Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

‘Ebb and Flow: Explorations in Painting by Herbert Murrie’ Exhibition at GVSU Jan. 15-March 30

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By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

For more than 40 years, Herbert Murrie had a successful advertising and design career based in Chicago. However, because of his artistic upbringing and drive, he always returned to the studio in pursuit of a more spontaneous and freeing output.

 

In 1988, Murrie began painting more seriously and by the late 1990s, he was exhibiting regularly. Over the next 15 years, evidence of his freed state leapt off the canvas. Controlled manipulation of paint and color bore witness to his understanding of design, while his process of working intuitively noted elements of the artistic movements he grew up with in the mid-20th Century.

 

Like many artists, Murrie often steps away from his art and then returns to work on pieces in his studio that he feels are unfinished. This exhibition examines the ebb and flow of his creative process, while looking back at his painting career and forward to a new body of work. It includes 26 pieces that span his career as a painter — from 1995 to the present. They are drawn out of private collections and the Grand Valley State University permanent art collection, which includes 16 works that were donated by Herbert and Lisa Murrie in 2015.

  • What: ‘Ebb and Flow: Explorations in Painting by Herbert Murrie’ Exhibition
  • When: Jan. 15-March 30; opening reception: Jan. 18, from 5-7 pm
  • Where: GVSU Art Gallery (room 1121), Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts

36-Hour film challenge returns, deadline for sign ups is Jan. 20

Citizen Journalism, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The Grand Rapids Film Festival once again challenges local fiimmakers to produce a film in in one weekend or 36 hours.

 

The 36-Hour Challenge returns with the deadline for registration set for Jan. 20. This year’s screening will be Feb. 2 at Celebration! Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE. After the screening in Theater 1, teams will move upstairs to the Wave Room for networking and awards.

 

The competition takes place Jan. 26-28 and is designed to challenge contestants to script, shoot, edit, and submit a film in 36 hours. Participants take inspiration from thematic elements revealed at the Jan. 26 launch reception at the Woodridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl St. NW. High school students, college students and aspiring professionals are encouraged to participate.

 

Teams of three or more members may register for a fee of $100. There are prizes totaling  $1,200 that will be awarded. Awards are best of show, best professional, best university and best high school. There also are craft awards, which are best acting, best cinematography, best editing, best directing, best sound, best script, and audience choice.

 

The winner of best of show also will receive a screening at GRFF on April 14 at Wealthy Theatre, a screening at a CinemaLab event, a free entry into the Eclipse Awards, and played at Celebration! Cinema before an independent film.

 

For more information about the 36-Hour Challenge, visit grfilmfestival.com. For filmmaker tips on the event, click here.

On the shelf: ‘Ellen Foster’ by Kaye Gibbons

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By Stephanie M. White, Grand Rapids Main Library

 

In her first novel, Kaye Gibbons tells the story of Ellen Foster, a strong, funny, and honest girl. Or rather, she lets Ellen tell us herself. Gibbons brilliantly plays her characters’ voices, allowing each to ring true. But Ellen’s voice is strongest of all as she tells us about her family, her friends, and her search for a place and a life she can call her own.

 

Ellen begins her story with her mother’s death and continues with the journey of her own life. It is indeed a journey; while Ellen moves  from house to house and family to family,she begins to form her own traditions and ideas of how to survive in this world. She learns to take care of herself, to take care of her friends, and to decide for herself what is right and what is wrong.

 

Ellen’s story is gripping because she tells it so well. As she talks about living with different families, dealing with death, living with emotional abuse, and finding friends along the way, she convinces the reader to trust her and to be a part of her life. We come to feel sadness for a girl who must develop her own sense of who she is and where she stands in the world, as she gets little help from those around her.

 

Yet, we also trust Ellen because we can relate to her. We may not have had such tragic childhoods, nor had to address racism, alcoholism, abuse, and death at an early age, but we have all had to come to grips with these and other issues at some point. We may be five or ninety-five but, like Ellen, we will always be making choices about who we will be, what we will stand for, and with whom we will share our lives. Gibbons’ readers will learn something from Ellen, no matter who they are now and who they hope to become.

Wyoming approved tower for updated countywide dispatch system

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Wyoming’s Gezon Water tower will host one of the three towers for the county’s new dispatch system.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It may have been a short Wyoming City Council meeting this past Monday, but it was a busy one with the council hiring a new finance director for the city and approving a tower for Kent County’s new dispatch system.

 

In 2016, Kent County voters approved a 70-cent surcharge on their telephone and internet connections. The estimated $4.5 million a year would be split between converting the county’s current public safety dispatch system and countywide fire dispatch services.

 

The City of Wyoming was approached about placing one of three of the towers needed for the new 800 MHz radio system on the Gezon Water tower, City Manager Curtis Holt told the council at the meeting. The new system would allow all police, emergency responders and state police personal as well as neighboring county police and fire to be interconnectable as they would all be utilizing the same radio system, Curtis said.

 

The agreement is slightly different then other tower agreements the city has.

 

“This is a no cost agreement,” he said. “We are not charging for this location. We are not charging for this location because it benefits our public safety.”

 

He said the other municipalities hosting towers, which are the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, are not charging as well to help keep costs down, Curtis said.

 

Curtis also pointed out that the agreement has a maintenance section where as during maintenance of the water tower, the county, at its own cost, would have to move the dispatch tower to a temporary location.

 

The council unanimously approved the agreement. Curtis said the Gezon Water tower will be undergoing a painting project this spring with the new dispatch antennas being installed after that project is completed.

 

The Wyoming City Council also approved an amended agreement with Kent County for dispatch services since effective Jan. 1, the city will not be charged for fire safety dispatch since that is covered under the new surcharge.

 

Rosa Ooms has been named the city’s new finance director.

New City Finance Director

 

After several years without a finance director, the Wyoming City Council approved a motion to promote Rosa Ooms to the position.

 

 

According to the city’s website, the finance department at the City of Wyoming works in the following areas: payroll, payments to vendors, insurance plans such as medical, dental, vision, liability, property, life, and workers compensation, cash management, retirement plans, budget, and bonding. Robert Luders left the finance director position in 2015. The city has been working with a contracted CPA firm since 2014.

 

According to Mayor Jack Poll, Ooms, who has been the city’s deputy finance director, has been in the department, working with staff. “…[from] what she has shown and where we anticipate the finance department to go that she will be an excellent leader in there,” he said.

 

During the council meeting, City Manager Curtis Holt also spoke highly of Ooms and her work in the city’s finance department.

 

“We have been through kind of some ups and downs with our finance department since our finance director retired…,” Holt said. “Rosa has really stepped up and done a great job with our finance department. Our entire finance department is really operating very, very well. We are really pleased with what we are doing and I think that is kind of a tribute to Rosa and her leadership over this kind of tumultuous period. Congratulations to her and I think it is well deserved and I thank her for doing this.”

 

The City Council unanimously approved the recommendation with Ooms officially starting her new position on Jan. 8.

 

The next regular Wyoming City Council meeting, set for Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, will include the State of the City address from Mayor Jack Poll.

South Christian students lead effort to honor veterans at recent basketball game

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

It is common practice to honor the flag prior to the a high school basketball game, to stand for the playing of the national anthem. But South Christian High School pushed honoring America, and American service members and veterans, to an whole other level at a game last month when it hosted a special veterans recognition ceremony.

 

At the Sailors’ Dec. 15 game when it hosted Caledonia, a special ceremony between the girls and boys games honored U.S. Navy SEAL David Warsen, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012, and well as other servicemen and women that have sacrificed their lives. It was also a benefit for the David Warsen Foundation and Warriors Set Free, a Grand Rapids based organization for veterans run by veterans to help deal with PTSD, suicide, anxiety, depression, and other life issues.

 

The event was the creation of two South Christian students, seniors Andrew Haan and Will Warsen.

 

David Warsen “was a cousin of my friend Will, my partner in organizing the event,” Haan said to WKTV. “I know Dean VanderMey who is on the board at Set Free Ministries, I told him about this project and he referred me to Steve Prince, the main person at Warriors Set Free, which is an offshoot of Set Free Ministries.”

 

For Prince, it was not his first time working with the David Warsen Foundation and it all fit perfectly with his ministry’s mission.

 

“I was invited to the South Christian event by Andrew Haan, his brother is connected to Set Free Ministries,” Prince said to WKTV. “I have also attended several events with the David Warsen Foundation.  A large part of my ministry is spreading the word about what we are doing, so being at that event helped to inform more people about our mission. I also spent some time (at the game) talking with people who are already connected to Set Free Ministries and military vets.”

 

Warriors Set Free —  “Where the hurting and the Healer connect”, according to its website — “is a (Christian-based) ministry run by Veterans for Veterans. Typically a Veteran will only be comfortable talking to another Veteran about the experiences they have had in a war or military service.  Trying to explain your military experience to a civilian has its challenges.  We remove that problem by training Vets to help Vets. Our director, founder and volunteers are all Veterans.”

 

For more information about the David Warsen Foundation visit davidwarsenlegacy.com and about Warriors Set Free visit setfreeministries.com .

 

The Literacy Center of West Michigan calls for volunteers

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The Literacy Center of West Michigan is searching for volunteers to teach reading and writing skills to adults in the Kent County area.  Volunteers offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second language (ESL.)

 

Information sessions for volunteers are going to be held on Thursday Jan. 4 at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., and Friday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. All of these sessions will last one hour and be held at 1120 Monroe Ave., N.W. Suite 240 – Grand Rapids, MI. To register, please call 459-5151, ext. 10, or email info.literacycenterwm.org.

 

The Literacy Center is a non-profit, United Way agency devoted to reducing illiteracy in the community. According to the 2003 National Assessment for Adult Literacy, up to 14.6% of adults in Kent County lack reading and writing skills used in every day life.

 

Executive director of Network180 details scope of Medicaid programs’ differences, funding shortfalls

Citizen Journalism

WKTV Staff

 

As part of his Jan. 5 presentation to the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council, Scott Gilman, executive director of Network180, went into detail as to the reason for the funding shortfall being experienced by county’s mental health provider, as well as the immediate and possible near-future impacts.

 

According to information provided by Gilman and other sources, Network180 is expected to make approximately $10.7 million in reductions due to declining revenue at the Lakeshore Regional Entity, of which it is a member.

 

The Lakeshore Regional Entity manages a contact with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide services to Kent, Allegan, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties. The contract is to provide mental health services people with mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders who have Medicaid or are under insured. It is one of 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) in the state.

 

Gilman’s presentation stated that Medicaid revenue for the mental health system declined state-wide due to thousands of Michigan resident’s insurance status changing from Disabled, Aged and Blind (DAB) to Healthy Michigan. Even though benefits are similar, Healthy Michigan is paid at a much lower rate. An independent study — funded by nine of the 10 PIHPs — by the Grand Rapids based Rehmann Group estimated a $97 million state-wide revenue shortfall, and a $7.8 million loss for the Lakeshore Regional Entity.

 

But, Gilman repeatedly pointed out, despite cuts and delays basic individual services legally must still be provided. Network180, to that end, sent a letter out on Dec. 22, 2017 to individuals served in the county as well as families and other care providers.

 

“I want to emphasize that all individuals served by Network180 have important rights as beneficiaries of the public behavioral health system,” Gilman wrote in the letter. “It is essential that everyone understand that individuals in treatment must be informed of their rights and we all work to make sure each individual is supported to exercise their rights. Service and supports that are medically necessary can’t be reduced based on financing.”

 

“Clients will still get what they are entitled to get,” Gilman said Jan. 2. “We have to fight for that, and we have to protect that. What they are not going to get are things that are better than the basic package they are entitled to.

 

What is going to be cut, he added is “more discretionary programs. … anywhere where we had creative community benefit programs.”

 

Among the cuts being considered by Network180 are clinical Staff at permanent supportive housing projects, the Clubhouse program for adults with mental illness, nursing home monitoring, Native American Community Services staffing grant, Nuevo Camino Hispanic outreach, staffing the Center for Integrated Medicine, respite services for families, facility based skill building CLS and Life Skills, substance use disorder services such as methadone treatment, as well as a delay expansion of Children’s Mobile Crisis Team, Delay expanding of DD Enhanced Healthcare.

 

Another point stepped by Gilman is that while some clients and care providers knowingly switched from DAB Medicaid to Healthy Michigan Medicaid, for reasons including dental coverage and easier qualification, some may not know they have been switched. He urged clients and care providers to check with the MDHSS for details on which Medicaid plan they are on.

 

“There are all different reasons, the one that really scares me is individuals that say ‘I have no idea’,” Gilman said. “Because then I wonder if they are making informed decisions as to what is best for them. … It is ease of access. It is just so easy to get Healthy Michigan than it is DAB. People just take the path of least resistance.”

 

Adoptable pets of the week: Sheba, Mijia, and Chessy

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Gorgeous Sheba

By Brooke Hotchkiss, Humane Society of West Michigan

 

Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.

 

Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them new, forever homes. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.

 

Sheba — Female Domestic Short Hair

I am a 13-year-old cat looking for my forever home. I’m a sweet and social girl who loves pets and playing! I also like to relax and would do best in a quiet home that would give me some love and attention. I’m an easygoing cat and would bring someone a lot of joy. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan! Animals ages 7 years and older have their adoption fees waived due to generous grant funding.

More about Sheba:
  • Animal ID: 31378891
  • Domestic Shorthair/Mix

    Fun-loving Mijia
  • Female
  • Size: Medium
  • Color: Black/Orange
  • Spayed
  • Declawed

Mijia — Female American Staffordshire Terrier Mix

I am a fun-loving, 3-year-old looking for my forever home! I seem to be house trained, love to play, and know several commands. I am currently too stressed to go home with another dog, but may do well with a male dog once I’m comfortable in a home. I love to snuggle and go for walks! If I sound like a good fit for you, please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!

More about Mijia:
  • Animal ID: 37155706
  • Terrier, American Staffordshire/Mix
  • Female
  • Size: Large
  • Color: Brindle
  • Spayed

Chessy — Female Domestic Short Hair

Dainty Chessy

I am a 5-year-old cat looking for my forever home! I need to be placed in a home with no dogs and no small children. I am social and playful, however, I am not very tolerant of being picked up or pet. I need an environment where I can approach people on my own terms and in my own time and have a space to hide when I need to be alone. I do enjoy playing with people, especially with wand toys once I have warmed up. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!

More about Chessy:
  • Animal ID: 31798714
  • Domestic Shorthair/Mix
  • Female
  • Size: Small
  • Color: Grey
  • Spayed
  • Not declawed

Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tuesday-Friday 12pm-7pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm.

 

The Humane Society of West Michigan automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 (PETS).

Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.

On the shelf: ‘Copper Country Postcards’ by Nancy Sanderson

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

By M. Christine Byron, Grand Rapids Main Library

 

Local author Nancy Sanderson has created a wonderful treasure with her book, Copper Country Postcards: A View of the Past from the Keweenaw Peninsula. The book features almost 300 postcards from Sanderson’s extensive personal collection. The book gives a glimpse of Copper Country in the first half of the twentieth century. A foreword by Peter Van Pelt gives a brief introduction to the region.

 

By the turn of the 20th century mines and mining towns were well established in Copper Country and many immigrants had settled in the area. The popularity of postcards boomed and captured many views of places, people and events. Many postcards were mailed to family and friends and others were kept in albums as mementos. Real photo postcards documented significant events of the era. Sanderson has included a brief history of the postcard and a helpful list of postcard publishers that printed views of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

 

The first three chapters document the mining industry of Copper Country. Views include mines, shafts, smelters and mills, and machinery and operating equipment. The group portraits of miners show what a hardy breed they must have been to perform such hard labor. Scenes of the underground mine shafts are especially haunting in light of this year’s West Virginia mining disasters.

 

The chapter on the strike of 1913 features some of the rarest postcards in the book. Sanderson has collected views of the Michigan National Guard troops and their camps. The messages on the back of some of these cards give a social history of the time. There are views of protests and parades and a wonderful portrait of Annie Clemenc, the heroine of the strike. On a sadder note there are also scenes of funeral processions for the victims of the 1913 Italian Hall tragedy.

 

In the chapter on shipping Sanderson gives us wonderful postcard views of ships, freighters, and other boats. Dock scenes show workers loading copper ingots. Lighthouse views of the Canal Light House and the Portage River Light are included as well as a rare view of the U.S. Life Saving Station on the Portage Canal.

 

The second two-thirds of the book is devoted to towns and villages in the area. Chapters include Calumet and Laurium, Hancock and Houghton, Lake Linden and Hubbell and other towns. The breadth of Sanderson’s collection is shown in views of churches, schools, libraries, fire halls, banks, railroad stations hotels and more.

 

There are wonderful street scenes that capture the flavor of the town and parades that capture the spirit of the people. The postcard showing the Gay Baseball team of 1907 is a real gem. Scenic views of the Brockway Mountain Drive and Fort Wilkins State Park show the appeal the peninsula had to tourists.

 

The final chapter of the book features miscellaneous cards with such diverse views as snow scenes, the Freda Park Copper Range Railroad and the famous Cornish pasty. Advertising postcards feature some of the local organizations and businesses. A worthwhile bibliography and recommended reading list close out the book.

 

Sanderson grew up in Copper Country and has been a life member of the Keewenaw County Historical Society since the early 1980s. She has been active in the preservation of the area and in 2002 was awarded the Lauri W. Leskinen Memorial Award by the historical society for her role in developing a Commercial Fishing Museum located at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Museum.

 

Copper Country Postcards is a wonderful collection to be appreciated by postcard collectors or anyone interested in Upper Peninsula history. The full-size, full-color views are accurate reproductions of Sanderson’s original postcards. The captions that the author has written for the cards give relevant background information to the views. Sanderson’s generosity and commitment to the area is evident in the fact that the proceeds from the sale of the book will help fund preservation projects of the Keweenaw County Historical Society

Wyoming seeks input on Gezon Park Master Plan

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The City of Wyoming is seeking input from residents on a new master plan for Gezon Park..

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Ever wanted an ultimate Frisbee court? Hoping to have a splash pad at your park? How about more walking trails? Now is the time for Wyoming residents to speak up as the City of Wyoming asks for their input on what Gezon Park should offer.

 

Through Jan. 11, the City of Wyoming is seeking Wyoming residents’ input on a new master plan for Gezon Park.

 

The Gezon Park project is part of the library millage proposal that Wyoming voters approved in May. Voters approved a proposal that allowed the city to open up its current library millage to help with park improvements. About .16 of the .39 library millage, about $800,000 a year, is being used to help pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million.

 

The master plan will be the basis of the future park development plans. Residents are encouraged to take a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GezonParkMasterPlan. The survey only takes about a couple of minutes to complete. The survey will be available until Jan. 11. After the survey information has been processed, there will be two public meetings on the park as well. The first is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The second will be on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Metro Health University of Michigan Health Conference Center, 2225 Main St., located in the hospital.

 

Gezon Park, which includes 94 acres with two entrances, 5651 Gezon Ct. SW and 1940 52nd St SW, actually had a site plan developed in 1996. However much has changed since then, noted Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, who oversees the parks.

 

“With the growth in the City’s southern region, from developments at Metro Health Village to expanded residential housing along Wilson Avenue, we need the facilities of Gezon Park to align, not only the community needs of today, but well into the future,” Rynbrandt said. “We really look to our community and area residents to guide this process so Gezon can be exactly what is needed for the area.”

 

The walking path at Gezon Park during the summer.

While Gezon Park runs from Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street, only the entrance areas have been developed. The north end of the park (the 52nd Street entrance) serves as a neighborhood park with basketball courts, a picnic shelter, playground area and walking trail.The south end of the park (the Gezon Parkway entrance) is an active sports park with baseball, softball, and football fields along with restroom facilities. The vast majority of the park remains undeveloped. The City of Wyoming Water Treatment Plant is located adjacent to the park on the City property as well.

 

Gezon Park is one of four parks included in the proposed park improvements. The other parks are Ferrand Park, a pocket park on Byron Center Avenue; Jackson Park, located at 1331 33rd St. SW; and Ideal Park, located at 5843 Crippen Ave. SW.

 

 

For more information about Gezon Park or the greater Wyoming Parks system or program, contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit www.wyomingmi.gov.

Some of the biggest stories of 2017 for Wyoming and Kentwood

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2017 top story: Grace Bible College’s Kate Shellenbarger makes a difference by working with Wyoming police Det./Lt. James Maguffee. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

As 2017 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the most popular stories for the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.

 

In compiling this list, I took a look at both page views on a story, which indicates the number of people who clicked on the article, and also social media statistics. The result is a mix of both most read and shared articles from the WKTV Journal website.

 

One of the most read stories, and shared extensively on social media, was Grace Bible College student ‘part of solution’ to local human trafficking problem and almost tied was Grab a seat – the eagles are back and viewing is easy through online sites, written by WKTV contributor Catherin Kooyers.

 

 

In fact, the City of Wyoming had several of our most read and shared stories which included Wyoming’s Spring Carnival is back at new location, Lamar Park and Wyoming set to have a brew, or two with Two Guys Brewery.

 

A room with a view: The partnership to make the Kelloggsville Library a community library wrapped up the year and our list for most read and shared stories of 2017.

Other top Wyoming stories were:

 

Wyoming Public Schools seek millage extension to modernize buildings, expand high school

 

New Godfrey Lee district board member brings Latinx perspective to educational leadership

 

Ribbon cutting celebrates redevelopment of former Wyoming Village Mall to 28 West Place/ With commercial and city cooperation, grand opening of 28 West Place more than a ribbon cutting

 

Intersecting of 56th and Ivanrest scheduled to get traffic signal

 

‘Boots and Badges’ brings first responders, community together for day of appreciation and fun

 

Wyoming seeks to open up library maintenance millage for park improvements

 

Get to know your neighbor at the first-ever Wyoming Winterfest/It may have been warm but WinterFest was a success

 

 

The first Kentwood City Commission met on Feb. 27, 1967. The city kicked off its 50th anniversary by hosting a commission meeting on Feb. 27, 2017.

The biggest event that took place in the City of Kentwood was the city’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, so it only makes sense that many of the most read and shared Kentwood stories centered around the celebration. Some of those stories were:

 

Kentwood 50: Kentwood’s fifth graduating class celebrates its 50th anniversary

 

Kentwood kicks off year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a special city commission meeting

 

Kentwood 50: Opening celebration brings dignitaries to town

 

Kentwood 50: City recognizes establishments that have been apart of the community for 50 years or more

 

Celebrating Kentwood is what this upcoming weekend event is all about

 

Kentwood hosts Trunk or Treat event Oct. 21

 

Kentwood gives summer a final hurrah with food truck festival

 

 

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off the year with some of the hottest news: the 2016 Chamber Award winners which included Chamber names Valorous Circle ‘2016 Service Business of the Year,’ Lacks Enterprises named manufacturer of the year by chamber, and Craig’s Cruisers named retail business of the year by chamber. Another popular Chamber story was on the  2017 SouthKent Expo: More than 80 vendors scheduled for this year’s SouthKent Expo.

Wyoming high head coach Irvin Sigler, at a preseason press conference. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

 

 

There was a lot going in local sports including the newly appointed Wyoming High School Football Coach Irvin Sigler III and in fact one of the top shared sports stories was Wyoming football team learning, growing under new coach’s guidance. Another top sports story was the September piece Godwin Heights honors one of its own, Chris Pulliams, prior to home football game, recognizing the longtime athletic director and teacher.

 

 

In entertainment, theater stories did quite well with everyone loving the story of Kira Alsum in Local resident takes the Civic Theatre stage in upcoming production of ‘Annie.’ taking a top spot. In fact, readers seemed to really enjoy hearing of the accomplishments of many of our local thespians with other Civic Theatre stories such as Civic Theatre’s ‘Fancy Nancy’ features Kentwood resident in lead and Four local residents celebrate the wisdom of Dr. Seuss in Civic Theatre production were popular as well. Another well shared and popular entertainment story was Retirement’ on the menu for owners of Pal’s Diner.

 

Jason Morrison as Oliver Warbucks with Kentwood’s Kira Alsum as Grace Farrell in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre holiday production of “Annie”

Other top WKTV Journal 2017 entertainment stories were:

 

For semi-serious beer-fueled runners, a new pub run/crawl series

 

Public Museum’s Beer Explorers pairs beer, doughnuts this month

 

Reciprocal membership benefits for GRPM members with Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum 

 

On Tap: Cedar Springs Pub Crawl or passport stops, your call after Black Friday

 

Still available, Jamie, from Crash’s Landing.

 

Who does not love a good animal story? Through partnerships with such groups as Crash’s Landing and the Humane Society of West Michigan, we have featured a number of adoptable animals and of the top five, Nessarose, Jamie, Heihei, Cuervo, and Salsa (All from Crash’s Landing), three have been adopted, Nessarose’s adoption is pending and Jamie is being fostered.

 

 

Wrapping up our list of the 2017 biggest stories is Kelloggsville, KDL join together to open high school library to entire community, which I could not think of a better way to cap off the year. The story, which was published in December and did remarkably well for the short time it has been up, serves as an excellent example of how various community groups working together can find a way to fill a need. Those partnerships are what has enabled the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood to accomplish some pretty amazing things, as you can tell from this list of 2017 most read and shared stories.

 

And with that said, we look forward to covering the amazing things that both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood accomplish in 2018.

 

Victoria Mullen contributed to this story.

Adoptable cat of the week: Captain Kidd

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Captain Kidd has 21 toes!

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

 

On Oct. 2, 2017, this totally adorable, 21-toed, intact male was unceremoniously dumped on the doorstep of our shelter, in a filthy travel carrier with a note attached. Evidently he was thought to be suffering from a urinary blockage and his owners couldn’t afford to have him treated, so instead of asking for help, they left him behind in the hopes that we would: 1) be able to care for him and 2) have the space to accommodate him once his medical issues were addressed.

 

As luck would have it, even though the unexpected addition of 2-1/2 year old Captain Kidd (Dr. Jen’s name for the handsome bloke who was born in the spring of 2015) put us up over our acceptable head count, he wasn’t afflicted by a urinary tract blockage but rather a non-infectious, inflammatory condition of his bladder.

 

Dr. Jen suspects that Kiddo was showing symptoms of discomfort and either straining to pee, producing bloody urine or going outside of the box. His issues have been simply remedied by neutering him, making sure his daily water intake is increased by feeding him canned food, and inexpensive medical management in the form of twice weekly anti-inflammatory tablets that he takes like a champ. And his litter box manners are something to behold, as he is a proud piddler and uses those massive mitts to cover his business when all is said and done.

 

Captain Kidd is not only drop-dead gorgeous but he is HILARIOUS! He is always in the thick of things, sticking his nose (and those toes) into anything and everything he isn’t supposed to! He is like our very own Energizer Bunny and he cracks us up with his playful antics and his zany, kitten-like behavior.

 

He gets along famously well with the other kitties at Crash’s but in all honesty he wouldn’t have to go into a multi-cat household; as long as he is the center of attention and has plenty to keep him occupied (think rambunctious children or perhaps even a boisterous canine companion), he is absolutely going to make a fabulously fun addition to any family that is fortunate enough to end up with him! And c’mon, those tootsies alone are simply stupendous!

More about Captain Kidd

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Employment Expertise: The Facts about Background Checks

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By West Michigan Works!

 

You aced the interview and your potential employer tells you the next step is to run a background check. The good news is that you are a top candidate if they are willing to invest in a background check. The bad news is, if you haven’t been completely honest about the information on your application or resume, they can find it and there will be no job offer.

 

A background check is a routine step in the hiring process for many companies. The most common background checks are reference checks, employment and education history and criminal background reports.

 

Reference Checks: Personal references can help employers understand both your skills for the job and your fit with the company. Choose your references wisely. While it may be tempting to ask your best friend or a family member, don’t. Choose someone who can speak to what it’s like to work with you in a positive manner. Be sure to ask potential references for their permission first. It will look better to potential employers if your references are expecting the call and know about the job you applied for.

 

Employment and Education History: Potential employers will verify your work history with past employers listed on your application or resume. They may even contact the educational institutions to verify your training or degrees. If you experienced a gap in employment or completed three years of college but didn’t graduate, be upfront about it. It is much better to clarify any issues ahead of time than for the employer to discover discrepancies.

 

Criminal Background Reports: Criminal background reports are most often done when the position requires working with children, money or sensitive data. Don’t worry; a speeding ticket shouldn’t cost you the job, unless you’re applying for a driving position. Employers are only supposed to rule out a potential candidate with a criminal record if there is a business reason for doing so. Tell the truth about any criminal history before the background check. Not only will you show the employer you are honest, you also have the opportunity to explain the situation and describe what you have learned.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

On the shelf: ‘The Floor of the Sky’ by Pamela Carter Joern

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

By Laura Nawrot, GRPL Main

 

I had no idea how much I would enjoy this book when I first picked it up. The cover is a black and white photo of a farmhouse and barn huddling under what appear to be storm clouds. Pretty simple at first glance, kind of how I thought the story would play out, but I was happily surprised.

 

The story begins with Toby, a widow in her early 70s who is hosting her sixteen-year-old granddaughter, Lila, at her Nebraska farm for the summer. Toby seems to be a typical caregiver kind of person because her older sister, Gertie, lives with her and Lila is pregnant and unwed. The reader quickly learns, however, that there is much more to these characters than meets the eye as the story twists deeper with each turn of the page.

 

Carter Joern narrates the novel in third person and alternates the point of view between Toby, Lila, Gertie and George. While this method of storytelling can sometimes be confusing, the author makes it very clear to the reader who is doing the telling as each voice changes by naming the character instead of numbering chapters.

 

One thing I really liked about this book is the pace set by each of the characters. At times I felt like I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough, and other times it felt like I could savor the words on the page. The funny thing about this book was that none of the characters appeared to be remarkable in an obvious way, yet I felt very drawn into the telling of their lives, especially as more and more about each of them was revealed.

 

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, I suggest you give The Floor of the Sky a try.

 

 

‘Traveling with the Bangalore Wanderlusters’ at GVSU through March 2

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,
By Maya Grant

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

In fall 2016, Maya Grant traveled to India on a study abroad scholarship from the GVSU Padnos International Center. Grant, a sociology major, was led to India by a need to escape and explore. She studied at Christ University in Bengaluru, volunteered at a local non-profit and captured her experiences and interactions through photography. On the weekends, Grant joined a group of expats called the Bangalore Wanderlusters, and traveled throughout Karnataka and its neighboring states. This exhibition includes more than 25 photographs documenting her experiences studying abroad, and exploring the landscape and people of India.

  • What: ‘Traveling with the Bangalore Wanderlusters: Reflections on a Semester in India by Maya Grant’
  • When: Exhibition on display through March 2
  • Where: Blue Wall Gallery (Building B), DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

2017 Holiday Greetings

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While at the 2017 Wyoming Gives Back holiday event and the 2017 Kentwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, WKTV was able to capture several holiday greetings from officials and residents. Below are just some of those sending out their holiday wishes to West Michigan. To see all of the Wyoming holiday greetings, click here. To see the Kentwood holiday greetings, click here for the ones from the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and here for the ones from the Kentwood City Commission.

 

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley

 

 

Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll

 

 

State Rep. Tommy Brann

 

 

Kentwood City Commissioner Betsy Artz

 

 

Wyoming Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt

 

 

Kentwood City Commissioner at Large Richard Clanton

 

Wyoming City Council member Rob Postema

 

 

Kentwood Second Ward City Commissioner Tom McKelevy

 

 

Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt

 

 

Kentwood 1st Ward City Commissioner Emily Bridson

 

 

Wyoming Assistant City Manager Megan Sall

 

 

 

 

‘Drawn from the Desert: Australian Aboriginal Paintings’ at GVSU through March 2

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

From 1940-1960, the Australian government forced Aboriginal groups off their lands and into organized communities of the Central Desert region and along the northern coast. Papunya, located about 150 miles northwest of Alice Springs, was the final community established to collect these displaced groups, and where the contemporary Australian Aboriginal art movement began.

 

This exhibition is drawn out of a recent gift of Australian Aboriginal paintings to Grand Valley State University, created by artists from Papunya and the surrounding region. It features artwork that provides insight into Aboriginal life, retellings of important ancient stories and symbols, and the sacred sites of this vast and arid landscape.

  • What: ‘Drawn from the Desert: Australian Aboriginal Paintings from the Central and Western Deserts’
    When:     Exhibition on display through March 2
    Where:     Kirkhof Center Gallery (main floor), Allendale Campus

Adoptable pets from Humane Society of West Michigan: Candy and Iris

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Meet playful Candy!

By Brooke Hotchkiss, Humane Society of West Michigan

 

Each week, WKTV features an adoptable furry friend (or few) from various shelters in the Grand Rapids area. This week, we focus on Humane Society of West Michigan, located at 3077 Wilson Dr. NW in Grand Rapids.

 

Humane Society of West Michigan’s mission is to rescue hurt, abused and abandoned animals and find them new, forever homes. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization helps over 8,000 animals annually and is 100% donor-funded by caring individuals and businesses in the community. Additional programs help reduce pet overpopulation, provide assistance to low-income pet owners, behaviorally assess animals and reunite lost pets with their owners.

 

Candy — American Staffordshire Terrier Mix

I am a happy and loving 6-year-old dog! I have a warm and outgoing personality, and I am eager to learn and love treats. I’m an active dog who would do best in home that has the time to play with me and take me for walks and would do best with older children. If I sound like a good fit for you, please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!

 

More about Candy:

  • Animal ID: 30414031
  • Breed: Terrier, American Staffordshire/ Mix
  • Age: 6 years
  • Gender: Female
  • Size: Medium
  • Color: Tan/White
  • Spayed
Lovely Iris

Iris — Female Domestic Short Hair

I am a 7-year-old sweet and lovable cat. I love napping, relaxing, and getting belly rubs. I would do best in a routine and relaxed environment that would allow me time to adjust. Please come meet me at Humane Society of West Michigan!

 

More about Iris:

  • Animal ID: 30414031
  • Breed: Terrier, American Staffordshire/ Mix
  • Age: 6 years
  • Gender: Female
  • Size: Medium
  • Color: Tan/White
  • Spayed

Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tuesday-Friday 12pm-7pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm.

The Humane Society of West Michigan automatically microchips all adoptable animals using 24PetWatch microchips, which include FREE registration into the 24PetWatch pet recovery service. For more information visit www.24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424. This pet is also provided with 30 days of FREE ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance with a valid email address. For more information visit www.sheltercare.com or call 1-866-375-7387 (PETS).

Humane Society of West Michigan is open Tues-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-4.

‘Strange & Magical Beasts: Etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick’ on display at GVSU through March 2

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

Tony Fitzpatrick was born in 1958, and raised in and around Chicago as a member of a large middle-class Irish Catholic family. His father worked as a burial vault salesman, and often took Tony along to appointments around the city when he was suspended from school. Drawing was a pervasive part of his life, and he’d sketch anything that caught his eye. He graduated from Montini Catholic High School in 1977, untrained in the arts. Over the years, Fitzpatrick spent time as boxer, bartender, actor, waiter and tattoo artist. These experiences, coupled with an insatiable appetite for drawing, had a profound effect on his work.

 

This exhibition features 21 etchings by the artist. They are drawn out of a recent gift to Grand Valley State University’s permanent art collection of more than 120 works on paper. Filled with strange and magical beasts, they draw on his childhood imagination, Catholic upbringing and immersive experience in street culture.

  • What: ‘Strange & Magical Beasts: Etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick’
  • When: Exhibit on display through March 2
  • Where: West Wall Gallery, L. V. Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

School News Network: Penguin Playrooms and Baboon Bedrooms

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By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

One must think like a big cat when designing a tiger habitat. Where do you like to sleep and play? What keeps you safe? What keeps people safe while watching you? What keeps zookeepers safe in feeding you?

 

Kentwood’s Discovery Elementary School students in the district’s gifted and talented program, PEAKS, considered the needs of lions and tigers and bears and other zoo animals recently while designing 3-D model exhibits for the new STEM class, Exhibit Design, a John Ball Zoo education program.

 

“You guys are going to be engineers,” said lead instructor Megan Burkhart, while passing out design kits with animal figurines, miniature structures and habitat pieces. The fourth-graders, working in groups, considered those who would be affected by their designs.

 

“We need to take into consideration the feelings of the keeper, the animals and the visitors,” student Madison Duffey said.

 

From left, Owen van der Veen, M.J. Smith and Calvin Ranger work on putting components of a good habitat together

New Tools to View Zoo

 

Burkhart said the class gives them new perspectives on what goes into design that meets the needs of all users. “When students come to the zoo and they are looking at exhibits, they don’t ultimately think about what went into the exhibit,” she said. “I love that it gives them the opportunity to engineer things themselves. As they go through the zoo after they’ve done all of this, it gives them a new appreciation and insights into all of the new exhibits.”

 

“Another goal is to show them the variety of jobs at the zoo. A lot of kids think the only job at the zoo is zoo-keeping, but there is a lot more we have here to offer; things they can ultimately do with their future,” Burkhart said

 

Fourth-grade science standards include animal adaptations, said teacher Joe Westra. The class, which involves biology and engineering, ties in well with new Michigan Science Standards. “Everything about this is consistent with best practice in science education,” he said.

 

Students said making a zoo habitat is harder than first appears.

 

Alexander Grzesiak and Madison Duffey create a bear exhibit

“If takes a long time and a lot of hard work, and you can’t do it by yourself,” said Reign Baker about coming up with a design. “If the animals don’t have what they need, they cannot survive.”

 

The zoo education program also offers the new STEM course, Penguineering, which challenges students to consider ideal habitats through the eyes of a Magellanic penguin and to create a nesting habitat.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Director Richard Linklater talks about his newest project on “The Kamla Show”

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Steve Carrel, Bryan Cranston, and Lawrence Fishburne in “Last Flag Flying”

Director Richard Linklater will be the next featured guest in the latest episode of “The Kamla Show” premiering on WKTV Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m.

 

Sitting down with host Kamla Bhatt, Linklater talks about his latest film “The Last Flag Flying,” currently in theaters including Celebration! Cinema North. The film, which stars Steve Carrel, Lawrence Fishburne, and Bryan Cranston, is based on the 2005 book of the same title by Darryl Ponicsan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater.

 

“Really loved those characters and what it was trying to say about middle age guys coming back together that had something in their past, and how time changes you and it doesn’t,” Linklater said during the interview as to why he wanted to do produced the film.

 

Richard Linklater (Photo by Lauren Gerson/LBJ Library)

Thirty years after serving in Vietnam together, a former Navy Corposman Larry “Doc” Shepherd (Carrel) re-unites with his old buddies, former Marines Sal Nealon (Cranston) and Reverend Richard Mueller (Fishburne), to bury his son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War.

 

Linklater said this is not a war film in the sense that it is an epic battle with soldiers “taking the hill” but more of his type of war film where it delves into the lives of the characters.

 

“You are seeing these wars echoed through three individuals who have been through it then and now in different ways and it is really about their lives,” he said.

 

During the interview with Bhatt, Linklater also shares his love for film and how he watches them along with the influence of Soviet filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky — considered a master filmmaker — has had on his career.

 

Linklater’s previous films include “Boyhood,” “Bernie.” “Before Sunrise,” “Before Sunset,” and “School of Rock.”

 

“The Kamla Show: Last Flag Flying” will be rebroadcast on Wednesday, Dec. 20, and Friday, Dec. 22, at 11:30 a.m.

‘Landscapes, Color & Light’ Exhibition on display through March 2

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,
By Virginia Jenkins

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

Virginia Jenkins is a professor and former chair of the Department of Visual and Media Arts at Grand Valley State University. Landscape forms and images have been the primary focus of her work for more than two decades, and her areas of specialty are in painting, drawing and mixed media. This exhibition is drawn from a recent series created in response to the landscape of the Northwest coast of the United States.

  • What: ‘Landscapes, Color & Light: Paintings by Virginia Jenkins’
  • When: Exhibition on display through March 2
  • Where: Red Wall Gallery, Lake Ontario Hall (first floor), Allendale Campus

NASA ready to send new crew members to International Space Station

Citizen Journalism, , ,
In the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 54-55 crew members Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA, left), Anton Shkaplerov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos, center) and Scott Tingle of NASA (right) pose for pictures in front of their Soyuz MS-07 spacecraft Dec. 5 as part of their first fit check dress rehearsal activities….Courtesy of Roscosmos

NASA set to feature the launch of a new crew to the International Space Station which will be featured on the WKTV Government Channel 26.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, we will be covering the launch of the ISS Expedition 54-55/Soyuz MS-07. Coverage will begin at 1:15 a.m, with the launch scheduled at 2:21 a.m. Footage of the crew’s launch day pre-launch activities will be shown at 1:25 a.m. The crew of ISS Expedition 54-55 is Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Anton Shkaplerov of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Scott Tingle of NASA
Tuesday, Dec. 19, we will be featuring the Docking of the ISS Expedition 54-55/Soyuz MS-07 to the International Space Station. Coverage begins at approximately 3:15am with the Docking scheduled for 3:42 a.m.
Stay tuned for the Hatching Opening and Welcoming Ceremony. Coverage starts at 5:30 a.m. with the actual opening scheduled for approximately 5:20 a.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and on AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99

City of Wyoming lifts precautionary boil water advisory for affected areas

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , ,

 

 

UPDATE: The precautionary boil water advisory for affected areas near Burlingame & 44th has been lifted. Residents are free to use their water as normal.

 

By City of Wyoming

 

Due to a drop in pressure in the City of Wyoming water supply, bacterial contamination may have occurred in the water system. Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Corrective measures are currently being undertaken to correct the situation.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice.

What happened? What is being done?

These precautionary actions are being taken due to the loss of water pressure in the water distribution system caused by a water main break on December 12, 2017. Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended. When a pressure loss occurs, water from inside a building may backflow into the water supply system.

Working in the trenches to restore water pressure

The City is working to get pressure restored, and water staff will be taking other remedial actions such as flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the system. The samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. If all goes well, water pressure should be restored by the end of the day today. Bacteriological test results should be available by the end of the day tomorrow. When water is restored, please remove your aerators and flush your water outlets for a minimum of 5 minutes.

This boil water notice shall remain in effect until results from the sampling verify the water is safe to drink. Customers will be advised when the boil water advisory has been lifted.

For more information, please contact Jaime Fleming, Laboratory Manager with the City of Wyoming at 616.261.3572. Please communicate as necessary with other people who may drink this water

Adoptable cat of the week: Nessarose

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , , , ,
Nessarose

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing

Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet — or few — from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).

On October 27th, 2016, we got a call at the clinic from a Meals On Wheels worker who was out and about and came across this hungry, flea-ridden little lady who was hungry for human contact even more than she was craving food. A kindhearted volunteer scooped her up and took her home, offered her some tasty treats and then tried to figure out what exactly to do with her. The cat appeared to have an injured rear leg and her paws looked odd, so the volunteer thought it best to seek help from Dr. Jen.

Although we really didn’t have any extra room at our facility, turning away a cat in need of medical care just isn’t anything Dr. Jen is comfortable with, so she said to bring the kitty on in. Thankfully, the injury sustained to kitty’s left rear leg was minor, and the pododermatitis (or ‘pillow foot’ as it is commonly called) affecting all four foot/toe pads is easily treatable if actively inflamed or painful. Since her tootsies weren’t bothering her, the condition was noted and would be monitored.

Dr. Jen set about treating the kitty for fleas and a mild case of flea allergy dermatitis, spayed the 2-1/2 year old (born in the spring of 2015) and got her program-ready.

Once at Crash’s, Nessarose immediately took to the volunteers. In the words of our cat care director: “What a doll! Nessarose just can’t get close enough to people. Whenever you pick her up, she snuggles up and burrows to the point of almost crawling inside of your clothing — and never wants to be put down. She loves everything about shelter life, especially the never-ending supply of volunteers to cuddle with her. She also makes feline friends eagerly. She really doesn’t need to go into a home with other cats though — as long as there are plenty of people to give her attention — but since she thrives on physical contact, another kitty to claim as her BFF would be fabulous”.

You really couldn’t find yourself a nicer cat than Nessarose, so seriously consider doing something wickedly wonderful by welcoming this darling, delightful girl into your heart and home!

More about Nessarose

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!

Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.

Kent District Library kicks off library card challenge with Godwin Heights

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Kent District Library announced the launch of the Library Card Challenge, giving 2,000 students at Godwin Heights Public Schools their very own library card.

 

The first program of its kind in Kent County, the Library Card Challenge will incorporate the library’s resources into every student’s learning experience. Library card-holding students will receive access to Kent District Library’s online research databases, materials from all 18 branches as well as computer and Internet access.

 

Teachers will be able to participate in the library’s education-based programming to enhance learning in the classroom, such as Leap into Reading, Lit Lunch and Storytime. Additionally, when school isn’t in session, students can still participate in KDL’s many summer offerings, including its popular summer reading program.

 

“Godwin Heights has been a wonderful partner as we launch the Library Card Challenge program,” said Lance Werner, Kent District Library executive director. “Our mutual goal of advancing literacy and lifelong learning has inspired us to join this national movement with a local collaboration.

 

“Our goal is to make sure that every public school student, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, in our county has a library card – and with it, the keys to unlock learning.”

 

The Library Card Challenge is part of a national effort to ensure every child enrolled in school has access to the valuable learning resources available at public libraries. Launched in 2015, the Library Card Challenge includes more than 100 communities nationwide dedicated to improving education outcomes, close achievement gaps and create a framework for an integrated approach to education.

 

“Providing our school community access to a full range of KDL educational databases and resources enhances our ability to meet 21st century learning goals,” said William Fetterhoff, Godwin Heights Public Schools superintendent. “The Godwin Heights teaching community will have access to high-quality resources to plan and deliver engaging lessons which will enable our students to extend and deepen their knowledge of content through exposure to non-fiction/informational material.

 

“The end goal culminates in allowing today’s student to be a successful, self-directed problem solver, better prepared for career and college readiness.”

 

Encouraging early childhood literacy has long been an objective of Kent District Library. In Kent County, third grade literacy rates remain low with, only 48.6 percent of students reading at the proficient level, according to KConnect, a network of organizations focused on ensuring all children in Kent County have a clear path to economic prosperity.

 

“Our community takes responsibility for ensuring our students have the skills they need to succeed in life,” said City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “The Library Card Challenge is an excellent way to provide open access of information to all students in our community.

 

“We are appreciative of our partnership with KDL and its commitment to the Wyoming community. As a municipality, we are continuously looking for ways to collaborate with our partners to enhance services and opportunities for our residents.”

 

Kent District Library is committed to increasing library card holders and granting access to valuable learning resources to every child. This first-of-its-kind partnership in Kent County highlights the local network of committed leaders and educators working to make library resources accessible for all.

 

KDL hopes to roll out the Library Card Challenge to the more than 120,000 students in Kent County over the upcoming years.

 

“This is a big undertaking, but we are ready for the challenge,” Werner said. “Literacy starts at the library, and we’re proud to be with students and families as children take the first exciting steps into a lifelong love of reading and learning.

 

“We have a wonderful community in Kent County and want to ensure that each student has the tools he or she needs to excel.”

Snowflake Break returns to the Grand Rapids Public Museum

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The Grand Rapids Public Museum is once again hosting family-friendly fun over this year’s holiday break! From Dec. 23 through Jan. 7, the GRPM will celebrate Snowflake Break with additional hands on activities, all included with admission.

 

Offerings will include a variety of family friendly programs and activities themed around history, science and culture, and the exhibits “Dragon, Unicorns & Mermaids and Brain: The World Inside Your Head.” Visitors can make their own take home crafts including: unique paper snowflakes, punched tin crafts and ornaments. Snowflake Break crafts will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

 

New for 2017, a feature during the holidays at the GRPM is LEGOs! See historic Grand Rapids like never before, all built from LEGOs. The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams showcases what Grand Rapids looked like during the early 20th century, including a section of the Grand River, the Morton Hotel, and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation building – the former ice house for Anheuser Busch.

 

Visitors to the Museum will be able to view this special holiday LEGO recreation now through January 26, 2018. It is on display in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids and included with general admission. “Built by the West Michigan Lego Train Club.”

 

In addition to the free with admission activities, the GRPM is hosting a holiday themed planetarium show “Let it Snow,” with additional shows daily during Snowflake Break. Visitors are also invited to go on a Santa & Elf Hunt, to find 15 historic Santas from around the World in the “Streets of Old Grand Rapids” exhibit, and 12 elves hidden throughout the 3 floors of the Museum. The Santa & Elf Hunt is included with general admission.

 

Join the Museum for late nights to see “Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” until 8 p.m. on Dec. 26, 28, 29, and Jan. 2. The GRPM will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

 

Santa finds a new ride at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids

 

Explore the various mythical creatures of the world. Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids features models and replicas of preserved specimens as well as cast fossils of prehistoric animals to investigate how they could have, through misidentification, speculation, fear, or imagination, inspired the development of some legendary creatures.

 

“Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” offers many interactive stations throughout the exhibition, including building your dragon in a virtual environment. Touch casts of a narwhal tusk to discover how they lent credence to the centuries-old belief in the unicorn. Hands-on stations include the lower jaw of Gigantopithecus (extinct group of apes) and a life-size reproduction of the talon of a Haast’s eagle.  

 

The exhibition includes imaginative models, paintings, and textiles, along with other cultural objects from around the world. The exhibit will bring to light surprising similarities and differences in the ways people around the world have been inspired by nature to envision and depict these strange and wonderful creatures.

 

Admission to “Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum, and can be purchased online at grpm.org.

 

“Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org), in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau-Quebec; Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta; and The Field Museum, Chicago.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Streets of Old Grand Rapids are decked out for the holidays.

Brain: The World Inside Your Head

 

“Brain” literally takes you inside the head to probe the geography of a giant brain and stand in the midst of the brain’s constant electrical brainstorm as thoughts and sensations are generated.

 

Upon entry into the exhibit, walk through a shimmering tunnel of flashing fiber-optics that illuminates networks of neurons firing and communicating. From this dynamic beginning, “Brain” invites guests deeper into the brain to discover its basic workings. Trace this brain’s development from infancy through old age, learn the evolution of scientists’ understanding of the brain’s physiology and study the re-created skull of Phineas Gage — a man who survived after his brain was pierced by a metal rod.

 

Admission to “Brain: The World Inside Your Head” will be free with general admission. “Brain”is open now through Jan. 7, 2018.

On the shelf: ‘Better Than Great’ by Arthur Plotnik

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

By Carl Meyering, GRPL Main Library

 

Want a New Year’s resolution that doesn’t make you sweat? How about a book that pumps up your vocabulary? Pick up a copy of Better Than Great. In a world filled with bland adjectives like “amazing” or “fantastic” or “awesome” this 198-page handbook will boost your word choices from boring to bountiful. You won’t become a word nerd, but it will help you become more descriptive and convey what you are really trying to say.

 

Author Arthur Plotnik suggests that you partake his suggestions in small doses and practice in everyday conversations. He has divided the book into several categories (like beautiful, large, intense, exceptional, etc) under which he has listed hundreds of more expressive words. Is that supermodel beautiful or resplendent? Was that symphony performance just great or stellar or transcendent? Is your best friend fun or really effervescent?

 

Mr. Plotnik, who is editor and publisher with the American Library Association, also provides “50 ways to text acclaim” and 75 acclamatory terms for wine.

 

My advice? Consult the book once a day and learn a new way of saying what you really mean. Your vocabulary will go from standard to salient!

 

 

 

 

WKTV coverage of boys basketball debuts as part of high school sports schedule

Citizen Journalism, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports

 

By Mike Moll

sports@wktv.org

 

The winter portion of the WKTV sports broadcast schedule tips off this week with three basketball games on two nights.

 

Tuesday night the truck and crew will be heading to Kelloggsville where the Rockets will host the Potter’s House Pumas in girls’ basketball. Potter’s House had a 2-1 record heading into their Friday night game against Barry County Christian while Kelloggsville had a 1-1 record before their pair of games last week against Union and West Michigan Aviation. Game time is 7 p.m.

 

Friday night, the crew will be at South Christian where both the girls and boys Sailor teams will be hosting the Fighting Scots from Caledonia.  There will be a special Wounded Warrior Project ceremony between the girls and boys game that will honor David Warsen who was killed in 2012, other servicemen and women that have sacrificed their lives, and an organization called Warriors Set Free, which is an organization for veterans that is run by veterans to help deal with PTSD, suicide, anxiety, depression, and other life issues.  Game times are 6 p.m. for the girls with the boys scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start.

 

This week we also start our weekly sports wraps as supplied by the local high schools. South Christian’s wrap is here. West Michigan Aviation Academy wrap is here. If you would like to report weekly scores and highlights for your school, contact sports@wktv.org.

 

The rest of the tentative December schedule is:

 

Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Boys Basketball East Grand Rapids at East Kentwood

Friday, Dec. 22 – Girls and Boys Basketball Wyoming Lee at West Michigan Aviation

 

Currently, each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Each Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/

 

Local high school sports events this week are as follows:

 

Monday, Dec. 11

Boys/Girls Bowling 

Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights

Wayland @ Wyoming

Girls Basketball 

Holland Calvary @ West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Girls Basketball 

Holland @ Godwin Heights

Northview @ Wyoming – Abbey Czarniecki Community Night

Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville – WKTV Featured Game

East Kentwood @ Byron Center

Martin @ Zion Christian

WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation

Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Basketball 

Wyoming Lee @ Union

Northview @ Wyoming – Abbey Czarniecki Community Night

Byron Center @ East Kentwood

Zion Christian @ Martin

WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation

Western Michigan Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Swimming 

@ East Kentwood

 

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Boys/Girls Bowling 

Rockford @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Boys Wrestling 

Allendale @ Godwin Heights – Double Duel

Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Holland

 

Thursday, Dec. 14

Boys/Girls Bowling

Wyoming @ Hudsonville

Girls Basketball 

Kelloggsville @ Zion Christian

 

Friday, Dec. 15

Boys Basketball 

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee

Wyoming @ East Kentwood

Caledonia @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Game

Hamilton @ Kelloggsville

Cedar Springs CTA @ West Michigan Aviation

Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep

NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Girls Basketball 

Wyoming @ East Kentwood

Caledonia @ South Christian – WKTV Featured Game

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee

West Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Black River

Cedar Springs CTA @ West Michigan Aviation

Wellsprings Prep @ Grand River Prep

NorthPointe Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Hockey

Manistee @ South Christian

East Kentwood @ Alpena

 

Saturday, Dec. 16

Boys Wrestling

Godwin Heights @ South Haven

Wyoming Lee @ FH Central – Kent Count Championships

Wyoming @ FH Central – Kent County Championships

Kelloggsville @ FH Central – Kent County Championships

East Kentwood @ FH Central – Kent County Championships

Boys/Girls Bowling

Godwin Heights @ Cedar Springs

Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs

Boys Hockey 

South Christian vs TBD @ Jenison Tournament

East Kentwood @ Alpena

Boys Swimming

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Girls Cheer 

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

 

Monday, Dec. 18

Boys/Girls Bowling

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Christian @ Wyoming

Girls Cheer 

East Kentwood @ Grandville

 

 

At the GVSU Art Gallery: Mathias J. Alten, An Evolving Legacy

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University

 

The German-born American artist Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) is often referred to as the dean of Michigan painters. Working in a traditional representational style, Alten incorporated the aesthetics and techniques of the Impressionist Movement in paintings infused with light and punctuated with deft brushwork. Based in Grand Rapids, Alten created more than 3,800 works over a more than 40-year career, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits and florals.

 

Grand Valley State University holds the largest public collection of Alten’s work in the world.

  • What: ‘Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy’
  • When: Exhibition dates: ongoing
  • Where: George and Barbara Gordon Gallery, DeVos Center, Building E, Room 103 and 202, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
  • Hours: Gordon Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; closed on holiday weekends

For more information about Art Gallery exhibitions, visit gvsu.edu/artgallery or call 616.331.3638. 

Caring for the Caregiver During the Holidays

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, , , ,

 

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Given that almost 20% of the population in the United States is aged 60+ and that more than 5 million people in the United States live with some form of dementia, it is likely that we have at least one person in our family who is a caregiver. We may not recognize them as being a caregiver — we might look at it as mom taking care of dad, or the sister who drives mom and dad places since she lives nearby.

 

As the holiday season comes into full swing, the caregiving role can take on added stress. Reaching out to caregivers and helping them plan for holiday festivities can go a long way toward helping the caregiver and their loved ones enjoy the holidays alongside family and friends.

 

We can begin by helping to choose holiday activities. As invitations arrive, it can be challenging for a caregiver to decide what to accept and what to decline. An evening out with old friends might be something the caregiver would like to do, but might be difficult for their loved one to attend. A family gathering might require a long trip and an overnight stay. Having family in for the weekend might be overwhelming for caregiver and loved one, alike. Some people might decide the amount of planning required is too much and decide to just stay home.

 

Social isolation is an unfortunate reality for many caregivers and their loved ones. It doesn’t have to be this way though. Julie Alicki, Certified Advanced Dementia Practitioner, agrees.

 

“Particularly in people with dementia, the tendency is to want to isolate, but being included in gatherings is beautiful,” Alicki said. “It allows them the opportunity to be social and this is important.”

 

Planning is key in helping caregivers approach the holiday season. Sitting down with a caregiver and mapping out the holidays can help us plan in advance for how we’re going to manage the holidays. Sarah Sobel, LMSW, AAAWM Caregiver Services & Contract Administrator has a suggestion.

 

“Decide what invitations the caregiver would like to accept and, of those, which events the loved one would like to attend and start from there,” she said.

 

Knowing in advance what events will be attended helps with the next phase, which is to make plans for each event — a Plan A, Plan B and even a C just in case. This will help determine what resources and assistance will need to be put in place ahead of time, so the person in the caregiving role does not feel that they’ve been left in a lurch.

 

For example, if there is a large family gathering, a person with dementia may require a quiet place to go when things become loud or chaotic. Arranging this in advance will help the caregiver be able to relax and enjoy, knowing there is a plan in place.

 

Alicki said, “When getting together as a family, if there are big, important things planned to take place, like gift opening, move those to the beginning of the gathering so both the caregiver and loved one can participate, and they can leave when necessary without missing out.”

 

Caregivers often put their needs second, third or last to other people in their life. Offering the caregiver some relief would make a tremendous gift for the holidays.

 

“Caregiving is stressful and the holidays can add to that stress. It is important for caregivers to do self-care,” Sobel said.

 

How can friends and family help with this? Having a friend or family member stay with a loved one for a weekend would offer the caregiver the freedom to get away for some rest and time for themselves or stepping in for a day so the caregiver can take in a concert or do some shopping. Arranging for professional in-home care can also provide some relief for a caregiver.

 

“This also clues the rest of the family in on what the caregiver is going through — it keeps them in the loop,” said Alicki.

 

Try to make the holidays guilt-free for caregivers.

 

“Caregiving for someone every day can be so unpredictable. It’s important that plans are flexible,” Sobel said.

 

If a caregiver needs to leave a gathering early, let them know how happy you are that you got to spend time with them rather than how disappointed you are that they have to leave. If traveling is too much, consider changing the location of a gathering to accommodate them. If a plan needs to be cancelled, be understanding.

 

During the holidays, like everyone else, caregivers and the loved ones they care for want to be involved in holiday festivities: attending parties, gatherings, concerts and events. The holidays are time to connect with friends, relatives who live states away, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. Those who care for caregivers can help the holiday season be an enjoyable one by offering support, participating in planning, and sharing in the responsibilities of caregiving.

 

If you need help making in-home care or respite arrangements, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org.

 

 

 

On the shelf: ‘The Wolf in the Parlor: The Eternal Connection between Humans and Dogs’ by Jon Franklin

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Reviews, , ,

By Lisa Boss, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch

 

A man is haunted by a photograph. Taken at an archeological dig, at Ein Mallaha, in the Jordan Valley, it presents a puzzling tableau. Looking down into a grave site formed 12,000 years ago, the photo reveals the skeleton of a man reaching out to another, much smaller skeleton — a puppy.

 

The author can’t seem to push the question out of his mind.  Why is the old man reaching out to the puppy in his burial site, so long ago?  And why is he so interested in this particular question, when he isn’t all that taken with dogs anyways…

 

Being a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist, when a question really gets under his skin, Jon Franklin often ends up turning it into an article, a series, or in some cases, an entire book. And so it was that almost 20 years after contemplating the press release photo of the Jordan Valley excavation, The Wolf in the Parlor was published.

 

This is a great book for any dog lover, but it’s much more. Franklin ranges widely, and the book is like an evolutionary drama, a pre-historical mystery, and a neurobiological puzzle — all forming a Gordian Knot, unraveled by a master storyteller.

 

There is a delicious irony in the book, in that the man pursuing his scientific research ultimately ends up forming his hypothesis, through the quality time that he spends with his wife’s dog. A relationship that he had considered inconsequential at first becomes a key to not only his research, but to the very question that bothered him so much in the first place.

 

Why was the man in the grave reaching out to the puppy, as if his spirit needed the animal to complete him?

 

 

 

 

Muskegon Museum of Art winter exhibitions and the questions and toil of cotton

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Sarah Wagner

By Marguerite Curran, Muskegon Museum of Art

 

The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) opens two new exhibitions, Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America and Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert, on Thursday, Dec. 14. The MMA invites the public to an opening reception and a talk by artist Sarah Wagner that evening. The reception will run 5:30-7 pm and Wagner’s talk will begin at 7 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

 

The exhibitions examine, in various ways, the influence of cotton upon history, economics and the environment.

 

Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America

 

Sarah Wagner sculpts in wood, metal and fabric, creating animals and environments that address the fragility and resilience of Nature and humanity’s impact on its surroundings. Her art is inspired and informed by the City of Detroit, where she lives and works. For her MMA exhibition, Wagner is creating a new installation of capitalism and industrialism around the world.

 

Southern Roots: The Paintings of Winfred Rembert

 

Winfred Rembert works in the medium of carved and dyed leather, creating vibrant and rhythmic imagery of his life in 1950s Georgia. A storyteller, Rembert reveals images of culture, community, family and struggle through intense color and repeating patterns. His most recognizable pieces depict pickers at work in the cotton fields, a grueling task the artist himself experienced in his childhood and later on a prison chain gang. Over 25 works, including the premiere of several recent paintings by the artist, are featured in the exhibition.

 

The MMA will present a screening of the documentary about Rembert’s life, All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert, following a special reception on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018. The reception will start at 5:30 pm and the film will start at 7 pm. Rembert has a lot of stories to tell, from his childhood on a cotton farm to his near lynching during the Civil Rights Movement; his life experiences are the bed of work that inspires his artwork. This film documents Rembert’s life and how his tooled leather artwork has become his biography and therapy. The film was directed by Vivan Ducat of Ducat Media. She and Rembert will be at the screening, followed by a Q&A with the artist.

 

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located next to Hackley Public Library in downtown Muskegon. Call 231.720.2570 or go here for visitor information.