In 1790, it took about 650 U.S. marshals to complete the first decennial census. Two-hundred thirty years later, the U.S. Census will need a lot more than 650 people to complete the 2020 Census.
And like many employers, the U.S. Census is finding it difficult to find qualified candidates. The Bureau has fallen short of its goal of more than two million applicants to fill the estimated 500,000 temporary, part-time census positions needed to complete this year’s census. In fact, the only place in the United States not looking for census workers is the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Census Bureau.
“With low unemployment, the Census Bureau is taking extraordinary efforts to attract enough applicants to fill nearly 500,000 positions this spring,” said Timothy Olson, Census Bureau associate for Field Operations.
Michigan is one of the states were census workers are most needed. Kent County has reached about 48.2 percent of its applicant goal while Ottawa County has done a little better, filling a little more than half of its applicant goal.
“Our aim is to reach interested applicants right now, inform them of updated pay rates in their area, and get them into the applicant pool to be considered for these critical jobs,” Olson said. “The hiring process occurs in stages, and we are encouraging everyone to apply right now before selections being in January and February.”
To learn more about or to apply for a position with the U.S. Census Bureau, go to 2020census.gov/jobs.
According to a press release from the U.S. Census Bureau, the positions, — many are enumerators, people hired to take the census of the population — offer competitive pay, flexible hours, paid trainings, and weekly paychecks. Pay rates for census takers in Michigan have increased, with a range from $14 to $25. Currently the rates for Kent County is $20 per hour and in Ottawa County, it is $18.50 per hour. Visit 2020census.gov/jobs to confirm or check on pay rates in other communities.
The positions are open to anyone who is 18 or older. Census takers will be hired to work in their communities and go door-to-door to collect responses from those who did not fill out their census questionnaire. The selection process starts this month with paid training taking place in March and April. After paid training, most positions will work between May and early July by going door-to-door to collect responses from households who have not responded online, by phone, or by mail.
The U.S. Census is important not just because it counts the number of people living in a city, state or the country, but the results can have an impact on how billions of dollars in federal funds are allocated to local communities every year for the next 10 years. Some of the federally funded programs that use the census in determining allocations are community block grants, road funding, and school lunch programs.
The U.S. Census also determines the number of seats a state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2010, the census showed the number of Michigan residents fell by .6 percent since 2000 with Michigan’s number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives being reduced from 15 to 14. The census also determines the number of Michigan House of Representative seats as well.
For more information about the 2020 Census, visit 2020census.gov
By April 1, all U.S. households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. Residents will be able to respond one of three ways, online, by phone, or by mail.
Starting in April, census workers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.
Starting in May, census workers will begin visiting homes that have not responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted every 10 years. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau must deliver apportionment counts to the President and the U.S. Congress in December. Redistricting counts will be sent to the states by March 31, 2021.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we begin the new year with topics that, to some, are hot-button issues: the implementation of the state’s recreational marijuana law — and licensing of facilities approved to sell the now legal product — as well as how Kent County handles the difficult job of animal control.
First, we will talk with the man in charge of the state’s marijuana regulatory efforts. Then we talk with Kent County Health Department’s top health official, who was selected to modernize and improve the county’s animal control efforts.
In Focus is Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, the agency which has been responsible for implementing the regulatory program enacted under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. In simple terms, the MRA is the state office which controls both the state’s medical and recreational marijuana distribution facilities.
With us is the agency’s Executive Director, Andrew Brisbo, who was appointed by Governor Whitmer to lead the MRA, the successor to the Bureau of Marijuana Regulation.
Also In Focus is Kent County Animal Shelter, which is administered by the Kent County Health Department. Late last year, the Kent County Board of Commissioners Executive Committee received an update on an on-going reorganization of the shelter conducted, in part, due to past criticism of the shelter’s operation.
With us is the person ultimately responsible for the shelter’s reorganization, Kent County’s Administrative Health Officer Adam London.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
As we head into the first full week of 2020, Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma compiled the top WKTV Journal stories of 2019. Those vying for the number one spot were all stories about raising awareness on a variety of subjects, child abuse and neglect, autism, Multiple Sclerosis, and helping those in need. We salute all who have worked to make the world a better place.
Mel Trotter Ministries hosts its annual Thanksgiving event. (Supplied)
As of Jan. 1, Heartside Ministry and Mel Trotter Ministries have merged. Reducing operating costs, eliminating potential duplication of services, and creating a greater impact for the populations the agencies both serve were the driving forces for the merger, according to organization officials. Services will not be immediately impacted as officials said the two organizations will need most of 2020 to work through the details of the merger.
Fun Fact: Pie Fight
Once, a long time ago, a northern Michigan city decided it needed a “claim to fame” so the residents of Charlevoix made the world’s largest pie at 17,420 pounds. Well, Charlevoix’s city to the south, Traverse City, was not to be outdone. In 1987, the city made a pie weighing in at 28,350 pounds and to prove it was the world’s largest pie, had officials form the Guinness Book of World’s Records certify it. Of course, that called for a “Who can make the biggest pie” challenge with a town in Canada — Oliver — taking over the title in 1998 with a pie that weighed 39,386 pounds. A monument to the pie wars still remains in Traverse City at 3424 Cass Road where the original cherry pie tin stands along with a marker as the World’s Largest Pie…in 1987 that is.
A scene from Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Homelessness (and WKTV podcast) at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood in late 2019. (Supplied)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
A part of her continuing community conversations, City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson will co-host a Community Conversation on Immigration, focused on America’s immigration policies, on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Broad Leaf Local Beer.
“The New Year promises to be a polarizing time in our country’s history and we need to find a way to work together,” Bridson said about the planned event. “Let’s gather for a candid community dialogue on immigration. We will discuss licenses for all, detainment, and health care, to name a few.”
The panel will include Hillary Scholten, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, local Hispanic community leader.
The event will be moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates.
“As I research and learn more about immigration issues, I was fortunate to be invited to attend a large meeting last month where local organizations that serve immigrants gathered to create a plan to ensure that President Trump’s Executive Order 13888 (EO), which focuses on refugee resettlement in our communities, would be addressed by his established deadlines,” Bridson said.
On Dec. 17, 2019, the Kentwood City Commission voted to allow further resettlement in our city.
“It was a night of heartfelt personal stories where community members shared their memories of making Kentwood their home,” Bridson said. “We know Kentwood is a special place and it is because we embrace cultures and people from around the world in all of our neighborhoods.”
Bridson pointed out that in a recent study, the economic impact of foreign-born residents of Kent County contributed nearly $3.3 billion to the county’s GDP.
“The numbers speak for themselves on the continued positive impact immigrants have in our community,” she said.
“Our first community conversation was focused on discussing solutions to address homelessness,” Bridson said. Kilgore and Bridson “had over 50 interested community members join us. Bringing our community together to find solutions to pressing issues has been the driving force behind our efforts.”
After a two-year shared services agreement that combined operational functions, Grand Rapids homeless advocacy nonprofits Heartside Ministry and Mel Trotter Ministries have taken the next step in their partnership by formally merging. The merger of agency assets became official Jan. 1. No services or jobs are effected by the merger.
Reducing operating costs, eliminating potential duplication of services, and creating a greater impact for the populations the agencies both serve were the driving forces for the merger, according to organization officials.
“We have enjoyed a partnership with Mel Trotter Ministries for the past two years, and have realized the benefit of combining our teams and services to provide more for the people we serve,” said Heartside Ministry executive director Gregory Randall. “We’re attempting to show radical hospitality to the same people Mel Trotter serves and we’re pursuing the same donors and volunteers, so it makes sense for us to collaborate in a formal manner.”
“Both organizations have always shared the belief that demonstrating the compassion of Jesus toward anyone experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty is what we’re called to do, so we want to be the best stewards of the assets we have to fulfill that mission,” said Mel Trotter Ministries chief executive officer Dennis Van Kampen. “The neighbors and guests of our respective agencies will benefit from this move.”
Starting in 2017, Heartside Ministry engaged Mel Trotter Ministries to share operational functions including human resources, facilities management and information technology. It was during that time that agency leaders began discussing additional ways to save money while increasing efficiency and outcomes for the people they serve. As executives from both organizations mentioned the partnership to donors and key stakeholders, it became apparent that the idea of collaborating resonated in the community. The notion of formally merging was discussed by each organization’s board of directors for more than a year, followed by in-depth talks between Randall and Van Kampen. Both boards approved a formal merger at each of the board’s December 2019 meetings.
“In recent years there have been donors, community leaders and even board members that have suggested and even advocated for Heartside neighborhood agencies to combine forces, so we knew the time was right to take this next step,” said Van Kampen. “We will be better stewards of the talent and treasures given to us and grow in ways that perhaps wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”
“As a church in the Heartside neighborhood, we depend on our community partners as we together seek the flourishing of our neighbors. Both Mel Trotter Ministries and Heartside Ministry are valuable partners because they help our church members walk alongside our neighbors,” said Rev. Michael Hoogeboom, minister of outreach at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. “I’m hopeful that the combination of unique gifts and experience that each organization brings to this new partnership will result in a thriving Heartside community.”
Randall and Van Kampen estimate it will take most of 2020 to sort out the best approach to combining all of the services offered by Heartside and Mel Trotter. Heartside Ministry will retain its name and current location at 54 Division Avenue South. The executives anticipate the eventual move of Heartside Ministry staff and programs to Mel Trotter’s headquarters, located at 225 Commerce Avenue SW, in an effort to reduce operational expenses in maintaining two locations.
Communicating this news to the marginalized populations of Heartside will be the immediate focus for the combined entity.
“We want to ensure continuity of services for our neighbors and guests, so we will not be making any immediate, bold changes with regard to the kinds of services we provide or how we provide them,” said Randall, who intends to continue in his role as executive director of Heartside Ministry’s services. “We know that this news might be confusing and perhaps overwhelming to those we serve, so we want to take a measured approach and provide the best care we can for our neighbors.”
Additional information will be shared publicly as it becomes available, but the organizations have provided a webpage that will provide up-to-date information on the merger for anyone interested in following the news: www.meltrotter.org/heartside.
Homeless, with Homework: A new School News Network series on homelessness in schools and its connection to housing. As costs rise and the rental market has low availability, nearly 2,500 students in Kent ISD public schools are facing homelessness. These stories look into what’s led to the issue and how it impacts students. For more on the series, click here.
When students in Kent County schools are identified as homeless, district coordinators have items ready — school uniforms, backpacks, coats, school supplies, bus passes, even mattresses.
What’s become more and more difficult is helping families find adequate shelter.
Schools — urban, suburban and rural — are seeing increased numbers of homeless students and fewer options for housing because of high rents and scarce vacancies. Coordinators who work with students and families facing homelessness ask where they are staying and inform them about 211 services including shelter information. But they often can’t do much more. Even shelters have long waiting lists.
The school coordinators say families are living in cars, campers, motels and, most commonly, in “doubled-up” arrangements with other families.
“I really feel, truly, when it comes to finding a house, I’m more of just emotional support because there aren’t options,” said Sarah Weir. She is Kentwood Public Schools coordinator for the McKinney-Vento Act, federal legislation that helps children continue to go to school even if they don’t have a permanent home. (To receive services, such as transportation, under the act, they must be identified as homeless, according to certain criteria.)
Casey Gordon, who coordinates the McKinney-Vento Act grant for Kent and Allegan counties at Kent ISD, said more students are facing prolonged homelessness and are being newly identified as homeless.
Sara Weir
“It’s directly related to the lack of affordable housing,” she said.
School districts each year start their count of homeless students in July. During the first few weeks of school in Grand Rapids Public Schools, 194 students newly reported as homeless.
“It was huge. We had to rush,” said Edna Stewart, the district’s homeless/foster care coordinator. Last year, 953 students were homeless in the more than 15,300-student district compared to 661 in 2017-2018.
‘ALMOST EVERYONE I WORK WITH IS WORKING, THEY JUST CAN’T AFFORD THE RENT. SO MANY ARE DOUBLED UP.’
– Sara Weir, Kentwood Public Schools
Weir, who is in her fourth year in the position, said last school year 216 students were identified as homeless in Kentwood. This year that number was already at 165 in mid-November. “It’s never been this high in the three years before this,” she said. “It’s been the busiest start that I’ve ever had.”
Rural and suburban areas are seeing similar trends, say district coordinators. In Cedar Springs Public Schools in late October, Ashley Reynolds has already worked with 75 students. Last school year, 60 registered by the end of the school year. In Comstock Park, Missi McPherson has already assisted 42 homeless students. Last year’s total was 61.
No Place to Call Home
Gordon said the issue is as much a problem of housing availability as affordability. Grand Rapids has less than 4 percent of rental units available, which is one of the lowest rates in the country.
Casey Gordan
“That means we have lots and lots of people applying for every apartment and home that’s available,” Gordon said. “Landlords and rental companies then have a variety of applicants to choose from. They look at every factor, including incredibly high credit scores. Anyone who has a barrier in their past credit history, it becomes very difficult for them to find an affordable unit.”
Gordon said she received eight calls in one week from people asking for rental assistance. “They are working multiple jobs and still don’t have enough to make their rent payment.”
However, there aren’t enough resources to meet demand for help paying the rent. “We absolutely have a dire need for more resources to keep people stable,” she said.
‘THEY ARE WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS AND STILL DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TO MAKE THEIR RENT PAYMENT.’
– Casey Gordon, Kent ISD
That’s the case on Grand Rapids’ rapidly developing West Side, where skyrocketing rents have driven out many residents, while homes for sale are hard to come by and out of many buyers’ price range. So says Jim Davis, a city planning commissioner and executive director of Westside Collaborative, an alliance of nonprofits and faith-based agencies that works to support equity and quality of life for all. Davis says renters may hear from landlords, “Hey, we love having you, your lease is up. We’re going to take your $900 a month payment and it’s going to be $1,800, but we hope you’ll stay” – not a realistic option for most.
Related Story: ‘We didn’t notice they’re gone’ – A West Side resident with two children in Grand Rapids Public Schools, Jim Davis worries about the families who can’t afford to live in that booming area and the impact on schools.
Skyrocketing Rents
With 43 percent of families not earning enough to afford basic needs, according to a reportcompleted by the Michigan Association of United Ways, incomes aren’t aligning with housing prices.
Units that advertise as affordable often really aren’t, Stewart said.
“Affordable housing here is not affordable housing. Who are you really targeting when you say ‘affordable housing’ and you promote these new apartments being built? You are not targeting (those) in need of that housing.”
Edna Stewart
In Kenowa Hills Public Schools, which had 173 homeless students enrolled last school year, area hotels and motels serve as temporary living arrangements.
“In the last five years, that’s been the trend they’ve seen increasing,” Gordon said. “People from Grand Rapids and northern parts of Kent County and many other districts are landing in the hotels in Kenowa Hills.”
In Kentwood, Weir said most families that come to her — about 10 each week — have exhausted their options. Minimum wage jobs paying $9.45 per hour — that’s $1,638 a month for a 40-hour week (if one got paid in full for every week of the year) — don’t come close to paying the bills.
‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING HERE IS NOT AFFORDABLE HOUSING. YOU ARE NOT TARGETING (THOSE) IN NEED OF THAT HOUSING.’
– Edna Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Schools
“They can’t find a place,” Weir said. “Almost everyone I work with is working, they just can’t afford the rent. So many are doubled up — more than ever before.”
Weir has families facing sudden homelessness because apartment complexes are hiking rates and not renewing leases, forcing families to move when prices increase. “We are running into a lot of people who have a place to live and they think everything is fine, then they get kicked out because (the property owner) can charge more.”
Weir used to print out lists of available rentals. Now, she helps families get on a list for shelters. One Kentwood family living out of a car was 21st on a waiting list to get into a shelter.
“I tell them the best thing is to keep your eyes open when driving around,” she said, noting that private homeowners aren’t always as strict about credit and eviction records.
Waiting Lists, Shelters, Hotels
In Comstock Park, McPherson, educational support services coordinator, said many of her families — working two or three low paying jobs to make ends meet — are priced out of the rental market. She had 15 students in early November living in Grand Rapids shelters.
“They were on the waiting list so Salvation Army was putting them up in hotels until there were openings,” McPherson said. (Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students have the right to be transported to their district of origin if needed and feasible.)
Missi McPherson
About a quarter of students in Comstock Park schools live in the York Creek Apartments, where two-bedroom units start at $785. If families lose those units, there are few other options available. One hotel in the district offers extended stays, but it’s full too, she said.
“When a house or apartment comes available that’s reasonably priced, it’s snatched up very quickly. There’s just not the availability out there. We are so small and there are not that many rental properties outside of York Creek,” McPherson said.
In Cedar Springs, “We are the highest we’ve been since we’ve had a homeless liaison,” Ashley Reynolds said of the 75 homeless students she’s worked with so far this year.
“There were two houses listed for rent and two of our families went to look at them, but they were like $1,600 for a three-bedroom. They just don’t have the means to afford that.”
‘WHEN A HOUSE OR APARTMENT COMES AVAILABLE THAT’S REASONABLY PRICED, IT’S SNATCHED UP VERY QUICKLY.’
– Missi McPherson, Comstock Park Public Schools
A fire at Red Flannel Acres, an affordable housing community in the district, destroyed eight units, displacing several families and leading them to double up with other families.
Another trend is living in campers or tiny cottages on campgrounds, Reynolds said. “We have a couple families who have campers that are going to try and stay in there all winter. You never want to see that, but then if they don’t have anywhere else to go it’s better than nothing.”
Prices Higher than Many Can Afford
Many families live on incomes above the poverty level, but don’t earn enough to cover basic needs.
Statewide, of 3.935 million households, 14 percent lived in poverty in 2017 and another 29 percent had incomes under what’s needed to cover basic expenses.
In Kent County, including those living below the poverty line, 37 percent of families did not earn enough to cover basic needs.
As for wages, 61 percent of all jobs in Michigan pay less than $20 per hour.
Ashley Reynolds
Gordon hopes to see increased community efforts to help families afford housing, keep their jobs, be able to work — and have their children go to school without worrying about being displaced at the end of the day. “We need real affordable housing,” she said, adding, “$1,200 a month is not affordable housing for a family of five that has one income and little ones.”
Action Needed Locally
Gordon said many cities and counties across the nation are taking steps to increase affordable housing options. They are tapping into grant sources, incentivizing developers and working through planning commissions.
The issue can be controversial, however, because of the stigma surrounding affordable housing. Communities often resist multi-family residences.
‘WE HAVE A COUPLE FAMILIES WHO HAVE CAMPERS THAT ARE GOING TO TRY AND STAY IN THERE ALL WINTER.’
– Ashley Reynolds
But city master planning should prioritize long-term stability and growth, without increasing family and youth homelessness, she said.
“We see some very hopeful things but we also see problems that continue to be a problem. The ‘We don’t want affordable housing here. Why would we incentivize multiple family units?’ It is a tension between everyone wanting a wonderful place to live, work and be, but how do you ensure you have equality in that system?”
Nevertheless, she said, people can work together for the benefit of all.
“Business owners, politicians and the city really have a significant interest in ensuring we are a community where everybody is able to live and work and get around.”
For more stories about local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Tri-unity boys basketball is one of the many local sports teams WKTV’s Featured Game coverage team will be covering this season. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By Mike Moll sports@wktv.org
The holidays are in the rear-view mirror as the calendar has turned over to 2020, and January is jam-packed with high school sports most every night of the month as the winter season goes into full force.
Be sure to get out and show your support for your local school and its student-athletes in person, but then watch the replay on WKTV or watch on-line at any time within a few days of the event.
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The Featured Game coverage schedule for January includes the following:
Friday, Jan. 3 — Boys Hockey Portage Northern at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, Jan. 7 — Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Jan. 10 — Girls/Boys Basketball Kelloggsville at Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Jan. 14 — Girls/Boys Basketball Wayland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 17 — Girls/Boys Basketball Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Tuesday, Jan. 21 — Boys Basketball NorthPointe Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Jan. 24 — Boys Basketball Zion Christian at Tri-Unity Christian
Tuesday, Jan. 28 — Girls/Boys Basketball Grand River Prep at Zion Christian
Friday, Jan. 31 — Girls/Boys Basketball Caledonia at East Kentwood
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! We are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Jan 6 Boys/Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ South Christian Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Girls Basketball Northview @ East Kentwood Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event Wyoming @ Rockford Wyoming Lee @ Holton Kelloggsville @ Wayland Potter’s House @ Ravenna Kent City @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Hudsonville Home Schoolers Holland Black River @ Zion Christian West Michigan Aviation @ Martin Boys Basketball Wyoming @ Rockford Holton @ Wyoming Lee South Christian @ Byron Center Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills Kent City @ Grand River Prep West Michigan Lutheran @ Lansing Martin Luther Holland Black River @ Zion Christian West Michigan Aviation @ Martin
Wednesday, Jan. 8 Girls Cheer East Kentwood @ West Ottawa Wyoming @ Zeeland West Wyoming Lee @ Belding Kelloggsville @ Belding Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Hopkins Unity Christian @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Calvin Christian South Christian @ Zeeland East Boys Wrestling Belding @ Godwin Heights Wyoming @ Hamilton Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Kelloggsville @ Ravenna Boys Hockey Rockford @ South Christian Girls Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep Boys Basketball West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep
Thursday, Jan. 9 Boys Swimming South Christian @ Union Boys/Girls Bowling Potter’s House @ Muskegon Orchard View Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES Boys Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
Friday, Jan. 10 Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights Ottawa Hills Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Hopkins South Christian @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball Godwin Heights @ Hopkins South Christian @ Wyoming Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Bridgman @ Tri-Unity Christian Covenant Christian @ Potter’s House Hudsonville Libertas Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Fruitport Calvary @ Zion Christian
Saturday January 11, 2020 Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Boys Wrestling East Kentwood @ West Catholic – Dunneback Invite Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Wyoming @ West Catholic Boys Swimming/Diving East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ FH Central Rochester @ South Christian Girls Cheer FH Eastern @ Wyoming Wyoming Lee @ Allendale Kelloggsville @ Allendale
Monday, Jan. 13 Boys/Girls Bowling Godwin Heights @ Belding Wyoming @ Zeeland East Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Tri-Unity Christian @ Sparta – Boys Hopkins @ Kelloggsville South Christian @ Unity Christian
Well the calendar flipped to a new decade — it you start at zero to mark the decade — and with the changing of the calendar, we thought we would take a look at some of the most popular WKTV stories of 2019.
In compiling this list, I took a look at both page views on a story, which indicates the number of people who clicked on the article, and also social media statistics. The result is a mix of both most read and shared articles from the WKTV Journal website.
Ranking Number One
All we can say about the top 2019 story is that everyone must love a good mystery as the “Mystery billboards along US-131 revealed” was the WKTV’s most read story for 2019. The billboards which featured the words “abuse, lonely, neglect, fear, trauma, abandonment” got people talking which according to officials from D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s was the purpose in raising awareness about April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Top 2018 stories for the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming
There was a lot of anticipation of special events, the City of Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival, and all of the redevelopment activity at Woodland Mall which included the addition of Von Maur and The Cheesecake Factory.
“It’s never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest you.”
Anonymous
Seeing 2020 (health) in 2020
The quest for health and fitness can be a difficult challenge with the hectic pace of busy schedules and the bustle of the holidays. But January is a great time to start by making a resolution to strive for health.. Go here for the story.
Eating is part of healthy living
A typical workout doesn’t give you license to eat whatever you want. Even a full hour of vigorous skiing burns just 600 calories — less than the amount in a super-sized fast food sandwich. Go here for the story.
Healthy questions to ask the Doc
Even if your yearly physical isn’t scheduled for several months, there are questions you should ask your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner during your appointment. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
Be an ‘8 percenter’!
Less than 8 percent of people actually stick to their resolutions each year, according to some estimates, but whether you want to lose weight, get organized, or achieve anything else in 2020, it’s all about sticking to your goals. Source.
Homeless, with Homework: A new School News Network series on homelessness in schools and its connection to housing. As costs rise and the rental market has low availability, nearly 2,500 students in Kent ISD public schools are facing homelessness. These stories look into what’s led to the issue and how it impacts students. For more on the series, click here.
Eight years ago, Ja-Quari Moore-Bass was crashing at friends’ places because he had no permanent home. He knew several other teenagers also facing homelessness.
“Most of my classmates were couch-surfing,” said Moore-Bass, who was a student at Crossroads Alternative High School in Kentwood. He had also attended an alternative school in Kelloggsville. “They were staying at their neighbor’s house, a distant relative’s house. They weren’t living at home with parents.”
He drew the attention of Lauren and Jon VanKeulen, youth group leaders with CityLife Church in Grand Rapids, who dropped him off at the place where he was crashing.
They asked Moore-Bass if they could help in any way, and the answer turned out to be a broad one.
“The three of us found time over the next series of weeks to talk about the overarching issue,” he said. Many young adults needed a roof over their heads paired with guidance for navigating everything from budgeting to gaining employment.
“It’s more than just me,” he explained.
Moore-Bass and several others in situations similar to his own met with the VanKeulens. “We all came together to talk about things we felt we needed, as well as things we felt people didn’t understand about our situations.”
Ja-Quari Moore-Bass was a homeless youth. He co-founded 3:11 Youth Housing
Building Trust, Dispelling Misconceptions
The group started to create a blueprint for a youth housing program. The most concrete need was shelter, but other needs were more nuanced and complex.
“Overall, we needed a place to stay that did not have a large amount of restrictions, but had a guideline,” Moore-Bass said. They needed mentorship in finding and keeping jobs and maintaining and building relationships.
But that required understanding. “Some of us just need to talk to someone we know isn’t thinking the worst of us,” he said. “Oftentimes people assume you and your parents are fighting and you ran away; you are on drugs or have been drinking; you have a violent history or you chose the situation, which is not the case in most situations.”
Moore-Bass, for one, was finishing up high school credits when he became homeless. He was 19 and his mother was moving out of state, and he chose not to join her.
After she left, he soon ran out of money and found himself couch surfing. “From there it just continued. I didn’t have anything, a phone, address, nothing. Getting a job was the biggest thing, but I couldn’t get a job without an address or phone.”
He knew many homeless youth faced the same problems. Issues surrounding homelessness snowball and many youth lacked support.
A Blueprint Created With Youth
The3:11 Youth Housing Program took shape, opening its first house in 2013. Moore-Bass was one of the first residents. Having a stable living arrangement made it possible to find a job, which he did in the first week of living there.
The program was serving needs in a unique way because it was based on what youth indicated they needed most, Moore-Bass said.
“WE ARE IN A SPOT WHERE PEOPLE ARE REALISTICALLY SPENDING 80 TO 90 PERCENT ON HOUSING. WE SEE THE CRISIS OF HOMELESSNESS CONTINUING TO GROW, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES.”
– Lauren VanKeulen, co-founder of 3:11
The program is for youth ages 18 to 24, to transition from homelessness to stability. They focus on that age range because it’s when people are entering adulthood. It now consists of eight rehabbed duplex-style homes in Grand Rapids, each with room for three to four youths and a mentor or mentor couple.
“Eighteen is when you first get out of foster care. It’s when you are acknowledged as an adult and the outside world expects you to know everything: the square root of pi, how to apply for a grant, how to do everything on your own — you’re an adult. Just get the job done. OK, who was supposed to teach me any of those things?” he asked.
Youth pay $250 per month in rent; $50 is saved toward their first month’s rent and security deposit when they move out, $50 pays for utilities, and $150 helps defray the costs of operating the homes. They receive at least the first month free, as they work to stabilize, find employment and get on their feet.
A mentor lives in each property, providing guidance and support. Moore-Bass also served as a mentor.
“We have housed 47 people since we started, 23 youth along with six children,” said Lauren VerHeulen, co-founder and co-executive director of the program. She added that there is no time limit on how long a person can stay. Many have aged out of the foster care system.
3:11 Youth Housing houses young adults ages 18-24 and provides mentorship
Demand is High
Moore-Bass, now a board member for 3:11, said he is seeing more demand than there are rooms available. “The problem is consistently growing and currently there isn’t enough money for available property for us to fix the issue.”
Skyrocketing rental prices have left people with no options, said Lauren VanKeulen, who sits on the steering council for the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness and the executive committee of the Continuum of Care.
“Homelessness in general is on the rise. The crisis of affordable housing is significant. In Grand Rapids, where you once could afford a one-bedroom on minimum wage and maybe make it work, it’s entirely impossible now,” she said. “It creates real problems for any kind of affordability in trying to maintain your life.”
“EIGHTEEN IS WHEN YOU FIRST GET OUT OF FOSTER CARE. IT’S WHEN YOU ARE ACKNOWLEDGED AS AN ADULT AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD EXPECTS YOU TO KNOW EVERYTHING: THE SQUARE ROOT OF PI, HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT, HOW TO DO EVERYTHING ON YOUR OWN.”
– Ja-Quari Moore Bass, co-founder of 3:11 Youth Housing
The general rule of thumb is that one shouldn’t spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. “We are in a spot where people are realistically spending 80 to 90 percent on housing,” she said. “We see the crisis of homelessness continuing to grow, especially for youth and families.”
Moore, who now works at the retail store Hot Topic and at a pizza restaurant, lives in a Wyoming apartment with roommates. He graduated from Crossroads in 2012 and attended GRCC for a while, but going to school full time made it difficult to pay the bills, he said. He plans to go back to college and eventually study psychology or psychiatry.
Through 3:11 Youth Housing, Moore has seen people get on their feet, getting jobs, promotions, raises, driver’s licenses and cars. He’s seen them move out to new apartments and buy homes.
“It’s an amazing experience to be a part of the growth of other people… just seeing people achieve things that they didn’t think were possible … achieve things that hadn’t crossed their minds before. It’s amazing.”
For stories about local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Not into college football bowl games on New Years Eve? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2019 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast six concerts leading off with That Beatle’s Thing and ending with Hannah & The Gravetones.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.
For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. The concerts are also available on-demand at WKTVLive.org.
Mark Contreras and Jamie Hendricks stand in the nurse station at HQ. The two nurse practitioners dedicate part of their work week to provide care for HQ members. Photo Credit: Valerie Wojciechowski
Grand Valley State University teamed with area nonprofits to officially launch a health initiative on Dec. 12 in an effort to interrupt the cycle of youth homelessness.
Shandra Steininger, co-founder and executive director of HQ called the Comprehensive Health Initiative (CHI) a hub of resources housed at HQ, a drop-in center for teens and young adults who are experiencing unstable housing or homelessness. She said CHI will provide hundreds of youth with access to primary health care, health system navigation, holistic therapy and substance abuse intervention.
The core partners with HQ are 3:11 Youth Housing, which provides housing to youth experiencing homelessness; GVSU Family Health Center, operated by the Kirkhof College of Nursing; the Wisdom Center, which provides counseling services; and Health Net of West Michigan, which provides health system navigation services.
CHI received grant funding in excess of $400,000 over three years from the Steelcase Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Herman Miller Cares, Frey Foundation and Mars Hills Bible Church.
During the launch event at HQ, 320 State St. SE, Steininger said as state and federal funding for nonprofits has decreased over the years, it became clear a one-stop shop of providers for homeless youth was needed. She drew in partners who would dedicate time at HQ to build relationships with teens and young adults and provide assistance.
“We still have youth who think sleeping outside at night is their best option, so we used a model of building a resource hub with providers who would build intentional relationships with our members,” Steininger said.
Mark Contreras, nurse practitioner at the GVSU Family Health Center, is one of two providers who have regular hours at HQ. The Family Health Center, 72 Sheldon Blvd. SE, serves the GVSU community and many adults who live in the city’s Heartside district.
“We’ve learned from caring for this marginalized population that navigating the health care system for them is complex,” Contreras said. “They can’t purchase a prescription that’s $200 or go across town for a referral if they don’t have a car.”
The FHC nurse practitioners employ the same relationship-building techniques at HQ that they use with patients at the Sheldon Street center.
“I’m a big advocate that if we’re asking a patient questions, we better be able to do something about it,” he said. “If I ask an HQ member if they have insurance and they don’t know, I can say, ‘Let me introduce you to my friend at Health Net who can help.'”
Steininger is confident assisting HQ members with mental and physical health care needs plays a key role in helping them find stable housing. She said 40 percent of adults who are homeless first experienced homelessness as a teen or youth.
GFIA Airport Board and Officials cut the ribbon today to officially open the airport apron after its two-year reconstruction project. (Photo from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.)
Just before the Christmas holiday, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) announced the completion its $30 million apron reconstruction project after almost two years of construction.
The project repaired the terminal apron – the area where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, de-iced, and refueled. The construction was completed in seven phases over the course of two years to allow for adequate gate space for air carriers.
“We had over 195,000 cubic yards of excavation on this project – that’s enough to fill 60 Olympic sized swimming pools,” said GFIA President and CEO Tory Richardson. “We are also proud of the fact that 99-percent of the materials removed from airport property during this project were reused or recycled, and we did this construction with minimal impacts to our passengers.”
The project removed aging concrete pavement and replaced it with 153,000 square yards of new concrete for future airport development and aircraft loadings. The amount of concrete placed equates to a nearly 250-mile stretch of four-foot wide, four-inch thick sidewalk – enough to walk from GFIA to the Mackinac Bridge.
In addition to the apron repair, GFIA installed all new LED lighting in the apron area to reduce energy usage. Upgraded stormwater drainage system and underground utilities were also complete to accommodate for future airport development.
The $30 million project received most of its support through federal funding.
“We had tremendous support at the federal level through Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters along with Representatives Amash, Huizenga, Moolenaar, and State Senator Peter MacGregor,” said GFIA Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “Those delegates continue to support our airport as we look at future projects and we are thankful for their efforts.”
“In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice …, the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Supporting parole reentry
In Focus talks with Todd Cioffi, an associate professor at Calvin College, and director of Calvin Prison Initiative. This five-year program results in a bachelor of arts degree from Calvin College, but it is much more than simply an educational effort. Go here for the story and YouTube link.
Working on poverty in Kent Co.
WKTV Journal In Focus talks with Susan Cervantes, the Director of the Kent County Community Action program which, according to its 2018 annual report, served more than 7,000 individuals including more than 3,800 families, and also handled more than 42,000 information and referral calls. Go here for the story and YouTube video link.
Helping homeless LGBTQ-plus youth
WKTV Journal In Focus talked to two members of Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 in housing crisis, including but not limited to LGBTQ-plus youth. Go here for the story and YouTube video link.
Facts to Give Hope:
$30 billion and $75 billion
The National Retail Federation (NRF) placed holiday spending in 2018 at nearly $30 billion. Foundation giving in 2018 increased to $75.86 billion. Source.
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley is congratulted after the signing of a Kentwood City Commission resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 17, which stated support of the continued resettlement of refugees within city limits. (City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
In response to an executive order on Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement, the Kentwood City Commission adopted a resolution in support of the continued resettlement of refugees within City limits.
City Commission unanimously approved the resolution, which affirms resources and capacities are available within the City of Kentwood to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become self-sufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance. Kentwood is one of the first communities in West Michigan to publicly affirm its support of Executive Order 13888.
“Kentwood has long been able to welcome refugees facing persecution thanks to numerous corporations, faith-based organizations, schools and families with the resources available to support the arrival and integration of refugee families,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As the current home of resettled refugees from more than 90 countries, Kentwood City Commission is committed to ensuring refugees not only feel welcome to come to our City, but to truly feel a sense of belonging within our community.
“Kentwood’s quality of life has been enriched by the friendships and contributions of our neighbors from all over the world. We look forward to embracing those who seek to find refuge in our City for many years to come.”
In a heartfelt commission meeting, numerous community members, many refugees themselves, shared comments in support of the resolution. These included representatives from Kent County Board of Commissioners, At-Tawheed Islamic Center, the Vietnamese-American Community of Grand Rapids, Bethany Christian Services, Samaritas and Gateways for Growth.
“The approval of this resolution demonstrates the city’s character and commitment to all New Americans and says loud and clear what type of community Kentwood leaders want to create for all people who want to call this place home,” said Joel Lautenbach, executive director of Development at Samaritas and leadership team member of Greater Grand Rapids/Kent County Gateways for Growth Welcome Plan. “We want new residents from all over the world, including refugees, to be able to find a place to live here — to raise their families, to contribute economically and be successful, contributing members of our community.”
Project Coordinator Elvira Kovachevich of the Greater Grand Rapids/Kent County Gateways for Growth, whose objective is to develop and implement a welcome plan to address different sectors of obstacles for immigrants and refugees in Kent County, also spoke to the importance of the resolution.
“Seeing the City of Kentwood unanimously approve a resolution to welcome refugees to our community is more than a statement; it is a commitment to welcome everyone with open arms and promote belonging, no matter where you come from,” Kovachevich said. “As a child of refugees who works to welcome other New Americans to our community, the City of Kentwood’s affirmation of the value of refugees is inspiring; the City is truly serving as an example to others.”
Issued on Sept. 26, Executive Order 13888 requires official consent from state and local governments within 90 days in order for the federal government to resettle refugees in a given area, impacting all refugees coming through the U.S. Department of State.
It was just before 9 a.m. on a cold, late-November morning, and in the lobby of Celebration!Cinema North, Kelloggsville High School students were setting up tables to display their wares.
What would get these students up so early on a day where they might ordinarily sleep in? The occasion was the Junior Achievement (JA) Fall Movie Premiere, during which area JA students get a chance to sell to a movie audience and then see the movie (in this case, “Frozen 2”). As budding entrepreneurs, many of whom have a passion for business, the chance to sell their products to strangers was enticing.
“These students have done some selling at school and maybe to friends and family,” noted Kelloggsville social studies and business teacher Ryan Zuiderveen, who mentors his school’s JA teams. “But this was the first real public event like this. It’s exciting.”
He continued: “The money earned is a very small part of the event. They are put in a situation that is a little outside of their comfort zone, they have to try to anticipate the wants of an unknown customer group, they see the need for inventory. And it is such a cool moment for students to bring their families and take them out to the movies. The work students do with their business paying dividends for them and their families.”
From left: Kelloggsville JA students Samuel Aguillon, Erik Diaz Rodriguez, Roberto Gonzalez-Martinez, Cindy Calderon, Alexcia Jaramillo, Luis ‘Tony’ Diaz, teacher and mentor Ryan Zuiderveen, Olga Pizano-Garcia, Noemi Pedro-Rafael, Kristina Healey, Milan Huynh. (Photo by School News Network)
Triscenta Team in ‘Soothing Pink’
Hard to miss at Celebration!Cinema was the trio from Triscenta (the name is a play on three friends making scented candles). They were clad in matching pink T-shirts (soothing, they said, “like our candles”) emblazoned with their business logo, which also features prominently on their candles for sale.
Kristina Healey and Kelloggsville teacher and JA mentor Ryan Zuiderveen sort movie vouchers. (Photo by School News Network)
They’d chosen the candle business after deciding they wanted to do something around smell. “It’s one of the five senses, you know,” Roberto said. After kicking around a few ideas that didn’t seem practical, they landed on candles. “Everyone loves candles,” added Samuel.
They headed to YouTube to do their research and found a 20-minute video that pretty much laid out the process from start to finish. From there, it was a matter of where to set up shop. Samuel’s house became HQ for Triscenta, simply because it was centrally located for all three team members. His parents were cool with it, said Samuel, with the only stipulation being that the three entrepreneurs clean up after themselves.
“The first time or two we were pretty messy,” Erik said.
“But we’ve gotten a lot better,” added Roberto.
The team orders all its supplies – soy wax, scented oil, wicks and glass jars – from Amazon, and candle-making events are now a well-oiled machine. The wax gets melted in a double burner, fragrance gets added, wicks get set up in jars and the pouring begins. Later, the jars are adorned with the team’s logo on a vinyl sticker that they produce on a Cricut die-cutting machine that Zuiderveen procured from a relative and keeps at the high school.
Milan Huynh of Milartn (a play on her name and art) (Photo by School News Network)
Entrepreneurship 101
Zuiderveen, who put himself through college in part by running his own painting company, says Triscenta is a great example of what he tries to do with his business class and its partnership with Junior Achievement (JA).
The class is an elective, and between its two sections attracted more than 50 students this semester. All students are expected to start a business, either on their own or with fellow classmates. Along the way, they receive guidance and support from Zuiderveen, JA and a variety of guest mentors. Students handle everything from raising capital and tracking finances to marketing and sales.
“I have shaped the curriculum around entrepreneurship,” said Zuiderveen. “The students have really taken off with the program this year. Most weeks we have a theme or two – mission statements, finance, logo creation and so on – and the rest of the time is applying the concepts to their businesses.”
Students also get a chance to hear from current and former business professionals.
Steve Carlson retired in June after 17 years with GE Aviation and Smiths Aerospace, including work as senior global director in the customer account management group. He’s been a JA volunteer for 40 years, but is in his first year at Kelloggsville working with the student businesses.
He and a team of GE volunteers go into the classroom once a week for 13 weeks to help the students start a business, make and sell products and then liquidate the company before the end of the semester.
Kelloggsville teacher and JA mentor Ryan Zuiderveen with the team from Triscenta: Samuel Aguillon, Erik Diaz Rodriguez and Roberto Gonzalez-Martinez (Photo by School News Network)
Owning their Economic Future
Carlson said he loves the opportunity to help students learn about leadership, sales, finance and working as a team to achieve goals.
“JA,” he said, “is a great organization that inspires students to own their economic future. It doesn’t matter if they ever start a business or are just smarter consumers. In JA they get mentored by local volunteers in every grade from kindergarten to high school. This helps them understand how businesses work and gives them the opportunity to explore careers that are aligned with their interests and skills.”
Kelloggsville currently has 13 businesses as part of the program, and four were at the Celebration!Cinema event (space constraints limited the number of participants).
In addition to Triscenta, there was ACT (Alexcia Jaramillo, Cindy Calderon and Luis “Tony” Diaz), selling clothing that could be customized; KCNO (Kristina Healey, Cynthia Marcelino-Martinez, Noemi Pedro-Rafael and Olga Pizano-Garcia), selling handmade pouches, bags and scrunchies; and Milartn (a play on the name of team member Milan Huynh and her work as an artist), selling handmade coasters.
Prior to the event, the four businesses had combined for about $1,000 in sales, said Zuiderveen, and the theater event saw the four teams combine for another $200 in sales.
From left, Kelloggsville JA students Olga Pizano-Garcia, Noemi Pedro-Rafael, Kristina Healey from the Kelloggsville KCNO team (Photo by School News Network)
Experiential Learning
After the event, Zuiderveen had each team respond to a series of questions in an Excel spreadsheet. The answers were informative, he said, and spoke to some of the challenges of running a business.
Some students thought the event was great, and said they sold more than they thought they would. Others noted that the young audience for the movie meant that some team’s products did better than others.
“I learned that our products don’t really appeal to younger kids,” one respondent wrote. Another added: “I would recommend making sure that everyone knows who the customers will be, so that they can make sure that their products will appeal to everyone there.”
Zuiderveen said he loves that feedback because it fits with the JA approach to experiential learning. Events like those at the theater also help students get ready for future challenges and opportunities, he said.
Indeed, next spring Zuiderveen, a second-year teacher at Kelloggsville, plans to bring teams to a student business competition (he describes it as “almost like a nicer Shark Tank”) that will give them a chance to take home scholarships. He added that last year a Kelloggsville team took home first place, and he is hoping to send a team to the national competition this year.
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Bello Spark in concert. (Joel Hirschmugl Nenonen Photo)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series is returning in 2020 with free concerts on select Thursday nights from January to March at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The series features three West Michigan bands: Bello Spark, Serita’s Black Rose and Nicholas James Thomasma. Food trucks will also be on-site during each concert.
“Our winter concert series is a great opportunity for residents to come together during the colder months,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a variety of local, talented musicians and food truck favorites, winter concerts offer residents an enjoyable night out.”
The lineup, which includes a mix of acoustic folk-rock, funk and blues music, is as follows:
Thursday, Jan 16 – Bello Spark with Patty Matters Food Truck
Santa is scheduled to make his arrival at the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Supplied Photo)
By Nathan Slauer WKTV Community Contributor
Here comes Santa Claus! Here Comes Santa Claus, right down Division Street!
Yep, the annual Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 14. Set to kick off at 10 a.m., the parade will feature 60 entrants, including Steelcase, the Boy Scouts, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Five high school bands will serenade the procession as it passes by.
This year’s parade starts at the corner of 34th Street and S. Division Avenue or the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network). The parade will head southbound to Chase Bank near the corner of Division Avenue and Murray Street.
Bob O’Callaghn, president of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said he enjoys checking out how entrants design their floats.
“Every year is unique,” O’Callaghn said. “We have an electrician who puts a Christmas tree on his truck.”
Along the parade path, businesses covered in holiday decorations open their doors to parade goers, and kids carrying bags collect candy from business owners and marchers.
Everybody loves a parade, including The Rapid. (Supplied Photo)
“South Division gets a bad rep,” O’Callaghn said. “Our members want to highlight it, to say it’s a good place to work and shop. People don’t always get to go to the big parade downtown, so it’s great to see young people around here smiling.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, said he likes seeing how the Santa Parade has grown since 2006. He recalls how the first Santa Parade took place during a blustery winter afternoon.
“It was a blizzard out there,” Brann said. “There were only around fifty to eighty people. We stuck with it, but it was a rough start.”
Over the years, the Santa Parade has developed a larger following and added new features, including a final stop at Brann’s Steakhouse. For an hour, families line up to take pictures with Santa Claus in the restaurant’s lobby. (Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras.)
“When you see the kids lined up, it’s so special,” Brann said. “It’s free, and it’s a great time to celebrate Division and Christmas.”
Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has promoted Capt. Bryan Litwin to deputy police chief of the Kentwood Police Department.
Previously serving as captain of the Professional Standards Division, Litwin succeeds Richard Roberts, who was appointed to the role of police chief in November.
As deputy chief, Litwin is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination and management of the City’s police, code enforcement and traffic engineering functions and staff.
“The leadership, communication and strategic planning skills Bryan has demonstrated during his more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement with the Kentwood Police Department made him the perfect candidate for this position,” Chief Roberts said. “He has proven to be an invaluable asset to the department’s success, demonstrating his clear dedication to the department, profession and service to our residents.”
“I have complete confidence Bryan will continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership in his new role.”
Litwin began service to the City of Kentwood as a patrol officer in 1999. Litwin has also served as a field training officer, community services officer, staff services bureau officer, special response team member and team commander. He has been a member of the training committee and now serves as its chair.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and then to captain in 2016, where he has overseen the Professional Standards Division and served as the public information officer. Also in that role, Litwin oversaw the police cadet program to recruit and develop future police officers.
This past summer, Litwin helped to implement the City’s first Youth Police Academy, which gave high school students and recent high school graduates hands-on experience in a variety of police-related tasks.
During his tenure with the City of Kentwood, Litwin has also taught ethics in law enforcement to police academy recruits at Grand Valley State University and developed GVSU’s Police Academy Subject Control program. The program includes instruction on safe subject-control tactics, use-of-force constitutional amendments and federal and state case law.
With a commitment to professional development, Litwin has completed numerous trainings, including: Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Michigan Association of Chief of Police Executives Training, Public Agency Training Council’s class on internal affairs, DeWolf & Associates’ Public Information Officer program, West Michigan Tactical Officers Association’s SWAT Leader and Commander seminar, Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute and Force Science Institute.
Litwin sits on the board of the West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium and serves as vice chairman for the GVSU Police Academy Advisory Board. Litwin has also served as president of the West Michigan Tactical Officers Association.
Litwin attended Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
The December Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
While local issues were discussed, the current governmental problems in Washington, D.C., took center stage as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Dec. 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
At the meeting, Brian Patrick, Communications Director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, both reported on their bosses’ efforts but also answered questions on the ballooning federal budget deficit and other issues.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
South Christian High School boys basketball, from a 2019 game. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV has your weekly high school sports schedule, and our coverage crew will be out twice the week. The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:
Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Boys and Girls Basketball, Kelloggsville at West Michigan Aviation
Friday, Dec. 20 — Boys basketball, Sparta at West Michigan Aviation
Want to be a television sports announcer?
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! The tentative schedule for May follows and we are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Where and when to see the game
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Dec. 9 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Grandville Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights Wayland @ Wyoming South Christian @ Middleville T-K Girls Basketball Holland @ Godwin Heights Boys Basketball Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, Dec. 10 Girls Basketball Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville Hopkins @ Tri-Unity Christian South Christian @ Hamilton Zion Christian @ Saugatuck Hackett Catholic Prep @ Potter’s House Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Boys Basketball Kelloggsville @ Wellsprings Prep South Christian @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event East Kentwood @ FH Northern Zion Christian @ Saugatuck Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Hackett Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Lutheran Grand River Prep @ Saranac Boys Hockey Christian @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation Boys Swimming / Diving @ East Kentwood
Wednesday, Dec. 11 Boys Wrestling Kelloggsville @ Holland Godwin Heights @ Unity Christian Wyoming @ Unity Christian Wyoming Lee @ Christian East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Girls Cheer Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian Boys / Girls Bowling Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood Wyoming @ FH Eastern South Christian @ Christian
Thursday, Dec. 12 Girls Basketball Ottawa Hills @ Godwin Heights Algoma Christian @ Zion Christian Sparta @ West Michigan Aviation Boys Bowling West Catholic @ Tri-Unity Christian Boys / Girls Bowling East Kentwood @ Jenison Orchard View @ Potter’s House Boys Swimming / Diving FH Central @ East Kentwood Boys Basketball Heritage Christian Academy @ Zion Christian
Friday, Dec. 13 Girls Cheer Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Elayna Durso Memorial Cheer Invitational Wyoming @ Jenison Girls Basketball Potter’s House @ Kelloggsville Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian Holland Christian @ South Christian Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep Boys Basketball Hudsonville @ Godwin Heights Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian Wyoming @ Jenison East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood Holland Christian @South Christian Potter’s House @ Laingsburg Sacred Heart @ West Michigan Aviation Lake Odessa Lakewood @ Grand River Prep Boys Wrestling Wyoming Lee @ Tri-County Boys Hockey FH Central @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation – WKTV Featured Event West Ottawa @ South Christian
Saturday, Dec. 14 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Cedar Springs Godwin Heights @ Cedar Springs Boys Wrestling @ Kelloggsville – Dave Fleming Memorial Tournament Godwin Heights @ Kent City East Kentwood @ Big Rapids – Cardinal Invitational Girls Cheer East Kentwood @ Jenison Boys Hockey FH Northern @ East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation Rockford @ South Christian Boys Basketball East Kentwood @ Ottawa Hills West Michigan Aviation @ Detroit Southeastern
Monday, Dec. 16 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins Christian @ Wyoming South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Tri-Unity Christian @ Orchard View – Boys Girls Basketball Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Heights West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES Boys Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Western Michigan Christian West Michigan Lutheran @ WMAES
The Last Apostle: Journeys In the Lost Holy Land will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Community Channel 99 at midnight Friday, Dec. 6; 11pm Monday, Dec. 9, and 3pm Thursday, Dec. 12. For the past 25 years, Dr. Mark Fairchild has discovered mysteries in the Turkish countryside, including the oldest synagogue in the world. In The Last Apostle, the film follows Fairchild as he travels one of the historic routes of the apostle Paul and explores Paul’s origins. Go here for the scoop.
Booyah!
WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of Boys & Girls High School Basketball! Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat on Wednesday @ 5pm. Every Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 @ 11pm & repeat Saturday @ 11am. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99. WKTV has got you covered! Here’s the schedule.
‘Listen To The music’
Tickets are available now for four-time Grammy Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees The Doobie Brothers, who are performing in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at 7:30pm at Van Andel Arena® on their tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s founding. Go here for info.
Fun fact:
Receptionists are underpaid
You know that one scene in Raiders Of The Lost Ark where Belloq opens the Ark of the Covenant, and a ghost floats toward the camera only to turn into a hideous visage? Yeah, that one. Well, to pull off the special effects, the filmmakers outfitted a Lucasfilm receptionist in long, white robes and painted her face a “ghostly shade of blue and white.” She then sat on a flat trapeze mechanism in front of a bluescreen and swung away from camera—which was run backwards in the final film to achieve a dreamlike quality. The end result is a composite with a grotesque, skeletal model. We sure hope she was paid well.
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season.
By Woodland Mall
After opening the new Von Maur wing, first-to-market retailers and The Cheesecake Factory this fall, Woodland Mall continues its celebrations into the holiday season with a packed schedule of events for all to enjoy.
Photos with Santa, princess and Star Wars-themed events, live music and gift-wrapping fundraisers will deck the halls and help spread holiday cheer at Woodland Mall now to the new year.
“With festive decorations, extended hours and a variety of activities fit for the season, Woodland Mall is a fun destination for shoppers of all ages to get into the holiday spirit,” said Marketing Director Cecily McCabe. “This year especially has been a continuous celebration with all the wonderful new retailers, restaurants and features we have added.
“We’re excited to multiply the magic of the holidays for those re-experiencing Woodland Mall and all it has to offer this season.”
Photos with Santa for Everyone
As one of the most iconic holiday events, Santa Claus returns to his seat in the heart of the Arctic Forest, which is located in Center Court this year, ready to take photos with shoppers of all ages through Christmas Eve. Visitors can also visit with Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.
Families are welcome to bring their “fur babies” along for photos with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 16. Feathered, whiskered and hooved pets are welcome too. Santa has heard Christmas wishes from cats, chickens and even goats! All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Star Wars, Princess and other themed events
Insta Holiday — Shoppers are invited to Insta Holiday at Woodland Mall, a three day-event packed with activities you will love. Events include glow-in-the-mall silent discos hosted by WSNX with DJ CHOFF, a selfie scavenger hunt, sequin wall art contest and multiple chances to receive giveaways and win concert tickets.
The event will take place Dec. 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Snowflake Social — Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Woodland Mall is getting into the holiday spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a festive Starbucks hot chocolate with all the fun toppings at our hot cocoa bar, festive activities with Kent District Library, winter wonderland crafts and live holiday music from the Salvation Army Band. Guests can also receive a light-up candy cane with a visit to Santa Claus, while supplies last.
Winter Princess Party with Santa — Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a winter wonderland party for your favorite little princess. Attendees will get to meet three real winter princesses, enjoy a wintry take-home craft, enjoy live holiday music, make their own princess crown and receive a light-up princess wand. For exclusive access into this enchanted event, guests can simply purchase any Santa Photo Package now through Dec. 12 and present the receipt. Visit shopwoodlandmall.com/holiday to skip the lines and purchase a fast-pass for photos with Santa.
Star Wars Day — Woodland Mall is calling all Star Wars fans to dress up as their favorite hero or villain on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. for Star Wars Character Day. Participants will have the chance to meet and interact with 10 Star Wars characters, who will also be available for photos.
Enjoy holiday music
The Salvation Army Band will also perform in the Macy’s wing on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 to 12 p.m.
Additionally, Von Maur will host a holiday jazz concert on Dec. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. for shoppers to enjoy while selecting the perfect gifts for loved ones.
Get gifts wrapped for a good cause
To tie everything together, the Purple Community Gift Wrapping Fundraiser will take place on the weekends of Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 in the JCPenney wing near Altar’d State. Shoppers are invited to bring gifts large and small on those Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to be wrapped in exchange for a cash donation benefitting the Van Andel Institute’s biomedical research and science education.
The mall will have special extended hours to ensure that guests are able to get all their shopping completed before the holiday. Please visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a full list of updated holiday hours.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we bring to light the urgent need and community efforts to battle family homelessness in the Greater Grand Rapids area. We talk with Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids.
The local non-profit has the mission of ending “homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging faith-based and community organizations to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are homeless and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.”
Founded in 1997 as the Greater Grand Rapids Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise (familypromisegr.org) now partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and “viable solutions” for families with children who are facing a housing crisis.
Kate O’Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement at Family Promise of Grand Rapids, on set with WKTV Journal In Focus host Ken Norris (WKTV)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Americans consume 100 billion single use plastic bags every year, but less than five percent of these bags are recycled, according to the U.S. government. (U.S. Military photo)
By Kent County
The Kent County Recycling & Education Center will no longer accept plastic shopping bags and shredded paper starting Jan. 1, 2020, the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced Dec. 3. Residents are encouraged to return plastic shopping bags to participating locations.
“Our goal is to get all materials that come into our facility into recycling markets,” said Dar Baas, Kent County DPW director. “Over the last several years, it has become increasingly difficult to sort bags from the other recyclables and the bags aren’t able to be recycled after they pass through a system like ours.”
Plastic bags create operational challenges at recycling sorting centers, including shutdowns from the bags tangling around machinery and bags mixing with bales of paper. Lacking a recycling market for bags from curbside recycling collection, Kent County has paid to send them to an engineered fuel facility in Indiana. This is the only recyclable item sorted by Kent County that does not go to a recycling market.
The recycling industry standard is to encourage residents to take bags back to retail shopping centers that offer a clean, dry collection system specifically for bags. If residents have clean, dry plastic bags they would like to recycle, Kent County DPW encourages people to drop off plastic bags at participating stores, such as Meijer.
“All Meijer supercenters accept clean, dry plastic bags which customers can place in receptacles at the front entrances of the store,” said Erik Petrovskis, Director of Sustainability for Meijer. “We send these bags to external partners who recycle them into high-quality manufactured goods. We also encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags or purchase reusable bags which are available in our stores.”
Additionally, the Recycling & Education Center will no longer accept shredded paper which is often too small to get detected and sorted accordingly. Kent County encourages residents to shred and dispose of only what is necessary for security purposes and recycle whole pieces of paper.
For more information about recycling plastic bags and other items, visit reimaginetrash.org/bags.
WKTV’s coverage of girls high school basketball continues this month. (WKTV)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director ken@wktv.org
Football teams were crowned champions Thanksgiving weekend inside Detroit’s Ford Field and the calendars were then rolled over to December. That means the winter sports open their schedules with tip-offs in girls basketball during the first week followed by the boys openers the second week.
Boys hockey, wrestling, boys and girls bowling, and boys swimming and diving began earlier, and to round out the winter sports teams, girls cheer and dance begin their seasons.
WKTV will bring one or two events each week to viewers, mostly basketball but some hockey.
The tentative Featured Game coverage schedule for December includes the following:
Friday, Dec. 6 — Girls Basketball, Zion Christian at Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Boys Basketball, South Christian at Godwin Heights
Friday, Dec. 13 — Boys Hockey, FH Central at East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation
If anyone has ever thought about trying to announce a sporting event, WKTV has a great chance for you to do exactly that! The tentative schedule for May follows and we are always looking for additional announcers, especially for the spring games. If you would like to try it or have any questions, please email Mike at sportswktv@gmail.com.
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this week’s schedule:
Monday, Dec. 2 Girls Basketball Grand River Prep @ Wyoming Lee
Tuesday, Dec. 3 Girls Basketball Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville Orchard View @ Godwin Heights FH Central @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ Byron Center South Christian @ FH Northern Ravenna @ Zion Christian Potter’s House @ Kenowa Hills WMAES @ West Michigan Aviation Saranac @ Grand River Prep
Wednesday, Dec. 4 Boys Hockey South Christian @ Muskegon Reeths Puffer
Thursday, Dec. 5 Girls Basketball West Michigan Lutheran @ Athens Factoryville Christian
Friday, Dec. 6 Girls Basketball Kelloggsville @ Zeeland West Godwin Heights @ Union Zion Christian @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Tri-Unity Christian @ Belding Wyoming @ Comstock Park East Kentwood @ Muskegon Byron Center @ South Christian Hopkins @ Potter’s House Boys Hockey East Kentwood/West Michigan Aviation @ Kenowa Hills
Saturday, Dec. 7 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes Godwin Heights – OK Silver Pre-Season Meet at Fairlanes Wyoming – Tournament @ Eastbrook Lanes East Kentwood – East Kentwood Kickoff Invite Girls Dance East Kentwood @ Hudsonville Girls Basketball East Kentwood @ Kalamazoo Central
Monday, Dec. 9 Boys / Girls Bowling Kelloggsville @ Grandville Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights Wayland @ Wyoming South Christian @ Middleville T-K Girls Basketball Holland @ Godwin Heights Boys Basketball Fruitport Calvary Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Operation P.R.I.C.E. was launched in 2014 by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor. (Supplied/Kentwood Police)
By City of Kentwood
The Kentwood Police Department will again partner with local store owners to prevent retail theft this holiday season through Operation P.R.I.C.E., an educational program that has helped area retailers reduce crime during the holidays since 2014. The program educates retailers on how to handle shoplifters and reduce retail fraud.
Operation P.R.I.C.E., which stands for Preventing Retail Theft Through Initiative, Collaboration and Enforcement, takes a proactive approach involving education and open communication with business owners and their employees in preparation for the busy holiday season.
Kentwood Police educate retailers on how to discourage shoplifting, how to identify potential crime and what to do when a shoplifter is caught. The partnership also includes an increased police presence in and around the community’s prime retail destinations, assigning plain-clothed officers to businesses targeted for organized retail crime. Additionally, participating retailers display posters and signs declaring their partnership with the Kentwood Police Department.
“Collaboration with business owners and employees early on is integral to the success of the program,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said. “The sooner our officers can make personal connections with employees and equip them with knowledge about how to reduce retail fraud, the better we can ensure employees feel confident about spotting suspicious activity and calling us for assistance.
“Our education efforts along with a larger police presence and the visibility of retailers’ partnerships with us has had a proven track record in helping local businesses decrease incidents of retail fraud.”
Operation P.R.I.C.E. was first launched by the Kentwood Police Department in an effort to curb retail theft along the 28th Street corridor, but has since grown beyond 28th Street in recent years, extending to 29th Street and doubling in participating businesses to more than 60. Initially, calls for police services increased, resulting in more retail fraud arrests as store owners and employees used police as a resource. Since the program began, police have seen retail theft decrease during the holiday season.
“Operation P.R.I.C.E. continues to be a highly successful initiative not only for our department, but for the community as a whole,” Roberts said. “The relationships we have built and the knowledge we’ve imparted to our partners within the City’s business districts have helped to create a positive and safe shopping experience for those who live in and visit our City during the holiday season.”
For more information on the program, visit kentwood.us .
Arlene Campbell, chief creator of opportunities for Spring GR, and Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment for SpringGR talk to WKTV Journal’s Joanne Bailey-Boorsma. (Photo by WKTV)
Ideas for a business can come from about anywhere: watching a host stress over her event or finding a more affordable option for a custom suit.
Turning those ideas into a profitable business is often the challenge for many. However, in 2015, the third generation of the DeVos family decided they wanted to do something about encouraging entrepreneurship in Grand Rapids. The result was SpringGR.
“At the time, an article had come out and Gand Rapids was listed 51 out of 52 economically for African Americans,” said Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment for SpringGR. “So it was very poor for African Americans, but then it was listed later, in 2018, as the second best city to start a business.
SpringGR is a 12-week training experience that people can apply to help develop their business, according to Arlene Campbell, chief creator of opportunities for Spring GR. It also includes a two-year mentorship program for SpringGR graduates.
“Usually when you have a program like this, you go through the program and you have your mountain top experience and then life happens,” Obande said, adding that the mentorship program gives SpringGR members the opportunity to network and connect with others in the SpringGR program. This also helps the entrepreneurs to not only building a social network, but continue to receive guidance as they develop and grow their business, he said.
With more than 450 people who have gone through the program, SpringGR has had a number of success stories.
“A lot of people have developed a part-time business, quite a few have started a full-time business and some are actually hiring people,” Campbell said.
The results can be seen in the cities of the Kentwood and Wyoming with the newest business in City of Wyoming being Guelaguetza Designs, owned by SpringGR graduate Nancy Quero.
“SpringGR made me realize that what we were doing was worth the shot,” Quero said. “It made me realize that there was a market for the products that we sell and gave me the tools to do what I am doing right now.”
This Thursday, Dec. 5, SpringGR will host its fall graduation at 6 p.m. at 818 Butterworth St. SW. Valet parking is complimentary and available for the event. Six SpringGR entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a group of judges.
For more about SpringGR and some of the entrepreneurs who have been a part of the program, visit the organizations website SpringGR.com.
The Kentwood-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) will host a special “Signing Santa” event this week. (Supplied/D&HHS)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kentwood-based Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) offers a multitude of programs with the goal to “provide equal communication access, education and advocacy to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing in pursuit of all life’s opportunities.”
And, this time of the year, one of those opportunities often unavailable to local deaf and hard of hearing children is simply visiting — and communicating with — Santa.
So, for the 10th holiday season, a D&HHS event will present a deaf ‘Signing Santa’ on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crossroads Middle School, 4400 Ambrose NE, Grand Rapids.
“To see a child who is deaf have that experience with a deaf Santa who literally speaks their language takes my breath away every time,” Deb Atwood, D&HHS executive director, said in supplied material. “It never gets old. Every time I see it, I see it through the eyes of the child, and it is amazing every single time.”
In addition to Signing Santa, the event also will feature two signed story times at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and will also include holiday crafts, snacks and drinks.
Some of the guests at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) special “Signing Santa” event in 2018. (Supplied/D&HHS)
According to D&HHS, there also will be numerous interpreters at the event so that everyone has access. Interpreters at the entrance, interpreters at the crafts, interpreters for Santa and interpreters for the story. Every station will have ASL to English and English to ASL interpreters.
There will also be gifts will be available to the first 50 children, and gift donations from the public are still being welcomed. People who would like to donate can call 616-732-7358 for more details.
For more information about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, visit deafhhs.org .
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’
Everyone has that nostalgic picture of the family heading off in the old red truck to get that perfect tree, followed by hot cocoa and holiday singalongs. Well before you head off to the woods (or the local tree lot), the Michigan State University Extension has a few tips to help you find that “perfect” tree, such as what are the best kinds of pine trees and how to make sure they last through the season. For more, click here.
Hark! GVSU Shall Sing!
Grand Valley State University will wrap up its Fall Arts Celebration with a special holiday musical performance featuring groups from GVSU and local school districts. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. And the gift to all? The performance is free. For more information, click here.
Area residents fill the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.
Be Prepared
As you hit those holiday sales this weekend, do not forget that the Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. The annual event collects unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. For every toy donated, a participate will receive a raffle ticket for prizes donated by area businesses. Also, the City of Kentwood will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Light Parade. Those interested in helping may sign up online.
More than 15 million trees
According to the U.S. Agricultural Department, in 2017, 15,094,678 million Christmas trees were cut down in 2017. The Wall Street Journal reported that growing all those trees would require 19.7 miles of square land, which is roughly half of Walt Disney World or 86 percent of Manhattan.
David and Dwell Moore, City of Kentwood volunteers. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
There are a multitude of reasons City of Kentwood residents volunteer to serve on its various boards, committees and commissions — from wanting to give back to their community to enjoying interacting with other citizens with common interests, just to name two.
And while the city appreciates its volunteers year-around, it toasted them with a special volunteer reception Nov. 21 at the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch community room as city leaders mixed with volunteers “that make the City of Kentwood special” at a night of celebration, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Two examples of fairly-new residents of Kentwood serving the city are husband and wife David and Dwell Moore.
“I joined the parks and rec committee a little over a year ago, just to be part of the community,” David said to WKTV at the event. “We have seven kids and we thought it would be interesting to be part of the community and actually contribute to making the city a better place for recreation.”
Dwell, who is on the Historic Preservation Commission, said “I love history and, so, I enjoy learning more about Kentwood and the town I live in. We’ve been here three years and it has been really interesting to learn about this community we moved to.”
City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, at the event, said he sees community involvement as essential to the city.
“For a city of function properly, it has to be a community effort,” Mayor Kepley said to WKTV. “It has to be a community that volunteers, that gets involved in all levels of government, all levels of service. … a successful city will have a strong volunteer group.”
Other examples of citizen involvement are Gerry Noorman, who volunteers at the city’s Heritage Room in the library, as well as Kevin Small, who has a long history on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Kevin Small, center, was one of the City of Kentwood volunteer recently hosted at a reception. (WKTV)
“I got on it because my backyard is right on Jaycee Park,” Small said. “The city has some great parks, its got some fantastic programs. … It is just a good feeling (to serve), I guess.”
The City of Kentwood welcomes residents to participate in a variety of boards and committees as, according to its website, “community involvement is the key to keeping Kentwood a great community.”
Among the current openings are positions on Historic Preservation Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. For more information and to apply, visit kentwood.us.
A patriotic welcome home for West Michigan troops and other festivities are on tap for the Thanksgiving holiday – one of the busiest times of the year at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, airport volunteers including therapy dog teams, and the Patriot Guard Riders and Blue Star Mothers will participate in “Operation Handshake,” an event to welcome home returning military members and veterans, and to thank them for their service. Volunteers will staff both airport concourse exits from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“We know that not every military member can make it home during the holidays because they are making other sacrifices for our nation. For those returning to West Michigan we want to make it extra special and let them know we are thankful for their service,” said GFIA President & CEO Tory Richardson. “The Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan and the Blue Star Mothers do a tremendous job taking time out of their holiday week to welcome home our military, and we appreciate their loyalty to our community through events like Operation Handshake.”
The event is free and open to the public. Family members should notify the Patriot Guard Riders of returning military members’ arrival times and flight information. Information can be sent to Tony VanGessel at 616-862-1984 or tvange58@yahoo.com.
“This is what Thanksgiving is really all about,” said VanGessel, Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan. “What we see each year is an inspiration. We get a thank you from the military members, but it’s also heartwarming for the general traveling public around us to see what happens with just a simple salute, handshake, or a thank you.”
The Airport is currently under construction on Phase II of its Gateway Transformation Project, and along with the busy holiday traffic, lines could be longer than normal. The Airport encourages passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a record-breaking number of flyers this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period with more than 26.8 million passengers traveling through security screening checkpoints around the U.S. from November 22 through December 2nd – an increase of four-percent from 2018.
Additionally, Ford Airport passenger numbers are up as October 2019 was the busiest October in GFIA history, and the airport has already served more than three million passengers this year. GFIA has seen passenger traffic increase for 25 consecutive months.
TSA also encourages passengers to stay up-to-date on the latest travel notices and information about what you can or cannot bring on your flight by visiting: www.tsa.gov. Additionally, travelers should keep these top three tips in mind:
Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. As always, passengers can bring pies, cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints; however, liquids such as eggnog and maple syrup, and gels such as preserves and jellies, should go into checked bags. Liquids in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Download the MyTSA app or use the “What can I bring?” tool on tsa.gov. This allows you to type in an item to find out if you can bring it in you carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.
Renew your TSA PreCheck membership. Individuals who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their TSA PreCheck membership online. Individuals who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports, in time for their holiday travel. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, like TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
Ask for passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.
Phyllis Lockhart (left) and Pat French ate part of the 2019 Santa Claus Girls army of volunteers. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Even after 110 years, two things remain constant for the Santa Claus Girls this time of the year: an army of volunteers are working to wrap and package gift bundles to be delivered to thousands of Western Michigan kids, and they could always use a little more community support.
Undated historic photo of Santa Claus Girls. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)
The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and these days they operate out of the Knoll Inc. building on 36th in Kentwood — from where they delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and hope to meet or beat that number this year.
“We are all very excited to help our community,” Maggie Moerdyke, a buyer for the Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV this week. “And we want the public to know that if you know somebody that has a need, or anyone who has been displaced, please have them register” for gift delivery, at santaclausgirls.org.
And while the kids each get a new toy and candy — What else would be expected? —they also get hand-made, knitted winter hats and mittens. And shine very young kids have other, very specific, needs which donors might not think about.
“Our donations are coming in hot and heavy, but we still need receiving blankets, crocheted or knitted or out of flannel, as well as infant toys, and 1-year-old and 2-year-old stuffed animals that have sewn eyes or painted eyes,” Moerdyke said. “That would be awesome.”
Steve Loar, a Santa Claus Girls volunteer. (WKTV)
Of course, there is still current need for gift wrapping and package-assembly help currently at their Kentwood location, as well volunteers to join the army of drivers to deliver the packages in mid-December.
“People can go too our website, santaclausgirls.org, to sign up as drivers for (Saturday) December 14 … they will be in half-hour blocks, and each driver will have approximately 10 to 12 on their route,” Moerdyke said. “And as to working on the line, that is also online … and we will need lots of help after Thanksgiving.”
While somethings do not change — the need in the community and the willingness of Santa Claus Girls to help meet that need, for examples — Moerdyke said every year something new comes along to inspire her and the army of volunteers.
This year, she said, there are five families that, in lieu of giving each other Christmas presents, are taking collections and making donations to the Santa Claus Girls efforts. “I think that is amazing.”
Kentwood city officials accompanied by carolers previously conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood invites the community to begin the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Centered around the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will be filled with festive activities, including live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookie decorating stations, carriage rides and pictures with Santa.
“ ‘Tis the season for peace and joy as our community comes together to celebrate the holidays,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We encourage Kentwood families to join the festivities including Kentwood’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade where memories and traditions are delightfully made.”
The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of both Breton and Walma will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the procession.
City officials will conduct the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., followed by caroling. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy live holiday music. There will also be activities for kids and refreshments available for purchase inside the library for the entirety of the event.
As with any large community event, the City relies on volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event. Individuals interested in helping with the evening festivities may sign up online.
There are also openings for the parade. Groups interested in participating can submit a parade entry form online. The cost to participate is $15.
More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade is available online at kentwood.us/treelighting.
To make nitro coffee is not an easy task. You have to know the right combination of coffee and nitrogen to create the thick, velvety drink.
“It is similar to that of a Guinness,” said executive Chef Joseph VanHorn. Similar in that from a distance a freshly pored Guinness and a nitro coffee might look the same as the nitrogen bubbles add a frothy, milky layer that moves from top to bottom. That, and like its stout counterpart, nitro is kept in kegs.
All City Nitro Coffee and Tea is just one of the feature items at VanHorn’s newly opened YoChef’s Cafe, 34 44th St. SE, Kentwood.
The new restaurant will feature the All City Beverage Company’s Nitro Coffee and Tea. (Photo by WKTV)
About two years ago, when VanHorn relocated his catering business, YoChef Catering Co., to the 44th Street location, he knew the space was too big for just an office with his goal set on opening a restaurant. This was not an endeavor that VanHorn was unfamiliar with as he owned and operated a restaurant in Wyoming and another at the Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design. Along with the 10-year-old catering business, VanHorn currently operates a food truck in the summer.
So when preparing to open his newest venture, YoChef’s Catering, VanHorn decided he wanted to elevate the dining experience.
“We are using the freshest ingredients possible,” VanHorn said as he walked around the space that features about a dozen tables, a counter with a coffee bar, and menu board.
“We spent two days in a coffee brewing lab to learn the intricate techniques in making coffee,” VanHorn said, adding that through a partnership with Ferris Coffee, he will be purchasing smaller quantities of beans that will be ground on site to ensure the freshest coffee possible.
The menu itself features a mix of popular items from the YoChef’s former restaurants as well as favorites from the company’s food truck such as the Chicken Basil Pesto and the Asian BBQ pork.
Items will be made fresh daily. (Photo by WKTV)
“People would ask, where can I get this when the truck was not out,” VanHorn said. “Now they have a place to go to get their favorite items.”
The menu features a variety of breakfast items, fresh salads, and grilled sandwiches such as the new Frank’s Westside Kielbasa with a special sausage being made by Frank’s Market for the sandwich, VanHorn said. The soups will be made-from-scratch daily with patrons able to check the website www.YoChefsCatering.com for the day’s soups.
“I also have a pastry chef on staff,” VanHorn said. “The pastry case will have a limited selection of bake goods available each day. We want to keep it as fresh as possible.”
VanHorn said he is excited to show off the talents of his team through the new venture, which for now will be open for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant will be open 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Saturday. As demand increases, VanHorn said he will consider expanding the hours.
“Our primary focus is the business community,” said VanHorn, who noted that the location is surround by offices and businesses. And since business workers do not always have a lot of time for lunch, patrons can order through the website, www.YoChefsCafe.com, scheduling a time for pick up. The YoChef’s Cafe is also partnering with UberEats and can be reached by phone at 616-214-7736.
