By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The giant orange spider on Gezon Park’s new splash pad. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The all most 13-foot orange spider towers over its domain at Gezon Park. But this spider isn’t looking to weave a web of terror, but rather create some fun play with its water spouts.
The spider is the signature element to the park’s new splash pad which will be officially opened at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. The splash pad and spider are part of the phase three development of Gezon Park which also included new restrooms, a new shelter, and walking and biking paths as well as the city’s first bike fix-it station. Saturday’s event will feature free frisbee and beachball giveaways, as supplies last, and ice cream.
“We always want each park to have a brand new feature,” said Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt, who noted that for Gezon Park it is the splash pad with its friendly spider.
“The splash pad is designed to be universally accessible so people of all abilities will be able to enjoy the pad,” Rynbrandt said. This is the city’s fifth universally accessible splash pad with the other four located at Jackson Park, Lamar Park, Southlawn Park, and Oriole Park.
Being responsive to the community
The 94-acre park has remained largely undeveloped. To the north is a playground and basketball court and in the southwest area are athletic fields. Because the park already has a playground, and Frog Hollow, which is city’s most used park, is less than a quarter of a mile awhile, the new construction area does not include a playground.
This decision also played into the overall ideas and vision of the residents who helped to develop a master plan for the park that was approved in 2018.
“Our residents were very forthright that they wanted to maintain that very natural feel within Gezon Park,” Rynbrandt said. “This area is very big with our dog walkers. It is a natural respite to get away from the stress of their jobs.
The fix-it station is located along the bike/walking trail located near Gezon Park’s parking lot. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“They enjoy the forested area. They enjoy the walking in nature. So prioritizing and retaining the prairie area was very, very important.”
The park also is the regional stormwater catch basin and has wetlands which all had to be taken into consideration when it came to design. It also serves as the emergency release area for the pumping station which is located west of the splash pad.
“It you come here, you are going to be impressed,” Rynbrandt said. “I am confident you are going to be impressed with the splash pad, the shade structures, our new shelter and our new restroom.”
Meeting the needs of a growing community
The construction cost for the project was $2.6 million, which does not include the design phase. Funding was made possible through the dedicated Library and Parks Maintenance millage and the dedicated Parks and Recreation Operational milage.
The panhandle, which is the southern portion of the city and where Gezon Park is located, is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. The city now has more than 76,000 residents, many of the newer residents are now living in the panhandle region, according to Rynbrandt. Considering the growth, the need for a splash pad in the area was identified by residents through the planning phase.
As for when residents will be able to rent the shelter at Gezon Park as well as shelters at the city’s other parks, Rynbrandt said the Parks and Recreation Department will start taking reservations on Dec. 1.
For those attending Saturday’s event, it is recommended that you arrive early as attendance is expected to be high.
For more information on the city’s parks and Parks and Recreation programs, visit www.wyomingmi.gov.
What was once was 84 comedians is now down to 36, the Sunday Night Funnies Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its quarterfinal round.
The Kingpin of Comedy competition enters the quarterfinal rounds Aug. 28-Oct. 2. (SNF)
The contest started June 5 with its first of twelve qualifying rounds, which wrapped up last Sunday. The six quarterfinal rounds run Aug. 28- Oct. 2 with three semifinal rounds on Oct. 9, 16, and 23 with the finals being held on Oct. 30. Each week of the quarterfinals six comedians are given eight minutes to perform. The line-up order is drawn as the show progresses, so they have no idea of when they’ll be going on stage — it could be first, it could be last. Before the show begins the audience members are given a ballot. After the last comedian in the competition that night performs the audience will pick three comedians they feel should advance to the next round. The ballots are counted while a comic not in the competition performs and the comics moving on in the competition are announced at the end of the show.
“The Kingpin of Comedy competition is a blatant rip-off of the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest,” said Brian Borbot, known as Brian B., who is the creator and master of ceremonies of the Sunday Night Funnies. Brian is referring to the successful annual event at Dr. Grins comedy club inside The B.O.B. downtown Grand Rapids.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan I thought it deserved its own stand-up comedy competition with the overall winner getting a prize package worthy of the title most humorous human in Wyoming!” he said.
The winner receives $500 cash plus prizes from Wyoming businesses Spectrum Entertainment Complex and its neighbor Craig’s Cruisers as well as gift cards from LaughFest and the Listening Room. They will also receive a bowling pin trophy and a personalized “Kingpin” bowling shirt and a presentation with Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll declaring the winner the funniest person in town. The winner will headline the Sunday Night Funnies special 2023 LaughFest performance.
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian Borbot. It’s a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country. The Sunday Night Funnies is a free admission show that starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW.
A vehicle that once showcased the future of cars and technology will be just one of several to be featured at a special 75th celebration event at the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings LLC located at 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Joining forces with the 17th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, the GM plant decided to host its 75th celebration in conjunction with the annual event. Signs will help direct Metro Cruise participants to the plant which has a day packed with activities.
Of course, one of those activities will be a car show featuring the Futurliner No. 10, a red-and-white bus that is part of the collection of the National Automotive and Truck Museum, which is based in Auburn, Indiana. The Futurliners, there was 12 at onetime, were first manufactured as part of the 1939 New York World’s Fair and later featured in GM;s Parade Progress, a promotional caravan traveling a 150-stop route across the United States and Canada.
The vehicles were in operation up until the mid-1950s and served in other capacities after that. In the case of the Futurliner No. 10, which is only one of nine known to be in existence, it was sold to Detroit’s Goebel Brewing company, and was renamed the “Goebel Land Cruiser.”
Also at the show will be the GM Pride car, which is a custom Cadillac CT5 that features a wrap of the Pride colors. The car was featured this year at the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Pride Parade.
There also will be a display of GM’s Journey to Zero Emissions featuring a few of the company’s electric cars.
Starting at noon, visitors will have the opportunity to head inside the plant for tours along with demonstrations from five local robotic teams, all of which are sponsored by GM, and a robotic demonstration by the plant’s engineering team that will be handing out some sweet treats.
In addition to the tours, the plant will also be holding a Jobs Fair. Any one interested in exploring employment at the plant can check in at the Security window in the lobby. You will be directed to the on-site Human Resource representatives who will help you through the application process.
Rounding out the day’s activities will be food trucks, children’s activities, other GM displays, and John Ball Zoo programs.
While the GM Corporate Giving has presented it’s grant awards each year at the Metro Cruise (and will again at the Rogers Plaza stage on Saturday morning), this is the first year GM has been the official headline sponsor. A company representative said this is “definitely very exciting and should be a great time. We are thrilled to be able to invite the community in.”
Blue’s Gym is located on Kalamazoo cross from the Towne and Country Mall.
Organizers get the supplies ready.
School supply items from the Grand Rapids Christian Patriots’ event.
Backpacks are ready for pickup.
Last minute straightening before students came.
Tim Van Antwerp, Blue’s Gym owner Dino Newville, and GV Christian Patriots Coach Brian Shafer
Just some of the school supplies.
Tables were set up at Blue’s Gym.
A student makes a selection from some of the supplies.
Wednesday, the Grand Valley Christian Patriots football team hosted its annual school supply giveaway event at Blue’s Gym. The homeschooled football team, which has its first game on Sept. 17, handed out a variety of supplies to area students who stopped by the gym.
Get ready for high school football. The season opens this week on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 25 and 26 for your home teams in Wyoming and Kentwood. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
WKTV is bringing you another great season of high school football, starting with our season-opening truck coverage of Ionia at Kelloggsville on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck will film one game each week, which will include two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for our broadcast.
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. (See schedule below) If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.
The Wyoming Wolves travel to Forest Hills Northern on Thursday, Aug. 25. Game time is 7 p.m. For your team’s football schedule visit here
We are planning a much greater presence this year with high school football. Yes, even bigger than before if you can believe that. Every week, our sports staff will post football game stories and roundups covering each varsity high school team in our viewing area in Kentwood and Wyoming.
We plan to give you the stats and highlights of each game in our stories … explaining the details of how your team marched to victory.
Look for you school’s game story or roundup on our WKTV Journal website each week.
Support your team in every way by going to the games, cheering them on, watching the featured Game of the Week on WKTV and visiting the WKTV Journal for the exciting game stories.
WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 1 Ionia at Kelloggsville
Friday, Sept. 9 Ottawa Hills vs. South Christian (at EK)
Friday, Sept. 16 Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Sept. 23 Reeths-Puffer at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 30 TBD
Friday, Oct. 7 TBD
Friday, Oct. 14 Tri-unity at Godfrey-Lee
Friday, Oct. 21 TBD
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream.
Your football team’s season schedule
For your home team’s complete football schedule click here
For more information on WKTV and what we offer, visit here
Grand Valley Christian Patriots and Blue’s Gym Professional Boxing/Kickboxing have joined forces to host a school supply giveaway Wednesday, Aug. 24.
The event will be from 5 – 7 p.m. at Blue’s Gym Professional Boxing/Kickboxing, 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.
Grand Valley Christian Patriots usually does its school supply giveaway at its first home game, but since this year the game is Sept. 17, when school is in full swing, the team decided to move the giveaway up.
“Making sure our communities kids have the necessary support is one of our most important goals,” Coach Brian Shafer.
Members of the Grand Valley Christian Patriots football team will be on hand to help students with the supplies which include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and other items.
The Grand Valley Christians Patriots includes home-schooled students from Wyoming and Kentwood as well as from around the state. The team finished 2021 ranked 11th in the country by the National Homeschool Football Association.
Blue’s Gym, which was started by kickboxing champion Dino Newville, is a Christian-based organization with the overall mission to help the struggling youth community of Grand Rapids.
The Kentwood Farmers Market will host its second annual Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients, slated for Thursday, Aug. 25.
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.
A contestant prepares her board during last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge. (Courtesy)
Five challengers will receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.
The friendly competition will take place during the Farmers Market from 5 to 5:30 p.m. behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.
“We’re excited to have this fun event return to the Kentwood Farmers Market for a second year,” Market Manager Kristina Colby said. “This is a great way for local competitors to show off their talents and the wonderful food offered at the Farmers Market.
“Attendees can expect another action-packed competition full of creativity and beautiful charcuterie board displays.”
Last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients. (Courtesy)
Bowls by Bob will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. The Sanse Filipino Cuisine food truck also will be on-site.
In its eighth season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. behind Kentwood City Hall.
In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and other special events tied into the market’s schedule.
Here’s the lineup of activities planned for the remaining market dates:
Aug. 25: Charcuterie Challenge
Sept. 1: Kid’s Day – meet and greet with the zoo and crafts
Sept. 15: Bike Day – meet local bike vendors
Sept. 22: Fall Equinox Day
Sept. 29: Harvest Day – live music from Just Jill from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., pumpkin painting and food preserving demonstrations.
The Grand Rapids Ballet will be performing outside this Friday and Saturday. (Supplied)
As Grand Rapids Ballet continues to celebrate 50 years in 2022, the organization is announcing a first-of-its-kind free Summer Dance Festival, taking place outdoors on Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27. In collaboration with other performance groups throughout Michigan, GRB welcomes West Michigan to enjoy two evenings of world-class dance, tasty food from local food trucks, and Michigan-made beer all under the evening skies outside of the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
“The idea for our Summer Dance Festival was born out of a community-wide celebration of our 50th anniversary, and in that spirit, I’ve opened the stage to performers from our diverse local dance community,” said Artistic Director James Sofranko.
The outdoor stage will open with live music by local singer/songwriter Ralston Bowles from 5:15-5:45 p.m. each evening and the first dance performances will begin at 6 p.m., featuring classical ballet favorites and contemporary works performed by Grand Rapids Ballet’s company dancers, apprentices, and trainees. The evening also will feature performances by Grand Rapids Ballet School students. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs to enjoy the performances.
“We are excited to present an inclusive and community-centered showcase of the best dance artists and students in Grand Rapids,” said Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio. “We are very proud to have been a part of the art and culture of Grand Rapids for the past 50 years and look forward to continuing to serve our region and Michigan into the next 50!”
“I hope that people will recognize not only the treasure of Grand Rapids Ballet that exists here but also the thriving arts scene and the multitude of dance organizations that bring art daily into our lives,” Sofranko shared.
Learn about the good-bye celebration for the visiting Koalas. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Noorundi’s and Iluka’s visit to the John Ball Zoo is coming to an end. Before the two guests return home to the San Diego Zoo, the John Ball Zoo wanted to give the Koalas a proper send off with a three-day celebration over Labor Day weekend. Starting Saturday, there will be live music, face painting, live animal strolls, and a cookout. Visitors also will have the chance to see zookeepers weigh and clean the Koala cages as well as feed them. Those activities will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
For specific details on the event, visit jbzoo.org. The John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 W. Fulton St.
“The importance of getting our child immunize is that we need to keep them healthy,” said Amy Shears, the immunization program supervisor for the Kent County Health Department. “Our vaccine campaign is ‘The Future is Ours.’ We want our children to stay healthy. We don’t want a resurgence of diseases that we haven’t seen in years whether that is polio, measles or mumps.
“That is where we get nervous. If these immunizations rates continue to drop, could those diseases we haven’t seen in years, rear their ugly heads? That’s were we get concerned.”
In fact, about a couple of weeks before the news of polio in New York City’s wastewater was released, the Kent County Health Department had announced it would be launching a public awareness campaign, “The Future is Ours,” to address falling vaccination rates in the county.
Immunization rates are low
“As of Aug. 1, children 24-36 vaccine coverage rate of 71 percent,” Shears said. “Granted that is not a bad number but we would really like to see that in the high 80s.”
According to many health experts, the best way to protect against a number of different diseases is too immunize. (pxhere.com)
Recently the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released information that Michigan’s numbers have gone below 70 percent for immunizations for children 19 to 36 months. The rate is currently around 68 percent.
The practice of immunizations dates back hundreds of years. For modern-day immunizations, the smallpox vaccine is considered the first successful one. It was developed in 1796. The polio vaccine came next follow by MMR which is for measles, mumps, and rubella.
There is the Tdap which protects against there diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A more recent vaccine is the HPV vaccine. This is a sexually transmitted infection that is linked with cancer such as cervical, penile, and cancers of the back of the throat.
This is only a short list of the vaccines available. For a complete list and immunization schedules, visit accesskent.org and click on “immunizations.”
Data shows immunizations helps
To reflect how beneficial vaccines have been, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine note that since the release of the HPV vaccine in 2006, there has been a 29 percent decrease in cervical cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that immunizations have saved two to three million lives each year.
As to why there has been a decrease, Shears said numbers were dropping before the COVID pandemic, which also had an impact. With medical facilities combating COVID-19 and putting as “many boots on the ground” where needed, immunizations were not a main focus.
For 19- to 35-month-olds, Kent county is about 3.4 percentage points below its pre-pandemic levels, Shears said, adding the biggest drop has been with those who have Medicaid.
Educating on the importance
The “Future is Ours” campaign is designed to share information about all immunizations. The project included rebuilding the VaccinateWest Mi.com website, which was originally built to provide COVID-19 vaccine information. The website now features information on age-appropriate vaccine timelines, links that allow parents to make vaccine appointments for their children, and how to find a local health department clinic.
Those interested in scheduling a clinic appointment, can call 616-632-7200 or visit accesakent.org.
Xia Dargo participates in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Waterskiing clinic last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville. (WKTV)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer
Kentwood Parks and Recreation intern Aubrey Buckingham has experienced the benefits of the adaptive recreation program firsthand.
“I’ve been a part of facilitating relationships, encouraging participants, lending a hand, and a little bit of everything,” said Buckingham, an incoming senior at GVSU studying recreational therapy. “My favorite part of this summer is the relationships I’ve formed with the participants. There has just been a level of trust, and it’s really fun to see the participants flourish and try new things.
“It’s really special.”
Kentwood Parks and Rec intern Aubrey Buckingham shows Xia Dargo the adaptive waterski chair before they go on the water. (WKTV)
Exposed to working with individuals with disabilities later in her high school years steered Buckingham toward recreational therapy.
“From that point on, I knew that this was just the population that I wanted to work with.”
Kentwood Parks and Rec hosted an adaptive waterskiing and tubing clinic for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities and their families last Friday at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville.
“It’s hard as an adaptive family, or a family with special needs, to sometimes find resources that are out there,” said Christy Dargo, mother of an adaptive participant.
And that is where Kentwood’s Adaptive Program comes in. Kentwood developed its adaptive program 22 years prior, adding clinics open to siblings and other family members within the last five years.
“It’s nice because we all get to be part of it,” Dargo said. “Sometimes it’s hard to find something that everyone can be a part of. You’re a family. And when you have a child with special needs, you have to find that balance between adaptive lifestyle and incorporating things that are not adaptive.
“The clinics melded both the adaptive and nonadaptive and it’s something that they can do together. I think that’s really special.”
Four clinics per year
Parks and Rec partners with other organizations to offer four clinics a year. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan are two organizations that have stepped in to help bring these experiences and learning opportunities to those with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Waterskiing is a particularly popular clinic. Lessons are available on Thursdays over the course of six weeks. Unlike the clinics, which can have approximately 20 participants, the waterskiing lessons are limited to five participants due to the fact they get more time on the water.
Skill development
Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz (lower left) helps with the adaptive waterskiing program at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.
“We can work on developing the skills,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “Getting better balance, more duration, more strength with their upper body.”
Christy Dargo admits that having the adaptive equipment, extra hands and trained staff helps make the experience “less intense of an adventure to go out and do something. Sometimes it feels almost too overwhelming to do it on our own.”
All about family
The Dargo family consists of four children, Zach, Abigail, Natalie and Xia, who was adopted from China in 2013 and the adaptive participant in the waterskiing clinic — though the rest of the family enjoyed trying out the sport as well.
“It’s so good for the kids, and so good for sibling relationships,” Dargo said. “And it may seem like a little thing, but it’s not. To give kids an opportunity, one, to do something they’ve never done — because of their ability level and making something adaptive — and two, to be able to share it with the rest of their family, for us, this is not a little thing.
“This is a big deal.”
Increased awareness in the community regarding the adaptive program is something staff, interns and parents all agree is needed and are working hard to implement.
Dargo said just the idea of exposure, and that this is even available, is huge.
“It’s a great thing; it’s a blessing for them to be able to do this together,” Dargo explained. “I don’t know if Xia would necessarily do it on his own.”
Seeing his siblings participate, Dargo said, takes away some of that nervousness for Xia.
“More people and families are better,” Xia said.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed
The W.K. Kellogg home and estate will feature tours and a concert on Aug. 28. (Supplied)
Enjoy a late summer afternoon of music surrounded by the rich history of W.K. Kellogg’s former home and estate. The W.K. Kellogg Manor House’s annual Tours and Lakeside Concert event returns after a two year hiatus from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. The Manor House is located at 3700 East Gull Lake Dr., in Hickory Corners.
The family-friendly concert and tours are free and no registration is required, but donations are appreciated.
Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch, take self-guided tours of the grounds, and learn more about the Kellogg Biological Station’s research, education and outreach activities before and after the concert. Check in at the Manor House for a copy of the Historical Walking Tour map. Docents will be stationed along the self-guided tour route to share information about the estate and its historical buildings.
Guided tours of the Manor House interior will be available from noon to 3 p.m. In addition, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will offer free admission that day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cereal City Concert Band of Battle Creek will perform beginning at 3 p.m. under a canopy tent on the grounds of the Manor House. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. No outside alcohol is permitted, but beer and wine will be available for sale on site.
The Diatribe hosted a live Facebook stream on issues facing the 49507 zip code. (Supplied)
By Sheila McGrath WKTV Community Contributor
If the community poured as much money into the public health crisis of racism as it poured into the public health crisis of COVID-19, what might the result be?
That question and many more were discussed in a Facebook Live event recently hosted by Marcel ‘Fable’ Price and G. Foster II from The Diatribe, an organization that uses performing arts to raise awareness of social issues.
Fable and Foster posed questions about health care, community and life in South Grand Rapids neighborhoods to a panel that included social workers, health care workers, and community organizers.
Racism has been declared a public health crisis in Grand Rapids, Fable said, but since the city government made that declaration nearly a year ago, what has been done about it?
“We responded to COVID in many ways. Money, pop-up clinics, stimuluses, billboards, millions of dollars in marketing campaigns,” he said. “What would a response to racism as a public health crisis look like if we took it as seriously as COVID?”
“It would mean people are reacting to racism like their lives depend on it,” said Aarie Wade, director of education at Baxter Community Center.
“Like if they don’t attack this, they will die. And their families will die. And generations will die.”
Listening to the community
In addition to Wade, participants on the panel included Chinyere Aririguzo, LMSW, client services supervisor at Health Net of West Michigan; Ashlie Jones, senior program coordinator for the Grand Rapids African American Health Initiative; Nirali Bora, MD, medical director of the Kent County Health Department; Kelsey Perdue, a project director with the Michigan League for Public Policy, and Lee Moyer, director of community programs at Spectrum Health Healthier Communities.
Questions posed in the forum were based on listening sessions hosted by The Diatribe as part of its 49507 Project, an anti-racist project by and for people of color that involves the creation of public murals, writing, and community listening sessions.
Fable said during listening sessions, they were able to listen to more than 400 individuals from the 49507 neighborhood.
“Many residents didn’t feel like our downtown belongs to them, which makes it even more important that we pour into our communities, our neighborhoods,” he said.
Creating more home ownership opportunities
Obstacles to home ownership in the 49507 zip code are a big problem, many of the panelists said, as well as the difficulty of people being able to afford housing in general.
Fable noted that nonprofit organizations own hundreds of homes in the 49507 zip code. He questioned why those couldn’t be given to families, bringing home ownership and stability to those neighborhoods.
Investors and developers buying up properties bring another obstacle, according to Fable.
“How do community members obtain equity if developers are constantly taking control of neighborhoods, and our politicians and community leaders continue to align with them?” he said.
Aririguzo said the requirements for subsidized housing are keeping a lot of people from even being able to live in the neighborhood, such as rules requiring people to be able to come up with three times the amount of the rent to be eligible for assistance.
“If I could make three times the rent, I wouldn’t be looking for subsidized housing, right?” she said. “I would like to see changing the requirements that are supposed to be helping us stay in our neighborhoods.”
Using your vote to get local leaders to listen
The difficulty getting city leaders to listen to the concerns of Black and Brown residents was another topic of discussion. Panel members said that when conversations with city or county leaders did happen, they felt as if leaders were just waiting for them to finish talking so they could give their prepared rebuttals.
Panelists agreed that it’s important to get informed on local candidates running for office in the city of Grand Rapids and Kent County.
“Do your research on candidates, not only when it comes to their political stance but what they’ve done in the past. What does your track record say you’ve done for the city to improve it?” Moyer said. “That will speak volumes.”
“We get wrapped up with the news about Trump vs. Biden, but it’s wildly important to care about these smaller elections,” Fable said.
Starting Aug. 29, the Clyde Park south route 10 will change. (Supplied)
With Byron Township’s decision to not renew its contact with The Rapid, the transportation agency took the opportunity to realign its south Clyde Park Avenue route (Route 10) to serve some of the area’s critical destinations.
Starting Aug. 29, the route will include new stops at the Special Olympics and Disability Advocates of Kent County facility on 68th Street, Cutlerville’s Pine Rest location, and the Spectrum Health South Pavilion.
“We are proud to work with The Rapid to create a new bus stop and turnaround on Pine Rest’s Cutlerville campus,” said Pine Rest President Mark Eastburg. “Access to transportation is essential for our community and this service will greatly benefit our friends and neighbors who are seeking care at Pine Rest, as well as our employees who can now choose public transpiration as an option. Providing more access to our campus gives more opportunity to receive mental health and emergency care at Pine Rest’s psychiatric urgent care center.”
At its June board meeting, Byron Township did not vote in favor of renewing its contract with The Rapid, which previously funded a portion of Route 10 south of 54th Street. This provided an opportunity to evaluate and change route patterns to serve critical destinations.
Beginning on Aug. 29, Route 10 will have stops at:
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) campus and Disability Advocates of Kent County
Pine Rest
Spectrum Health South Pavilion
The reroute impacts some of the existing stops along Route 10. Several stops along Division Avenue and 68th Street will be eliminated. The stops along 54th street will remain to serve Route 1 – Division but will no longer be used as stops for Route 10. Northbound stops along Clyde Park will remain in service south of 54th Street.The Rapid also operates the Go!Bus paratransit services that provide rides to ADA-eligible customers within its service area. With transit agencies being required to provide services within three-fourth of a mile of their fixed-transit routes, the areas served by Go!Bus will shift around the new route configuration.
“It’s great working with the Rapid staff to provide a workable solution for the new Special Olympics campus,” said Disability Advocates of Kent County Executive Director Dave Bulkowski. “The new routing will provide a mainline bus stop in front of our facilities on 68th Street. This makes it safer for transit customers by eliminating the need to cross five lanes of traffic to access Disability Advocates and the Special Olympics campus. With these stops, we also maintain Go!Bus paratransit service which is absolutely critical for our staff, volunteers, and participants.”
The updates to Route 10 will ultimately help drive The Rapid’s efforts in cultivating a more equitable community in all six-plus cities by providing access to these essential services.
“This realignment will provide safer access to the Special Olympics of Michigan campus and co- located services provided by Disability Advocates of Kent County. It will also allow for greater access to employment opportunities for our six-cities residents,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “We work hard to build partnerships and innovative services to meet the needs of the community we serve.”
To review the changes to Route 10 (Clyde Park), visit ridetherapid.org.
The Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) is hosting a second year of Roll.Bounce.GR, a free outdoor roller-skating event series. The back-to-school themed celebration is scheduled on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the North parking lot of New Hope Baptist Church located at 130 Delaware Street SW.
“As we do our work, we know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy – things that inspire, supports and uplifts Black Culture. Roll.Bounce.GR provides Black Joy on every side with free admission and skate rental, along with several vendor tables that offer health, wellness and educational resources, as we give families one last hoorah before heading back to school,” said BIC Education Impact Area Co-Chair Tanell Hills.
“The BIC has been a tremendous partner during the past year in delivering educational materials to the community about COVID-19 and other health topics,” said Brian Hartl, director of the Center for Community Health Strategy at the Kent County Health Department.“They have been very responsive to the community’s needs and have hosted many creative events to connect people with helpful resources. This is a great opportunity for families to prepare kids for the return to school the following week while having a lot of fun.”
The event will also feature a DJ and food trucks. Those interested in reserving a time slot for skating with a group of 10 or more people can visit www.bicgr.com. There is no need to reserve a time slot for groups with less than 10 people. Community members with questions about the event can call 616-888-8411, ext. 506. If you have interest in participating as a vendor, email Lesa@bicgr.com.
The fun continues on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, when Endless Opportunities, a BIC partner, will be offering free haircuts, hairstyles, school supplies, food and games from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baxter Community Center located at 935 Baxter SE. Endless Opportunities is a program that offers students in Middle and High school the chance to connect with and learn from professionals representing diverse career fields ranging from education, entrepreneurs, finance, government, medical, and technology. More information about the event can be found at www.endlessopportunities.org/events.
There are several factors to consider when planning for retirement including if you are forced to retire early. (pxhere.com)
“Since the pandemic was first declared, over two million older workers have exited the workforce for good. But, unfortunately, this is not always by choice.”
Forced early retirement is a problem for entire nation
In the period after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency, thousands of older Americans found themselves out of work. A significant segment of those affected by the economic downturn is over age 50. Many of these older workers had no choice other than to enter an unanticipated early retirement.
Are you prepared if you have to retire early?
Unplanned retirement nearly always creates long-term financial insecurity, especially for the most disproportionately affected group: lower-income seniors. In addition, early retirement has numerous ripple effects on peoples’ personal lives and the economy as a whole.
Lower-than anticipated savings and pension payouts, along with the need by some to receive Social Security payouts before full retirement age, means that many seniors will have little to no discretionary income in retirement. As a result, there is an increased probability that millions of seniors will be downgraded from their comfortable middle-class lives and experience economic hardships for which they are ill-prepared.
Only now has the actual number of people impacted by this issue begun to be more apparent. In previous recessions, longevity shielded older Americans to an extent. Post-pandemic, it is more likely to be those who are mid-career finding themselves out of work. Nearly 25% of workers surveyed by the National Institute for Retirement Security say that they have moved up their retirement dates due to the pandemic.
Can you prepare for unexpected early retirement?
Retirement and income planning is and has always been a long-term project. Under normal conditions, it takes many years of strategic investing and saving to accomplish your goals. Yet, even the most meticulously and thoroughly implemented plans are quickly upended by health issues, national emergencies, and economic turbulence. So, are there actions to take to have a better exit if forced to leave your job years ahead of schedule? One place to begin is to meet with your financial advisor to create a reasonable Plan B. Plan B considers all the things that will be unavailable to you due to early retirement. In addition to the loss of steady income, for example, you might be losing employer benefits such as qualified plan matching funds, disability and health insurance, life insurance, wellness programs, or employee assistance programs. Plan B should address worst-case scenarios and outline ways to offset these losses, such as the purchase of low-cost supplemental insurance.
Make healthcare coverage decisions a priority
When you leave your job early, you may elect COBRA coverage if you lose your employer-provided insurance. However, COBRA coverage is both expensive and available for only a limited time. In addition, if you aren’t near Medicare age, you need to partner with a health insurance specialist to ensure that you won’t have coverage gaps when you are not working.
Include your spouse in all your planning
In general, most financial planning works much better when both spouses are involved. In addition, shared responsibility in managing income, taxes, and investments and helps ensure the longevity of your retirement savings. If you are married and pool incomes with your spouse, you should align your retirement plan options with your spouse’s to create maximum efficiency. Planning together gives you better odds of success when maximizing your long-term income, social security benefits, and taxes over time.
Summing it up
Early retirement is not something most of us anticipate. Unfortunately, however, circumstances beyond your control could force this decision on you. Making a Plan B now will go a long way toward giving you more control and a greater sense of peace. Also, understanding the implications of the situation will help you avoid making decisions in a panic that could create economic hardships later in your life. Partner now with a knowledgeable and experienced planner to help you build your financial lifeboat.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
Sweet Adelines perform on the red carpet for DreamWheels. (Supplied)
Picture This: A red carpet production featuring four-part harmony, classic cars and television production at its finest.
DreamWheels 2022 is back, taking place from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming. The red carpet classic car event featuring the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 9 on WKTV on Demand.
This year’s one-hour show on the red carpet features musical entertainment from the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines, and some of the most beautiful classics from car owners and the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery. Among the “stars” being featured are a 1960 Cadillac, a 1931 Duesenberg, a 1954 Buick Skylark, a 1959 Cadillac couple seville, and a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon.
Strong partnership
“We have had a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines that goes back nearly 30 years,” said WKTV Community Media General Manager Tom Norton. “We think it is a perfect match to bring this professional ensemble to the red carpet for DreamWheels.”
There will be a number of classic cars heading down this year’s red carpet at “DreamWheels including a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon. (WKTV)
The Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines Master Director Denise Van Dyken said she is very thankful for this opportunity
“We are very appreciative of the partnership,” Van Dyken said. “I thank WKTV for inviting us to participate in the DreamWheels production as part of the 2022 Metro Cruise. I’m absolutely thrilled to participate in the comeback of this amazing extravaganza. It will be such fun celebrating Grand Rapids’ timeless love affair with cars—and another American classic—barbershop harmony.”
The DreamWheels production will take place during the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Street Metro Cruise, which is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27. Starting Friday night, classic cars and car lovers will meet up at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall for an array of events, activities and music. For a complete schedule of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org
For many in West Michigan, a round of golf on a nice summer evening is the perfect recreational activity.
And for those with varying disabilities, taking part in the Kentwood Adaptive Golf League is an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love.
The Kentwood adaptive recreation program gives people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities including adaptive golf, which Ann Przybysz has been involved with for over six years.
As program coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation, her role has only increased over the years.
“I started about six years ago with the golf program working golf carts, encouraging our participants and running the leagues,” said Przybysz. “It’s awesome to get people out on wonderful evenings like this and try to take advantage of the nice weather.”
SoloRider golf cart a game-changer
Partnering with the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park allows the adaptive golf league participants to have access to the SoloRider adaptive golf cart, which allows those with limited or no use of their legs the ability to golf freely with little or no assistance.
The adaptive cart features hand controls and a swivel seat that raises golfers into a standing position. Scott Lake is one of few golf courses in Michigan to have access to the SoloRider carts.
Director of Golf Shane Riley said the cart is a game-changer for those that may have not had the ability to golf before.
“The golf cart itself is used weekly by a handful of participants, (and) without that golf cart (they) would never be able to play golf again,” said Riley, who’s worked at Scott Lake for 11 years. “It gives them full capability on the course and they can take it anywhere with limited exceptions.”
Weekly tradition during the summer
Ryan Luchies looking for a club during a weekly Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Golf League at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)
For Troy Almli (age 46), Ryan Luchies (38), and Krista Schulze (50), the adaptive golf league is just one of the many activities they take part in through the Kentwood adaptive program. The three of them are all survivors of traumatic brain injuries and make golf night weekly on Tuesdays at Scott Lake.
Almli, who got into a life-altering car accident when he was 10 years old, has been playing golf since he was seven and described why he enjoys the sport immensely.
“Enjoying the fresh air and seeing nice people,” Almli said. “I golf with the best people around.”
Meanwhile, Schulze says the adaptive program has been crucial to helping her enjoy the activities she likes to participate in that she otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. She enjoys bowling and snow skiing in addition to the golf program.
“I find it really helpful for anyone with a handicap out there,” Schulze said. “Helps them get back into doing whatever sport they love to do.”
Troy Almli tees off during Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League held Tuesday nights at the Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center. (WKTV)
Mary Crestwell, a rehab tech for the Hope Network long term care facility where all three participants live, helps with the transportation to and from the adaptive programs and has been involved for the last five years.
“It is a great way for them to get involved with the community,” Crestwell said. “Lets them stay active and integrates them with others socially.”
Getting involved in Kentwood adaptive programs
Those in the community that want to participate or volunteer in the Kentwood Parks and Rec adaptive programs are urged to visit their website. There you can find all the sports and activities available as well as where to volunteer or donate.
While the current golf league season is underway, registration is open for the next season that runs from Sept. 6-27. No previous golf experience is required, and clubs are provided for participants who do not have their own. Trained staff help guide participants through the game.
By Emily Armstrong Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan
When learning to use tech, start with small tasks such as setting up email. (pxhere.com)
These past few years of pandemic life have forced many to turn to technology as a means of connection. Doctor’s appointments turned to video visits, typical in-person social engagements became phone calls or text chains, and classes and activities moved to Zoom and other virtual platforms. This large shift, happening almost simultaneously, can be confusing to navigate. How do you set up your new tablet? How can you use an app to order groceries or download library books? How can you give an Alexa device commands to check the weather? There are endless possibilities of what technology can help you to do, especially as a senior, to enhance your life, but navigating just how to do so can be a challenge. Here are a few tips.
First and foremost, identify what you’d like to accomplish. Just jumping in and trying to learn everything at once is overwhelming. Set a goal to focus on just learning how to do that one thing and give yourself the grace to do so over multiple sessions.
Start small with activities such as turning on a device or setting up an email address. If there are barriers to getting started, such as internet access or affording a device, identify these barriers and reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging where you can be connected to resources.
Ask for help if you need it. It is okay to not know everything and if you hit a wall, it can be helpful to turn to a friend or family member for guidance and input.
Seek out resources. If you don’t have a person to turn to for questions, you can use one of the many resources below.
GetSetUp: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services partnered with GetSetUp, a digital education platform for older adults, to offer 150+ technology and enrichment classes, all taught by retired educators. www.getsetup.io/partner/michigan
Making IT Easier Series: The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has a video series designed to teach seniors how to use technology to enhance their lives. You can check out these videos on our website, including lessons on how to use Facetime, order grocery delivery via Shipt, get a ride with Lyft, and more www.aaawm.org/tech
Senior Neighbors Technology Support Program: Through workshops and one-on-one support, local seniors in Kent County will receive person-centered services to provide access to affordable internet and devices, develop technical skills, and find confidence in utilizing technology. You can learn more about this program at www.seniorneighbors.org/tech
Older Adults Technology Services (OATS): A national program, with Senior Planet as its flagship, OATS provides courses, programs, and activities to help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. You sign up for their newsletter and participate in online offerings at https://seniorplanet.org/ You can also call the Senior Planet Tech Hotline: (888) 713-3495.
AGING Connected: Partners with telecommunications companies, nonprofits, and public entities to bring low-cost internet options to older adults nationwide. Call for support: 877-745-1930
Practice online safety. Write down your account information and passwords to online accounts and keep them in a safe place. Check your links and attachments to ensure they are from trusted sources, oftentimes an “https” before a website link is a good indicator that a link is secure.
Use Accessibility Features. It can be hard to see a screen, type on a keypad, and click through screens. You can utilize accessibility features to make devices more user-friendly, these include options such as voice commands, magnifier and zoom options, color filters, dictation features, assistive touch, and more.
Want one-time one-on-one support? The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will be hosting a drop-in technology event at Scottville Senior Center (140 S. Main Street, Scottville, MI 49454) on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Individuals more than 60 and in the nine-county region (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, or Osceola) can take part. You can bring in your device and receive assistance from staff. Don’t have a device? A limited number of tablets will be available to participants who do not currently have a device. Participants may take home their new tablet following the event. Questions? Call Brandon Beck at 616-222-7024.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Airport Access Study is looking at three different possible new entrances to the airport along with improving its current entrances. (Supplied)
Area residents have until Sept. 2 to weigh in on their thoughts of proposed improve access to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Residents can visit www.gvmc.org/airport-acces-study to share their thoughts on three new proposed entrance ways along with improvements to the current airport entrances and the addition of other modes of transportation, such as buses, rails, and bicycles, to the airport.
Traffic at Ford Airport continues to increase
The Grand Valley Metro Council, in partnership with several local municipalities such as the Kent Count Road Commission and the City of Kentwood as well as the Ford Airport and the Michigan Department of Transportation has spend the past couple of months investigating ways to improve access to the airport as well as the surrounding local road and freeway systems.
The Airpot Access Study also considers other transportation options besides vehicles. (Supplied)
Before the COVID pandemic, the Ford Airport had some of its highest passenger numbers in history and while those numbers dipped during the pandemic, like it did for many other airports across the country, in the past few months, the Ford Airport has seen its numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.
With indications that the airport’s passenger traffic will continue to increase, the GVMC decided to conduct an Airport Access Study for the Ford Airport with the goal of finding improved access to the airport.
Currently the Ford Airport’s main entrances are the Patterson Avenue/60th Street and Patterson Avenue/44th Street, where there have been a number of crashes. There is also a lack of sidewalks in the area preventing non-motorize options.
Creating a better flow
Through the process, the GVMC came up with three new access points to the airport along with improvements to the airport’s current entryways. Those improvements for the current entrances would include better signage and road markings, rerouting of traffic patterns and a planned road widening along Patterson by MDOT.
The first alternative access would be from I-96 and 36th Street, which would create a direct roadway from 36th Street to the terminal, avoids parking expansion on the north side of the terminal, and includes a tunnel below the current and future expanded runway.
The next alternative access would be Thornapple River Drive which would add access points for freight traffic for the airport’s growing cargo operations hub.
The third alternative would be a proposed M-6 access that would combine a ring road extended from 60th Street to Thornapple River Dive and add M-6 interchanges. This alternative would require a comprehensive roadway reconfiguration but would prove new access to help separate freight traffic from passenger traffic and support the developing industrial area that is southwest of the airport.
By rail, trail, bus or bike
The study also looks at alternative modes of transportation to the airport such as transit services and pedestrian and bicycle lanes. These alternatives include a downtown express bus/shuttle, expanded transit service in the Cascade and Caledonia areas, extending MDOT rail line from north-south to directly to the airport terminal, terminal curb extension to accommodate and separate departure and arrival traffic, and proposed sidewalks with new non-motorized facilities planned along the surrounding area.
Members of Kentwood’s Adaptive Golf League enjoyed their weekly outing last Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park.
The Kentwood adaptive recreation program gives people of all abilities the chance to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities including adaptive golf. Above: Ryan Luchies selects a club. Below: Troy Almli tees off on the greens.
Kentwood will host its first-ever Power Wheels Derby for children ages 1-7 on Saturday, Aug. 20.
The friendly races will begin at 11 a.m. and take place on a multi-terrain course on the grounds of the City’s Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
There will be two heats of racers, with the first one for children ages 1-4 and the second one for ages 5-7. All racers must wear a helmet and vehicles must be stock with no modifications allowed. Prizes will be given for first, second and third place in each heat.
Coffee, donut holes, frozen treats and other refreshments will be provided for all attendees to enjoy. There also will be additional activities for children, including an opportunity to explore City trucks and equipment used to maintain streets and services.
“This friendly race is sure to be fun for participants and spectators alike as children navigate their way through our multi-terrain course,” said Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator. “We’re excited to add the Power Wheels Derby to our list of summer activities this year and hope it will become a community favorite in the future.”
The schedule for the event is as follows:
10 a.m. – Check in begins
11 a.m. – Race for kids ages 1-4
11:30 a.m. – Race for kids ages 5-7
Noon – Awards
The event is open to both Kentwood residents and nonresidents. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required for the event, which costs $10 per racer. Parents should register the child who is racing. Families may register multiple racers.
Owners Tom and Amy Payne. Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. (John D. Gonzalez)
TwoGuys Brewing thinks of itself as “Big City Dining,” but without the hassles of driving and parking downtown.
Even when they put together a business plan in 2006 – 12 years before they opened – the owners always planned to offer quality, locally sourced dining for the community of Wyoming.
“Upscale is not even the word,” said former homebrewer-turned-head chef, Tom Payne.
It was always meant to offer a “downtown restaurant feel and quality of food for our neighbors here in Wyoming.”
Tom and wife/co-owner Amy are doing exactly what they set out to do, and they’re doing it in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. It’s a no-frills location, just great food and beer.
Quality that doesn’t break the bank
The quality of dining is what you might find in downtown Grand Rapids or other metropolitan cities, they said, but not at the same cost. Plus, they have free, on-site parking in Wyoming.
Burgers at Two Guys start at $11. (John D. Gonzalez)
“Pricing downtown is just exorbitant, and I understand, their rents are also much higher than ours in some cases,” Amy said.
“But we’re Gen-exers,” she added. “We don’t park six blocks away from where we’re eating.”
“I worked 16 hours today; I don’t want to walk,” said Tom with a laugh.
A burger downtown, for example, might cost as much as $18.
At TwoGuys, where burgers are ground fresh every day, it will cost $11, unless you customize it with a lot of add-ons, like one online customer who built a half-pound burger with multiple toppings that came in at $19.
One of Tom’s priciest creations, a Poutine Burger, which was a special in July, cost $14. It was Prime rib, ground fresh from English cut roast shoulders.
It might cost a little extra, “but we touched every part of that burger, from the condiments on it, to the grinding of the beef,” Tom said.
“And it had hand-cut fries on it,” Amy said.
Foodies and others are taking note
Since opening in 2018, TwoGuys has established itself as “a great place for delicious eclectic food and great Michigan beers. Family-friendly with a great neighborhood feel!,” which it says right on their Facebook page.
That’s where most of their 13,000-plus followers keep up to date on food specials, new beer releases and community causes.
Two Guys Brewing is located in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. (John D. Gonzalez)
Just take a look at their food photos online, and you will immediately have a craving for one of Tom’s creative creations.
Along with a team of dedicated employees, they’re hard work is paying off and putting Wyoming on the map. Foodies everywhere are taking notice.
With a national tourism conference in town last week, Experience GR had some nice things to say about them in a blog post offering a “Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food,” saying TwoGuys is a “must visit” for craft beer and food enthusiasts “due to its decadent food, dessert and craft beer selections.”
It added:
“TwoGuys makes most of its items in house, to the extent of house-smoking beef, corned beef and turkey, hand-dredging chicken and hand-cutting potatoes for fries. The menu emphasizes shareables, from tacos, fried pork rinds and wine-braised mushrooms to cheese curds, charcuterie boards and chorizo fundido, a sausage-and-beer cheese combo.
You can also count on a tantalizing special or two, always made with the freshest local ingredients.”
The silver lining of COVID
The praise is heart-felt by the couple, who work countless hours, but always put their staff and customers first.
“There are some weeks we don’t take home a paycheck,” Amy said. “And we’re OK with that.”
They were humbled during Covid when locals flocked to their restaurant to pick up pre-packaged, family meals that Tom said was “real honest food that you didn’t have to do the hard part.”
To borrow a couple of overused words at the height of the pandemic, they learned to “pivot” and make the best out of an “unprecedented” period in our country’s history.
In a weird way, it was Covid that put TwoGuys on the map outside of Wyoming.
They were humbled again this summer when a smoker caught fire and caused damage to the exterior of their building, which led to a GoFundMe Page. On Facebook they posted:
Damage from the smoker fire that took place earlier this summer. (John D. Gonzalez)
“We could use your help if you’re so inclined.
“We DO have insurance. Anything donated above the deductible and immediate costs to repair, replace, and clean up will be donated to a local charitable organization supporting women, pregnancy, and infants. It has always been our mission to support our local community and we will do that through this as well!”
They asked for $2,500, which the community nearly doubled in less than a month.
It wasn’t an easy ask for a couple that, like the community itself, prides itself in hard work and pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.
They were overwhelmed.
The extra money will go to charities they support and align “with our values.” But they’ll do it quietly without making a big deal about it.
“When you do something good, sometimes you just have to shut up and let people notice,” Amy said.
“There are a lot of good restaurant owners in this community, but you’re never going to miss the fact they are doing good. That takes a little bit away from (the fact) you’re doing good if you’re using it as a marketing plan.”
More than a family affair
Married in 1990, the couple met in 1988 at Village Inn Pancake House on 28th Street (now New Beginnings). He was 18. She was 16.
Seeing their restaurant full is one thing that keeps Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne going. (John D. Gonzalez)
Today they are the parents of three adult daughters (Meghan, Zoe and Abigail). They live only a few blocks away from TwoGuys.
As local business owners, the couple just wants to make an honest living, support the community, and make great food and beer.
Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. When he needs a little “alone time,” Tom creates beautiful tie dye shirts across the street in the production facility to sell in their merchandise shop.
What keeps them going every day?
“Seeing this place full every night,” Tom said.
“Coffee and Ibuprofen.” Amy said.
‘Just be good’
In all seriousness, they hope popular beers, seltzers, sangrias, along with hand-cut fries, New Orleans-inspired food, burgers, tacos and other specialties will keep people coming back. It’s been a dream of the couple “forever.”
“But it’s never been a selfish dream,” said Tom, referring to the jobs they’ve created for their family and employees.
“We’ve got 20-some families of those that work here whose lives are better because we’re here,” he said.
That fits with their core values, which is to make a difference and “just be good.”
“Be better than you were yesterday,” Amy said.
“Change the world one pint at a time,” Tom said.
“We’ve really worked hard to try to make this corner of Wyoming better,” Amy said. “We’re hoping that ripples into other corners of Wyoming.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
There will be a special 60th anniversary celebration for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain on Aug. 27.
A staple in the Grand Haven community for 60 years, this week the popular Mr. Sid’s Video Series will focusing on the Grand Haven Fountain.
Terry Stevens, the fountain engineer, will join the group to talk about the history of the largest musical fountain “of its kind” in the world and the particulars about its operation. The presentation is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
Stevens is on the Musical Foundation Board and an instructor in the engineering department at Grand Valley State University.
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is a synchronized display of water and lights. The fountain is located on Dewey Hill on the north shore of the Grand River, not far from where Grand River connects to Lake Michigan.
The fountain was the brainchild of Dr. William “Bill” Creason, longtime resident, dentist, and former Grand Haven mayor. The fountain was modeled after a Przystawic musical fountain show which Creason saw in Germany while providing density for the U.S. Navy after World War II.
Local engineer William Morris Booth designed the fountain which was building by volunteers in 1962. Over the years, the fountain’s program system has been upgraded several times. In 2017, the software was updated to take advantage of new lighting and water effects.
Upcoming Sid Lenger Vide Series programs are: Sid Lenger’s video of Switzerland on Sept. 21, and Lorna and Daniel Dobson lead a discussion on two of Rev. Ed Dobson’s video lessons “My Garden,” identity after losing a loved one, and “Ask Forgiveness” on Oct. 19.
All programs start with a 15-minute hymn sing at 1:45 p.m.
Back for another summer of fun,The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its popular “Kroc Block Party” event Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to both members and non-members.
Area students are invited to attend the Kroc Party event Friday. Aug. 19. (Supplied)
Kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide. Community partners also will offer activities for families, including a bounce house and cotton candy provided by National Heritage Academies, a mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition, and an appearance by the Grand Rapids Gold mascot, “Buckets.”
Other local organizations scheduled to participate with information and giveaways for families include Launch Trampoline Park, Consumers Energy, Family Futures, Kent County Head Start, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Health Net.
Families are also encouraged to learn more about Kroc Center membership, along with Kroc Church and other programs open to the public. Easy transportation is available via the Rapid’s Silver Line, which stops directly in front of the Kroc Center.
The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit the Kroc Center’s Facebook page or call 616-588-7200 for more information and updates.
Crosswalk at 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue in the Godwin Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk at Mangolia Avenue and Farnham Street in Kelloggsville Public Schools district. (Supplied)
Crosswalk located near the Wyoming High School. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Last week the City of Wyoming wrapped up a project designed to help improve public safety while promoting local school pride.
On Jun 7, 2022 the Wyoming City Council awarded a contract to Gallagher Asphalt Corporation for $100,500 to install four art-based crosswalks that were placed in the Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming Public School districts. The total project was $110,550 which included a 10 percent construction contingency of $10,050.
The project was funded by $90,000 in grants from the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a $10,000 grant from the General Motors Corporation.
Creating a safer community
“Using art to transform our city into a safer, more desirable community is part of what we do here in Wyoming,” said Major Jack Poll. “We hope this project will be another opportunity to enhance recognition that residents are part of one community, one City of Wyoming, regardless of where they live and which school district they attend.”
In her recommendation of the project, city’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said “innovative painting of crosswalks is shown to be effective in increasing public awareness of the crosswalk for drivers and encourages increased use by pedestrians with an impact of reducing car and pedestrian accidents.
“This project is designed to increase community awareness of the number of school districts located in the city, increase school district pride, and to enhance resident recognition of being a part of one community, one Wyoming.”
Identifying the locations
The city has seven school districts within its city boundaries. Originally, five school districts, the four mentioned plus Grandville, where selected.
The COVID pandemic delayed the project and then it was delayed again when new estimate exceeded $100,000 and additional funding had to be secured. Grandville was removed from the list as funding came through the CDBG program, which restricts investment to low and moderate income areas of the city.
Wyoming’s Community Services Department staff worked with Public Safety to discuss emergency response needs and identify a location within each school district that would benefit from a new crosswalk. Information also was gathered from the city’s traffic engineers.
The designs were created by staff in consultation with each school district. The design features a white and turquoise stripped pattern with the school’s logo.
The final locations of the sidewalks are:
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue
Wyoming Public Schools: Near the Wyoming High School on Prairie Parkway between Michael and Burlingame avenues
Godwin Heights Public Schools: 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue
Kelloggsville Public School: Magnolia Avenue and Farnham Street
The Grandville Public Schools location, which is to be 52nd and Wilson Avenue, is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 when additional funds become available. The Grandville school district services most of the city’s panhandle population.
Dr. Cory Redman, Grand Rapids Public Museum’s science curator, works to excavate the mastodon bones. (GRPM)
Kent County road crews got a little surprise as they were working to replace a culvert along the county line on 22 Mile Road: they discovered a femur bone.
Turns out that the bone is part of a mastodon with officials from the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the University of the Michigan contacted to come to the site to excavate. University of Michigan officials confirmed that the bones are mastodon.
There is some speculation that there may be two set of bones. Once the bones have been excavated, they will be processed by the University of Michigan. The bones are scheduled to be returned to the Grand Rapids Public Museum per the landowner’s wishes.
Mastodon versus mammoth
The mastodon is a member of the order Proboscidea, which also includes the mammoths, modern elephants, and a wide variety of extinct elephant-like species that evolved more than 60 million years ago.
The American Mastodon was wide-spread across all of North America from Alaska to central Mexico. It was smaller than the mammoth and they used their teeth to clip and crush twigs. Mammoths grazed on grass. Also, mastodons had straighter tusks and both the body and head of the mastodon is longer and squatter than the woolly mammoth
It is estimated that more 300 mastodon fossils have been found in southern Michigan and in fact, the state’s fossil is a mastodon fossil. In 2016, a UM-lead team unearthed Michigan’s most complete ice age mastodon since the 1940s in Mayville, located in Michigan’s thumb area. The team found 70 percent of the mastodon skeleton.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has several mastodon fossils in its collection including the most famous local find, “Smitty,” which was 40 percent of a full mastodon skeleton found in 1985 in Grandville. Smitty’s skeletal material has been radiocarbon dated by multiple researchers, yielding dates ranging from 10,920 to 12,160 years ago.
The Museum also has the Moorland Mastodon which was found in 1904 in the Muskegon area and which has been on display for several years at the museum. Dr. Cory Redman, who is the museum’s science curator, has been working on restoring the Moorland Mastodon to a state that would be better for is preservation.
As a side note, the Grand Rapids Public Museum currently has the exhibit “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs.” For more information about the exhibit, visit grpm.org.
Zeeland will host its eighth Zeeland twilight Criterium. This event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, beginning at 5 p.m.
A Criterium is, by definition, a one-day bicycle race down a circuit road course. It is the most common form of American racing, complete with a multi-lap race to the finish. The course, generally spanning up to a mile in length, is repeated by the cyclists until anywhere from 25 to 60 miles is covered. The cyclists are to successfully tear through consecutive corners of the course without a place-breaking wipe out.
Quick acceleration, agility, and balance are essential to being a competitive contender in the race. Zeeland’s Criterium racers will charge through the streets of Zeeland in a competitive half mile loop throughout historic downtown.
The event commences with a 5 p.m. kick off of the free kids race where children 12 and under are welcome to come out and race on the same course used by the pros (each child must wear a helmet to be part of the race).
Children’s race at 5 p.m. (1 Lap)
Category 4/5 Race at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
Category 3/4 Race at 6:15 p.m. (45 minutes)
Community Ride at 7:05 p.m. (3 laps)
Category 1/2/3 Race at 7:20 p.m. (60 minutes)
Both start and finish of the race is held midblock on Main Street between Elm and Church. Participants will cycle west on Main Street to Elm; south on Elm to Central; East on Central to Church; south on Church to Lincoln; East on Lincoln to Centennial; North on Centennial Main; West on Main to finish.
At the close of each race, awards will be presented in the park near the start / finish.
The South Christian boys soccer team captured the Division 3 state championship last year with a 3-1 win over Grosse Ile. (Courtesy)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
It has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions for South Christian incoming senior Sam Bos and his soccer teammates the past few years.
In 2019, the Sailors lost to Grosse Ile 2-1 in a shootout in the Division 3 state championship game and then lost 1-0 in the 2020 finals to Grosse Ile as well.
“One of the worst feelings”
“Watching my brother Reese lose in the state finals and then losing myself was one of the worst feelings,” said Bos, who was a freshman when South Christian lost 2-1 in the finals. “Getting so close to winning a state championship and then losing in a pk shootout 1-0 was heartbreaking.”
And then, “A dream come true”
All that heartbreak quickly faded after the Sailors knocked off Grosse Ile 3-1 last fall in the state final, making it four titles since 2010, and finishing undefeated at 22-0-3 for the season.
“I personally was full of joy to finally win a state championship and couldn’t stop smiling for the next couple of days,” said Bos, who calls cheeseburgers and Oreo ice cream his favorite foods. “It was definitely a top moment of my high school memories so far.
“As a team, to score three goals was huge for us. With a new coaching staff, we had a blank slate and nothing to lose which gave us the courage to finally defeat Gross Ile.”
That new coach, Joel Vande Kopple, said he knew it was a special moment for the guys that lost to Grosse Ile the previous two years.
“Having lost the previous two years the mental expectations could be heavy,” said Vande Kopple, who previously coached at Lansing Christian for 15 years. “They needed to know that this year was a different year and the result would be different. Getting them to believe in themselves and one another was vital.
South Christian incoming senior Sam Bos holds his team’s D-3 state champion soccer trophy. (Courtesy)
“Team-wise, my favorite part was that the group bought into the idea that the collective was more important than the individual. We had a lot of talented players who were very deserving of individual awards, but rather than making that their focus, they decided to put the team first.”
Vande Kopple said Bos is a great disruptive force in the middle of the field.
“He plays a holding mid position and really shields our defensive line well by breaking up attacks, winning 50/50 balls, winning air balls and distributing well to start an attack,” Vande Kopple explained. “In addition, he scored some very important goals for us, most notably in our district final win and our first round of regionals, both of which were game winners against very talented teams.”
His interest in soccer all began at a young age.
“I have played it since I was born,” said Bos, who played AYSO growing up and then moved to club soccer around third grade. “Watching my older brother play soccer helped fuel my interest. Since then, I have always wanted to be the best in my family and that grew to me wanting to be the best on the field.
“Growing up with two brothers (Jerad and Reese) made me very competitive and I wanted to always win.”
Bos said Vande Kopple was a great addition to South Christian and brought amazing energy.
South Christian graduate Alex Leenstra helping his Sailors win the D-3 state championship last year. (Courtesy)
“We couldn’t have asked for a better coach,” said Bos, who also plays varsity basketball. “His passion for coaching soccer is outstanding and you can tell he truly loves the game and wants to win.
“I am looking forward to this upcoming season as we are returning a lot of seniors, but will also have a lot of young talent to hopefully help us go back to back.”
Do you have an interest in helping seniors or a passion for preserving farms?
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions and committees.
Interested residents may view all current vacancies and apply online for appointment by Sept. 30/ Applicants should include a cover letter and professional resume in a pdf format. For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ office at 616-632-7580.
The following boards and committees are accepting applications, click to learn more about each group is responsible for:
Britney Sylvester recognizes that for entrepreneurs who don’t have a brick and mortar store, it’s hard to get the word out about their businesses.
Britney Sylvester, owner of Uniquely Made Kreations, participates in a previous Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Which is why the owner of Uniquely Made Kreations is presenting this year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase as a part of Black Business Month in August.
“Not everyone has the startup money or funds to have an actual location, so these networking events – this one being at the mall where there’s a lot of foot traffic – give you a lot of exposure,” she said. “People are coming up and asking about your products, and you’re getting to share your journey with individuals from all walks of life. It’s amazing.”
Woodland Mall will host its third annual Black-Owned Business Showcase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, when more than a dozen local companies will be offering items like food, jewelry, apparel, home products, cosmetics, and health and wellness services.
Mall visitors will get to browse, sample and buy from the local entrepreneurs participating in the event.
Networking key to success
Uniquely Made Kreations offers items like customized T-shirts, masks, and cups, along with homemade desserts.
Sylvester said she first started making products and selling them about seven years ago, but she really got serious in 2019 when she graduated from SpringGR, an organization that helps launch new businesses through coaching and connections. SpringGR works primarily with businesses that are owned by minorities and women. The group helped her learn things like how much to charge for items, how to calculate her break-even point, and how to get an LLC.
“They helped me network with a lot of individuals as well,” she said.
Showing your support
The list of businesses participating this year includes:
Business owners sell their products at last year’s Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Uniquely Made Kreations
D&D Fashion
Douber
EKDADF
XWhat’s Poppin
My Beautii Cosmetics
616 Candle Co
Azucar
Paparazzi
Lovely Organic Products
Maiyah Mari
Perfect fit
Blaque Realeza
Petray Trendz
Queen of Hustle
Melanie’s Miracle Children Boutique
The annual showcase is an important event for black entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to show off what they’re capable of and what they’re working on, Sylvester said.
“The community should come out and support it. It’s not only just buying, but spreading the word and looking at each and every one of the tables for the businesses that will be out there,” she said.
Sheila McGrath is a lifelong Grand Rapids resident who has been covering local news for more than 25 years. She was focused on Kentwood and Wyoming for more than a decade as editor of the Southeast and Southwest Advance newspapers.
(From left) Logan Swiney, Lezawe Osterink, Jackson Rodriquez and Ian Palacios after winning the 3,200-meter relay at last spring’s D-4 track and field finals in Hudsonville. (Courtesy)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor and Anna Johns, Contributing Writer
Only running competitively since his freshman year, incoming senior Lezawe “Moses” Osterink has racked up some big titles in high school.
Four state titles to be exact running for Wyoming Potter’s House Christian.
Lezawe “Moses” Osterink (far left) stands atop the podium after winning the 1,600-meter run at the D-4 state track and field finals last spring. (Courtesy)
Last spring, the Potter’s House runner was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at the MHSAA Division 4 track and field finals in Hudsonville.
In addition, Osterink was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. The Pumas placed third at the track and field finals.
Cross country state champ in D-4
Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall with a time of 15:50.60 in the 5k race, while the team finished 12th in state.
“Winning state was great,” said Osterink, who was born in Ethiopia and adopted in the United States in 2007. “The first title was definitely more special because I wasn’t able to run at state since freshman year, and to complete a good season and then cap it off with a win was really cool.
“The track titles were a lot more fun since I was able to win with my teammates and perform better the previous year, but also really go after that team title.”
Originally, he was supposed to run at the D-4 cross country finals in 2020, but a collarbone injury sidelined him. Luckily, he was able to get back at it the following season and won all 13 races in the fall of 2021 on top of the title.
Peanut butter and honey
“This (injury) definitely was kind of like a spark that motivated me to train even harder than I had previously and want to go achieve the goals I had set for myself,” said Osterink, who eats his favorite peanut butter and honey sandwich almost daily.
Not always a runner
It wasn’t until the summer before his freshmen year that he became interested in the sport. At first he played basketball, but when he learned Potter’s House was starting a cross country team he wanted to join.
The Potter’s House boys track team took first place in its D-4 regional and finished third in the state finals last spring. (Courtesy)
“It really just started out as I’m going to run to stay in shape for basketball to then quitting basketball so I can run more,” said Osterink, who enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.
“It’s a unique sport that intrigues me especially for being one of the purest sports, and the fact that there is so much to learn from training to racing and just the mental and competitive battles.
“One of the biggest things that has lured me is the community aspect of running. I have met so many cool people through this sport.”
Interested in running in college, Osterink is undecided on where he’ll attend, but is contemplating studying sports management or business.
Potter’s House runner Lezawe “Moses” Osterink prepares for the 1,600-meter run. (Courtesy)
Potter’s House Athletic Director Kara Haskill said Moses is a tremendous athlete with a humble personality.
“He works hard in school to maintain his 3.8 GPA,” she continued. “He’s a strong leader with a calm disposition.”
“We love having Moses as a part of our community and we’re so proud of all of his accomplishments. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
Kentwood Leisure Club members making cookies at the Kentwood Activities Center. (Courtesy)
By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer
Having no experience working with disabled individuals, Leisure Club instructor Stacy Zbikowski was hesitant stepping into the role of instructor.
However, she said getting to know the participants and building relationships over the past 15 years has been a great experience for her.
Zbikowski said any age is welcome, and any disability, referring to Kentwood’s adaptive program.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Activities Center is dedicated to helping residents of all abilities find quality recreation and enrichment. Leisure Club is one of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation offerings to community members with disabilities.
All of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation opportunities promote health and wellness, socialization and quality of life. Leisure Club not only offers fun activities for participants, but also teaches independence and life skills.
“Mainly, it’s for them to be able to go out socially in public and be able to pay for their own meals on their own, or order their meals on their own, whatever we happen to be doing,” Zbikowski said. “It’s just learning some of those life skills.”
The social interaction Leisure Club offers also has led to several friendships among the participants.
“Some of them actually see each other at work or in different other activities that they belong to at other times,” Zbikowski said. “They will come in, and they are so excited to see each other. They have definitely formed friendships.”
Most activities center around local businesses, with Whitecaps baseball games being the farthest location.
“We try to stick with the Kentwood businesses and the Kentwood area,” Zbikowski continued. “If we’re doing an arts and crafts activity, or playing games, or Bingo, or having the grill out … that’s actually at the Rec center at 48th Street,” Zbikowski said.
For activities outside the recreation center, participants meet at the destination.
“They will find their own ride there or a couple of them actually drive.” Zbikowski said.
A hard copy schedule of events can be found at the Kentwood Activities Center, interested residents can also call the Center or visit their website. Participants can choose which activities they are interested in and attend without registration.
Kentwood Leisure Club celebrates with a Halloween dance held at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. (Courtesy)
“We would love to have more participants,” Zbikowski said. “It’s been a fluid group over the 15 years.”
But regardless of who participates, Zbikowski said it’s a warm, welcoming group of people.
“Everyone is super friendly; they love to laugh and smile. We love to have new friends come join us — to try new things — or do the old things.”
Anneke Minnema, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Calvin College’s Ready For Life Academy, enjoys Leisure Club for the opportunity it provides to make friends and try different sports.
“My favorite is bowling,” Anneke said with a smile. “And pickleball, I like. Shuffleboard is a favorite.”
Vivian Minnema, Anneke’s mother, said, “One of the things we all collectively liked about it was that they have activities that maybe our neurotypical peers are doing also,” while listing pickleball, baseball games, bowling, cookie decorating, and gardening as examples. “They are catering the activities to the people, but it’s what other 23-year-olds are doing also.”
When asked what she enjoys most about Leisure Club, Anneke said it allows her “to communicate more” with her peers. She also enjoys interacting with the staff. “I like my volunteers a lot. They help me around.”
From a parent’s perspective, Vivian also appreciates the staff.
“It’s a well-run, organized program,” Vivian said. “The people who staff it are super great and outgoing and gregarious, and really able to communicate with all of the participants really well.
“We feel it’s very safe. It’s very well-staffed. It’s also a ton of variety of things … and it’s all super affordable.”
Leisure Club meets every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Costs range from approximately $5 to $10.
To find out more about Leisure Club and other adaptive recreation offerings at the Kentwood Activities Center, click here: Adaptive Recreation
“If you’re worried about running out of money when you retire, then you and the 1920s baseball star may have more in common than you think.”- Lawrence Castillo
Too many people closing in on retirement or who are already retired spend a lot of time worrying. These retirees and pre-retirees fear what will happen with their savings instead of what they want to do when they stop working.
I find this a bit sad. After all, the entire concept of retirement is built around the idea that there should be a time in your life when you can relax and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work and diligent planning.
Unfortunately, many Americans spend their days glued to their television sets or computers, fretting over every negative government report and news story. Every time stocks dive, they know their dreams become harder to achieve, and they wonder if there are any safe harbors for their wealth. Many of these hard-working Americans, even some who already have been retired for a while, realize they may have too much of their cash exposed to risk.
As I write this, the world is undergoing a shift unlike any I’ve witnessed. Runaway inflation and the real potential of simultaneous deflation, market turmoil, wars, soaring energy prices, tax hikes, and other global events have nearly everyone in a stressed-out state of panic. Understandably, many folks are looking for a magic pill that will take away their pain when managing their wealth.
I’m here to tell you that, although there is no magic pill that will fix your financial issues, there are ways to achieve greater peace of mind and create a more predictable and successful retirement outcome. Money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and bonds are safer places to store cash but typically won’t give you the growth needed to beat back inflation.
In my mind, those vehicles, while they can have their uses, are sort of like the modern-day version of stuffing your money into a coffee can and burying it in the backyard or lining the inside of your walls with dollar bills. Your money is a little safer, but it’s doing nothing for you. These days, you certainly need some growth, and you must shield as much of your money as possible from risk.
That being the case, you might want to look at annuities. You can find annuity contracts in the portfolios of everyone from U.S. Presidents to Fortune 500 CEOs to sports figures. One of the most well-known tales of how annuities came through in the clutch is the story of New York Yankee legend Babe Ruth. Ruth, nicknamed “The Sultan of Swat,” was the highest-paid player in baseball and arguably the most famous sports figure in the world in the 1920s.
However, when the global Great Depression hit, other players who’d heavily invested in the stock market lost everything. While many of those once-wealthy athletes stood in soup kitchen lines, Ruth lived a life of relative comfort with no worries about running out of money. His secret? Instead of putting all his cash at risk in the market, Babe Ruth had purchased an annuity a few years before the Depression.
At the Depression’s height in 1934, Ruth was getting a guaranteed stream of income equal to around $290,000 in today’s dollars! Ruth was so impressed with his annuity’s performance that he bought a lifetime annuity for his wife so she’d have secure income after he passed away.
Summing it up: Even in challenging times, it’s still possible to enter retirement on a high note, with less stress and a greater chance of achieving your financial goals. If you are looking to protect your principal investment, create income that lasts until you die, and possibly provide a legacy for loved ones, you should consider an annuity.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
In March, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety installed license plate readers. Within six months, it has been able to identify and recover 13 stolen vehicles and arrest 18 suspects.
“The real story is that we are able to find missing persons,” said Chief Kim Koster. “If an older family member gets into a car and takes off and the family cannot find the person, we can enter the person’s license plate number into the reader. If the person has passed a reader, it will let us know and give us an idea where to start searching for that missing person.”
From left, CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley, Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster,, Wyoming Sergeant Jeremy Walter, Wyoming Captain Eric Wier, Wyoming Lt. Brian Look, and CALEA Commissioner Marcus Brown. (Supplied)
Through that process, the department has been able to find two missing persons since March.
It is because of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety‘s commitment to utilizing best practices in law enforcement that it has earned its fourth in a row accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This includes implementing new technology, such as the license plate readers, as well as reviewing policies and procedures.
Meeting the standards
CALEA is considered the “gold standard in public safety.” Of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of 770 agencies nationwide that has CALEA accreditation. It is one of 12 in the State of Michigan. Wyoming received accreditation in 2012.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
“It is the blueprint for success for a department,” Koster said. “I always say it is the people, our officers, who make the department where we work but CALEA helps to organize us and achieve our goals.”
Reaccreditation happens every four years. To receive reaccreditation, the department must provide proof every year that the agency is in compliance with about 180 of the 452 CALEA standards. Commissioners review different guidelines each year and on the fourth year, all 452 standards are reviews with assessors coming to the department to meet with officers and the public, and department officials coming before the Commission.
“Today, one of the things that departments need to do in general is to be transparent and accountable,” Koster said. “By having this accreditation, we are doing both and it assures the public that we are performing the best practices in law enforcement.
Keeping Up-to-date
Once such practice that came out during the 2020 George Floyd situation was the development of the duty to intervene policy, which the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has incorporated.
“While it was the expectation that an officer would intercede and help de-escalate a situation when he or she sees the use of of force in excess, departments did not have that as a policy,” Koster said.
CALEA also provides direction on other police activities such as witness identification of suspect, best practices in training, evidence handling and storage, and recruiting.
In fact, by being a part of CALEA, the department has the opportunity to learn about what others across the nation are doing in police and public safety. Koster said during the reaccreditation process, the assessors asked about areas the department was looking for assistance. She chose recruiting and was offered a number of ideas including working with MichiganWorks!
But it is not only reviewing policies to assure they are meeting current modern-day needs, but also keeping up on technology and the possibilities of how it can help in police work. That encouragement to consider new ideas is what lead to the department purchasing the license plate readers.
Following the road map
“This is a map in how we should be doing things,” Koster said. “For example, in training, it focuses on best practices in such items as the use of the force, handling calls or helping someone with a mental health issue. By making sure that you are revisiting that topic every year, it assures that you are using the most update-to-date information and techniques.”
CALEA was formed in 1979 through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Executive Research Form. The main purpose of the Commission is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process which looks at how a department meets recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery. Accreditation is voluntary.
