Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts at nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across the country during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12 million children in 2025 (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
Volunteers are collecting Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24.
Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations in Michigan here.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.
Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2025 with the hope of Jesus.
Participation details
Shoebox packing can be done by individuals, families and/or groups. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Participants can receive a tracking label to discover their shoebox destination (Courtesy, Operation Christmas Child)
The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
“Samaritan’s Purse works around the world to help people in need, but it’s not about good works— it’s about the Gospel,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse.
“Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year with Operation Christmas Child. These simple gifts open the door for us to share the true meaning of Christmas.”
Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
An on-going mission
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Adopt-A-Child photo last year at City Hall as part of Kentwood’s Annual Holiday Giving Programs. Read the details of this program below. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood is pleased to announce the return of its annual Holiday Giving Programs, designed to bring joy, warmth and community support to local children, seniors and families during the holiday season.
“The holiday giving programs are a wonderful way for our community to come together and support neighbors in need,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Every donation and act of generosity helps make the season brighter for families, children and seniors across Kentwood.”
Giving Programs:
Adopt-A-Child (Nov. 12 through Dec. 8) — In its ninth year, organized by the City Treasurer, Laurie Sheldon, this initiative supports students at Kentwood Public Schools who are experiencing homelessness. Over 300 KPS students are currently experiencing homelessness. Participants select a gift tag on the Giving Trees (located at Kentwood Activities Center, City Hall, KDL Richard L. Root Branch), purchase items (gifts, toiletries, blankets, snacks), and return them unwrapped to designated drop-off locations. Also launching is the “100 Hearts for Kentwood Kids” campaign, encouraging at least 100 donors to contribute $100, or any amount, to participate. Program Partners: Kentwood Public Schools, Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, Kentwood Parks and Recreation, and the South Kent Chamber Foundation.
For monetary donations: you may donate in person at City Hall or via Venmo: @SouthKentChamber
“We started the Adopt a Child Program with a simple goal, to make sure no child in our community feels forgotten during the holidays,” said Laurie Sheldon, City of Kentwood Treasurer. “What has happened over the past nine years is incredible. Our neighbors and partners continue to show up with generosity, and it is truly heartwarming.”
Ben Kurakazusampson, representative from the Kentwood Professional Fire Fighters Union, added, “As first responders, we see the impact of hardship on families every day. This program gives us a meaningful way to give back, to bring smiles, restore dignity, and remind our kids that they matter.”
Be a Santa to a Senior (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — A partnership with Home Instead Senior Care invites the community to select tags from the “Senior Santa Tree,” located at the Kentwood Activities Center, purchase and wrap gifts for local seniors, and return them to the KAC by December 17.
Holiday Hat & Mitten Tree (Nov. 12 through Dec. 17) — Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used warm clothing items such as hats, scarves, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets to the tree located at the Kentwood Activities Center (KAC). Items will be distributed through school systems and community organizations.
Kentwood’s Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry — Established in 2017, the Little Free Pantry, a year-round initiative accepting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene items. Financial donations also are accepted.
Community members may visit either location to drop off donations or utilize the pantry:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during normal business hours
Kent District Library – Richard L. Root/Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, during library hours
A Kentwood Little Free Pantry Collection Bin. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Free food pantries help ensure every family can enjoy nourishing meals during the holiday season, and our community’s generosity makes that possible,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation Director.
There are 1.6 million adults in Michigan serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population, according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket, Lachowski continued. “A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses.
(Image Courtesy, AARP)
Many of us with elderly relatives are familiar with the challenges involved with caring for their needs. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and new data is shining a spotlight on the burden faced by family caregivers in Michigan. Those who take on the responsibility of caring for aging loved ones often have to act as everything from chefs to chauffeurs to nurses, with little outside support.
Every five years, the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving conduct a national survey to gain insight as to the state of caregiving in the country and what can be done to help. The survey is designed to estimate the number of people who care for older family members across the country, as well as their unique experiences, challenges and needs.
The AARP of Michigan is highlighting initiatives they are taking to support these struggling communities.
“Our 2025 data gives us the clearest view yet of how caregiving has evolved across the country. In Michigan, we’ve learned that there are 1.6 million adults serving as family caregivers, representing more than 15% of the state’s population,” according to Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director of Government Affairs for AARP of Michigan.
An enormous strain on caregivers This demand puts an enormous strain on caregiving families’ finances, with up to 80% paying for the essentials out of their own pocket. A household can spend up to $7,200 or 25% of the average income each year on care costs. Forty six percent of those same caregivers have reported some degree of financial setbacks, such as taking on debt or struggling to pay for medical expenses, per Lachowski.
Up to 53% of caregivers also juggle either full or part-time jobs. Many of them have had to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely to keep up with their caregiving duties.
Perhaps just as draining as the financial impact is the emotional toll that caregiving places on families.
“Our report shows that about one-third of [families] report feeling high emotional stress while caregiving. That’s why AARP Michigan is fighting for policies at the national and state level that ease caregivers’ financial pressures to save them time and help get them some support,” noted Lachowski.
What exactly can be done at the state level? AARP is advocating for the State of Michigan to pass a tax credit for unpaid family caregivers. Ideally, per Lachowski, the tax credit would allow families to recoup up to $2,000 for expenses such as home modifications and medical equipment. This tax credit was introduced in the Michigan legislature in early November 2025.
AARP offers a variety of free tools and resources designed to ease the caregiving journey. This includes the AARP Michigan family caregiver resource guide, which helps caregivers find programs, services, and agencies right in their own communities. AARP has also partnered with United Way Worldwide on the 211 support hotline. Any caregiver in need can dial 211 and get directly connected with local resources.
Lachowski highlighted the agency’s “I am a Caregiver” nationwide movement. This movement encourages caregivers and families to come together and raise their hands to show lawmakers that they cannot ignore the basic needs of so many vulnerable Americans. To add your name to the “I am a Caregiver” movement, visit aarp.org/iamacaregiver.
If more people speak out and make their voices heard, we may begin to see real, meaningful change at the local, state and federal level.
General Motors (GM) Grand Rapids Operations presented the latest installment of its Community Impact Grants (CIG) to three area nonprofits. Totaling $75,000, the 2025 grants target local nonprofits aimed at supporting STEAM education and road safety throughout the community.
Through the CIG program, GM facility leaders select local nonprofits working to address issues facing their community. GM has awarded more than $500,000 in support to Grand Rapids-area groups since 2019.
“It is an honor to support these outstanding local nonprofit organizations whose daily efforts truly strengthen our community,” said Juan Carlos Aldana, Grand Rapids Plant Director. “We are excited to see the positive impact these initiatives will have as they empower youth to pursue STEAM careers and promote greater road safety.”
Grant recipients
The recipients of the 2025 Grand Rapids-area grants include:
West Michigan Environmental Action Council to support STEM programming.
Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance to support road safety.
Junior Achievement to bring STEAM education into entrepreneurial programs.
Investing in the future
GM Grand Rapids Operations employs more than 750 people and produces precision machined automotive components and axles for full-size trucks. As an organization, GM is committed to investing in the future of American manufacturing in the workforce and in communities.
General Motors leverages advanced technology to build safer, smarter and lower emission cars, trucks and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as the world moves to an all-electric future.
Woodland Mall is kicking off the holiday season this month with charitable giving opportunities, photos with Santa, special shopping deals and other festive events for visitors.
Back by popular demand, the Giving Machine returns to inspire seasonal giving, joining family and pet photos with Santa, special shopping hours, local group performances and other events throughout the season of joy.
“The holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones and lending a helping hand to those in need,” said Lisa Wolstromer, senior marketing director of Woodland Mall. “We invite the whole community to experience the season’s magic together through our holiday events and giving opportunities.”
Photos with Santa – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Santa makes his return to Woodland Mall to take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes Nov. 14 through Christmas Eve. Online reservations are encouraged for the photo opportunity. Photo packages are available to purchase.
Beginning Nov. 17, visitors can bring their dogs, cats and other beloved pets for a photo with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 15. Family pet members of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa and are encouraged to book in advance online for pet photos.
Woodland Mall Photos with Santa. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 28
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 so guests can get an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Byron Center Choir Performance – Dec. 12
The Byron Center High School Choir will perform a variety of holiday-themed songs to bring joy to shoppers from 11 a.m. to noon in the Von Maur wing.
Byron Center Choir at Woodland Mall. (Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Artists Creating Together Performance – Dec. 8
Artists Creating Together will spread holiday cheer through different songs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur Wing. The organization empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate the arts.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Additionally, there will be Salvation Army band pop-up performances. All donations will help support families in the community.
Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 14 through Dec. 24
Visit the Salvation Army Angel Tree at the Center Court starting Nov. 14 to select a gift tag for a family in need. Community members are asked to purchase the gift and drop off the unwrapped present to the mall management office, near Yankee Candle, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Giving Machine – Dec. 10 through Jan. 3
The Giving Machine will be returning to the mall this holiday season as another creative way for the community to give back. Starting Dec. 10, this vending machine will allow shoppers to choose and purchase various donation items, including school supplies, household items, meals and clean water to global and local charities. The Giving Machine will be located in the Von Maur wing and will remain available until Jan. 3.
There will be Giving Machine performances throughout the holiday season, encouraging shoppers to explore the machine and purchase items to donate on it. Learn more about the Giving Machine and listen to stories about donation recipients on their website.
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests can complete all their holiday shopping. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when the traffic is lighter. As a friendly reminder for visitors, please be patient and respectful to employees during the busy shopping season.
Thanksgiving – Closed
Black Friday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Eve – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day – Closed
Day after Christmas – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New Year’s Day – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Job Opportunities
With the holiday season being a busy time for Woodland Mall, there are plenty of job opportunities available. Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings for a variety of stores at ShopWoodlandMall.com/jobs.
The CEF grant will support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children (Courtesy photo)
This grant will help provide consistent access to essential nutrition
The Consumers Energy Foundation (CEF) has announced a grant of $250,000 to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support home delivery of nutritionally balanced, protein-rich, shelf-stable food boxes to households with seniors, people with disabilities and children.
This initiative comes in response to economic pressures and the recent disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown, which has left more than 1.6 million Michigan residents without consistent access to essential nutrition.
“We believe no one in Michigan should go hungry,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
“This grant reflects our commitment to care for our communities and ensuring everyone has access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy and safe.”
A collaborative effort
The Food Bank Council of Michigan will use the grant to launch a home delivery program for seven-day food boxes. The program will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, with a central food bank coordinating logistics and deliveries to local partners and directly to homes across the state.
“This support from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a lifeline for thousands of Michigan families,” said Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “By bringing food directly to the doorsteps of those who can’t reach distribution sites, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The execution of the CEF grant will be the result of a collaborative effort (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Consumers Energy Foundation is working collaboratively with government partners and a wide network of corporate, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations to address the urgent needs facing Michigan families. Among these partners, United Way continues to be a critical resource, helping families stay afloat with wraparound services such as rent assistance, utility support and other essential needs.
Consumers Energy employees will have the opportunity to extend additional care to families in need through volunteer efforts and financial contributions with matching gift funds from the company.
This coordinated effort ensures that resources are deployed where they are needed most and demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring all Michiganders have the support they need during this time of uncertainty.
Investing in what is important
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider.
The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what is most important — people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity.
The number 49 has been the target number the last three weeks for the East Kentwood football team and reaching 49 points in Saturday’s 49-41 win against Howell delivered the Falcons their first district championship since 2014.
A week after beating Grand Ledge 49-15 in the Division 1 district opener and piling up 555 yards of total offense, the Kentwood offense produced 619 yards of total offense as it scored on every possession during the game except for one which ended in a missed field goal attempt.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 9-2 for the season and will play for the regional championship Saturday at Hudsonville at 1 p.m. The game will be a rematch of the Week 7 thriller at Hudsonville that the host Eagles won 43-42 with a touchdown as the clock expired.
The game against Howell may have lacked a dramatic ending, but the Falcons provided their many fans who made the long drive to Howell with plenty to cheer about.
East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman had an impressive game completing 16-of-22 passes for 372 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 96 yards on nine carries. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Quarterback Kayd Coffman on fire
Any Michigan State football fans in attendance wanting to get a look at their quarterback recruit for next season, Falcon senior Kayd Coffman, were also treated to plenty of highlight-reel plays. Coffman finished the game completing 16-of-22 passes for 372 yards and five touchdowns. Coffman also showcased his running skills as he added 96 yards rushing on nine carries.
Ahman Edmonds caught 11 passes for 271 yards and 3 TDs
East Kentwood senior wide receiver Ahman Edmonds also gave college recruiters plenty of highlights to digest as he caught 11 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Edmonds was a constant thorn in the side of the Howell defense with his ability to get open and pile up yards after the catch with his combination of speed, quickness and elusiveness.
Kentwood’s first touchdown, however, came from fellow senior wide receiver Owen Van Der Veen. That was when he capped a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive by hauling in a Coffman pass from 30-yards out. Jayden Garcia tacked on the extra point to tie the game as Howell scored on its first possession.
Falcons get 3 TDs in around 4 minutes in second quarter
The game remained tied until midway through the second quarter when the Falcon offense erupted for three touchdowns in a span of just over four minutes.
The first of those three scores came with 4:13 remaining before halftime when senior running back Jesse Phillips ran in from three-yards out. The touchdown capped a six-play, 78-yard scoring drive that was highlighted by a 33-yard scamper by Coffman.
Howell tied the game at 14-14 as it marched 80 yards for a score in five plays.
The deadlock, however, was short lived as the Coffman to Edmonds combination began to cook on the next drive. After a seven-yard pass to Edmonds on first down, Coffman connected with his game-breaking wideout on a 73-yard scoring strike that put the Falcons up 21-14 with 1:30 remaining before halftime after Garcia’s point after.
On Howell’s next possession, the East Kentwood defense provided a game-breaking play, that was when junior defensive back Donavan Jones forced a fumble that was recovered by sophomore defensive back Austin Nelson at the Howell 43-yard line.
With 43 seconds remaining before halftime, the Falcons cashed that turnover into points. With time winding down in the half, Coffman scrambled and kept the play alive long enough to fire a strike from 16-yards out to Edmonds who had worked himself open in the corner of the end zone. Garcia added the extra point to send the Falcons into halftime with a 28-14 lead.
“We have a dynamic offense and an opportunistic defense,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “We have a lot of playmakers on offense who create a lot of opportunities.”
East Kentwood gained control of the game in the opening moments of the second half. Receiving the second-half kickoff, the Falcons needed just two plays to break the game open. On a second-and-three from their own 20-yard line, the Coffman to Edmonds combination struck for the third time. This time Coffman threw a perfect pass that hit Edmonds in stride. Edmonds then turned on the jets and raced 80 yards to the end zone staking the Falcons to a 35-14 lead.
Howell, however, refused to fold. The Highlanders, who entered the game with a 9-1 record, responded by driving 76 yards for a touchdown to cut the Falcon lead to 35-21 as quarterback Preston Barb tossed a four-yard touchdown pass to Christian Farren.
Kentwood regained the three-touchdown advantage on the next drive. The Falcons were a little more methodical on the next scoring drive going 80 yards in 10 plays with Coffman hitting junior wide receiver Bryce Barnes with a 36-yard touchdown pass to put the Falcons up 42-21 with 2:24 remaining in the third.
Howell came right back on its next possession to cut the margin to 42-28. The Highlanders again scored via the pass as Barb tossed a 54-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Kish.
The points kept piling up as the game entered the final quarter. Kentwood’s final touchdown of the game came at the 10:55 mark of the fourth. The Falcons went deep into the playbook for the final score. Coffman dropped back to pass and threw a backwards pass to running back Davien “Bam” Nettleman, who then showcased his arm by lofting a pass to Stephan Jones who raced in for a 30-yard touchdown. Garcia tacked on the point after giving the Falcons a 49-28 lead.
Howell, came back again, as the Highlanders drove 80 yards for a touchdown in 14 plays on their next possession as they utilized their ground game. Howell then recovered an onside kick with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Seven plays later the Highlanders scored again to make the score 49-41 with 4:09 remaining in the game and make things interesting. The Highlanders attempted another onside kick, but this time the Falcons recovered. The East Kentwood ground game then ground out three first downs to chew up the final time remaining on the clock and earn a trip to the state quarterfinals for the first time since the 2014 team reached the state semifinals.
“This is a special group of seniors,” Spencer said. “They are very resilient. As freshmen they won just one game and on the junior varsity they did not have a win. Now, they are 9-2 and headed to the regional finals. The character they have shown this year is special. We’ve been through this before in tight situations. To be able to get it done is awesome. It’s like the perfect ending to the chapter.”
Along with Edmonds, who finished with 271 receiving yards, Stephan Jones added two catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Jesse Phillips rushed the ball 10 times for 83 yards and a score. Nettleman ran for 21 yards on six carries along with throwing the 30-yard touchdown pass.
East Kentwood junior defensive back Donavan Jones had eight tackles and five assists, while senior linebacker Malachi Daly had eight tackles and three assists.. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
On defense, the Falcons swarmed to the football as junior defensive back Donavan Jones had eight tackles and five assists, while senior linebacker Malachi Daly had eight tackles and three assists. Junior defensive back Major Barnes had four tackles and five assists, followed by senior defensive back Jaziel Negron, four tackles; junior linebacker Alijah Bondon, three tackles and four assists; senior defensive tackle James Jones. three tackles and two assists; junior defensive back Dallas Moody, two tackles and three assists and junior linebacker Christopher Thompson II; two tackles and three assists.
The City of Wyoming invites veterans and community members to attend its annual Veterans Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center (2380 DeHoop Ave SW).
Veterans are welcome to attend at no charge as a thank you for their service. All other guests are welcome with a $10 registration. The event includes a hot breakfast, guest speaker Doug Boomer, and a ceremony presented by the Wyoming Police Honor Guard.
Grand Valley State University Veterans Day Luncheon – 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
GVSU’s Office of the President and Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies invite you to come together to honor the service and sacrifice of West Michigan and Laker veterans past and present. This year’s program explores the theme “Why I Served,” highlighting personal motivations and experiences that inspire service and leadership.
Ingrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and a U.S. Army veteran, will share reflections on her path of service and her continued leadership in Michigan’s business community. The program will conclude with a panel featuring veterans who will share their reflections on their service.
Grand Rapids Veterans Day Parade– 6 p.m.
All veterans are invited to walk with the United Veterans Council. Line up at the corner of Lyon and Ottawa. The parade begins at 6 p.m. with a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park following.
Field of Flags – AnchorPoint Christian School
AnchorPoint Christian School students will set up a field of American flags in partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to honor local veterans and raise critical funds to support our nation’s ill and injured heroes.
Each donated flag represents a special veteran in someone’s life, with proceeds benefiting DAV and the charity’s free, professional services for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
The flags will be displayed at AnchorPoint Christian School on Nov. 11.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Free admission for veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Throughout her career, Brittany Rickert has explored nursing jobs in various settings but keeps getting drawn back to hospice. For her, there is little else that offers such a unique and rewarding experience.
“There are landmarks throughout our lives, and death is one of them,” says Rickert, a nurse of 15 years. “It is very special to be allowed into that sacred space with patients and their loved ones, to support them through such a pivotal portion of their life.”
Rickert finds caring for the elderly to be extremely rewarding (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
As a registered nurse case manager with Emmanuel Hospice, Rickert is in a diverse role that requires her to use both clinical and emotional support skills to walk alongside patients on their end-of-life journey.
She defines her position as the “coordinator of the patient experience altogether,” working alongside an interdisciplinary team to bring supportive services directly to patients, wherever they call home.
“My goal is to make sure each patient’s quality of life is at its best and that patients are getting everything they could possibly want from hospice care to live fully and comfortably,” Rickert says, noting she will involve social workers, spiritual caregivers, music therapists and more, depending on a patient’s goals and needs.
“I want each patient to feel completely cared for and for the family to know they’re in good hands.”
Empowering patients
As Rickert guides patients through their options, she empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. Patients select which services are important to them. Alongside traditional medical care options, Rickert likes to highlight the complementary therapies and services available, including massage therapy, pet visitors, essential oils and more.
“People are often surprised to learn about our additional therapies as not every hospice offers them,” Rickert says. “Patient wishes are another example that can be very meaningful and connect with our goal of making hospice more about living. Just this past month, I have been working on a wish to get a family out to an MSU basketball game for a huge Spartan fan in our care.”
“We’ve got you.”
Another key point Rickert emphasizes with families: The care team is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care as needed.
“Just because I’m not scheduled to come back until next week for a regular visit does not mean I, or another member of the care team, can’t check in sooner,” she says. “I reassure families our light is always on. We’ve got you.”
Direct patient care
Rickert check the vitals of Barbara, an Emmanuel Hospice patient (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
Rickert enjoys being “out in the field” regularly and providing direct patient care herself. Because hospice is a service, not a place, she is caring for patients wherever they are all throughout much of West Michigan.
That distinction is particularly relevant this time of year as Emmanuel Hospice celebrates National Care at Home Month and the role of hospice in the spectrum of in-home care.
During a typical patient visit, Rickert checks vitals and does a head-to-toe assessment, zeroing in on common symptoms that can occur as the end of life approaches. She manages medications and takes stock of supplies and other equipment to help patients remain comfortable in their home.
Providing emotional support is intertwined with the clinical side of Rickert’s role. As a main point of contact for patients and their loved ones, it is critical she helps them navigate unchartered waters with empathy and respect. Rickert aims to be a reassuring presence to everyone involved.
Holiday gatherings can become more of a reality check than joyful reunions as relatives notice health and safety concerns in aging loved ones for the first time.
“People often rely on phone calls or texts to check on older loved ones throughout the year,” says Paula Lett, Social Services Manager for Care Resources, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. “But without those regular in-person visits, signs that indicate a need for assistance can go unnoticed for months.”
Holiday wake-up calls
Spending time with loved ones on a regular basis can help family identify opportunities for support sooner (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Throughout much of her career, Lett has been on the frontlines of the post-holiday influx of people seeking senior care. Her colleague, Eric Millar, can also attest to the surge in inquiries.
“It can be a shock to the system for family members who haven’t been around all year to notice their older loved one has been struggling,” Millar says, noting that these holiday wake-up calls underscore the importance of more regular check-ins.
“Don’t wait until the holidays to face these issues,” Millar advocates. “Get into the holiday spirit of visiting loved ones year-round by carving out a couple of hours each month to go into mom or dad’s home. You don’t have to cook or clean. Just spend time together. It will mean more to them than you realize and also help you identify opportunities for support sooner.”
Looking for clues
Whenever visiting an aging loved one, Lett and Millar encourage families to take note of the state of the home. Are there piles of mail or trash? An overflowing kitchen sink or laundry hamper?
Monitoring for changes in physical health, personal hygiene and mood is also important.
“You might notice they’ve lost weight, appear disheveled or are wearing dirty clothes,” Millar explains. “Maybe they’re increasingly forgetful, irritable or confused.”
After identifying such signs, Lett cautions against falling into the assumption that nursing home placement is the only solution, especially when “there is so much help available through programs such as PACE to keep seniors living safely in their own homes.”
Conversation tips
Focus conversation around resources that can give more independence rather than take it away (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)
However, broaching the subject with an aging loved one requires great care. Millar recommends having the person they trust most talk one-on-one, rather than a group intervention. Focus the conversation around resources that can give more independence rather than take it away.
“Seek to understand the specific areas where they could benefit from assistance so they can continue living the life they want to live,” he says. “You can be firm about the fact that you’re going to help, but encourage them to choose where they want the help.”
Lett adds it can help to explain that the goal is to maintain their ability to remain in their own home and in control as much as possible while enhancing their health and safety.
“No one wants to be a burden on anyone else, so it can be difficult to accept help,” Lett explains. “Be sure to treat them as a person, not an object that is a liability to themselves. Reassure them that getting support doesn’t mean they can’t still be self-reliant. There are options to help meet their needs while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.”
Learn more
Lett says families don’t have to “start from scratch” to find resources and build a care plan tailored to their loved one’s needs. For information about services that help older adults stay healthy and live independently in the community, call 800.610.6299 or visit CareResources.org.
The Kentwood Police Department has made an arrest in a sexual assault case involving a physical therapist at Corewell Health. The alleged assaults occurred at a local Corewell Health Facility between Jan. 1 through April 1. The victim, a female from the City of Grand Rapids, was seeing her physical therapist for routine scheduled treatments when the alleged assaults occurred.
Mark Scarlato, a former Certified Manual Physical Therapist at Corewell Health, has been charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree, and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree.
Corewell received a complaint from a third-party individual on behalf of the victim and promptly reported the complaint to Kentwood Police on Oct. 10.
Even though charges have been filed, investigators are asking anyone with any additional information about this case to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600.
“Due to the nature of this case, there may be other potential victims, and it is our experience that victims of such trauma will, on occasion, delay in reporting these types of crimes,” Detective Sarah Schudel stated. “We understand it can be extremely difficult to come forward. We are hoping that anyone who has knowledge about this offense or similar offenses reaches out to us.”
Corewell Health has willingly and proactively participated in this investigation.
Mark Scarlato is in custody at Kent County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Anyone who is struggling with sexual assault can reach out anonymously to Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters and his son James are not only Sons of the American Revolution, but also belong to the American Rosie the Riveter Association. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters discovered later in life some very unique connections to his ancestors.
Winters, who served in the Marine Corps for eight years as a helicopter airframes mechanic, learned that his great grandmother Mattie Lois Hopper worked for the Ford Motor Company in 1942 as an aircraft mechanic in the Willow Run Michigan plant, a real life “Rosie the Riveter.”
Mattie Lois Hopper, Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters’ great grandmother, is a real-life Rosie the Riveter. (Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“As a kid, I was too young and ignorant to understand the impact of my family history,” said Winters, who was 17 years old when he joined the Marines. “After being involved with Grandpa Thomas Joseph Lannon and the Sons of the American Revolution I learned and took it to heart about how ironic it was when I joined the Marine Corps and became an aircraft mechanic. My great grandma did the same thing; we both were riveters just 60 years apart.
“I did have the privilege and honor to meet and know my great grandma, but she died before I became a Marine and an aircraft mechanic, so my grandma had to connect those dots for me. It is my intention to have my son James added as a rivet descendant under the American Rosie the Riveter.”
Female descendants of a Rosie are considered Rosebuds, whereas the male descendants are Rivets.
Sons of the American Revolution
“I remember in October 2015, I was stationed in Cyprus standing on a hillside overlooking the sunset fading over the Mediterranean Sea when my grandpa told me of his cancer diagnosis,” Winters recalled. “To keep grandpa busy while battling with his health, he became involved heavily with family history and genealogy. My grandpa traced our family ancestors back to a Reuben Clark who served in the American Revolutionary War.
Eric Winters and his Grandpa Thomas Joseph Lannon are Sons of the American Revolution. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“Once grandpa was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution it was an easy application for myself to become a member as I only needed to link my mom to my grandpa. I am a proud papa to my son James, and I have gotten him enrolled as a member of the SAR. This makes James the 11th generation patriot ancestor descendant of the American Revolution.”
“At 10 months old, James is too young to understand this significance, but it is my hope that as he grows older I will explain to him his family history and this is a connection to his great grandfather who luckily is still around.”
After his many years of military service and also working for the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State handling government contracts, Winters’ life has taken a turn toward helping his fellow veterans navigate through life.
“This part of my life has shaped me and my life path in many ways,” Winters explained. “Serving in the Marine Corps enhanced my leadership skills and understanding of the complexity of human factors and interpersonal relationships. This time also showcased how complexity can lead to success. It became apparent that further education was necessary for future success in life.”
Marine Corps vet Eric Winters’ Sons of the American Revolution certificate.
“Embracing the negative to appreciate the positive”
“I, for one, know I have experienced feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, a loss of self-worth and purpose,” continued Winters, who also volunteers for Special Olympics and helps fundraise for the AMBUCS organization for those with physical disabilities.
“I also know that I have experienced kindness, compassion, empathy, generosity, love and magic. These are the things that keep me going. We must embrace the negative to appreciate the positive blessings in our life. They are a part of our Marine core values of honor, courage and commitment.”
Winters, who has an undergraduate degree in Professional Aeronautics, moved his educational objectives toward psychology, obtaining a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and concurrently getting a certification in Human Happiness and Well-Being from Yale via Coursera.
“Deeply involved in helping vets with PTSD”
“I became deeply involved in a support group for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” Winters continued. “The program was geared toward recovery, but most of the participants were only granted a limited amount of time before the VA wouldn’t allow them to participate further. I then volunteered to continue running the program for those who still wanted to participate, but had already used their time up. The psychologist who originally ran the program gave me her materials and I’ve been running it since June of 2019.”
Winters said this helped shift his focus toward helping others who were struggling with their daily lives and the effects of this disorder.
Enter his nonprofit organization, VETS
“Going to work one morning I was in a terrible car crash where a commercial truck caused a chain reaction multi-vehicle accident where five vehicles were rear-ended,” Winters explained. “As a result, being in the middle vehicle of this accident, I had a long recovery process going through months into a years’ worth of treatments.”
Winters said the rehabilitation included speech, occupational and physical therapy along with eight surgeries.
“That experience changed my career path,” he continued. “With all the pain I felt and the new physical limitations, I needed to create my own job and a new sense of purpose, basically, unless I could find a new job, one that could accommodate my needs.”
It was during his recovery that he became involved in helping other veterans with their issues.
“The problem was it was taxing on both my time and finances since both were extremely limited. Surfing the internet on how to help my situation it became apparent I had to start a nonprofit to help not only myself, but also my military brothers/sisters. That is what I do now. I am out there advocating for our military community however we can, but with a primary focus on mental health and camaraderie.”
Long-term goals with VETS
“My long-term goal for VETS is to continue to build an organization that emboldens servant leadership, sets a positive example and one that we too don’t live in vain,” Winters explained. “For now, I just want to stay humble and kind, and as my grandfather would say, “Take each day and give it your best shot.”
It was his grandfather who shared with him General Douglas MacArthur’s famous Prayer for his Son:
“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.
“Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee—and that to know himself is the foundation-stone of knowledge.
“Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.”
“Build me a son whose heart will be clean, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men, one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.”
“And after all these things are his, give him, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.”
“Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.’”
Suicide Statistics
According to the latest statistics on the VA News website (2022), 17.6 veterans commit suicide each day, which totals 6,407 per year.
“These deaths are not attributable to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Viet-Cong or any other enemy,” Winters said. “Their deaths are a direct reflection on our collective inability to do our buddy checks. They are a reflection on our failure to give our safety briefing, to monitor/mentor ourselves and our peers. It is a reflection on us as leaders.
“Becoming a Marine is a lifelong badge of honor — one earned through dedication, sacrifice and pride. Marines are not only members of the world’s most elite fighting force, but also part of a greater community that continues to serve and uplift others long after active duty ends.”
Marine Corps Birthday Ball This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and what better way to highlight the milestone with a celebration, said Winters, who is organizing the event. The goal of Winters and VETS is to fundraise and support the Marines while honoring past and present service members and their families. They are partnering with Creative Community Entertainment (CCE) to host the event.
“I had a sudden epiphany,” Winters said. “Milestone life events bring parties, and parties bring people and awareness. It just so happened that Marines around the world would be celebrating their birthday, so let’s host the next Marine Corps birthday ball.”
The First Annual City of Grand Rapids Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at the DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids. That marks the exact date the Marine Corps was founded 250 years ago; Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia by Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
The Marines were the third branch of the US Armed Forces, arriving five months after the Army and one month after the Navy. Today, the Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy, with nearly 200,000 active and reserve personnel.
The Skinny The event, slated from 5 to 9:30 p.m., begins with a cocktail and social hour, followed by an official ceremony at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and dancing at 8 p.m.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley was elected to serve a fourth term after defeating challenger Monica Sparks.
Unofficial results show that Mayor Kepley received 4,857 votes (53.21%), compared to Sparks’ 4,264 (46.71%).
Mayor Kepley has served the citizens of Kentwood as Mayor and Head Administrator since 2013. He also has served as Director of Engineering and Inspections/City Engineer for 11 years, along with an additional 15 years in the private manufacturing design and construction sector.
Sparks is in her fourth term as a Kent County Commissioner serving District 12 (parts of Wyoming and Kentwood).
Kentwood Mayoral Candidate Monica Sparks (WKTV We the People)
Kentwood City Clerk
Ana Jose received 4,322 votes (51.125) in the Kentwood City Clerk race to defeat Cameron Duffey, who received 4,110 (48.61%).
Kentwood City Treasurer
Running unopposed, Laurie Sheldon earned another term as Kentwood City Treasurer by receiving 7,353 votes (99.18%), while write-ins received 61 votes.
The Literacy Champion Award will go to one individual and one organization who has demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading (Courtesy, KDL)
Kent District Library is accepting nominations for the fourth annual Literacy Champion Award for outstanding leadership and advocacy of literacy. The award will go to one individual and one organization who does, or has done, something exceptional to promote literacy.
Nominations are open through Feb. 28, 2026 and may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion. Winners will receive $1,000, a crystal trophy and public recognition.
“We’re proud to recognize those making a real difference in our community through literacy,” said Lance Werner, Executive Director of Kent District Library. “The Literacy Champion Award is our way of celebrating the individuals who are opening doors and changing lives through the power of reading.”
KDL Outreach and Programming Specialist Susan Erhardt reads to children (Courtesy, KDL)
Nomination details
Winners will be announced next spring, celebrating one individual and one organization who has demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Three finalists in each category will also be chosen.
Nominees for 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 Kent District Library and its Board of Trustees.
150+ people attended the annual iCI Nation Gala to celebrate local protectors while supporting the mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Over 150 local community members recently attended the annual iCI Nation Gala at Venue3Two in Kentwood to celebrate local protectors while supporting the nonprofit’s mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city.
In attendance were police officers from seven local departments, city officials from four cities, pastors, probationary youth and business owners. Jennifer Franson, iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director, personally welcomed Gala attendees, thanking them for choosing to invest in a vision of connection over conflict.
“[iCI Nation is] teaching people to see the world and the community through a lens of value,” said Franson. “We’ve created a greenhouse of relationships. We have these relationships and trust, now we’re trying to feed what we want to see grow, and we’re using value to do it.”
iCI Nation is teaching people to see the world through a lens of value (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Strengthened from the inside out
Clarkston Morgan, Kentwood City Commissioner and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC, delivered opening and closing remarks at the Gala, stating that iCI Nation and the partnerships formed through the nonprofit are “a family of people who are intentionally choosing unity over division, connection over fear, and faith over frustration.”
iCI Nation has worked to build bridges and facilitate relationships within the community for the last decade. Within the past five years alone, iCI Nation has partnered with 79 local nonprofits, churches and businesses; built bridges with 17 police agencies; and served over 600 officers and community leaders each year.
All police officers in attendance were recognized and thanked at the Gala (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“That’s not charity, that’s impact,” said Morgan. “That’s a city being strengthened from the inside out.”
Morgan went on to say that iCI Nation is changing the culture of how we see one another – but that iCI Nation’s work is not done in isolation.
“Everything happens through partnership,” said Morgan. “…when we pull in the same direction, all in our city thrive, everyone wins, no one is forgotten.”
An agenda of unity
Jennifer Franson, Founder of iCI Nation (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.
For years, Franson prayed for police officers whenever she heard sirens. She eventually hosted a “Thank You” event for law enforcement in collaboration with a women’s church group. That church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from the original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was the Gala keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Now, iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.
“These are real connections,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “Jenn’s agenda literally is unity. It’s unifying us for a more peaceful community.”
iCI Nation was not built on a five-point business plan or a grant proposal, Franson told Gala attendees.
“It was built on relationships and trust and the belief that if we keep feeding those relationships and trust, good things will grow.”
Community, unity and purpose in action
The annual iCI Nation Gala is one of Franson’s favorite times of the year because it is a night of purpose in action.
Franson talks to Gala attendees about the mission of iCI Nation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I spend all year meeting you, hearing your stories, trying to tell your stories,” Franson said. “But tonight we get to hear the stories and meet the faces together – and you are beautiful!”
Two such stories were told through a Gala presentation of the 2025 iCI Nation Protector awards.
Wyoming Police Sergeant Jack Tromp received the iCI Nation Officer Protector Award for “going beyond duty to recognize and call out the value of our youth, proving his commitment goes beyond just law enforcement.”
Wyoming Police Sgt. Jack Tromp (left) talks about what serving the community means to him (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Sgt. Tromp said the award meant a lot to him because of what it represents.
“Building trust and strong relationships between law enforcement and the community has always been a part of what this job is about,” said Tromp. “Over the years, I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from the badge alone; it comes from showing the person behind it.
“Meeting people where they are, being willing to listen, and seeing things through new perspectives – that’s how we build trust and break down barriers. iCI Nation has done an amazing job helping to build and strengthen those connections.”
Frank Briones, Kent County Juvenile Service Program Director, received the iCI Nation Civilian Protector Award for “his fearless perseverance in bringing healing to our community youth and building stronger police and community collaboration.”
Frank Briones (second from left) and Jenn Franson (third from left) with local youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“I’m on a mission to help our kids, to help our youth, and make sure that I do everything in my power to make sure they succeed,” said Briones. “They are our future.”
The Gala also featured an invocation by 2023 Civilian Protector Award winner Pastor Gregory Amunga of Uptown Assembly of God, a statement honoring Gala police officers, a statement of value to local youth in attendance and a silent auction.
A greenhouse of trust
“Over the years we have grown, and we are building something powerful: relationships rooted in trust that shine a light on the worth of every single person in our city,” said Franson. “Like a greenhouse nurturing life, these connections are growing a culture of belonging and shared resources.
(Courtesy photo)
“This is how we’re rebranding our cities – not with slogans, but with trust and human connection.”
That greenhouse of trust and connection is creating a stronger and healthier city.
“When you invest in iCI Nation, you’re investing in a safer, stronger and more connected Grand Rapids region…a community rooted in trust, service, and love,” said Morgan. “Because that’s what iCI Nation is about.”
Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help in the organizations’ mission to create stronger and more unified communities here.
iCI Nation Gala Sponsors:
CWD Real Estate Investment, Jerry and Linda Lind, Karen and Dwight Strayer, Grand Rapids Police Department, DLS Servicing, Consider: LLC, KeyBank, Siegel Jewelers, Marge’s Donut Den, Acts Gospel Outreach Ministry, Grand Rapids Police Foundation, Boldly Told Video & Photography, Barbara Jean VanStee, Doug Clarke, Tommy Brann and Denis Bennett.
Kelloggsville is one of four area teams playing in the MHSAA state playoffs Friday. Godwin Heights, South Christian and East Kentwood round out the other three.
The Kentwood/Wyoming area is well represented in this year’s Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs that begin this Friday. East Kentwood, Godwin Heights, South Christian and Kelloggsville all qualified for the playoffs this year with two of the teams, East Kentwood and Godwin Heights, hosting playoffs.
East Kentwood is in the playoffs for the second straight year and is hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2018. The Falcons finished the season with a 7-2 record. East Kentwood is hosting Grand Ledge out of the Capital Area Activities Conference in a first round Division 1 playoff game with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
East Kentwood. (Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
Grand Ledge comes into the game at 7-2 and finished second in its league at 5-1 behind undefeated DeWitt. The Comets boast an offense that is putting up 35 points per game, while the defense is allowing 22.2 points. Grand Ledge played four playoff teams this year, including games against DeWitt and Detroit Catholic Central who both turned in 9-0 records. The Comets fell to DeWitt 59-7 and lost to Detroit Catholic Central 36-14.
Grand Ledge does share a common opponent with East Kentwood. In Week 1 Grand Ledge traveled to West Ottawa and claimed a 30-27 win. East Kentwood defeated West Ottawa 45-8 in Week 6.
East Kentwood enters the game with an offense putting up 40.8 points per game, while the Falcon defense is allowing 17.3 points. Kentwood has played five playoff teams this year. The two blemishes on the Kentwood schedule came by a combined total of eight points to Rockford (21-14) and Hudsonville (43-42), who have a combined record of 16-2 this season.
Unlike last year when the Falcons played at Hudsonville in the first round of a district comprised of fellow OK Red teams, the Falcons are in a district with teams to the east and south. The change of scenery is something East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer doesn’t mind.
“It’s nice being able to play someone new that you haven’t seen before,” Spencer said. “After a season in the OK Red beating up each other, it’s a nice change to play someone else.”
Spencer said the team also is excited about the playoffs and the opportunity to play a home playoff game.
“The kids are super hyped up”
“We got together on Sunday to watch the selection show and they loved it,” Spencer continued. “They are excited about it and playing a home playoff game, something we haven’t done since 2018.”
(Image Courtesy, Godwin Heights)
Godwin Heights hosting
Godwin Heights finished the regular season with a 7-2 record and also will be hosting a playoff game. The Wolverines host Spring Lake Friday at 7 p.m. in a Division 4 playoff opener.
Spring Lake enters the game with a 6-3 mark. The Lakers are members of the OK White where they turned in a 3-2 record and finished third. The Lakers average 37.4 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 21.3 points. Spring Lake played three playoff teams this season, including losses to league rivals Grand Rapids West Catholic (21-14) and Grand Rapids Christian (24-21).
“Closely matched teams”
“It will be a matchup of a couple of closely matched teams,” said Godwin Heights Coach Brandon Kimble. “We don’t know a whole lot about them, but they did play Fruitport who is in our league. We are looking forward to it and we expect it to be a really good game.”
Godwin Heights counters with an offense that is putting up 28.3 points per game. The Wolverines have faced four playoff teams this season and were 2-2 in those meetings. Godwin Heights is in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 other than the 2020 covid season when every school in the state qualified for the playoffs.
“The guys put in a lot of hard work”
“The boys are excited about the game,” Kimble said. “Coming into the season, making the playoffs is one of our main goals. The guys put in a lot of hard work this season and it’s always good to see the success from all the hard work they put into it. We’re super excited about playing at home in front of our fans and the community. We’re also super appreciative of all the support we have received from the administration and the community.”
(Image Courtesy, South Christian)
10 years in a row for the Sailors
South Christian qualified for the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. The last time the Sailors missed the playoffs was 2015 when they finished at 2-7. South Christian hits the road for the playoff opener as it travels to Portland to take on the 9-0 Raiders of Portland in a Division 4 playoff game slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday. Portland reached the regional finals last season and two years ago the Raiders advanced to the state semifinals where they fell to South Christian 21-6.
Portland features a potent offense that is putting up 38.1 points per game and utilizes a strong ground game. The Raider defense is especially stingy allowing opponents five points per game. Portland has played three teams that qualified for the playoffs this season.
“They (Portland) have a real good program,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “The past few years they have had a lot of success. They know how to win. Watching the film you can see the enthusiasm they play with. They also tackle well and block well. They will be a challenge for us.”
South Christian enters the game at 4-5. A look inside the numbers, however, points to a highly-competitive schedule that the Sailors needed to navigate to earn a spot in the playoffs. South Christian played six playoff teams during the season with two wins against those teams to its credit. South defeated Grand Rapids Christian 27-13 and Zeeland East 41-12. The Sailors also had close losses to playoff teams, Grand Rapids Catholic Central (24-17), Zeeland West (12-6) and Grand Rapids West Catholic (27-20), meaning they enter the game being more than battle tested.
“The kids are excited for the opportunity,” Brown said. “They are excited about the playoffs, the second season, and playing in a win or go home situation.”
South enters the game with an offense putting up 22.3 points per game and its defense has developed into a team strength.
“Our defense has been continually improving,” Brown said. “We will really need our defense to play well Friday. We are going to need 11 hats flying to the football.”
Rockets head to the playoffs with a 6-3 mark
Kelloggsville enters the playoffs with a 6-3 record, the best mark at Kelloggsville since the 2017 Rocket team turned in a 9-0 regular season. That was the last time the Rockets qualified for the playoffs other than the 2020 season that was affected by the Covid pandemic.
Kelloggsville travels to Grand Rapids Catholic Central Friday for a 7 p.m. Division 5 opener.
Catholic Central is a familiar face in the playoffs for Kelloggsville as the Cougars defeated the Rockets 45-34 in the 2017 playoffs. That Catholic Central team also went on to win the Division 4 state championship.
Catholic Central enters the game with a 9-0 record. The Cougars, who average 29.3 points per game on offense, won the OK Black Conference championship this year. They field a stingy defense that’s allowing just 7.6 points per game. That defense was on display when the Cougars edged East Grand Rapids 10-7 in a game that determined the league champion. Catholic Central played a total of four playoff teams this year including a road win against defending Division 6 state champion Jackson Lumen Christi.
Running back Keyontae Gibson leading the charge
Kelloggsville enters the game with a high-powered offense of its own that’s putting up 25.2 points per game. The Rocket offense is led by running back Keyontae Gibson, who’s coming off a five-touchdown, 416-yard rushing effort in a win against Holland in the regular-season finale.
That win propelled the Rockets into the playoffs and the team is thrilled to be going.
“The kids are pumped up about it,” said Kelloggsville Coach Justin Dennett. “Everyone is really excited about it. It’s been great seeing the way the school and the community have rallied around the team. Everyone is embracing it and enjoying the ride.”
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
Marine Corps veteran and Birthday Ball organizer Eric Winters with skywritten smiley face above him at the Muskegon Air Show. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
While recovering from a car accident after his Marine Corps service, veteran Eric Winters wasn’t happy with the challenges he faced.
“During my recovery, I became so mad at the system that I had to start a nonprofit to help my military brothers and sisters,” explained Winters, who founded a nonprofit called VETS (Veteran Enrichment Taskforce Services) in 2024. “We are out here advocating for our military community, with a primary focus on mental health, housing and more.”
Winters was inspired to found VETS after the accident left him unable to continue working. He said he wanted to advocate for veterans who have been left behind. The nonprofit seeks to raise awareness of veterans’ issues through community events.
Their mission: “To identify, develop, deliver and evaluate veteran-based needs paralleled with a service solution for growth, prosperity and fun.”
Marine Corps Birthday Ball This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and what better way to highlight the milestone with a celebration.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball to celebrate 250th anniversary. Tickets can be purchased through Nov. 3. (Image Courtesy, Eric Winters)
“I had a sudden epiphany,” said Winters, who served from 2004 to 2012. “Milestone life events bring parties, and parties bring people and awareness. It just so happened that Marines around the world would be celebrating their birthday, so let’s host the next Marine Corps birthday ball.”
The First Annual City of Grand Rapids Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at the DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids. That marks the exact date the Marine Corps was founded 250 years ago; Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia by Commandant Samuel Nicholas.
The Marines were the third branch of the US Armed Forces, arriving five months after the Army and one month after the Navy. Today, the Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy, with nearly 200,000 active and reserve personnel.
Local veterans at the US Marine Corps War Memorial. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
The Skinny The event, slated from 5 to 9:30 p.m., begins with a cocktail and social hour, followed by an official ceremony at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and dancing at 8 p.m.
The goal of Winters and VETS is to fundraise and support the Marines while honoring past and present service members and their families. They are partnering with Creative Community Entertainment (CCE) to host the event.
Additional festivities begin a few days before, with a drone light show at 555 Monroe St. from 5 to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8. The light show features live music, vendors and a VIP booth offering alcohol sales.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., there’ll be bowling, arcade games and food at the Main Event Center, located at 3121 28th St. SE, Kentwood. Patrons can present their receipt from the Ball at the Main Event, which will donate 20 percent of all proceeds to it. A Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11 will cap off the weekend. Starting at 6 p.m, it’ll run from Lyon and Ottawa Street through Veterans Memorial Park.
“For Marines, this day is more than a celebration – it is a sacred tradition observed with the reverence of a national holiday,” Winters explained.
Grave Markers from the 22 A Day Suicide Awareness Program on the side of the US-131 highway in Grand Rapids in remembrance of the 22 veterans who take their own lives each day. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
Marine Ball shy of fundraising goal VETS set an initial fundraising goal of $250,000 by the 250th anniversary Ball, which Winters admits was ambitious. The group has currently raised just over $15,000, with the budget for the ball estimated at $30,000. Members of the public are invited to donate in any way they can to support the cause. Winters notes that VETS will allocate any extra funds raised toward the broader mission of CCE and VETS.
“Your support will not only help us celebrate this historic occasion, it will also empower veterans who have given so much in service to our country,” Winters said.
Tickets can be purchased through Nov. 3. The first 200 guests to register will receive an event T-shirt, a commemorative cup and a challenge coin. Tickets may be purchased at this link.
“Becoming a Marine is a lifelong badge of honor – one earned through dedication, sacrifice and pride,” Winters said. “Marines are not only members of the world’s most elite fighting force, but also part of a greater community that continues to serve and uplift others long after active duty ends.”
Marine Corps veteran Eric Winters (right) with a WWII veteran at a Comstock Park football game where veterans were honored on the field. (Photo Courtesy, Eric Winters)
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
Davenport Running Back Cephus Harris runs through a crowd. (Courtesy, WSU Athletics)
BY Bill Rohn WKTV Contributor greer@wktv.org
Four scores from running back Cephus Harris combined with a revived passing attack led Davenport to a 49-14 win over Wayne State’s Warriors in Detroit Saturday.
The win improved the Panthers’ Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record to 2-2. DU is now 3-3 overall, while Wayne State fell to 0-3 and 0-7.
DU’s revved up run/pass combination produced 214 yards on the ground and 330 yards through the air.
Harris — a 5’8” 215 pound Junior transfer from Youngstown State, whose older brother Myron Harris led the Panthers’ rushing attack last year — opened the scoring on a 9-yard run midway through the first quarter, then added two one-yard TD plunges in the second quarter. Davenport also got a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback D’wan Mathis to Dom Grguric with 5:44 left in the opening quarter.
Davenport receiver Dom Grguric grabbed a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback D’wan Mathis in the opening quarter.(Courtesy, WSU Athletics)
The Panthers led 28-0 with 1:23 left before halftime when Wayne’s Luke Johnson stepped in front of an ill-timed pass from Mathis and quickly returned his interception 67 yards for a score, cutting DU’s intermission margin to three touchdowns, at 28-7.
Meanwhile, Davenport’s defense harassed Wayne‘s quarterbacks all afternoon. They knocked Warrior starting QB Carson Creehan out the game with concussion symptoms on Wayne’s second play from scrimmage, then sacked replacement QB Justin Cox four times. The DU defensive surge was led by Xavier Marquez and Latrell Scott, with five tackles each. Coach Sparky McEwen’s squad also forced a fumble and snared two interceptions, while holding the Warriors to 37 net rushing yards.
Second half action saw Davenport continue to press its advantage. Mathis hit wide receiver Keonta Nixon with a 50 yard third-quarter touchdown pass before Harris found the end zone from nine yards out for his third touchdown with four minutes left in the quarter. Harris finished the contest with 133 yards on 20 carries, for an average of nearly seven yards per attempt.
The Warriors finally got on the offensive scoreboard on a one-yard run by XaVior Tyus early in the fourth quarter, making the score 42-14. Davenport closed the scoring on a 4-yard run by Jeremiah Sterling with 7:34 left to play.
In addition to DU’s strong running game, Mathis threw for 285 yards, connecting on 18 of 25 throws including a five for five performance while targeting wideout George Sims.
Late in the game, Davenport actually reached 576 yards in total offense. However, Panther quarterbacks then saw two center snaps fly over their heads and land well behind the line of scrimmage. The result was over 30 yards in losses, wiping out DU’s chance at a new total offense record.
Davenport now returns home to Caledonia, with noon kickoffs on each of the next four Saturdays, beginning on October 25 against Roosevelt University. Wayne State will next attempt to get a first win at GLIAC foe Saginaw Valley State.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport earned the top spot in the USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport.
The 20 finalists for the category were selected by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. Voting was open from Sept. 8 until Oct. 6 with the public being invited to cast one vote per person, per day.
The panel consisted of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards series highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.
“We are honored that the best guests in the country have helped us win the No.1 spot for the best small airport,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President & CEO Tory Richardson said. “The community’s incredible support continues to propel our commitment to providing a world-class airport experience, and we are thrilled to have won this award for the community.”
The top 10 winners in the best small airport category were:
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Surpassing a record-breaking number of 4 million passengers in 2024, the Ford International Airport serves as West Michigan’s gateway to the world. The Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which has more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of airport facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from eight airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.
“We thank everyone who took the time to cast their vote for the Ford International Airport,” Richardson continued. “We also thank our dedicated team members and partners who help provide an exceptional guest experience to this award-winning airport.”
The Kentwood Police Department is encouraging community members to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. KPD will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in its original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The event also will accept vaping devices and cartridges if lithium batteries are removed. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.
The national observance is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. It aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for community members to dispose of prescription drugs while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“When community members properly dispose of medication, it helps prevent identity theft, accidental poisonings, drug addiction and overdose deaths, while keeping medication from polluting landfills and sewer systems,” Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “From saving a life to protecting the environment, participating in Drug Take Back Day is an impactful way residents can be part of our community effort.”
For individuals unable to attend the event, the Kentwood Police Department also has a year-round Drug Take Back Program. Community members can safely dispose of unused and/or expired prescription medications in the Kentwood Police Department’s lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more about the program, visit kentwood.us/DrugTakeBack.
Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Law enforcement agencies across the nation partner with the DEA to host Drug Take Back Day events every October and April as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths. The events provide timely opportunities for residents to safely and securely dispose of unneeded medications to help address this public safety and public health issue. Studies have shown most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the local varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
It was a showdown for first place in the OK Red Friday when East Kentwood traveled to Hudsonville. The contest lived up to all the hype and then some as the Eagles edged the Falcons 43-42 in a game that came down to the final play.
That final play was a 26-yard touchdown pass from Hudsonville quarterback Brady Van Laecke to Andrew Meerman who caught the pass in the back of the end zone after it was deflected with the final seconds ticking off the clock. The Eagles tacked on the extra point to secure the deciding point and come away with the win and keep their record perfect at 7-0 for the season, 5-0 in the league.
The climactic final play capped a stunning six-play, 70-yard scoring drive in the final 31 seconds of the game that gave the Eagles an amazing come-from-behind win after East Kentwood surged ahead with a late-game drive of its own that culminated with a touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the game.
“It was a great game between two great teams,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “I thought our guys played well. It all came down to a couple of plays. Both teams had guys making plays and for them they made the final play when the clock ran out.”
What looked to be the game-winning drive
Trailing 36-35 with 5:52 remaining in the game, East Kentwood mounted what looked to be the game-winning drive. Starting out on its own 20 after Hudsonville had taken the lead on a two-yard touchdown, EK moved the ball 80 yards in 15 plays. The drive was a pressure-packed excursion as the Falcons twice kept the drive going by taking a page out of Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell’s playbook and going for a first down on fourth down. The first successful fourth-down play was when the Falcons faced a fourth-and-three on their own 27-yard line. Falcon running back Davien “Bam” Nettleman kept the drive alive with a five-yard run. Later in the drive, the Falcons faced a fourth-and-12 situation on their own 40 with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
With their backs to the wall, Falcon quarterback Kayd Coffman found Ahman Edmonds open and Edmonds turned on the jets for a 14-yard gain to keep the drive alive. With 45 seconds remaining in the game, Coffman again hooked up with Edmonds for a key pass play, this time the play netted the Falcons 38 yards and gave Kentwood a first-and-goal on the Hudsonville two-yard line. After a one-yard run on first down, the Falcons took the lead when Coffman scored on a quarterback sneak giving the Falcons a 42-36 lead after Jayden Garcia tacked on the extra point.
East Kentwood Quarterback Kayd Coffman passed for 188 yards and three scores. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)
“I was really proud of the way the guys kept battling,” Spencer said. “To be on the road and come back like they did.”
Spencer also was pleased with how the Falcons started the game. Getting out to a fast start was a goal of the Falcons entering the game and that was exactly what Kentwood did.
Kayd Coffman keeper starts up the scoring
On the first possession of the game, Kentwood forced Hudsonville into a three-and-out deep in Eagle territory. After taking possession of the ball at the Hudsonville 45-yard line, the Falcons needed just four plays to score the first points of the game as Coffman took off 33-yards down the middle of the field to score on a quarterback keeper.
Eagles score right away as well
Hudsonville answered that score with a six-play, 80-yard scoring drive of its own.
East Kentwood regained the lead on the next possession. This time the Falcons drove 70 yards in seven plays with Coffman finishing the drive by hooking up with Stephan Jones on a 26-yard touchdown pass giving the Falcons a 13-7 lead.
Falcons grab 20-7 lead in first quarter
East Kentwood upped the lead to 20-7 late in the opening quarter. That score was set up by a fumble recovery by Dmari Love-Simmons at the Hudsonville 22-yard line. The Falcons cashed in on the turnover when three plays later Coffman again hooked up with Jones, this time on a 16-yard scoring strike.
“Our offense really got off to a fast start,” Spencer said. “We took advantage of some things that they were giving us. Their defense did a good job of stabilizing things in the third quarter.”
Hudsonville answered that score with an eight-yard touchdown pass by Van Laecke with 9:46 remaining in the first half cutting the Falcon lead to 20-13.
The two teams closed out the first half by trading touchdowns. Coffman snuck over from one-yard out for the Kentwood touchdown while Van Laecke threw a touchdown pass from 15-yards out with 20 seconds remaining in the first half cutting the Kentwood lead to 27-21.
Hudsonville took its first lead of the game in the third quarter, when the Eagles drove 65 yards for a score in six plays with Van Laecke tossing a 29-yard pass on fourth down. Hudsonville added a two-point conversion to go up 29-27.
The East Kentwood defense rose to the occasion on the next two Hudsonville drives and forced a pair of three-and-outs.
“Our defense kept us in it when Hudsonville stopped our offense in the third quarter,” Spencer said.
Falcons regain lead early in fourth
Early in the fourth quarter the Falcons regained the lead, driving 48 yards in seven plays with Coffman connecting with Owen Van De Veen on a 22-yard touchdown pass. Coffman then connected with Edmonds on a pass play on the two-point conversion putting the Falcons up 35-29 with 11 minutes remaining in the game.
Hudsonville answered that score with a methodical 68-yard, 14-play march that ended with a touchdown that put the Eagles up 36-35 with 5:52 remaining in the game setting the stage for the late-game dramatics.
With the loss, East Kentwood fell to 5-2 overall, 3-2 in the conference. The Falcons return to action this Friday at Grandville.
“At the end of the day, a game like this prepares us for the playoffs,” Spencer said. “The regular season is important, but we want to end the season playing at Ford Field and these kinds of games prepare us for that.”
The East Kentwood offense was paced by Coffman who passed for 188 yards and three scores. Jones caught seven passes for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Edmonds hauled in eight passes for 50 yards and Van Der Veen caught two passes for 32 yards and a score. Coffman added 58 yards rushing and three scores while Jesse Phillips ran for 42 yards.
Several Kent County organizations have partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host mobile pantries each month.
Below is a list of mobile food pantry locations open to the community. Each listing consists of date, time, location and drive-thru or walk-thru designation.
Though the selection of food varies each month, a variety of fresh and frozen items are always available at the mobile pantries.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
It could be a hotel, car, a park, shelter or campground … or doubled up with another family or couch surfing at a friend’s house. That’s where many students and their families reside.
The number of Kentwood Public Schools students qualifying for services was 359 last year district-wide in grades K-12. The numbers have increased since COVID and Sarah Weir, Student Services Liaison for KPS, estimates around 10 percent of students could qualify for services.
When students in Kentwood register for school and don’t have a permanent address, Weir steps in to help. As the Student Services Liaison, she follows the federal McKinney-Vento Act that mandates services to students experiencing homelessness. The law allows students to stay in their “school of origin” by providing transportation, educational support and help with other needs. Weir has served in this role for 10 years.
Sarah Weir, KPS Student Services Liaison. (Photo Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)
“We end up connecting with the family and find out a little bit more about the situation and help them get to school,” Weir said. Kentwood Public Schools provides transportation to school, and helps them with school related items and field trips.
A budget of $6,000
Weir works with a budget of about $6,000. Although no food items are provided, Weir directs them to local food pantries and Kentwood’s monthly food truck.
“I can provide hygiene items, shampoo, conditioner and things like that,” Weir said. She can also provide winter coats and boots thanks to local businesses and the Knights of Columbus who help out.
“If they participate in an extracurricular activity we cover that, from sports gear to band fees, and art supplies,” Weir said.
Supply room for KPS students/families in need. (Photo Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)
Student Challenges
Although it’s not always evident about a student’s living situation, these students face challenges.
“Most people don’t realize the student is unhoused. I haven’t had instances of students being treated differently,” Weir said. “There’s plenty of situations. You could be asked to leave at any time.”
She believes the biggest barrier for students is not getting a good night’s sleep.
“Sharing a room with strangers, moving often, sleeping on the floor are all reasons students are not getting the rest they should,” Weir said.
She noted that it’s hard for students to stay focused on a math equation if they are hungry, or don’t feel safe.
Dropout rate high
Unfortunately, the dropout rate is high with unhoused students. Kentwood Public Schools does offer an online program.
“It (online) has to make sense for them. I think in-person is an easier way to learn for more people,” said Weir, who has seen some success stories including a family who left her caseload after seven years. They just got housing and Weir is keeping her fingers crossed that they can keep it.
The greatest challenge and most rewarding parts of her job go together.
“I love that we are able to make the school day easy for students and families,” Weir explained. “We can get them here, feed them, provide great instruction and care for them while their parents work on a tough situation. We can give the family about seven hours of peace each day.”
Systemic Issue
Weir said the problems related to a housing crisis are much bigger than the school day.
“Systemic policy changes such as livable wages are needed to make an impact on the housing crisis,” Weir explained. “I have families who can afford rent, but because they have a bad credit score, they don’t get the chance to get in anywhere. It would be great if landlords were willing to consider other evidence besides a credit score number.”
Weir also serves on the Kentwood Planning Commission that is looking at housing in the area.
“We really need to focus on paying people livable wages. We don’t have any kind of cap on how much housing costs.”
There was no looking ahead to this Friday’s key OK Red showdown with Hudsonville for the East Kentwood football team as the Falcons struck early and often to defeat West Ottawa 45-8.
East Kentwood scored four touchdowns in the first quarter to take a commanding lead and cruised to victory to improve to 5-1 overall, 3-1 in the conference. The win sets up the Falcons with a trip to Hudsonville where they play the undefeated Eagles with a share of first place in the conference on the line.
“I liked that we were able to start fast,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “In the last two games we did not score in the first quarter. Tonight, we scored 28 points in the first quarter and 10 more in the second quarter. Being able to start fast was very important to us and we were able to get that done.”
Running back Nasir “Nas” Williams got the Falcons on the scoreboard first as he ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run. Jayden Garcia tacked on the extra point putting Kentwood up 7-0.
The Falcons scored on a second long run on their next possession when Jesse Phillips broke loose for a 26-yard touchdown. Garcia again tacked on the point after giving the Falcons a 14-0 lead.
Falcon quarterback Kayd Coffman scored the third touchdown of the opening quarter on a five-yard run.
EK quarterback Kayd Coffman. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)
East Kentwood closed out the scoring in the opening half through the air. Coffman hooked up with Ahman Edmonds for a 74-yard touchdown pass giving the Falcons a 28-0 lead after Garcia’s point after.
“We had something of everything on offense,” Spencer said. “Both of our backs ran for over 50 yards. Our quarterback was efficient completing 8-of-13 for 154 yards and our other quarterback (Tyran Harris) was five-for-five and threw a touchdown. It was a balanced game on offense.”
The Falcons tacked on 10 more points in the second quarter as running back Ace Bryant scored on a three-yard run and Garcia added a 27-yard field goal giving the hometown Falcon fans a 38-0 halftime lead to enjoy.
Neither team scored in the third quarter and the two teams traded scores in the fourth. East Kentwood’s final score of the game came when Harris connected with Amari Burch for a seven-yard touchdown strike.
(Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
East Kentwood had 415 yards of total offense; 223 passing yards and 192 rushing. Coffman passed for 154 of those yards while Harris, a sophomore, added 41 passing yards.
Nettleman led the Falcons in rushing with 70 yards, while Phillips added 50, and Coffman, 47. Edmonds led Kentwood in receiving with 74 yards, followed by Owen Van Der Veen, two catches for 48 yards and Stephan Jone, four for 47.
Paving the way for the offense was a Falcon offensive line led by tackles Chris Lovelady and Xavier Williams, guards Isaiah Wilson, Leland Croskey and Jabari O’Bryant and center Charlie Nichols.
Offensive line “solid”
“Our offensive line has been doing a great job,” Spencer said. “We talked as a staff this week about just how good these guys have been. They are not the biggest group, but they are really solid. They are the reason we run the ball well. It’s a real close-knit group and they do a real phenomenal job of executing and doing the job at a high level.”
Big Falcon “D”
The Falcon defense also turned in a big effort. Along with limiting West Ottawa to single figures on the scoreboard, the Falcons allowed West Ottawa just 54 rushing yards and 117 in passing.
“I thought the defense performed pretty good,” Spencer said. “There were a couple of third downs where we should’ve got them off the field, but overall, I thought the effort and performance was good.”
Tyler Meeuwsen led with seven tackles and an assist, while Alijah Bondon, Donavan Jones and Christopher Thompson all added three tackles.
With the win against West Ottawa tucked away, the Falcons can now concentrate on Friday’s OK Red showdown in Hudsonville.
“This is going to basically be like a playoff game,” Spencer said. “We are going to have to do our job better then they (Hudsonville) do. We have got to get off to a fast start and defensively we have to work to get off the field on third down. They (Hudsonville) do a great job of possessing the ball and their quarterback is a really good athlete. We have to make sure that our offense is on the field for most of the game and not their offense.”
Wimee the Robot is a children’s PBS character that has been inspiring youth to be creative, use their imaginations and learn through technology since 2016 (Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
Local veteran Michael Hyacinthe created Wimee to help children learn through creativity (Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
Wimee the Robot is a children’s PBS character that has been inspiring youth to be creative, use their imaginations and learn through technology since February 2016.
Michael Hyacinthe, local veteran and owner of the Has Heart Coffee Shop in Veteran’s Memorial Park, created Wimee after recognizing the power of creativity through his work with veterans and his experience as a father. Hyacinthe wanted to create a character that would also help children learn through creativity.
“I’m an entrepreneur passionate about using my talents to inspire veterans, kids and all human life – individuals – to connect with creativity,” said Hyacinthe.
Think it, See it, Share it
Hyacinthe created the Wimage app, allowing children to turn stories, thoughts and ideas into images. Through text or voice, words are instantly transformed into icons. Users can also include text, create patterns, and incorporate colors and additional images.
A Wimage can be personalized and messaged to friends, shared on social media, or posted on the website for others to see.
Soon, the idea for Wimee the Robot formed. Hyacinthe reached out to his friend and puppeteer, Kevin Kammeraad, and together they worked with puppet builder Joe Emory to make Wimee, the lovable robot puppet.
(Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
Hyacinthe and Kammeraad began offering local preschool students hands-on workshops, combining imagination with the innovative technology of Wimage to create collaborative visual stories. Over the years, the duo also led collaborative visual story and collaborative books workshops in elementary school classrooms.
With humor and his love of words, Wimee helps children increase literacy and storytelling skills.
The next Sesame Street
Wimee the Robot and Michael Hyacinthe engage children at an in-person event (Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
The Wimage app and Wimee the Robot continued to develop and grow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyacinthe and Kammeraad developed the web-based Wimee’s Words as an alternative to in-person workshops. Co-produced by Kent District Library, the interactive children’s show encourages imagination, vocabulary building and storytelling through puppetry, music and wordplay.
Through the PBS show, Wimee’s Words, Wimee the Robot reaches close to 40 million homes around the country.
“Our goal is to build the next Sesame Street for the digital age,” said Hyacinthe. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re passionate about the work that we do. We want to continue to create content to teach kids.”
Wimee’s Words viewers can join Wimee LIVE every Saturday at 11 a.m. EST on PBS.org and request songs, ask questions and suggest games to play. Wimee is also featured in the Wimee’s Words app.
Meaningful tech time
Wimee the Robot (Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
The Wimee’s Words and Wimage teams consist of educators, librarians, technology developers, entrepreneurs, parents, kids and puppets who have joined together to empower all children to become producers of creative content – not just consumers of it.
The new interactive app and AI experience, Wimee’s World, was formed to incorporate the Wimage app and Wimee character, along with games, videos and conversations with the AI robot (Wimee).
Wimee’s World provides kids meaningful tech time by giving them the opportunity to become visual communicators and more creative producers using technology.
“Wimee’s World is designed with safety and creativity in mind, providing a secure environment for kids to explore, create and interact,” states the Wimee TV website.
Wimee provides a fun and safe environment for children to learn (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are engaging with content that is both entertaining and educational.”
Explore More sheets provide additional information and activities designed and tested by educators and families to spark imagination and curiosity.
The Wimee Creates and Wimee Learnsearly learning concept books, written by Stephanie Kammeraad and published by Zonderkidz/Harper Collins, are another great resource for families.
“Every day is a new chance to explore, learn and create together as a family.” (wimee.tv)
Purpose, empowerment and healing
Educating children through Wimee has helped Hyacinthe heal (Courtesy, Michael Hyacinthe)
Hyacinthe’s journeys with Wimee’s World and Has Heart may be separate ventures, but both utilize creativity to empower and heal individuals.
As a veteran battling PTSD, Hyacinthe calls the mission of Has Heart and Wimee the Robot his therapy.
“There’s something really unique about veterans,” said Hyacinthe. “We tend to want to serve. If you give us a platform where we can continue to serve, they will find a medium to heal.
“And for me, this is continuing to serve through connecting veterans and giving them hope, giving them purpose through Has Heart, and by educating kids through Wimee.”
Resource links
Find out if Wimee the Robot will be visiting near you! Click here for Wimee’s event schedule.
More information about Wimee the Robot and additional Wimee resources can be found here.
More information about Has Heart and how you can help support veterans can be found here.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
The City of Kentwood invites local organizations and community members of all abilities to its fourth Adaptive Recreation Expo on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th Street SE. Admission is free and open to the public.
Guests are invited to explore the products, services and activities available for individuals of all abilities. Vendors will have the opportunity to meet target market customers face to face, interact with students in the field, and network with other agencies.
“We’re excited to welcome the community to our fourth Adaptive Recreation Expo,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “This event continues to shine a light on the many resources, equipment, and recreational opportunities available to individuals with disabilities and their families. It’s inspiring to see so many organizations collaborate, and when that happens, the entire community benefits.”
During the event, individuals who have disabilities and their loved ones can learn more about a variety of local programs and resources, including recreation opportunities and adaptive equipment demonstrations. Students and community members interested in adaptive recreation can connect with local agencies and learn about volunteer, internship and employment opportunities.
A past Kentwood Adaptive Recreation Expo. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Vendor applications are still being accepted. Vendors will have an opportunity to connect directly with potential new clients and volunteers as well as other organizations.
If your organization is interested in becoming a vendor, contact Lori Gresnick, Program Coordinator, at 616-656-5317.
Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible. The event’s gold sponsor is Estate Planning Legal Services, PC, silver sponsor is Clock Mobility, Hanger Clinic, and Strive Recreational Therapy. Bronze sponsors are Down to Defend, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics, Novo Chiropractic Sports and Wellness Center, and West Michigan Bike & Fitness.
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
Check out the new and exciting football clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season.
Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you much of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Monday night! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
In a battle between two of the premier Division 1 high school football heavyweights in West Michigan, the Rockford Rams made a few more big plays than East Kentwood and that proved to be the difference as the Rams grabbed a 21-14 OK Red win.
Defense and the running game played big parts in the showdown as Rockford handed the Falcons their first loss of the season.
“I thought it wasn’t one of our best games,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “I felt that the effort was there. We fought hard, but we definitely made a lot of mistakes that we could’ve prevented. We had a lot of opportunities on our end that we did not take advantage of. We could’ve played a lot better overall, especially on defense.”
Neither team was able to put any points on the scoreboard during the opening quarter of the game.
Rockford on offense during the Rams 21-14 home victory over East Kentwood Friday. (Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
Rams strike first
Rockford broke the scoring drought in the second quarter, when it scored on a 19-yard touchdown run to go up 7-0 with 10:35 remaining in the first half after the extra point kick.
The score remained that way until late in the first half when both teams scored in the final minute of the half.
East Kentwood tied the game when quarterback Kayd Coffman capped a drive by running in for a touchdown from four-yards out. Jayden Garcia kicked the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 49 seconds remaining in the first half.
East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman sets the offense during the Falcons 21-14 loss to Rockford Friday. (Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
Those 49 seconds, however, proved to be enough time for Rockford to regain the lead before halftime.
Starting on their own 25-yard line, Rockford quickly moved down field on a 15-yard run by quarterback Braylen Daniels and a 38-yard pass play from Daniels to Jax Eichbauer. Daniels then finished the drive connecting with Jackson Cummings on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds remaining in the half. Rockford added the point after to take a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Both defenses tightened up during the third quarter as neither team put any points on the scoreboard.
Midway through the fourth quarter, East Kentwood drove down to the Rockford one-yard line, but on a fourth down and goal from the one, the Ram defense came up big and kept the Falcons out of the end one.
East Kentwood fans filled the visitor stands during their 21-14 loss to Rockford Friday. (Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
Rockford turned to its ground game and went on a long drive of its own. The Rams eventually scored as Luke Ahern ran across the goal line with 5:04 remaining in the game, giving Rockford a 21-7 lead.
East Kentwood, however, refused to fold and cut the deficit to 21-14 with 3:48 remaining in the game. Coffman broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run.
That was as close as the Falcons would get as Rockford put the game on ice with its running game.
“We missed some shots we had,” Spencer said. “We had three fourth-and-ones that we missed and we have got to get those. Against good teams you are not going to get too many opportunities and you have to take advantage of them when you get them.”
East Kentwood and Rockford battled it out Friday night. (Photo Courtesy, Eli Reed)
East Kentwood finished with 358 total yards; 231 on the ground and 127 through the air.
Coffman led the way for the Falcons with 101 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns. He also completed 13-of-28 passes for 127 yards.
Jesse Phillips added 59 yards rushing on 12 carries, while Nasir Williams added 51 rushing on 13 carries.
Ahman Edmonds led the Falcons with nine catches for 90 yards, followed by Owen Van Der Veen, three for 33 yards.
Malachi Daly with seven tackles
Malachi Daly led the Falcons with seven tackles, followed by Major Barnes, five tackles and an interception, Donavan Jones, three tackles, an interception and a tackle for loss and Jaziel Negron, four tackles, including a tackle for loss.
“Defensively, we did create three turnovers so we did do some good things on defense,” Spencer said. “We did miss some alignments on defense so we have some things to work on defensively.”
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 3-1 overall, 1-1 in the conference. They return to action Friday when they host Caledonia (2-2 overall, 0-2 in conference play) with losses to Hudsonville and Grandville.
“We are excited about this week,” Spencer said. “I think we match up well with Caledonia. Like everybody else in the OK Red, there are no gimmees. You have to come ready to play and ready to play hard. We can’t have misalignments and miscues. We have to be ready to play our best on offense, defense and special teams.”
