Category Archives: City of Kentwood

Voters should return absentee ballots in person, via drop box

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, West Michigan, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

With less than two weeks remaining until the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Michigan voters who have not returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk’s office to avoid postal delays.

The City of Wyoming drop box (and usually drive-up) for absentee ballots. (WKTV)

“Drop boxes continue to be among the safe options that voters have to return their ballot securely this year, in addition to hand-delivering their ballot to their clerk’s office, voting early at their clerk’s office, or voting at their polling place on Election Day,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk’s office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They also can request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk’s office if they wish to vote in the August primary, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.

Voters can check the status of their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Voters who already received an absentee ballot should complete it, sign the envelope and mail it or drop it off at their clerk’s office or drop box as soon as possible.

Citizens also can vote in person at their polling place on Election Day, Aug. 2. Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

City of Wyoming

City of Wyoming Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said the city has about 5,700 registered voters and her office is working to do the best to serve all of them for the election.

For absentee ballots, her office has seen an increase since the change was made in 2018. For elections, the city is seeing about 62 percent absentee ballots with about 38 percent voting in-person.

VandenBerg said the city has mailed out about 6,000 ballots with 2,400 having been returned.

 

“While right now mail is feeling OK, but as we get closer to election day, I will be getting more and more inclined to encourage voters to come visit us,” VandenBerg said. The city has a dropbox located at City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, or bring the ballot to the clerk’s office in city hall.

 

The clerk’s office also will be hosting a public voting test at 9 a.m. July 26 in the council chambers at city hall. Area residents can see how ballots are tabulated and the process for counting ballots. 


City of Kentwood

If returning absentee ballots by mail, Kentwood City Clerk Dan Kasunic recommends putting it in the mail by Monday, July 25 to ensure a timely delivery for the August election.

Residents also can hand-deliver absentee ballots to the Clerk’s Office at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, during regular business hours or use one of the 24-hour drop boxes located outside City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

The City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall, will be open for voter registration and absentee ballot requests from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

More information about the Aug. 2 election, absentee ballots and voter registration is available at kentwood.us/elections.

Michigan law regarding primary ballots requires voters to cast votes for only one party’s candidates. Votes for candidates in multiple parties on the same ballot will not be counted.

Absentee ballot request data shows more than 1.1 million Michigan citizens have now requested their ballots, and the vast majority have already received them. A side-by-side comparison of current absentee ballot request numbers, compared to the same time ahead of the 2018 statewide primary, is below. A breakdown of the numbers by jurisdiction is available online.

 14 Days Before Election Day(July 18, 2022)14 Days Before Election Day(July 23, 2018)
Number of Applications Received1,167,369588,909
Number of Ballots Issued1,163,659589,042*
Number of Ballots Returned398,756260,017




The Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote provides important information for voters ahead of Election Day, including a sample ballot and information about how to use voting equipment, and how to contact your local clerk.

*The number of ballots issued is greater than the number of applications received as it represents all ballots issued, including replacement ballots for those who requested to spoil their first.

Nine candidates seek nominations for state house in primary

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, We The People, West Michigan, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Due to redistricting in the state, there have been several changes for House of Representatives and Senate races.

A primary is when voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate. Therefore, a voter may only vote on either the Republican ticket or the Democratic ticket. A ballot where a voter has voted in both parties will be thrown out. 

All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Aug. 2. In-person voters have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote in their precinct. Make sure to check your current voter registration card or verify your precinct through your local clerk.

Note: In its We the People videos, WKTV invites all candidates to share why they decided to run and the issues the candidate feels are important. Below, are the candidates who participated.

80th State House of Representatives

For the State House, all of the City of Kentwood is now part of of the 80th District which includes Cascade and East Grand Rapids.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Lily Cheng-Schulting and Phil Skaggs.

Lily Cheng-Schulting is an attorney known for her disability rights advocacy. She is the founder of the Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan.

Phil Skaggs is currently the District 19 Kent County Commissioner serving southeastern Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. He also was a city commissioner in East Grand Rapids for five years.

82nd District State House of Representatives

For the State House races, the City of Wyoming has been split between two districts. A portion of the City of Wyoming’s eastern border is part of the 82nd District, which falls in the Godwin Heights Public Schools area. For a map, click here.

Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination: Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, Kristian Grant and Robert Womack.

Al-Shatel is a co-owner of My Barefoot Wedding, based in Spring Lake, and also a real estate investor.

Kristian Grant is born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and has spent the past 15 years in public service and community. She is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.

Robert Womack is currently the District 17 Kent Count Commissioner serving the southeast side of Grand Rapids and is CEO of 102.5 FM The Ride.

Republican candidates

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination, William Alexander and Ryan Malinowski.

William Alexander is born in Whitehall. He has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 28 years and is entrepreneur.

Ryan Malinowski

83rd District State House of Representatives

Most of the City of Wyoming will be part of the 83rd District. For a map, click here.

Two candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination, John Fitzgerald and Jose Flores. 

John Fitzgerald is currently a Wyoming City Council member. He is a commercial insurance broker and has served on several community boards such as Ele’s Place West Michigan and The Clark Foundation Board.



Jose Flores is a former educator who currently serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. He also is the owner of La Familia Market.

29th State Senate

The 29th State Senate race, which includes both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming along with Grandville and East Grand Rapids, only has one candidate for each party nomination. The Republican candidate is Tommy Brann and the Democrat candidate is Winnie Brinks.

“Sugar” McLaughlin aims for FREE basketball camp at East Kentwood

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A photo from a past Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball Camp at East Kentwood. (Courtesy)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

This year, camp is free!

At least that’s the goal of the Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball Camp, which takes place Aug. 2-4 at East Kentwood High School.

Giving back

“He’s always wanted to give back to the community,” said Bobbie McLaughlin, brother of the area’s biggest basketball star who set records in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s at Creston High School and Central Michigan University.

Nothing but net

Considered the best high school basketball player in Grand Rapids history, Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin averaged 33 points a game his junior and senior seasons at Creston High School in the late 1970s and then went on to score more than 2,000 career points at Central Michigan University. He is a member of the Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2005 was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.

The camp has been shut down since 2019 because of Covid, and, with “all the crazy things going on for kids in the inner city,” organizers wanted to offer a chance to offer something at no cost.

“Everywhere he goes, the kids are asking about the camp,” said Bobbie, who attended Grand Rapids South High School back in the day. “They’re really thirsty. So we put our heads together and said, ‘Let’s give them a free camp.’ Let’s show them some love.”

Campers practice their skills at the Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin Basketball All-Star Camp at East Kentwood. (Courtesy)

A fundraising campaign is going on right now to help the McLaughlins raise money to make it happen. The goal through the social media platform Vertical Raise is $10,000. They are more than halfway there, he said, as local businesses such as Brann’s Restaurants have contributed, as well as individuals.

The three-day camp is for boys and girls grades 5-12.





Hours are 8-11:30 a.m. for grades 5-8, and from 1-4 p.m. for grades 9-12 from Aug. 2-4.

“All the area kids, inner city kids, just come out and have a good time… We’re just looking for people to help make this happen,” Bobbie McLaughlin said.

Guest speakers

Along with learning basketball skills with drills and instruction, Bobbie McLaughlin said camp organizers are arranging guest speakers to help educate and motivate the kids to learn more than just basketball.

“(Mel) said we need to show some positive love for the kids. Everything’s been a little crazy, not just in Grand Rapids, but all over. We just said, ‘What can we do to help these kids out?’”

The camp has been a staple of summers in Grand Rapids for about 25 years. It originally took place at Ottawa Hills High School, but moved to East Kentwood in 2018 when attendance swelled to more than 200 campers, said Bobbie McLaughlin, who lives in California but looks forward to returning to see old friends and relatives. (He was a pretty good baseball player back in the day.)

Some notable campers

The camp has produced some notable players over the years, including Kobe Bufkin (Michigan),  Marcus Bingham (Michigan State University) and Xavier Tillman (Michigan State, Memphis Grizzlies), just to name a few.

“We know it’s working, we know these kids are learning and having fun,” McLaughlin said.

“We’re so proud of them. A lot of the parents come up to us after the last day of camp and say,  ‘Where are you gonna be next week? This is such a good thing for these kids.’”

McLaughlin said he is in the middle of finalizing a gift bag each player will receive during the camp, which includes a T-shirt, wristband, hat and hopefully a book, which was written about his brother’s life.

Check out “Sweet Shot”

“Sweet Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin ‘Sugar’ McLaughlin,” which was released in 2021, looks at the player’s life on and off the court, from his early childhood in Ann Arbor to today.

“Sweet Shot,” a book about local basketball star Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin, was released in 2021. (Courtesy)

Author Vernon E. Wendt — a theology professor at Concordia University-Chicago, ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and East Grand Rapids native, is expected to be in attendance at the camp, Bobbie McLaughlin said.

“It’s a really cool book,” McLaughlin said. “We want to make an impact.”

In addition, players can compete in contests for trophies, he said. And camp organizers will present sportsmanship and MVP awards.

It’s all about spreading joy, and a message, he said.

“We teach them, sports is like life…you have to learn to play together, to work together, to be a team. Take that home. Spread it. That’s our concept.”

And don’t be surprised to see Sugar put his skills on display.

He still “balls,” his brother said. “He’s always doing something for kids.”

Sugar McLaughlin said in a video message that he wants kids to grow, learn and be the “best version of themselves.”

“Come and join us for this very beautiful and positive experience,” Sugar McLaughlin said. “This is something that is true to my heart and very special to me.”

Learn more about the camp by calling 616-222-6126.

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.

Kentwood pickleball enjoying robust growth

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The courts were booming at Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s pickleball tournament held last Saturday at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Dr. SE (Zack Fanko)

Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributing Writer

If you’re out taking a stroll in one of the many parks in West Michigan, you may notice a distinct popping noise, and it’s probably not the wildlife in your area.

More than likely, it’s the sound of the pickleball craze that has hit the United States within the past few years.

That noise is a small paddle hitting a yellow, plastic ball with holes in it, similar to a wiffle ball, and the sport has taken over many recreation parks throughout the area, including Kentwood’s Old Farm Park (2350 Embro Dr.)

Founded in 1965

Pickleball, described as a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, had its humble beginnings in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash.

Fastest-growing sport

Now with more than 4.8 million players nationwide, and a growth of nearly 40 percent the last couple years, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for two years running, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

One of the reasons for its growth is its ease to learn and play for beginners, according to Larry Keefe, who helps run Kentwood’s tournaments and also is an ambassador to the United States Pickleball Association.

“Anyone could show up to the court and even without any experience could pick it up relatively quickly,” said Keefe, Kentwood’s main pickleball instructor who helped kickstart the program. “Most players are always willing to lend a hand when it comes to rules and tips on how to play.”

Keefe said the growth in the sport locally has led to many pickleball courts being overrun with participants.

Pickleball was the nation’s fastest growing sport in America two years running, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. (Zach Fanko)

“You could go to any park during the weekend here and you will find many players waiting to use the courts,” Keefe said. “Quite frankly, there is a need for more courts. It is that popular in the area.”

Youth growth during pandemic

Coincidentally, the pickleball program saw an increase in participation among the younger demographic during the Covid-19 pandemic as these individuals were seeking recreational activities to do outside.

“When we couldn’t go to restaurants or movie theaters I think young people gravitated toward the sport,” Keefe explained. “It really is more of a social sport at its core.”

Growth was the fastest among players under 24 years of age from 2020-2021 at 21 percent.

Kentwood’s pickleball program, which includes singles and doubles, began about four years ago, according to Shelby Henshaw, a recreation program coordinator.

“We have our beginner and intermediate lessons, as well as our monthly tournaments during the summer,” said Henshaw, who’s added three more instructors because of growth. “It is mostly adults and seniors, but we have seen an uptick in youth participation as well.”

With an official pickleball court measuring 20-feet wide by 44-feet long, one-third the size of a tennis court, the sport focuses more on agility and balance. This combined with other rules makes the game very inclusive.

Fun for all ages

“It’s a very good sport for people of all ages,” Henshaw said. “It is highly competitive, but you don’t need elite athleticism necessarily to excel at pickleball.”

While others were just enjoying a nice summer day at Old Farm Park last Saturday, Julian (28) and Murali (43) were one of the teams participating in the Kentwood tournament.

“I first started playing down in Florida while staying at my grandma’s condo,” Julian said. “After that I started playing here and Belknap. It’s amazing to see how many people have started playing recently and all the new courts that have been built.”

Murali said the environment sold him on the game.

“The social aspect of meeting all kinds of different people,” he explained. “It really is like our own community.”

Beer City Open: $90,000 in prize money

For some players, the Kentwood tournament on July 16 served as a warmup for the Beer City Open, one of the largest USPA-sanctioned events in the Midwest. When registration opened for the event, more than 900 participants signed up within 10 minutes.

Hosted by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, the Beer City Open runs from July 20-24 at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids and features $90,000 in total prize money.

For more information about pickleball or other programs, visit the Kentwood Parks and Recreation website or the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Facebook. 

High school sports participation up 6.6 percent after COVID-19 pandemic

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Wyoming Potter’s House Christian’s Lezawe Osterink (left) was a state champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at last spring’s Division 4 track and field finals, and was a member of the winning 3,200-meter relay with teammates Ian Palacios, Jackson Rodriguez and Logan Swiney. Osterink also won the D-4 boys cross country individual title last fall. The boys team placed third at the track and field finals and 12th in cross country. (Courtesy of MHSAA)

By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Participation in Michigan High School Athletic Association sports rebounded tremendously during the 2021-22 school year, despite a slight decline in enrollment among the MHSAA’s 750-member high schools.



Big decline during COVID-19

The onset of COVID-19 during the spring of 2020 was followed by a significant decline in participation in sports during 2020-21. However, participation for the most recent school year concluding last spring saw an increase of 6.6 percent from 2020-21 to a total of 260,542 participants across the 28 sports for which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments – even as statewide enrollment fell nearly 1 percent to 440,728 students this past school year.



Girls participation increased 6.8 percent to 109,128 athletes, while boys participation was up 6.5 percent at 151,414. The overall MHSAA participation totals count students once for each sport in which they participate, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once.



“We’re excited to see participation beginning to rebound, and in a big way in a number of sports,” said Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA communications director. “Something reaffirmed during the months of COVID-19 shutdowns and delays was the value of sports in our school communities, and we expect those participation numbers to continue to rise as more families feel comfortable and we continue to learn more and more about best practices for living and competing while the coronavirus remains with us.



“Something else to consider is how our participation has begun to bounce back even as enrollment in our member schools has continued to decline slightly. Michigan generally ranks higher in participation nationally than for student-aged population, and while we may not be at our pre-COVID levels yet, we do anticipate our numbers to keep growing during 2022-23.”

The Forest Hills Northern girls tennis team won the Division 2 state championship last spring. (Courtesy of MHSAA)

Track and field, boys skiing lead way

A total of 23 sports saw increases in participation during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21. Ten sports saw double-digit percentage increases, led by boys track & field (27.2 percent to 22,120 participants), girls track and field (22.4 percent to 15,594 participants), and boys skiing (22.4 percent to 1,001 participants).



Wrestling (17.1 percent) and boys bowling (16.2 percent) also saw double-digit increases, along with girls tennis (11.4 tennis), girls bowling (11.2 percent), girls competitive cheer (10.6 percent), boys golf (10.5 percent) and girls lacrosse (10 percent).

Girls boost wrestling numbers

Wrestling’s major boost came in part because of a nearly 300-percent increase in girls participants with 620 taking the mat for the first season of the MHSAA offering a girls championship division at its Individual Wrestling Finals.

Also enjoying increases in participation during 2021-22 from the previous year were girls golf (8.1 percent), girls skiing (7.6 percent), boys basketball (6.4 percent), girls soccer (6.3 percent), boys swimming and diving (6.1 percent), boys lacrosse (5.8 percent), softball (3.6 percent), girls basketball (3.1 percent), baseball (3 percent), boys tennis (2.8 percent), football (2.4 percent), girls volleyball (2 percent) and girls swimming and diving (1.2 percent).

Decreased participation

Five sports saw decreased participation in 2021-22, including boys soccer (0.21 percent with 28 fewer participants), girls cross country (1.4 percent), boys ice hockey (1.2 percent), boys cross country (3.9 percent) and girls gymnastics (4.6 percent).

Football highest participation

Football, with a combined 33,284 participants over the 11- and 8-player formats, remained the most-played sport during the 2021-22 school year. Boys track and field (22,120) and boys basketball (20,017) were next for total participants, followed by girls volleyball (18,798), the most popular girls sport, baseball (16,528) and girls track and field (15,594).

Golf and skiing enjoy high participation

While the majority of sports are still building back to their pre-COVID participation totals, golf and skiing posted some of their highest totals in some time. Boys golf (6,829) had its most participants since 2012-13, and girls golf (3,875) its highest total since 2003-04. The boys skiing total (1,001) was its highest since 2002-03, and the girls skiing total this past season (837) was the highest for that sport since 1998-99.

The participation figures are gathered annually from MHSAA member schools to submit to the National Federation of State High School Associations for compiling of its national participation survey. Results of Michigan surveys from the 2000-01 school year to present may be viewed on the MHSAA Website


	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			How to avoid the West Nile virus
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Health, , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV staff
joanne@wktv.org  







West Nile virus has been detected in a recent mosquito trapping by the Kent County Health Department. (CDC.gov)






The recent news that West Nile virus has been detected in Kent County reminds everyone the importance of preventing mosquito bites.






The Kent county Health Departments (KCHD) Mosquito Surveillance Team has detected West Nile virus in mosquitos. This part of the ongoing tracking that takes place through the country every summer. The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 zip code, which is in Wyoming.






“The discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” said KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”






The Mosquito Surveillance Team traps large amounts of mosquitoes in various locations in Kent County. The team then collects the pools of mosquitoes and begins the process of testing the insects for presence of West Nile virus. The information the team gathers is shared with the municipalities where West Nile virus is found. Those agencies can then use that information to inform that mosquito mitigation strategies.






Tips for keeping safe





There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus so the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:






Cover exposed skin when able






Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)






Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors






Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.






Repair missing, damaged or improperly installed screens.






For more information about prevention, visit https://www.accesskent.com/Health/Environmental/vector.htm






Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile virus notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue. Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About one in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous systems can be permanent. In race instances, the disease can lead to death.






According to a 20 year review of the West Niles virus (it was discovered in the United States in 1999),  a total of 51,702 cases of WNV have been reported to Center for Disease Control’s ArboNET, including 25,227 (48.8%) WNND and 2,376 (4.6%) deaths.






Zika Virus





The mosquito species that carry the Zika virus are not currently present in our area. However, the Zika virus is still a worldwide concern and can be contacted through out-of-state travel.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Submissions are now being accepted for KDL coaster art contest
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org  













Kent District Library is accepting submissions for the KDL Coaster Art Contest with the theme “Library Love.” Entries are accepted at kdl.org/coaster-art through August 8. Artists 18 and older are encouraged to submit their original artwork online; one entry per person.


Five winners will be selected by a panel of judges within KDL’s Marketing & Communications Department. Each of the winning designs will be featured on 2,500 coasters that will be distributed to the KDaLe brewery partners. Coasters will be available at the breweries in September during Library Card Sign-Up Month.


“West Michigan has an almost embarrassing amount of artistic talent,” said Josh Mosey, KDL’s digital marketing strategist and creator of the coaster art contest. “Many of our libraries have art walls dedicated to display local artists. We wanted to tap into that spirit and showcase some artists who love the library like we do.”






 A fun partnership





Justin Buiter, co-founder of Railtown Brewing Co., added, “We’ve enjoyed a great working history with KDL. Their group continues to come up with fun and innovative ways to highlight the amazing services the library has to offer. The Coaster Art Contest is going to be a wonderful complement to the already successful KDaLe program. We’re excited to see what we expect to be some awesome entries!”


KDaLe is a library series that encourages adults to interact with local brewers and learn about the industry while tasting some delicious beverages. KDaLe also includes a homebrew competition.






Just a few rules





Submissions must be original and can not copy someone’s else idea.






Entries should not contain copyrighted material.






Submissions must not contain material that is threatening, harassing or discriminatory and must not promote illegal activities.






All work must be submitted digitally.






KDL is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen work.






Judging will be based on several criteria such as creativity and originality of the theme, quality of artist composition and overall design based on the theme, overall impression of the art, color and image quality, and quality and completeness of written submission materials.






Winners will be noticed via email or phone within five days after selection.






For complete rules or to enter the contest, visit kdl.org/coaster-art. 

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Par-llo brings ‘old school’ to the Kentwood concerts
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , 					

	


		

		

John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer







Par-llo Connection performs on Thursday in Kentwood. (Supplied)






After a brief break for the Fourth of July holiday, the Kentwood Summer Concert Series is back with Par-llo Connection show band. A band with a message.






PAR-LLO stands for “Peace All Races – Live Love Others.”






“Who would have thought 40 years later it’s what the world needs today,” said original drummer Phil “Tapp” Morrow, in an email to WKTV Journal. “We always wanted our name to mean something.”


It also means “fun”!






The group performs at 7 p.m. Thursday (July 14) on the lawn behind City Hall. Admission is free.






READ: Summer revs up with Kentwood concerts, farmers market combo






 A little band history





Morrow said the band performed from 1979 -87 in the heyday of the local music scene and opened for local band Switch, which featured Bobby and Tommy DeBarge of the famous DeBarge family in Grand Rapids, as well as the Bar-Kays at the Civic Auditorium. Par-llo even opened twice for Zapp at the DeVos Performance Hall, Morrow said.






“(We) got back together in 2017 not knowing what direction we were headed, more less just to catch up. Although we stayed in touch with each other,” Morrow said.






Influenced by Earth Wind Fire, Cameo, Prince, Kool & the Gang, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Gap Band, Commodores, and so many others, the group might even surprise with a little Bruno Mars or Mary J. Blige.






They love to entertain.






The band performed from 1979-87 and reformed in 2017. (Supplied)





“(We) give a show,” said Morrow, which means several sets, changed outfits for each set, a fog machines, flash boxes, etc.






They want to “create a one of a kind experience,” Morrow said.






What to expect






The band performed from 1979-87 and reformed in 2017. (Supplied)






Although the Kentwood show is an outdoor concert, which is a little different than a nightclub, he said “people can expect energized ‘Old School’ with a new twist R&B Funk Band.”






“Playing outside is like being at a free, old-school style concert,” he said. “Outside creates natural energy to share your gift.






“The reason I love playing in this band, because we are family on and off the stage, all self-taught. We just have fun because we know we are blessed to be able to get back together.”






The current band line up includes:





Phil Morrow (Tapp) Drummer, Vocals, Original Member





Leonard Burney (Toot) Bass, Vocals, Original member





Anthony Jones (Ant) Guitar, Vocals, Original Member





Tone Mosley (Tone) Lead Vocals, trumpet, trombone, Original Member





Dana Mosley (Dane) Keyboards, vocals Original Member





Isaac Rogers (Ike) Sax, Vocals Original Member





Chuck Johnson (Chuck) Keyboards, Guitar





Tina Flowers (Tina Marie) Lead vocal






Concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.






Kentwood summer concert info





Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.






The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30-7 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. 






Get more information at kentwood.us.






This remaining lineup includes:









All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Miss Metro Cruise narrows the field down to 10
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org 







A total of 17 women participated in this year’s Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries. (WKTV)






Miss Annie Wilde had an outfit picked out for the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary competition, but as fate would have it, she ended up having to demonstrate one of the key traits of being a pinup: how to make lemonade out of lemons.






“I had two outfits picked out and well, I spilled coffee on my first outfit this morning,”  said Miss Annie Wilde (Olivia Anne McCoy). “So I went with my second choice which I love because it is a romper and I love rompers because they are so cute and it has polka dots. I feel the whole outfit expresses my fun personality.”






In the back, the other contestants shouted and clapped in support as McCoy finished her question about how she selected her outfit for the preliminary event. About 17 women came out to the Wyoming Moose Lodge this past Saturday (July 9) to participate in the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries, which narrowed the field down to the top 10 who advanced to the finals. Those finals will take place on the Metro Cruise main stage at Rogers Plaza Aug. 27.






This year’s top 10





Each contestant had the opportunity to show off her individual style by greeting the crowd and then answered a selected question presented by host Kent County 13th District Commissioner Monica Sparks. The judges included 2021 Miss Metro Cruise Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown). The panel of three scored the contestants on a number of factors such as pose, interaction with the audience, and positivity.






“I participate in Miss Metro Cruise because it is a wonderful platform to spread messages of encouragement and strength for women and strength for education as well,” said Aurora Re’Belle (Erin Wiseman-Parkin). “Education and beauty can go hand-and-hand and we love that.”






Aurora Re’Belle is one of the finalists who will be at the Metro Cruise. The other contestants include BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan), Miss Pusskatt (Cassie Truskowski), Teena Marée (Krystina McNamara), Gigi Martini (Sarah Gillman), Victoria Jean (Cathy Swanson), Fiona DeVille (Erin Sarber), Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland), and Ms. Adella Mae (Alisha Metz).






Being part of the sisterhood





“This is actually my first time,” said Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland). “I do this because of my best friend Molly, BeBe Von Schweetz. She has been having a great time and really enjoying the community and the sisterhood, so I thought I would give it a try because why not find some wonderful people and spend some great time with them.”






BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan) said she enjoys being a part of a sisterhood that is so supportive towards each other and in people in general.






“We are all in this together. If are a little nicer to each other, give a little more smiles with a little bit of that sass and we will all do a little better,” BeBe Von Schweetz said.






While she did not make the top ten, Miss Annie Wilde found lots of encouragement after the competition. Other contestants, including Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Jules Kelvin, were there to offer tips and support, which Miss Annie Wilde said she appreciated. She also plans to return for next year’s competition.






“I did Miss Metro Cruise because I love the Grand Rapids area,” she said. “I have lived here most of my life. So coming back to the city and really being able to dive into something I love has really been a great opportunity for me.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Secretary Buttigieg praises Ford Airport funding at local speech
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Development, Local Business, , , 					

	


		

		


U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talks about the $8.7 million federal grant for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport on Monday in Grand Rapids. (WKTV)











By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor





greer@wktv.org





U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a nearly $8.7 million grant to the Gerald R. Ford Airport to media and guests on Monday morning in Grand Rapids.






Speaking at the airport where construction workers were expanding Concourse A in the background, Buttigieg spoke highly of the federal grant.






“As part of the terminal gate expansion project, this grant is going to help fund eight new passenger boarding bridges so this airport is able to handle more travelers, and so they can walk or roll more comfortably from their gate to their plane,” Buttigieg said. “It’s going to make traveling better, and allow Grand Rapids to accommodate that increasing passenger growth, and support the economic opportunity that is emerging across West Michigan.






Improving airport experiences





“Today, when you look at global rankings of great airports, not a single airport in the United States ranks among the world’s top 25. And we feel those shortcomings too often flying through terminals that need a lot of work, and now we are in a position to fix that. We’re making sure people are going to be proud of their airport experiences across America and support the good work that is already happening in communities like Grand Rapids.”






The bridges also will enhance energy efficiency with pre-conditioned air and auxiliary power.
















Buttigieg said the Department of Transportation fielded nearly $14 billion worth of applications and awarded $1 billion.






“That gives you the sense of just how much need is out there,” he explained. “For the long term, we have to modernize the infrastructure itself … for the decades ahead. This was a very, very competitive program.”






Bipartisan Infrastructure Law





“This President and Congress finally delivered,” said Buttigieg, of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “The Biden Harris administration has already announced about $3 billion headed to Michigan to improve a range of transportation and infrastructure assets, and we are just getting started.






“We are not just building infrastructure, but building better futures and building careers. What we’re really talking about is creating jobs. It’s part of a bigger picture.”







Tory Richardson, CEO and president of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, shakes hands with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Monday in Grand Rapids.






On a Personal Note





Buttigieg said it was a pleasure to be in Grand Rapids, whose Mayor Rosalynn Bliss often had conversations with him when he was the mayor of South Bend, Ind.






“I’ve often compared notes with Mayor Bliss about what it means when you have civic pride and a lot of energy and commitment to growth,” Buttigieg said. “This is also a city where we spent some time last fall when our little guy was being treated at DeVos (Children’s Hospital). We couldn’t be more thankful for the care he received from the medical staff there.”






He and husband Chasten adopted twins (Joseph “Gus” August and Penelope Rose Buttigieg) last year.








Traverse City Home





Buttigieg also revealed why they recently relocated to Traverse City.






“We are here (Michigan) because of family,” he explained. “When I married Chasten, I married into Michigan, at some level to begin with. But it was really the arrival of our children that cemented our relationship to Traverse City.






“We depended on the help we got from my mother- and father-in-law (the kids’ grandparents) and found that it really is a great home and we have a great support network there for raising our kids.”






Attorney General Dana Nessel





Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel welcomed Buttigieg to his new home state of Michigan.






“Mr. Secretary, you could not have picked a better state in the union to become a resident of,” she said. “I certainly hope that you like college football. We have a lot going on in this state. We are so thrilled to have you as a Michigander or a Michiganian, depending on who you speak to about that.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Possible Monkeypox case has been identified in Kent County
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 












The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that the first probable case of Monkeypox was identified in Kent County.






The patient is currently isolating and does not pose a risk to the public.The KCHD is identifying and monitoring any close contacts for symptoms and no additional cases have been identified at this time. To protect patient privacy, no further case details will be provided.






Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious disease that has an incubation time of one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms of monkeypox include headache, fever, muscle aches, and exhaustion followed by a rash and lesions often beginning on the face one to three days after the onset of illness. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. The virus is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with bodily fluids or monkeypox lesions. Less common routes of transmission include respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding. The KCHD recommends anyone experiencing monkeypox symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.






There are no treatments specifically for MPV infections. However, MPV and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat MPV infections. Most people don’t need a monkeypox vaccine right now. However, if you have had contact with someone who has the disease you should contact your healthcare provider.

   





So far, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 767 cases of Monkeypox. there have been three other cases, besides the one in Kent County reported in Michigan, two in Oakland County and one in Detroit. 






Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.






The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Dean Transportation is hosting a July 12 hiring event
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business					

	


		

		


On Tuesday, those interested in driving for Dean Transportation can meet representatives at the Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront. (Supplied)






To meet the increased demand for safe, reliable and efficient school transportation services ahead of the upcoming school year, Dean Transportation is hosting a hiring event in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 12, to interview qualified applicants for school bus driver and school bus attendant positions supporting routes with Grand Rapids Public Schools and Kent Intermediate School District. The event will take place at Radisson Hotel Gran dRapids Reiverfront, 270 Ann St. NW. 






“Dean Transportation is the perfect place for anyone looking for a fresh start with a great job opportunity where you can make a difference in our community,” said Victoria Hopkins-Speicher, hiring coordinator at Dean Transportation. “We’ll be holding on-the-spot interviews for qualified candidates to help safely transport students across Grand Rapids and Kent County, so please join us at Dean’s hiring event to learn more about rewarding jobs at our family-driven company.”






Attendees will learn about the culture of care, compassion and safety at Dean Transportation and its comprehensive benefits, paid training and flexible scheduling. For GRPS and Kent ISD positions, Dean is offering wages up to $21 per hour and a sign-on bonus up to $750 to qualified candidates.






For more information about the event or positions at Dean Transportation, visit deanjobs.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Gerald R. Ford International Airport awarded $8.7 million for improvements
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Politics, Travel, West Michigan, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Cris Greer





WKTV Managing Editor





greer@wktv.org







The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive nearly $8.7 million in federal funding to install eight new passenger boarding bridges.







Gerald R. Ford International Airport to receive nearly $8.7 million for terminal improvements. (Courtesy)






The Federal Aviation Administration funding, announced by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signed into Law Last Year






“This funding will support eight new passenger boarding bridges in 2023 to further enhance the guest experience and provide growth opportunities for airline service in West Michigan for years to come,” said Torrance Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. ”We are thankful for the investment in community infrastructure by Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters, which allows the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to compete nationally for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to invest in our passenger terminal.”






This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program. Senators Stabenow and Peters helped secure these funds in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.






“Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce, and economic development,” Senator Stabenow said. “This funding is another critical piece of the infrastructure investments coming to our state and will improve customer experiences at our airports.”







Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Courtesy)






The Airport Terminal Program is one of three aviation programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.






“Airports play a critical role in boosting Michigan’s economy by connecting communities and businesses to important destinations and resources,” Senator Peters said. 





“I was proud to help secure this federal support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Gerald Ford International Airport make necessary upgrades to critical infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to welcome and transport travelers safely and efficiently for years to come.”

The Airport also will receive a $3.6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements. The funding will go toward expanding the airport’s snow removal equipment building, as well as reconstructing existing airport service roads, runway lighting systems and the aircraft rescue and firefighting building.











	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Training center helping more athletes through Midwest United Football Club
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Journal In Focus, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Philip Janowski





WKTV Contributing Writer





Local husband and wife business owners Daimond Dixon and Regina Russell-Dixon have landed a big win with their training company.


Alpha Human Performance, located at 3233 Eastern Ave., has been named the official Preferred Sport Performance Training Partner for the Midwest United Football Club. That’s the football that’s commonly known as soccer.






Alpha Human Performance co-owner Daimond Dixon stands alongside portraits of visiting athletes. (Philip Janowski)






Alpha Human Performance (Alpha for short) trains athletes from a variety of sports, including American football, basketball, softball, swimming and volleyball. 






“We are excited to get the opportunity to help so many soccer players reach their potential,” said Daimond, who was a walk-on member of the University of Miami 1991 national championship football team. “Our programs use various methods of training along with cutting edge technology while focusing on our Four Pillars: Mindset, Training, Performance and Recovery.” 






As Director of Operations, Daimond is responsible for training and Alpha’s fitness programs. Regina, a GVSU grad with a business degree, runs the administrative and business side of the company. The couple met in Michigan and has been together for nearly 20 years.






“Going into business with my wife was great; she’s very smart,” said Daimond, who played more than a decade of minor league football for several Midwest teams. “She set up the entire business side. I know training, I know performance. I’ve done it for two-and-a-half decades.






“So, we came together and crafted out an ideal formula for how we can take the training and actually make it into a business.”






Daimond began his training career in 1995, and since then has worked with teams and individuals at every level from high school to the professionals. Today, Alpha collaborates with local businesses such as Athleta, Clean Juice and Xtreme Cryo.






Becoming a Preferred Sport Performance Training Partner means offering direct training to Midwest United Football Club members. Alpha has become the standard for how Midwest United trains its athletes, and Midwest’s teams will be coming to Alpha to train.







Athletes train in Alpha Human Performance’s open turf area. (Philip Janowski)






Midwest United, which began in 1990 under the moniker GRASA (Grand Rapids Area Soccer Association), was the first youth select soccer club in Grand Rapids. The initial registration was 60 players from around the area and it was from these humble beginnings that it has evolved into one of the Midwest’s top clubs.






Alpha’s 6,500 square foot facility includes several options and opportunities for training. A Full Strength area includes up-to-date strength training and conditioning equipment. The open turf area is dedicated to movement-based training and sports performance. Upstairs is the recovery lounge, providing the latest tools for rest from the rigors of training and performance. 






Motivation and mindset are key parts of Alpha’s training. Alpha works with a journaling program called Win the Mental Game, a journal for athletes. Mindset involves building a competitive mindset, and being aware moment-by-moment during a game.






“It’s all about intrinsic motivation,” Daimond summarized. Alpha isn’t about traditional training where athletes are constantly given orders on what to do next. Athletes should be motivated to pursue better and better personal performance by their own energy.







Alpha Human Performance co-owner Daimond Dixon (lower right) trains athletes at his facility on 3233 Eastern Ave. (Philip Janowski)






Notable local athletes that Alpha has trained include NBA players Xavier Tillman of Michigan State and the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as Duane Washington Jr. of Ohio State and the Indiana Pacers. American Football player Mike Brown of the Minnesota Vikings has worked with Alpha, and in volleyball Aubrey O’Gorman of Michigan State.






Alpha offers programs for non-athletes as well, in Adult Performance Programs. Classes are similar to those that the pros follow, with an easier start, of course.






“It’s about human performance,” Daimond said. “Push, pull, rotate, squat, lunge. We train in things which every single person needs. Before you’re an athlete, you’re a human. We all do the same things.”






Daimond noted that he trained a lot of area trainers when they were kids.






“My wife says I should get a shirt that says ‘I trained your trainers’.”






For more information on Alpha, log on to alpha-hp.com






	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Miss Metro Cruise is about celebrating all people
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 







Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin was out encouraging people to participate in the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition during May’s Metro Cruise Dust-Off. (WKTV)






Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown) admits when she is dressed up in her retro ’50s attire of a white dress accented with large pink flowers, attendees often are surprised to learn she is an actual doctor.






When that happens, the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise cheerfully explains how it is possible to do both — be a scientist and a pinup.






“I have always been underestimated when I look pretty but that is unfortunately something that happens,” she said. “So, the nice thing about the pharmaceutical industry is that it is less judgmental in that way. People can be a little quirky and flashy and still be taken seriously. Ultimately, as a scientist we are judged on our body of work that we accomplish and so it is a little different in pinup, because people judge you on what you look like.”






This weekend, Kelvin will be doing the judging as she helps find her replacement at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest, which will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. The preliminary contest, hosted by Kentwood’s JA PR Group, will feature classic cars with the contest narrowing the contestants down to the final 10 who will compete at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Metro Cruise, set for Aug. 26 and 27.






“I love to plan an outfit and go through all the effort of getting everything just right in my appearance,” Kelvin said of participating in pinup contests like Miss Metro Cruise. “What I love most is sharing the experience with other pinups that I meet.






“I think it is a really accepting and inclusive group in a way that other things based on appearance are not.”






Participating in pinup contests was not even on Kelvin’s radar until a couple of years ago. She was working on doctorate in neuroscience at Michigan State University.






“To be totally honest I was sort of a late bloomer academically,” Kelvin said. “I had tried every different major you could think of except for science. I think I let it intimidate me when I was younger. It always seems scary and overwhelming like ‘That is a lot of math.’







Dr. Joules Kelvin, from Lansing, at the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest. She was named 2021 Miss Metro Cruise at last year’s event. (WKTV)






“As I had my daughter, it was time to be somebody’s role model so I decided to rip the bandage off and go back to school and take a chemistry class and it turned out I was really good at it.”






She earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Saginaw Valley State University because she wanted to go into the medical field. While attending grad school at Michigan State University, she met people in the pharmacology school and found they were “my people.” She earned a doctorate in neuroscience where most of her research has focused.






She also met some other people who connected to another side of her personality.






“I tend to be the more quirky one among the scientists,” she said. “I tend to be a little bit more fashionable then a lot of my colleagues. I like being flashy on the weekends and I have always enjoyed being kind of girlie.

 





“I think people think you can’t be both, which is just not true.”






It all clicked and after the workshop, Kelvin began to look for photo opportunities working with photographers and attending car shows.






“I have to say the people I meet during pinup are the most diverse, motivated and powerful group of women I’ve encountered,” she said, adding that the group represents different ages, body types, sizes, and aesthetics.  






“I always say that my favorite part of the pinup is the sisterhood,” she said.






But the pageants were intimidating because, as Kelvin put it, “not only do you have to put it all together but you have to get up in front of people and be clever.”






In fact, Miss Metro Cruise is the second pageant title she has won in the couple of years of participating. She admitted that the event seemed overwhelming since it was in two parts and featured several well-established pinup artists.






“When I got there everyone was so kind and it was just really welcoming and nice,” she said. “Actually, I think it was lower pressure than other pageants because they do their best to make sure that everyone feels like they are included and they encourage new people to come and do it.”






The win encouraged her to participate in Detroit’s Autorama competition last February, where she again surprised herself by taking home the title.

 





Kelvin has her sights on a couple of competitions in March of 2023, but for now she is enjoying a break from competing.







There will be plenty of classic cars at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest this Saturday. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)






“I just like going, being positive, and supporting other people who are competing, especially people who are newer,” she said. “And it is nice going and not competing sometimes because I am dealing with a little bit less pressure.”






Along with supporting those competition, she also hopes to have the chance to break the stereotype that scientists are not that interesting by talking to children and young adults about her career path.






“I would like to tell people that they shouldn’t let science intimidate you,” she said. “Scientists are in general very excited about science. If you are curious, come chat us up because we will tell you anything you want to know and some things you don’t.






“I love talking about what I do and how I got there but also the same goes for pinup. Pinup can seem intimidating and overwhelming from a distance, but if you just go talk to a pinup they will tell you their experience of getting there and how it scared them a little bit at first and if you are curious about it you should absolutely try it. We all support each other.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Cardiac program provides better quality of life, control over care
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Senior Living, , 					

	


		

		

By Emmanuel Hospice
EmmanuelHospice.org






Despite frequent doctor, ER and hospital visits for those with end-stage heart disease, many eligible patients don’t receive palliative or hospice care to improve their quality of life – but Emmanuel Hospice wants to change that.







With care guidelines developed by the American Heart Association, Emmanuel Hospice professionals are helping patients living with end-stage heart disease achieve better quality of life and control over their care. (Supplied/Adobe Stock)
 






Hospice professionals like Melissa Schmidt are working to help more patients with advanced congestive heart failure access the enhanced care they deserve.






“Even though heart disease is the nation’s top cause of death, hundreds of thousands of patients with heart failure die alone in hospitals, never utilizing end-of-life care and support,” says Schmidt, who serves as Emmanuel Hospice’s director of clinical services. “Hospice care can help manage or even prevent symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease and keep patients out of the hospital.






“This not only puts patients and families in better control over their care, it also saves money and reduces the stress of repeated hospitalizations.”






At Emmanuel, care is provided to patients wherever they call home. With the nonprofit’s Heart & Soul Advanced Cardiac Care Program, patients have access to a robust care team – nurses, physicians, spiritual caregivers and complementary therapists, all of whom are specially trained in heart failure and in collaborating with outside care providers.






Made possible through the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, or NPHI, Heart & Soul relies on care guidelines developed by the American Heart Association for individuals living with end-stage heart disease.






“Our advanced cardiac care program enables patients to be cared for in a way that works alongside their diagnosis,” Schmidt explains. “We’re able to look at innovative ways to care for patients in collaboration with their cardiologists or other physicians to support the whole person – mind, body and soul.”






Among the unique ways Emmanuel Hospice can support people living with advanced cardiac disease are its complementary services, which can be used alongside pharmaceutical approaches or as alternatives for holistic end-of-life care. In particular, music and massage therapy have proven to be successful in the management of symptoms for Heart & Soul patients.






For example, Emmanuel Hospice’s music therapists aid in anxiety relief for patients living with heart disease through music-assisted relaxation to influence heart rate, enhance breathing and support management of stress.






The use of massage therapy can help reduce painful swelling of feet, ankles and legs that comes with end-stage heart disease. For one of Schmidt’s patients, this service helped avoid an increase in medication, enabling him to remain comfortably at home until his death.






The additional support and education hospice can provide is ideal for patients who wish to avoid repeated trips to the emergency room.According to NPHI, advanced cardiac care programs like Emmanuel’s have already helped lower hospitalization rates in the last year by 23% for patients during their last 30 days of life. Patients who are a part of these programs visit the ER nearly half as much as those not receiving hospice care.






“The decrease in emergency rates is remarkable because patients with heart failure are known to need frequent visits to the doctor’s office, emergency room and hospital due to breathing difficulties, fatigue and other worsening symptoms,” Schmidt says. “Reducinginpatient and emergency services reduces stress, which can improve both mental and physical health outcomes.”






Avoiding trips to the ER or hospital also helps save patients money. The average cost of care in NPHI advanced cardiac care programs is 20-35% lower for patients than those who aren’t in hospice care.






While this is promising data, Schmidt says there’s more work to be done in overcoming myths about hospice care and encouraging families and caregivers to reach out sooner to seek this invaluable service.






“Many people think that hospice is just for your last couple of days or weeks or that calling hospice means giving up,” she says. “Hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live and want to maximize that time.






“We want to help these individuals and families know it is absolutely OK to utilize hospice to supplement other medical care that’s already being provided. Our entire team is trained and ready to walk alongside you with individualized care for your end-of-life journey.”






To learn more about Heart & Soul, individuals can visit EmmanuelHospice.org/cardiac-program or call 616-719-0919.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Up next for Kentwood summer concerts is Soul Syndicate
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 







The Soul Syndicate performs this Thursday at the Kentwood Summer Concert series. (Soul Syndicate)






Popular local band Soul Syndicate returns to the area this week as the group performs at the Kentwood Summer Concert series on Thursday.






The free Kentwood Summer Concerts are located on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.






No stranger to the area, Soul Syndicate opened the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series earlier this month. Through the years, the group has performed with such artists as The Temptations, The Spinners, The Countours, Kansas, The Guess Who, The Beach Boys, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, Rosemarie Clooney, Elvis Presley Jr., and the U.S. Navy Commodores Band.






READ: The Soul Syndicate performs at Wyoming Concerts in the Park






“We love to see the energy from the crowd,” said drummer Tom Taylor in an earlier interview with WKTV. ”It is really about seeing the people and having fun.”






The group is not small, with up to a 11 musicians. Besides Taylor, there is Mike Coon on guitar, Matt Fouts on bass, and John Neil on keyboard. Male lead vocal is Collin Tobin, who has performed win several Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions, and female lead vocal is Katie Sarb a. Rounding out the group is Nate Hansen on sax and Tim DeBesten on trumpet, and Jeff Carroll on trombone.






To learn more about Soul Syndicate and see a list of shows, visit www.thesoulsyndicte.com/shows. 






Also remember that the Kentwood Farmer’s Market takes place just before the concerts, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. 






READ: Summer revs up with Kentwood concerts, farmers market combo






All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.






This year’s lineup includes





	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Join Kentwood for its annual 4th of July celebration
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 







The Fourth of July parade is set for 9:30 a.m. and will start at Crestwood Middle School. (Supplied)






The City of Kentwood has a day filled with activities for all ages planned on Monday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and fireworks show.






“Celebrating our nation’s independence by participating in Kentwood’s Fourth of July festivities has been a favorite family and community tradition for many decades. People of all ages enjoy these events, from pancakes and parades to 5Ks and fireworks,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “Come out and join us for a day filled with festivities when memories are made, and community is strengthened.”






The events will begin with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave SE. The $5-per-person breakfast will be served 7-9:30 a.m. and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.






At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are only guaranteed for those who register before June 21.






Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. Organizations who would like to participate in the parade can visit kentwood.us/july4 and fill out the online form to register.







From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind city hall featuring rides and carnival games. (Supplied)






From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind City Hall featuring a variety of rides and carnival games for all ages. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.






City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration 4-10 p.m., which will include community booths, a beer tent, food trucks and a fireworks show. A variety of bands, including Project 90, The Stone Soul Rhythym Band and Serita’s Black Rose, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from City Hall and surrounding areas.






A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. Guests who are parked at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south.






A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done.







Fireworks will be at dusk. (Supplied)






The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.






The City is seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Individuals who are interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.






Other area July 4th activities:






July 2






Grand Rapids: Starting at 6 p.m., there will be family-fun activities, games, food, vendors, and live entertainment which will lead up to the firework show at 10:30 p.m.






Gun Lake: Fireworks are scheduled for July 2 with a rain date of July 3. Fireworks began at dark.






July 2 and 3






LMCU Ballpark: The West Michigan Whitecaps will have fireworks for both games against the Fort Wayne Tin Caps. Game times are 6:35 p.m July 2 and 6 p.m. July 3.






July 3






Caledonia: The Caledonia Independence Day Celebration will include a parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be at dusk and can be seen from Duncan Lake Middle School, CalPlex, or Holy Family Catholic Church.






July 4






Grandville: The Grandville July 4 Celebration will be include a pancake breakfast, parade with flyover, life music and fireworks at dusk.






Dorr: As usually, the Dorr July 4th Celebration will be the entire weekend, July 2-4 with the the parade and fireworks being on July 4.






For more area July 4th celebrations and activities, visit Experience GR’s website.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			How to keep pets safe during the July 4th holiday
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Pets/Animals, , , 					

	


		

		

By BISSELL Pet Foundation
bissellpetfoundation.org







Tire your pets out by spending more time exercising them than normal to keep them calm. (pxhere.com)






With more pets running away on July 4th than any other day of the year, shelter intake rates are once again set to skyrocket after the holiday weekend. As Independence Day celebrations begin, BISSELL Pet Foundation is sharing tips to minimize fear and protect your pet from becoming lost.






According to 24Pet ShelterWatch data, July is consistently the highest month for intakes in our nation’s animal shelters. Shelters across the country are already in crisis with overcrowding and other significant obstacles such as longer length-of-stay for pets, seasonal high intake of puppies and kittens, lack of spay/neuter services during the pandemic, short staffing and slowed adoptions. BISSELL Pet Foundation is committed to fighting shelter overcrowding. One aspect of this is ensuring pet owners take all necessary precautions to keep their pets safe during celebrations to minimize the risk of a pet escaping and getting lost or ending up at a shelter.






“Shelters are full right now and space is limited. Please be proactive to keep your pet safe at home and ensure they are microchipped with updated information,” said BISSELL Pet Foundation Founder Cathy Bissell. “A microchip is not a GPS, but it will increase your chances of reuniting with your pet if they are ever lost.”






To keep pets safe during the holiday weekend, BISSELL Pet Foundation is encouraging pet owners to:





  • Keep pets indoors in a quiet place where they will feel comfortable. Give pets their favorite toy and check on them often to ensure they are calm. 
  • Be sure your pet has a microchip with up-to-date information.
  • Always keep ID tags on your pet and ensure the collar and tags are secure.
  • Tire your pets out by spending more time exercising them than normal to keep them calm.







As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to take homeless pets from kennels to couches with the longest-ever Summer National Empty the Shelters event! From July 11-31, adopt a dog or cat for a reduced fee from one of hundreds of participating shelters throughout the country. A full list of participating shelters will be available soon at https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters/.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Gonzo’s Top 5: Summer is supposed to be fun any day of the week
		

		
		

			Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , 					

	


		

		

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer






I love being in downtown Grand Rapids on a Tuesday night when it feels like the weekend.






That’s what happened for the opening of Broadway GR’s “Mean Girls.” The city was buzzing with activity with people out and about for a variety of events, including a very funny show. More on that in a moment.






The truth is, as we get closer to the Fourth of July, summer is supposed to be fun, any day of the week.






If you’ve been reading my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal, I often talk about events Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But throughout the summer I’ll add other weekday events, too.






Here we go!






Gonzo’s Top 5







Whorled (courtesy)






5. Deos Ballet, Wholred at The Stray Cafe






Check out this cool collaboration event at 7 p.m. Friday (June 24) when Deos Contemporary Ballet performs featuring live music from award-winning band Whorled! Deos works to uplift artists through a culture focused on diversity, wellness and empathy by partnering with community-based organizations. And Whorled! – a recent winner of a Battle of the Bands competition at The Stray – offers a unique World Fusion sound with a blend of Celtic, bluegrass, French Café and jazz influences. There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted. More info on The Stray Facebook event page. The Stray is located at 4253 Division Ave S Suite A, Wyoming.







The Soul Syndicate performs at The Ballpark Series and then heads over to the Kentwood Summer Concert series on June 30. (Soul Syndicate)






4. Ballpark Series: The Soul Syndicate, Shimmie Pearl






You will love this old, historic ballpark that dates back to 1937, and located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field. On Friday (June 24) you can check out two great acts, The Soul Syndicate and Shimmie Pearl. In fact, we interviewed “classic soul, R&B and funk” band The Soul Syndicate earlier this month about shows in Wyoming and Kentwood. Founder and guitarist Mike Coon said their music is meant to keep your toes tapping and the young at heart dancing. “It’s a party!,” said Coon, who leads the 10-piece band through a long list of songs everyone knows and loves. “It’s a fun band. You don’t sit in chairs and watch us.” The show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Learn more on the Fans of Valley Field Facebook page.






By the way, The Soul Syndicate also performs Thursday (June 30) as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert series.






READ: Summer revs up with Kentwood concerts, farmers market combo






READ: The Soul Syndicate performs at Wyoming Concerts in the Park













3. Last Sundays Outdoor Market, Grand Rapids






Doing something on Sundays makes the weekend last so much longer! That’s why I love the concept of “Last Sundays,” which is a monthly outdoor market at Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. It features a variety of local makers, vendors, farmers, food carts, samplings and more. It takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday (June 26) on the corner of Bridge Street and Seward Avenue. Other dates: July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. More info at https://www.bridgestreetmarket.com/blog/2021/6/3/last-sundays-outdoor-market.













2. Van Andel Arena






As I said earlier, the weekends are busy in downtown GR, especially when the Van Andel Arena is hosting big events.






  • On Saturday (June 25): It’s the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Family, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Jason Isbell, Charley Crockett, Brittney Spencer and more. Doors open at 3 p.m. Particle Kid kicks it off at 3:50 p.m., followed by Brittney Spencer at 4:30 p.m.
  • On Sunday (June 26): The first-year Cheer Live 2022 stops in for a truly, one-of-a-kind live show from Emmy Award-winning Netflix docuseries “Cheer.” The live performance features 14-time National Champion coach and best-selling author, Monica Aldama alongside cheer stars such as Gabi Butler and Morgan Simianer. The show brings together fan favorites from the two most successful rival cheer programs in the country, Navarro College and Trinity Valley Community College.






More info on both shows at vanandelarena.com.







Get into the spirit when “Mean Girls” comes to DeVos Performance Hall next week. (Supplied)






1.”Mean Girls,” DeVos Performance Hall






Yes, I lived under a rock in the early 2000s. How else do you explain the fact that I never saw the popular 2004 film “Mean Girls”? Well, now I know what I missed: A truly hilarious, comedic and sometimes too-close-to-reality depiction of life in high school. Now an award-winning Broadway musical, “Mean Girls” opened Tuesday at DeVos Performance Hall as part of a national tour with performances through Sunday (June 26). Get all the details at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/mean-girls. Earlier this week, WKTV Journal published my interview with Ann Arbor native Nadina Hassan, who plays the Queen Bee of Mean, Regina George, in the musical.






READ: Wearing pink, ‘Mean Girls’ take charge of the DeVos stage






Check out the full interview in my podcast “Then By All Means, Lead the Way.”




Listen to “Nadina Hassan says ‘Mean Girls’ is ‘pure joy'” on Spreaker.




That’s it for now.






As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.






Have a great, safe weekend.











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.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			KDL designs award to find local literacy champions
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 







KDL is looking for local champions in literacy for its KDL Literacy Champion award.






Jeopardy! champion James Holzhauer openly admits that it was the children’s nonfiction section of his library that helped him bring home big winnings and, as a thank you, he donated some of those winnings to local libraries in his area.






Country singer and musician Dolly Parton has always believed that not being able to read was what kept her own father from accomplishing his goals in life and for that reason she started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in East Tennessee.






Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s work as an educator carried over into her public life as she became an advocate for literacy which lead to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.






Holzhauer, Parton, and Bush have been recognized as literacy champions, a person who has gone above and beyond to improve literacy within their own community.






The Kent District Library hopes to recognize and an individual and organization who have gone above and behind to improve literacy in the Kent County area through its newly created KDL Literacy Champion Award.






“Literacy is the foundation of all learning for our children and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “There are many people and organizations who have exceptional passion for literacy, creating a profound impact on life in our community. The KDL Literacy Champion Award shines a light on and celebrates them.”






The award will be given to one individual and one organization who does or has done something exceptional to promote literacy. To find those individuals and groups, KDL has opened public nominations through July 31. Nominations may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion.






Nominees should have demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Individuals can be teachers, tutors, school librarians, authors, and others. Organizations can be schools, non-profit services, for-profit businesses, and government entities.






Nominations will be reviewed by a panel from KDL and its Board of Trustees. Winners will be publicly announced and celebrated on Sept. 15 at the eighth annual Literary Libations Gala. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, a crystal trophy and two tickets to the KDL’s Literary Librations Gala.






For complete details about the KDL Literacy Champion Award, visit kdl.org/literacychampion. 

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Local organization partners with Woodland Mall to encourage reading
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Business, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 







This year’s One Book, One County featured book is “The Caring Me I Want to Be!” (WKTV)






A local organization and Woodland Mall have partnered to promote reading through the One Book, One County initiative.






“Meeting families where they are has always been important to us,” said Family Futures Partnership Coordinator Susi Alonso. “Our partnership with the Woodland Mall is allowing us to better serve our Kent County families by being present somewhere they can easily access us.”






The nonprofit Family Futures will be distributing the book “The Caring Me I Want to Be” by Mary DiPalermo on select Fridays and Saturdays in June. There is a limited supply of the books.






The One County, One Book initiative was kicked off by the Great Start Parent Coalition’s Nurturing Parent Power Workshop at the end of March. The goal of the initiative is to distribute 9,000 books to families.






Along with the book, the campaign provided a calendar of activities parents could use to engage their children based on the book such as writing a letter to a friend telling them why you like them or going outside and counting all the different signs of spring. The calendar will be available during the book distributions at Woodland Mall.






More than 20 local organizations participated in the program to help distribute the books, which includes Family Futures, a nonprofit that works to create communities in which all children are supported to achieve their full potential. The organization does this by supporting families with children ages 0-5. Family Futures works with parents to understand their children’s development, supporting them every step of the way and connecting them to resources when needed.







Members of the One Book, One County campaign hold up this year’s selection. (WKTV)






Family Futures and Woodland Mall have been working together since April. Family Futures has been tabling at different locations throughout the mall and handing out sensory bottles, toys, and connecting families to Connections and Healthy Families Kent County, it’s two main programs. Family Futures was also the recipient of a $1,000 donation from the Woodland Mall from a social media fundraising effort.






“We are fortunate to have an ongoing partnership with Family Futures, an organization that provides great programming for families,” said Woodland Mall/PREIT Interim Senior Marketing Director Mike Ross. “We are thankful that they are able to provide experiences for our shoppers and we love hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles from the children in the mall when they are engaging with the families.”

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Support Sheldon House by donating your items for upcoming sale
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, How-To's, Non-Profits, West Michigan, , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org  







Clean and usable items may be dropped off on June 25 and 26 at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. (Supplied)






Have some unwanted items that need a new home? Cherry Health is looking for gently used or new items for an upcoming community thrift sale in support of the Sheldon House, a program focused on breaking the stigma of mental illness.






Cleaned and usable items may be dropped off from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, at 2929 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grandville. Items that will not be accepted are mattresses, sleeper sofas, cribs/car seats, tube TVs, stuffed animals, and hazardous chemicals/waste.






If you are looking for assistance in cleaning out, Moxie Life Organizing, which is partnering with Cherry Health for the sale, offers serves from life consulting to full-service decluttering, organizing, and staging.






The sale will be at the same location, 2929 Ottawa Ave., SW, on Wednesday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half price items will be available starting at noon on June 30.






Sheldon House is a clubhouse model program that provides support, opportunity and resources to adults with mental illness in Kent County. With the help of personal staff, members attending Sheldon House have a place to feel accepted, needed and supported. Other benefits include gaining skills, obtaining employment, pursuing education opportunities and building a support system.






The upcoming sale proceeds will be used to support Sheldon House’s members who are aspiring to achieve their personal goals and contribute to the communities they live in. Cherry Health’s Sheldon House program is one of 47 Clubhouse Programs in Michigan and among hundreds of clubhouses worldwide. The accredited program provides strong outcomes, including improved physical and mental health, decreased hospitalizations, reduced incarcerations, greater employment opportunities, and increased overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.






For more about the Sheldon House project and the sale, visit the Sheldon House website.







Moxie Life Organizing helps turn this into…





…an organized space that looks like this.



	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Local group to host Black Men and Mental Health program
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 







Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will host a program about Black Men and Mental Health tonight. (pxhere.com)






The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will host the second in a series of community conversations focused Black Men and Mental Health on Thursday, June 16.






The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Center for Community Transformation, 1520 Madison Ave. SE. The program will look at such issues as systemic racism, policing, health inequities, complex trauma, and a myriad of other struggles. The series of community conversations will equip youth, families, community members and other key support systems with information on how to address these issues in the Black community.






Trained professionals will present information and teach need skills from a place of health, wholeness, and strategy to help participants put into action the change they want to see in their communities and homes.






To register for this event or future Community Conversations, click here. The third Community Conversation — Black Women and Mental Health — will be on July 21. For more information about the program, visit GRAAHI.com.






	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			City of Kentwood welcomes new fire engine
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Journal
joanne@wktv.org 







City of Kentwood’s new fire truck. (Supplied)






The Kentwood Fire Department recently welcomed a new fire engine that will enable it to continue providing leading fire and medical services to the community.

 





The Spartan Metro Star pumper replaces a fire engine retired from the department’s fleet last year. Built by Charlotte-based Spartan ER, the new fire engine will be housed at Fire Station 3 on Eastern Avenue SE and be put in service soon.






“We regularly service and replace emergency vehicles to ensure they are operating optimally,” Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “This new engine is an investment in the safety of our community.”






The vehicle has a 450-horsepower clean diesel engine and a 500-gallon water tank with an environmentally safe foam system. It is also equipped with more than 2,000 feet of fire hose, a 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump and life-saving medical equipment. The new engine cost $572,000 and is expected to be in operation for 18-20 years.






The new vehicle was built using the same specifications as other vehicles in the fleet, which is critical for firefighter safety and streamlined maintenance.






After the cab was constructed, it was transported to Spartan’s sister facility in Brandon, South Dakota, where the body of the vehicle was built. Looman and Battalion Chief Clarence Patterson recently visited to inspect the engine before its arrival in Kentwood.






“The inspection is a crucial step in the process that ensures the truck is built to our specifications,” Looman said. “Spartan ER and CSI Emergency Apparatus have been phenomenal partners and, once again, have equipped us with a quality fire engine that will serve our community for years to come.”






More information about Kentwood Fire Department is available at kentwood.us/fire.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Kent County to restructure animal shelter, animal control operations
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Hard News, Health, Pets/Animals, , , , 					

	


		

		

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org 







The Kent County Animal Shelter will become a stand-alone department answering directly to administration. (Supplied)






Following the nationwide best practices in animal welfare and public safety, Kent County has announced it will be restructuring its animal shelter and animal control operations.






On July 1, the animal shelter will become a stand-along county department report directly to the administration. It is currently under the Kent County Health Department. With that change, the animal control operations will be reassigned to a dedicated, special tailed team at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.






“Best practices in animal welfare and animal control are Kent County’s top priority in restructuring these operations,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “We consulted subject matter experts and community members and commissioned extensive research into county-level animal shelter and animal control operations before recommending these changes. These decisions are data-driven and reflect nationwide best practices in animal welfare, as well as public safety.”






Kent County Animal Control






Animal control will be reassigned to the Sheriff’s Office because these operations are largely a function of law enforcement. The team will be led by certified law enforcement officers including a KCSO Enforcement Division lieutenant and two Enforcement Division sergeants who will oversee daily operations and staff. Staff will include a civilian animal control supervisor and civilian special deputies who will be supported by community outreach, media relations and training staff already at the Sheriff’s Office.







Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young






At a meeting on June 9, the Kent County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved recommendations from its Legislative and Human Resources Committee and Finance and Physical Resources Committee to create and fund the three full-time animal control unit supervisors at the Sheriff’s Office.






“For years, KCSO officers have worked cooperatively with Kent County animal control officers in response to calls and to carry out the law enforcement aspects of these operations,” said Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “With these changes, animal control operations will be led by sworn law enforcement officers trained to provide oversight and to protect due process in rapidly unfolding legal and civil rights matters.”






While the animal control officers will be civilian positions and will not have arresting authority, the certified Sheriff’s deputies in the animal control unit will have authority to make arrests when there is cause to believe a crime has been committed.






To prepare for these changes, the Sheriff’s Office is developing a new Kent County Animal Control Ordinance to replace the Kent County Health Department Animal Control Regulations that have been on the books for more than 20 years. Starting July 1, the new ordinance will apply anywhere in the county where local city, township or village ordinances are not already in place. Existing local ordinances will supersede the Kent County Animal Control Ordinance.






How and When to Contact Animal Control






If a Kent County resident encounters an animal emergency – an animal is attacking a person, or a pet is in immediate danger – they should call 911. Otherwise, residents should call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at 616-632-7310 if they encounter a stray dog, in the case of a dog bite, or to report a suspected case of animal cruelty or neglect.







The primary focus of Kent County Animal Shelter will be the care and welfare of lost and abandoned animals. (KC Animal Shelter)






Kent County Animal Shelter






With the restructuring announced today, the Kent County Animal Shelter will maintain primary responsibility for the care, shelter and feeding of lost and abandoned animals in Kent County. The change in reporting directly to the administration will allow the Kent County Health Department to focus more exclusively on human health.






“Our mission hasn’t changed. We remain keenly focused on reuniting pets with their families and finding safe and loving new homes for animals when needed,” said Kent County Animal Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead. “We value the assistance that many community leaders and animal welfare agencies have provided in support of that mission and of the animals in our care over the past several years. We look forward to working with these leaders and organizations to formalize and increase community support in the months ahead.”






Following the restructuring, County administration and the animal shelter will explore the possibility of establishing a foundation and “friends group” to increase financial and volunteer support for the shelter.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Kentwood to host informational meetups on Aug. 2 millage
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Election, Recreation, , , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 







Kentwood residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the upcoming Aug. 2 millage for the city’s parks at three informational meet-ups set for June 20. (Supplied)






The City of Kentwood will host meetups in several city parks Monday, June 20, to provide information and answer questions about the upcoming millage proposal.






Each meetup will feature Parks and Recreation staff and commissioners ready to discuss the Aug. 2 ballot proposal. The events will take place 6-7 p.m. at three city parks:






  • Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground Drive SE
  • Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE
  • Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Drive SE






Residents of all ages are welcome to attend. Ice cream and light refreshments will be available for those who participate.






“We’re looking forward to connecting with the community to discuss the future of Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreation,” said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Our team is ready to answer any questions residents may have about the millage proposal and our vision for the future.”






The August ballot proposal asks residents to consider a permanent dedicated millage of 1 mill that, if approved, will support the City’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming. It would fund improvements to all trails and parks, expand and enhance programming through increased capacity in space and staffing, and more.






A mill is 1/1000 of a dollar, or .001 cents. If a tax rate or millage rate is 1 mill, a resident is taxed .001 cents for every dollar, or $1 per $1,000 of the taxable value of the property. For example, for a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000, the cost of 1 mill would be $100 per year.






Kentwood is home to 15 parks that cover more than 400 acres and more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails that are used year-round by residents and visitors. Numerous community events and more than 700 recreational programs are offered annually for people of all ages and abilities through the Parks and Recreation Department.






More information on the proposed millage is available at kentwood.us/millage.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			East Kentwood graduate receives $15,000 scholarship from Northwood
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Faces, , , 					

	


		

		


Kelsey Depault (Supplied)






By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 


An East Kentwood High School graduate has been awarded the Northwood University Presidential Scholarship. 






Kelsey Depault is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, which awards $15,000 per year for four years for students living on campus, and $13,500 for those residing off campus.






Depault, play softball at East Kentwood and the club team Caledonia Chaos, signed to play softball at Northwood University last fall. She was a shortstop and on the outfield. Depault also tied the school record for most hits in a season. She got 75.






The Presidential Scholarship recognizes leadership, determination, personal freedom/responsibility, and academic excellence along with experience in volunteerism, resilience, entrepreneurship and/or cross-cultural impact.






Students are selection for consideration based on the information they provide in their Northwood application. 






Northwood University is a private institution in Midland, Michigan. It opened in 1959 and has had more than 33,000 graduates. Among some of its most notable graduates are Dick DeVos, former U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller. current U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain, and the first African-American woman to be named Miss USA, Carole Gist. 


	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Walma Avenue in Kentwood closed for sanitary sewer installation
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org  






Courtesy image from City of Kentwood






Walma Avenue SE will be closed 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday between Breton Avenue SE and 44th Street SE for sanitary sewer installation.






All local traffic will have access during the one-day full road closure, but through-traffic drivers will need to seek an alternate route or follow the posted detour from Breton to 44th Street back to Walma.






Single-lane closures and temporary traffic lights are expected next week through the work zone for paving operations. 






For more information or questions, please contact Kentwood Senior Engineering Technician Jim Beke at BekeJ@kentwood.us or 616.554.0737

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Division Avenue hosts first annual festival on June 18
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , , 					

	


		

		








By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer





The Division Avenue Business Association (DABA), will be hosting the Division Ave. Art & Culture Festival on June 18, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.







Craft vendors will be part of the upcoming Division Ave. Arts & Culture Festival. (Courtesy The Stray)






This family-friendly event will be held in the neighborhood surrounding Division Avenue and 43rd Street, and will include food and craft vendors, live music, Pacific Island dancers, interactive art, a colorful dragon parade, fun prize giveaways, and more.






The Art & Culture Festival was brought into being after a study was done by Division United and in cooperation with The Rapid.






“They were looking at what this neighborhood would need to grow and better the people who live here and the people who work here,” Hunter VanKlompenberg, music and arts manager of The Stray, a coffee house participating in the Festival. “We thought it would be cool to have an annual summer festival that is for the local neighborhood and supported by local artists and gets the involvement of all the different businesses.”






Along with independent artists, musicians, and vendors from the greater Grand Rapids area, several local Division Avenue businesses will be participating in the Festival, including The Stray, Café Boba, Quest Fitness, and Natural Maya. A portion of 43rd Street will be closed down to accommodate the Festival. 







Pacific Island dancers will be part of the entertainment at the Festival. (Courtesy The Stray)






“We are going to have artist tents outside,and space for live music,” VanKlompenberg said. “We have the support of Wyoming and Kentwood city governments, and they are putting in a temporary crosswalk so that it (the Festival) is easy for people to access.”






While it isn’t the most well-known area of Grand Rapids, the Wyoming and Kentwood areas are vastly multi-cultural with specialty shops, including the Kim Nhung Superstore, that are sought out by West Michigan community members.






“A lot of people will drive over an hour to come visit because there are ingredients you just can’t get anywhere else,” VanKlompenberg said of the Asian grocery store across the street from The Stray. 






Owners of Café Boba, Yiuli and ted Bonarski are also excited to be part of the upcoming Festival.







Cafe Boba is known for its bubble tea and other delights. (Supplied)






“We’re so happy to be involved in planning and participating n this event,” the couple said in a recent interview. “It’s not widely known that South Division is a hotbed of hole-in-the-wall, diamond-in-the-rough small businesses, but it truly is the place in Grand Rapids for authentic food and art from a huge variety of cultures around the world. We’re thrilled to be helping to promote small, owen operated businesses; they are the lifeblood of a healthy community for people, by the people.”






Café Boba offers customers a wide selection of boba tea, smoothies, slashes, coffee drinks, and sweets treats — and will be offering a new summer menu.






Ray Shonk, owner of Quest Fitness on Division Street, will also be participating in the Art and Culture Festival and looks forward to the opportunity to meet more members of the community.






“Fitness isn’t meant to be for the super-wealthy,” Shonk said. “It should be for everyone.”







Ray Shonk, owner of Quest Fitness, said fitness should be for everyone. (Supplied)






Shonk has experience training many different levels of fitness enthusiasts, from those stepping into a gym fo rat first time, to professional athletes and Olympic competitors.






To help raise awareness and encourage fitness discussions, Shonk will be offering free fitness assessments throughout the entire Festival where community members can meet Quest Fitness trainers and discuss their goals. “Fitness is not one-size-fits-all. It has to be custom-fit to each person,” said Shonk.

Shonk is a firm believer in offering affordable fitness options for everyone while also providing unique experiences. “I am having to draw on 30-plus years of martial arts experience to put that together,” Shonk said with a laugh.

The Stray also hopes to bring the Wyoming an dKentwood area something unique and virtual to West Michigan.






A family-owned café, The Stray’s goal since conception has been to bring diversity and community to a place of comfort and creativity. They accomplish this by offering a relaxing venue for both coffee enthusiasts and artists of the surrounding area. The Stray’s own unique blend of creative talent and delicious coffee helps cultivate the welcoming atmosphere The Stray strives to bring to Grand Rapids.







The Stray is a family-owned business that opened last fall. (Supplied)






“There is a definite deficit of accessible venues for music and arts,” said VanKlompenberg of the Grand Rapids area. “Having an (accessible) place was definitely needed.”






Included in the live music line-up are American Folk  band Wilderlove, and musician Kevin Murphy, and Jeff Troutman and the Parachute Adams Band. 






Division Avenue store owners invite adults and children alike to explore the Division Ave. Art & Culture Festival on June 18 and experience all the community has to offer.






For full Art & Culture Festival event information and updates, visit the event’s Facebook page.

 





There is still availability for vendors who would like to get involved. Those who would like to participate can fill out the Involvement Interest Form or send an email to the team@thestraycafe.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Summer revs up with Kentwood concerts, farmers market combo
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , 					

	


		

		

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer







Cabildo performs July 21 at Kentwood Summer Concert Series.






The Kentwood Summer Concert Series is not your typical outdoor community event.






Yes, you get live music, of course, and food trucks are on hand to keep you fed.






But you can also bring your own “adult beverages.”






“That’s one of the things that makes Kentwood a little more unique,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for the City of Kentwood Parks & Recreation department.






Through a special permit with the local police department, attendees can bring their own alcohol (beer and wine) in a designated area. “It just has to stay in the concert zone,” she added.






Fans of the popular concert series will get to bring those “adult beverages” to the show when the Max Lockwood Band kicks off the series at 7 p.m. June 16 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.






The weekly series continues on Thursday evenings through Aug. 11. See the schedule below. All will be recorded and aired on WKTV.






Another “unique” aspect of the Kentwood series is an opportunity to check out the local farmers market. About a decade ago the market used to be on Saturdays, but changed to Thursdays in this special partnership.






“We polled our residents and discovered there was a need for a weekday evening market,” Barbrick said.







The Kentwood Farmers Market will be from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Thursdays, right before the concert series. (Supplied)






In 2020 they had a few pop-up markets on Thursday nights, and they were very well attended, she said.






“To continue the momentum,” they decided to have the farmers market on the same day. “It’s a great way to cross-promote both events,” Barbrick added.






“People who attend the concert series might not have known about our Farmers Market before. But now our concertgoers love to shop the market and buy local products before grabbing a seat on the lawn for the show. It really has been a win-win and has helped grow both the market and our concert series.”






The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30-7 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.






Concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.






The lineup of bands includes a variety of styles and diversity, which was intentional, Barbrick said.

 





“Typically, in January, we put out a poll on social media asking the community who they want in our lineup,” she said. “We take the results from the poll and go through all the band applications to determine the lineup.






“Diversity is very important to our selection. We serve a very diverse community and want our music selection to represent our residents and culture.”






Crowds can range from 500-1,000 people, depending on the popularity of acts.






But everyone has a great time, she said.






“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from residents over the years. We have some families that come to every single show,” Barbrick said.






“People love the opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy a free concert. We love it when the crowd is dancing and asking for an encore. It’s very rewarding to see the smiles and hear the applause after each show.”






Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.






Get more information at kentwood.us.






This year’s lineup includes:










All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media.






Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html






If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.











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.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Community members invited to shop local at the Kentwood Farmers Market
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org  






The Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its eighth season June 16-Sept. 29 with more than 30 local vendors and a variety of special activities.






The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday except Sept. 8 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. With a longer 15-week season and more vendors than ever before, the market will provide opportunities for community members to buy an array of local goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items all summer long.






In addition to exploring vendor items, there will be food trucks on-site each week offering a range of cuisines for purchase, along with themed nights featuring free activities for marketgoers.






Community members are also invited to attend Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series, which overlaps with the market’s Thursday evening schedule. Free to attend, each concert will take place 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind City Hall.






Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:






  • June 16: Opening day celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples; El Jalapeño, Kona Ice of Lowell and Patty Matters food trucks;  The Max Lockwood Band concert at 7 p.m. 
  • June 23: Falafel Truck, Kool Breze and Sanse Filipino Cuisine food trucks; Out of Favor Boys concert at 7 p.m. 
  • June 30: Mapocho, Patty Matters and Taste of Toya’s World food trucks; The Soul Syndicate concert at 7 p.m.
  • July 7: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors, pet portraits, a dog walk and dog adoptions; Taste of Toya’s World food truck
  • July 14: Falafel Truck, Kool Breze and Mapocho food trucks; Par-llo Connectionconcert at 7 p.m.
  • July 21: Dune Buggy, Kona Ice and Sanse Filipino Cuisine food trucks; Cabildoconcert at 7 p.m. 
  • July 28: El Jalapeño, Kool Breze and Mapocho; Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestraconcert at 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 4: El Jalapeño, Patty Matters and Taste of Toya’s World food trucks; The Moxie Strings concert at 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 11: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples; Falafel Truck, Kona Ice, Sanse Filipino Cuisine and Taste of Toya’s World food trucks; Brena concert at 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 18: Back to School Night featuring a student showcase of local musicians; Patty Matters food truck.
  • Aug. 25: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients; Sanse Filipino Cuisine food truck.
  • Sept. 1: Kid’s Day featuring a meet and greet with animals from the John Ball Zoo, crafts  and more; Kool Breze food truck.
  • Sept. 15: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and demonstrations; Falafel Truck.
  • Sept. 22: Fall Equinox Day Dune Buggy food truck.
  • Sept. 29: Harvest Day featuring pumpkin painting and food preserving demonstrations; El Jalapeño food truck; Just Jill music performance 4:30-5:30 p.m.






“We are looking forward to welcoming community members back to the Kentwood Farmers Market for another great season offering a robust lineup of vendors and special activities,” Market Manager Kristina Colby said. “All are invited to join us for fun outdoors connecting with and supporting our local farmers and vendors.”






The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.






Community members can stay up to date on special market events and seasonal items by following the Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.






There are still a few spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can apply to be a vendor at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com. The cost is $10 per day or $75 for the full season.






In addition to visiting the market, individuals who want to support the market can become a Friend of the Kentwood Farmers Market sponsor or volunteer to assist with market setup, the information booth, special events and more.






Additional information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including a vendor application, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Raise funds while shopping for dad at Woodland Mall
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org 


Woodland Mall is fundraising for Movember in honor of Men’s Health Month and, in celebration of Father’s Day, offering a giveaway and gift guide for shoppers.







Camping gear items available from REI. (Courtesy)






Through the end of June, community members are invited to join Woodland Mall in supporting Movember, a charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. The organization focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. As the leading charity for men’s health, Movember raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.






This month, the mall is donating $500 to the organization and encouraging the community to support the cause as well. To give, individuals can scan the QR code throughout the mall or visit the Woodland Mall team page.






“We’re honored to help raise funds for Movember as a way to support all the incredible fathers and father figures out there,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall. “Movember is a fantastic charity that raises awareness for men’s health on a global scale. We look forward to partnering with the community to contribute to such an important cause.”






In celebration of Father’s Day, the mall is also offering a sweepstakes giveaway featuring a gift package for a father which includes gifts cards to REI and the Cheesecake Factory. The giveaway is  from Tuesday, June 14 through Thursday, June 16. To enter the contest, visit Woodland Mall’s website, Facebook or Instagram.






Mall hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Storytellers weave their tales in third event for WKTV VOICES
		

		
		

			3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Faces, , 					

	


		

		

By Aaron Robins
WKTV Community Contributor






A California trip that led to a hike into Mexico, an adventure to find Bigfoot, and a close call with a crime syndicate were just some of the stories shared at a recent WKTV Voices storytelling event.






WKTV Voices held its third public speaking event at Wyoming’s The Stray Café on Friday, May 6. Storytellers, Cody Dewindt, Sherryl Acey, John D. Gonzalez, Steve Zaagman and Timothy Kelly graced the stage to share their tales with cafégoers. Close to 20 people listened as the participants told them about some of their life experiences.






The WKTV Voices event was hosted by WKTV contributor John D. Gonzalez. Each speaker had about six minutes to share their unique and personal stories. The goal of the event is to reconnect us all in a shared storytelling experience. 






“There’s been all sorts of stories short, long, sentimental, you know, funny and different things like that,” said The Stray Music Manager Hunter VanKlompenberg said. “And some people definitely try and put there like, the moral of at the end, and some people just kind of tell you what happened and that’s what their story is. And I enjoy both when they’re done right.”








Steve Zaagman





Timothy Kelly 





Sherryl Acey 





Cody Dewindt


The storytellers










Dewindt, of Wyoming, was the first to speak, telling the crowd a comedic story about when he was a wedding DJ and had a close encounter with a local crime syndicate. Acey, also from Wyoming, was the second speaker, recounting a time she landed a big job and almost got in trouble because she was told she made a mistake (she approach the accusation head-on to find a solution). Gonzalez, of Comstock Park, spoke third, about a time when he was in Upper Penisula and a man brought him and his wife to a cottage to see bigfoot (he said he never saw him while there). Zaagman, of Byron Center, a former journalist, spoke fourth, sharing four unique stories about a snow globe, a woman losing her hearing, a child selling a rabbit and an organ. Kelly, of Grand Rapids, spoke last, talking about a time when he visited a friend in California and ended up going on a hike that led him to visit Mexico. 






The storytellers had several things they wanted to impart to cafégoers from their tales of life. Some wanted people to have a good time while others wanted them to not give up and take the bull by the horns when challenges arise. 







John D. Gonzalez, a WKTV contributing writer, was the host for the May 6 event. (WKTV/Aaron Robins)






“So say yes more than no, and an opportunity comes, if you see an opportunity to do something, to tell a story – I just say just take the leap and do it. It’s so easy to say no, but I’m telling you the best parts of life are when you say yes. So say yes to the opportunity if some says tell a story because I truly believe everyone has a story,” Zaagman said. 






To watch the performance and learn more about WKTV Voices, visit wktvvoices.org. The Stray Café is located at 4253 Division Ave S Suite A in Wyoming.

	

	
	

		
			



							


	

				

					

		
				

			Navy officially changes status of 13 USS Indianapolis sailors lost during World War II
		

		
		

			3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Faces, Senior Living, Veterans, , 					

	


		

		

By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org







The USS Indianapolis sank on July 30, 1945 after being struck by two Japanese torpedoes. One of the sailors, Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne, was from Grand Rapids.






The Navy has officially changed the status of 13 sailors lost when the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) was sunk in 1945 from “unaccounted for” to “buried at sea,” Navy Casualty announced on May 27.






The change in status is the result of extensive research between Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Casualty Office, the USS Indianapolis Survivors Association, the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, and the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation.






The announcement helps bring closure to the families of these sailors who lost their lives at the end of a secret mission which helped end World War II.






The USS Indianapolis sank on July 30, 1945, after being struck by two Japanese torpedoes.






The sailors whose status changed are:





Seaman 1st Class George Stanley Abbott – Bedford, Kentucky





Seaman 2nd Class Eugene Clifford Batson – Kansas City, Kansas





Gunner’s Mate 1st Class William Alexander Haynes – Homedale, Idaho





Seaman 2nd Class Albert Raymond Kelly – Cleveland, Ohio





Seaman 1st Class Albert Davis Lundgren – Washington, D.C.





Fireman 1st Class Ollie McHone – Mars Hill, Arkansas





Seaman 2nd Class George David Payne – Grand Rapids, Michigan





Storekeeper 3rd Class Alvin Wilder Rahn – Hamlet, North Carolina





Ship’s Cook 3rd Class Jose Antonio Saenz – Edinburg, Texas





Coxswain Charles Byrd Sparks – Birmingham, Alabama





Radioman 2nd Class Joseph Mason Strain – Creston, Iowa





SSML3 Angelo Anthony Sudano – Niles, Ohio





Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Floyd Ralph Wolfe – Turner, Oregon






Approximately 300 of the ship’s 1,195 Sailors went down with the ship, and some 900 men were set adrift. Only 316 survived. Due to administrative errors, many Sailors who were recovered from the ocean and buried at sea from responding vessels were misclassified as “missing in action “or “unaccounted for.”






According to Rick Stone, who previously served at NHHC, he initiated the USS Indianapolis Burial at Sea Project to determine if any Indianapolis casualties met this criteria. Following his retirement from government service, he established the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation to continue the project and located documentation proving the 13 Sailors were misclassified.






According to the foundation’s USS Indianapolis Burial at Sea Project web page, “recovering a lost sailor, giving their loved ones and family closure, is the greatest gift we can imagine and the greatest way to celebrate and thank the sailors who lost their lives aboard the USS Indianapolis.






“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Poor is the nation that has no heroes but shameful is the nation who, having heroes, forgets them,’” Stone said. “Our foundation will never forget the heroes of the USS Indianapolis and are proud of our role in helping 13 families learn that the Navy went to great lengths to honor them soon after their deaths.”






Capt. Robert McMahon, director of the Navy Casualty Office, said bringing closure to families of those lost at sea is a “solemn duty and obligation” he takes to heart.






“Nothing is more important to me than giving families that knowledge when the unthinkable happens,” he said. “No amount of time lessens the loss, however, if we can bring some certainty to loved ones, even seven decades later, we are keeping faith with those we lost.”






One of those family members, William Baxter, nephew of Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Wolfe, was notified April 26 of the change in status. Sailors from Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Beaufort, South Carolina, arrived at his door with a certificate and flag to recognize Wolfe’s sacrifice.






Baxter, an Okatie, South Carolina, native, said while he did not know his uncle, “it’s nice to finally have some closure to what actually happened to [him]. Thank you all for going above and beyond for me and my family. I wasn’t expecting all of this, but thank you.”






Change of Topic: Tune in on Memorial Day to our special annual program involving the USS Silversides ceremony titled, “The Lost Boat Ceremony at the USS Silversides in Muskegon.”






MEMORIAL DAY AIR TIMES:





WKTV 25: 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.





WKTV Government 26: 6:30 p.m.