UPDATE: Ernest Mason has been found
Have you seen Ernest Mason?
Mason, 72, of Byron Township has been missing since Oct. 31.
He is 5’6″ and weighs 180 pounds; drives a brown, two-door, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier with Michigan license plate number BMV7151.
If you’ve seen Mason or have information on his whereabouts, please call the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at 616.632.6357.
By Alan Headbloom – Feel Like You Belong
It’s often hard to be the kid at school who’s different from the others. It could mean you’re the short kid, the chubby kid, the kid with an accent… or the kid with a different religion. These days, that feeling of isolation and “otherness” can extend into the adult world, especially for Arab Americans. Joining Alan in studio is Nadia El-Zein Tonova, Director of the National Network for Arab American Communities, to talk about community building and their new Take On Hate initiative.
Alan Headbloom hosts Feel Like You Belong, a show filmed at WKTV focused on sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States.
By Erin Albanese, School News Network
You can “Jump!” in teacher Jeff Patin’s introduction to video production class, or “Walk like an Egyptian,” or go “Dancing in the Dark.”
As part of the class, ninth- through 12th-grade students harked back to the “I want my MTV” decade by creating music videos as they existed when the craft started out. While practicing camera shots, angles and movements, they also learned a little about totally ’80s hair bands and the corny lyrics teenagers rocked to three decades ago.
Patin said the project was a way to practice and showcase their video production skills — and, to some extent, entertain him and other Godfrey-Lee Public Schools staff members who remember the decade well. The students recently presented their finished videos to the Board of Education.
“It’s different,” said senior Humberto Gallarzo, about the music from Patin’s generation. Humberto helped produce the video, “Oh Sherrie” by Steve Perry.
Why the ’80s? “That’s my decade,” Patin joked. “Why do something really cinematic when you can do something really cheesy?”
Students are unfamiliar with the songs, he said, and have to take time learning the lyrics. “I chose the ’80s because verbally they are safe (not explicit) and it puts everybody on the same playing field because they don’t know the songs,” Patin explained.
New Tech for Retro Remakes
Unlike in the ’80s, students in the class make their videos with their smart phones and use the Apple program iMovie for editing. The results are shot-for-shot remakes of some of the most memorable songs from 30 years ago, from jumping like Eddie Van Halen to crooning like Rick Springfield over “Jessie’s Girl.” In editing, the original video appeared in the corner of students’ remakes to show how closely they match. “It was hard to stay serious,” said senior Aracely Quinones, who served as camera operator for the “Oh, Sherrie” video.
“It’s fun and you’re learning at the same time,” said senior Johnny Lopez, who edited the video. “It gets people out of their comfort zone.”
Because of the music video and other projects in the class, students said they now watch TV and movies in a new way, paying attention to the angles, framing, movements and other elements.’
“I can’t watch a simple show without thinking about this class,” said senior Miguel Lemus.
Photos courtesy of Full Hollow Farm website
There’s a small family farm in Belding, Mich. where a wide variety of vegetables and an ever-expanding selection of fruit grow. It’s called Full Hollow Farm and it’s an understatement to say that owners Jamie Wibraham and Brad Smith aren’t afraid of hard work. They use only earth-friendly, sustainable growing practices, and biodiversity is encouraged. The farm is working towards Organic Certification.
Over the years, Wibraham and Smith have worked on seven different vegetable and fruit farms. They began their farming career in Michigan, moved through Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and eventually returned to West Michigan. Now in its second year, Full Hollow Farm is well-rooted and thriving. You can see, smell, touch and taste their produce at the Rockford Farmers Market when the market is in season.
Check out Full Hollow Farm’s website for photos, recipes and more. To visit their Facebook page, go here.
Tree Lighting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Once again the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will get the holiday festivities kicked off with its annual tree lighting ceremony set for Thursday, Nov. 17, at the museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, downtown Grand Rapids.
The event is at 7 p.m. with the outdoor tree being lighted followed by some activities which will include the announcement of the 2016 Community Tree Awards.
All outdoor activities are free. For more, visit www.fordmuseumlibrary.gov.
Visions of dancing dishes and flatware
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre opens its production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” with director Allyson Paris promising the show will be full of all the magic one has come to expect with the story.
For more about how Civic recreated some of that movie magic, check out our story.
The show opens Nov. 18 at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., downtown Grand Rapids, and runs through Dec. 18. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 – $34 and are going fast, according to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre officials. Visit www.grct.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Pretty lights
Get a preview of the Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr. NE, by participating in either the bike ride Friday, Nov. 18, or the run/walk Saturday, Nov. 19.
Marking its 20th year, the Christmas Lite Show is one of the largest in Michigan. It has more than 40 animated light displays that cover about two miles.
This family-oriented event was started by Bill Schrader, who a veteran himself having served 28 years in the army, is a supporter of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. A portion of the light show proceeds are donated to the Home.
For more information about the Christmas Lite Show, which opens up to vehicular traffic Nov. 23, visit www.christmasliteshow.com.
Wine, food, fun
The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival returns to DeVos Hall Thursday, Nov. 17, for its ninth year.
The event, which runs through Saturday, will feature about 1,600 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from various local, regional and national organizations. The event is broken down into three sections. The Vineyard will feature more than 1,200 wines from dry to sweet red, white, rose or sparkling varieties. The Beer City Station feature a variety of brew masters along with craft beers, imported and domestic brews, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages and food that pairs with both. One of the fastest growing craft beverages is hard cider. Cider Row will feature more than a dozen cider producers from Michigan and nationally-known brands.
Individual tickets are $15/Thursday, $20/Saturday and Sunday and $40 for a 3-Day Pass. Sampling tickets are 50 cents per ticket and sold on site. Attendees must be 21 or older to enter the Festival. For more information, visit showspan.com.
By Lynn Strough
I went for the arts in Kilkenny, and instead I found a witch!
It’s an hour and a half drive from Dublin south to Kilkenny, a medieval town, with a castle built in 1195. Picking up my rental car in Dublin, I was a bit nervous, since driving is on the left side of the road here but it was fine. After all, I’d had three weeks of practice in New Zealand, although that was almost seven months ago now. I headed straight to the tourist office and spent about two hours there, as they tried to help me find rooms for the next three nights — it appeared there were none left anywhere near the places I wanted to go.
People had told me not to worry about booking ahead at this time of the year — late August — as the kids are headed back to school, but they were off by a week. They finally found me some rooms although they were definitely over my budget. Just a reminder to double-check the area you’re traveling to for special circumstances. Sometimes it’s beneficial to just arrive at a place, as a lot of the nice, smaller places don’t use booking sites, and are also willing to bargain on price. On the other hand, if it’s a busy time, without booking ahead, you might find yourself sleeping on the proverbial park bench.
The tour office lady asked if I wanted to join the walking tour that was about to start. Sure! It’s a great way to get an overview of a town. We saw Butter Alley, where they used to sell butter in medieval times; the Black Abby, which dates back to the 13th century; and Smithwick’s brewery building, where they no longer brew beer (that’s moved to Dublin) but you can pay a chunk of change to stop in their visitor’s center to shop for merchandise if you choose (I chose not to).
Kilkenny is known as an arts and crafts town, and includes the Medieval Mile, with many shops lining its winding lanes along the River Nore. I just missed the annual arts fair, which was probably just as well, since accommodations were hard enough to come by post-festival.
You can tour the castle for a fee, or just have a wander around the grounds for free. With notoriously gray skies and many buildings made of gray stone, the Irish find other ways to brighten their cities including flowers, graffiti, paint and lights. Kilkenny is not a town that’s too worried about safety — check out the security system on their kegs…
And about that witch…
In the middle of town, there is a restaurant called Kyteler’s, which was once a stone house owned by a woman whose four husbands all died under mysterious circumstances. She was tried and convicted as a witch, but she was rich (from her four husbands), and her wealthy friends helped her escape to England. Her maid was not so fortunate, and the punishment was carried out on her — she was whipped through the streets and burned at the stake, supposedly the first in Europe. Quite a sad tale.
The establishment is supposedly haunted and there are photos someone took hanging on the wall that show a mysterious shadow climbing up the stairs. There is also a curious story of an artist and an author related to the Kyteler’s witch tale (see The Spooky Story below).
Haunted or not, it is a spooky place but in a fun way, and both my tour guide and my B&B host said to go back there for dinner, for good food and free music after 6. I followed their advice and dined on traditional Irish stew — a hearty bowl full of meat, potatoes and carrots and after, enjoyed a lively room full of music and laughter.
My B&B Mena House, was a nice, big old house with lots of rooms, walking distance to town. I ended up talking to Catherine, the proprietress, for quite a while. She was friendly and funny and said she’d love to do what I’m doing — travel the world alone — but wouldn’t dare.
“You’re very brave,” she told me. I keep hearing that and at first didn’t think it was true as I find traveling fun and exhilarating, not scary. But the more people I meet around the world, the more I see how everyone has dreams, and most don’t follow them out of various fears.
I’m not sure doing this makes me brave, but I do feel fortunate, for my many misfortunes, like divorce, losing my job and my home, that led me to make this journey. To me, the brave ones are those who quit their good-paying jobs in order to follow their dreams.
Leaving Kilkenny, I made a brief stop at The Rock of Cashel, which local mythology says originated in a mountain called the Devil’s Bit, when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock landing here. I spent a couple of hours exploring the ruins of the cathedral, which was built between 1235 and 1270, and its graveyard with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
It was especially nice when I bypassed a giant tour group that was listening outside to their guide while I got to slip into the tiny chapel, all dark and damp, completely alone. And also when I headed out, to the strains of Celtic music as three young guys played their hearts out.
Ireland is full of historic sites scattered throughout the country, so a road trip is an ideal way to see it, as you can stop at will wherever you fancy. I was about to spend the next two and a half weeks doing just that, much of it along the famous Wild Atlantic Way.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50+ free spirit whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.
“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Reprinted with permission
First-Time Voters Reflect on Presidential Election
By Erin Albanese, Charles Honey and Linda Odette
School News Network
For 18-year-old high school students, last Tuesday’s election was their first chance to cast a ballot for president. School News Network asked several students from Kent County-area public schools what their first vote for president meant to them, what they learned from it and whom they voted for. Here we share the views of three of those students, from East Kentwood, Godwin Heights and Byron Center.
Esteban Nunez, Godwin Heights High School
“To me it was something really important, especially in society today and the way things are going. I like to show my opinion along with understanding how it feels to be part of something and knowing something I say matters,” said Estaban Nunez.
He said the electoral process was “kind of confusing at the beginning, but later on I caught on.
“I voted for Gary Johnson. Generally, I encourage the idea of moving forward instead of staying with what the Republicans and Democrats are doing.”
Gregory Perhamus, East Kentwood High School
“For lack of better words it was really kind of cool. My mom always took me voting with her ever since I was little. … So now, for me to add a vote to this election and to be a part in the say and do my duty as a citizen was something I found very interesting. I felt really honored and proud to be part of the population.
“My mom teaches education at Grand Valley State University, so I was always in the know, so I don’t know if I learned anything new.” He said he took time to study the local elections. “I got more education on that perspective.
“I voted for Hillary, not totally in support of Hillary, but I guess against Trump. I think a lot of people did that. It was a rough election to have as a first election. When I look back at it in 20 years and someone asks who I voted for, I won’t be proud to say either one. I don’t know if anyone will, but it is what it is. We have four years. Hopefully next election we will have someone better.”
Maria Cotts, Byron Center High School
“I really liked it because I took a government class last year and I liked how I was able to vote this year. I liked that I could get involved and exercise my right to vote after learning about it for so long.”
Maria said she felt armed with knowledge about how voting works from her Advanced Placement government class. “I know lots about it, why it works, why it was put in place. I learned about the whole voting process and how it works at the polls.”
Still, it was a new experience. “I had never seen the ballot before,” she said.
“I voted for Hillary Clinton. … It should be interesting today,” she said the day after the election.
The sweet potato — a perennial holiday meal favorite — is one of only a few cultivated vegetable crops with origins in the Americas. Traced back to 8000 B.C. Peru, it’s neither a potato nor a yam but a rooted tuber and member of the morning glory family.
Prep
To prepare sweet potatoes, simply scrub the skin clean using a vegetable brush and running water to remove any dirt and grime. Then cut away any damaged areas.
Store
Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place for up to several weeks. Do not store in plastic or refrigerate. Temperatures below 50 degrees will cause off-flavors, and excess moisture will encourage sweet potatoes to rot or sprout prematurely. Resist the urge: Do not scrub clean or wash until just before preparation.
Cook
Sweet potatoes taste great baked, boiled, steamed, grilled or mashed.
Interested in trying new sweet potato recipes?
Highlighted this week: roasted pumpkin and sweet potato pilau, crispy sweet potato wedges, curried sweet potato apple soup and honey-roasted sweet potatoes with honey-cinnamon dip. Below is the recipe for Extra-crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Get the other recipes.
Ingredients
Preparation
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with tinfoil (shiny side up); place baking rack onto prepared baking sheet; set aside. Peel the sweet potatoes (if preferred) and cut off the pointy ends. Slice the sweet potatoes in half (lengthwise), then cut each piece into wedges. Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl, then add in the olive oil, salt, sugar, seasoning, and black pepper.
Mix well, making sure each wedge is coated with oil and spices. Arrange the sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn on the broiler and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until they’re well browned and crispy. Keep an eye here – it’s easy to burn when the broiler is on! Cool wedges on pan for 5 minutes, then serve at once.
Recipe courtesy of Baker by Nature
WKTV is pleased to announce that each week we will feature an adoptable cat from Crash’s Landing or Big Sid’s Sanctuary. Both cat rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Petrovich, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Just look at this handsome mug!
Not only is Caspian gorgeous, but more importantly, he is a genuine sweetheart who loves to snuggle — and is very good at it. This chubby-cheeked, squinty-eyed (former) Tom cat was welcomed into Big Sid’s this past Aug. 2 after being transferred from the Humane Society of SW Michigan.
Although he had seen a veterinarian three days after his arrival at the Humane Society in mid-July, the condition causing his lower eyelids to roll inward and rub on his corneas was not diagnosed, so the appropriate treatment was not undertaken; by the time Dr. Jen got her hands on this fabulous ‘fat-head’ (born in the summer of 2012), his right eye had suffered scarring and both lids were incredibly swollen and painful. He was FIV-positive and Dr. Jen also discovered that he had torn a toenail back to the base and was sparse in the hair coat department due to a flea infestation that has since been successfully treated.
Once at the sanctuary, Caspian immediately took to wooing the ladies; his heavy-lidded, half-closed glance made it appear as if he was gazing longingly at those who stepped into his line of sight, so the volunteers couldn’t help but swoon, swoop in and scoop him up for some major cuddle time — and at 13 pounds of muscle, he is quite an armful!
At his recheck exam on Sept. 6, Dr. Jen was dismayed to see that Caspian’s FIV test was still a firm positive, but since he was having a blast in his new home she had no worries. He had a second surgery on his eyelids and, as he did before, Caspian bounced back with flying colors, sporting fancy purple sutures once again for the next week.
He left the clinic with eyes wide open — something he hadn’t really done up to this point — weighing in at 14 pounds and showing off his lustrous, almost luminous coat that good nutrition and parasite control had afforded him.
Caspian still has a tiny scar remaining on his right eye but his vision isn’t impaired in the least; he can look deep into your soul with those baby blues and you will absolutely, paws-itively MELT!
Caspian’s Petfinder bio is here.
Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.
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.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
It can be challenge to take a well-known animated film such as “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” and bring it to a theater stage.
“How do you create the flames in Lumiere’s hands as he raises and lowers them,” said Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Allyson Paris, who is directing Civic Theater’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”Or how does Mrs. Potts push the tea cart when she doesn’t have any hands?
“And then there is Chip. He is suppose to be small but still has to move around the stage. You have to solve all of those problems as you are putting on a show.”
Apparently many want to see just how Civic Theatre does create the magic as tickets for the upcoming show are selling quickly, according to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Director of Development and Community Relations Nancy Brozek. “So if people want to see the show, they are going to want to snap up tickets soon.”
As to solving the problems Paris mentioned, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s costume wizard Robert Fowle knew just who to call to help build some of that theater magic, friend and colleague Kathleen Johnson.
“Building costumes for a production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has been on my bucket list,” said Johnson, who has more than 16 years of experience in musical theater, dance, radio and film as a costume and prop designer.
Originally from Grand Rapids and now based out of Chicago, Johnson saw the potential of using her background in mascot building to help create costumes designed for mobility.
“When you construct a costume for a mascot, it has to be done so that the person wearing it can move easily,” Johnson said. “The same is true for the costumes on stage. The actors have to be able to move easily while wearing the large costumes.”
Once the “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” show was cast, Johnson said she measured all the performers and headed back home to begin construction of the various pieces such as the wardrobe for Madame de la Grande Bouche which had to have a drawer that opens along with doors to show offer her “jewelry.”
To help reduce the weight of the costumes, Johnson turned to a variety of foams used in mascot construction which are also much easier to mold into “dancing” dishes and “entertaining” flatware.
There are still challenges for the actors wearing the costumes as Jason Morrison who plays Cogswoth pointed out.
“We have no peripheral vision, so we can’t see straight down or tell where we are walking,” Morrison said, adding that there will be assistants for the actors to help them move around backstage. “Also, I have to be careful as Cogswoth has a key sticking out his back so when turning I do not hit someone with it.”
Draws open, keys turn and Johnson has even planned out just how Lumiere’s candlestick will light when he raises his hands.
“Most people think of the fans that blow up the paper flames to make it appear like the sticks are burning,” Johnson said. “I have something a little better that will make them look like real candlesticks.”
As to how that theater magic happens, Paris said people will just “have to be our guest and come and see the show.”
Avoid the madness and come help the folks at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve plant a new section of the ever-expanding Saul Lake Prairie — one of the longest-running and most successful prairie restoration projects in Michigan. Located east of Rockford, Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve was established in 1989 and comprises 123 acres.
Convenient parking and over a mile of meandering trails allow visitors to appreciate the bog, prairie, forests, and fields — and the diversity of wildlife they support — in all seasons. Participants should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy shoes. A great family activity, appropriate for ages 12 and up. Learn More.
Event: Black Friday Prairie Planting
Saturday, November 25 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve,
10471 Six Mile Road, Rockford, MI
Contact Justin Heslinga at 616.451.9476 or by email to register.
Curious about the creative process? What makes artists tick? What inspires them? Find the answers to these questions and explore a wide variety of artworks in a casual and historic west side neighborhood setting.
Tanglefoot Artists’ Open Studio Event: Celebrating 25 Years of Creativity & Community features 10 artists in seven distinctly different studios, three of them new this year. The public is invited to join the fun with family and friends.
This quarter-century anniversary milestone is a special celebration for West Michigan and the 10 artists showcasing their talents this year: Elaine Dalcher, Nikki Wall, Michael Pfleghaar, Jeff Condon, Alynn Guerra, Jason Villareal, Carlos Aceves, Tommy Allen, Cathy Marashi and Gretchen Deems.
When: Friday, Nov. 18 (5-9 pm) and Sunday, Nov. 20, (noon-5 pm)
(NO SATURDAY HOURS)
Where: Tanglefoot Building, 314 Straight Ave SW, Grand Rapids 49504
Door K or Door M for Handicap Access
Unlike the City of Wyoming, Kentwood does not have odd/even parking during the winter — in fact, street parking rules are even stricter.Blame it all on Sec. 66-61. – Parking is prohibited during hours that could impair or impede snow removal. Go here for more info. (Code 2004, § 66-61; Comp. Ords. 1987, § 20.278)
Spend an evening on the dark side at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), 272 Pearl Street NW in Grand Rapids. GRPM, in partnership with Brewery Vivant, is hosting a new event, Dark Beer, Dark Side on Friday, Nov. 25, which coincidentally is this year’s Black Friday.
Beginning at 6:30 pm, Ryan Engemann, the Wandering Monk from Brewery Vivant, will wax eloquently on the differences between various dark beers including Brewery Vivant’s highly anticipated ‘Tart Side of the Moon’. Between 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm visitors have the chance to explore more of the Museum, have further Q&A with Engemann, and grab another beer to enter the Chaffee Planetarium for the Museum’s original production, Dark Side: The Light Show.
Dark Side: The Light Show is a one-of-a-kind light show featuring music from Pink Floyd’s album The Dark Side of the Moon. The show features stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound. Dark Side: The Light Show is the GRPM’s first original production since the planetarium underwent major renovations in 2013/2014.
Tickets include three beer samples, general admission to the Museum and admission to the evening’s planetarium show. Get tickets here.
The Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival kicks off its ninth year of encouraging young film makers from around the state to create short PSAs that inspire K-12 students to make positive life choices!
The Meijer Great Choices Film Festival offers two levels of competition:
HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION
Public Service Announcements submitted by high school students are part of a state-wide education initiative promoting positive lifestyle choices. Students in grades 9 through 12 are asked to create a PSA that is no more than 30 seconds in length and address one of three topics: 1.) Building Character 2.) Healthy Living or 3.) Celebrating Diversity. Each student must also specify a target audience for their PSA(s) as either K-6th or 7th-12th grade.
Entries (:30 PSAs) submitted on DVDs will be accepted now through Feb. 10. The cost is $10 per entry or $5 per entry if submitted by the Jan. 19 Early Discount Deadline. Judging will take place March thru April and winners will be announced in late April. An awards event will be hosted for the 60 high school finalists, their families and friends on June 3, at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, when more than $21,000 in prizes will be granted in the form of gift cards to Meijer or Apple. Six students will receive top prizes of $1,500, six second place winners will receive $1,000, six third place filmmakers will receive $500 and 42 semi-finalists will each receive $75.
JUNIOR CLASSROOM COMPETITION
Michigan K-8 teachers can win up to $500 for their classrooms by entering their class in the 2016 Meijer Great Choices Junior Competition. Teachers are asked to guide their students through the process of making a 0:30 Public Service Announcement(s) for K-6th grade audiences, addressing issues of Good Character, Celebrating Diversity, or Healthy Living. PSA submissions will be accepted Feb. 1 through 24. Winning PSAs are determined by public vote and winners will be notified in April.
Students and their teachers can download registration materials and guidelines at www.meijergreatchoices.com.
The competition’s Legacy Partners, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, The Vander Laan Family Foundation, and the Van Singel Fine Arts Center will once again team up with Meijer in promoting positive choices for Michigan students.
Audio/Visual students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Cornerstone University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Western Michigan University are the preliminary judges and will choose the finalists based on specific criteria.
In the Fall, the Film Festival makes 5,000 DVD copies of the winning PSAs for distribution to all schools in the State of Michigan (public, private and charter), to A/V teachers, students, and media. The schools are able to use as the DVDs as tools for their Character, Health and Diversity Education programs for the 2017-2018 school year.
For more information contact the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, at 616-878-6801 or 616-878-6135.
Join Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue as they celebrate five years and 1,000 adoptions! The event will feature a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, live music by local band Decoy, a photo booth and an opportunity for attendees to meet some of the dogs the organization is working to save.
It all happens Friday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm at The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $10 prior to the event and $15 at the door. Get tickets here.
Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization driven by a network of volunteer foster families in the Grand Rapids area. Because they are committed to saving the lives of unwanted dogs of all backgrounds, they are considered by many in the local dog community as the last line of support for dogs in need.
Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are five reasons to adopt your new best friend.
Local government matters most. Many people don’t realize how decisions at the local level affect members of the community. Here’s your chance to get engaged!Bring your top issues and interact with policymakers from
This monthly meeting will be televised by Cable Channel 25 WKTV.
From Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, Life, Animated is the inspirational story of a young man who used Disney animated films to communicate with his friends and family. This coming-of-age film will be shown at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) (400 Culver Street) on Nov. 17 at 7 pm. General admission $5/Members and $7/Future Members.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
Rolling Stone says about Life, Animated, “Instead of false hope, it offers possibility, the chance of a stimulus that might get past the blocks of developmental disorder.”
This refreshing film begins when Owen Suskind is a thriving three-year-old who suddenly and inexplicably goes silent — and for years has remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, Owen found useful tools to help him to understand complex social cues and to re-connect with the world around him.
Prior to moving into independent filmmaking, Roger Ross Williams was an acclaimed television journalist and producer for over 15 years for outlets including: TV Nation, ABC News, NBC News, CNN, PBS, Comedy Central, and Sundance Channel. Williams serves on the Alumni Advisory Board of the Sundance Institute. He frequently mentors filmmakers from the developing world and under-represented communities on how to channel personal adversity into their art.
“Deeply moving. A warm testament to a family’s love and resistance.” –Variety
Real to Reel is sponsored by Great Lakes Manor and Cottages and Clark Hill Entertainment Industry Team, Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites, and Saugatuck-Douglas Antique Market.
About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
The unofficial election results from Kent County. Winners are in blue.
Godfrey-Lee School Board (2 positions)
Katie Brumley 1068
Lynn D. Velthouse 944
Godwin Heights School Board (3 positions)
Lee Ann Platschorre 1,595
Jan Allen 1,580
Jason Conklin 1565
Richard Hamilton Jr. 1557
Kelloggsville School Board (2 positions)
David L. Skinner, Jr. 2510
Gary Marihugh 2212
Kelloggsville School Board Partial Term Ending 12/31/2018 (1 position)
Donald E. Scott 2992, uncontested
Kentwood School Board (4 positions)
Mary Ann Madden 13466
Angeline M. Forton 12990
Allen Young 12905
Angela Hovermale 12322
Wyoming School Board (2 positions)
Lisa Manley (i) 5,016
Jessica Hanselman 4,640
Adrian Lamar 4,278
Darlene A. Yasick (i) 3,494
Wyoming School Board Partial Term Ending 12/31/2018 (1 position)
Thomas J. Mott 9697, uncontested
By Lynn Strough
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world. Ireland isn’t that big you might think, but drive around the perimeter with all of those coves and inlets and you’ll be surprised how many kilometers you clock. I knew I wouldn’t have time to cover the whole route, so I started in the south and then headed up the west coast to see some of the most majestic parts for as long as my time held out before my upcoming house sit in Scotland.
From the Rock of Cashel, I drove south to Cobh (pronounced Cove), where I visited the Titanic Experience. Yes, it’s a bit of a tourist trap but interesting all the same. You are given a ticket with the name of a passenger on it and don’t know if you survive until the end of the tour. I was Ellen Corr, 17 years old and I did survive.
We saw the remains of an old dock where passengers left on tenders to take them out to the ill-fated ship — Cobh was the last stop to pick up passengers before the Titanic struck an iceberg. Artifacts on display include a suitcase, dishes, a chair and personal items, and there’s a video showing the underwater exploration when the Titanic was first found at the bottom of the sea. You can walk through recreations of ship cabins, both steerage and first class. Even the steerage had running water and electricity, something most people didn’t have in their homes.
Cobh is also a landmark for the Lusitania tragedy, a passenger liner torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat off the head of nearby Kinsale. Something about this place and sinking ships…
From there it’s onward to the fishing town of Kinsale, a very pretty village, and I caught view of what would become a familiar sight in Ireland — brightly colored buildings in rainbow hues. Kinsale isn’t very big — just a few streets of shops — and I wandered around taking photos, peeking in windows at the usual souvenirs. The cool thing is that there are three bookstores in this one little town. Looks like there may be some readers around. The weather alternated between sunny with blue sky and fluffy clouds, and gray sky with dark rain clouds, changing momentarily — another attribute of Ireland I would see repeatedly, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way.
I popped into the “castle,” an old toll building-turned-French-prison, which is also the wine museum — the real reason I wanted to go in. Today was a once-a-month free day, and I learned a few things, like they didn’t and don’t really make much wine in Ireland, they just imported (and smuggled) it.
After a couple of leisurely hours, I drove out onto the point under moody skies on my way to Clonakilty, another little port town. This one is also full of multi-colored houses, but because the sun was no longer evident, it wasn’t quite as bright. It’s also lined with gift and antique shops and is apparently a bit of a foodie town — there are numerous restaurants, pubs and wine bars, and I enjoyed a lovely farm-to-table dinner.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have such good luck with my B&B, which was not the most pleasant experience. You win some and you lose some. It was a last resort of efforts by the tourist board ladies in Kilkenny, the only place they found open for four towns in the area as it’s a Saturday night in what apparently is still high season. I wondered when I heard the price, as all the others have been much lower.
But this one purported to be a luxury B&B, with views of a lake, gourmet breakfast,and food on arrival. I don’t need nor can I afford that kind of luxury on this trip but since it was the only place available, I thought I’d bite the bullet and enjoy it.
Enjoy isn’t the word I would use to describe it, more like endure. The place is out in the middle of nowhere on a dairy farm, which smells like cows — lots of very smelly cows — and inside the house there’s a peculiar odor as well. The house is old and faded, with worn carpets and dated furniture and no internet or phone signal.
My teeny, tiny bathroom had a half-empty, sample-size shampoo bottle as its only amenity, not quite fitting the description of “luxury B&B with all the extras.” My host, an older lady said, “I hope you won’t be cold.” It turns out here’s no heat. She reluctantly told me there’s an electric blanket but warned me at least three times to turn it off before I went to sleep, which meant waking up freezing and turning it back on, staying awake until it heated up again and then turning it off before going back to sleep — and repeating this procedure multiple times.
The room was moldy, and my nose and throat plugged up. She offered me tea on arrival but rather reluctantly, and when I said that would be lovely, she seemed disappointed that I’d accepted. But she made it and served it with a dried-out scone and sat and chatted with me; it appeared more out of obligation than desire.
I’d gotten terribly lost following her directions (but not lost enough). As it grew dark, I finally called her but the line was busy and a recording said it was letting her know she had another call, though she didn’t take it. Later she mentioned she didn’t pick up because she was on the phone gabbing with her cousin.
I never would have booked this place but was in a bind. Goes to show I need to follow my own advice and plan ahead. I write all of this not to complain but to forewarn you that sometimes what you see online or in brochures is not what you get. It is also perfectly acceptable to ask to see a room when you arrive and if it’s sub-par, to not take it. Fortunately, this would prove to be my only really bad accommodation experience in Ireland.
The next day made up for it. I drove all the way to Kenmare, from 10 am until 6 pm, continuing on a very scenic Wild Atlantic Way, stopping first at the Drombeg stone circle. I walked all around it and inside of it, and after having read the book Outlander recently, I waited to see if I’d get transported back in time — but instead just got wet feet as the ground was soggy and spongy, like a bog. Luckily, I had my wool hiking socks and boots in the car to change into.
Driving through Unionhall, a teeny tiny burg on a river, I stopped on the bridge to take some of the most beautiful, breathtaking panoramas of my trip — a sky full of clouds reflected in the water, along with a string of colorful buildings. And I stopped for a few minutes in the tiny town of Castletownsend, which Brian, my B&B host in Dublin had said is his favorite. It’s another colorful town, on a bay with a castle-turned-hotel on the shore and boats moored out on the water. Ireland is every bit as picturesque as I’d imagined.
At a church restaurant in Skibbereen, I stopped for lunch. It’s a beautiful building and I had a little table upstairs facing a large, stained-glass window. I couldn’t get their wifi or my data to work and I was trying to book a place to stay that evening, so the very sweet waitress gave me her phone to use — just looked up a booking last-minute site and handed over her phone, leaving it with me for the whole time I was dining. How nice is that? It cut out after a little while before I could book something, so after my disaster last night I asked the Universe to please guide me to a nice scenic place to stay that’s affordable in Kenmare, which is exactly what happened.
But first, after driving for quite a while on winding roads along the ocean past a beach full of surfers (in Ireland?), along the Wild Atlantic Way, I reached the Beara Peninsula and drove the whole loop, about three hours.
Once I got to Beara, the sun came out, the sky bloomed blue, a paler version of the sea, and it was so rugged and beautiful, I took my time, stopping at scenic spots along the way to take pictures and just admire the beauty of the world.
A rainbow of flowers blossomed everywhere — red, yellow, orange (lots of orange), blue, pink, purple, white — with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. I passed wayward cows and wandering sheep, polka-dotted with blue spots, others with pink.
And then, I reached Kenmare. I’d heard from one old man that it was his favorite town, but I’d heard from others that it’s expensive, so let’s see what the Universe has in store, I thought, figuring that if I couldn’t find anything affordable there, I’d head on up the road to Kilarny, which is more commercial but has more accommodations.
But my prayers were answered. I pulled into the first B&B I saw with a vacancy sign out front, but they didn’t have availability for a single room for three nights. The man got his wife, who told me she knew a woman who had a single available and it would be the best price in Kenmare. She even called the woman and told her she had a nice single lady looking for a room.
“The tour office told you right to just show up instead of booking ahead,” she told me. “You get a much better price that way as you can bargain.” That’s if you can find an open room and if it’s the last room, that can backfire, like it did for me with the cow-lady.
I followed her directions to a big two-story house, Finnahy, with beautiful flowers out front. Wow, that looks expensive, I thought. So I was blown away when the nice proprietress told me I could have the single room for for all three nights, including a full Irish breakfast, for about the price of one night with the cow-lady.
“I’ll take it,” I said. It’s a tiny room, just the length of a twin bed and barely wider, with a bathroom down the hall but the price is right and the place is lovely. I felt very lucky.
She poured me tea and served me cake and cookies in her pretty little sitting room and then, after settling my things in my room, I set off to town.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50+ free spirit whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.
“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Reprinted with permission
The unofficial election results from Kent County. Winners are in blue.
City of Wyoming
2nd Ward
Marissa K. Postler 3,479
Richard Kent Pastoor 2,873
3rd Ward
Robert D. Postema 5,168
Rusty Richter 3,683
Member At Large
Dan Burrill 18,474
Kent County Commission
7th District
Republican Stan Ponstein 8,312
Democrat Logan Arkema 5,069
8th District
Republican Harold Voorhees 8,831
Democrat Franklin Cornielle 5,341
9th District
Republican Matt Kallman 11,558
Democrat Keith F. Courtade 4,914
10th District
Republican Emily Post Brieve 12,201
12th District
Republican Harold K. Mast 5,739
Democrat Christian Allen 5,292
13th District
Democrat Betsy Melton 7,942
Republican Jessica Ann Tyson 7,382
Prosecuting Attorney
Republican Chris Becker 167,451
Democrat Alida J. Bryant 119,923
Kent County Sheriff
Republican Lawrence A. Stelma 174,260
Michael B. Scruggs 118,244
Clerk/Register of Deeds
Republican Lisa Posthumus Lyons 158,132
Democrat Chris Reader 115,122
Libertarian James Lewis 16,007
Treasurer
Republican Kenneth D. Parrish 165,841
Democrat Jody Betten 118,164
Drain Commissioner
Republican Ken Yonker 159,616
Democrat Rachel Hood 127,812
State Legislature 72nd District
Republican Steven Johnson 18,981
Democrat Steve Shoemaker 15,923
State Legislature 77th District
Republican Tommy Brann 27,946
Democrat Dana Knight 14,526
2nd District Congress
Republican Bill Huizenga 41,374
Democrat Dennis B. Murphy 28,486
Libertarian Erwin J. Haas 2,030
Green Matthew A. Brady 1,276
U.S. Taxpayers Ronald E. Graeser 509
3rd District Congress
Republican Justin Amash 132,639
Democrat Douglas Smith 89,569
U.S. Taxpayers Ted Gerrard 5,695
By Amanda Haberlein
Public Relations/Communications Coordinator
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
This time of year many may reflect on what they have to be thankful for and for some, this includes a desire to volunteer their time to help others. While older adults are able and welcome to volunteer anywhere, some find it more appealing to volunteer with organizations that cater specifically to older adults. The following agencies either utilize senior volunteers throughout the community or use volunteers to serve older adults specifically.
Friendly Visitor Program – This program pairs volunteers with older adults who feel extremely isolated, lonely or are homebound. Volunteers make weekly social visits with the goal of providing companionship and helping seniors remain mentally and physically active and connected to their community. The Friendly Visitor program accepts volunteers of all ages who want to make a positive impact on the life of a senior. They are partnered with an older adult for flexible one hour weekly visits and are encouraged to commit to at least one year with the program, although many build lasting relationships
To find out more, contact Spectrum Health Visiting Nurse Association Volunteer Services at 616-486-3956.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – This organization pairs older adult volunteers with non-profit agencies within Kent County. Senior volunteers can work in a number of ways including transporting older adults to medical appointments, providing other older adults with companionship, serving in food pantries and tutoring early elementary grade students to increase literacy, and much more. RSVP staff can help volunteers identifying opportunities within these focus areas that best match with their interests and/or skills.
For more information, contact Senior Neighbors’ RSVP program at 616-459-9509
Senior Companion Program –The program trains and provides a stipend for low-income seniors to care for older adults who are homebound, frail or who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Volunteers may come to the home to provide companionship for the senior, a break for a family caregiver, or companionship and support at a congregate meal site where seniors eat together. These visits often help older adults overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation some older adults experience.
For more information on this program, contact Senior Neighbors at 616-459-6019.
Meal Drivers and Packers – Meals on Wheels Western Michigan is always looking for volunteers to either help package or deliver home delivered meals. Volunteers can be any age and ability who are interested in helping provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors.
For more information on this program, contact Meals on Wheels West Michigan at 616-459-3111.
Still want to volunteer, but none of the above opportunities seem like a good fit for you? Check out Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Volunteer Center for opportunities organized by topic, location and keywords. For more information, visit http://connect.hwmuw.org/
For more details on Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan or services specific to older adults, visit www.aaawm.org or call at 616-456-5664.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters will join the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for the opening of its new interactive exhibit, “Space: A Journey to Our Future” on Thursday, Nov. 10.
At noon Peters will hold a forum with Grand Rapids-area students, who are focused on science, technology, engineering and math to discuss future career and education opportunities related to the space program. At 7 p.m., Peters will deliver the opening lecture for the exhibit, where he will discuss the future of NASA and Michigan’s role in its missions.
Peters serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness, which oversees agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation and is responsible for science, technology, engineering and math research and development. In his role as Ranking Member, he is working to pass bipartisan legislation to increase investments in basic science and research; expand opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and math education; and further NASA’s missions in science, space technology, aeronautics, exploration and education.
The new exhibit focuses on the past, present and future of the U.S. space program and will be on display at the Museum until May 29. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl St. NW.
Join Mike Gustaitis of Wine Sellars of Saugatuck and Chef Doug Rempel as they help you gear up for the holidays with delicious time-saving recipes and the perfect wine pairings. This event happens at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) (400 Culver Street) on Nov. 9 from 7-8:30 pm.
Tickets are $35 and space is limited. For more information please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
Those attending this event will have the opportunity to sample four holiday-inspired small plates that can be prepared in advance for a dinner party so you can spend time with your guests, not in the kitchen.
Mike Gustaitis is an accomplished Advanced Sommelier with extensive knowledge of wine from various wine-producing regions including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the USA.
Doug Rempel has been cooking for more than 30 years, entertaining clients, family and friends with his unique recipes and inspired flavors.
Mike and Doug will work together to pair each small plate with the perfect red or white wine for a combination that will have your taste buds smiling.
The 8th Annual Whiskers & Wine Gala celebrates Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary, two no-kill cat shelters that rescue strays off the streets of Greater Grand Rapids and find loving homes for them. Rescue founder, Jennifer Petrovich DVM of Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic, has been helping at-risk strays for 14 years.
On Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30-9:30 pm, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year kicks off at Thousand Oaks Gold Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. NE in Grand Rapids. The event includes a full dinner with wine, raffle drawings for gift baskets, and a live auction.
Doors open at 5:30 pm with dinner starting at 7 pm. Cost is $50 per person. Buy tickets online here. For more info, call 616.826.8038 or visit the website here.
This year’s Cocktail Week Grand Rapids runs from Nov. 9-20, when local bars, distilleries and restaurants showcase West Michigan’s craft beverage culture. For $25 or less, you can enjoy two craft cocktails and a shared plate at any participating restaurant or distillery. It’s the perfect time to grab a cocktail, take a tour, taste something new—and sip local.
Sponsored by Valentine Distilling Company, the event overlaps with Grand Rapid’s annual Wine, Beer and Food Festival, which runs from Nov. 17-19 and draws craft beverage enthusiasts from all over the country. This year they’re unveiling an expanded spirits area in honor of Cocktail Week GR. Tickets can be purchased for one night of the event or at a discounted rate if you plan to attend all weekend long (it may take that long to hit every booth).
Another event overlapping with Cocktail Week is the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s newest fashion exhibit, Fashionably Buzzed, which will be at the GRAM until January 15th. GRAM has invited 10 neighboring mixologists to design cocktails inspired by Iris van Herpen’s fashion collections, and museum-goers and members will receive a discount when they grab a drink after touring the exhibit.
If you want to enjoy cocktail week free of any distractions, head to the source of the spirits. Long Road Distillers on the west side of GR offers hospitable tours and a close look at what goes into crafting the main ingredient of cocktails — liquor. Gray Skies Distillery opened just over a year ago on Ottawa Ave. and offers a collection of spirits crafted in Grand Rapids. New Holland’s newest location, The Knickerbocker, is doing a lot more distilling, as well as Atwater Brewing Company’s new location (both on Bridge St.). Stop by to see their operations and appreciate some of the newest buildings in town.
No matter what sounds fun on a night out in Grand Rapids this fall, remember that Cocktail Week GR is happening Nov. 9-20. Keep an eye out for the menu releases from all participating restaurants and bars on November 2.
Call 616-459-8287 for more information and to get tickets.
Artist and art educator Donna St John explores the provocative question, “Who do we consider worthy of the title ‘hero?’” in her assemblage exhibition at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street). She asks the viewer to consider whether we truly honor the people who have made extraordinary contributions in our society.
Tributes of Authentic Heroism: Investigation of Grace, Vision, Clarity, and Purpose highlights nine men and women from around the globe, who have been labeled as heroes. This exhibition will be available for viewing from Nov. 11- Jan. 14, Mon.–Fri. during business hours. There will be an opening reception for the exhibition on Nov. 11 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. For more information please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
Some of the “heroes” in St. John’s exhibition have been internationally recognized and some are unknown to the average American. Each subject is blemished with doubts, imperfections, frustrations and the very same human qualities that are balanced within their own lives. Yet each individual was capable of seeing beyond their personal existence and was determined to improve the human condition.
As our world continues to blur the lines between simulated and authentic realities, St. John poses questions about the value and perceptions of honor and heroism in our contemporary society, as we struggle to cultivate social justice and recognize interconnectivity.
Donna St. John is currently an Associate Professor for Art Education at Kendall College of Art and Design. Before becoming a professor she taught in the K – 12 setting for 27 years. She has been named ‘Teacher of the Year’ by two separate districts and has been named ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ nine times by Coopersville Public Schools.
St. John’s pieces will be on display in the gallery until December 15. Then half of her exhibit will be removed to make room for student-created pieces. After working with St. John, students from Hope College, Black River and Saugatuck High School will create assemblages based on their own “heroes” or social justice issues searching for champions to elevate awareness.
This exhibition is sponsored by Allegan County Community Foundation & Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.
The City of Wyoming will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 pm at the Veterans Memorial Garden, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will host the ceremony and Col. Dennis Gillem, one of the most decorated Michigan veterans, will be the guest speaker for the event. Gillem received seven medals of valor for service during two deployments to Vietnam and retired from active duty in 1986 after serving as an Army advisor for the Michigan National Guard in Grand Rapids.
“We are honored to have the highly decorated Col. Gillem speak at our annual Veterans Day ceremony,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “The City is profoundly grateful for the commitment and sacrifices veterans have made for our country and our freedoms.”
The Lee High School band will perform at the event along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard.
“The City of Wyoming is committed and proud to recognize those who have served, and continue to serve, our country in the armed forces and protect our freedoms,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “Our Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies are a tribute to that service and protection.”
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans during the month of November. Items sought for donation include $25 gift cards to local fast food restaurants and retailers, candy bars, pens, batteries, stamps, grooming and hygiene items, and new or gently used clothing.
Items can be dropped off at Public Safety, which is located at 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm.
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit the City of Wyoming’s Facebook fan page here.
See a real-life introvert juggle as an extrovert on-stage. No mean feat, this, but it helps to take on a name that’s an incomplete, future-tense sentence. I mean, who’s juggling here?
The answer, of course, is self-explanatory.
Will Oltman, aka ‘Will Juggle,’ works corporate events, birthday parties and street performances, but perhaps the grandest audience of all was the U.S. President.
This month, Will performs in Grand Rapids and Kentwood at two venues:
Nov. 7 – performing as part of Comedy Outlet Monday at Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $5.
Nov. 11 – performing at Flowerland’s Holidazzle, Kentwood Flowerland, 4321 28th St. SE, Kentwood. 6-9 pm, free and open to the public. Registration required at myflowerland.com.
As if there already weren’t several good reasons to vote in this election, some restaurants and companies are upping the ante with freebies and deals. The catch? You really do have to vote and you have show your “I Voted” sticker to prove it.
Here’s a sampling:
Marco’s Pizza: “Vote for Marco’s” on Election Day and get a voucher for a free, medium one-topping pizza. 2355 Health Dr. SW, Wyoming.
Bob Evans: Use this coupon and get 30 percent off your entire dine-in or carryout order. 6565 Kalamazoo SE, Gaines Township.
7-Eleven: You’ll have to use the 7-Eleven mobile app to cash in on this deal, but a free cup of coffee is worth the trouble. At participating 7-Eleven locations.
Firehouse Subs: Wear your “I Voted” sticker and get a free medium drink at participating Firehouse Subs locations.
Chuck E. Cheese: Get a free personal size pepperoni pizza with any pizza purchase on Election Day with this coupon code.
Krispy Kreme: Get a free doughnut when you show your “I Voted” sticker. At participating Krispy Kreme locations.
Uber: New Uber riders get $20 off with the code “VOTETODAY.” As part of Uber’s ongoing campaign to encourage users to vote, Uber is teaming up with Google to launch a special in-app feature on November 8th that will help you locate your polling location and then seamlessly request a ride with just a push of a button.
Deals, freebies or not… just get out there and VOTE!
By: Alan Headbloom – Feel Like You Belong
Every four years, the United States elects (or re-elects) a President, as is the case with the fall of 2016. Many people, immigrants and natives alike, are confused how the system works, however. What is the Electoral College? (Hint: it’s not some kind of university.) And why are people obsessed with the number 270?
Alan Headbloom hosts Feel Like You Belong, a show filmed at WKTV focused on sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States.
As we creep ever closer to the snowy weather, the City of Wyoming has received a number of questions regarding which snow removal vehicles are authorized to use green flashing lights.
According to Michigan law, all vehicles engaged in the removal of snow are to be equipped with at least one (1) flashing, rotating or oscillating yellow or amber light. (MCL257.682c).
Last year, the Legislature enacted a change to MCL-257.698 that only allows state, county or municipal vehicles to use a green flashing, oscillating or rotating light — in combination with a yellow or amber light — while engaged in snow removal or other activities.
So, short answer: unless you’re driving a state, county or municipal vehicle, no green flashing lights for you.
The senior class of Saugatuck High School will present a special evening Nov. 16 as they conclude their 13-week Senior Seminar course in partnership with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA).Designed as an arts|in project-based learning class, the students spent the last trimester paired up with area businesses, helping solve real world problems. This project-based learning model created by the SCA — arts|in — gives students crucial “real world” opportunities to work with professionals, tackle current problems, and produce credible solutions. The result is deeper, more complex learning opportunities for students and valuable outcomes for the businesses.
SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong said the art center is very excited for students to have this opportunity to connect with community members. “For the past three years we’ve been working with the Saugatuck Schools to better prepare students for jobs in today’s innovative economy,” Armstrong said.
Project-based learning (PBL) enables students to develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and civic life. Through PBL projects, students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time investigating and responding to complex questions, problems, or challenges. Arts|in takes project-based learning to a higher level by injecting design thinking and community engagement into the process.
Ann McKnight, who is working with a group on teen mental health issues, says of students in the arts|in process, “I have witnessed the students working cohesively, brainstorming, and delegating responsibilities with ease, all the while showing respect for each other and being engaged in the project. Their communications with me have been clear and consistent. All this to say I am very impressed with these students, and with the vision for learning that teaches soft skills as well as strengthens the community.”
Dr. Tim Travis, Saugatuck Middle School & High School Principal, says he was impressed by the students’ preparation for an “Intriguing Conversation” program they presented at the SCA in October. “I was even more impressed with their compassion, empathy, passion and commitment to making a difference in their school and community. Arts|in is providing great teaching, real world learning, and local impact from a very talented young adult workforce.”
The student exhibition of works responding to arts|in projects is open Monday-Friday, 9 am–5 pm, free of charge, through December.
For the second straight year, Katelyn visited Comic-Con in San Diego. In case you missed it: Wonder Woman had an anniversary, Her Universe had a fashion show, a Costume Palooza, Warner Brothers in Hall H, and Powerful Women!
Written and Photographed by: Katelyn Kohane
“Cap…Captain? Big fan. Spider-man.” – Spiderman
Marvel began their big Saturday panel with 4 actors from the upcoming Black Panther. They were not able to stay long as they were headed to the film set.
Once Black Panther left the stage, the lights went out and the room filled with flash lights and smoke. Initially we thought Loki would come out onto the stage, but we were wrong as Doctor Strange came out on the other end of the amazing entrance! They showed us the new trailer for the movie and the cast came on stage and talked. Benedict Cumberbatch mentioned that the upcoming film is different than anything he’s ever done before.
Next up was Spider-Man Homecoming. A few clips were shown from the film before Tom Holland, Zendaya and a few other classmates took the stage. They did not stay long as they were heading to set.
Following Spiderman came Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and a lot of the characters came out in costume. It was amazing to see the makeup detail on each of the characters. Not only were we privy to seeing Chris Pratt and the rest of the cast, but Kurt Russell was also brought on stage. Talk about star power!
“Your mission should you choose to accept it…” is to stay tuned to see what I did on Sunday the final day of Comic-Con. As a spoiler I will mention Disney Kingdoms!
“There’s one other name you might know me by… Star Lord.”
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney
With Sunday being the final day of Comic-Con, I attended a panel for Disney Kingdoms that a good friend of mine was a part of. It was a really cool experience to see a personal friend on a panel!
The panel was titled Disney Kingdoms: Theme Park Stories with Marvel Comics. The panel talked a lot about the Disney Kingdoms comics. A few books they mentioned were Secrets of the Weird from 2011, Tiki Room and Figment. Figment sold out on the first day. There was mention of a third Figment coming next year and two more Big Thunder comics coming soon set to be ‘family friendly’. They sound like a great set of comics that I’m going to have to get my hands on and start reading!
Sunday is one of the shorter days for Comic-Con since it’s the last day. But still a ton of panels and always deals to look for on the floor. Stay tuned for next year panels. As for now… I’m signing off; over and out.
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
Are you ready?
Yes, folks, it’s time once again for those short days and looooong, cold nights. When Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am Sunday, Nov. 6, we’ll be back to Standard Time.
Computer and cellphone clocks will adjust automatically, thanks to the kind gods of the Internet. But you’re on your own with cuckoo clocks, grandfather clocks, clock radios or any wind-up clocks and watches.
As the saying goes, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. No need to make a fuss — it won’t do any good. Just turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night on Nov. 5. Night owls are welcome to turn their clocks back to 1 am the second 2 am rolls around.
Don’t worry, if you forget, you’ll have all of Sunday to make things right — even if you work Sundays. This time of year, you likely won’t be late.
Blame it on Ben, or maybe not
Ever wonder who’s responsible for all this? We could blame Benjamin Franklin — he suggested Daylight Saving Time back in 1784 as a way to save candles. But even frugal Ben wasn’t the first — many ancient civilizations adjusted water clocks throughout the year.
In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson signed the time shift into law to help the war effort during the first World War. He called it ‘Fast Time,’ and it ended after the war.
Then President Franklin D. Roosevelt brought it back again in 1942 when World War II began. And ever since then we’ve suffered. Oh, there are plenty of excuses and reasons for keeping the ritual around. We leave it to you to investigate the matter.
Misery loves company, and the U.S. isn’t the only country to observe this tradition — so do 70 other countries. The farther they are from the equator, the more likely nations are to change their clocks. China, India and Japan are the only major industrialized nations that don’t spring forward and fall back.
What if there were no Daylight Saving Time?
There are some states that never got with the program — Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands come to mind. You know what, though? They don’t seem the worse for it.
Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
