Godfrey-Lee Public Schools announced today that due to confirmed COVID-19 cases among the Lee middle and high schools populations, and in consultation with the Kent County Health Department and the district nurse from Spectrum Health, the two schools would move to virtual learning and continue that way until at least Jan. 22, 2021.
In a Nov. 13 letter to middle and high school families signed by superintendent Kevin Polston and posted on the district website, it was stated that “today, we learned of additional students with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Lee Middle and High School. This past week, we have had 4 staff/students with confirmed cases, 125 students in quarantine, 7 staff in quarantine.
“In addition, the rise in cases and positivity rate, as well as decreasing hospital capacity are causes for concern for the safety of all community members.”
In response to the situation, the letter continues, the district will shift to virtual learning at Lee Middle and High School (both schools share a building) starting Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Jan. 22, 2021.
At this time, the district will keep Godfrey-Lee ECC and Godfrey Elementary School open for in-person instruction. In addition, student meals will be available for curbside pick-up at Lee Middle and High School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the building’s gym entrance off of Havana Avenue.
Also, according to the letter, “any student that has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, or fatigue, or has been identified as a close contact should quarantine and is eligible for a COVID-19 test kit at school. There is no cost to the family and results have been returned in 24 hours or less.”
Students that need a test can schedule an appointment by calling the district at 616-452-3296.
As far as athletics are concerned, high school athletics will continue practices as scheduled. But middle school Winter I athletic competitions are paused, while practices will continue.
“Please do not hesitate to contact Lee Middle and High School with any questions or concerns at 616-452-3296,” the letter concludes.
For more information visit Godfrey-Lee.org. To read a Spanish language version of the letter, fro the website click on Lee Update 11/13/20.
Woodland Mall announced this week that “to keep West Michigan safe without sacrificing the holiday spirit,” the Kentwood area shopping mall will offer a variety of options for a “Holiday Your Way” experience that allows the community to partake in the season’s traditions however they feel most comfortable.
Accommodating preferences for visiting the mall in person, virtually, or a combination, Woodland Mall will continue hosting annual events such as photos with Santa and Black Friday shopping. But in-person shopping will come with enhanced safety options to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as limited-contact shopping options have been extended and expanded throughout the season.
“There’s no doubt holiday traditions and shopping will look different this year, but we are working to create safe and fun options for our community,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said supplied material. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the magical experience this season, so Woodland Mall is providing opportunities for everyone to partake in person, virtually or with greater physical distance from others.”
Photos with Santa, other holiday options available
Santa has returned to Woodland Mall’s Arctic Forest and will be present through Dec. 24 “to listen to every child’s Christmas wish and/or, new this year, read them a book,” according to the announcement. And while Santa will not be giving hugs or high-fives this year, children of all ages are invited to sit on a bench next to him to ensure everyone can stay healthy “and Santa can safely deliver presents on Christmas Eve.”
While photos with Santa will be available, Children, families and all Santa’s helpers will be required to wear face coverings that can be removed briefly for photos.
Also, families choosing to stay home can also video conference with Santa this year.
“Fur babies” — family pets — are again welcome to visit with Santa this year on Mondays through Dec. 15. All sorts of pets are able to meet Santa, as in the past he has met West Michigan cats, chickens and even goats. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Tuesday nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8 will feature a special character meet-and-greet with superheroes, princesses and other surprise friends. The themed photo opportunities will be offered from 5-7 p.m. and include a gift with every photo purchase.
To eliminate crowds and lines, appointments must be made prior to meeting with Santa for all those visiting whether in person or virtually. Appointments can be made online at shopwoodlandmall.com.
Shopping Black Friday and more
Woodland will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their family. But the mall will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, with increased safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning with products recommended by the CDC.
To complement Black Friday shopping, the mall will host 12 Days of Deals Dec. 1-12 via Facebook events. The events will showcase exclusive and limited offerings from retailers throughout the mall. Those following the virtual events will be notified of these deals each day.
Woodland Mall will additionally continue offering limited-contact options and services throughout the season. For those who prefer shopping in person but are wary of the holiday crowds, several stores, including Von Maur, J. Crew and the newly opened White House Black Market, will offer times with personal stylists after hours. TempurPedic will also offer individual appointments after hours.
Retailers participating in the mall’s Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup program will provide pickup and delivery options for those choosing not to enter the mall.
Gifts wrapped for a good cause
The mall will also offer gift wrapping in the Von Maur wing, as Woodland Mall has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide this free service for gifts large and small in exchange for a cash donation. (Charities wishing to participate may register online.)
“Supporting our local economy has become particularly important throughout the pandemic,” McCabe said in supplied material. “Holiday Your Way has made it easy for people to choose how they shop at Woodland Mall and we are doing everything we can to make it easy for people to stay safe.”
The mall will also offer extended hours this holiday season, but also urge shoppers to “skip the crowds, shop Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.”
Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator — working with students all along. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools)
Kentwood Public Schools announced this week that after 33 years of service in the district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff plans to retire on June 30, 2021, at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.
In the Nov. 12 announcement, Zoerhoff offered appreciation to the KPS Board of Education, the Kentwood community, district staff, and, of course, all the students he has worked with and for over the years.
Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years,” Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. “It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.”
In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement.
“When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher,” he said. “Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. I am proud to be a Kentwood educator and I am proud to work with such a talented and dedicated staff.”
Board, community support has been consistent
“In an uncertain time, Mr. Zoerhoff has brought stable leadership to our community and our school system,” Mimi Madden, president of the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education, said in supplied material. “His consistent drive over the years to help all students receive an education of excellence has been a guiding light for students, parents, teachers and staff members.”
Zoerhoff, however, credited district success to students, staff and parents “working together for excellence,” especially in community support to pass bonds and millages, which improved the facilities and increased safety.
“Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods,” Zoerhoff said. “This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.”
In addition to accepting Zoerhoff’s retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process.
“Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important,” Madden said. “This will continue during the Superintendent search process. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.”
Although Zoerhoff will be retiring as superintendent, his two children will continue to attend Kentwood Public Schools and his family plans to remain within the Kentwood community.
“I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel,” he said. “We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.”
Wit is the key, I think to anybody’s heart, because who doesn’t like to laugh?
Julia Roberts
Last Weekend for IllumiZoo
Don’t miss out on the last chance to see IllumiZoo at the John Ball Zoo! IllumiZoo is a Glenlore Tale about our connection to the earth and its wildlife around us. The the colorful trail goes dark after Sunday, Nov. 15. It is open from 6 p.m. to midnight. The final night will feature an array of symphonic music from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Beethoven to lead you through the display of colors and lights.
The Comedy Project is located at 540 Leonard Ave. NW (The Comedy Project)
See a Comedy Show
After a long week we all just need a good laugh sometimes. The Comedy Project is hosting a reduced capacity show Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 9 p.m. The show will include a mix of improv and “best of” comedy skits. The seats may be limited but the bar is not, so grab a friend and treat yourself to some well needed laughter.
Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Ballet
Watch a Virtual Ballet Performance
The Grand Rapids Ballet is kicking off its virtual season this weekend with it’s program Business as (un)Usual. The program includes a piece by Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie as well as a selection by Grand Rapids Ballet’s Artistic Director James Sofranko with features a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn. Also featured in the performance is company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana and more. “Tickets” to watch the virtual program can be purchased online for $15.
Fun fact: Getting all the marbles
You think counting absentee ballots is tough, how about marbles? Since the 1960s, the Africa country Gambia has been voting with marbles. Color-coded drums with the candidates picture affixed on them are placed at each voting place. Voters put their marble in the drum of the candidate they want. A bell rings to let the official know a ballot has been cast. If the bell rings more than once, the official knows the person has cheated. At the end of the voting period, the drum is emptied and the marbles are counted to determine who won or rather, who got all the marbles.
Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) announced it has finalized the new plan for its annual Thanksgiving banquet.
“In an abundance of caution, care and concern for everyone involved in this amazing event, including our guests, staff, community volunteers, and all those who come to eat and enjoy fellowship on Thanksgiving, we have worked through the necessary details in order to continue this tradition,” said Mel Trotter Ministries VP of Communication and Advancement Beth Fisher.
MTM’s annual Turkey Drop, a yearly event taking place the week before Thanksgiving at Celebration North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE, and Celebration 1506 Eastport Dr. SE, whereby the community drops off either frozen turkeys or $15 toward the purchase of one, is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Last year, more than 1,600 turkeys were donated; however, this year—the need and thus, the goal, is even greater.
“We have already had requests from local pantries in excess of 2,050 turkeys, along with sides,” said MTM Chief Operating Officer Jeff Dashner. “We are already seeing a significant uptick in the number of meals needed for Thanksgiving Day.”
A special thanksgiving event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Mel Trotter. (pxhere.com)
The goal this year is 2,100 turkeys to be donated during Turkey Drop. Those turkeys, along with complete traditional side items, will then be used in assembled food boxes which will be distributed to local West Michigan food pantries. Anyone who would have normally gone to DeVos Place for the annual banquet will now be able to receive a prepackaged Thanksgiving meal via any participating pantry.
“We are grateful to still be able to serve those in our community who would otherwise not be able to partake in a Thanksgiving meal,” said Mel Trotter Ministries President and CEO Dennis Van Kampen. “With the banquet in the past, we fed 1,500 people. These new necessary changes will allow us to feed 10,000 hungry people. We are asking you to please join and help do that this year. The need in our community is greater than ever.”
“The thought of anyone who would normally have come to DeVos Place to celebrate and be together during our annual Thanksgiving Banquet, not being able to do that this year due to Covid was quite frankly, unacceptable. We worked hard to find a way,” Van Kampen said.
That way also includes a Thanksgiving Day meal at Mel Trotter Ministries for all those experiencing homelessness. MTM expects to serve close to 600 meals on Thanksgiving Day. The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hundreds of community volunteers who look forward to volunteering at the event each year have been notified of an alternative way to continue their tradition of serving those less fortunate.
“We sent a communication to our incredible community of volunteers encouraging them to reach out to a neighbor or someone they know who might be struggling a little more than normal this year—someone who might not have loved ones with whom to gather—and bless them by bringing a meal or a pie to brighten their day,” Fisher said. “Additionally, our volunteers are encouraged to let the guests at our on-site Thanksgiving Day meal know they are thinking of them by sending in thoughtful video messages throughout the day and using the hashtag #MTMThanksgiving on social media.”
Out of an abundance of caution, beginning Monday, Nov. 16, Kent District Library will close its branches to in-person visits but will continue to offer curbside pickup services, online programs and expanded online resources. Curbside service is available during normal branch hours so there is no interruption for patrons who check out items, while online programs and other resources are available 24/7.
“The closure of several branches over the past couple of weeks has made it clear that we must take further steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said KDL’s Executive Director Lance Werner. “The safety of people who visit the library and our staff is our utmost priority.”
Kent District Library has announced it will move all of its branches to curbside pick and online resources. (WKTV)
Curbside service is easy and safe:
1. Visit kdl.org, search the catalog and place items on hold, indicating the branch location for pickup.
2. After receiving notification that items are ready for pick-up, visit the branch during normal open hours and park in one of the designated Curbside Pick-up spots.
3. Call the number listed on the signs in the parking lot; please have your library card number ready.
4. A library staff member will bring the items to the car.
Patrons are also encouraged to access library services online. KDL offers cardholders access to several digital content providers —Freegal, Overdrive, Hoopla and RBdigital. These providers offer digital content in a variety of formats including audiobooks, ebooks, music, movies, magazines and more. All of KDL’s digital resources can be accessed at www.kdl.org/virtual.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, KDL has continued to provide services to patrons. In March, online services were expanded and live streamed programming began in April. Curbside service was introduced in June and free printing launched in August. KDL has streamed over 1,100 programs online since late March, with over 140,000 attendees watching live and over 400,000 recording views.
Check kdl.org for future updates as Kent District Library plans to have their branches back open soon.
Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Nov. 12, that due to COVID-19 impacts all district in-person students will shift to remote learning immediately and the district will continue in that educational mode through the end of the month.
According to the district announcement, all Wyoming Public School buildings will close for in-person instruction at the end of the day on Thursday, Nov. 12, and plan to reopen on Monday, Nov. 30. All students attending school in-person will move to remote instruction with their teachers.
“Over the past week, we have been notified of over 20 new COVID-19 cases, and significantly increasing large numbers of individuals who are in self-quarantine across our school district,” the announcement states. “While many factors are considered when making this decision, the KCHD (Kent County Health Department) has recommended the District move to a remote learning environment … In addition to our concern for the health and safety of our students and staff, the high numbers of individuals affected has also impacted the availability of teaching staff, bus drivers, food service workers, and students coming to school.”
“Grab & Go” meals to be provided; safety urged
The school district’s food service program will provide “Grab & Go” meals for all students, on Tuesdays at two locations, Wyoming Junior High (2125 Wrenwood SW) and West Elementary (1840 38th Street SW). The Wyoming Junior High distribution will take place from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m., and the West Elementary food distribution will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Seven days of student meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided at that time.
“The decision to move to remote teaching and learning is not an easy one to make,” Hoekstra said in supplied material. “Our goal as a district, and community, is to have students remain engaged in in-person learning. While this temporary shift to remote learning may present challenges to students, staff, and families, my hope is that we are able to return to safe, in-person learning as soon as possible. It is important for us to work together, whether in school or in the community, to protect ourselves and others from becoming ill.”
WPS families are reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.
Working with Kent County Health Department
The District announcement also urged all district families, students, and staff who experience symptoms, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19, to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.
The Kent County Health Department offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. For more information visit KCHD’s website here.
The KCHD will continue its process for contact tracing and may contact at-risk individuals for further follow-up if it is determined that you are a “close contact”.
“The welfare of our staff, students and community is at the center of every decision we make,” the district announcement states. “Thank you for your continued understanding, support, and trust in Wyoming Public Schools to keep our students, staff and community as safe as possible.”
For more information on Wyoming Public Schools, visit wyomingps.org.
With restrictions on gatherings still in place due to COVID-19, many annual holiday events have had to be reimagined. This holds true for the popular Wyoming Gives Back.
The charitable event in which the City of Wyoming partners with local business and the community to celebrate the holiday season and collects toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree has traditionally taken place at Rogers Plaza Mall. This year, the event will be a LIVE broadcast on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Mayor Jack Poll and Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV8 will emcee the program. The WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org will be live streaming the event as well.
“Although we won’t be able to gather in the way we typically do, Wyoming Gives Back is more important than ever,” said City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “With such a difficult year, our community’s children need a bit of holiday cheer and that’s what this event is all about. We support this toy drive for the Salvation Army Angel Tree to spread joy to children in need.”
WKTV General Manager Tom Norton said the station is excited to be able to bring this time honored Wyoming tradition to the community with the station arranging to have Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting with area children through a live call-in. To have your child participate in the call-in, email santa@wktv.org.
Last year, Wyoming Gives Back received more than 800 donated toys. (WKTV)
Residents will have the month of November to visit one of several local businesses to drop off unwrapped toys and receive their raffle tickets. Businesses will be handing out raffle tickets one per new toy just like at past events. On Dec. 3, the raffle drawing will take place with winning raffle numbers being announced. Winners will pick up their items from Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
“We’re thankful for our community members who donate toys and for our local businesses that have stepped up to host toy donation sites and donate prizes,” Poll said. “We have some great prizes this year so make sure to tune-in for the live holiday celebration!”
Wyoming Gives Back drop-off locations are:
Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Monday – Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for donation, and with the support of the participating businesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes.
Also as part of the activities, Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pages or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be picked up at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW; the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW; or downloaded from the event webpage. Santa will announce the winners during the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast.
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
Question: An officer is called to an odd/even parking violation in the middle of January. When the officer arrives, there are two vehicles parked in violation of the odd/even ordinance. What enforcement action can occur, according to the ordinance?
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, and towed to the correct side of the roadway to make room for the plows
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, immediately towed, and impounded at the owners expense
I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!
The answer is 1) The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning. Vehicles are not towed for a first time violation of the odd/even ordinance.
The City of Wyoming’s odd/even parking takes affect Dec. 1. It is enforceable from midnight to 7 p.m. Cars are to be parked on the even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days. On odd number days, residents may park in front of the odd number addresses. Those in cul-de-sacs may only park on the street on even numbered calendar days. Streets with “No Parking,” signs will continue to have no parking restrictions.
The odd/even parking is designed to allow the city’s snow plow trucks to be able to clear the streets after a snowfall.
On Nov. 19, residents in the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming will be able to participate in a free virtual lecture and question-and-answer session on small-scale development strategies for the Division Avenue corridor.
The event, which is from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m, will feature Monte Anderson, the CEO/president of Options Real Estate Investments, Inc, and founding member of the IncDev Alliance.
The IncDev Alliance works to help residents and stakeholders strengthen their neighborhoods through small-scale development projects. Small-scale development projects include duplexes, pocket neighborhoods, and live-work arrangements.
This event is another component of the Division United project, which identifies and will recommend transportation and development improvements that benefit South Division Avenue neighbors, businesses and stakeholders. The project’s primary goal is to ensure future development along Division Avenue honors the vision and objectives of the residents and businesses along the corridor and protects the character of existing neighborhoods and business districts.
Anderson will share strategies for neighbors to influence and participate in development projects and success stories from other communities.
“The Division United project continues to focus on collaboration between our communities, and developing strategies to encourage development without displacement,” said Nick Monoyios, planning manager and Division United project manager at The Rapid. “Monte Anderson and the IncDev Alliance will provide great informational resources and experience from other communities that will help to empower residents and stakeholders.”
Going back to school is not the easiest path. There is, of course, the financial considerations, but if you have a full-time job and family, there are those obligations as well.
Aquinas College tries to offer a number of options for class times to make it convenient for working adults. (Supplied)
“It was tough, not gonna lie,” said Christine Lentine, senior director of Finance and Administration for Kids’ Food Basket, who recently attended and completed Aquinas College’s undergraduate CPA prep program. “I have a great husband who knows that this would require some extra work for him and balancing home life was good. Professionally, your regular job doesn’t stop when you have an exam. It was definitely a labor of love balance throughout the semester. And I did it.”
Another thing that made returning to the hallow halls easier was the 20% tuition discount offered by Aquinas College to members of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Now is the day and age to take action” said Brenda Hennink, Aquinas’s director of Adult Student Recruitment. “There’s a sense of urgency to fill some of the talent gaps which have been heightened due to circumstances. The need to stand out has been increased.”
There’s always the hesitation of not having enough time to commit to schooling for full-time workers with personal lives outside of school, according to Hennink, adding that Aquinas tries to work within those personal schedules offering both daytime and evening courses to benefit busy day-time schedules with limited programs of study for evening courses.
The only requirements to participate in the tuition discount is that person must be at least 23 years of age and the company they work for is a member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
The only requirements for the Aquinas tuition program for WKACC members are the person must be at least 23 years of age and that work full-time or pastime for a business they work for is a member of the WKACC. There is no limit to how many members can use the discount and it can be used for a degree or non-degree.
Classes at Aquinas start every eight weeks so enrollment is when it is most convenient to the student, Hennink said, adding that the discount lasts for seven consecutive years or until a degree is received, whichever comes first.
Continued eduction provides an avenue for personal growth, according to Lentine, which is perhaps why several WKACC members, like Lentine, have taken advantage of this discount.
“It’s really important to not just fall into the status quo and not improve, to make sure we’re improving each day better than the day before,” Lentine said. “Especially at a nonprofit organization, our community is entrusting us with their donor dollars and staff time. And the work that we put into the community depends on the quality of our staff’s education. And so while it can be tough for short-term the long-term payoffs are going to be worthwhile for you as a professional as well as for the team you work with and your company.”
But is the discount worth it?
“Definitely,” Lentine said. “Any type of discount is really helpful. So it not only influenced my decision to go back to school but also to be at Aquinas as opposed to a larger online university for those classes.”
Area high school bands performing at a previous year’s Santa Parade. (WKTV)
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce made the announcement today that the 2020 Santa Parade has been cancelled.
Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said that after checking with the new COVID-19 infection numbers and the future projects, the chamber organizers decided to cancel its Reverse Santa Parade scheduled for Dec. 12. The parade would have had participants set up in spot with visitors driving through.
O’Callaghan said he would like to thank the community, local businesses and the community for its support.
The announcement came on the heels of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce or GR Jaycees announcing the cancelation of its Nov. 21 parade.
“Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the safety of the participants and spectators, and the event restrictions put in place by the State of Michigan and its Department of Health and Human Services, the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional Grand Rapids Santa Parade that was set to take place on Saturday, November 21st, 2020.” the Jaycees Parade Committee posted to the event’s Facebook page.
Know it our not, the plastic lids and cardboard sleeves of your on-the-go cup o’ joe have always been recyclable by Kent County Department of Public Works. But now, thanks to local retailers and a food packaging group, even the cups themselves can be kept out of the landfill.
Kent County announced this week that it had become one of a growing number of Michigan communities to add coated paper cups — both hot and cold beverage cups — to its recycling program, thanks to a partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute and the buy-in of local retailers and, hopefully, the public.
Until recently, the plastic lining that coats the rim and inside of the cups prevented Kent County Recycling & Education Center from accepting these materials because the material was not accepted by paper mills that purchase recycled material.
At a pubic event Tuesday, Nov. 10, one Grand Rapids coffee shop owner — Lori Slager-Wenzel of The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand — detailed how the change fits in perfectly with her Earth-friendly business model, and maybe makes sense for other small shops as well.
“I don’t think it will be very difficult for businesses to get involved and switch to paper cups because it is not that much more affordable,” Slager-Wenzel said to WKTV. “We are excited because our compostable cups were never really making it to the compost. Most of them have to be in a high-heat compost … recyclable paper cups make it easier for our customers and for us.”
But the ability for Kent County Department of Public Works to now recycle those paper cups is not just for businesses recycling but at home recycling as well — residents are encouraged to empty and clean their paper coffee and soda cups, and place them in their recycling cart or drop them off at one of the county’s recycling centers.
Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works. (WKTV)
The county processes recyclables at its recycling sorting facility, the Recycling & Education Center in Grand Rapids. After sorting the various materials, the county sells them to companies that can make new products with recycled materials, according to supplied material. Recycled paper, including paper cups, goes to paper mills in the region and is made into new recycled-content products.
“None of the (recycling processing) machines at Kent County have changed, it is the downstream processors, there is a new technology that allows them to take the paper cups and separate the plastic fro the paper,” Lauren Westerman, recourse recovery specialist with Kent County Pubic Works, said to WKTV.
So now all three items in most coffee and beverage cup purchases — cups, lids and coffee cup sleeves — are recyclable, she said. But “all three do need to be separated.”
The paper cup recycling effort is just one part of Kent County’s commitment to reducing landfill waste by 90 percent by 2030, according to information supplied by the Department of Public Works.
Grants and industry advocacy
A key element in the county move to recycle lined per cups was a grant and work with end-user recyclers by the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI).
Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute. (WKTV)
“We worked with Kent County, gave them a grant to separate the paper cups as part of their recycling,” Ashley Elzinga, director of sustainability and outreach at the Foodservice Packaging Institute, said to WKTV. “And we are able to sell that material to a re-processor now. … We have worked with the (paper) mills, the processors, to help unlock that market.”
As part of its community outreach effort, the county will also conduct a public education campaign thorough various social media and other communication programs. And the addition of paper cups to its recycling efforts continues an on-going campaign.
In 2019, Kent County received an education grant from FPI to promote recycling of take-out items, such as plastic cups, milk cartons and paper carryout bags already accepted in the county’s recycling program with new bilingual flyer design, trailer signs and drop-off center signage.
Then and now, a key element of the county’s public awareness campaign is the importance of recycling only clean and empty materials, “leftover food and liquids in any recyclable container create costly and unsanitary problems for recycling,” according to the county.
To learn more and see a list of all items accepted for recycling in Kent County, visit reimaginetrash.org.
The City of Kentwood announced Nov. 11 that it is inviting community members to share their feedback on a proposed update to its 5-year Community Park and Recreation Plan online or in person at an open house Monday, Nov. 16.
Residents may review and provide their thoughts on the Community Park and Recreation Plan between 5:15 and 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The start of a City of Kentwood disc golf event, from 2019. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
According to the city announcement, a community park and recreation plan is required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be grant eligible. The update builds on previous parks master planning and engagement efforts to align with the community’s needs. It creates an inventory of existing facilities and resources, identifies community recreation and open space needs and sets an action plan for the next five years.
“An approved plan will allow us to seek state and federal grant funding that will help us make improvements we have identified and prioritized in partnership with our community over the past few years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director, said in supplied material. “Additional public input on this plan brings us a step closer to accessing funding to make necessary enhancements to our parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities as our community grows.”
Community members who attend the open house are asked to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.
The draft plan and a form to submit feedback online is available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/5-year-park-plan.
Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued affecting the daily lives of the people of Grand Rapids, including commuters and other riders of The Rapid transit system. And as the community has moved forward and adapted, its public transit system has moved forward with cleaning procedures and safety protocols for its buses and the citizens who ride them daily.
WKTV took a ride on The Rapid’s SilverLine and spoke with Bill Kirk, Business Affairs Specialist of The Rapid, on the sanitization of the buses daily using antiseptic agents as well as how it encourages passengers to wear masks and practice social distancing.
And what they have learned about cleaning and sanitization will likely become standard operating procedure even in a post-pandemic future.
“We take pride in how clean our buses are, but after experiencing the situation, we want to maintain those policies even after the pandemic goes away,” Kirk said. “We just want to make sure we’re providing as safe and as healthy a ride as possible for our riders.”
The Rapid public transportation system provides services to the greater Grand Rapids area, including Wyoming, and Kentwood. Formed in 2000, The Rapid operates on fixed routes throughout Grand Rapids and works with people with disabilities for their services. They also provide the SilverLine, a transit started in 2014 that runs along Division Avenue south and loops around the Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids.
People have danced on its staged. They have ice skated in its circle. They have sat on its steps to admire the Grand Rapids Art Museum and other surrounding landmarks in Michigan’s second largest city.
There is no doubt that Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has become the epicenter of the City of Grand Rapids with an array of festivals, performances, and civic event taking place there. In fact, the amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. As a result, the original materials are coming to the end of their useful lives.
“Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has hosted numerous important moments in Grand Rapids history since its installation in 2000,” said Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) president Tim Kelly. “Over 700,000 visitors each year use the park for recreation, entertainment, civic gatherings and much needed breathing space in a growing city. It’s imperative that we all contribute to the well-being of this asset.”
It is why a group of volunteers have come together through Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy with the mission to restore, elevate and preserve the cherished landmark that was created as a work of art by the internationally renowned artist Maya Lin. Formed in 2018, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids and the DGRI.
Tripp Frey, leads the nonprofit Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy. (Supplied)
“Public spaces have been and will continue to be a vital part of our society and the proposed restoration project intends to restore, elevate and preserve Ecliptic for the next century,” said Frey Foundation’s Tripp Frey, who is leads the nonprofit Conservancy. “In its first 20 years, it has become a beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Our goal with this effort is to preserve its integrity and beauty for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
The Conservancy is close to engaging construction firms to provide upgrades to the nearly 20-year-old Maya Lin-designed artwork at downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle. The Conservancy has received significant support from various sources and is now finalizing plans that will ensure the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle continues to serve visitors and residents of Grand Rapids for the next one hundred years.
Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an expected completion date of Sept. 6, 2021, exactly 20 years to the day after the original dedication of the park.
This collaboration has resulted in the planning of a restoration project that will renovate the current artwork and park structures, upgrade each feature with new and more durable materials, and provide way showing and interpretive moments to make the artwork and park more accessible to visitors and community stakeholders.
Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle was named one of the American Planning Association’s Top-Ten Great Public Spaces in America in 2017, for excellence in urban planning and usage including stakeholder engagement at the local, state and federal level.
The amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. (Supplied)
“Ecliptic is such a treasure to Grand Rapids, and now we are seeing the impacts of incredible use over the years, “ said David Marquardt, director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation. “This effort will ensure the longevity of the park as a work of art and as a place of meaning for the residents of Grand Rapids.”
To learn more about the renovation and fundraising efforts, individuals can go to the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Patronicity site at www.patronicity.com/ecliptic.
Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.
An officer is called to an odd/even parking violation in the middle of January. When the officer arrives, there are two vehicles parked in violation of the odd/even ordinance. What enforcement action can occur, according to the ordinance?
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, and towed to the correct side of the roadway to make room for the plows
The vehicles can be given a ticket or warning, immediately towed, and impounded at the owners expense
I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!
The City of Wyoming’s odd/even parking takes affect Dec. 1. It is enforceable from midnight to 7 p.m. Cars are to be parked on the even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days. On odd number days, residents may park in front of the odd number addresses. Those in cul-de-sacs may only park on the street on even numbered calendar days. Streets with “No Parking,” signs will continue to have no parking restrictions.
The odd/even parking is designed to allow the city’s snow plow trucks to be able to clear the streets after a snowfall.
On Nov. 19, The Right Place, Inc. and Hello West Michigan will partner to attract talent back to West Michigan. The two organizations and several local businesses will host the ninth annual ReThink West Michigan event, a virtual career fair to attract former West Michiganders back to the region.
Thanksgiving is usually a time when former Michiganders visit “home.” With Covid-19 and a reduction in visits and traveling, the nostalgia for home is even higher than usual. Together with 24 companies, Hello West Michigan will convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.
This year ReThink West Michigan will take the form of a virtual career fair and move to a new date: Nov. 19. Job seekers can chat one-on-one with recruiters from hiring companies. Community ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about the area.
The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, from 3 – 7 p.m. The event is open-house style and attendees do not hav etc be logged on the entire time. Registration is free. To register visit www.backtomichigan.com.
Rachel Gray, executive director for Hello West Michigan (Supplied)
“Covid-19 has affected the status of many in person events,” said Hello West Michigan Executive Director Rachel Gray. “But ReThink West Michigan is our signature event and a fantastic tool for talent attraction. With Covid-related relocations on the rise, we knew we needed to give job seekers the chance to explore what a move to West Michigan could look like for them.”
Spectrum Health is the Region Champion Sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a Region Supporting Sponsor.
“As the largest employer in West Michigan, we are excited to sponsor this event,” said Spectrum Health Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Pamela Ries. “ReThink enables important connections and highlights amazing personal and professional possibilities when relocating to West Michigan. We need to continue to foster growth in our region and attract individuals who make West Michigan a great place to live and work.”
This year, ReThink West Michigan will be a part of a larger statewide effort under the umbrella brand Back To Michigan. With support from the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment & Training and sponsored by Consumers Energy, 12 organizations from across the state will host eight virtual events from Nov. 17-24.
ReThink West Michigan and all Back To Michigan events are targeted to people living outside of West Michigan, people who recently relocated, or people who are local and unemployed. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality and more. The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at: www.backtomichigan.com.
West Michigan companies that are participating are Bethany Christian Services, Consumers Energy, County of Muskegon, Dicastal, DTE, Famiy Healthcare, Flo’s Collection, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Herman Miller, JR Automation, LG Chem, Magna, Meijer, Mercy Health, North Lake correctional Facility, ODL, Perrigo, Peterson Farms, SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Steelcase, TGG Solutions, the City of Grand Rapids, The Enterprises, Veteran Health Administration Vocation and Rehab.
At times, the Great Lakes reveals its lost treasures. (Photo supplied by author)
By Shetan Noir WKTV Community Contributor
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
The brass sound of a bell ringing 29 times can be heard outside of the Mariner’s church of Detroit.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
It happens every Nov. 10 in honor of the lives lost when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. But that day has since become a Memorial Day for all lives lost to maritime disasters.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
Places like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, near Whitefish Point in Michigan’s upper peninsula, give tribute to the wrath of the Great Lakes storms, the ships that have been wrecked and all the lives that were lost.
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle also provides a memorial called the Annual Lost Mariners remembrance. This is the 21st year of the event.
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
The Great Lakes are well known for violent storms with some gales being so destructive that the loss of lives and ships is unimaginable.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
The Alpena Gale storm that was also called the White Hurricane of 1913 or the “Big Blow” swept through all the Great Lakes from Nov. 7 to 10 in 1913. More than 250 lives were lost to the watery depths, 19 ships were destroyed and another 19 were left stranded.
The side paddle steamer Alpena was one of those ships caught in the storm. Her name is now associated with the storm that wrecked her.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
On Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald was claimed by the Gales of Lake Superior , her companion ship the the SS Arthur M. Anderson was only a short distance behind her when the 35-foot high waves swallowed the Edmund Fitzgerald down.
A song once claimed that the Lakes never give up their dead when the skies of November turn gloomy. Whether its the North wind or the witch of November that comes calling the Great Lakes Gichi-gami, michi-gami, karegnondi , erielhonan and ontarí’io all respond the same with white capped waves raising up like gravestones and winds that break mast and sails.
So in honor of those lost to maritime disasters, the bells ring 29 times in November.
Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
Shetan Noir is a Michigan based author and weird travels journalist. She teaches classes on the paranormal history of the Great Lakes at local community colleges. Noir is available for podcast, radio and television appearances and can be contacted at shetannoir@yahoo.com.
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
The economic recovery in West Michigan currently resembles a “lopsided W,” said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Long said in a W-shaped recovery, the economy begins to recover rapidly, but then falls into a second period of decline. He said it is also known as a double-dip recession as the two economic declines create the shape of a W.
“We know the COVID-19 recession has resulted in displaced workers now seeking work, and we know from our survey respondents that there are at least some job openings that may absorb some of these frictionally unemployed workers,” Long said. “This is especially true for our automotive parts producers. However, it is doubtful the West Michigan industrial economy can soon absorb all of the recently unemployed workers. Hence, a lopsided ‘W-shaped’ recovery is most likely.”
Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of October.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) came in at +16, virtually unchanged from last month’s rate of +18. The production index rebounded to +29, from +20. The index of purchases came in at +12, virtually unchanged from +14, and the employment index fell to -2, from +9.
Long said similar to last month, the overall mood of West Michigan business leaders is mixed. “Both capital equipment and office furniture manufacturing activities are weak, but automotive parts producers appear to have turned the corner,” he said.
He also said the national economy appears to be on its way to a “V-shaped” recovery, where a quick and sustained recovery takes place after a sharp economic decline.
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
After more than a century of providing holiday season gift bundles to thousands of western Michigan kids, the Santa Claus Girls will be still this holiday season as the double hit of both COVID-10 and the need for a new home facility has forced the program into hiatus for 2020.
The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and from their most recent home in Kentwood at the Knoll Inc. building on 36th Avenue, the all-volunteer group delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and topped that number last year.
“Santa Claus Girls has taken a pause for the 2020 season,” Maggie Moerdyke, Interim President of Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV. “Knoll was sold and the charity inventory is packed in 4 trailers awaiting a new home. It was a tough decision for the board to pass for the holiday season yet the pandemic had made it impossible to carry forward for 2020.”
Undated historic photo of Santa Claus Girls. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)
Usually, the Santa Claus Girls packages and delivers gift bags through which in-need kids get a new toy and candy but also get hand-made, knitted winter hats and mittens. Depending on the age of the kids, families can also receive infant receiving blankets, crocheted or knitted or out of flannel, infant toys, and age-appropriate 1-year-old and 2-year-old stuffed animals.
To accomplish such an effort, there is a small army providing gift wrapping and package-assembly, as well volunteers to join another small army of drivers to deliver the packages in mid-December.
But the army will be at home this season.
“The volunteers, the space, the production, are all side by side and the ability to maintain 6 foot of space between was not an option,” Moerdyke said. “The 350 drivers were also on the mind of the board and to send them into the neighborhoods to deliver was not an option either with COVID spreading so rapidly. Safety and health was foremost on the mind of each of us through the cancellation process.”
She said the non-profit’s governing board had to make the decision that “with heavy heart (we) cannot reach the 13,000 children that are serviced during the giving season. The goal is to return in 2021, bigger and better.”
The board is also working a new model for the non-profit but, she said, they “truly need a workshop to make it happen.”
A new home needed for program
Knoll Inc. housed Santa Claus Girls for six years, including all utilities and the company’s maintenance staff.
Knoll had “a heart of gold to support the families in the community, the volunteers, and the charity,” she said. “Just maybe (we) will be fortunate to find another similar blessing.”
According to Moerdyke, Santa Claus Girls needs a facility between 25,000-75,000 square feet. The ideal, she said, would be 75,000 square feet which comes into use during the six weeks of assembling and delivery. The lower square footage figure would be for storage during the other 10 months of the year.
Moerdyke also said “the master plan is to have a facility to accommodate Santa Claus Girls, Y-Service Club (White Elephant Sale) and Toys For Tots. All three charities have worked together for several years yet in separate facilities and moved from one place to another as needed incorporating the use of trailers for storage whenever necessary.”
As with every year, the Santa Claus Girls are also seeking community support both in volunteerism and financial donations.
Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.
Will Nelson
Watch a movie
This weekend Gun Lake Casino will be hosting “Wheels and Reels”, an outdoor movie fundraiser. At 6 p.m., the casino will be showing “The Grinch” (2018) and at 9 p.m. will be “Elf.” Tickets can be purchased at https://gunlakecasino.com/promotions/toysfortots/. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the start of the movie and each vehicle has a minimum donation of $15. Each ticket includes a package of concession-style snacks and all proceeds raised at the event will be used to purchase toys for this holiday season.
Journey through IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale
Take a journey through “IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale” at John Ball Zoo. Guest will follow the path as they pass through a display of colors and sounds as they are told a magical tale. The lightshow is one mile long and takes 45-60 minutes to walk, depending on your pace. This event takes place on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. – 11p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 p.m. – midnight until Nov. 15. Tickets are $25 – $10 with children 2 and under free. Also, this weekend is the final weekend for the “BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise,” an exhibition of more than 40 life-sized animal sculptures created with more than 1.8 million individually colored toy building bricks. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.jbzoo.org/IllumiZoo.
Get spooked at The Haunt
Halloween festivities are wrapping up and this is the last weekend to visit The Haunt. For the past 20 years visitors have been screaming to leave the premises of The Haunt with the local attraction not letting COVID-19 stop the ghosts from making their appearances. Under new ownership, the attraction has been completely redone with more than 144 rooms, more than 100 actors and 62 animatronics that are guaranteed to give you a scare. The Haunt is located at 1256 28th St. SW right in Wyoming. Tickets are $30 or $25 for groups of 6-10. For more information, visit https://the-haunt.com/.
The tallest dog to ever live was actually the Great Dane named Zeus who lived with a veterinarian and his family in Ostego. Zeus was three feet, eight inches tall, but when standing on his hind legs, he was seven feet, four inches tall. The late James Lebron was only six feet, nine inches and Michael Jordan is six feet, six inches. Zeus became a therapy dog and would visit local hospitals. He even had his own Facebook page, which was taken down after the gentle giant passed.
The City of Kentwood announced this week that the city and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to offer the annual Fall Fling, a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Nov. 14. Canned food donations at Fall Fling will restock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in the event at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Participants will be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing throughout the event as part of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is available online at kentwood.us/fallflingdiscgolf. The cost is $40 per team, plus one canned food donation for the Little Free Pantry. Players will meet at 9:45 a.m. to begin the first round of the “best shot” doubles tournament. Patty Matters food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase.
“Fall Fling is a wonderful event for our community to come together to play disc golf for a great cause,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “This tournament has restocked our community pantry with dozens of canned goods each year. We are grateful to local disc golfers for their ongoing generosity and participation.”
The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open year-round and designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items to anyone in need.
Great Lakes Disc is a big supporter of the pantry.
“When I first heard about the Little Free Pantry, I knew I wanted to find a way Great Lakes Disc could support it,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “The Old Farm Fall Fling was what we came up with to connect the disc golf community with the Pantry.”
The demand for the Little Free Pantry has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the city announcement.
“Long before COVID-19, the demand for our pantry goods was growing steadily and the shelves were becoming empty on a weekly basis,” Romeo said. “We continue to need year-round support from individuals and organizations who are able to give financially or provide tangible donations, such as prepackaged non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.”
Located at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
Those who want to donate food items to the pantry are reminded to check the expiration date on them.
For more information about the pantry, including a suggested list of donations, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
The election is over, so now what do you do with all those Trump and Biden signs?
Well, you could keep them as a memento or use them in an art project or you could just recycle them.
If you are planning to recycle, there is only one place to recycle corrugated plastic and the metal stands, which is what most election signs are made of, and that is at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center, 977 Wealthy St. SW.
Because the signs and metal stands need to be separated, the county has set up the the election sign recycling site, according to county staff. If the signs are placed in the recycling bins and go into the sorting machines, they may jam up the machines, staff said.
The bins are located in the back parking lot in the big blue barn. There is a bin designed for the corrugated plastic sign part and another bin for the metal stand. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The site will be open through the end of November.
Wyoming staff plants trees near Marquette Park. (Supplied)
By Amanda Moore City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming planted twelve trees throughout three neighborhood parks as a part of an ongoing effort to enhance Wyoming parks.
The tree plantings were supported by funding from the 2020 Community Street and Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program sponsored by Consumer’s Energy. The program’s purpose is to help local communities select appropriate species and locations for tree projects. The City of Wyoming was awarded $1,200 towards the planting of twelve new trees, a total investment of more than $4,000, with matching funds provided by the city’s dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational Millage.
“Trees provide a real value to the City of Wyoming and its residents,” said Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “They reduce stormwater runoff naturally, easing the burden on expensive stormwater infrastructure. They cool our parks, homes, and buildings through the shade they provide, effectively reducing energy costs. Through photosynthesis, they filter pollution out of the air and produce the oxygen we all rely on.”
All the trees planted are native to the state of Michigan, including black gum, sugar maple, and red maple varieties. Southlawn Park received two black gum and two red maple trees, Prairie Park received three red maples, and Marquette Park received four red maples and one sugar maple. The tree plantings all occurred near the street frontages.
“We are thankful for partnerships with organizations like Consumer’s Energy who are committed to investing in local communities to make them better,” said Mayor Jack Poll.
The City of Wyoming is a Tree City USA community, as designated by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2017. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov.
The City of Wyoming will again be represented by Republican State Rep. Tommy Brann in the 77th district after voting Tuesday, Nov. 3. In the 72nd district race, which includes Kentwood and Gaines Township, incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Johnson defeated Democrat Lily Cheng-Schulting — despite the challenger gaining more Kent County votes than Johnson.
Also in unofficial (uncertified) results, two-term incumbent Rep. Brann of Wyoming, defeated Democratic challenger Bob Smith of Byron Center, 29,911 to 19,784. The 77th District House of Representatives seat covers the City of Wyoming, Byron Township and a portion of Cutlerville.
“I want to thank the 77th district,” Rep. Brann said to WKTV on Nov. 4. Rep. Brann’s wife “Sue and I care about your concerns and you personally. We will continue to give back half of my legislative salary to people in my district in need.
“Bob Smith was very classy and called me this morning to congratulate me. I asked him sometime if I can buy him lunch at my restaurant so I can get to know him better. I am the 77th district representative and I know my oath to protect the health and safety of Michigan citizens is for all my district and I carry that part of my oath in my wallet and that is for all of you whether you voted for me or not. I take that very seriously, as I should.”
After the result were in, Smith said to WKTV: “Thank you to everyone who voted me and to everyone who helped me along the way. We made a good run. I wish the best of luck to Tommy Brann as he begins his final term in the state house.”
In Michigan, state representatives are term-limited to three terms.
Allegan voters carry Rep. Johnson to re-election
Overall, in both Kent and Allegan county unofficial results posted on each county’s election website, Rep. Johnson totaled 29,608 votes while Cheng-Schulting totaled 24,159.
However, in unofficial (uncertified) Kent County results, two-term incumbent Rep. Johnson of Wayland, trailed Cheng-Schulting of Kentwood, 20,271 to 20,973. The 72nd District House of Representative seat covers the cities of Kentwood and Wayland, along with a portion of Cutlerville and the community of Dorr.
“Although we were not able to win this election, we are grateful for the record number of votes for our campaign, especially in Kentwood,” Cheng-Schulting said to WKTV. “I would also like to congratulate Steve Johnson on his re-election win. I … hope that he will go on to be a representative who truly looks out for everyone in District 72.”
The new face on the Wyoming City Council will be John Fitzgerald.
John Fitzgerald will be the next Wyoming City Council member. (WKTV)
Fitzgerald had about 3,000 votes more than candidate Rob Arnoys. The unofficial final count is 13,657 for Fitzgerald and 10,679 for Arnoys with Wyoming reporting that 100 percent of the city’s votes have been counted.
“The voice of Wyoming was heard and people believed in the work and mission that they heard in my campaign,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald said he appreciated Arnoys for a well run campaign and for his work on the City of Wyoming’s Planning Commission.
Arnoys responded that he wanted to “congratulate John for his successful campaign.
“This has been a great opportunity and I have learned so much,” Arnoys said. “We have a great city and I feel John will do a great job representing us and I look forward to supporting the city as we move forward.”
Fitzgerald, who is a commercial insurance broker, replaces Dan Burrill on the council. Burrill did not seek re-election to the council, but instead sought and won the Kent Country 8th District Commission seat.
“The next step will be getting to work,” Fitzgerald said. “The city has a number of challenges and a number of issues that we will need to make decisions and I look forward to serving our community and keeping my mission of representing the citizens of Wyoming equably.”
Also running unopposed for Wyoming City Council was Marissa Postler for the city’s 2nd Ward and Rob Postema for the 3rd Ward.
On the back side of a very crowded ballot, one local school bonding issue and several school board races were up for vote Nov. 3, with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools’ $17.8 million bonding proposal gaining approval and the only local contested school board race decided.
By a margin of 1,505 to 730, in unofficial (uncertified) results, voters in the Godfrey-Lee school district gave the district a 1.67 mill increase in local property tax rate which will allow it to borrow as much as $17.8 million over 30 years to modernize portions of its middle and high school that are nearly 100 years old, make repairs and improvements to a portion of the building which collapsed last year, and fund other district infrastructure work.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, staff, and students, I express sincere appreciation to our community for supporting the bond proposal to renovate and restore Lee Middle and High School,” district superintendent Kevin Polston said in a statement. “Quality schools are vital for quality communities. The investment and trust our community provided to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools will create a better learning environment for our students.”
The district statement detailed that a “major transformation” of Lee middle and high schools that will include air conditioning, accessibility for disabled, safety and security upgrades, new classrooms, a community wellness and resource center, and a new band room. (More information can be found at glpsbond2020.com/.)
“Godfrey-Lee takes the responsibility of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars seriously, and look forward to making good on the promise of enhanced school facilities for students,” Polston said. “Our students deserve the very best learning environment to allow each and every student to live out their hopes and dreams through the education they receive at Godfrey-Lee. The improvements at Lee Middle and High School will transform our classrooms, provide flexible learning space, make the school more accessible, and enhance our performing arts program.”
Also in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district, the Board of Education had three candidates, two already serving the board, running for three full 6-year term positions. Reelected were David Blok, current board vice president, and Tammy Schafer, current board secretary. Cheryl L. Slaughter will be new to the board.
Other school board voting results
While nearly all the local public school districts had Board of Education candidates on the Nov. 3 ballot, only the Kentwood Public Schools board had contested seats to be voted on.
The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education had five candidates, four of them incumbents, running for four positions, all with 4-year terms. And all the incumbents won re-election. Mary (Mimi) Madden, current board president and the longest serving member of the board at 17 years, gained the most votes at 13,799. Angela Hovermale, current board trustee, gained 12,797 votes. Allen Young, current board vice president, gained 12,599 votes. Angie Forton, current board secretary, gained 12,703 votes. Leonica Riley Erwin, who was running to unseat one of four incumbents running for re-election, gained 11,366 votes.
The Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education had four candidates — two of which would be new to the board — running for four positions, three 6-year terms and one partial term. The two new-to-the-board candidates elected to full terms are Shannon Frick and Jessica A. Hanselman. Craig P. Popma, current board treasurer, was elected to a full term while Jeff Norton, current trustee, was elected to a partial term ending in December 2022.
The Kelloggsville Public Schools Board of Education had five candidates, all current board members, running for five positions, three 6-year terms and two partial terms. Marie Groters, current board vice president, and Tim Pomorski and Laura L. Tanis, both current trustees, were elected to full, 6-year terms. Debra Sellers, current trustee, was elected to a partial term ending December 2024, and Crystal Reidzans current board treasurer, was elected to a partial term ending December 2022.
The Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education had two candidates, both currently on the board, running for two full 6-year term positions. Re-elected were Ken Hornecker, current board treasurer, and Allen E. Johnston, current board president.
Even though election results are still being counted in Kent County, there are not much in the way of surprises in the county’s unofficial results.
Dan Burrill was elected to fill the 8th District Kent County Commission seat left vacant by Harold Voorhees, who early this year announced he was retiring. (WKTV)
About 60.5 percent of the county’s total registered voters voted in this year’s 2020 election. About 85 percent of the 303,039 total votes have been counted as of late this morning.
Even with 15 percent left to count, in many of the county races, the leaders have maintained large point leads.
This was the case for Republican Incumbent Michelle LaJoye-Young for Kent County Sheriff. Throughout the night, LaJoye-Young maintained a lead over Democratic challenger Marc Burns and Liberation candidate John Glen Stedman. Today, she was still 60,000 votes ahead of Burns, her closet challenger. Republican incumbent Lisa Posthumus Lyons for Kent County Clerk also maintained a lead over challengers Devin Ortega (D) and Jamie Lewis (L) and so did Republican incumbent Ken Yonkers for Kent County Drain Commissioner who stayed ahead of challengers Elaine Isely (D) and Alex Avery (L). With 85 percent of the votes counted, these candidate seem to continue to keep that lead. Republican incumbent Chris Becker was the only person seeking the Kent County Prosecuting Attorney position.
With the announcement that current Kent County Treasurer Keith Parrish would not seek re-election, two newcomers, Peter MacGregor (R) and Beth White (D) put their hats in the ring for the position. For most of the night, MacGregor held a solid lead with morning numbers showing he was about 42,000 votes ahead.
The cities of Kentwood and Wyoming and surrounding communities of the City of Grandville, and the townships of Byron Center and Gaines have 100 percent fully reported which means commissioner races for those communities have unofficial results.
For county commission seats, the following incumbents retained their seats: Stan Ponstein for the 7th District, Matt Kallman for the 9th District, Emily Post Brieve for the 10th District and Monic Sparks for the 12th District. Both the 7th and 9th districts have portions of the City of Wyoming and the 10th District has a portion of the City of Kentwood. The 12th District is divided between the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Kent County 7th District Commissioner Stan Ponstein won his re-election bid. (WKTV)
“Words can not express my gratitude to the voters of District 7,” said Commissioner Stan Ponstein in a Facebook post. “Whether you voted for me when I was first elected to the Grandville Board of Education at the age of 19, supported me over the years, or this is your first time voting for me. I want you to know I take public service seriously, I will never forget who I serve and have always believed that where you live should not dictate the level of service you recieve from government.”
In the 8th District, which covers the eastern portion of the city of Wyoming, including the pan handle, Republican candidate Dan Burrill, who is currently on the Wyoming City Council, maintained a steady lead against Democratic candidate Sarah Chatterley. When counting was done, Burrill had 9,165 votes to Chatterley’s 7,765.
“It feels like I have been running for forever since I have been campaigning from about March through the primaries to November,” Burrill said, adding that he was appreciative for the help of the Kent County GOP, Kent Vanderwood and Rusty Richter.
While sad about leaving the Wyoming City Council, Burrill said he is looking forward to being apart of the Kent County Commission.
“I am ready for another chapter to lean about how the county operates and to represent the citizens of Wyoming at the county level,” he said.
In the 13th District, which covers the eastern portion of the City of Kentwood, Democratic candidate Michelle McCloud was able to push past Republican candidate Levi Cipcic by more than 4,000 votes.
The Kent County Board of Canvassers will review the general election on Nov. 17 with the state board of canvassers reviewing the statewide election on Nov. 23.
City of Kentwood voters supported local private attorney Amanda Sterkenburg’s bid to replace Judge William G. Kelly and hold the non-partisan 62 B District Court Judge position, defeating Kent County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joe Jackson in the non-partisan election, 11,206 to 8,433, in unofficial (uncertified) results from Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The results represent 100 percent of the Kentwood precincts reporting with 27,281 total votes cast representing 68 percent of the registered voters.
Judge Kelly, after more than 40 years on the bench of Kentwood’s district court ,will be giving up his seat this year due to state law mandated age restrictions.
Sterkenburg is currently an attorney representing civil litigants and providing criminal defense. She is a Kentwood resident, a requirement for the position.
“As a long-time resident of Kentwood, I would like to thank the voters for their faith in my ability to preside over a court where fairness and equity are cornerstones,” Sterkenburg said to WKTV. “Our diverse community deserves a court free of bias, where the rights of all are protected. I am honored to serve as your next district court judge.”
Jackson, in an email responding to the results, said to WKTV: “Congratulations to Ms. Sterkenburg, and thank you to my family and all of my supporters. I look forward to continuing to serve our community in my current rolls.”
In pre-election information provided to WKTV, Sterkenburg said “From landlord tenant disputes to criminal misdemeanors, the matters that come before this Court effect the everyday lives of the people who live in Kentwood. The way these cases are handled will shape our community for years to come and I believe I’m uniquely positioned to create positive outcomes through fair and well-reasoned judgments.”
She also specified issues such as an eviction crisis looming due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and the need find a “fair line between landlords who rely on rental income and tenants who have fallen behind,” as well as being committed to “meaningful probation sentences.”
“When the circumstances of a criminal case show a link between substance abuse, lack of education, or mental illness and the conviction offense, we should explore programs that motivate behavioral change and address those factors. This front-end approach strengthens our community and should be made a focus in cases where increasing punitive consequences doesn’t necessarily serve the ends of justice.”
Kent District Library is working to make library patrons aware that an employee who works at the Wyoming and Kelloggsville branches has tested positive for COVID-19.
The person was working at the Wyoming KDL branch, located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW. Oct. 26 – 28 and the Kelloggsville branch, located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 S. Division Ave., Oct. 27.
Both of the locations are closed and will reopen Monday, Nov. 9. The KDL Wyoming branch lobby is open for today’s elections, according to officials from the City of Wyoming.
KDL Kelloggsville Branch is closed until Nov. 9. (WKTV)
Materials that are ready for pickup at either location will become available after reopening. Due dates and hold-pickup deadlines will be extended.
KDL officials stated in a release that due to the extensive health safety protocols put into place by the City of Wyoming, Kelloggsville School District and Kent District Library, the risk of patrons contracting the virus from the employee while at the location is assumed to be extremely low. At the same time, library officials wanted the public to be aware of the situation and to assure that safety of the public and staff is the highest priority.
For more information, call 616-784-2007, email ask@kdl.libranswers.com, or visit the KDL website, kdl.org. The remaining 17 KDL branches are opening including KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, 4650 Breton Rd. SE; KDL Gaines, 421 68th St. SE; and KDL Grandville, 4055 Maple St. SW.
It’s that time of year again. The time when, for some of us, the thought of family get-togethers and holiday parties causes stress and anxiety well before the dates and times are confirmed.
Adding pressure to your busy schedule might be jet-lagged in-laws, moody teens or a coworker that rubs you the wrong way.
And, let’s face it, the country is divided. There’s anger, finger-pointing and blaming that can spill over into your relationships under normal circumstances, relegating November and December to a time of endurance rather than enjoyment.
How are you to cope with such a cocktail of human quirks amid the heightened tensions of holiday expectations? And, no, the answer is not more cocktails.
The following tips from Spectrum Health psychotherapist Anya Nyson, LMSW, won’t give you unique gift ideas or ways to carve out more time.
Instead, her list will make you more aware of yourself and others so you can see things from a different perspective.
“Practicing the following mental tools can help you more fully enjoy what you are wired for—connection and belonging,” she said.
1. Cultivate flexibility
You made elaborate New Year’s Eve plans and paid an inflated price to get into a well-advertised party.
You imagine for weeks how amazing the night is going to be. As the night comes to a close, you’re disappointed it didn’t live up to your expectations.
Conversely, remember that party you forgot about until the day of? You dreaded going and complained silently, but went anyway only to be pleasantly surprised by how nice it was.
“Think of expectations as disappointments waiting to happen,” Nyson said. “Rather than having expectations, cultivate flexibility instead.”
Work on catching yourself dreading a holiday dinner at your in-laws. Then, say to yourself, “I have no idea how this is going to go, but whatever happens, I’ll roll with it.”
2. Be realistic and kind to yourself
You don’t want to make pies from scratch, but you tell yourself you should. You want two helpings of mashed potatoes, but think you shouldn’t go for seconds.
“Your worth as a person is not contingent on your flaky homemade crust and fluffy whipped cream nor for only having one helping of potatoes,” Nyson said. “Try this trick the next time you say should or shouldn’t to yourself: Replace the word should with ‘don’t want to.’ Replace the word shouldn’t with ‘want to.’”
Example:
‘I should make pies from scratch’ becomes ‘I don’t want to make pies from scratch.’
‘I shouldn’t have seconds’ becomes ‘I want seconds.’
“The reworded statement is your truth,” she said. “When you don’t mind doing something, you don’t have to tell yourself you should do it, you just do it. Shoulding is an attempt to guilt yourself into doing or not doing what you think you should or should not do. By being honest with yourself, you’re eliminating the guilt. This truth allows you to choose to do something or not rather than pressuring or shaming yourself.”
Also, if there are any negative comments about your store-bought dessert, you can tell them they will find you being well-rested and in a good mood more palatable than your homemade pie.
3. Don’t poke the bear
You have an overt, or covert, rivalry with your sister-in-law, and you can’t wait to brag about the promotion you received or your children’s many accomplishments.
“When you want to humble-brag, inquire instead how they’ve been since you saw them last,” Nyson said.
Reciprocity is more likely to keep a conversation going and allow you to share. Sincere tellings of achievements are better received than trying to one-up others and help build the relationship rather than drive a wedge in it.
Or, perhaps you find teasing your goth nephew, with his stringy black bangs covering his face, a fun way to get the room laughing and to pass the time before dinner. Rather than belittling your nephew in front of everyone, ask him what his favorite video game is and keep the conversation going. Get to know him as a person rather than judging him.
4. Don’t take the bait
Does Grandpa George feel compelled to share his political views because it’s his house? And, how many times has he reminded everyone he worked hard and paid his taxes, not like those youngsters?
As much as you want to point out to Grandpa George how things have changed since his day, you won’t change his mind, so don’t even go there.
Instead, prepare pat responses ahead of time that you can use repeatedly. Use a sincere tone and say something like, “You are a good man, Grandpa,” or “We appreciate all you’ve done, Grandpa,” and move on. It helps to think of your responses ahead of time, so you have them at the ready.
“Bonus: This is a great parenting tool,” Nyson said. “Rather than arguing with my teens when they didn’t like a no response, I would say, ‘I love you too much to argue,’ in a loving voice, then say nothing else. They quickly learned that this meant I was not going to argue with them, thus eliminating badgering.”
5. Accept that others don’t have to share your values
Do you think Grandpa George should keep his opinions to himself? Do you think your family shouldn’t eat turkey because you’re a vegetarian?
‘Shoulding’ on others will only result in anger and frustration for you. You get angry at others when they don’t do what you think they should, or do what you think they shouldn’t.
Try this trick next time you catch yourself saying should or shouldn’t about someone: Replace the word should with ‘doesn’t have to.’ Replace the word shouldn’t with ‘can.’
Example:
“Grandpa George should keep his opinions to himself” becomes “Grandpa George doesn’t have to keep his opinions to himself.”
“My family shouldn’t eat turkey” becomes “My family can eat turkey.”
“Practicing this helps to remind you every person is unique, and they are not wrong or less than because they have different values from yours,” Nyson said.
6. Don’t personalize
Did your mother make a passive-aggressive remark about how she thinks
women with long grey hair look like witches? Do you think she said it
because you stopped coloring your hair six months ago?
Or, do you believe your father-in-law talks on and on about his financial portfolio, golf handicap, boat and vacation home as a way to make you feel inadequate?
“It is one of the most liberating things you can do for yourself once you no longer personalize what others say,” Nyson said. “What others say is 100% about them because it is based on their values and beliefs. Consider their history and perspective and how that plays into what they say.”
Think of your mother’s generation and what was considered attractive in her era. In her day, women with long, grey hair were grannies in muumuus with no bra. In her day, coloring your hair when it turned grey meant you wouldn’t be that kind of old lady. Things have changed for your generation, but she still has her long-set beliefs.
Maybe your father-in-law grew up believing a person’s value came from what they had, and he’s showing his value to you. Consider his generation and beliefs. They are not about you.
7. Instead of ‘I have to’—say ‘I get to’
A coworker asks you what your plans are for the holidays. You say, “Ugh. We’re exchanging gifts at my partner’s family’s house.”
“Negative thoughts create negative emotions,” Nyson said. “In this case, perhaps dread, annoyance or resentment. A quick reframe is to replace ‘have to’ with ‘get to.’”
“I have to go to my partner’s family’s house,” becomes “I get to go to my partner’s family’s house.” A positive thought will create positive emotions. Using this trick can reduce your level of negativity.
8. Practice self-care before, during and after
Slowing your breathing will slow down your heart rate, helping to reduce your anxiety. The go-to breathing technique Nyson teaches people for anxiety goes like this:
Inhale for a count of 4
Hold your breath for a count of 4
Exhale for a count of 6
Hold for a count of 4
Do several rounds, then return to your normal breathing.
Repeat as needed.
Practice mindfulness meditation.
“Your mind’s job is to think, so you’re not going to stop it from doing its job,” Nyson said. “The goal of mindfulness meditation is to keep your mind in the present moment, noticing your thoughts, emotions, body and external stimuli without judgment. You can significantly improve your mood and outlook on life by making this a consistent practice.”
Using mindfulness apps is a great tool to help. Nyson recommends the app Headspace as a great way to start and maintain the practice.
Maintain a gratitude list. “Identify three unique things you’re grateful for each day,” Nyson said. “I recommend keeping a running list in the notes on your phone or in a journal. By doing this, you can look back and reinforce all the reasons you have to be grateful.”
Don’t overindulge. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, but it also increases impulsivity by slowing down the activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for rational thought and decision-making.
You know you need sleep, and you know the reasons why. Value your needs over cultural expectations.
“You will feel better when you listen to the wisdom of your body,” Nyson said.
Use a mantra. Repeat a word or phrase to increase your input of positive thoughts. One method is to link it to your breath. Inhale what you want to take in and exhale what you want to send out. Here are a few examples:
Inhale: I am loved. Exhale: I express love.
Inhale: I can do this. Exhale: This, too, shall pass.
Inhale: Joy to me. Exhale: Joy to the world.
“‘Be the light. See the light’ is my mantra,” Nyson said. “Inhaling while thinking, ‘Be the light’ reminds us to be kind to others and to be a force for good in the world. Exhaling, ‘See the light’ prompts us to see what is right in others and the world.”
Choose to be the light at your holiday events. Choose to see the light in those to whom you connect.
“Imagine the holidays if we all worked on this,” she said.
If you are looking to strengthen your reading skills you now have more options at your fingertips with the Kent District Library’s addition of its new SPARKS Collection.
Now available at all 19 KDL branches, the SPARK collection contains books for adult beginning readers. SPARK is a collaboration between the KDL and the Literacy Center of West Michigan. This collection has been in the works since last winter and is now available to the public.
“Literacy is a foundation for a full adult life, providing not only a connection to the world around us but also the independence to make our own choices,” said Samantha Hodge, Collection Development Librarian at KDL. “With the SPARK collection, KDL will be a proud partner for adults working to improve their literacy skills and reach incredible goals.”
Hodge said she has always wanted to create a collection of books for beginning adult readers. In the past, the library had a small collection however it never received much attention. She came up with the idea for SPARK after discovering the High/Lo collection at other libraries across the nation. The High/Lo collection of books with a high-interest level and low vocabulary and readability levels. This way the materials do not intimidate new readers and provide them with interesting subjects.
The SPARKS Collection has a selection of adult beginner readers. (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)
The Literacy Center of West Michigan guided Hodge in the process of picking books for the collection. This is not the Center’s first time working with the KDL, they have been working with them for the past four years.
The Literacy Center of West Michigan runs an adult tutoring program designed to help non-native speakers learn to speak English. It is the organization’s goal to make West Michigan the region with the highest literacy levels in the nation. Previously, learners would pick up books from the library at the Center but staff at the Center also wanted to have materials available for learners at the public libraries.
“The partnership between KDL and the Literacy Center is supporting adults and children in West Michigan,” said Community Literacy Initiative Director Mike Nassar, . This is a great step to help adult learners in the community.”
According to information provided by the Literacy Center of West Michigan, one in eight West Michigan adults struggle with low literacy. It is the organization’s goal to make West Michigan the region with the highest literacy levels in the nation. The Literacy Center offers one-on-one tutoring, work-related classes, and family literacy programming to students.
“The library wants to partner with you if you want to increase your learning skills or start from the beginning,” Hodge said. “We want to be your partner.”
The collection has had a slow take-off because of the COVID-19 pandemic but the KDL staff is working hard to make the public aware that it is available at all 19 KDL branches and the Bookmobile. For more information visit www.kdl.org
After more than three years of planning and community engagement, the City of Kentwood announced this week that it has adopted an updated Master Plan which will serve as the City’s long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation.
The Master Plan, according to the announcement, “features goals, policies and recommended actions to guide land-use decisions over the next 20 years. The forward-looking development plan considers the long-range goals and desires of residents and property owners as well as local, regional and market trends.”
The plan was adopted by the Planning Commission in September and then accepted by the City Commission on Oct. 20.
“The Master Plan update process is key to ensuring the detailed visionary planning for Kentwood’s future development in all sectors as our community grows,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Many people have spent countless hours to ensure Kentwood’s Master Plan is a comprehensive guide for growth and conservation decisions while preserving and improving Kentwood’s excellent quality of life.”
The Master Plan is reviewed at least every five years, and can be modified after review by the Planning Commission. The City’s efforts for the latest Master Plan update began in October 2017. Prior to that, the last update was in 2012.
In general, the update’s goal was to “plan for new population growth and redevelopment while protecting key environmental features, creating sustainable economic opportunities and providing public services,” according to the city statement.
Among the major updates was the implementation of the Form-Based Code land development regulatory tool, specifically along Division Avenue and incorporation of the Silver Line bus rapid transit service along Division Avenue.
The current Master Plan update also focused on “changes related to a few areas that required particular attention,” including Section 13, 263 acres of open land between 28th and 36th streets, Patterson Avenue and East Paris Avenue; Section 34, a 480-acre area between 52nd and 60th streets, the Princeton Estates plat and Wing Avenue; the 28th and 29th Street commercial corridor; and the Division Avenue corridor.
The update process also included plans for the Eastern Avenue and 52nd Street, the city campus, and Kalamazoo Avenue corridor subareas.
“Significant time and valuable engagement with residents, businesses and property owners has led to this plan’s adoption,” Terry Schweitzer, Kentwood community development director, said in supplied material. “We are grateful to all those who shared input and contributed to this critical review process.”
The updated plan and its associated documents are available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/PlanKentwood.
If you have a non-election matter next week in the City of Wyoming, you might want to avoid the Wyoming City Hall on Tuesday.
City officials announced that the city offices would be closed to non-election related visitors on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“This is the same process that we did for the May and the August elections,” said Amanda Moore, communications specialist for the city. “This is so we will be able to process new voters and get them set up to vote either here at city hall or at their precinct.”
The city hall’s parking lot will be set up in as drive-thru for those wishing to register as new voters and to cast their ballot. This is the same set up as what was offered during the primary in August.
The city’s dropbox is located behind city hall. (Supplied)
Voters with absentee ballots will be able to drop off their ballots. There will be some limited services available such as the treasurer’s drive up window will be open as well as the city’s payment/absentee drop-off box. Those with city business can contact the specific city office to make arrangements as well, Moore said.
Due to the capacity limits currently in place because of COVID-19, the city hall can only have 20 people in its lobby. For the past couple of weeks, this has resulted in lines to get into the building as the election draws near.
“I don’t have the exact numbers right now, but I can tell you that we have received more absentee ballots for this election than we have received in the past three presidential elections,” Moore said, adding that the facility has had about 1,500 visitors weekly when it normally averages about 350. “We are assuming this is related to the elections,” she said.
The last day a registered voter can request an absentee ballot is Monday, Nov. 2, at the city clerk’s office. On election day, registered voters must vote at their designated precinct, Moore said. Those with an absentee ballot have until 8 p.m. on election day to return the ballot to the clerk’s office.
Only those registering to vote on election day may request to vote absentee ballot or they can vote at his/her precinct. If a person chooses to vote at his/her precinct, he/she will be given a slip by the clerk’s office so they can vote, Moore said.
For more information about the voting process in the City of Wyoming, click here.
