Back for another summer of fun,The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its popular “Kroc Block Party” event Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to both members and non-members.
Area students are invited to attend the Kroc Party event Friday. Aug. 19. (Supplied)
Kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide. Community partners also will offer activities for families, including a bounce house and cotton candy provided by National Heritage Academies, a mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition, and an appearance by the Grand Rapids Gold mascot, “Buckets.”
Other local organizations scheduled to participate with information and giveaways for families include Launch Trampoline Park, Consumers Energy, Family Futures, Kent County Head Start, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Health Net.
Families are also encouraged to learn more about Kroc Center membership, along with Kroc Church and other programs open to the public. Easy transportation is available via the Rapid’s Silver Line, which stops directly in front of the Kroc Center.
The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit the Kroc Center’s Facebook page or call 616-588-7200 for more information and updates.
Dr. Cory Redman, Grand Rapids Public Museum’s science curator, works to excavate the mastodon bones. (GRPM)
Kent County road crews got a little surprise as they were working to replace a culvert along the county line on 22 Mile Road: they discovered a femur bone.
Turns out that the bone is part of a mastodon with officials from the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the University of the Michigan contacted to come to the site to excavate. University of Michigan officials confirmed that the bones are mastodon.
There is some speculation that there may be two set of bones. Once the bones have been excavated, they will be processed by the University of Michigan. The bones are scheduled to be returned to the Grand Rapids Public Museum per the landowner’s wishes.
Mastodon versus mammoth
The mastodon is a member of the order Proboscidea, which also includes the mammoths, modern elephants, and a wide variety of extinct elephant-like species that evolved more than 60 million years ago.
The American Mastodon was wide-spread across all of North America from Alaska to central Mexico. It was smaller than the mammoth and they used their teeth to clip and crush twigs. Mammoths grazed on grass. Also, mastodons had straighter tusks and both the body and head of the mastodon is longer and squatter than the woolly mammoth
It is estimated that more 300 mastodon fossils have been found in southern Michigan and in fact, the state’s fossil is a mastodon fossil. In 2016, a UM-lead team unearthed Michigan’s most complete ice age mastodon since the 1940s in Mayville, located in Michigan’s thumb area. The team found 70 percent of the mastodon skeleton.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has several mastodon fossils in its collection including the most famous local find, “Smitty,” which was 40 percent of a full mastodon skeleton found in 1985 in Grandville. Smitty’s skeletal material has been radiocarbon dated by multiple researchers, yielding dates ranging from 10,920 to 12,160 years ago.
The Museum also has the Moorland Mastodon which was found in 1904 in the Muskegon area and which has been on display for several years at the museum. Dr. Cory Redman, who is the museum’s science curator, has been working on restoring the Moorland Mastodon to a state that would be better for is preservation.
As a side note, the Grand Rapids Public Museum currently has the exhibit “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs.” For more information about the exhibit, visit grpm.org.
The South Christian boys soccer team captured the Division 3 state championship last year with a 3-1 win over Grosse Ile. (Courtesy)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
It has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions for South Christian incoming senior Sam Bos and his soccer teammates the past few years.
In 2019, the Sailors lost to Grosse Ile 2-1 in a shootout in the Division 3 state championship game and then lost 1-0 in the 2020 finals to Grosse Ile as well.
“One of the worst feelings”
“Watching my brother Reese lose in the state finals and then losing myself was one of the worst feelings,” said Bos, who was a freshman when South Christian lost 2-1 in the finals. “Getting so close to winning a state championship and then losing in a pk shootout 1-0 was heartbreaking.”
And then, “A dream come true”
All that heartbreak quickly faded after the Sailors knocked off Grosse Ile 3-1 last fall in the state final, making it four titles since 2010, and finishing undefeated at 22-0-3 for the season.
“I personally was full of joy to finally win a state championship and couldn’t stop smiling for the next couple of days,” said Bos, who calls cheeseburgers and Oreo ice cream his favorite foods. “It was definitely a top moment of my high school memories so far.
“As a team, to score three goals was huge for us. With a new coaching staff, we had a blank slate and nothing to lose which gave us the courage to finally defeat Gross Ile.”
That new coach, Joel Vande Kopple, said he knew it was a special moment for the guys that lost to Grosse Ile the previous two years.
“Having lost the previous two years the mental expectations could be heavy,” said Vande Kopple, who previously coached at Lansing Christian for 15 years. “They needed to know that this year was a different year and the result would be different. Getting them to believe in themselves and one another was vital.
South Christian incoming senior Sam Bos holds his team’s D-3 state champion soccer trophy. (Courtesy)
“Team-wise, my favorite part was that the group bought into the idea that the collective was more important than the individual. We had a lot of talented players who were very deserving of individual awards, but rather than making that their focus, they decided to put the team first.”
Vande Kopple said Bos is a great disruptive force in the middle of the field.
“He plays a holding mid position and really shields our defensive line well by breaking up attacks, winning 50/50 balls, winning air balls and distributing well to start an attack,” Vande Kopple explained. “In addition, he scored some very important goals for us, most notably in our district final win and our first round of regionals, both of which were game winners against very talented teams.”
His interest in soccer all began at a young age.
“I have played it since I was born,” said Bos, who played AYSO growing up and then moved to club soccer around third grade. “Watching my older brother play soccer helped fuel my interest. Since then, I have always wanted to be the best in my family and that grew to me wanting to be the best on the field.
“Growing up with two brothers (Jerad and Reese) made me very competitive and I wanted to always win.”
Bos said Vande Kopple was a great addition to South Christian and brought amazing energy.
South Christian graduate Alex Leenstra helping his Sailors win the D-3 state championship last year. (Courtesy)
“We couldn’t have asked for a better coach,” said Bos, who also plays varsity basketball. “His passion for coaching soccer is outstanding and you can tell he truly loves the game and wants to win.
“I am looking forward to this upcoming season as we are returning a lot of seniors, but will also have a lot of young talent to hopefully help us go back to back.”
Do you have an interest in helping seniors or a passion for preserving farms?
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions and committees.
Interested residents may view all current vacancies and apply online for appointment by Sept. 30/ Applicants should include a cover letter and professional resume in a pdf format. For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ office at 616-632-7580.
The following boards and committees are accepting applications, click to learn more about each group is responsible for:
Britney Sylvester recognizes that for entrepreneurs who don’t have a brick and mortar store, it’s hard to get the word out about their businesses.
Britney Sylvester, owner of Uniquely Made Kreations, participates in a previous Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Which is why the owner of Uniquely Made Kreations is presenting this year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase as a part of Black Business Month in August.
“Not everyone has the startup money or funds to have an actual location, so these networking events – this one being at the mall where there’s a lot of foot traffic – give you a lot of exposure,” she said. “People are coming up and asking about your products, and you’re getting to share your journey with individuals from all walks of life. It’s amazing.”
Woodland Mall will host its third annual Black-Owned Business Showcase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, when more than a dozen local companies will be offering items like food, jewelry, apparel, home products, cosmetics, and health and wellness services.
Mall visitors will get to browse, sample and buy from the local entrepreneurs participating in the event.
Networking key to success
Uniquely Made Kreations offers items like customized T-shirts, masks, and cups, along with homemade desserts.
Sylvester said she first started making products and selling them about seven years ago, but she really got serious in 2019 when she graduated from SpringGR, an organization that helps launch new businesses through coaching and connections. SpringGR works primarily with businesses that are owned by minorities and women. The group helped her learn things like how much to charge for items, how to calculate her break-even point, and how to get an LLC.
“They helped me network with a lot of individuals as well,” she said.
Showing your support
The list of businesses participating this year includes:
Business owners sell their products at last year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Uniquely Made Kreations
D&D Fashion
Douber
EKDADF
XWhat’s Poppin
My Beautii Cosmetics
616 Candle Co
Azucar
Paparazzi
Lovely Organic Products
Maiyah Mari
Perfect fit
Blaque Realeza
Petray Trendz
Queen of Hustle
Melanie’s Miracle Children Boutique
The annual showcase is an important event for black entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to show off what they’re capable of and what they’re working on, Sylvester said.
“The community should come out and support it. It’s not only just buying, but spreading the word and looking at each and every one of the tables for the businesses that will be out there,” she said.
Sheila McGrath is a lifelong Grand Rapids resident who has been covering local news for more than 25 years. She was focused on Kentwood and Wyoming for more than a decade as editor of the Southeast and Southwest Advance newspapers.
(From left) Logan Swiney, Lezawe Osterink, Jackson Rodriquez and Ian Palacios after winning the 3,200-meter relay at last spring’s D-4 track and field finals in Hudsonville. (Courtesy)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor and Anna Johns, Contributing Writer
Only running competitively since his freshman year, incoming senior Lezawe “Moses” Osterink has racked up some big titles in high school.
Four state titles to be exact running for Wyoming Potter’s House Christian.
Lezawe “Moses” Osterink (far left) stands atop the podium after winning the 1,600-meter run at the D-4 state track and field finals last spring. (Courtesy)
Last spring, the Potter’s House runner was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at the MHSAA Division 4 track and field finals in Hudsonville.
In addition, Osterink was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. The Pumas placed third at the track and field finals.
Cross country state champ in D-4
Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall with a time of 15:50.60 in the 5k race, while the team finished 12th in state.
“Winning state was great,” said Osterink, who was born in Ethiopia and adopted in the United States in 2007. “The first title was definitely more special because I wasn’t able to run at state since freshman year, and to complete a good season and then cap it off with a win was really cool.
“The track titles were a lot more fun since I was able to win with my teammates and perform better the previous year, but also really go after that team title.”
Originally, he was supposed to run at the D-4 cross country finals in 2020, but a collarbone injury sidelined him. Luckily, he was able to get back at it the following season and won all 13 races in the fall of 2021 on top of the title.
Peanut butter and honey
“This (injury) definitely was kind of like a spark that motivated me to train even harder than I had previously and want to go achieve the goals I had set for myself,” said Osterink, who eats his favorite peanut butter and honey sandwich almost daily.
Not always a runner
It wasn’t until the summer before his freshmen year that he became interested in the sport. At first he played basketball, but when he learned Potter’s House was starting a cross country team he wanted to join.
The Potter’s House boys track team took first place in its D-4 regional and finished third in the state finals last spring. (Courtesy)
“It really just started out as I’m going to run to stay in shape for basketball to then quitting basketball so I can run more,” said Osterink, who enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.
“It’s a unique sport that intrigues me especially for being one of the purest sports, and the fact that there is so much to learn from training to racing and just the mental and competitive battles.
“One of the biggest things that has lured me is the community aspect of running. I have met so many cool people through this sport.”
Interested in running in college, Osterink is undecided on where he’ll attend, but is contemplating studying sports management or business.
Potter’s House runner Lezawe “Moses” Osterink prepares for the 1,600-meter run. (Courtesy)
Potter’s House Athletic Director Kara Haskill said Moses is a tremendous athlete with a humble personality.
“He works hard in school to maintain his 3.8 GPA,” she continued. “He’s a strong leader with a calm disposition.”
“We love having Moses as a part of our community and we’re so proud of all of his accomplishments. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
Kentwood Leisure Club members making cookies at the Kentwood Activities Center. (Courtesy)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
Having no experience working with disabled individuals, Leisure Club instructor Stacy Zbikowski was hesitant stepping into the role of instructor.
However, she said getting to know the participants and building relationships over the past 15 years has been a great experience for her.
Zbikowski said any age is welcome, and any disability, referring to Kentwood’s adaptive program.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Activities Center is dedicated to helping residents of all abilities find quality recreation and enrichment. Leisure Club is one of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation offerings to community members with disabilities.
All of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation opportunities promote health and wellness, socialization and quality of life. Leisure Club not only offers fun activities for participants, but also teaches independence and life skills.
“Mainly, it’s for them to be able to go out socially in public and be able to pay for their own meals on their own, or order their meals on their own, whatever we happen to be doing,” Zbikowski said. “It’s just learning some of those life skills.”
The social interaction Leisure Club offers also has led to several friendships among the participants.
“Some of them actually see each other at work or in different other activities that they belong to at other times,” Zbikowski said. “They will come in, and they are so excited to see each other. They have definitely formed friendships.”
Most activities center around local businesses, with Whitecaps baseball games being the farthest location.
“We try to stick with the Kentwood businesses and the Kentwood area,” Zbikowski continued. “If we’re doing an arts and crafts activity, or playing games, or Bingo, or having the grill out … that’s actually at the Rec center at 48th Street,” Zbikowski said.
For activities outside the recreation center, participants meet at the destination.
“They will find their own ride there or a couple of them actually drive.” Zbikowski said.
A hard copy schedule of events can be found at the Kentwood Activities Center, interested residents can also call the Center or visit their website. Participants can choose which activities they are interested in and attend without registration.
Kentwood Leisure Club celebrates with a Halloween dance held at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. (Courtesy)
“We would love to have more participants,” Zbikowski said. “It’s been a fluid group over the 15 years.”
But regardless of who participates, Zbikowski said it’s a warm, welcoming group of people.
“Everyone is super friendly; they love to laugh and smile. We love to have new friends come join us — to try new things — or do the old things.”
Anneke Minnema, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Calvin College’s Ready For Life Academy, enjoys Leisure Club for the opportunity it provides to make friends and try different sports.
“My favorite is bowling,” Anneke said with a smile. “And pickleball, I like. Shuffleboard is a favorite.”
Vivian Minnema, Anneke’s mother, said, “One of the things we all collectively liked about it was that they have activities that maybe our neurotypical peers are doing also,” while listing pickleball, baseball games, bowling, cookie decorating, and gardening as examples. “They are catering the activities to the people, but it’s what other 23-year-olds are doing also.”
When asked what she enjoys most about Leisure Club, Anneke said it allows her “to communicate more” with her peers. She also enjoys interacting with the staff. “I like my volunteers a lot. They help me around.”
From a parent’s perspective, Vivian also appreciates the staff.
“It’s a well-run, organized program,” Vivian said. “The people who staff it are super great and outgoing and gregarious, and really able to communicate with all of the participants really well.
“We feel it’s very safe. It’s very well-staffed. It’s also a ton of variety of things … and it’s all super affordable.”
Leisure Club meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Costs range from approximately $5 to $10.
To find out more about Leisure Club and other adaptive recreation offerings at the Kentwood Activities Center, click here: Adaptive Recreation
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
In March, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety installed license plate readers. Within six months, it has been able to identify and recover 13 stolen vehicles and arrest 18 suspects.
“The real story is that we are able to find missing persons,” said Chief Kim Koster. “If an older family member gets into a car and takes off and the family cannot find the person, we can enter the person’s license plate number into the reader. If the person has passed a reader, it will let us know and give us an idea where to start searching for that missing person.”
From left, CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley, Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster,, Wyoming Sergeant Jeremy Walter, Wyoming Captain Eric Wier, Wyoming Lt. Brian Look, and CALEA Commissioner Marcus Brown. (Supplied)
Through that process, the department has been able to find two missing persons since March.
It is because of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety‘s commitment to utilizing best practices in law enforcement that it has earned its fourth in a row accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This includes implementing new technology, such as the license plate readers, as well as reviewing policies and procedures.
Meeting the standards
CALEA is considered the “gold standard in public safety.” Of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of 770 agencies nationwide that has CALEA accreditation. It is one of 12 in the State of Michigan. Wyoming received accreditation in 2012.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
“It is the blueprint for success for a department,” Koster said. “I always say it is the people, our officers, who make the department where we work but CALEA helps to organize us and achieve our goals.”
Reaccreditation happens every four years. To receive reaccreditation, the department must provide proof every year that the agency is in compliance with about 180 of the 452 CALEA standards. Commissioners review different guidelines each year and on the fourth year, all 452 standards are reviews with assessors coming to the department to meet with officers and the public, and department officials coming before the Commission.
“Today, one of the things that departments need to do in general is to be transparent and accountable,” Koster said. “By having this accreditation, we are doing both and it assures the public that we are performing the best practices in law enforcement.
Keeping Up-to-date
Once such practice that came out during the 2020 George Floyd situation was the development of the duty to intervene policy, which the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has incorporated.
“While it was the expectation that an officer would intercede and help de-escalate a situation when he or she sees the use of of force in excess, departments did not have that as a policy,” Koster said.
CALEA also provides direction on other police activities such as witness identification of suspect, best practices in training, evidence handling and storage, and recruiting.
In fact, by being a part of CALEA, the department has the opportunity to learn about what others across the nation are doing in police and public safety. Koster said during the reaccreditation process, the assessors asked about areas the department was looking for assistance. She chose recruiting and was offered a number of ideas including working with MichiganWorks!
But it is not only reviewing policies to assure they are meeting current modern-day needs, but also keeping up on technology and the possibilities of how it can help in police work. That encouragement to consider new ideas is what lead to the department purchasing the license plate readers.
Following the road map
“This is a map in how we should be doing things,” Koster said. “For example, in training, it focuses on best practices in such items as the use of the force, handling calls or helping someone with a mental health issue. By making sure that you are revisiting that topic every year, it assures that you are using the most update-to-date information and techniques.”
CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Executive Research Form. The main purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process which looks at how a department meets recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery. Accreditation is voluntary.
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
West Michigan’s economy has flattened, following a national and worldwide trend, according to a report released Monday by Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research at Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business.
So, is the nation in a recession?
Long said he’s not quite ready to say so, given the complexities that go into determining when a recession begins or ends. However, he does think the nation is “very likely to slide into an official recession in the near future.”
“I’m sticking with an 80 percent likelihood of recession right now because, the future being what it is, things could change,” he said. “There’s a possibility that we might skate by, but it’s growing increasingly unlikely as time goes by.”
The key sales index, indicating new orders, sank into negative territory, according to the results of the survey of West Michigan manufacturers.
“Although many factories are still operating at or near capacity, higher commodity prices and rapidly rising transportation costs continue to restrict the profitability for many firms,” Long said in the report. “Even though business conditions remain modestly positive for some survey respondents, the talk of an impending recession is resulting in many expansion plans being put on hold.”
Automotive suppliers, though still hampered by chip shortages, are expected to weather any economic storm better than other sectors due to continued pent-up demand for new cars, Long said.
Key metrics in the July survey were a mixed bag: • The sales index, reflecting new orders came at -3 after being +26 in June • Production, or output, softened to +7 from +31 in June • Employment remained strong, reaching +27, up from +23 the previous month
Long cautioned against putting too much weight on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in determining the start of a recession.
While economists once used two consecutive quarters of negative GDP reports as a signal of the start of a recession, thinking has evolved in recent decades to include other factors such as income, employment, unemployment, industrial production, capital investment and consumer spending, he said.
Knowing when to call for hospice care can be a difficult decision, but many families say they wish they would have called sooner. Hospice care is available to anyone who’s received a physician’s diagnosis of six or fewer months to live.
By Emmanuel Hospice
It’s sometimes easier to define what hospice is not rather than trying to absorb all the things it is – especially in assessing when one should reach out.
“A common misconception is that we’re available only at the eleventh hour, or just days or weeks before someone passes,” says Dana Shelton-Clark, an admissions social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. “But hospice care is really holistic support for anyone who’s been given a physician’s prognosis of six or fewer months to live. And that’s only a requirement for admission.
“There’s no ticking clock, no time limit for the amount of time the hospice benefit can be used as long as someone remains eligible.”
What Shelton-Clark and her colleagues too often hear from patients and their caregivers is this: We wish we would have called sooner.
Dealing with an approaching death can be understandably trying, to say the least. At Emmanuel Hospice, says Shelton-Clark, a team approach is instituted to rally around the loved one and care for them in mind, body and spirit. And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, either. Instead, care and options are customized to consider each individual’s wants and needs.
“We often get comments such as ‘I didn’t know this is what hospice is’ and ‘I didn’t know hospice could provide this,’” she explains. “All it really takes is a phone call to set up a meeting that will provide a clear and accurate window into all the services hospice offers.”
Shelton-Clark notes some people put off calling hospice because they’re being counseled by medical personnel still fighting for a cure.
“We understand that,” she says, “because most doctors are trained in an approach to do all they can to ‘fix’ the problem. But cures are not always possible, and hospice is a treatment option that should be offered and considered.
“Our focus is to instead provide interventions that relieve symptoms and allow patients to focus on how they really want to live, so that they have as many good days and months as possible.”
Shelton-Clark emphasizes hospice will come to wherever it is the loved one calls home – their own house, or a relative’s, or an assisted living facility or memory care unit. During a first discussion, there’s never any obligation to sign on or take next steps. That’s up to the individual and their caregivers. But sometimes, just that initial meeting is enough to help people understand their options going forward.
Some people actually improve during hospice care, in some cases enough to no longer require services. But they’re free to return if they decline to a point where they again meet eligibility standards; there are never any deadlines imposed.
Shelton-Clark acknowledges that the role of Emmanuel Hospice is as much to provide education as it is to provide care – doing all it can to acquaint people with what hospice is and why it’s better to reach out earlier than later.
“There are so many ways for us to assist,” she says, “especially for that person who’s been in and out of the hospital and is ready for that revolving door to finally stop. That’s the time to give us a call and learn more.
“Our compassionate and experienced team is ready to answer any questions you may have.”
Malamiah Juice Bar owners, from left, Jermale Eddie, Kris Mathis and Randy Otterbridge pose for a photo at the Studio Park location of Malamiah Juice Bar. The mural behind them features Eddie’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah. (Supplied)
With a little help from some friends, Jermale Eddie has taken his business, Malamiah Juice Bar, to the next level.
After bringing in two new owners this spring, Malamiah Juice Bar opened its second location on July 11.
The new juice bar in the downtown David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, will serve up made-to-order items like smoothies and bowls, as well as a variety of juices and grab-and-go items. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Until now, the business had been operating one retail juice bar and eatery in the downtown Studio Park development, 122 Oakes St. SW, while also distributing their juices to about 20 grocery stores in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo.
But Eddie said he had been thinking over the past couple of years about adding some business partners.
In the beginning, there was two
He started Malamiah Juice bar with his wife, Anissa, in 2013, taking the name for the business from the names of the couple’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah.
The two operated the business togther for a while, then Eddie became a “solopreneur” after his wife returned to work in a different job, he said.
“I knew at one point that we had taken this business as far as we could by ourselves,” he said. “I had to think about what are the elements that are missing? What do we need? Who do we need to come in to help us get to the next level? We didn’t want to plateau.”
A little help from his friends
Malamiah Juice Bar opened a new location in the downtown YMCA on July 11. Pictured, from left, are owner Jermale Eddie, area manager Adam Smallman, who manages both Malamiah Juice Bar locations, owner Kris Mathis and owner Randy Otterbridge. (Supplied)
That’s where his friends Randy Otterbridge and Kris Mathis came in. Both had backgrounds in marketing, and Eddie had known them for a long time through business connections and community events.
“I knew their business savviness, I knew their care and love for the community and their honesty and integrity, which is big,” Eddie said.
Mathis, the new chief of operations, is a self-described “serial entrepreneur.” He owns Raise a Glass Wine and Beer tours, coaches at SpringGR, and owns Blue Water Lake House, a short term vacation rental.
Otterbridge, the new chief marketing officer, has been teaching entrepreneurship at SpringGR for the past eight years and previously worked in the nonprofit sector for the Grand Rapids Urban League. He said he saw “massive opportunities” in the e-commerce and digital marketing space for the business.
An eye toward the future
In addition to opening more locations, the three are focused on growing the company in terms of the customer experience, the staffing experience and the community experience, Eddie said.
“Those are three areas of importance to us,” Eddie said. “It boils down to having the right systems in place and growing our systems.”
“The other part of our business model at both locations is, who do we take along with us on the journey? How do we support local as a local business? So you’ll find products from local entrepreneurs such as Ferris Coffee and granola bars from Granola Goddess,” Eddie said.
As they look to open more locations, Otterbridge said they’re focused on finding places with good synergy.
“We think about where can we place ourselves that already has foot traffic where we can be of service to the clients there,” he said.
Mathis said they’re also hoping to increase their retail footprint in their existing locations where things are already going well, as well as selling their products in more stores. They have a few other ideas in the works, such as after-hours activities for entrepreneurs, he said.
“If there is anyone interested in working with us in collaboration or partnership, or even opening another location of Malamiah, just reach out to us,” Mathis said. “Send us an email. We’re always open to entertaining ideas and possibly collaborating and seeing where it can take us.”
Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s Senior Strong Fitness class has nearly quadrupled since instructor Judith Bryant took over. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
In quoting Albert Einstein, instructor Judith Bryant said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
This is a philosophy that fits well with Kentwood Parks and Rec instructor Bryant’s Senior Strong Fitness program, which gives community members opportunities to connect with each other and form a more active lifestyle.
“I was retired in 2005 and I was just so bored,” Bryant said with a laugh. “I had been walking…even doing some 5Ks until I tore my meniscus.”
Unable to walk long distances any longer, Bryant joined Senior Strong Fitness.
When the class was in danger of being shut down due to a lack of leadership, Bryant stepped in as instructor.
“Our previous exercise instructor took very ill, and she could no longer teach,” Bryant said. “The staff was trying to keep it going, and they have so much to do with everything else going on at the rec center it was getting really hard.”
After seeing the Activities Center’s ad for a fitness instructor, Bryant thought to herself, “I can do that.”
Senior Strong Fitness class instructor Judith Bryant (far left) leads the class of Kentwood Parks and Recreation participants three times a week. (WKTV)
Bryant creates her own routines for the class, researching senior exercises and then working them into a routine.
“I write it down, then I try it out…I make sure it fits within an hour, add or eliminate,” Bryant said.
Each class includes low impact stretching and exercise that focuses on balance and strength. Participants are led through a warmup, cardio exercises to get their hearts pumping, and then a cooldown.
Bryant also encourages members to keep moving at home.
“I try to give them tips on what to do at home and if they are having a hard time doing something, I’ll take a minute or so to show them.”
From 7 to 28 members
Under Bryant’s instruction, Senior Strong Fitness has increased in numbers over the last few years.
“We used to have seven or eight real regulars,” Bryant said. “Now we have 28 regulars, plus people drop in. And they stay.
“It’s a fun group of people. The participants are coming in earlier so they can sit in the lobby and talk with each other.”
Class members enjoy each other’s company, even meeting outside the Activities Center for an annual summer picnic and other activities.
Forming bonds within the community is an important aspect of the class for Bryant.
“This is the only (social) outlet for some of them,” Bryant said. “I have four people in their 90s, and it is amazing to see how much they can do.”
Bryant revealed that was another reason she took over as instructor.
“I really didn’t want (the class) to fold because it was their only social outlet.”
One member confided to Bryant that the Senior Strong Fitness class was her only means of visiting with other people since most of her friends have passed away.
Senior Strong Fitness is available for community members ages 50 and up. The class meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-2 p.m. in the Kentwood Activities Center gym at 355 48th St. SE.
To find out more about Senior Strong Fitness and other senior class offerings at the Kentwood Activities Center, click here: Senior Programs
Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood was elected the city’s next mayor during the Aug. 2 primary election. Vanderwood received 56 percent of the casted votes. (Supplied)
At this week’s primary election, Wyoming voters determined the city’s next mayor, Kent Vanderwood.
“Normally in a primary, there is usually a narrowing of the number down for candidates but in our city charter there is a little asterisk to this in that if a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, they automatically win the seat,” said Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg.
Vanderwood took 56 percent of the casted votes in Aug. 2 primary, receiving 5,635 votes. Current mayor pro tem and candidate Sam Bolt received 3,033 votes and newcomer Cliff Tompkins had 1,144 votes.
Vanderwood, who current serves as a council member, said he was pleased with the results of the primary and sees this as an opportunity to prepare for the role of mayor.
“This gives me a lot of time to prepare as I will be able to meet with the current mayor, city staff, the city manager,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to get oriented to the mayor duties.”
VandenBerg said turnout for the primary was about 22 percent of the city’s registered voters which was what her office was expecting.
“What was a surprise is that in the past we have seen more absentee ballots in an election and this year it was much more balanced,” she said.
For the Nov. 8 general election, Wyoming residents will be deciding between three candidates to fill two council member at-large seats, which are four-year terms. Those candidates are Rob Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo. Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for the first ward council seat.
VandenBerg said the elected officials, including mayor elect Vandenwood, would take office in the beginning of December.
Meijer loses to Gibbs
In the 3rd District U.S. House of Representatives, current Congressman Peter Meijer lost his bid for the Republican nomination which went to newcomer John Gibbs. Gibbs had 36,527 votes to Meijer’s 35,395 votes. Gibbs will face Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat.
State House races
For the 80th District State House of Representatives, Democratic Phil Skaggs edged out Lily Chong-Schulting, 5,202 to 4,626 for the Democratic nomination. Skaggs will face Republican nominee Jeffrey Johnson in November.
For the 82nd District State House of Representatives, candidate Kristian Grant had the most votes, 3,884, in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination. Also seeking the nominations were Robert Womack, who received 3,821, and Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, who received 1,301.
The Republican nomination for the 82nd District was between two candidates, Ryan Malinoski and William Alexander. Malinowski beat out Alexander, 2,640 to 1,527.
Malinowski and Grant will now face each other for the 82nd District House seat in the Nov. 8 general election.
In the 83rd District State House of Representatives, current Wyoming Councilmember John Fitzgerald won the Democratic nomination with 2,567 to Jose Flores’ 2,037 votes. Fitzgerald will now face Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger for the season in the November election.
Kent County Commission races
Current 10th District Kent County Commissioner Emily Post Brieve won the Republican nomination with 2,615 votes over her challenger Bill Hirsch, who received 2,127 votes. Brieve will face Democratic challenger Julie Humphrey in November.
In the 12th District Kent County Commission seat, Lee White won the Republican nomination with 1,135 votes over candidate Adam R. Palaces, who had 959 votes. Lee faces current commissioner and Democratic candidate Monica Sparks in November.
Tom McKelvy took the Republican nomination for the 13th District Kent County Commission seat. McKelvy has 1,591 votes to candidate Nick Prill’s 1,169. McKelvy will face Democratic candidate and current commissioner Michelle McCloud in the Nov. 8 general election.
Kentwood deputy city administrator Mark Rambo was hired by Kent County as the second deputy county administrator, which is a recently reclassified position. He will start in this new role on August 29.
“I am delighted to welcome Mark Rambo to the county executive team,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “His well-rounded experiences with the City of Kentwood, Grand Valley State University, City of Walker, and Village of Howard City have prepared him to assist us in moving the dial on the myriad of internal and community challenges and opportunities facing the County.”
Kentwood deputy city administrator Mark Rambo was hired by Kent County as the second deputy county administrator. (Courtesy)
Most recently, Rambo was the deputy city administrator for Kentwood. During his tenure with the city, he facilitated a resident advisory committee to establish priorities and sustainable funding options for its parks and recreation; chaired a collaboration of local officials from the six largest metropolitan areas on problem-solving issues facing the community; assisted in the development of multiple payments in lieu of taxes agreements for affordable housing developments and health care providers; and chaired a consortium of more than 20 local units of government and telecommunications providers on a permitting process and fee structure for use of the public rights-of-way.
Rambo currently chairs the Kent County Road Commission and previously held operations and administrative positions with Grand Valley State University, the Village of Howard City, and the City of Walker. He also has a long history of serving on numerous community boards and committees.
“It has been a privilege to serve the City of Kentwood and help facilitate their growth as a welcoming and thriving community for residents and businesses,” said Rambo, who holds a Master of Public Administration degree and is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). “I look forward to further serving Kent County and am excited to work alongside the County Administrator and staff, the Board of Commissioners, and community stakeholders to continue to make West Michigan an outstanding place to live, work and play.”
Rambo will coordinate and oversee operations activities of the Equalization, Facilities, Parks and Information Technology Departments and facilitate several task force initiatives all under the direction of the County Administrator. Deputy County Administrator Jenny James will oversee the County’s health and human services operations.
“Dollars saved 20 years ago have lost nearly HALF of their purchasing power. Such inflation poses a serious threat to seniors entering retirement, as well as those already in retirement.”
Since 2000, the US dollar has lost an incredible 44.2% of its purchasing power. Reports from the government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the official tracker of inflation statistics, indicate inflation may be worse than we think. Even as interest rates remain at their lowest ever, Federal Reserve policies may be pushing inflation higher.
The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes.
(pxhere.com)
What does this mean for retirees and pre-retirees?
If you have an advisor or team of advisors, they most likely have mentioned the idea of “diversification” at least once. Since 2020, however, the concept of diversification has morphed from a “nice idea” into an absolute necessity. Multiple asset classes, particularly cash-flowing assets, seem to be the only cure for thriving in an increasingly volatile investing landscape. Diversification or developing so-called “hybrid” retirement strategies is essential to avoid a retiree’s most dreaded scenario: outliving their savings.
Proper diversification and risk reduction are part of well-designed, customized financial plans. Contrary to what some advisors preach, there are no shortcuts, no “one size fits all” templates to shorten the process. Portfolio allocation is unique to every individual. Some financial professionals believe the only way to ensure a diversified plan is to invest in every kind of asset.
How does one achieve diversification?
Many people don’t want to spread their cash out in multiple assets because they find it too difficult to monitor and maintain. If that is the case, retirees and those nearing retirement should consider several potential sources of income streams. Each of these assets offers different benefits and risks, and growth potential.
Social Security
Although it is a dependable income source, retirees should not regard Social Security as their sole source of retirement money. In 2020, Social Security paid out an average of $1,503, an amount that is insufficient to meet most retirees’ needs.
Fixed instruments
Debt instruments that pay fixed amounts of interest, such as bonds, are commonly used to build diverse retirement blueprints. Interest from these kinds of assets is usually paid on a semi-annual basis. The principal invested goes back to the investor upon maturity.
Stock market
While the market offers high growth potential, recent volatility makes it clear that such growth often comes with higher risks.
It’s critical when considering this option that you clarify how much risk you are willing to take and whether you have time to recover from any losses you might incur. The COVID-19 pandemic has made Wall Street’s outcomes even more unpredictable, meaning it could take years for seniors who invest too heavily in the market to recover from a downturn. Retirees could find they must withdraw more significant amounts of their cash when stock prices are down, leading to faster depletion of retirement savings.
Be sure you consult with a knowledgeable financial planner to determine whether you have the right amount of money invested in stocks.
“Safe money” vehicles
The cornerstone of a sound retirement is safe money products such as permanent life insurance and annuities. Instead of adding these proven products as afterthoughts, building your portfolio around them makes sense. Owning risk-averse, tax-advantaged products, many of which provide guaranteed income streams, will help you in several ways.
You will be able to plan better, knowing that you have a predictable source of income. Also, unlike stocks and other assets, your principal is protected. And you have the opportunity to use these products to create a legacy for your loved ones. Safe money products like annuities and life insurance also have unique tax advantages that other cash management tools lack.
Depending on your appetite for growth and risk tolerance, there are other possibilities to diversify your retirement portfolio. Before committing to any of these more “exotic” investments, you need to spend time doing your research and due diligence. Then speak to a trusted advisor who will tell you the TRUTH about money and not just try to sell you something.
Financial mistakes can be detrimental to your happiness when you no longer work. The good news is that taking advantage of viable alternatives to traditional planning and creating a safer, more robust “hybrid” portfolio can help you avoid making those mistakes.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
Kentwood voters approved funding to improve the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming in the primary election Tuesday.
By WKTV Staff
Kentwood voters approved a permanent dedicated millage that will provide funding to improve the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming in the primary election Tuesday.
The measure passed with 6,005 yes votes, compared to 3,495 no votes (unofficial results).
Will generate approximately $2.3 million first year
The millage will be levied starting July 1, 2023, and is expected to generate approximately $2.3 million in the first year. In addition to the millage funds, the City will contribute up to $22 million through public and private sources for park, trail and recreation improvements outlined in its investment plan.
City leaders and staff will immediately begin planning projects based on the following tentative timeline:
All parks will receive improvements to address the most immediate needs within the first five years, with all remaining improvements completed within 10 years.
Trail improvements and construction planning will be prioritized in the first year, followed by ongoing trail repairs and expansion to enhance the trails for all users.
Construction of park amenities and a multigenerational community recreation center on the City campus will begin in the second year.
“Kentwood residents have spoken through this ballot proposal to invest in our parks, trails and recreation,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We will ensure this millage will provide dedicated funding for needed repairs today and improvements, operations and maintenance of these invaluable amenities and services for generations to come.”
Kellogg Woods Park improvements will include restrooms, softball/baseball field, new sports fields, lighting and landscaping. (Courtesy)
The millage was recommended by parks advisory committees that included residents and other stakeholders, as well as extensive community engagement and an in-depth review of the City’s current parks, trails and programming, its projected growth and community needs.
The millage will support Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and a variety of other improvements and developments, including:
Bowen Station Park: Restroom, playground equipment, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Burgis Park: Trail and sidewalk improvements and a new drinking fountain.
City campus: Splash pad, playground, plaza, shelters, stage, event lawn, parking, restrooms and other amenities, transforming the area around City Hall into a community gathering space.
Community recreation center: Approximately 50,000 square feet of year-round indoor and multigenerational programming and recreation space on the City campus.
Covenant Park Phase 1: Trails, sports fields, event lawn, lighting and infrastructure to support future phases.
East Paris Nature Park: Trail improvements, signage and other amenities.
Home Acres Park: Skate park improvements, shade shelters, lighting, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Jaycee Park: New restroom/program building, additional parking, disc golf improvements and other amenities.
Kellogg Woods Park: Restrooms, softball/baseball field improvements, new sports fields, lighting and landscaping.
Northeast Park: Restrooms, playground, splash pad, landscaping and other amenities.
Old Farm Park: Parking improvements, playground, shelter and other amenities.
Paris Park: Trail improvements and signage.
Pinewood Park: Splash pad improvements, pickleball courts, a new restroom, shade shelters, landscaping and other amenities.
Rondo Street Station Park: Playground, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, landscaping and other amenities.
Stanaback Park: Playground, parking improvements, signage, pickleball courts, landscaping and other amenities.
Stauffer Station Park: Kiosk, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, lighting, landscaping and other amenities.
Summerwood Park: Playground and landscaping.
Trails: Repairs, replacement and new connections.
Veterans Memorial Park: Shelter, additional parking and other amenities.
Updates on the construction process will be shared on the City’s website, social media pages and in its monthly eNewsletter.
Kentwood is home to 15 parks that cover more than 400 acres and more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails that are used year-round by residents and visitors. Numerous community events and more than 700 recreational programs are offered annually for people of all ages and abilities through the Parks and Recreation Department in the Kentwood Activities Center, on City campus and other locations.
More information about the Parks and Recreation Department is available at kentwood.us/parks.
Father and daughter, Gene Billings and Cathe DeLaney, pose in front of dad’s prized possession, a souped up 2011 Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
“Just hold on.”
That was the directive 92-year-old Kentwood resident, Gene Billings, gave this WKTV writer as his daughter, Cathe DeLaney, led the way to his 2011 Silverado truck, keys dangling from her fingertips.
It proved to be sound advice as the speedometer of the Silverado climbed rapidly under DeLaney’s guidance.
An attendee of almost every 28th Street Metro Cruise, and with the t-shirts to prove it, Billings is no stranger to speed and high-performance vehicles. His love of Metro Cruise shows in his dedication to attending the popular event each year.
Though Billings’ Silverado isn’t a “Classic Car” like most featured in the Cruise, it can outrun many of those acclaimed classics.
“It dynoed at 498 at the wheels, faster than most Corvettes,” Delaney said. “He’s (Billings) about to run out of things he can do to up its performance.”
Where the cars are the stars
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise event on August 26 and 27 at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.
It’s a family-friendly, two-day event featuring over 25 food trucks and concessionaires, five bands on the Metro Main Stage, free shuttle service, Miss Metro Cruise Finale, kids’ events and activities, a Dyno car testing platform, Community Awards Ceremony, Donut Competition, 35 sponsor booths with giveaways and games, the famous Collector Car Row consisting of over 400 collector cars, and much more. All free to the public.
Official cruise time
Spanning 13 miles of 28th Street, the official Cruise time is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. For one hour, Metro Cruise encourages all classic, muscle, antique, modified and sports car owners to cruise 28th Street – starting and ending where they choose.
Billings has shared his love of speed and performance vehicles with his daughter Cathe DeLaney, who attends the Metro Cruise with her father each year. DeLaney deems the Cruise the highlight of their year, saying, “That’s pretty much our Christmas. We look forward to that so much.
Kentwood resident and Metro Cruise fan Gene Billing’s Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)
“The Metro Cruise is kind of neat, it’s a big mix.
“They have classic cars, they have muscle cars, they have old Model T’s.
“Rogers Plaza is just crazy, there are so many people there.
“Where the cars are the stars.”
An estimated 275,000 attendees
Metro Cruise annually attracts more than 15,000 Collector/Sports/Antique cars to the Grand Rapids area, and an estimated 275,000 people to its related events from across North America.
But it gained its popularity from car lovers in West Michigan, such as Billings and DeLaney.
Born in Flint, Billings is a native to the Grand Rapids area.
“His Dad worked for GM Fisher Body over here on 36th and Buchanan,” DeLaney said. “He grew up in the car industry, but didn’t want to work at the factory.”
Billings agreed, his interest leaning toward sprucing up his personal vehicles and racing for his own enjoyment.
“I’ve had all sorts of cars,” Billings said. “Dad was always trading his in every year and I’d get his leftovers.”
Billings lamented that his father never bought anything good enough to race.
“I tried to talk him into it, but he wasn’t interested,” he explained. “Dad had no comprehension on what a performance car was. The first car I got from him was a ’55 Chevy 6-cylinder station wagon. I said, ‘Oh boy, that’s a thrill,’” Billings said with a chuckle.
That was not the case with Billings, however, who would “tweak” his cars with “this and that” since he was a teen, finally settling on his beloved 2011 Chevy Silverado.
Metro Cruise fan Gene Billings with his vast collection of t-shirts. (Cathe DeLaney)
DeLaney said Billings can’t add many more “bells and whistles,” having already increased the truck’s performance and custom features to its maximum capacity.
“Whenever it’s convenient, I go down and run the track,” Billings said of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.
The Motorsports Park is a noted drag-racing strip founded in 1962 that now features a renovated track for modern events.
The Silverado’s best speed was 102 mph in the ¼ mile at the Motorsports Park’s straight track. But DeLaney confessed that she has seen the Silverado reach 150 mph.
Always looking for a race
“He is always looking for someone to race on the highway (mostly Camaros and Mustangs),” DeLaney said. “You don’t expect that much horsepower out of a truck. He’s like a shark.”
In fact, sharks are displayed prominently on Billings’ Silverado. When asked why he chose a shark, Billings replied, “Because it bites.”
“Mustangs are a great target,” Billings said with a grin. “I like to surprise them.”
DeLaney said he loves to come up to the line and be No. 1.
“Most (other drivers) back down at a certain speed, but they have longer to live than he does,” she added with a laugh.
The father-daughter duo still takes a weekly cruise together in the Silverado, alternating driving duties. When asked if they have ever received a ticket for their speed, Billings admitted, “I got pulled over once just outside of Sparta, and the cop was more interested in the truck than in giving a ticket.”
Billings and DeLaney plan to attend the Metro Cruise this year just as they have in years past.
If you’re headed down 44th Street and Breton Road, you just might miss Tasty Gyro Coney Island, which is tucked away in a strip mall behind Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
It’s truly a “hidden gem,” said Emad Shatara, whose father Sami came out of retirement six years ago to open up this eclectic restaurant known for great gyros and coney dogs.
Tasty Gyro Coney Island. (WKTV)
“We’re the hidden place; we even have a sign in the front window that says, ‘This must be the place,’” Shatara said.
Best known as one of the original owners of the popular Pita House in Eastown, which opened in 1999, Emad said his dad was working as an Uber driver after selling his interest to his brother Basel about 12 years ago. (Basel still owns and operates the two remaining Pita House restaurants, Emad said.)
“He got bored, so he opened up this place,” Emad said. “Really, he just wanted to cook again, so here he is, cooking, and doing what he wants to do.”
Tasty Gyro Coney Island owners son and father Emad and Sami Shatara. (WKTV)
And what he wants to do is offer an array of flavors, spices and options to make just about anyone who walks through never leave hungry.
“Just don’t hurt yourself,” said one happy customer walking out the door as father and son sat down with WKTV Journal to talk about the menu.
“Anything you can imagine,” Emad said about the diverse offerings. “Any city, any food. It’s all here. It’s a coney island so we can do whatever we want here.”
An explosion of flavors from all over the world
You will find hot dogs, coney dogs, hamburgers, gyros, traditional Middle Eastern food, and Greek and Mediterranean dishes, too.
Think hummus, Baba Ghanouj and tzatziki sauce.
“Everything is made in house,” he said. “Even the garlic sauce.”
And if it’s not on the menu, “we’ll create whatever you want,” Emad said.
The menu is a mix of traditional and not-so-traditional offerings.
Greek Fries, topped with special Greek dressing and feta cheese, is one of many choices at Tasty Gyro Coney Island. (WKTV)
Along with mouthwatering Greek Fries – French Fries topped with special Greek dressing and feta cheese – you will find other familiar fare such as Chicken or Beef Shawarma (marinated Lebanese style sandwich topped with garlic sauce or hummus and lettuce, tomato, onion and turnips) and Falafel (pita with ground chickpeas mixed with spices and parsley, then deep-fried, with hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion and turnips).
Creativity abounds
But father and son are not afraid to surprise you, too.
Emad said he would recommend two items:
The Tasty Gyro Pita, a blend of seasoned beef and lamb topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and cucumber sauce. (WKTV)
The Tasty Gyro Pita (a blend of seasoned beef and lamb topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and cucumber sauce), and the NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich (seasoned ground beef sautéed with onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and banana peppers on a toasted sub bun). It’s their spinoff of a Philly Cheese Steak.
“It’s the greatest sandwich you will ever have,” Emad said.
And, “if you really want to get crazy,” he said, you have to try their version of Cincinnati-style chili, made popular by the Greek immigrants who started Skyline Chili. They call it Cincinnati Spaghetti.
Cincinnati Spaghetti, one of many dishes offered at the Tasty Gyro Coney Island, located at 2269 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids. (WKTV)
Imagine a generous portion of seasoned ground beef on top of spaghetti, and topped with kidney beans, onions and fine shredded cheddar cheese. When you taste that hint of familiar chocolate flavor you’ll think you’re in Cincinnati.
“You can’t get this anywhere else in Grand Rapids,” Emad said.
As for coney dogs, you’ll find Detroit and Flint style on the menu, as well as traditional Chicago dogs and the New Yorker dog (with chili, sauerkraut, onion, cheddar and mustard). They use Vienna hot dogs in natural casing.
Almost every city covered
“I told you when you come here you go to every city,” said Emad, noting all the styles of coney dogs.
The craziest one may be the Greek Coney. It comes with gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, banana peppers, tomatoes and onions and feta cheese on it, Emad said.
In fact, they also created a Gyro Burger, which they named after a customer, “Yovany.” It is a 1/3 lb. burger topped with gyro slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and tzatziki sauce.
“That thing is a monster,” Emad said.
You could come here every day for six months and try something new each day.
“You got a lot to try,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Tasty Gyro Coney Island
Address: 2269 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Prices: Gyros are about $11, coney dogs (Flint, Detroit and Greek-style) about $4; platters about $16-$18.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Retirement can mean many different things to many people. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend to take, here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.
1. No Age Restriction on When You Can Retire
In the past, most people retired around age 65. However, retiring later in life has become more prevalent in recent years. In fact, there’s no age restriction on when you can retire. As long as you have the financial means to do so, you can retire at any age.
Don’t roll the dice when it comes to retirement, make a plan and review it. (pxhere.com)
2. Retirement Income Can Be Taxable
Depending on your retirement account type, you might have to pay taxes on your retirement income. If you have a traditional IRA, you may owe taxes on the money you withdraw in retirement based on your overall income. If you have a Roth IRA, you won’t owe any taxes on the money you withdraw.
3. You Might Need to Adjust Your Withdrawal Rate
The 65-and-older population is the fastest-growing age group in the United States and has grown by 34.2% over the past decade. The percentage of money you can safely withdraw from your retirement account each year depends on several factors, including the size of your nest egg and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should withdraw no more than 4% of your nest egg each year.
4. Consider Delaying Your Social Security
You’ll receive a reduced benefit if you start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. For example, suppose your full retirement age is 67, and you start collecting benefits at 62. In that case, you’ll receive only 70% of your monthly benefit. If you wait until age 70 to start collecting, you’ll receive 132% of your monthly benefit. The average Social Security retirement benefit is $1,536 per month or about $19,000 per year. The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2020 is $3,345 per month or $39,000 annually.
5. Don’t Forget The Cost Of Nursing Homes.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover the cost of long-term care, such as the cost of a nursing home. Consider purchasing a long-term care insurance policy or set aside funds to cover any future care costs. The average cost of nursing home care in America is expected to be more than $8,000 a month by 2023. However, actual costs will vary from state to state.
6. You Might Have to Downsize Your Home
If you plan on downsizing your home in retirement, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of living in some areas is quite high. For example, the cost of living in Manhattan is more than double the national average. As a result, you might have to downsize your home to a smaller apartment or condo.
7. Consider Working in Retirement
If you don’t have enough saved for retirement, you might need to work during retirement. In fact, about one in four Americans over the age of 65 are still working. Working during retirement can help supplement your income and allow you to stay active.
8. You Might Need to Save More Than You Think
The amount of money you need to save for retirement depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle and how long you expect to live. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least 10 times your annual income saved by retirement. For example, earning $50,000 a year, you should aim to save at least $500,000 by retirement.
Bonus Fact About Retirement: Don’t Forget About Inflation
Inflation will have a significant impact on your retirement savings. For example, if inflation is 3%, the cost of living will be 33% higher after 10 years. As a result, you’ll need to save more money for retirement than you think.
The future points to one conclusion: The 65-and-older age group is expected to become larger and more influential. Have you made arrangements for health care expenses? Are you comfortable with your decisions? Have you considered market volatility? Inflation?
Research shows that the average American has $95,776 saved for retirement, and one in three Americans have no retirement savings. Suppose you don’t have enough saved for retirement. In that case, you should consider working during retirement, downsizing your home, or delaying your Social Security benefits. You should also be aware of the potential costs of nursing care and long-term care. Finally, remember that you might need to adjust your withdrawal rate as you get older. With careful planning, you can ensure a comfortable retirement.
A retirement strategy is not a “set it and forget it” proposition. You should review your strategy annually to ensure you are on track to reach your goals. How have you prepared for retirement? Are you on track to reach your goals? Have you even defined your goals? Take a few minutes and conduct personal evaluation.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
During a recent summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
Former Wyoming resident Nancy appreciated that her neighbors cared enough to come over and tell her that they saw people taking stuff out of her garage while she was at work.
“It turned out to be OK because I had given the charity group permission to do so, but I appreciated knowing that my neighbors were watching out for me,” she said.
Knowing your neighbors and being familiar with your neighborhood is a key component to fighting crime. Neighbors who are aware of each others activities, such as when they work or go on vacation, are able to identify when something or someone looks suspicious.
“It is not only nice to know your neighbors but it gives you a responsible feeling for your community,” said Lt. Brian Look with the Wyoming Public Safety Department. “With that connection to your community, you notice when things are out of place or when someone may need help.”
Getting to know your neighbors and building that connection to community is what National Night Out is all about. Always the first Tuesday in August — this year it is Aug. 2 — the annual event encourages people to “turn their porch lights on” and come out to meet their neighbors.
A rundown of activities
Give me five: A residents gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Several of the Wyoming neighborhoods will have block party events, Look said. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be attending as many as possible Tuesday evening as well as several events that will be be open to the public.
The Department will join the Consumer’s Energy annual kick off event which starts at around 5:30 a.m. at Consumer’s Energy Grand Rapids Service Center Grand Rapids Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Along with Wyoming, departments from Grand Rapids, Walker, and Kentwood will be in attendance. Consumer’s Energy staff will be handing out free energy efficient light bulbs to passersby. At 7:15 a.m., the mayors from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming will present a proclamation to commemorate the day.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will join the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at the RiverTown Celebration! Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Parkway, in the RiverTown Mall. There will be children’s activities and safety information.
From 5 – 7 p.m., officers and firefighters will be at Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW. This event is open to the public and will include food, games and an opportunity to check out the SWAT vehicle, firetruck, police vehicles and meet members of the K-9 unit. Bonus, there is usually a large waterslide as well.
Officers and firefighters will be traveling to other neighborhood parties throughout the city.
Mayor Jack Poll offers a few words about the 2021 National Night Out event and its importance to the community. (WKTV)
Rebuilding after COVID
National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch and is now observed throughout the United States and Canada. The recent COVID pandemic did have a toll on the event as people were not able to host events, however several Kent County police organizations hosted National Night Out parades during that time to remind residents the importance of keeping in touch with each other.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety, which has been participating in National Night Out since the mid-1990s, hosted two public open houses. Due to interest in having neighborhood block parties, the department’s community resource division decided to do a hybrid event this year of open houses and attending neighborhood parties.
“Like many things after COVID, the program fluctuated as we dealt with pandemic,” Look said. “We are in the process of rebuilding.”
Learning about community resources
For the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, the annual event also gives residents the opportunity to meet the officers and learn what resources are available to the the community, Look said.
“It never hurts for community members to get to know who the police officers are out there patrolling your roads and the firemen who are out helping residents,” he said. “Learning more about who is out there in your community can help when there is a need and helps us be able to serve them better.”
For anyone who is hosting a neighborhood party on Aug. 2 and would like fire and police to stop by the event, email Sgt. Dave Hunt at huntd@wyomingmi.gov.
With prices continuing to skyrocket, Michigan residents and business owners search for the reason behind the perpetual inflation, and when it might end.
Global issue as well
Many economists and local business leaders say increasing costs for businesses are the driving force behind rising prices. And that continuing inflation is a concern not only statewide, but nationally and globally as well.
As the world emerges from the emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners and consumers are fighting against ongoing residual effects, namely inflation. Due to supply issues during the pandemic and current labor shortages, prices for everyday goods have skyrocketed, with consumer prices up 9.1 percent over year end June 2022. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Exercise patience
Despite the economic concern, Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, advises community members to, “Temper your decisions…exercise patience. It’s not as bad as they make it seem…and it’s not as good as some people think it may be.”
Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy)
In regard to business owners, “The biggest impact right now that businesses need to be aware of, the key is, preparation,” said Morgan to WKTV. Most small businesses are not prepared for crises such as a pandemic. “A business is going to typically have a 6-month runway (also known as a reserve) if they are in a good position…some may have 12 months. Very few are going to have 24 months.”
With the pandemic lasting longer than businesses anticipated, several owners found themselves floundering.
“What a lot of people are experiencing,” continued Morgan, “is that they are having to pivot. They are forced to reevaluate their paradigm. The businesses that have done well are the ones that are finding ways to provide different services or provide different products…and finding avenues to be more efficient.”
Government help available
Morgan also revealed that government help is available for businesses, but that many organizations are hesitant to take advantage of different funds that are available, such as ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, due to not having information about those advantages.
Local Chamber of Commerce networks offer professional advisors and relationships business owners can take advantage of, and that can help them understand that information so they can make better decisions.
Some aspects of the inflation crisis, however, cannot be avoided.
Labor shortages
Labor shortages have had a large bearing on inflation. With fewer workers available for businesses to draw on, they are finding the need to offer incentives, such as higher pay rates and benefits. Something that will make a “significant difference” in employer expenses, Morgan said.
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place. (Courtesy)
Tim Mroz, senior vice president of Community Development for The Right Place, agrees that one of the prevailing struggles is “the ability for employers to stay competitive with wages, and employees to keep up with the cost of living.”
Offering such incentives, however, increases cost to the employer. “Companies just can’t eat that total cost,” Morgan said. “So that cost has to be passed on to the consumer who is buying your service or product.”
The company that offers that service or product now must raise that rate to be able to account for the additional cost to their business. Add in meeting profit margins and expectations from investors, and that cost increases exponentially.
Supply chain issues
Supply chain issues are also a large factor of inflation.
“The good news is that we are seeing progress,” Mroz continued. “I think we’ve gotten beyond the emergency situation we were in a year ago during COVID. The supply chain issues we’re seeing today are a little more targeted at certain materials.”
Those manufacturers who are still experiencing supply issues, however, are now finding the problem compounded by rising prices when they can acquire those materials.
“Steel prices are still a challenge, both for construction steel and coiled steel.” At local steel manufacturers, Mroz said, “There is very little inventory. What they do have they are moving as fast as possible.
“Since 2020 to current quarter, construction prices have just about doubled. If it’s not under control soon, we’re going to start seeing pullbacks in the construction and development industry. That’s concerning because we need housing.”
Jason Parsons, senior construction project manager for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, told WKTV that “All of the materials I have delivered to site, they are all adding a fuel surcharge onto the bill, which didn’t used to be there. We are getting regular cost increases on windows, siding, roofing.”
Parsons says it is not any one thing causing the increase.
“I think it’s the supply chain problems, it’s the delivery chain and trucking costs, manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping enough labor. They aren’t producing as much as they were, so they are charging more for what they are producing.”
Compounding the problems brought on by a lack in available materials is a shortage of truck drivers. That shortage has cost site workers delays as they wait for materials to be delivered.
“It’s a synergistic type of system that one thing doesn’t just affect one other piece,” Morgan explained. “One thing can affect 17 other pieces down the road, and they all work together.”
A social aspect also comes into play due to a growing mentality that there is no better time to raise rates because people are expecting it. Morgan mentioned the current gas market, observing that prices are unlikely to decrease back to yesterday’s normal, even if cost improves for the buyer because “(consumers) are used to paying it, and willing to pay it, and are paying it,” thus increasing the buyer’s profit margin.
These thoughts are supported by a current podcast, Trend Talks with ITR Economics, specifically episodes from “The Consumer, Interest Rates, and Gas Prices” with Alan Beaulieu, March 18, 2022, and “Pricing at the Peak” with Connor Lokar, January 14, 2022.
Over the 12 months ended June 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 9.1 percent. The 9.1-percent increase in the all items index was the largest 12-month increase since the 12-month period ending November 1981. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Will consumers see a decrease in prices?
Morgan says yes, but it will take time.
“Inflation will decrease due to what the market can bear,” he explained. “Prices are based off of what people will buy.”
Parsons agreed.
“It’s all supply and demand. If supply increases and demand goes down, the prices will come down. They have to.”
Federal Reserve taking action
The Federal Reserve has already taken action by purposely increasing their rates.
“The Federal Reserve has the most impact on the value of a dollar,” Morgan said. “They can change the numbers, which will tighten up the financial market and the base has to follow suit. If they (Federal Reserve) tighten up the economy, and people aren’t able to go out and get as many loans, they can’t do as many things, then that will typically drive the prices back down because you have a surplus in the market.”
No easy fix
Even so, Morgan believes it will be a minimum of a year to bring the economy back down from inflation, with economists saying it could be as long as 18 to 24 months. But Morgan cautions that a lot can happen in 24 months, and to “temper your plans and expectations. There is really no easy fix.”
Both Morgan and Mroz agree that Michigan is not alone in its struggles.
A global problem
“This isn’t a Michigan-specific issue,” Mroz said. “It’s a national issue, I would argue that it’s even an international issue. Everybody is dealing with this right now, with global finance as connected as it is.”
Close to retirement?
When asked how the average consumer can prepare or help themselves right now, Morgan said each individual and family situation is different and dependent upon their needs but did suggest that those close to retirement pull their money from the market now and put that money in a savings account with very low risk.
“Economists are saying that, unless you have a 2-year runway where you can stay in the market without making any change, you need to get your money in a place where you’re not going to earn much interest, but at least you’re not going to lose much either, because the markets have trended downward,” Morgan said.
Despite the difficulties many individuals and business owners face, Morgan offers hope.
“We are not in an economy where we don’t have money,” Morgan explained. “We are experiencing inflation and it’s a concern, but it’s not such a concern to the extent that we are going to change our buying habits or change our lifestyle.”
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer (right) stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim (left), which airs toward the end of August. (WKTV)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
For more than 30 years, WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer has woken up West Michigan with her early morning weather forecasts.
In addition to her Storm Team 8 predictions, DeBoer also has co-hosted eightWest, a show that informs and entertains its viewers.
“I’m often one of the first faces many people in West Michigan see every morning,” said DeBoer, who’s also the meteorologist for many of West Michigan’s most popular radio stations. “I love having a challenging job; forecasting the weather in a complicated part of the country, and helping people relate the weather conditions to the lives of our viewers and listeners.”
Recording at WKTV
DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book (published in 2021) on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, which airs toward the end of August. Keim has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.
Keim said the purpose of her WKTV program is to “introduce West Michigan to all the businesses, nonprofits, individuals that can help us thrive in our lives.
“I’m a cheerleader for West Michigan. I like to promote events, individuals, and talk about what’s new like Terri’s book. There are some wonderful people that live in our community in West Michigan.”
DeBoer said she wrote “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” in 2020 during the pandemic after decades of interest.
An emotional time
“For about 40 years I wanted to write a book and I wasn’t sure what to write about and when I made the transition into the empty nest it really hit hard,” DeBoer explained. “I wasn’t expecting to feel so sad and for things to feel so empty and so I reached out to someone and thought maybe I should write a book about that.
“One thing led to another and I wrote the book as the pandemic shut everything down.”
How did she do it with her busy schedule as a TV personality and mom?
What, turn off the TV?
“I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said grinning. “I turn off the TV. It’s amazing how much time we would find to do the things we say we really want to do if we just turn the television off and get started.”
“The book is 50 short chapters broken into multiple categories, highlighting the past, present and future of the life cycle of a parent. There’s a section on your physical health, mental health, your relationship with your adult kids, your friendships, and your faith is a big part of the book.”
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book titled “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” (Courtesy)
Millions of empty nesters
According to recent US Census information, there are approximately 22.5 million empty nest households in the United States.
DeBoer said it’s an emotional time and the overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and emptiness can be common.
The book outlines her strategies for weathering the often stormy transition to an empty nest. DeBoer helps readers find hope, peace, comfort and joy in this next stage of life.
Ginger Zee endorsement
Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News, said the book is “a blast of sunshine full of wisdom, wit and inspiration for every stage of life.”
After the first round of edits, there was one chapter the editor felt needed to be taken out. The one about her relationship with her husband, Bill.
Enter her four-legged friend
She joked about replacing Bill’s chapter in the book with her daughter Jenn’s adopted dog, Hank, which was really due to not oversimplifying spousal relationships, which are unique from person to person.
DeBoer said her editor felt the chapter about her relationship with her husband isn’t as simple as she made it to be.
“People’s relationships are complicated,” she and her editor determined. “Some people are married, some aren’t, some are divorced, widowed or in unhappy marriages. It’s not that simple.”
She admitted she wasn’t ever a pet person until Hank came along, and the answer was always “no” when her three kids asked for a dog.
The Great Dane/mastiff-Lab mix, that she now calls her grand dog, however, has swayed her opinion. She now touts the great health benefits of having a dog and how they can expand your social circle at the dog parks, and recommends a pet for empty nesters.
She admits, however, that she can enjoy Hank as much as she wants, and “when he needs to go potty in the middle of the night, it’s Jenn who gets to take him out.”
She said she has been “blessed” along the way to have raised three wonderful children, “who are all hard-working followers of our incredible God; combining their talents with their ever-deepening faith.
“They are all fun-loving and kind individuals; who are making strides through making the world a better place.”
With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.
The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)
“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.
Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.
Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
City of Wyoming
City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.
For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.
VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.
“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.
The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots.
City of Kentwood
If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.
Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.
More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.
Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.
Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.
14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)
14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received
1,167,369
588,909
Number of Ballots Issued
1,163,659
589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned
398,756
260,017
The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.
*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The current owners of The Pines Golf Course plan to operate the facility through the 2023 golfing season. (WKTV)
Impressed overall with a proposed development for The Pine Golf Course, the Wyoming Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning the site.
Illinois-based developer Redhawk Multifamily and Indiana-based Domo Development had requested a rezoning of 114.52 acres at the addresses of 2180 52nd St.SW and 5050 Byron Center Ave. SW, which is the current Pines Golf Course. The sites are currently R-1 for single family homes with the proposed zoning being a planned united development (PUD-4) for mixed use of residential and commercial.
“The Pines are a near and dear place to me,” said Planning Commissioner Robert Arnoys. “My parents built their house in ‘77. We lived by the fifth hole. Mike kicked me off the golf course many times on Sundays and various times, so I have a lot of sentimental and valuable memories related to the golf course.
“But it is going to be developed…Again, it pains me for the change but I do feel that this is something that we’ve talked about, best use, and the way this is laid out it is very well done.”
The Pines project
“A master plan, as developers, gives us guidance to the goals of Wyoming,” said Redhawk Multifamily representative Mark Avis. “We came here to design something that specifically matches almost word for word what is in the master plan.”
The proposed The Pines development is located northeast of the intersection of Byron Center Avenue and 52nd Street. (Supplied)
The project, named “The Pines” after the golf course, is proposed to be a mixed-use development that includes residential and commercial uses. The proposal calls for 604 units, which comes out to be about 5.27 dwelling units per acre. The residential proportion will be a mix of for sale and for rent units and includes a variety of housing types such as low-density like duplexes and lofts and medium density such as story apartment buildings and townhomes.
The site would include 22,000 square feet of office space, which would mostly be located off of 52nd Street and 7,500 square feet of commercial/retail, which would be off of Byron Center Avenue.
The Pines project also includes a 13-acre dog park that would be open to all Wyoming residents, sports courts for pickleball and bocce ball, fitness center, two clubhouses and two swimming pools.
Avis said when the company considers a property for development it is a process. It starts by meeting with the current owners and learning their vision and then identifying the natural features of the property including the trees, wetlands, natural grades and wildlife habitats.
The company also studied the city’s master plan, met with residents and staff and through that process felt it had developed a better plan than what the company had originally envisioned.
Planning Commission’s recommendation
Noting how well the plan was laid out and overall impressed with the design, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the plan to the Wyoming City Council.
For a PUD rezoning, the Wyoming City Council will have two readings before voting on the rezoning. The rezoning is expected to be introduced at the Council’s Aug. 1 meeting which is at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
If the zoning is approved, the Wyoming Planning Commission would need to review and approve the project’s final site plan.
Residents at meeting were opposed
Redhawk presented about 15 pages from residents about the project including 100 positive reviews along with letters of sport from Grandville Superintendent Roger Bearup and Walker Mayor Gary L. Carey Jr. Redhawk is working on converting the former English Hills and the Lincoln golf courses in Walker to a planned unit development similar to the one proposed for The Pines Golf Course.
About a dozen residents voiced their concerns about the project citing increased traffic, not wanting rental housing, and a strong desire to keep the zoning residential for single family homes.
“I want you to keep in mind that apartments are one component of this,” said Planning Commissioner Barbara VanDuren. “There are for sale condos. There are duplexes and townhouses and it is hard because we all come from an era where we were born and raised and wanted that single family home. Things are changing. These apartments are not low income apartments.
“I think if you give it an opportunity and take a look at it and when it happens, I don’t think it will be as bad as you are perceiving.”
Addressing the public concerns
City of Wyoming’s Planning Director Nicole Hofert noted in her presentation that a traffic study showed that Byron Center and 52nd Street would be able to absorb the projected growth through minor traffic improvements such as timing adjustments. She also noted that there would need to be further evaluation of the traffic flow to ensure efficient egress of the site and minimal impact to surrounding roadways.
As for the crime, Hofert reiterated what she said for the rezoning of the 12 acres at the corner of Byron Center and 52nd Street that statistically, where there are more people, there is more crime and it is not related to the type of housing in the area.
The Pines site will have 604 dwelling units with 7,500 square feet of commercial/retail along Byron Center Avenue and 22,000 square feet of office space along 52nd Street. (Supplied)
Meets the requirements
According to staff, the property met many of the city requirements including location, size, housing variety, units and residential density. It was noted by staff that a PUD of the size of The Pines could go up to 15 dwellings per acre, but the developer is only asking for about a third of that at 5.27 dwellings per acre totaling 604.
The city’s [re]imagine master plan calls for the parcels to be used as suburban residential and should be directed suburban residential growth primarily as planned unit developments that include higher density options, green space, and pedestrian infrastructure. In defining suburban residential, the master plan says that higher-density residential should be prioritized near major roadways such as Byron Center Avenue and 52nd Street and near neighborhood commercial centers.
The master plan considered the Pines Golf Course an opportunity site that should be considered for mixed use with commercial fronting the street and medium density housing in the interior, which the plan proposes.
Green space, mixed housing and parking
The project also includes a public benefit such as preserving the features and tree canopies of the existing golf course where possible as well as preserving the natural wetlands on the property.
Only 22.9 acres, which is 20 percent of the development, are required for open space with the proposed project providing 29.7 acres which includes an open park in the development’s central core, the 13-acre dog park and trail connections to the nature preserve that abuts the northern-eastern portion of the site. The trails provide connection to the George P. Tilma Preserve and the Kent Trails.
It also addresses the need of middle housing such as townhomes, duplexes and fourplexes and apartments in the Wyoming area as per the Housing Choice and Housing Needs Assessment. The developers also met residents requests to have four-sale property available as well.
Staff did have a concern about parking. Through an agreement with the developer, parking will be 1.72 per unit which is slightly higher than the 1.5 maximum allowed for the PUD.
Property owners looking to sell
The Pines opened in 1967. It is the third golf course in the Grand Rapids area to be sold for redevelopment since 2020.
In January of this year, Ron Zandbergen, president of the Pines Golf Course, sent out a letter to its neighbors announcing that the owners had entered into a purchase agreement for the Pines Golf Course with RedHawk Multifamily.
Zandbergan said the family had followed the Wyoming [re]imagined master plan discussions and noted that the Pines Golf Course was designated to be a high density multifamily. Since the family is looking to retire, they began to look at other developments in the area.
“…last year we became extremely intrigued with the multifamily development of the English Hills Golf Course in Walker, which was being sold by long-time owners like ourselves. We really liked the developer’s plan which preserved a vast majority of the land,” Zandbergen wrote in the letter. “For us, it was very important to have a developer that would enhance the neighborhood and follow Wyoming’s Master Plan.”
The owners plan to operate the golf course through the 2023 golf season with the development starting after that. The Pines development is scheduled to open in 2025.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.
A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties will be thrown out.
All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.
Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.
80th State House of Representatives
For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.
Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.
Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.
82nd District State House of Representatives
For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.
Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.
Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.
Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.
Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.
Republican candidates
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.
William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.
Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.
Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores.
John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.
Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.
29th State Senate
The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.
“He’s always wanted to give back to the community,” said Bobbie McLaughlin, brother of the area’s biggest basketball star who set records in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s at Creston High School and Central Michigan University.
Nothing but net
Considered the best high school basketball player in Grand Rapids history, Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin averaged 33 points a game his junior and senior seasons at Creston High School in the late 1970s and then went on to score more than 2,000 career points at Central Michigan University. He is a member of the Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2005 was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.
The camp has been shut down since 2019 because of Covid, and, with “all the crazy things going on for kids in the inner city,” organizers wanted to offer a chance to offer something at no cost.
“Everywhere he goes, the kids are asking about the camp,” said Bobbie, who attended Grand Rapids South High School back in the day. “They’re really thirsty. So we put our heads together and said, ‘Let’s give them a free camp.’ Let’s show them some love.”
Campers practice their skills at the Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin Basketball All-Star Camp at East Kentwood. (Courtesy)
A fundraising campaign is going on right now to help the McLaughlins raise money to make it happen. The goal through the social media platform Vertical Raise is $10,000. They are more than halfway there, he said, as local businesses such as Brann’s Restaurants have contributed, as well as individuals.
The three-day camp is for boys and girls grades 5-12.
Hours are 8-11:30 a.m. for grades 5-8, and from 1-4 p.m. for grades 9-12 from Aug. 2-4.
“All the area kids, inner city kids, just come out and have a good time… We’re just looking for people to help make this happen,” Bobbie McLaughlin said.
Guest speakers
Along with learning basketball skills with drills and instruction, Bobbie McLaughlin said camp organizers are arranging guest speakers to help educate and motivate the kids to learn more than just basketball.
“(Mel) said we need to show some positive love for the kids. Everything’s been a little crazy, not just in Grand Rapids, but all over. We just said, ‘What can we do to help these kids out?’”
The camp has been a staple of summers in Grand Rapids for about 25 years. It originally took place at Ottawa Hills High School, but moved to East Kentwood in 2018 when attendance swelled to more than 200 campers, said Bobbie McLaughlin, who lives in California but looks forward to returning to see old friends and relatives. (He was a pretty good baseball player back in the day.)
Some notable campers
The camp has produced some notable players over the years, including Kobe Bufkin (Michigan), Marcus Bingham (Michigan State University) and Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, Memphis Grizzlies), just to name a few.
“We know it’s working, we know these kids are learning and having fun,” McLaughlin said.
“We’re so proud of them. A lot of the parents come up to us after the last day of camp and say, ‘Where are you gonna be next week? This is such a good thing for these kids.’”
McLaughlin said he is in the middle of finalizing a gift bag each player will receive during the camp, which includes a T-shirt, wristband, hat and hopefully a book, which was written about his brother’s life.
Check out “Sweet Shot”
“Sweet Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin ‘Sugar’ McLaughlin,” which was released in 2021, looks at the player’s life on and off the court, from his early childhood in Ann Arbor to today.
“Sweet Shot,” a book about local basketball star Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin, was released in 2021. (Courtesy)
Author Vernon E. Wendt — a theology professor at Concordia University-Chicago, ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and East Grand Rapids native, is expected to be in attendance at the camp, Bobbie McLaughlin said.
“It’s a really cool book,” McLaughlin said. “We want to make an impact.”
In addition, players can compete in contests for trophies, he said. And camp organizers will present sportsmanship and MVP awards.
It’s all about spreading joy, and a message, he said.
“We teach them, sports is like life…you have to learn to play together, to work together, to be a team. Take that home. Spread it. That’s our concept.”
And don’t be surprised to see Sugar put his skills on display.
He still “balls,” his brother said. “He’s always doing something for kids.”
“Come and join us for this very beautiful and positive experience,” Sugar McLaughlin said. “This is something that is true to my heart and very special to me.”
Learn more about the camp by calling 616-222-6126.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Earlier in the summer, the splash pad equipment was delivered to Gezon Park. (Supplied)
If you follow the tweets of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebeca Rynbrandt, you know excitement is building for Gezon Park.
When construction started on the park, Rynbrandt noted that the opening of the park increases the city’s ability to provide equitable recreation and leisure services to one of its more populate areas. That reality comes true on Aug. 27 when the park will have a grand opening.
The redevelopment of Gezon Park is also one of the 2022 highlighted accomplishments of the Parks and Recreation Department, which Rynbrandt oversees, as the city marks National Parks and Recreation Month. Always in July, the month is designed to bring attention to how important parks and recreation are to a community.
The importance of parks
In fact, according to the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2022 The Economic Impact of Local Parks Report, local public park and recreation agencies in the United states generate nearly $218 million in economic activity and supported almost 1.3 million jobs that boosted labor income by more than $68 billion from their operations and capital spending in 2019.
In the city’s proclamation read by Mayor Jack Poll at the July 5 Wyoming City Council meeting, it was noted that the “park and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who visit parks increasing personal well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer’s.”
The proclamation also notes how the park and recreation proves physical activities such as softball, baseball, biking, walking, hiking trails, playgrounds, and fitness trails along with the Wyoming Senior Center and the after school program TEAM 21. It also noted that “parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of local tax base, the attraction and retention of businesses and crime reduction.”
Lamar Park was one of four to receive new playground equipment this year. (Supplied)
What Wyoming offers
The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department oversees 21 parks that contain almost 700 acres of property and a diverse array of recreational amenities, natural settings, wildlife, and plant life. In its 2021 Annual report, it was noted that about $575 million were directed toward the parks with almost half of the money, about $3 million, toward facilities, capital improvements, and maintenance.
Rynbrandt has noted in the past that parks are in a state of maintenance and repair with her team working to keep those parks in top-top shape for residents. In fact this year, four of the city parks, Pinery, Hillcroft, Frog Hollow and Lamar park, all received new playground equipment.
There is also the challenge of meeting the evolving interests of residents which is reflected in the decision by the Parks and Recreation Commission to allow dogs at all parks. In 1998, the city had made Pinery Park a dog-free park. In the spring, the commission, with the support of residents, decided to end that policy.
Expanding special events
Residents also have wanted more special events that engage the community with the Parks Department has heard that call adding a number of special events.
Wrapping up next week will be the Concerts at the Park at Lamar Park. Performing on Aug. 2 is Latin soul group Grupo Latin.
But the park events have expanded beyond the popular concert series, which have included a summer market and Chalk the Park at Pinery Park earlier this month, the upcoming Aug. 20 Food Truck Rally (from 11 a.m to 5 p.m.) and the Oct. 8 Trick of Treat Trail at Lamar Park.
“Each day, our team worked hard, smart, and more innovatively to deliver programs and services to the residents of the Wyoming community,” said Rynbrandt in the 2021 Park and Recreation Commission Annual Report. “From reopening parks to honoring veterans in annual celebrations, helping seniors with meals and everyday necessities, and keeping Wyoming youth active and engaged through virtual programs an academic achievement, our parks and recreation team strives to bring the community together.”
The courts were booming at Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s pickleball tournament held last Saturday at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE (Zack Fanko)
Zach Fanko WKTV Contributing Writer
If you’re out taking a stroll in one of the many parks in West Michigan, you may notice a distinct popping noise, and it’s probably not the wildlife in your area.
More than likely, it’s the sound of the pickleball craze that has hit the United States within the past few years.
That noise is a small paddle hitting a yellow, plastic ball with holes in it, similar to a wiffle ball, and the sport has taken over many recreation parks throughout the area, including Kentwood’s Old Farm Park (2350 Embro Dr.)
Founded in 1965
Pickleball, described as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, had its humble beginnings in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash.
Fastest-growing sport
Now with more than 4.8 million players nationwide, and a growth of nearly 40 percent the last couple years, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for two years running, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
One of the reasons for its growth is its ease to learn and play for beginners, according to Larry Keefe, who helps run Kentwood’s tournaments and also is an ambassador to the United States Pickleball Association.
“Anyone could show up to the court and even without any experience could pick it up relatively quickly,” said Keefe, Kentwood’s main pickleball instructor who helped kickstart the program. “Most players are always willing to lend a hand when it comes to rules and tips on how to play.”
Keefe said the growth in the sport locally has led to many pickleball courts being overrun with participants.
Pickleball was the nation’s fastest growing sport in America two years running, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. (Zach Fanko)
“You could go to any park during the weekend here and you will find many players waiting to use the courts,” Keefe said. “Quite frankly, there is a need for more courts. It is that popular in the area.”
Youth growth during pandemic
Coincidentally, the pickleball program saw an increase in participation among the younger demographic during the Covid-19 pandemic as these individuals were seeking recreational activities to do outside.
“When we couldn’t go to restaurants or movie theaters I think young people gravitated toward the sport,” Keefe explained. “It really is more of a social sport at its core.”
Growth was the fastest among players under 24 years of age from 2020-2021 at 21 percent.
Kentwood’s pickleball program, which includes singles and doubles, began about four years ago, according to Shelby Henshaw, a recreation program coordinator.
“We have our beginner and intermediate lessons, as well as our monthly tournaments during the summer,” said Henshaw, who’s added three more instructors because of growth. “It is mostly adults and seniors, but we have seen an uptick in youth participation as well.”
With an official pickleball court measuring 20-feet wide by 44-feet long, one-third the size of a tennis court, the sport focuses more on agility and balance. This combined with other rules makes the game very inclusive.
Fun for all ages
“It’s a very good sport for people of all ages,” Henshaw said. “It is highly competitive, but you don’t need elite athleticism necessarily to excel at pickleball.”
While others were just enjoying a nice summer day at Old Farm Park last Saturday, Julian (28) and Murali (43) were one of the teams participating in the Kentwood tournament.
“I first started playing down in Florida while staying at my grandma’s condo,” Julian said. “After that I started playing here and Belknap. It’s amazing to see how many people have started playing recently and all the new courts that have been built.”
Murali said the environment sold him on the game.
“The social aspect of meeting all kinds of different people,” he explained. “It really is like our own community.”
Beer City Open: $90,000 in prize money
For some players, the Kentwood tournament on July 16 served as a warmup for the Beer City Open, one of the largest USPA-sanctioned events in the Midwest. When registration opened for the event, more than 900 participants signed up within 10 minutes.
Hosted by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, the Beer City Open runs from July 20-24 at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids and features $90,000 in total prize money.
Wyoming Potter’s House Christian’s Lezawe Osterink (left) was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at last spring’s Division 4 track and field finals, and was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall. The boys team placed third at the track and field finals and 12th in cross country. (Courtesy of MHSAA)
Participation in Michigan High School Athletic Association sports rebounded tremendously during the 2021-22 school year, despite a slight decline in enrollment among the MHSAA’s 750-member high schools.
Big decline during COVID-19
The onset of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020 was followed by a significant decline in participation in sports during 2020-21. However, participation for the most recent school year concluding last spring saw an increase of 6.6 percent from 2020-21 to a total of 260,542 participants across the 28 sports for which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments – even as statewide enrollment fell nearly 1 percent to 440,728 students this past school year.
Girls participation increased 6.8 percent to 109,128 athletes, while boys participation was up 6.5 percent at 151,414. The overall MHSAA participation totals count students once for each sport in which they participate, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once.
“We’re excited to see participation beginning to rebound, and in a big way in a number of sports,” said Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA communications director. “Something reaffirmed during the months of COVID-19 shutdowns and delays was the value of sports in our school communities, and we expect those participation numbers to continue to rise as more families feel comfortable and we continue to learn more and more about best practices for living and competing while the coronavirus remains with us.
“Something else to consider is how our participation has begun to bounce back even as enrollment in our member schools has continued to decline slightly. Michigan generally ranks higher in participation nationally than for student-aged population, and while we may not be at our pre-COVID levels yet, we do anticipate our numbers to keep growing during 2022-23.”
The Forest Hills Northern girls tennis team won the Division 2 state championship last spring. (Courtesy of MHSAA)
Track and field, boys skiing lead way
A total of 23 sports saw increases in participation during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Ten sports saw double-digit percentage increases, led by boys track & field (27.2 percent to 22,120 participants), girls track and field (22.4 percent to 15,594 participants), and boys skiing (22.4 percent to 1,001 participants).
Wrestling (17.1 percent) and boys bowling (16.2 percent) also saw double-digit increases, along with girls tennis (11.4 tennis), girls bowling (11.2 percent), girls competitive cheer (10.6 percent), boys golf (10.5 percent) and girls lacrosse (10 percent).
Girls boost wrestling numbers
Wrestling’s major boost came in part because of a nearly 300-percent increase in girls participants with 620 taking the mat for the first season of the MHSAA offering a girls championship division at its Individual Wrestling Finals.
Also enjoying increases in participation during 2021-22 from the previous year were girls golf (8.1 percent), girls skiing (7.6 percent), boys basketball (6.4 percent), girls soccer (6.3 percent), boys swimming and diving (6.1 percent), boys lacrosse (5.8 percent), softball (3.6 percent), girls basketball (3.1 percent), baseball (3 percent), boys tennis (2.8 percent), football (2.4 percent), girls volleyball (2 percent) and girls swimming and diving (1.2 percent).
Decreased participation
Five sports saw decreased participation in 2021-22, including boys soccer (0.21 percent with 28 fewer participants), girls cross country (1.4 percent), boys ice hockey (1.2 percent), boys cross country (3.9 percent) and girls gymnastics (4.6 percent).
Football highest participation
Football, with a combined 33,284 participants over the 11- and 8-player formats, remained the most-played sport during the 2021-22 school year. Boys track and field (22,120) and boys basketball (20,017) were next for total participants, followed by girls volleyball (18,798), the most popular girls sport, baseball (16,528) and girls track and field (15,594).
Golf and skiing enjoy high participation
While the majority of sports are still building back to their pre-COVID participation totals, golf and skiing posted some of their highest totals in some time. Boys golf (6,829) had its most participants since 2012-13, and girls golf (3,875) its highest total since 2003-04. The boys skiing total (1,001) was its highest since 2002-03, and the girls skiing total this past season (837) was the highest for that sport since 1998-99.
The participation figures are gathered annually from MHSAA member schools to submit to the National Federation of State High School Associations for compiling of its national participation survey. Results of Michigan surveys from the 2000-01 school year to present may be viewed on the MHSAA Website
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Pinery Park will be the place to be this Saturday as there will be several activities including the city’s second summer market, the Chalk the Park event, and an opportunity to engage in the city’s branding project.
The city’s second summer market is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW.
“The first event went really well,” said Brianna Peña, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming. “At this event we will be having yard games, live music, engagement opportunities with our branding team and then the Chalk the Park will be going on as well.
“It will be just a great time for family and community to come out.”
The City of Wyoming is planning four summer markets this year, one in each month from June through September. At each of the markets there will be food trucks and artisan vendors offering an array of items such as handmade clothing, jewelry, keychains, and art.
The Saturday’s market has been coupled with an opportunity to meet with the city’s branding team, CivicBrand. For the past couple of months, CivicBrand has been meeting with residents, business leaders, and city officials to develop a community-wide brand that supports and elevates all city organizations, entities, businesses and residents.
“This is an opportunity for residents to share what they like to see in the city, what their thoughts are about the city, and how they see the city in the future,” Peña said.
While first there is a visual component, the branding project goes beyond just a logo design. Equally important is brand messaging, economic development strategies, how residents experience the brand in the environment and more. The goal is to capture the true identity that exists in the City of Wyoming and develop a brand platform and tools to help tell that story.
As a result, the key component in this process is engagement. The CivicBrand team has spent this week meeting with area residents and is cultivating its activities at the Summer Market to connect with residents, visitors and others to discuss such questions as:
What does Wyoming have to offer visitors?
What are the issues facing Wyoming in the next few years?
How do residents feel about living there?
What three words would you use to describe Wyoming?
Residents also can engage in the branding process at wearewyomingmi.com. At the site, community members may share thoughts through an online survey and/or recording a video responding to three questions.
Chalk the Walk
In addition to the market, from Friday through Sunday will be the Chalk the Park event at Pinery Park. Families and individuals are encouraged to come out and create masterpieces one the park walkways.
For those who sign up, supplies will be provided. To sign up, click here.
Future events
Additionally, the city will be hosting two more Summer Markets. Those markets are:
Aug 19, 3-7 p.m., 28 West Parking lot, 1345 28 West Place, (near the former Lindo restaurant)
Sept. 16, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Kalene McElveen has put a new twist on the neighborhood ice cream shop concept.
Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW in Wyoming, opened Memorial Day weekend at a site that has long served sweet treats to neighbors in the summertime. Most recently, it was home to Debbie’s Twist and Shake.
But at McElveen’s new shop, the products are all vegan and “Top 8 Free,” meaning there are no allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, tree nuts, or peanuts in her products. She also steers clear of refined sugars in her treats, opting for natural sweeteners instead. A binder on site lists all the ingredients in each item on the menu.
Families from far and near have been coming to the shop to give their kids with food allergies a true ice cream shop experience.
“The need is greater than I had anticipated,” McElveen said. “People from Muskegon, Holland, and all across the lakeshore are traveling to come to this shop. For parents who have children who aren’t able to do ice cream shops because of cross-contamination issues, this is the very first time their kids can get anything they want off the menu, and everyone can eat together.”
A place to build her business
Although the ice cream shop is new, McElveen has been in business since 2020 creating her Tastefull Vegan desserts. She started out selling freeze pops at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids. After attending a Black Entrepreneurs Expo at Woodland Mall, she gained additional outlets to sell her products, including Harvest Health Food stores, the Bridge Street Market and Forest Hills Foods.
McElveen was creating her desserts out of a kitchen at the Downtown Market when she saw that the ice cream shop in her neighborhood was for sale.
“I thought it would be nice to be able to make my product right around the corner from our house. Knowing I could also own an ice cream shop in the neighborhood where I live was a double bonus,” she said.
Since the location had always been home to a typical dairy ice cream shop, she worried that neighbors wouldn’t be interested in vegan offerings. But that hasn’t been the case.
A historic spot
According to information provided by the Wyoming History Room, the tradition of serving ice cream from the 2265 Porter St. SW site goes back 50 years.
The Viking Cone Shop was at the Porter location from 1972-1974. (Wyoming Historical Room)
Although it hasn’t continuously served ice cream since then, the bulk of the last 50 years have been devoted to desserts of one kind or another.
The Viking Cone Shop operated at the site from 1972 to 1974, after which the building was vacant until 1976, when Jake’s Donuts moved in.
The building was again vacant in the late 1970s until the Duthler Insurance Company moved in and stayed until the mid 1980s. In 1986, Porter Junction Ice Cream operated there, and in 1990 it became Bill’s Kreamy Cone. In 2008, Porter Street Ice Cream was in operation at the site. Before being purchased recently by Kalene McElveen for her Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts shop, Debbie’s Twist and Shake was in the building.
The current building went up in 1928. The first business in it was Wilson & Chalmers real estate and if you on the north side of the building, you can see the original marker for the 1928 business.
Prior to that, a wooden structure had stood at the site since 1911, serving as both an office and an interurban railroad stop. The building once faced the interurban tracks on the north, but was spun around to face west in 1922.
Response has been positive
The shop is open three evenings a week – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. – and in one month, she went through a box of 800 of the spoons she uses for flurries, one of the most popular items on the menu.
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Although people have been asking her to open up every day, she said she’s still learning every weekend, and wants to make sure she can adequately provide enough products before taking that step.
“I don’t want to overcommit myself and underdeliver,” she said.
McElveen said she and her family moved to Wyoming in 2013, and the shop she now owns is the one she took her kids to when they first moved to the neighborhood.
“It’s been kind of nice to be a part of keeping it going,” she said.
Being part of the community
McElveen serves on Wyoming’s Community Development Committee, and she’s proud to bring a business to the city that is the first of its kind in Michigan – a minority woman-owned vegan, allergy-free ice cream shop.
“I enjoy helping make decisions about different events and different organizations that help the city of Wyoming, and now I feel like I’m one of them. And that’s a good feeling,” she said.
West Nile virus has been detected in a recent mosquito trapping by the Kent County Health Department. (CDC.gov)
The recent news that West Nile virus has been detected in Kent County reminds everyone the importance of preventing mosquito bites.
The Kent county Health Departments (KCHD) Mosquito Surveillance Team has detected West Nile virus in mosquitos. This part of the ongoing tracking that takes place through the country every summer. The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 zip code, which is in Wyoming.
“The discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” said KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”
The Mosquito Surveillance Team traps large amounts of mosquitoes in various locations in Kent County. The team then collects the pools of mosquitoes and begins the process of testing the insects for presence of West Nile virus. The information the team gathers is shared with the municipalities where West Nile virus is found. Those agencies can then use that information to inform that mosquito mitigation strategies.
Tips for keeping safe
There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus so the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:
Cover exposed skin when able
Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)
Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors
Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.
Repair missing, damaged or improperly installed screens.
Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile virus notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue. Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About one in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous systems can be permanent. In race instances, the disease can lead to death.
According to a 20 year review of the West Niles virus (it was discovered in the United States in 1999), a total of 51,702 cases of WNV have been reported to Center for Disease Control’s ArboNET, including 25,227 (48.8%) WNND and 2,376 (4.6%) deaths.
Zika Virus
The mosquito species that carry the Zika virus are not currently present in our area. However, the Zika virus is still a worldwide concern and can be contacted through out-of-state travel.
Kent District Library is accepting submissions for the KDL Coaster Art Contest with the theme “Library Love.” Entries are accepted at kdl.org/coaster-art through August 8. Artists 18 and older are encouraged to submit their original artwork online; one entry per person.
Five winners will be selected by a panel of judges within KDL’s Marketing & Communications Department. Each of the winning designs will be featured on 2,500 coasters that will be distributed to the KDaLe brewery partners. Coasters will be available at the breweries in September during Library Card Sign-Up Month.
“West Michigan has an almost embarrassing amount of artistic talent,” said Josh Mosey, KDL’s digital marketing strategist and creator of the coaster art contest. “Many of our libraries have art walls dedicated to display local artists. We wanted to tap into that spirit and showcase some artists who love the library like we do.”
A fun partnership
Justin Buiter, co-founder of Railtown Brewing Co., added, “We’ve enjoyed a great working history with KDL. Their group continues to come up with fun and innovative ways to highlight the amazing services the library has to offer. The Coaster Art Contest is going to be a wonderful complement to the already successful KDaLe program. We’re excited to see what we expect to be some awesome entries!”
KDaLe is a library series that encourages adults to interact with local brewers and learn about the industry while tasting some delicious beverages. KDaLe also includes a homebrew competition.
Just a few rules
Submissions must be original and can not copy someone’s else idea.
Entries should not contain copyrighted material.
Submissions must not contain material that is threatening, harassing or discriminatory and must not promote illegal activities.
All work must be submitted digitally.
KDL is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen work.
Judging will be based on several criteria such as creativity and originality of the theme, quality of artist composition and overall design based on the theme, overall impression of the art, color and image quality, and quality and completeness of written submission materials.
Winners will be noticed via email or phone within five days after selection.
The IRS restricts specific investment options for an IRA.
These restrictions do not allow investment in collectibles, antiques, and other assets. Here is a list: If an IRA invests in collectibles, the amount invested is considered distributed in the year invested. The account owner may have to pay a 10% additional tax on early distributions.
Learn what a prohibited investment in an IRA is important in retirement planning. (pxhere.com)
Here are some examples of prohibited assets held in an IRA: • Artwork • Rugs and other home furnishings • Antiques • Precious metals, some exceptions for gold bullion • Gems, diamonds, other precious stones • Stamps and coins as collections • Alcoholic beverages • Certain other tangible personal property based on the exact nature of the asset • A partnership or company that owns sells or buys these items could be a named asset within an IRA. • Insurance products are also not allowed except for annuities.
Assets that are allowed to be held in an IRA include: • Stocks • Bonds • Mutual funds • Real Estate Investment Trusts • Brokerage accounts • Banks products such as CDs and savings account • Insurance company annuities
If your IRA is engaged in any prohibitive practice, you may be exposed to being taxed as a distribution and also be liable for a 10% penalty.
Remember that an IRA is just a tax-deferred receptacle for invested assets. Almost any category of investment can be placed there, and different IRA custodians make their money by selling and managing these assets. If you open one at a bank, you’ll be able to invest in CDs or savings accounts. If you open it at an insurance company annuity could be a viable option. If you select to open an IRA at a brokerage and mutual fund company, you’ll be able to invest in mutual funds, stocks, bonds as well as other options.
Always make sure your IRA matches up with your goals, and if you do not fully understand the investment options available to you, get a second opinion. Owning an IRA can be a massive advantage to you in later years, make certain your IRA is designed for your specific period and goals.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The Boucher family welcomes Janne from Germany to West Michigan. (Supplied/iE-USA)
Leaving home for an extended period of time is never easy. Yet a growing number of students from around the world are making West Michigan their home away from home.
More than 100 families across the Greater Grand Rapids area have welcomed an exchange student through International Experience (ie-USA), an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural interactions.
From iE-USA coordinator Sarah Boucher’s perspective, the chance to introduce someone from another country to their home can be an eye-opening opportunity. It often nudges people outside of their comfort zone and encourages them to check out their own backyard with a renewed sense of appreciation.
“Seeing the world through another lens and being a ‘hometown tourist’ can be amazing,” Boucher says.
A little bit about the process
Participants, who range between 14 to 18 years of age, take an English proficiency exam before entering the iE-USA program. Once accepted, they travel to the U.S. for five or 10 months.
Although participants undergo the same rigorous application process, they come from highly diverse cultural backgrounds. Countries of origin span Asia, Europe, and South America.
What participants share is a distinct sense of curiosity, adventure, and a desire to try something new. Visiting the U.S. brings the chance to learn about a different way of doing homelife, school, and community.
A year of “firsts”
“What’s amazing is experiencing so many ‘firsts’ with exchange students,” Boucher says. “It’s the first time having a bonfire, eating s’mores, owning clothing that has the logo of the school on it, attending a formal dance at school, going fishing, and so many more!”
Many events create fun selfie opportunities. (Supplied/iE-USA)
Exchange students are not the only ones to encounter “firsts.” Hosts often experience wanderlust and end up traveling themselves.
The Boucher family was no exception. After hosting a student named Arturo in 2017, they visited Arturo’s family in Spain the following year.
Many hosts establish ties with students and their families that last long after the end of formal requirements. During the summer of 2022, the Bouchers invited their former exchange students Janne and Johanna from Germany back for a visit. Their house is now filled with gifts from former students, a favorite being a handcrafted and painted clay globe.
The learning curve
The adjustment for both exchange students and host families involves a learning curve. In many cases, the first night after the student’s arrival at the airport can be filled with nervous energy, according to longtime host Chris Ford.
“Usually, there’s culture shock involved and a lot of jet lag,” Ford says. “Students are so excited to come that they stay up all night.”
Seeing this transition still delights Ford, who has been a host for the last eight years. Her fourteen students traveled from locations ranging from Finland to South Korea.
Mundane aspects of American life can become fodder for selfies and videos on homemade YouTube channels. Streets filled with yellow school buses, trucks, and motorcycles burst with thunderous noise, and local grocery stores look massive.
“Many students shop at markets everyday, and they are floored by the size of Meijer,” Ford says. “There’s a whole aisle dedicated to cereal. That is shocking.”
Experiencing American schools
Participating in school activities is a big part of the exchange year experience. (Supplied/iE-USA)
The educational aspect of the exchange visit brings its own surprises. Completing homework assignments and attending five or six classes instead of a single subject in a school day challenges some European students.
“Our education system is definitely different than the traditional European system,” Ford says. “Americans want to see students succeed. In the European system, there is a lot more pressure on the students, and European kids are expected to be smart, dedicated, and focused.”
Many students use the trip to practice their English skills, often with humorous results. One of Ford’s students mixed up the word “vibe” with “wipes.”
Exploring the Great Lakes state
One of Ford’s favorite parts of being a host comes from visiting the Great Lakes with her students. Beyond the fun evenings spent playing board games and cooking delicious meals, Ford loves sharing a natural beauty that will become a lifelong memory.
“I always take them to see Lake Michigan,” Ford says. “It’s like a large ocean. They see it in geography, but it’s a whole different thing for them to see it and put their feet in it. It’s so fun to see them check out a lighthouse and climb up a dune.”
The process to host an exchange student begins with filling out an online form, completing a background check, and waiting to be matched up. The application process is simple and straightforward, and Ford’s advice to new hosts is to simply dive in and not be afraid to help learn along the way.
“How could you not want them to be here?” Ford says. “It’s life changing.”
About 100 students are currently available through iE-USA. More information can be found at ie-usa.org.
