Grab your dark sunglasses, tease your hair, put on your spandex and headbands and join the wave headed back to the ’80s.
105.3 HotFM presents Retro Futura: HOT ’80s Rewindon Tuesday, August 1st at the Van Andel Area. Headlined by synth pioneer Howard Jones, the jam-packed show will also feature sets from the English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern English, Paul Young and Katrina (ex-Katrina and The Waves) in support of Metro Health–University of Michigan Health Foundation.
The arena will host a pre-party prior to the show complete with a local ’80s band, ’80s costume contest, ’80s karaoke contest, games, prizes, food and drink specials and more! The show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. and the pre-show activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. For more details visit vanandelarena.com.
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation helps Metro Health meet the health care needs of more than 250,000 people annually. This includes providing assistance for people with limited or no health insurance, programs to detect cardiovascular disease in teens, summer camp for cancer patients and their families, Child Life Services for children experiencing hospitalization and funding to promote innovative treatment and compassionate care.
Tickets for Retro Futura: HOT ’80s Rewind can be purchased at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $45, $57.50 and $75. Ticket prices are subject to change.
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Protect Public Land & Water
Bill Permanently Reauthorizes Land and Water Conservation Fund
By Allison Green
U.S Senator Gary Peters announced that he is cosponsoring the bipartisan Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF uses revenues from offshore oil and gas drilling to fund the protection of everything from wildlife refuges and national parks to lakes, rivers and community parks.
Sleeping Bear dune
Michigan has received over $320 million in funding from the LWCF over the 50-year lifespan of the program, helping to protect places like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Keweenaw National Historical Park, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the North Country National Scenic Trail, and all of Michigan’s National Forests.
“Protecting our environmental resources is not just about good stewardship, it is also vital to our health, our economy and our way of life in Michigan,” said Peters.
Outdoor recreation is a key component of Michigan’s economy, generating $18.7 billion in consumer spending and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 4.4 million people hunt, fish, or enjoy wildlife-watching in Michigan each year, contributing over $6.1 billion to the state’s economy.
Peters, Stabenow & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Tackle Student Loan Debt
Legislation Allows Borrowers to Refinance Student Loans at Lower Interest Rate
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow joined their colleagues in introducing the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act. The legislation would allow those with outstanding student loan debt to refinance at the lower interest rates offered to new federal borrowers in the 2016-2017 school year.
“Access to higher education can provide a pathway to economic opportunity, but too many young people are saddled with crushing debt after they leave school,” said Senator Peters. “You can already refinance your mortgage or car loan, and there is no reason student loans should be treated any differently.”
“Our bill would allow students and parents to refinance their loans for a better rate – just like people can already do with their car or home loans. All of our students deserve an equal shot at success!” said Senator Stabenow.
Since the bill was introduced during the 113th congress, student loan debt has grown by about $200 billion. In 2015, 70% of college seniors graduated with debt. This year, more than one in four borrowers are in delinquency or in default on their student loans. In Michigan, tuition for almost every college has more than doubled since the early 2000s. Each student who attends a four-year college in our state leaves with over $29,000 in loan debt on average.
According to a recent analysis, a quarter of borrowers default over the life of their loans. It is clear that the student loan debt crisis is getting increasingly worse, with no signs of slowing down. It is a crisis that threatens our economy, and the futures of young people all across America. With interest rates scheduled to rise again this summer, the urgency for Congress to address the student debt crisis and to allow borrowers to access today’s lower rates is stronger than ever.
Peters Statement on Appointment of Special Counselor in Russia Investigation
The Kremlin in Moscow
U.S. Senator Gary Peters released the following statement on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel in the Russia investigation:
“Russia’s unprecedented interference into our election threatens our national security and the very foundation of our democracy. The appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel is a good first step toward a thorough investigation that is free from political pressure or interference. The American people deserve to know the facts about Russian efforts to disrupt the 2016 election, any involvement with the Trump campaign, and any attempt by the President or other officials to improperly influence the FBI. The facts alone should drive this investigation.”
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits
U.S Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, announced he is cosponsoring the bipartisan Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act, which will help veterans suffering from respiratory ailments as a result of exposure to open burn pits during their military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Burn pits were frequently used on military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan to burn waste, including toxic items such as plastics, electronics, batteries and human waste.
“When veterans are exposed to harmful substances in service to our nation, we must ensure they can receive the necessary medical care and treatments they need when they return home,” said Senator Peters.
The bill would establish a center of excellence within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the treatment of health conditions related to burn pit exposure. Chemicals found in burn pits has been linked to a number of adverse health effects including cancer, neurological and reproductive disorders, and respiratory and cardiovascular toxicity.
Peters Introduces Bill to Expand Broadband Deployment Using Accurate Coverage Maps
Bipartisan Bill Requires FCC to ensure Broadband Coverage Maps Reflect the Real-World Experiences of Rural Consumers
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Rural Wireless Access Act of 2017 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to collect up-to-date and accurate data on wireless broadband coverage across the United States and especially in rural areas.
“Having an accurate assessment of which rural areas are most in need of wireless broadband coverage is critical to closing the digital divide, but the availability of broadband coverage can be difficult to assess,” said Senator Peters.
According to the FCC, 87 percent of rural Americans – 52.2 million people – lack access to mobile broadband with minimum advertised speeds of 10 Mbps/1 Mbps, compared to 45 percent of those living in urban areas. According to Connect Michigan, 44 percent of working-age Michigan adults rely on internet access to seek or apply for jobs, while 22 percent further their education by taking online classes.
Stabenow Statement on Trump Administration’s NAFTA Renegotiation Notice
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s NAFTA renegotiation notice:
“In the 23 years since NAFTA was signed, our country has lost too many good-paying manufacturing jobs to other countries. No other state has felt the pain of those losses more than Michigan. Given NAFTA’s importance to our workers, our farmers, and our economy, a modernization is long overdue. As we move forward, we need to make sure that any changes to NAFTA lead to an improvement in our quality of life and higher incomes, not a race to the bottom.”
Peters, Collins Introduce Bill to Give Fire Departments Flexibility in
Hiring
Bill Allows Fire Departments to Use Federal Funding to Promote Part-Time Firefighters
By Allison Green
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help local fire departments across the country save money and hire and promote trained first responders. The Firefighters Retention Act of 2017 will give fire departments flexibility to use Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants to transition part-time or paid-on-call personnel to full-time status. Under current law, fire departments can only use SAFER grants to hire and train new personnel and are prohibited from using these grants to promote part-time firefighters, who are already trained and equipped to respond to emergencies.
“Part-time firefighters serve on the frontlines of their communities and have the experience to effectively and efficiently respond when emergency strikes,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “This commonsense legislation would give fire departments greater ability to promote trained, experienced firefighters, which will save money and reaffirm the critical role these men and women play in keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
The SAFER grant program provides direct funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities. The majority of organized fire departments recruit resident and community leaders who are familiar with their neighborhoods to be part-time or volunteer firefighters – comprising 70% of the total firefighting force in the United States.
Senator Stabenow Receives Praise and Recognition from Small BusinessCouncil of America
By Ian Wilhite
Senator Stabenow
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow was presented with the Small Business Council of America’s Special Congressional Achievement award during the 34th Annual Congressional Awards Reception. Stabenow was recognized for her tireless work as a member of the Senate Budget and Finance Committees and her continued role as a champion of small businesses. She is only the 6th member of Congress to ever receive this award.
Senator Stabenow has been a strong advocate for small businesses, cutting taxes and increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs to help them expand and create jobs. Over the past year, she has visited over 80 small businesses during her Small Business Tour across the state.
By Hilarie Szarowicz, Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention / Arena Authority
PJ Masks Live! Time to Be a Hero, a brand-new, fully immersive musical production, will take to the stage at DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, at 6:00 PM.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 19 at 12:00 PM. Ticket prices are $39.50, $49.50, $59.50, and $99.50 for VIP and will be available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order and prices are subject to change. Children ages 1 and up require a ticket.
The live show is based on eOne’s top-rated animated TV series, which airs daily on Disney Junior. Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, and the Baddies will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring world-class production, familiar and original music, acrobatics, and immersive interactivity.
PJ Masks, the hit series, follows the thrilling nighttime adventures of three young friends who transform into their dynamic alter egos, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, when they put on their pajamas at night and activate their animal amulets. Together, they embark on action-packed capers, solving mysteries and learning valuable lessons along the way.
ZZ TOP, a.k.a “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” lay undisputed claim to being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact and, in 2004, the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, they’re making their way to Grand Rapids with a Sunday, October 1, 2017, concert at DeVos Performance Hall at 7:30 PM.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 19 at 11:00 AM. Ticket prices are $49.50, $69.50, and $79.50 and will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order and prices are subject to change.
ZZ TOP’s music is always instantly recognizable, eminently powerful, profoundly soulful and 100% Texas American in derivation. The band’s support for the blues is unwavering both as interpreters of the music and preservers of its legacy. It was ZZ TOP that celebrated “founding father” Muddy Waters by turning a piece of scrap timber than had fallen from his sharecropper’s shack into a beautiful guitar, dubbed the “Muddywood.”
Hard to believe, but Memorial Day is fast approaching. Here are a few fun things the whole family can enjoy!
The Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park has extended hours over Memorial Day weekend. If you want to pick up discounted tickets for the holiday weekend, stop in on May 20th for their May Kick-Off Event where tickets for shortened climb times and zip rides will be discounted, along with other giveaways and special offers. Spend the long weekend with family and friends among the trees.
The Grand Haven Area kicks off summer and celebrates Memorial Day weekend with a big summer run! There is something for everyone from the avid racer to the occasional walker, with their certified 5K Run, the 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk, and the Tot Trot obstacle course for ages 3 to 6. All ages are welcome to participate, so bring your mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa. Join your community for this annual family event to promote healthy lifestyles in the Tri-Cities area.
Inside USS Silversides
The Muskegon area has events throughout Memorial Day weekend for everybody. The Fruitport Old Fashioned Days is May 24th to 29th, and features fireworks, a carnival, community picnic, parade, Lions Ox Roast, a 5K Run, and more. Celebrating 30 years, the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 28th at the USS Silversides Museum is both a solemn and joyful celebration designed to honor the loss of 52 U.S. submarines and 3600 submariners during World War II. The 12th Annual Blessing of the Boats is the same day, with boats of all types gathering on Muskegon Lake near the Milwaukee Clipper for a parade of boats. Also May 28th is the Final Approach Memorial Program located at Old Grand Haven Road and Seaway Drive. May 29th brings a parade and American Salute Concert. Spend the morning watching seven bands and over 40 marching units highlighting patriotism and citizenship. After the parade, head over to the Frauenthal Theater for additional musical selections at this free performance. Muskegon celebrates Memorial Day in style and great quantity, so make sure to carve some time out of your calendar to experience it!
Join the Muskegon KOA Campground for an enjoyable holiday camping weekend. They require a three-night minimum stay for Holidays/Special Events, but it’s well worth your time. Stay from May 26th to 29th and enjoy an immersive outdoor experience. They have tent sites, a limited number of cabins, and a few 30 amp full service sites still available, but they’re going fast. Give them a call to book your stay today!
In celebration of Memorial Day, Mecosta County is home to the 4th Annual Memorial Weekend “4 Veterans Car and Craft Show” on Saturday, May 27th. There will be 32 awards including best of show, best car, best truck, best muscle car, best motorcycle, and many more! Other activities will include a craft show, door prizes, 50/50 drawings, and plenty of music. All proceeds will benefit local Amvets post 1941.
Alma, Michigan, is better known as Scotland, USA, over Memorial Day weekend each year as thousands of people gather together to celebrate the Alma Highland Festival and Games. The event is celebrating 50 years this Memorial Day weekend when they take over Alma on May 27th and 28th. This event has grown to become one of the largest, most prestigious attractions of its kind in the Midwest!
The uncanny illness seemed to arise out of the WWI battlefields. In 1916, soldiers were evacuated from the trenches at Verdun, and in the field hospitals some were stricken with flu like symptoms just before they fell into a deep sleep. Some would eventually wake, and some would not. Those that did not die often awoke to a living nightmare of disability and/or psychosis.
As the “Sleeping Sickness” entered the general population, an increasingly frantic medical community strove to find a cause or a treatment. Five million people are estimated to have contracted it, and over nine thousand articles were published in the medical literature during its reign. But then the pandemic suddenly disappeared in the late 1920s, and it was forgotten. Encephalitis Lethargica had vanished into history again.
Crosby’s book, Asleep: The Forgotten Epidemic that Remains One of Medicine’s Greatest Mysteries, is a multi-layered medical mystery that re-creates the people, the times, and the newly developing science of neurology. It’s written in an engrossing lyrical style, as we trace the epidemic’s stages.
Dr. Oliver Sacks wrote his fascinating book Awakenings, (also a movie), about a group of patients that he treated in the sixties, who were all victims of that twenties epidemic, and he highly recommends Crosby’s work, calling it “A brilliant, deeply moving account.”
In the United States, Armed Forces Day takes place on the third Saturday of May each year; this year it will be observed on Saturday, May 20. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces, recognizing their service and sacrifice for the country.
According to 2015 estimates, there are more than 31,000 veterans living in Kent County. Of these, 7% are unemployed and 7% are living in poverty. Kent County is home to several organizations that can provide services to veterans who may need assistance.
ACSET Community Action Agency focuses on meeting emergency needs such as utility and food assistance, home weatherization, medical insurance enrollment and tax preparation. Low-income veterans who are residents of Kent County may qualify for assistance.
West Michigan Works! offers specialized services and priority of service for eligible veterans and their spouses. To see if you qualify, visit a Service Center and tell the staff you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.
West Michigan Veterans Coalition is a collaboration between local organizations who provide support, information and resources to veterans and their families. They can connect you with local services to assist with education, employment, healthcare, quality of life and more.
Heart of West Michigan United Way 2-1-1 is a database of thousands of local services. Veterans can search their online data base or dial 2-1-1 to be connected to veteran-specific services in Kent County.
Kent County Veterans Services assists veterans in our community in getting benefits they are entitled to at county, state and federal levels. They can also connect veterans to other resources in the community.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.
The evening of Monday, May 15 was balmy, and as the sun slowly sank over the Grand River at JW Marriot’s 616 Cabana in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., the 6th Annual Eclipse Award nominees reveled in being recognized for their talent and hard work in filmmaking. The mood: shimmering anticipation.
WKTV spoke with 14 talented filmmakers — out of a total of more than 90 nominees — all of whom had one thing in common: being among the best talent in West Michigan.
Here is what they had to say.
Talon Rudel
Talon Rudel
Nominated for two awards — Best Narrative Feature and Best Direction in a Feature or Short — for his 8-minute film, Doorways, Talon Rudel hails from the east side of the state. He co-produced the nominated film last summer along with a talented team for a 36-hour film competition.
“It was surreal,” Rudel said of hearing about his nomination. “I’ve seen so many other people get nominated and they’re so good, so when I got nominated, I thought, ‘Wait, what?’ It felt like it was out of the blue.”
Rudel’s future plans are to write and direct features, and although he has no specific destination in mind, he does know that he wants to be where he can make his goal happen.
Johnny DeMarco
Johnny DeMarco
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for his portrayal of ‘Tommy’ in Confidence of a Tall Man, Johnny DeMarco has been acting for 6 years and nearly snagged a role on The Sopranos (yes, that Sopranos).
“It all happened on a whim,” DeMarco said. “I took a trek to New York and hung out in the bars where the series was filmed.”
The actor enjoys a bit of notoriety in his hometown of Lansing. In addition to acting, he’s been in real estate for 30 years and owns Paisano’s Restaurant.
“I wear many hats and the endeavors all blend together,” he said. “It’s very exciting to be nominated for this award. I am very humbled.”
Troy Randall-Kilpatrick
Troy Randall-Kilpatrick
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for his work in the short film, Beggar’s Remorse, actor, writer and producer (Crooked Limb Studio & Productions) Troy Randall-Kilpatrick has been acting on stage and in film, primarily in Michigan, for over 20 years.
In Beggar’s Remorse, Randall-Kilpatrick plays ‘John’, an extremely dark character, which prompted fellow actor and fianceé, Heather Fairbanks to say that she was both horrified and extremely impressed.
“He’s a gifted actor,” said Fairbanks, who is currently working with Randall-Kilpatrick on the film, Descending.
Of receiving the nomination, Randall-Kilpatrick said, “I thought it was wonderful. I’m pleased and happy. It’s a first-class awards show and a tremendous honor to be nominated.”
Heather Fairbanks
Heather Fairbanks
Written and directed by Rhodes Short, and co-produced by Short and Heather Fairbanks, Who Will Move the Stone is nominated for Best Narrative Feature. Representing the film at the event was Fairbanks, who has been acting since the age of 3.
“I grew up on the stage,” Fairbanks said. “I enjoy acting in diverse roles.”
Fairbanks said that she’s enjoyed traveling with the film to festivals throughout the U.S., and the film has won numerous awards along the way.
“I’m really honored that a faith-based film would be recognized in a secular film festival,” Fairbanks said. “It surprises people. It’s not a cookie-cutter Christian film.”
Sheri Beth Dusek
Sheri Beth Dusek
Nominated for Best Acting in a Lead Role for her portrayal of ‘Jayne Russo’ in Two Guns and a Body Bag, Sheri Beth Dusek said, “I was surprised. I’ve acted for 25 years — many years in theatre — and I’ve never been recognized. It’s nice to be recognized.”
Although acting is her first love, Dusek has been working on the producing end of the biz for the past two years and finds that aspect exciting and fun. She divides her time between Grand Rapids and Los Angeles.
“I’m absolutely loving it,” she said. “I wake up in L.A. and ask myself, ‘Is this my life right now? Meeting with producers?’”
Jason Ley and Ben Wilke
Jason Ley and Ben Wilke
Nominated for Best Local TV & Cable (30-minute time slot), Modern Ahabs is a travel beer show produced by Jason Ley and Ben Wilke. Ley is nominated for Best Writing in Produced Content (Documentary or Promo Piece) and Wilke is nominated for Best Sound Design and Best Direction (Documentary or Promo Piece) for the same project as well.
For those not in the know, Captain Ahab hunted the great white whale in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. In a similar fashion, Modern Ahabs follows the hunt for the elusive craft beer.
“It’s a show for the craft beer enthusiast who is working on fulfilling a bucket list of beers,” said Ley, who admitted to not knowing how he wanted the pilot to be filmed. He put his full trust in co-producer Wilke, who has a ton of experience behind the camera.
Because craft beers can be fleeting, Ley and Wilke are at the mercy of a beer’s release. They had a quick, three-week turnaround time for filming the pilot.
“I was surprised that it was nominated. I had no idea it would turn into four Eclipse Award nominations,” said Ley. So far, the pilot has also won four Tellys and is nominated for an Emmy Award.
Jeff Morgan
Jeff Morgan
Hailing from Traverse City, Jeff Morgan co-produced Healing with Horses with Amber Elliott. The piece is nominated for Best Documentary (less than 20 minutes).
The documentary shares the journey of Kelsey Secor, who was partially disabled in 2015 after her car went off the road and hit several trees over the July 4th weekend. Secor’s rehabilitation included equine therapy at Karin’s Horse Connection and Legacy Stables in Caledonia, Mich., the setting for much of the documentary.
“I’m super excited,” Morgan said of being nominated. He plans on pitching the documentary to Netflix.
Angela Peavey
Angela Peavey
“It’s always an honor to be nominated,” said Angela Peavey, who produced Saugatuck Center for the Arts Theatre Promo, which was nominated for Best Online Programs, Segments or Promotional Pieces.
“I went on YouTube to see what the caliber of nominations was like and it’s amazing! Even if I don’t win, I can’t complain because the people are phenomenal.”
The project has been nominated for an Emmy award as well.
Peavey is currently busy with post-production on A Parent’s Worst Nightmare and recently became a full partner of Be Your Own Hollywood Production Company.
Peavey acknowledged that women are scarce in the male-dominated film industry.
“To be a woman filmmaker, you have to be tenacious and create your own magic,” she said. “You can’t wait for someone to open the door for you.”
David Huizingh
David Huizingh
Nominated for Best Cinema Trailer, David Huizingh’s project, Migration, began as a capstone project for a film class at GVSU.
“It felt wonderful to be nominated,” said Huizingh. “It’s a huge privilege to be here networking with others.”
Huizingh works in a “nerdy” field — virtual reality — at Steelcase, and he feels very lucky to be doing what he’s doing. He enjoys being active in the 3-D community, too.
Thom Bell
Thom Bell
Nominated for Best Local and Regional Segments and Promotional Pieces (under 20 minutes) for his work on WMFVA Sound Designer, Thom Bell is satisfied just to be in the circle of talent that make up the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards.
“Whether I win is not as important as navigating among these folks,” Bell said.
WMFVA Sound Designer was a collaboration between WMFVA and Celebration! Cinema. The piece plays prior to the start of a feature film (at Celebration! Cinema).
“It was really well received,” said Bell. “People in the theatre really liked it, and they were surprised to learn that films were still being made in Michigan.”
Kevin Kammeraad
Kevin Kammeraad
Nominated for Best Music Video Original Performance, Kevin Kammeraad’s piece, Inquiring Minds, was a family affair — Kammeraad produced the video and did the original song and puppetry. His wife, children and cousins all worked on the piece, which is par for the course — his family is always involved in his endeavors.
“I am delighted,” Kammeraad said of being nominated for an Eclipse Award. “It’s always reassuring when someone recognizes your work.”
Working as an independent artist creating books, music and poetry, the project is all part of Kammeraad’s goal: to inspire kids’ creativity and spark ideas.
Kyle Misak and Don Chase
Kyle Misak and Don Chase
Receiving not one, not two, but 8 nominations, Kyle Misak said, “It’s cool to be nominated among your colleagues.”
Misak’s feature film, Another Brick in the Wall is nominated for Best Narrative Feature, Best Direction, Best Editing (Feature or Short), and Best Screenplay (Feature or Short). Co-produced with Don Chase, Misak’s short film, Crazy Carl, is nominated for Best Narrative Short, Best Direction (Feature or Short), Best Editing (Feature or Short), and Best Screenplay (Feature or Short).
Said Chase of the multitude of nominations, “It doesn’t surprise me — Kyle is creative, talented and passionate. I’ve worked with him five years. The whole team is solid. When you’ve got a good team, you get nominated for awards. It’s about our whole team, not just us.”
Right now, the two are working on Eden Theory, a psychological thriller. They plan on making more films.
“It doesn’t stop,” said Chase. “When one’s done, it’s time to do another.”
Erik Sebert
Erik Sebert
A May 2016 graduate of Ferris State University, Erik Sebert said, “I’m confident about my work, but it’s awesome to be nominated. I was surprised — it felt really good.”
Sebert’s piece, Space Scavenger is nominated for Best Animation.
Sebert works at Tech World producing spec graphics, and he’s on the lookout for a job as a 3-D model environmental artist.
“More and more, I’m becoming a 3-D generalist,” he said.
Ken Orlich
Ken Orlich
Nominated for Best Acting in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of ‘Teddy’ in Confidence of a Tall Man, Ken Orlich has 20 years of acting experience under his belt — in comedy, public access and voice work.
“This is the first time I’ve been nominated for an award,” said Orlich. “I really was surprised. Working with Mike (McCallum), you know what you do with him gets out there — he makes sure people see it. Win or lose, I’m definitely happy.”
Orlich wants to keep working with McCallum and is starting a new production company in Lansing. In addition to acting, he has a background in engineering and farming.
Volunteer Patti F. and her family are very well versed in this whole stray cat thing, as living out in the country has brought them many a cat over the years; this summer however they found themselves coming across several ill or injured kitties that needed medical attention.
Such was the case with Chrysanthemum, a young mother (born in the spring of 2015) who ended up on their property sickly, swollen and very skittish. Seems that another Saranac stray had taken an extreme dislike to Chryssy, biting her on the right side of her face and causing a major abscess that not only affected her jaw but the inside of her mouth and underneath her tongue as well.
Given her frantic nature when in the presence of strangers at first, we suspect the ONLY way her rescuer was able to catch her and bring her in to safety was simply because she was so ill she didn’t have the energy to put up a fight. But after her spay and wound treatment, coupled with heavy-duty antibiotics and narcotics, Chryssy was rip-roaring mad at Dr. Jen and not afraid to show it (yes, that is the thanks Dr. Jen gets).
Chryssy roomed with another terribly shy guy while she recovered at the clinic in the hopes that his tender timidness would rub off on her, but unfortunately within a day of arrival at Crash’s she turned her fear of the unknown into aggression. It was so rough going at first that she became extremely violent when anyone so much as attempted to approach her.
Over the next few weeks though, as she grew more comfortable in her surroundings and realized that we are not the bad guys, her attitude changed and she was able to finally move past her disdain and hatred of humans. Even though she is far from fond of any of us two-legged creatures, she is smitten with other kittens and is ALWAYS found snuggled up close to one cat or another (or two or three!).
We believe that it is through our kindness towards her kitty companions that Chryssy is learning what it feels like to be loved unconditionally, and we know that patience and kindness will win her over. We are taking baby steps and asking her to toddle on after us towards a more peaceful coexistence; we are confident that her roommates will show her the way—and we are happy with whatever pace she sets for herself. Interested adopters must have a quiet home with no other pets or children.
We have no expectations of her other than to let her guard down and allow us to show her what compassion and tenderness is all about; if it takes weeks, months or even years, that is fine by us—we aren’t going anywhere and she can stay here as long as she pleases!
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.
It’s really easy to get discouraged or depressed during your job search. Here are five ways to keep your job search upbeat and successful.
Connect with past co-workers. Let them know you are on the hunt. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to help.
Volunteer. Use your free time to help at your favorite non-profit. Go to their office once or twice a week to build relationships with their staff members. It will give structure to your weekly schedule (and may lead to a job!). You could also volunteer at an industry conference. Use the opportunity to learn new information and meet other people in jobs similar to the one you want.
Wake up early. Wake up at the same time you did while working. Keep your body in the routine of waking up, showering and eating breakfast. By 9 a.m., you’ll be ready to conquer the day.
Stay Sharp. Set a daily schedule. Block off times for online job searching and informational interviews. End your day by making a to-do list for the next day.
Try something new. Job searching is stressful and tiring. So, take a few hours a week to try something new and fun. Run a 5k race or try a new dinner recipe.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Softball is just one of several high school sports nearing the end of their season. Catch a game today!
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week — including the beginnings of state playoffs for tennis and track — but the WKTV truck and crews will not be back covering games until next week.
The final spring game coverage will be:
Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat later in the week — Wednesday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:
Monday, May 15
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian
Kelloggsville @ Belding
South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH
Tri-Unity Christian @ Potter’sHouse – DH
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Cristian – DH
Kelloggsville @ Belding – DH
South Christian @ Covenant Christian – DH
Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary
South Christian @ Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Boys golf
Comstock Park @ Wyoming
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Girls tennis
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Tuesday, May 16
Girls Tennis
Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville
North Muskegon @ South Christian
Boys baseball
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH
Girls softball
Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills – DH
Middleville T-K @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – DH
Girls soccer
Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Boys golf
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – OK Red Jamboree @ Stone Water
Wednesday, May 17
Girls soccer
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Wayland
Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville – OK Silver Conference Tournament at The Meadows
Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley
South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Jamboree @ Egypt Valley
Boys baseball
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Tri-Unity Christian vs Holland Black River @ Fifth Third Ballpark – DH
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Girls softball
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Thursday, May 18
Boys baseball
Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights
West Michigan Aviation @ Potter’s House
South Christian @ Middleville T-K
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Boys lacrosse
Catholic Central @ South Christian
Girls soccer
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Black River
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Girls tennis
East Kentwood vs TBD @ Holland – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls softball
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Friday, May 19
Boys and girls track
Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix
Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Division 3 MHSAA State regionals @ Saugatuck
Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH
South Christian @ Zeeland East – DH
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian
South Christian @ Holland Christian
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ Union
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – DH
Wyoming @ West Ottawa – DH
Girls tennis
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
Kelloggsville @ Christian – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls water polo
@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals
Saturday, May 20
Boys baseball
West Michigan Aviation @ Bloomingdale – DH
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian @ Potter’s House – DH
East Kentwood @ Lakeview – DH
Zion Christian @ Mason County Eastern
Zion Christian @ Western Michigan Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Girls soccer
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Boys and girls track
Division 1 MHSAA State Regionals @ Kalamazoo-Loy Norrix
Division 2 MHSAA State Regionals @ Houseman Field
Division 4 MHSAA State Regionals @ Holton
Girls water polo
@ TBA – MHSAA State Regionals
Girls softball
Muskegon Reeths-Puffer @ East Kentwood – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Boys golf
East Kentwood vs TBA @ The Mines
Monday, May 22
Boys baseball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights
South Christian @ Unity Christian
Kenowa Hills @ East Kentwood
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls softball
Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights – DH
FH Central @ South Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee – DH
Girls soccer
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Kelloggsville
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
Boys golf
Wyoming @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe
South Christian @ Christian – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Thornapple Pointe
The Eclipse Awards honors content creators for Excellence in Craft in the disciplines of film, television, video, acting, sound, music, writing, direction, and visual effects. Created by WKTV Community Television and Media as a means of empowering the West Michigan “voice” of content creators, the Eclipse Awards has become the “big event” for the creative community. Since its beginning in 2012, The Eclipse Awards has spread across the state of Michigan to include content creators from the east side as well.
Judging in the Eclipse Awards is done by the nearly 200 previous nominees, recipients and select industry leaders in Los Angeles and New York City. Voting members score the works they view and through arbitrary tabulation, the Eclipse Award is decided upon for each category and craft. Winners are not known until the envelopes are opened on stage at the award presentation — this year on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at the City Flats Ballroom, 77 Monroe Avenue in Grand Rapids.
On Monday May 15th, the Official Nominees Certification takes place at 7 p.m. at the JW Marriot, downtown Grand Rapids. This year nearly 90 nominees and their guests participate in a classy-casual event of meeting each other, photo ops and receiving the formal certificate confirming their nomination in this year’s awards.
The Awards ceremony will be televised same night, Thursday May 18, starting at 10 p.m.
To see clips of previous years ceremony and images, visit theeclipseaward.com.
When eighth-grader Jaden Delosh started attending the middle school right after spring break, he was happy to have Ke’Waun Blackmon show him around.
“It gave me a friend,” said Jaden, who moved from Waterford, near Detroit.
Ke’Waun made the transition a little easier, showing him around to classrooms introducing him to teachers and classmates, and inviting him to join him at lunch.
About 30 students in grade six through eight are assigned as mentors to befriend and welcome new students, making sure they feel welcome.
Counselor Michelle Barrows started the mentorship program, which involves twice monthly meetings, to build a team of students that reach out to others, whether that’s new students or anyone appearing isolated or upset. Teachers recommended students to serve as mentors who have showed good leadership skills and the ability to take initiative.
“They are a force for positive change in this school,” Barrows said. “If they see someone being made fun of or who is crying, they are supposed to step up.”
Ke’Wau Blackmon is helping new student Jaden Delosh around Kelloggsville Middle School.
They have welcomed 41 new students this year, and many have formed relationships. Sixth-grade mentors will also help fifth-graders during Move-Up Day in May, when the younger students visit to tour their new school building.
Mentors participated in “Start with Hello,” part of the Sandy Hook Promise campaign, which equips students with skills needed to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation. The goal is to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.
The Sandy Hook Promise is a national non-profit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. It provides programs and practices that protect children.
“I really want it to make it a little more than just showing a new kid around,” Barrows said.
Ke’Waun said mentoring Jaden and another student earlier this year has helped him learn how to “be friends with everyone.”
“I learned how to respect different people and to have good relationships,” he said.
“I said, ‘If you need anything, you can come to me and ask me. I just made them my friends… It was really fun helping other students come to our school and know they are going to be safe and have a good time here.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Peters, Carper, Hassan, Harris Urge DOJ Inspector General to Investigate Political Interference with Russia Investigation
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Tom Carper (D-DE), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) all members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General calling for an inquiry into possible political interference with the FBI’s investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged involvement with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. Peters, Hassan and Harris are members of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) serves as Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
In the letter, the Senators call on the Inspector General to investigate the allocation of resources for the Russia investigation; the intent and timing of Comey’s termination, including the role of Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the termination despite his decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation; and whether any actions of the DOJ or the White House constitute political interference in the FBI investigation.
Peters, Stabenow Call on Trump Administration to Protect Worker and Retiree Pensions
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow led a group of 14 Senators outlining the importance of protecting pensions for workers and retirees. The Senators requested information from the Administration on its plan to address critical issues in the multi-employer pension system.
“As you may know, millions of American workers and retirees — through no fault of their own — are at risk of losing a substantial portion of their pensions because their plans are at imminent risk of becoming insolvent and being unable to pay earned benefits on time and in full,” wrote the Senators. “Some multi-employer pension plans across the country, including Central States with its more than 400,000 participants, are in dire financial situations.”
Peters Speaks on Firing of FBI Director James Comey
Peters: The past four months suggest that our president thinks he can simply tweet and fire his way out of this problem while continuing to cozy up to Russia.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) spoke on the Senate floor about President Trump’s firing of Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Director James Comey in the midst of an FBI investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Peters reiterated his call from March for a special prosecutor to conduct a nonpartisan, independent investigation into Russia’s involvement in our elections.
Watch his remarks here:
Peters Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling for Farm Service Agency Loan Funding
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) today led a bipartisan group of 28 Senators in a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture urging them to support robust funding for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) loan programs. FSA provides direct loans and loan guarantees to help struggling family farmers start and maintain viable farming operations.
“These loans are cost-efficient and work in tandem with private credit to serve farmers in need,” wrote the Senators. “Because of these loans, family farmers can get their crops in the ground and continue to serve their customers, even during tough economic times. Without FSA loans, these farmers would lack access to the operating capital that is necessary for any farm business to stay afloat.”
FSA loans aim to help small farms that cannot otherwise obtain favorable credit, including beginning farmers, women and minorities, and other disadvantaged borrowers. FSA’s loan programs include operating loans, which fund expenses such as livestock, equipment and seed, and ownership loans that help farmers develop land. Recent years have seen increased demand for FSA’s loan programs. In June 2016, hundreds of farmers whose loans had already been approved could not receive the funds due to a shortfall in funding for FSA operating loans. As a result, Congress was forced to pass an emergency appropriation in December of 2016 to address the shortfall.
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 established a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. CAAs were created to coordinate poverty relief programs and help people in their communities achieve self-sufficiency. Today there are over 1,000 Community Action Agencies serving 99% of the counties in the US.
Each May is recognized as Community Action Month and provides an opportunity to celebrate the work CAA’s continue to do in the fight against poverty. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is doing this work here in Kent County.
ACSET CAA’s Mission: We fight the causes and circumstances of poverty by investing in low-income individuals and families. Through dedicated staff and community partnerships we provide services, resources, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all residents of Kent County.
Each year ACSET CAA, with help from partnering agencies and volunteers, serves over 5000 Kent County residents. Most of these individuals live at 100% or less of federal poverty guidelines — that’s $2,050 per month or less for a family of four. They offer a variety of programs for low-income individuals, including:
Senior Services
Food Distribution
Transportation
Utility Assistance
Weatherization
Tax Preparation
Homeless Prevention
To learn more or find out if you qualify for services, contact ACSET CAA at 616.336.4000 or find them online at www.communityactionkent.org.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
Detroit horror writer/author Josh Malerman will be coming to Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, Thursday, May 25, to discuss his latest novel, “Black Mad Wheel.”
Malerman had a debut that most authors dream of with his highly praised literary horror novel “Bird Box.” He received incredible reviews and Bird Box was named a Michigan Notable book and short-listed for the James Herbert Award and the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. Now he is back with “Black Mad Wheel,” a post-World War II psychological thriller that is part “Heart of Darkness,” part “Lost.”
Malerman’s presentation will be at 7 p.m. at the book store. For more information, visit schulerbooks.com.
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 a new forever home. 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.
Esmeralda
Esmeralda — Female American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
I’m a sweet and playful 1-year-old girl looking for my forever home. I recently had surgery to repair a hip joint issue and am recovering well in a foster home. I love to cuddle and sit on laps! I would do well in a home that is relaxed enough to give the time and TLC to recover from my surgery. If you’re interested in meeting me please call Humane Society of West Michigan!
I’m a small 5-year-old cat who enjoys having my own space to snuggle up and snooze. I was transferred to HSWM from another animal shelter making much of my history a mystery. Adult cats, ages 5 months and older, have their adoption fees waived right now. Please come meet me and see if we are the purr-fect fit!
A test for heartworm disease (if six months or older)
A first series of vaccines including DHLPP (distemper combo), Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, and rabies (if older than 14 weeks of age)
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Treatment for internal parasites
One dose of flea preventative
One dose of heartworm preventative
The organization 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.
Schuler Books welcomes David Sedaris back for his first bookstore tour in years, on Monday, June 5, for the release of one of the most anticipated books of the season, Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002).
The humorist tells all in a book that is, literally, a lifetime in the making.
Sedaris has kept a diary for 40 years. In his diaries, he’s recorded everything that has captured his attention — overheard comments, salacious gossip, soap opera plot twists, secrets confided by total strangers. These observations are the source code for his nest work, and with them he has honed his self-deprecation and learned to craft his cunning, surprising sentences.
Now, for the first time, Sedaris shares his private writings with the world in Theft By Finding: Diaries 1977- 2002. This is the first-person account of how a drug-abusing dropout with a weakness for the International House of Pancakes and a chronic inability to hold down a real job became one of the funniest people on the planet.
Written with a sharp eye and ear for the bizarre, the beautiful, and the uncomfortable, and with a generosity of spirit that even a misanthropic sense of humor can’t fully disguise, Theft By Finding proves that Sedaris is one of our great modern observers.
Ticketing Info
This will be a ticketed event, with tickets available via pre-order of Theft by Finding from www.SchulerBooks.com beginning at 10 am on Monday, May 1st. Pre-sales will end on Sunday, May 28. Ticket sales will resume IN-STORE ONLY at the 28th St. location on Tuesday, May 30th at 9am.
Who: #1 NYT Bestselling Author DAVID SEDARIS
What: Talk & Signing
Where: Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids 49512
David Sedaris is the author of the books: Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked, and Barrel Fever. He is a regular contributor to The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4. He lives in England.
Praise for Theft By Finding
“Sedaris fans will thrill to this opportunity to poke around in the writer’s personal diaries, which he has faithfully kept for four decades and used as raw material for his hilarious nonfiction as well as his performances.”―Paul S. Makishima, Boston Globe
“Scintillating… Sedaris is a latter-day Charlie Chaplin: droll, put-upon but not innocent, and besieged by all sorts of obstreperous or menacing folks… Sedaris’s storytelling, even in diary jottings, is so consistently well-crafted and hilarious that few will care whether it’s embroidered.”―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
“Raw glimpses of the humorist’s personal life as he clambered from starving artist to household name… though the mood is usually light, the book is also a more serious look into his travails as an artist and per- son… A surprisingly poignant portrait of the artist as a young to middle-aged man.”
Being a caregiver is one of the most difficult roles to fulfill, yet with the population of people age 60+ continuing to grow, it is a role that 1 in 3 people find themselves taking on. Some of us are thrust into caregiving due to an illness or an accident. Oftentimes though, we discover that the caregiving role has crept in and slowly taken over our lives.
It might start out simple — taking a loved one to the grocery store on occasion. Then occasionally turns into every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. along with doctors’ appointments several times a month. On these trips you notice difficulties with money or paperwork, so you double-check their bills, discover they are overpaying, and now you’re a shopper, bill payer, and health advocate. Sarah Sobel, LMSW, Caregiver Resource Coordinator at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan said, “When I talk with caregivers, often times I go through some daily living tasks and I ask them about how much assistance they are providing to their loved one with these activities. Many caregivers don’t realize how much they are providing assistance on a daily basis until it is reflected back to them.”
We discover we’ve become a caregiver and didn’t even know it.
What starts out as lending a hand gradually grows into another job. The National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that caregivers spend at least 20 hours per week caring for a loved one. Yet, many people in this position still don’t consider themselves caregivers, especially if their loved one continues to reside in their own home. We regard these tasks as the duties or responsibilities that a spouse, a child, a parent or even a friend undertakes for a person they love, so we juggle the caregiver role with other parts of our lives, like our career, family and social life.
Fulfilling the duties of caregiver without recognizing that we are a caregiver can result in stress, anger and ultimately burnout, putting our own health and well-being at risk.
Sobel said, “This is why I encourage caregivers to build a village — whether formal or informal — for the times when caregiving becomes hard to handle. Do they have a friend they can call to sit with their loved one, while they take a walk? Maybe their loved one is a good candidate for an adult day program — where they might receive some attention and the caregiver can have some time off to take care of themselves.”
When we recognize ourselves as caregivers, we embrace that we are going above and beyond typical expectations, and we also then come to understand that taking care of ourselves is paramount to our being able to take care of others.
This realization also opens doors to resources that can help support us in our new role.
“An important part of my work at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan,” Sobel shared, “is to provide the caregivers with education. These classes are a great way for caregivers to come together and learn about some of the issues they are facing.”
Taking advantage of the resources available in our communities helps caregivers build that “village” Sobel said is important, “In these classes, caregivers can come together — to share with each other about their experiences” and begin building a support network. Getting connected to resources early can also help us assess the growing needs of the person we’re caring for and, if necessary, get connected to professional caregiving services.
If you’re interested in understanding more about caregiving and the resources available, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. You can also visit the Caregiver Resource Network website. Caregiver Resource Network and Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can be found on Facebook.
High school baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Check out a ball game. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll
WKTV Sports
There are plenty of local high school sports events to check out this week, and the weather is supposed to take a turn for the better.
The WKTV truck and crews continue this week its May schedule of high school sporting event coverage, with the rest of the tentative schedule being:
Monday, May 8 – Boys Baseball, Belding @ Kelloggsville
Tuesday May 9 – Boys Baseball, Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, May 24 – Boys Baseball, Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Each game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on later in the week — the Tuesday games will be rebroadcast Wednesdays at 5 p.m., and the Wednesday and Thursday games will be rebroadcast Saturdays at 11 a.m. — on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week in April, and any changes to the WKTV feature game schedule, see now.wktv.org/sports/
The complete list of local high school sports events this week due to spring break is as follows:
Monday, May 8
Boys Baseball
Belding @ Godwin Heights
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Zion Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Girls softball
Belding @ Godwin Heights – DH
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls soccer
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Byron Center @ Kelloggsville
South Christian @ Wyoming
West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian
Tri-Unity Christian @ Hudsonville Hornets
FH Central @ East Kentwood
Ravenna @ Zion Christian
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Belding
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Catholic Central
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Jenison
Boys/girls track
@ Wyoming Lee – Cornerstone University Showcase
Tuesday, May 9
Boys baseball
Wayland @ Wyoming – DH
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH
GR Crusaders @ Tri-Unity Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian – DH
Girls Softball
Wayland @ Wyoming – DH
South Christian @ East Grand Rapids – DH
Caledonia @ East Kentwood – DH
Girls soccer
Grand River Prep @ Calvary Christian
Potter’s House @ Algoma Christian
Hope Academy @ Tri-Unity Christian
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys golf
East Kentwood @ Hudsonville – OK Red Jamboree
Girls water polo
East Kentwood @ Grand Ledge
Wednesday, May 10
Boys baseball
Calvin Christian@ Godwin Heights
Rockford @ South Christian – DH
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls softball
Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights
Rockford @ South Christian – DH
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Girls soccer
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Wayland @ South Christian
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Coopersville
NorthPointe Christian @ South Christian
Boys golf
Wyoming @ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree @ Railside
Boys/girls track
Wyoming @ Wayland
South Christian @ Wayland
Thursday, May 11
Girls softball
Godwin Heights @ Plainwell – DH
Tri-County @ Kelloggsville
Hamilton @ Wyoming
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Boys baseball
Tri-County @ Kelloggsville
Wyoming @ Wayland
Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Kalamazoo Cougars @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Caledonia
Boys golf
Hamilton @ Wyoming
Boys/girls track
West Michigan Aviation @ Ravenna
Girls soccer
West Michigan Aviation @ Grand River Prep
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Girls tennis
Wayland @ East Kentwood
Friday, May 12
Boys/girls track
Godwin Heights @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament
Kelloggsville @ Belding – O Silver Conference Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Belding – OK Silver Conference Tournament
East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Tournament
Boys baseball
Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park
West Michigan Aviation @ Kalamazoo Cougars – DH
Girls soccer
Zion Christian @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming @ Hudsonville Hornets
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian
Algoma Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Jamboree @ The Pines
Northview @ Wyoming
Boys lacrosse
South Christian @ Kenowa Hills
Girls water polo
East Kentwood @ TBA – Districts
Saturday, May 13
Boys golf
Kelloggsville @ Hamilton
East Kentwood @ East Lansing
Girls tennis
Kelloggsville @ Spring Lake – OK Silver Conference Tournament
Wyoming @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet
South Christian @ FH Eastern – OK Gold Conference Meet
East Kentwood @ Rockford – OK Red Conference Meet
Boys baseball
West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
South Christian @ Zeeland East
Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ Jenison – DH
Girls softball
Hastings @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial Tournament
South Christian @ Hudsonville
Boys/girls track
Wyoming @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet
South Christian @ Houseman Field – OK Gold Conference Meet
Local West Michigan business, Harvest Health Foods, is celebrating a milestone anniversary of 65 years of business. The anniversary celebration begins in May with special sampling events on Fridays and Saturdays, health seminars and special savings for customers throughout the month.
Henry Diedering, now 90, opened the first Harvest Health Foods in 1952 on Wealthy Street, shortly after he came to the United States from the Netherlands. It was the first grocery store dedicated to natural groceries, herbs and vitamins in West Michigan. For 65 years, it has been Harvest Health Foods’ passion to provide West Michigan with healthy groceries, healthy vitamins, and healthy answers, way before Jazzercise or kale became a rock-star vegetable.
Still family owned and operated, Harvest Health Foods has grown to three locations and employs 70 people. Henry’s granddaughter Emily and her husband Mitchell represent the third generation to be involved in the business. While specializing in natural and organic foods and supplements, Harvest Health Foods has recently expanded their wide range of local Michigan products with craft beers, organic wines and many varieties of kombucha.
Harvest Health Foods will celebrate with sampling events on Fridays and Saturdays the first three weekends in May. In addition, there will special anniversary savings throughout the store, free health seminars, give-a-ways, and prizes all month long.
According to US Census data, persons 65 years or older represented 14.5% of the U.S. population in 2014; they are expected to represent 21.7% by 2040. Nearly all seniors want to stay in their homes or “age in place.” Unfortunately, there are many factors that can make living independently a challenge.
When our loved ones can no longer get dressed, fix a meal or remember to take their medications, small home modifications, transportation or in-home services may be all that is needed to help them stay in their homes. Here are some resources that can help older adults live where they choose for as long as possible.
ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) offers services tailored just for seniors. These include nutritious meals and door-to-door transportation. To learn more about CAA’s senior services, visit their website here.
The Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency offers an online database of aging resources. To find supports and services near you click here and search by location or service type.
MI Choice Waiver Program is an option for older adults and disabled persons who need additional help caring for themselves. The program provides in-home services covered by Medicaid to income-eligible adults. Click here to learn more about services and eligibility.
If you or a family member are starting to have trouble doing everyday tasks, check out the National Institute on Aging’s tip sheet, There’s No Place Like Home — For Growing Old. This sheet can help you develop a plan today to maintain independence in the future.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
The prologue sets us down in a Falluja street in 2004 with an invading Marine unit. All is chaos, Marines are falling, snipers are everywhere and it isn’t clear who is enemy or friend until they start shooting. New York Times correspondent Dexter Filkins doesn’t pull any punches in his book The Forever War, an extraordinarily haunting account of his experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. He highlights what a mad mess everything was—from the rise of the Taliban in 1998 to the deterioration of Iraq into civil war in less than three years.
Filkins has written a collection of in-the-moment vignettes loosely organized by date. From a story on the Taliban court of justice to an exploration of the history of torture and murder in Iraq, he profiles an astonishing number of individuals and situations that illuminate the bigger picture of war in the region. In Iraq in particular, we meet individuals who try to hold back chaos, but fail over and over again when up against their neighbors’ overwhelming urge for revenge of past wrongs. These stories effectively demonstrate how the euphoric early days after the fall of Saddam Hussein could deteriorate into widespread violence and divisiveness.
Filkins leaves political views and history lessons out of his narrative and lets the situations speak for themselves. The personal Iraqi and American experiences are by turns horrifying and hopeful. Give yourself plenty of time to read this powerful book, to ponder and digest and recuperate before moving to the next chapter.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, hundreds of thousands of refugees poured out of their native Vietnam, fleeing persecution, imprisonment, torture, execution, poverty, and alienation. Those who settled in the United States number 1.8 million, almost half of the 4 million members of the Vietnamese diaspora.
Greater Grand Rapids is home to the fourth largest Vietnamese community in the Midwest. With such numbers of ethnic Vietnamese in the area, the West Michigan Asian American Association undertook a special documentary project.
“Newcomer Legacy: A Vietnamese-American Story” focuses on nine individuals from the West Michigan area, ranging from ages 30 to 70, said Alan Headbloom, who was the project manager.
From a recent screening at Grand Valley State University
“What united the communist party was to get the foreigners (in the 1950s, it was the French Colonists and then later, the Americans) out of the country,” Headbloom said. “They talk about moving their families from the north to the south because they couldn’t live with the communists and then fleeing the country all together when Saigon fell in 1975.”
The nine interviewees share their personal stories of how they came to the United States, restarting in a new country, and what now makes West Michigan home.
The last two public screens of the documentary are Thursday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Rapids Community Center’s Calkins Science Center Auditorium 348, 226 Bostwick Ave. NE., and Thursday, May 11, for the City of Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission at 5:30 p.m. at LINC UP Gallery, 341 Hall Street. Each screening includes a panel with an opportunity for a Q&A session.
Headbloom noted that the first four presentations – which have been at Davenport University, Herrick Library, Grand Valley State University’s and the Vietnamese community’s Black April event in remembrance of those who fought and died when Saigon fell on April 30, 1975 – have been very positive. From the documentary’s website, Karen Nelson wrote “I am very glad I had the chance to hear these stories. I was touched by the accounts of hard work and strong family ties. I only wish it were longer!” and Project Administrator Elizabeth MacLaughlan wrote “Today’s film and panel presentation was excellent. Such powerful stories from our West Michigan Vietnamese community that everyone should hear. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an important project.”
“What we didn’t anticipate were the comments from students – we have screed this at Davenport University and Grand Valley State University just last week – who said they really had no idea and found the movie incredibly local as these are people who they may have worked with or driven past everyday,” Headbloom said.
Under sponsorship of the Michigan Heritage Council, the project will be made free of charge to area teachers who wish to include it in their history lessons. For more information, on this, contact Headbloom at alan@headbloom.com.
The documentary also will be shown on WKTV and made available to other local stations.
The project sponsor is the Michigan Humanities Council 2016-2017 Heritage Grant Program and the underwriter is the Kellogg Foundation. Local liaison is the West Michigan Asian American Association with project advisers being Connie Dang, Kim McKee, Phillip Nguyen, and Anh Tran.
For more about “Newcomer Legacy: A Vietnamese-American Story,” visit the Facebook page Facebook.com/newcomerlegacy.
In the past 20 years, opioid overdose has mushroomed from an anomaly into an epidemic.
During that span, opioid-related deaths in Kent County soared fourfold—from fewer than 20 a year to more than 80.
The strongest predictor of opioid overdose is clear: a previous history of overdose. That being the case, the ER will soon begin giving Narcan kits to overdose patients at no cost before discharge, becoming the first hospital in the region to do so. Narcan is the only FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, which counteracts the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose.
Called O-180—O is the street name for opiates and 180 signifies reversal—the program is funded by a $40,000 grant from the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.
With Narcan nasal spray on hand, discharged patients who experience a subsequent overdose at home can be treated immediately before placing a call to 911. The Narcan kits will contain two doses of naloxone, along with information about community resources available to overdose patients and their families.
“Our goal is to reduce deaths in the community related to opioid overdoses, while also removing some of the stigma of opioid addiction,” says Crystal Gaylord, a quality and safety nurse specialist in the ER.
By Mary Eilleen Lyon, Grand Valley State University
The annual economic impact that Grand Valley State University (GVSU)has on the region is estimated at $816 million. Grand Valley issued its yearly tri-county economic impact report during its April 28 Board of Trustees meeting held at the L. William Seidman Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The economic impact report covers Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties and used 2015-2016 data. Grand Valley employs more than 3,600 people and enrolls more than 25,400 students who spend money and pay taxes in the region.
Some additional highlights of this year’s report include:
New construction and renovations pumped more than $83 million into the local economy in 2016, creating more than 1,760 trade and construction jobs.
Construction of the $37.5 million Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall will be finished in May 2018 and will expand Grand Valley’s health campus in Grand Rapids.
On the Allendale Campus, an addition to the Performing Arts Center will add 44,000-square-feet of additional space to the existing building. The $20-million project will be finished in August.
Grand Valley alumni now number more than 106,000 and nearly half are living or working in West Michigan’s tri-county area.
West Michigan Works! is now accepting applications of interest for its Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program. The one-year program will begin in January 2018.
Hospitals, doctor offices, nursing homes and urgent care clinics across West Michigan are in critical need of medical assistants. A medical assistant is essential to the care of patients and is a great way to begin a healthcare career.
Typical duties
Clinical activities may include:
taking and recording vital signs and medical histories,
preparing patients for exams,
drawing blood and
administering medications.
Administrative activities may include:
medical records,
billing and
coding information for insurance purposes.
As a student in a US Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program:
You’ll graduate with a national, industry-recognized credential.
You’ll immediately apply what you learn in a clinical setting.
You’ll earn a salary while learning the skills to be successful in a high-demand career.
Many students graduate with a full-time job, with little or no debt.
If you are interested in joining the next Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program, please complete an Application of Interest by July 15, 2017.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Each week WKTV features adoptable pets from area shelters. This week, we focus on Gerdy, a bunny available for adoption at West Michigan Critter Haven.
When you think of a rabbit, typically a small, cuddly animal comes to mind. In reality, not all rabbits are small! In fact, giant breeds of rabbits like the Flemish Giant and Checkered giant can weigh in at more than 15lbs! At West Michigan Critter Haven, we have a soft spot for larger breeds of rabbits.
One of our current larger rabbits up for adoption is Gerdy. She’s a spayed Checkered Giant mix weighing in at 14lbs. This big, beautiful rabbit is such a pleasure to be around. She has a larger-than-life personality and is very social and silly. She’s the type of rabbit who thoroughly enjoys being part of the family. When she’s not relaxing in front of the TV, she can be found begging for treats. She does well with well-mannered, cats, dogs, and even enjoys gentle, respectful children.
Gerdy came to us after she was found hiding in a log in the woods. Our best guess is she either escaped or was abandoned. Many people abandon domestic rabbits outdoors thinking they can survive, when in reality, it’s a death sentence. She was covered in fleas but still as friendly as ever.
For being a rabbit found outside, Gerdy has taken to her new life indoors exceptionally well. She has excellent litter box habits and keeps a relatively tidy space. Gerdy adores the attention of her foster family and will even jump up on the couch to beg for food and head scratches — just like a dog! She loves her fresh veggies and fruit. However, like most rabbits, she doesn’t enjoy being held and prefers to spend time sitting next to you, not in your lap.
If you’re thinking about adding a rabbit to your family, Gerdy would be a fantastic addition. Rabbits are extremely intelligent and trainable. They require attention, love and a life indoors with lots of space to run and play.
West Michigan Critter Haven is a chapter of the House Rabbit Society. To learn more about caring for rabbits, please visit http://rabbit.org/.
More About Gerdy:
Litter trained
Spayed
Gets along well with respectful children
Does well with other gentle animals
Want to adopt Gerdy? Her adoption fee is $75. You can learn more about Gerdy and other West Michigan Critter Haven adoptables at http://wmicritterhaven.org. All adopters must be at least 18 years old.
Esperanza Mercado and her children, Alex, a Godwin Heights High School senior and Yra, a first-grader, make their way around the fair. (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)
Esperanza Mercado and her children now know how to get the biggest bang for their food buck at farmers markets this summer. Along with learning that, they also heard about programs offered at a local ministry, and talked to health-care providers and business representatives in their own community.
Getting seeds and tiny planters from representatives of Grand Valley Health Plan are (on right, back to foreground) Jonathan Morales, a West Godwin Elementary fourth-grader, mom Ana Morales, and Ashley Morales, a West Godwin second-grader. (Photo courtesy of School News Network.)
North Godwin Elementary School hosted the third annual Health and Wellness Fair with 18 vendors, including faith-based organizations, financial institutions and others sharing information on services in and surrounding the district.
“It provides lots of different resources for families,” said Principal Mary Lang. The population at North Godwin is 88 percent economically disadvantaged, and 49 percent of students are Hispanic. Barriers to accessing resources often include language and transportation, Lang said.
Esperanza and her children, Alex, a Godwin Heights High School senior; Yra, a first-grader; and Doral, a kindergartner, said they were happy to receive goodies, information and ways to connect. They used a “Wellness Passport,” which was stamped by each vendor to enter into a drawing for prizes.
Kenzie Burt, school coordinator intern for Kent School Services Network, organized the fair. “It definitely provides families with knowledge,” she said.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
S. J. Watson spins a tale of mystery and suspense in his debut novel, Before I Go To Sleep.
Christine wakes up every morning not knowing where or who she is. She believes she’s a 25-year-old, single woman. It turns out she is a 40-something, married mother of one. Her memories disappear every time she falls asleep, the result of a mysterious accident that made Christine an amnesiac. Her husband, Ben, is a total stranger to her, and he explains their life together on a daily basis. With the guidance of her doctor, Christine starts a journal to help jog her memory every day — a journal Ben knows nothing about.
One morning, she opens it and sees that she’s written three unexpected and terrifying words: “Don’t trust Ben.” What her husband now says is questioned. How did Christine become an amnesiac? Who can she trust? What part does the doctor play in Christine’s life? (A doctor Ben knows nothing about.)
The book moves at a fast pace but is written very well. I could see in my mind how things were playing out. I wanted more and more time to read, but real life always interferes!
Since 2010, Blandford Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has been growing healthy, chemical-free produce. Today, Blandford Farm consists of 2.5 acres where the focus is on sustainable agriculture. Over 40 different types of vegetables and over 200 different varieties of vegetables are grown on the farm.
The CSA model builds a relationship between people who love fresh, healthy, local food and a farmer who grows the food. CSA members join a sustainable community of like-minded individuals invested in knowing their food and knowing their farmer.
Blandford Farm’s summer CSA offers a weekly share for 21 weeks. Its winter CSA offers a weekly share for 8 weeks.
Every growing season is different with the weather playing a large role into how each crop will do. CSA members have the opportunity of a close-up experience with eating seasonally and how different weather can influence crop productivity.
GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation has announced the performance lineup for the sixth annual festival being held Saturday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 20, at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids. Festival organizers announced the lineup at a Lineup Reveal Party held April 26 at H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids as part of International Jazz Day.
Eleven diverse acts are on tap for West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival coming up the third weekend in August. Saxophonist Richard Elliot headlines the festival. The complete performance lineup for the August event in order of appearance:
SATURDAY, AUG. 19
Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, 12:30 p.m.
Terry Lower / Jazz Expedition Sextet, 2 p.m.
Ed Stone and the Flowmasters, 3:30 p.m.
Tumbao Bravo, 5 p.m.
Bryan Lubeck, 6:30 p.m.
HEADLINER – Richard Elliot, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 20
Jazz Student Band – Blushing Monk, 1 p.m.
The Isaac Norris Project, 2:30 p.m.
organissimo, 4 p.m.
Four80East, 5:30 p.m.
Nate Harasim & NILS featuring Brandon Willis, 7 p.m.
Edye Evans Hyde (photo supplied)
“We’re thrilled to have Richard Elliot headline the sixth annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation!” GRandJazzFest Founder Audrey Sundstrom said. “He’s a huge name in the jazz and R&B world. We can’t wait for the energy that he’ll bring to the stage!”
Scotland-born, L.A.-based Elliot is one of 11 performers and bands who will play throughout the two-day weekend. The eclectic array of jazz performances includes genres from big band to straight-ahead, contemporary to Latin-Cuban and more.
“We have music for everyone,” Sundstrom said. “The great thing about jazz is there are so many types. Our goal is to spread the love of jazz in all it forms.”
In addition to kicking off the festival as always with the acclaimed Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and Edye Evans Hyde performing vocals, several acts make return appearances at GRandJazzFest: Tumbao Bravo, organissimo, Nate Harasim and Bryan Lubeck. A student jazz band also will perform.
Tumbao Bravo (photo supplied)
GRandJazzFest announced this year’s lineup on April 26 as part of International Jazz Day celebrations taking place worldwide honoring the great American art form. The Steve Hilger Jazz Quartet — which has performed at past GRandJazzFests — played April 26 at H.O.M.E. Learn more about International Jazz Day at http://jazzday.com.
The two-day GRandJazzFest festival will again be free thanks to presenting sponsor DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids, Gilmore Collection, GR and Jazz, IntentPR, Corporate Live, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Amway Hotel Corporation, Experience Grand Rapids, Icon Sign, Matt Huizenga Videography, Meijer, MoxieMen, Steelcase, Configura, Fancy Faces, Grand Rapids Community College, Hilger Hammond, Kitchen 67, Levens Strand & Glover, Rick and Mary Stevens, Rockford Construction, Swift Printing, WGVU, and other sponsoring organizations and individuals. Sponsors are still needed. Go here for more info.
Politics and discourse in America today are more contentious than ever, and engaging with people of opposing political views in a civil manner is often difficult for many.
From May 4-6, the Hauenstein Center will host its annual Conservative/Progressive Summit, which will feature lectures and panel discussions specifically designed to bring serious, thoughtful discussion about the shifting political and intellectual terrain of American life to the forefront.
Speakers will include professors, authors, and journalists and contributors from media outlets including The Atlantic, The American Conservative, U.S. News and World Report, Vox, National Review, The New Republic, The Nation and more. Together, they will discuss political coverage in the media, religion and American civic life, the Trump administration, higher education, the history of conservative thought, the Constitution, and more.
A full event schedule along with speaker biographies and information can be found here.
What: Hauenstein Center Conservative/Progressive Summit
When: May 4-6, 2017
Where: Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, Richard M. DeVos Center, 401 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids, MI
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here.
“The three-day conference will not pretend to find the answers to political division,” said Hauenstein Center director Gleaves Whitney. “Instead it will attempt to promote understanding of opposing viewpoints that are often absent from critical analysis among like-minded people.”
The summit is presented in partnership with the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation, the Progressive Women’s Alliance of West Michigan and the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal.
The annual summit is a one-of-a-kind event in political discourse, said Common Ground program manager Scott St. Louis.
“The Hauenstein Center’s Conservative/Progressive Summit is a unique event that showcases a broad range of American political thought on the same stage,” St. Louis said.
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum ‘Creatures of Light’ exhibit
By Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM)is partnering with the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum to offer extended reciprocal membership benefits for the month of May.
Through this partnership, GRPM members can visit the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museumand receive free general admission. Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum members in return can visit the GRPM and receive free general admission, free planetarium shows and free carousel rides. Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum members will also be able to visit the traveling exhibit Creatures of Light free of charge for the entire month of May, as well as visit Mindbender Mansion as a GRPM member for free between May 27 and May 31.
“It’s great to be able to offer additional opportunities for our members,” said Jerica Starr, Education Coordinator at the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. “The Grand Rapids Public Museum will offer a great new experience for our members and we hope that the Grand Rapids Public Museum members enjoy their trip to the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum!”
For more information on the reciprocal membership benefits or to become a member of the GRPM, please go here.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a publicly owned institution that is home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond, houses the only planetarium in the region, and is responsible for protecting the Norton Indian Mounds, a national historic landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.
At the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Center
The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to sparking creativity, nourishing learning, and inspiring curiosity of children through self-directed discovery in an engaging hands-on environment. The museum provides fun, hands-on exhibits to promote learning for children ages 0-12 in Mid-Michigan and surrounding areas. The discovery museum is a place that sparks curiosity and promotes learning. Each exhibit also aligns with Michigan’s Common Core Standards.
The discovery museum is located on at 5093 E Remus Rd, Mount Pleasant MI 48858 next to Morey Courts and the Isabella County Events (ICE) Arena.
For additional information please go here or call 989.317.3221.
The Friesian Connection will host its Annual Open House and Ice Cream Social Saturday, May 6 from 1 – 4 p.m. on its beautiful acreage just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids at 2685 144th Ave., Dorr.
Come for an afternoon of fun and fellowship and visit the Friesian Connection Stallion Station. Here, the public will see these majestic creatures up close and personal. The afternoon will include the presentation of stallions under saddle and driving, horses at liberty, a petting barn, and all the ice cream you can eat.
This year the Open House will feature Hessel 480, a majestic stallion direct from the Netherlands, with special guest Petra Zeelen who is a renowned trainer and clinician from the Netherlands. Also, Spring is foaling season for local Friesians, so visitors will be able to witness these beautiful colts, llies, and mares up close.
The Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland in the Netherlands. The conformation of the breed resembles that of a light draught house with the animal being graceful and noble for its size. IT is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horse through continental Europe because their size enabled them to carry a fully dressed knight.
In 1984, Robert and Arlene DeBoer imported three Friesian Star mares from the Netherlands. From there, the Friesian Connection expanded into a well-established breeding program, training, selling and importing horses from the Netherlands. Today, the Friesian Connection has more than 50 Friesian horses on its 400-arce farm with the entire family involved in the business.
The Friesian Connection has a history of hosting Friesians owners to market Friesian horses and services. This tradition began back in the 1980s when the DeBoers and other early Friesian import partners began to market their stock for sale and stud services. It has since grown to be a huge event that attracts enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Remember to bring your horse loving friends and family to this special, free event.
“Throughout their time at KCAD, these individuals have exhibited an exemplary work ethic, dedication, curiosity, and thirst for knowledge and experience that has empowered them to get the most out of their education,” said KCAD President Leslie Bellavance. “We congratulate them on this accomplishment, and look forward to celebrating their continuing excellence as KCAD alumni.”
Kentwood resident, Eric Schroeder is among those being honored. Outside of his success in the classroom, Schroeder was named a finalist in the 2017 Bienenstock Furniture Library Design Competition, a prestigious competition that invites students from around the country to submit their best original furniture designs for a chance to win scholarship funding.
He also completed internships with Grand Rapids, Mich. furniture design and manufacturing company Guild Nines and New York City-based furniture/theatre designer Doug Fitch. While still a student, he landed a job as a product designer with Muskegon, Mich.-based Bold Furniture, where he is currently employed.
Upon graduating, Schroeder will continue to design products and furniture for Bold Furniture, and plans to eventually pursue a graduate degree in product design.
Kingfisher End Table (image courtesy of Eric Schroeder)
“Eric doesn’t wait for opportunities to find him — he seeks them out and explores them fearlessly,” said Associate Professor and Furniture Design Program Chair Gayle DeBruyn. “He also enjoys collecting and restoring mid-century modern furniture and nicely ties his passion for this style of design to his own.
“Clean, functional, elegant furniture is difficult to design; it requires a clear understanding of manufacturing and materials capabilities. For this, Eric engages his network to assist him. His employer, Bold Furniture, agreed to prototype a line of furniture specifically for Eric’s senior capstone project, and we can’t wait to see his work during the KCAD Annual Student Exhibition.”
Matt VanSweden (Grand Rapids, Mich.) – Collaborative Design
The 2017 Excellence Award winners will be recognized at an official ceremony on May 5, and their best work will be on display during KCAD’s annual Excellence Awards Exhibition (May 2-18), hosted in The Fed Galleries @ KCAD inside the college’s Woodbridge N. Ferris Building (17 Pearl St. NW).
The Fed Galleries will also be hosting the Masters Thesis Exhibition (May 2-18), spotlighting the fully developed work of the students who have completed their graduate studies.
KCAD’s Annual Student Exhibition (May 2-6), featuring work from each of the college’s programs, will encompass all floors of the college’s 17 Fountain St. NW and Woodbridge N. Ferris Buildings. A campus-wide opening reception will be held on May 2 from 4-7pm. All exhibitions and the reception are free and open to the public. For more information, go here.
