver group]. We know that because we have two survivors who were bitten by sharks and as I told this one boy in the hospital. I said, “You’d better take some castellan paint and put on that thing before it heals up because nobody will ever believe you’ve been bitten by a shark. You might as well outline the teeth mark and you will have it for the rest of your life and can say, `I know I was bitten by a shark.'”
USS Ringness to the rescue
The (USS) Ringness picked us up by radar. We had a 40 mm, empty ammunition can which I had spent a good deal of energy and time trying to get to, thinking it was an emergency ration, but we picked it up anyhow and saved it and she [Ringness] got a [radar] pip from this can.
I think we had lost probably about 15% of our weight and I was naturally so elated to get on the ship, as were the others that we didn’t turn in at all. We were given something to eat, ice cream, coffee, such as that. The doctor said, “You can eat all you want,” which most of us did. We drank quite a bit of water.
The City of Kentwood has announced its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.
The $1.2 million reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program has been approved by the City Commission and includes improvements to approximately 15.5 lane miles of major and local roads. Work will begin in June and is expected to be completed by November.
Planned street reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance projects include:
Milling and repaving of 52nd Street SE from Breezefield Drive to M-37.
Milling and repaving of 52nd Street from Division to Eastern avenues.
Milling and repaving of Breton Avenue SE from 44th to 52nd streets.
Milling and repaving of Kalamazoo Avenue from 52nd to 60th streets.
Other preventative street maintenance work throughout the city, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching.
Signs will be placed on major streets to give drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists advance notice of when closures will begin.
“The City of Kentwood is committed to maintaining the quality of our community’s roads, which contribute to public safety and sound city infrastructure,” City Engineer Brad Boomstra said. “We recognize construction can be inconvenient, so our crews are committed to working efficiently to reduce disruptions as much as possible.
“We appreciate the support and understanding of our residents and businesses as we complete these essential improvements.”
The 52nd Street work from Breezefield to M-37 will be completed in two consecutive phases starting in June.
During the first phase, 52nd Street will be closed from west of East Paris Avenue to M-37 from June to July. During the second phase, 52nd Street will be closed from Breezefield to East Paris from July to August.
Throughout the project, the road will be open to local traffic only. Property owners affected by this project will be informed by letter. Mail delivery and trash pickup will not be disrupted.
The 52nd Street work from Division to Eastern will begin in June and last about nine weeks, with construction expected to wrap up in August.
(Photo Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Throughout the project, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use the detour route of 60th Street to Eastern Avenue SE to avoid delays.
The Breton Avenue project is expected to begin in August and end in November. Throughout the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to use Kalamazoo Avenue to avoid delays.
The Kalamazoo Avenue project is expected to start in June and end in August. During the project, northbound and southbound traffic will be maintained, but will be limited to one lane in each direction.
Patching and crack sealing will take place on several neighborhood streets in June to prepare them for cape sealing. Cape sealing creates a smooth surface with increased durability. These projects take two non-consecutive days, with the cape seal treatment requiring up to a few hours to dry before being ready for traffic.
Drivers are asked to proceed slowly and stay alert when traveling through road project areas. On-street parking will not be allowed during cape sealing.
Residents in the neighborhoods where these projects will take place will be informed by letter. They are encouraged to follow the construction crew’s instructions for the best access to their home.
The City’s road maintenance decisions are based on a variety of data, including ratings from the annual Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating System, or PASER. This rating system compares the quality of roadway segments and assigns a rating for road pavement conditions based on visual inspections.
Kentwood maintains some of the highest-rated major streets in Kent County based on PASER, according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council, which rates Kentwood’s road network annually.
Last year, the City invested in improvements to 41.24 miles of major and local roads. Major streets included in the 2024 reconstruction, resurfacing and maintenance program were:
Julivan Avenue and Ridgewood Street.
40th Street from Patterson Avenue to Soundtech Court.
East Paris Avenue from 28th to Burton streets.
Community members can sign up to be notified when construction updates are added to the City’s website or follow the City on Facebook for updates.
For more information about Kentwood’s 2025 road projects, including amap of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us/construction.
Get ready to beat the heat — Wyoming parks have officially opened their splash pads for the summer!
Grab your swimsuits, sunscreen, and smiles, and cool off with family and friends. Splash pads are open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. To turn on, gently tap the activators with your hand or foot.
Find a splash pad near you and start making sunny memories today!
Lamar Park (2561 Porter St.)