In the wake of recent mass shootings, state and federal efforts to introduce and pass so-called “Red Flag” laws — which would allow persons with access to guns to be investigated as being possible dangers to themselves and others, and to give authorities the ability to seize that person’s guns — was one topic discussed as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Aug. 12, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
With bipartisan bills being introduced both in Lansing and in Washington, D.C., Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen Gary Peters (D-Mi.) echoed other leader at the meeting by saying: “There is room for common sense legislation” on this issue.
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 Sept. 9 at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
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 .
A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks invites foodies and families to explore cuisine from nearly 30 vendors during the fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The free-to-attend community event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. In addition to a cornucopia of food trucks, the event will also feature live music and a beer tent.
“Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival is a great way to celebrate the last few days of summer sun in Michigan with friends and family,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Our lineup of local eats, drinks and live music means a whole day of fun for the community.”
Food trucks attending the event include: Alt City Beverage Company, Babatürk Food Truck, Bavarian Inn Cluck Truck, Coffee Rescue, D&D’s Gluten-Free, D&W Street Eatery, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Doughrunts, El Caribe Food Truck, Fire and Rice, Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids, Kool Breze, LLC, Lazy Man BBQ, Nick’s Gyros, NOM NOM Ninja, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Porter’s Smokehouse, Pressed In Time, Saladino Smoke, Silver Star Cafe, Sleeping Bear Burritos, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Summer Pops, Tamale Rose, Touch O’ Dutch and Underground Cookie Club.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Bootstrap Boys, followed by DJ Snax, Molly and Last Gasp Collective. A beer tent featuring craft beer and cider will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Food trucks are known for providing a great mix of creative bites from talented chefs with quick service,” said Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival is an opportunity to sample a variety of food while supporting several local businesses.”
While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Kent County may be governed by the elected Board of Commissioners, but a ton of advisory and oversight work is done by various boards, commissions and committees, where members are often ordinary citizens with knowledge and/or interest in various fields and an interest in community service.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners, last week, announced it is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to various boards, commissions and committees starting Jan. 1, 2020.
Among the Wyoming and Kentwood residency required positions are a position on the Kent District Library Board for Region 6, including Caledonia of Gaines townships, or City of Kentwood.
Any Kent County resident may apply by completing an online application form on the County’s website at accessKent.com/boardappointments. The application deadline is Sept. 30. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged for positions with specific skill sets required.
Among the boards, commissions and committees that have openings for terms effective Jan. 1, 2020 (unless opening otherwise noted) are:
Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and real estate/development representative)
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (Advisory Council and Board of Directors)
City/County Building Authority
Community Corrections Advisory Board (openings for media representative and police chief)
Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for at-large member, community-based organization, and health care provider)
Community Mental Health Authority (Network180) Board — term begins April 1, 2020
County Building Authority
Department of Health and Human Services Board
Foreign Trade Zone Board
Friend of the Court Citizen’s Advisory Committee (openings for mental health professional and non-custodial parent)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board
Housing Commission
Jury Commission
Kent County Community Action Advisory Governing Board (openings for consumer, private, and public sector)
Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (openings for business representative, private agency representative, and private funding representatives)
Kent District Library Board (Region 2 — resident of Algoma, Cannon, Courtland, Grattan townships, or City of Rockford; and Region 6 — resident of Caledonia, Gaines townships, or City of Kentwood. Applicants must live in Region 2 or 6.)
Remonumentation Peer Review Group (must be a professional surveyor to apply)
Road Commission Board
Veterans Services Committee (must have served honorably on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces to apply)
For detailed information on meeting schedules and current board, commission and committee members visit here.
Questions about boards and applications should be directed to Pam VanKeuren in the Board of Commissioners’ Office, at 616-632-7580 or Pam.VanKeuren@kentcountymi.gov.
The portion of U.S. 131 between exits 80 and 81 has been named the PCF Nicholas H. Blodgett Memorial Highway. (Tom DeVette)
Remembering the heroes
Have you noticed some new signs along U.S. 131? The signs honor three fallen soldiers who were all from Wyoming: Army Private First Class Nicholas Blodgett, Marine Cpl. Ross Smith, and Army Specialist 4th Class Eric T. Burri. All three died during the Iraq conflict. State Rep. Tommy Brann introduced a bill earlier this year for the memorial highways with the signs being installed this spring. To learn more about the three men honored, click here.
Interim CEO Brian Picardat swears in new Police Chief Bill Nowicki (Ford Airport)
Wage theft can occur everywhere, in offices, on construction sites and in farm fields. (WKTV)
Fair Wage
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), last week announced he is conducting an investigation into illegal wage theft practices that “harm American workers.” And he is asking for worker input on possible wage theft in their lives. In a statement issued by his office, “wage theft violates basic fair pay laws and denies workers a fair wage for their work. It takes many forms, including failure to pay the applicable minimum wage, failure to compensate employees for overtime, and misclassifying employees as ‘independent contractors’ to avoid paying certain benefits or taxes.” If you are interested in sharing your story, click here.
I’ve Got a Gal…
So we are talking about our neighbors to the south, Kalamazoo. Michigan is the only state to have a city named Kalamazoo, which is believed to be a Native American name meaning “mirage of reflecting water” or “bubbling” or “boiling” water. It is the midway point between Detroit (142 miles to the east) and Chicago (138 miles to the west) and the home to some pretty famous businesses: Gibson Guitars and Upjohn, to name a couple. And of course, it is memorialized in that famous Glenn Miller song “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo,” which with the help of Bell’s Brewery, for some has become “I’ve got a beer in Kalamazoo.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIA) announced today that William “Bill” Nowicki has been hired as its new Chief Airport Law Enforcement Officer.
Nowicki, who comes to Gerald R. Ford International Airport after 27 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department, was officially sworn in today.
“Bill is a tremendous addition to our airport staff and brings an array of law enforcement knowledge,” said GFIA Public Safety & Operations Director Lisa Carr. “Bill has an incredible resume and is well known and well respected among his peers. He brings a diverse set of experience and leadership to the department, and I am confident Bill will be a great fit with the team.”
Nowicki has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Ferris State University. He is also a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University, and a graduate of the Leadership Institute at Calvin College.
William Nowicki is the new police chief at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Ford Airport)
The St. Clair, Michigan native has an extensive background in law enforcement and has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, and Patrol Sergeant. In 2004 he was promoted to Lieutenant and in that role, he has served as a Watch Commander, Administrative Lieutenant, and since 2013 he has served as the Unit Commander of the Vice Unit.
During his career at the Grand Rapids Police Department, Nowicki has received numerous awards including a Commendation Award, Team Performance Award, Achievement Award, Honorable Mention Award, four Unit Performance Awards, and many Letters of Commendation and Recognition. Locally, Chief Nowicki serves on the Kent County Opioid Task Force, Illicit Massage Industry work group, City of Grand Rapids Human Trafficking Task Force, and Ferris State University’s School of Criminal Justice Alumni Advisory Committee.
“I am thrilled to join the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority team,” said Nowicki. “The airport continues to grow, and I am looking forward to bringing my skills and knowledge of public safety and law enforcement into a new environment where security is held to the highest standard.”
“We pride ourselves on safety and security, and Bill’s experience will be a great fit in working with the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and building our internal law enforcement department,” said Brian Picardat, Interim CEO at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Nowicki replaces Chief Rick Aro, who retired in March.
Wage theft can occur everywhere, in offices, on construction sites and in farm fields. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, last week announced he is conducting an investigation into illegal wage theft practices that “harm American workers.” And he is asking for worker input on possible wage theft in their lives.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)
In a statement issued by his office, “wage theft violates basic fair pay laws and denies workers a fair wage for their work. It takes many forms, including failure to pay the applicable minimum wage, failure to compensate employees for overtime, and misclassifying employees as ‘independent contractors’ to avoid paying certain benefits or taxes.”
“If you put in a hard day’s work, you deserve to get paid for it,” Sen. Peters said in the statement. “Yet every day, workers in Michigan and across the country are denied wages or benefits they have earned on the job. This investigation will help expose wage theft and develop ways to hold employers who break the rules accountable for actions that hurt hardworking families.”
As part of the investigation, Sen. Peters’ office would like to hear from workers who have been victims of wage theft, including instances where rightfully earned wages have been withheld or wages or benefits have been denied for work as an employee or independent contractor. Workers who have experienced wage theft can share their information with the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
To share personal experiences which workers think might be wage theft, please visit here.
According to the statement from Sen. Peters’ office, wage theft has serious financial consequences for workers and businesses who are trying to play by the rules. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that American workers are shorted as much as $15 billion in wages each year due to minimum wage law violations. And Michigan reportedly has the fifth highest total of unpaid wages in the country due to minimum wage violations.
According to EPI, from 2013 to 2015, roughly $430 million in wages were improperly withheld from Michigan workers. Misclassifying workers as “independent contractors” also negatively impacts law-abiding taxpayers.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, millions of employers nationwide have failed to pay more than $45 billion in employment taxes. These practices deprive the federal government of billions of dollars in unpaid employment taxes that are used to fund Social Security, Medicare and other benefits.
In Michigan alone, a study released in 2008 found that Michigan loses tens of millions of dollars annually from misclassification practices – depriving the state of dollars for projects like highway and infrastructure upgrades, educational programs, or public hospitals.
As part of the next phase of work to rebuild the intersection of Forest Hill Avenue SE and Burton Street SE, the north half of the Forest Hill and Burton intersection will be closed beginning Friday, Aug. 9.
The closure, which will remain until the completion of the project in August, means commuters will not have access to Forest Hill Avenue from the south end of the street. Instead, commuters will need to take a detour from East Paris Avenue to Cascade Road. Traffic delays should be anticipated.
“We recognize this closure is an inconvenience, but it is necessary in order for the contractor to be able to complete the work prior to when area schools are back in session,” said City Engineer Dan VanderHeide. “In addition, the upgrades at the intersection of Burton and Forest Hill, including new right turn lanes for Forest Hill and a new traffic signal, will reduce congestion and new pavement will mean major work to the intersection will not be necessary for many years.”
Detours will be posted and electronic sign boards are in place to give commuters of the major change in traffic. Commuters can also receive updates via the City’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) and website. For more information, including a map of 2019 street resurfacing and repairs, visit www.kentwood.us.
A girl waves to her brother, who is being shown the inside of a police car at a National Night Out event at Woodland Mall. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
National Night Out, which was held at various locations around the region Aug. 6, is always a chance for City of Kentwood leaders and public service staff to get out and mix with the pubic.
In Kentwood alone there were more than 20 block parties, neighborhood events and other activities with Kentwood police officers, firefighters, city leaders and McGruff the Crime Dog joining residents for the annual community-building night.
The events — held this year at Woodland Mall, The Pentecostals Church and Faith Church on 44th Street SE, and South United Methodist Church on South Division Avenue; to name only a few — may seem routine to some city representatives. But for City of Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen and his police force the routine is always a welcome “opportunity” to mix with the residents they serve and, sometimes, create special moments.
City of Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen. (WKTV)
“This is one more opportunity for us to interact with our community,” Chief Hillen, who toured several locations with Mayor Stephen Kepley, said to WKTV. “At their house or at their church, where there is really no barriers and they can ask us any questions they want.
“If they want to know what is going on in their neighborhood, we can tell them. We get an opportunity to find out what their concerns are. It is just an opportunity for us to, again, engage with the public in one-on-one setting.”
While the Chief Hillen and his police officers were more than welcomed by Pastor Jay Jones at The Pentecostals Church, where WKTV caught up with the Chief, that is not always the case.
In fact, when asked about a special memory of National Night Out, Chief Hillen told a story which exemplifies the dedication of his police force.
“We have 22 events like this throughout the city and it is always amazing to me,” he said. “But there was this one, this large apartment complex that we were trying to outreach to because we had some issues in that (complex). But we could not get a commitment, we could not get assistance, from the apartment facility.
“So, our officers took it upon themselves to throw their own party, because we knew there were a lot of kids in there. We knew there were a lot of people who wanted to talk to us but they were afraid to. So, the officers reached out the business community, who provided bikes and helmets and hotdogs. And we went in the threw our on party for the community, and it was well received. Its the kind of thing that just kind of touches your heart. Its why its different being in Kentwood.”
Operation Homefront’s mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply struggle to get by — in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
By Lauren DeVol SpartanNash
Together with its store guests and company associates, the SpartanNash Foundation raised $300,000 for its patriotic nonprofit partners Team Red, White & Blue, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember.
Between June 26 and July 7, store guests who visited any participating SpartanNash-owned retail store or fuel center had the opportunity to donate $1, $5 or $10 at any checkout lane, or round their total up to the nearest dollar to support the trio of patriotic partners. More than 135 stores participated in the Foundation scan, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket and Family Fresh Market.
The $300,000 raised during the SpartanNash Foundation companywide fundraising scan campaign will be evenly split between Team RWB, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember. SpartanNash Foundation grants will be used to connect servicemembers, veterans and their families to their local communities through physical and social activity, provide critical financial assistance and family support services and honor those who lost their lives as a result of defending our freedoms.
“At SpartanNash, we are very excited about the overwhelming support shown for our military heroes during the latest SpartanNash Foundation retail scan,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications and the executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “As a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries throughout the world, SpartanNash sees firsthand the sacrifices our servicemen and women make to protect our freedoms every day. One of our company’s core values is patriotism, and SpartanNash and the SpartanNash Foundation are deeply committed to supporting our military heroes in the communities we serve.
“Each year, SpartanNash contributes thousands of dollars, products and volunteer hours to military and veterans organizations and events – as well as hiring veterans and their family members as a Military Friendly® and veteran-friendly employer. We are proud to team up with Team RWB, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember in this unique and powerful way, raising awareness and funds for those who served and sacrificed.”
Since 2016, the SpartanNash Foundation has raised and granted more than $1,000,000 for its patriotic partners through its fundraising scan campaigns, benefitting veterans service organizations including Give an Hour, Fisher House Foundation, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., Disabled Veterans National Foundation and in 2019, Team RWB, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember. SpartanNash underwrites the cost of the awareness-building and fundraising campaign as well as contributes funding and encourages associates to volunteer with the Foundation’s grant recipients.
Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
Team RWB
Founded in 2010, Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Utilizing a nationwide network of chapters, Team RWB hosts and participates in events designed to bring veterans together and engage in the communities where they live and work.
Team RWB is the bridge connecting communities – where veterans and civilians work together and gain common understanding. Team RWB takes the best of military service – the camaraderie and the physical challenges – and creates a new family of Eagles connected through physical activity.
“We’re honored and grateful that the SpartanNash Foundation, along with their store guests, recognizes the sacrifices veterans have made on behalf of our nation,” said John Pinter, Team RWB’s Executive Director. “We’re thrilled that this campaign will afford us the opportunity to support more veterans in their post-service journeys.”
Team RWB offers resources to ensure veterans have an effective transition back into their communities and ways to engage locally.
Operation Homefront’s mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply struggle to get by — in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.
For 17 years, Operation Homefront has provided critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.
“We are extremely grateful to SpartanNash, the SpartanNash Foundation and their incredible store guests for this generous grant as it allows us to help our military families who may be struggling to make ends meet,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray, Jr., President and CEO, Operation Homefront. “For a second consecutive year, they are helping us give this very special and deserving group of our fellow citizens the opportunity to thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”
In 2018, SpartanNash Foundation funds supported Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance (CFA) program. CFA support includes, but is not limited to, direct assistance with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, car repairs, home repairs and groceries. Thanks to the generous support of partners such as the SpartanNash Foundation, Operation Homefront has fulfilled more than 41,000 requests for assistance, providing over $25 million in grants since the CFA program began in 2011.
The mission of Honor and Remember is to publicly and perpetually recognize the ultimate sacrifice of America’s military fallen heroes and their families.
Honor and Remember, Inc.
The mission of Honor and Remember is to publicly and perpetually recognize the ultimate sacrifice of America’s military fallen heroes and their families. The organization pays tribute to all military lives lost, not only while serving on active duty but also as a result of serving.
The primary vehicle for perpetual recognition the Honor and Remember Flag, which is intended to fly continuously as a tangible and visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.
SpartanNash is a national partner and strong supporter of Honor and Remember, underwriting personal flag presentations to families of the fallen and flying the Honor and Remember flag at all company facilities. The flag artwork is also displayed on SpartanNash’s fleet of tractor trailers, which travel more than 65 million miles per year.
“SpartanNash and its store guests have been faithful partners in our mission to pay tribute to the families of men and women who have given their lives in military service to America,” said George Lutz, who founded Honor and Remember after losing his son in Iraq in 2005. “Thanks to the generosity of the SpartanNash Foundation, we have been able to present hundreds of Gold Star families with personalized Honor and Remember flags that express our nation’s profound appreciation for their supreme sacrifice. Whenever SpartanNash store guests or associates see an Honor and Remember flag flying beneath the American flag, they can take pride in knowing that they are partners in our mission to ensure that the public never forgets our fallen heroes.”
Through its partnership with the SpartanNash Foundation, Honor and Remember honored more than 250 families who have lost a loved one through military service with personalized Honor and Remember flags in 2018. SpartanNash was also a presenting sponsor of Honor and Remember’s Run for the Fallen – a five-month, 6,000-mile journey to pay tribute to fallen servicemembers.
The retail scan campaign supporting Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember is the third of four fundraising campaigns the SpartanNash Foundation will conduct in 2019. To date, the SpartanNash Foundation has raised $734,700 on behalf of local Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics partners in eight states.
It has been a busy summer for the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce with members not only preparing for the annual Metro Cruise, which takes place Aug. 23 and 24, but also welcoming four new businesses.
The Chamber along with the City of Kentwood welcomed Wise Men Distillery, which had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 31. Located at 4717 Broadmoor Ave. SE, right next to Cascade Winery and Jaden James Brewery, the new tasting room offers small batch vodka, rum, gin, white whiskey and its famous Apple Pie Moonshine in a “laid-back, down to earth environment,” according to the company’s website.
Wise Men Distillery was started with three friends who through painstaking experiments produced a moonshine that was not only drinkable, but enjoyable too. This became the company’s signature Apple Pie Moonshine. Just recently, the 2019 New York International Spirits Competition named Wise Men Distillery “Michigan Run Distillery of the Year” and awarded the distillery a silver medal for its Red Tape series rum and a bronze for its Wise Men vodka.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant opened in Kentwood on July 27.
About two months later, on July 27 the Chamber and the City of Kentwood welcomed the national chain Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant at 4515 28th St. SE. This location was the former Paulina’s Mexican Restaurant and at one time a Quaker State and Lube restaurant.
The Kentwood restaurant is the Chicago-based company’s second location in Michigan, having opened its first in 2018 on the east side of the state in Clinton Township.
The Kentwood Cooper’s Hawk will feature a Napa-style tasting area, full restaurant and bar and a patio of outdoor dining. According to Cooper’s Hawk’s website, all menu items are made in the scratch kitchen and incorporate peak-of-season ingredients. All items are paired with wine recommendations.
AT&T Prime Wireless opened a new location in Wyoming’s 28 West Place plaza in July. (Chamber)
Also opened in July is Peoplemark Staffing, 3949 Sparks Dr., Grand Rapids, and AT&T Prime Wireless, 1266 28th St. SW, Wyoming,
Peoplemark is a full service staffing company that provides recruiting, sourcing, screening, finding and placing exceptional associates in all positions at all levels, manufacturing, administrative/clerical, IT, customer service, accounting/finance, etc.
AT&T Prime Wireless is an AT&T authorized retailer with a showroom featuring AT&T’s newest products including cellular phones and tablets.
Peoplemark opened its new location on Sparks Drive in July. (Chamber)
High school students Gerardo Garay and Willow Grey-Lughod haven’t exactly spent the summer kicking back and relaxing.
The pair, who attend Kent Transition Center, has been working diligently in a 10-week program through a partnership with Kent ISD and Michigan Rehab Services. They are a part of a 10-person team helping with cleaning and landscaping on the large Kent ISD campus in Northeast Grand Rapids, preparing for the new school year.
Kent Transition Center helps prepare students with learning or other special needs make the transition from school to work and to develop independence.
Forest Hills Northern student Willow Grey-Lughold cleans a chair as part of the Kent ISD Summer Employment Program, which is giving students their first experience in the job world. (School News Network)
“We do mostly cleaning and weeding so everything looks respectable,” said Gerardo, entering 12th grade at East Kentwood High School. “This is my first job indeed. Everything is going great so far.
“If anyone is scared of a first job, this is a perfect experience. They help you a lot; there are a lot of nice people.” Gerardo hopes the experience will help further his dream. “After high school, I want to achieve my dream of running my own restaurant in the bakery, with meal prep and cooking.”
Willow said she’s making the most of her summer job too. “We’re learning how to clean stuff that I’ve never done at home,” said Willow, who is entering her senior year at Forest Hills Northern. “We’re learning a whole lot.”
Beyond working on campus, other students are working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel helping with food preparation, in the laundry room, and most are in their district doing the same types of activities, according to Duane Kiley, principal at the Transition Center.
“It truly gives them something to put on their resume, gives them experience that you can’t get anyplace else,” said Kiley, of the 37 students in the program. “We have kids come back and say they learned a lot about what it’s like to work for somebody, follow directions, show up on time and work with other people. For a lot of them, it’s their first experience getting a paycheck and having direct deposit at a bank.
“And a number of our graduates got hired by the places they worked at in the summer.”
Forest Hills Northern student Willow Grey-Lughold participated in the Kent ISD Summer Employment Program, prepping the campus inside and out for the new school year. (School News Network)
Kent Transition Center
All of the students in the Summer Employment Program attend the Kent Transition Center, whose goal is to prepare high school juniors and seniors for employment and a successful, independent future. It offers small classes, hands-on learning and support to give their students what they need for successful learning.
Students can apply what they learn in the classroom through internships at actual job sites where they are mentored by business partners and supported by the Transition Center team. High school credits are earned for these career experiences, which can lead to paid positions for those students who excel.
Real-World Experience with Support
Linda Nawrocki, administrative assistant at the Transition Center, says this summer experience is unique.
“What I think is so great about this program for the kids is that they get this real work experience, but they have this support that you wouldn’t typically get when you’re first hired,” she explained.
Wyoming student Gerardo Garay cleans a chair as part of the Kent ISD Summer Employment Program, which is giving students a first-look at a job
Kiley said the real story is the partnership with Michigan Rehab Services.
“The money that pays these students’ salaries comes from the Michigan Rehab and federal funds,” Kiley said. “We pay 25 percent and MRS pays 75 percent. Each student gets over $1,000 for the 10 weeks.”
Zach Mosher, a supervisor for the summer work program, said it’s a good first experience working with a boss, taking orders, working as a team and following through with a job.
“It’s their first experience in a job atmosphere,” said Mosher, a third-grade teacher at Sandy Hill Elementary in Jenison, where 10 students are employed. “Right now we are prepping a room for the school year; dusting the ceilings, walls, vents and working our way down to the windows, doors and door frames to the floor.
“We have done many rooms throughout campus, including hundreds of lockers. We spend the majority of our time outside doing the grounds; pulling weeds on the sidewalks, curbs and courtyards and trimming branches.”
Mosher has much to say about his workers.
“They sweat and don’t complain; they just do it. And they get so many compliments about their good work. They’re just awesome workers; I’m proud of them. This definitely helps prepare them for the work world.”
To read more stories on on local schools, visit the School News Network website at schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Kent County Emergency Manager Lt. Lou Hunt today released a statement to inform the general public about a planned test of the country’s Emergency Alert System.
As part of the statement, Lt. Hunt states: “This is only a test and is not a real event. No action is needed by the public. It is also important to know this test does not include wireless emergency alerts, so alerts broadcast through wireless devices such as cellphones are not expected nor being tested. Rather, this test is aimed at traditional alerting methods such as radio and television.”
Following is the complete statement:
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and radio and television Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants, will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS beginning at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. A backup date is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, if needed. The test will assess the operational readiness of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructures for distribution of a national message that could be urgent and lifesaving and determine whether technological improvements are warranted.
The test of the EAS will broadcast a test message that is approximately one minute long. Broadcast radio and television, cable, wireline service providers, and direct broadcast satellite service providers will each broadcast the test message once within a few minutes of the test. The national EAS test message will look and sound similar to the regular Required Monthly Test messages broadcast by all EAS participants. The EAS test message is expected to have limited impact on the public with only a minor interruption to regular radio and television programs. The EAS test message will be:
“This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communication Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert, you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”
“If you don’t read the newspaper, you‘re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you‘re mis-informed.”
Mark Twain
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)
New principal at Lee high
Lee Middle and High School will have a new principal when it greets students later this month as Godfrey-Lee Public Schools announced this week that Candida VanBuskirk would fill the position following Kathryn Curry’s retirement after 7 years as principal. Visit here for the story.
More than 1,200 backpacks were collected for the 2018 School Supply Santa. (Supplied)
Back to school help
A school ad shows a student larger than life because of all the new school supplies and clothes she got. But for some local residents, just purchasing the basic school supplies can be a momental task. Visit here for the story.
The annual Metro Cruise is a feast of automobiles and automotive details (Courtesy Bruce Carlson)
Easy parking for Metro Cruise
The annual Metro Cruise is always popular, with visitor parking often at a premium, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise on Aug. 23-24 will be no different. But thanks to a partnership with The Rapid, there will be two shuttle buses running from nearby but off 28th Street parking locations — Wyoming High School and the Wyoming’s Kent District Library. Visit here for the story.
(Not so) Fun fact:
With 66 percent of Americans using Facebook, Pew Research Center says 45 percent of US adults get at least some of their news from the site. The survey found that of the 45 percent turning to Facebook for news content, half claim it is the only social platform they are using for news.
Today is National Night Out, a time set aside for residents to turn their porch lights on and get out and meet their neighbors.
Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will have a number of National Night Out events and activities taking place throughout the day. Below is a list of just some of those activities.
Consumer’s Energy Kick-Off Event
Consumer’s Energy will host its early morning event from 5:30 – 8 a.m. at its Wyoming headquarters, 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Mayors from several cities including Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley will participate in a joint reading of the proclamation in recognition of National Night Out.
Employees will be handing out light bulbs along Clay Avenue along with area police cruisers on display with lights on.
City of Kentwood
The Kentwood Police Department has partnered with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at emergency vehicles both outside and throughout the mall from 3 to 5 p.m. Large emergency vehicles will be on display outside by Celebration! Cinema, while other vehicles will be placed throughout the mall for shoppers to learn about and explore. A table featuring Kentwood Police Department giveaways will be located in the Barnes and Nobles wing.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party featuring a bounce house, free meal, face painting, music, carnival games and other kids’ activities.
South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., will have free ice cream and hot dogs, a live band, door prizes and a small water slide for young children.
Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, will have food trucks and a live band.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.
Various activities will be offered at several neighborhood National Night Out events. (WKTV)
The Wyoming Concerts in the Park series hosts its last concert tonight with Shadows of the Night, music of the women of rock from 7 – 9 p.m. The evening is centered around National Night Out with a variety of activities taking place along with a visit from a couple of representatives from the city’s most popular police unit, the K-9 Unit.
Other National Night Out events, which will take place between 5 – 9 p.m., taking place are:
The South Godwin Neighborhood Association at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE. This is one of the biggest National Night Out events with lots of activities.
Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW, will have activities and food.
Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW, will have activities and food.
Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW, will have activities including a children’s parade.
South Kent National Night Out
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the Kentwood Community Church have teamed up to host the South Kent National Night Out set for 4 – 8 p.m. at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SW.
The free event will feature food, games, splash pads, AeroMed Helicopter, KCSO Mounted Unit, and much more! For more information on the South Kent National Night Out, click here.
The City of Kentwood has held two previous Plan Kentwood community information gathering events. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
City of Kentwood staff will be doing double duty Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Woodland Mall as the city will take advantage of the crowd attending National Night Out events to offer information and take comments on the city’s in-work “Plan Kentwood” master plan update.
During the same hours, 3-5 p.m., Kentwood Police Department staff and emergency vehicles will be present both inside and outside at the mall for public viewing and exploration — see a previous WKTV story on the National Night Out events — and city planning staff will be present to discuss planned and possible future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor.
Kentwood planning staff and leaders such as Mayor Stephen Kepley, shown in middle, at a previous Plan Kentwood event. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
The August planning community event is the third of four events offered because the city “is updating its long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation, known as the Master Plan, and is seeking public input on proposed changes through Plan Kentwood, a community engagement series,” the city has previously stated in a press release.
The Master Plan is an official public document adopted by the Kentwood Planning and City Commissions. The current forward-looking development plan considers residents’ and property owners’ long-range goals and desires, as well as local, regional and market trends. It consists of goals, policies and recommended actions to guide land use decision-making for Planning Commissioners and City Commissioners during the next 20 years.
The Plan is reviewed at least every five years but is modified and updated as deemed necessary by the City Commission. The most recent update was completed in 2012.
“The Master Plan is not a law or ordinance, but rather a guide for decisions to support how growth and conservation will take place in the City. We welcome all community members to be a part of the conversation,” Kentwood Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer said previously. “We look forward to engaging with residents, businesses and property owners for community feedback as we plan for Kentwood’s future development.”
At the Aug. 6 event, staff will be inside Woodland Mall at a table to gather input on the future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor. The corridor consists of a wide range of development – from high-end boutiques, major regional malls and local retailers, to many national dining, service and product franchises. Public input gathered will focus on how to improve its effectiveness as a transportation corridor, and as a business and employment center, according to the city.
The final event, “Designing Division,” will be hosted at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Community members are encouraged to join for an evening of ice cream and discussions on the future of the Division Avenue corridor with the City of Kentwood, the City of Wyoming and the Division Avenue Business Association. Division Avenue is a key gateway corridor to both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, requiring cooperation between the two communities.
More information about the Master Plan update is available at kentwood.us/PlanKentwood. Questions or comments may be directed to Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer at schweitzert@kentwood.us; 616-554-0710, or Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder at golderl@kentwood.us; 616-554-0709.
“It always helps to have people we love beside us when we have to do difficult things in life.”
From The World According to Mister Rogers (p. 45).
WKTV file photo
Get to know your neighbor, Aug. 6
Started in 1984, National Night Out has evolved to neighborhoods hosting block parties, festival, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personal, exhibits and much more. More here.
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living
How about doing some daytripping?
Be a fake tourist for a day. Go to local museums, parks, festival events or even the town historical sites and city hall. You might be amazed about how much local history sits buried in these locations that most people don’t know a lot about. Go here for more day trip ideas.
Circle Aug. 8th on your calendar
Comedy-drama, Superior Donuts by Tony® Award- and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts, explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. It opens Aug. 8th at Circle Theatre. Go here for the deets.
Fun fact:
Because he ‘hated it so’
That’s the reason Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) got into television. When he turned on a set, all he saw was angry people throwing pies in each others’ faces, and he vowed to use the medium to make the world a better place.
By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director sports@wktv.org
Here comes the start of another academic school year opening this month, which also means the local high school sports schedules are doing the same.
Beginning on Aug. 16, fall seasons for girls golf and volleyball, along with boys and girls cross country, and boys soccer, tennis, swimming, water polo and — of course — football all get under way throughout the last two weeks of the month leading to Labor Day weekend.
WKTV will once again be featuring a weekly football game starting with the Thursday, Aug. 29, matchup between White Cloud and Wyoming Lee.
There are some changes not only to Wyoming Lee this year, but to the O-K Silver conference, where the former nicknamed Rebels and now called Legends have played.
For a variety of reasons, Lee, along with NorthPointe Christian and Calvin Christian have all made the change to play independently this season.
As a result, the four remaining Silver teams — Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Belding and Hopkins — will each play a home and home conference schedule to determine the league champion.
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 featured games
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.
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 wktvondemand.com.
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 month’s schedule, starting Friday, Aug. 16:
Friday, Aug. 16 Boys Soccer Wyoming @ Wyoming Lee East Kentwood @ FH Central Girls Golf East Kentwood vs Jenison – Jenison Invite @ The Meadows Boys Tennis East Kentwood @ Ludington – Ludington Invite
Saturday, Aug. 17 Boys Soccer Whitehall @ South Christian – Mark Hasper Invite TBA @ Wyoming Lee – Copa Leyendas
Monday, Aug. 19 Girls Golf South Christian @ Traverse City Invite – Spruce Run Boys Soccer Holland Christian @ South Christian Holland @ East Kentwood Boys Tennis Wyoming @ Holland
Tuesday, Aug. 20 Girls Golf South Christian @ Traverse City Invite – Wolverine Boys Soccer Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian Union @ Wyoming Boys / Girls Cross Country Godwin Heights @ Kent City
Wednesday, Aug. 21 Boys Tennis TBA @ South Christian – Sailor Quad TBA @ Wyoming – Quad Boys Soccer Caledonia @ South Christian Wyoming @ Zeeland West Portage Northern @ East Kentwood Boys / Girls Cross Country Wyoming Lee @ Hesperia – Baker Woods Invitational Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary
Thursday, Aug. 22 Boys Tennis TBA @ South Christian – Sailor Quad Wyoming @ Lowell Boys Soccer Belding @ Godwin Heights Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee Ravenna @ Zion Christian
Friday, Aug. 23 Boys Soccer Tri-Unity Christian @ Barry County Christian Potter’s House @ Wyoming East Kentwood @ West Ottawa Girls Golf South Christian vs Middleville T-K – TK Invite @ Yankee Springs Girls Volleyball Wyoming Lee @ WMAES Wyoming vs TBA – WMVOA Meet @ MSA Fieldhouse Boys Water Polo East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer – Pioneer Invite
Saturday, Aug. 24 Girls Volleyball Tri-Unity Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse Godwin Heights vs TBA – Officials for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse Potter’s House vs TBA – Official for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse Zion Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse South Christian @ Grand Haven Boys Tennis South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite TBA @ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament Boys / Girls Cross Country South Christian @ East Kentwood Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central Boys Soccer TBA @ Zion Christian – Zion Soccer Invite Boys Water Polo East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer – Pioneer Invite Girls Volleyball East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – Lakeshore Classic
Monday, Aug. 26 Boys Soccer Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian Wyoming @ FH Eastern Hudsonville @ East Kentwood Girls Golf South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores Boys Tennis Holland Christian @ South Christian Girls Volleyball Wyoming Lee @ Algoma Christian
Tuesday, Aug. 27 Boys / Girls Cross Country South Christian @ St. Joseph Girls Swimming South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian Central @ East Kentwood Boys Soccer NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Zion Christian @ Saugatuck Boys Tennis Wyoming @ Zeeland East TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Quad Girls Volleyball Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Zion Christian @ Martin – Quad TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Early Bird Tournament
Wednesday, Aug. 28 Girls Golf South Christian @ Kent Country Club – OK Jamboree Boys Tennis Unity Christian @ South Christian Girls Volleyball Caledonia @ South Christian – Sailor Invite Boys Soccer East Grand Rapids @ South Christian Wyoming @ Wayland Rockford @ East Kentwood Boys / Girls Cross Country Godwin Heights @ Saranac Wyoming Lee @ Saranac Wyoming @ Wayland
Thursday, Aug. 29 Girls Swimming South Christian @ East Kentwood Boys Football Greenville vs South Christian – @ Byron Center Godwin Heights @ Hamilton White Cloud @ Wyoming Lee – WKTV Featured Event Holland @ Wyoming Boys Soccer Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights Potter’s House vs West Michigan Heat – @ Hudsonville Christian Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian Plainwell @ East Kentwood Girls Volleyball TBA @ East Kentwood – Lady Falcon Invite Boys / Girls Cross Country East Kentwood @ Milford – Invite
Friday, Aug. 30 Boys Football Tri-unity Christian @ Climax-Scotts East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
“Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
George Eliot
On a roll
Only recently, Margo Price “was a country underdog just trying to keep enough gas in the tank to get to the next gig,” but by the end of 2016, she was one of the genre’s most celebrated new artists with gigs on late night television and at major festivals around the world. Don’t miss her performance at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this Thursday, Aug. 1st. The Dawes with Margo Price concert will start at 6:30pm (5:15pm gates open), with a $50 general admission ticket price. For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org. Go here for the story.
Precious cargo
National Heat Stroke Prevention day is July 31, 2019, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding everyone to “look before you lock.” It takes just 10 minutes for a vehicle in the sun to heat up by 20 degrees and become potentially deadly for a child left locked in a car. Go here for the story.
Tick tock
If despite your best prevention efforts, a tick still attaches to you, there’s a right and a wrong way to remove ticks. Don’t use matches or the tip of a cigarette to burn off ticks. This could cause them to transmit bacteria more quickly. The correct way to remove a tick is to lift it gently with thin forceps or tweezers. Here are more tips.
Fun fact:
A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top. You’re welcome.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is an update on the June partial building collapse at Lee Middle and High School. District Superintendent Kevin Polston separates the facts from the fictions of the incident and the aftermath. Also, Kent County recently adopted an extensive Strategic Plan that not only sets out its mission and vision but also a set of values that will drive its priorities and goals. With us is both the county’s lead administrator and Wyoming’s own representative on the County Commission.
First In Focus is Godfrey Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston, who’s summer took a hard turn in June with the collapse of a portion of the Lee Middle and High School complex of buildings. Recently, he has held a series of meetings to inform parents, the general public and the school district community about the collapse as well as where the district goes from here, both in the short and long term. We invited him into our studios to reach out to our WKTV audience with the information. See the In Focus Video here.
County Administrator Wayman Britt and County Commissioner Harold Voorhees on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)
Then In Focus is Kent County’s new Strategic Plan, set to cover the years 2019 to 2023 and designed to establish and detail the county government’s, “mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities and goals.” With us is County Administrator Wayman Britt, who after serving as county controller was promoted to the dual role of administrator and controller in early 2018, also joining us is County Commissioner Harold Voorhees, whose District 8 is — as he likes to say “entirely within the City of Wyoming”. See the In Focus video here.
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.
A video produced by the City of Kentwood and WKTV Community Media.
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as part of the community’s celebration of National Night Out.
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and City leaders will join residents at more than 20 gatherings planned for the annual community-building event, most of which will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
National Night Out began in the 1980s with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes. Every year, events are held nationwide on the first Tuesday in August to encourage citizens to turn their porch lights on and come out outside to meet their neighbors.
“National Night Out provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the City of Kentwood really is a community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The City’s entire leadership team is looking forward to celebrating the strong sense of community that exists in Kentwood and helping to promote the practice of neighbors caring for neighbors.”
The Kentwood Police Department has partnered with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at emergency vehicles both outside and throughout the mall from 3 to 5 p.m. Large emergency vehicles will be on display outside by Celebration! Cinema, while other vehicles will be placed throughout the mall for shoppers to learn about and explore. A table featuring Kentwood Police Department giveaways will be located in the Barnes and Nobles wing.
In addition, several public community-based events will be hosted from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature a variety of activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Locations of those events include:
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party featuring a bounce house, free meal, face painting, music, carnival games and other kids’ activities.
South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., will have free ice cream and hot dogs, a live band, door prizes and a small water slide for young children.
Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, will have food trucks and a live band.
“A strong alliance with law enforcement is necessary for fostering safer neighborhoods,” Police Chief Thomas Hillen said. “Members of our department enjoy any opportunity to connect with residents, but National Night Out in particular offers a great opportunity to build positive relationships and create open lines of communication.”
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.
Shamar Green brings a ladder into the hallway at school. Students passing by know what to do: Climb the Ladder of Success.
“I never thought it would be as big as it is around here,” said Shamar about his news segment of that name, which airs regularly on the high school news channel, Falcon News Network. He stands on the ladder with his microphone and interviews students and teachers, man-on-the-street style. He has many eager participants.
“I just get up there and ask questions about, ‘What are the keys to success?”
(Courtesy photo) Shamar Green participates in a cupcake competition for Falcon News Network
He’s covered topics such as how to be successful at the SAT, how to have an enjoyable Christmas and how to pull off a great Valentine’s Day.
At East Kentwood High School, Shamar is known as a jokester, a fun-loving, energetic student. He graduates May 21 with dreams of becoming a professional actor. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that Shamar decided to channel his energy for the positive. He spent several years constantly in trouble and struggling to find his way.
“In elementary school, it was rough because I don’t think I went to school 10 days straight,” he said. “I couldn’t stop getting suspended.”
Easily triggered and quick to lash out, he was put into a special education program for students with emotional impairments. In sixth grade, he was removed from the traditional educational setting to attend a center-based program for emotionally impaired students.
“My responses were terrible, and it would lead to small things becoming bigger things that would lead to suspensions. … I struggled with low self-esteem at times, and a lack of coping skills and strategies.”
Shamar’s mother, Jaquise Brazil, was constantly trying to help.
“My mother was always looking for me to get help,” he said. “She really made an effort to make sure my mental health was strong and good. She always stuck with it. I never felt like she would quit on me.”
(Courtesy photo) Shamar Green performs in ‘The Music Man’
Considering the ‘Grand Scheme of Things’
Shamar remembers the incident in ninth grade that led to his turning point. After being kicked out of class for fighting verbally with other students, he tried to get back into class to get his backpack. “I was kicking the door to get back in,” he said. “There was glass on the door. I kicked the glass and I broke it.”
The resulting two-week suspension extended into winter break. “That whole month I was in my room, in a funk. I was trying to figure everything out,” he said. “I was like, ‘OK. What do I want out of life? What do I want to be? Are the things that are making me act out really worth it in the grand scheme of things?’”
Once he returned to school in January, “things started to go in the right direction.”
His reflections coincided with getting to know two ninth-grade teachers, Alan Freudigmann and Beth Thompson, who spoke words that resonate with Shamar to this day. They took time after school to talk to him.
HIS NATURAL CHARM CAN BE DISARMING, BUT THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH HE TAKES HIS PERSONAL GROWTH IS IMPRESSIVE. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT GREAT THINGS HE WILL DO IN THE FUTURE; I CAN ASSURE YOU IT WON’T BE BORING.” — TEACHER BETH THOMPSON ON SENIOR SHAMAR GREEN
“If it wasn’t for those two, I don’t know how I would view myself today,” he said. Thompson told him, “Find something you are passionate about,” Shamar remembers. “That stuck with me.”
Freudigmann taught him to be gentle when reacting to others. Shamar recalled a moment when he asked Freudigmann if he was going to yell at another student who had not completed an assigned task. The teacher said, “When you yell at someone, that makes them want to help you less.”
“Something so small like that has gone a long way for me,” Shamar said. “I try not to yell at people. That helped me with patience.”
Thompson, who had Shamar in her ninth-grade English class, said she noticed him take responsibility. “There are many things I love about Shamar, but one of his marked characteristics has been his willingness to listen and learn about himself. He has always been honest about making mistakes and asking questions about why he was getting a certain reaction or push-back from some people,” she said. “In my opinion, he has chosen a path to improve himself, which is unusual for such a young person.”
Shamar Green is ‘Climbing the Ladder of Success’
Discovering his Passion
Shamar, who lived outside Kentwood Public Schools’ boundaries, attended a different high school his sophomore year.
He wanted badly to return, which he did his junior year. “It was perfect. It still feels good. I’m so happy to be here. I’m blessed to be here. It’s truly a privilege to be here. There is no other place I would want to graduate high school from. This place fits me like a glove.”
With a better attitude and behavior, Shamar got involved in school. He learned about broadcasting through Falcon News Network and created the “Climbing the Ladder of Success” segment. He performed in the plays, “Don’t Drink the Water” and “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” and the musical, “The Music Man.”
Principal Omar Bakri noticed the transformation.
“Shamar quickly snapped into focus, and began making changes that were evident to all who knew him,” Bakri said. “He was willing to be reflective, and seek alternative patterns and behaviors and responses. Shamar has emerged as an engaged member of the student body. … He is well-connected, and a positively contributing member of the school community.”
Added Thompson: “His involvement at East Kentwood High School with the Falcon News Network and the theater program shows he is willing to take risks. His natural charm can be disarming, but the seriousness with which he takes his personal growth is impressive. I look forward to seeing what great things he will do in the future; I can assure you it won’t be boring.”
When Shamar was suspended he watched TV, he said. “I would just sit down and watch shows like ‘Good Times,’ ‘Martin,’ the ‘Jamie Foxx Show.’
“I fell in love with acting and it became a passion and a dream.”
After graduation, Shamar plans to move to Las Vegas to live with his uncle and audition for acting gigs. His dream job: act in a remake of the 1999 movie “Blue Streak” and a sequel to that movie.
Shamar Green interviews senior Michelle Pham for his news segment
Falcon News Network teacher Geoffrey Westman said he’s seen Shamar mature a lot as he’s taken on challenges. “When he finds something he wants to achieve, he will work relentlessly to achieve those goals.”
Plus, he lights up when he’s on air. “He is very comfortable in front of the camera,” Westman said.
Looking back, Shamar said he is astounded by how far he’s come. “It’s actually unfathomable — that’s the word that comes to mind a lot lately. … I’m 17, but I feel like I’ve lived a thousand lives. I’ve been through many phases and iterations of myself, but it’s for the good.”
Shamar said he wants people to know his story so they can also start fresh.
“A lot of people don’t know these things about me. I want to show people you don’t have to be ashamed of your background.”
He continued: “For anyone who is in a rut or feels hopeless— just stay the course, when I was going through everything. … I always held onto my dream — latch on to some hope and have faith in something. If you have a goal and end game it will be fine.”
For more stories on area schools, visit School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, the host of Locally Entertaining, sits down with members of the Motherland House Concerts. From the right, Netty BM, Ruben Ndjerareou, Beatrice Muriithi, and Mirbel Umenei. (WKTV)
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre wraps up its 2018-2019 season with “Alice in Wonderland” and “All Shook Up.” (GRCT)
Shake the routine up by watching two local high school students perform the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions of “All Shook Up” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Both shows run July 26 – Aug. 4 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. The shows alternative dates and times, so make sure to check ahead if you are look for a specific show. Kentwood’s Micah Hamstra plays Humpty Dumpty and Tweedledum in “Alice in Wonderland.” Wyoming’s Xavier Turner portrays Dennis in “All Shook Up.” Tickets are $10 – $16 with the shows only being about an hour. For more information, visit grct.org.
One ‘Queen’ of a show
The last dual feature of the Queen and Pink Floyd light shows is Aug. 1. (Longway Planetarium)
Buckle up, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will be offering the final Planetarium Double Feature showing of The Queen Light Show and Dark Side: The Light Show in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium on Thursday, Aug. 1. Tickets are are $8 for non-members, $4 for members. Tickets may be purchased at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.
Take a stand
No matter where you stand in the state of Michigan you are never more than 85 miles away from one of the Great Lakes. So in just under two hours, you could be at beach. This is why we love Michigan!
When Kentwood resident Micah Hamstra saw that the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Summer Repertory program was going to include “Alice In Wonderland,” he just knew he had to audition.
“The story has been a very big part of my life,” said Hamstra, who will attend Caledonia High School in the fall. “It really showed me how you could just be who you are.”
So Hamstra prepared by “knocking out” his musical audition followed by “blowing up” his script reading. Needless to say, he landed the role of Tweedledum and Humpty Dumpty in the upcoming “Alice In Wonderland” production.
The show along with “All Shook Up” wraps up the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s 2018-2019 season. The shows run during the same week, July 26 – Aug. 4, with the productions alternating performance dates. “All Shook Up” is July 26, 27 (afternoon), Aug. 1, 3 (evening), 4, and “Alice In Wonderland” performances are July 27 (evening), 28, 31, Aug. 2, and 3 (afternoon).
“It’s Elvis,” said Wyoming resident and Byron Center High School student Xavier Turner when asked why he auditioned for “All Shook Up.” “Who wouldn’t want to be involved in a show about Elvis?”
Wyoming resident Xavier Turner is in “All Shook Up.” (GRCT)
“All Shook Up” combines the songs of Elvis Presley with Shakespeare, being loosely based on the “Twelfth Night.”
“I knew of the show,” said Turner who plays the young, quirky, aspiring dentist, Dennis, “ I love that show so, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
This is Turner’s first time participating with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and specifically selected the Summer Repertory program because of the classes tied to the production as well as the chance to be involved on the stage and behind it. Through the Summer Repertory program, each production has its own cast with the cast members of the opposite show serving as the back stage crew. For Turner, he will be helping with wardrobe and the fly rail for “Alice In Wonderland.” Hamstra will be helping with wardrobe for “All Shook Up.”
“Through this program you learn a lot more about theater,” said Hamstra, who said that “Alice” is his third production with Civic Theatre. “You really get the opportunity to learn everything that there is to do back stage along with being in the front.”
Both teenagers said that while they have enjoyed learned about the other aspects of the theater, their hearts are really in performance.
“I know I want to make a profession out of this and for me, I can sing,” said Turner, who has won several awards for his singing performances. “I knew the classes would be really helpful and that it is important to start now.”
Both Hamstra and Turner said they have found a community of family and friends through the production which has made being a part of it even more special.
“It sounds a little cliche but being part of a family has really made coming to this so much fun,” Turner said. “ The opportunity to see something come to life with this group of people has given me the realization of how much I look forward to coming here to do this everyday.”
Hamstra added that those bonds between the actors is what makes the shows fun which in turn makes the production even more exciting to the audience.
“It is just a lot of fun,” Hamstra said. “You have so many very talented people up there on stage just giving it their all.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday with all shows at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. Tickets are $10 – $16. For more information, visit grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Kentwood, announced that Roskam Baking Company will be expanding its operations at 5565 Broadmoor Ave SE in Kentwood. This expansion will result in the creation of 238 new jobs and a capital investment of $85.2 million.
Roskam is headquartered in Kentwood and was founded in 1923 as a family-owned bakery in Grand Rapids. Today, the company is still owned and operated by the Roskam family, employs over 2,000 in West Michigan, and is a manufacturer for major food companies and brands around the country. The expanded facility will house two new product lines for the company as a result of contracts earned in 2018.
The Right Place worked in collaboration with Roskam Baking Company and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. The Right Place also connected Roskam Baking Company to workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with worker training.
The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with the approval of a $1,000,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
One of the products made at Roskam Baking Company is croutons. (Public Domain)
“This project is an excellent win for our region in terms of jobs, investment, and overall economic impact,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager and project lead, “West Michigan’s food processing industry is a national leader, and Roskam Baking Company’s decision to continue its growth here is a testament to our region’s strength.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
The City of Kentwood is supportive of Roskam’s decision to expand in the city, which will bring new jobs to the community. The city is considering the approval of a local PA 198 Property Tax Abatement.
“We appreciate Roskam Baking Company’s further investment in the City of Kentwood,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We are proud to see a world-leading food processing company have continued success and bring new jobs to the community.”
Marti and Bruce Johns have served as the Studio 28 Flea Market managers for more than 30 years. (WTVK)
After 50 years, the Studio 28 Flea Market is having its last weekend this Saturday and Sunday. The 13 acres the market sits on is in the final stages of being sold, according to officials at Studio C, which oversees Celebration! Cinema and owns the land. Vendors and the market managers, Marti and Bruce Johns, hope people stop by this weekend, between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., for one last walk through and to swap a few memories and laughs. The market is located on Prairie Avenue in Wyoming across from the Wyoming High School.
Structurally Sound
A portion of the roof at Lee Middle/High School collapsed in June. (WKTV)
All those Godfrey Lee students hoping for a delay in school due to the roof collapse at the Lee Middle/High School earlier this summer are going to be greatly disappointed. According to Superintendent Kevin Polston, the building has been inspected and it has been found to be structurally sound. School officials said they are planning for the regular start of school, which for the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district is Aug. 19.
Just Pinky
“Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken and never giving up hope.”
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department has made pink its color. Starting this month, the department is offering pink Sheriff’s Office patches for a $10 donation with the proceeds going to Gilda’s Club and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Fund. To get a patch, go to the pinkpatchproject.com.
Sault Ste. Marie: More Than Just Locks
While famous for being the home of the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie also goes down in the history books as the first European settlement in the Midwest and the third oldest one west of the Appalachians. Sault Ste. Marie marked its 350th anniversary in 2018. The oldest city in the United States? That goes St. Augustine, Florida, which is more than 450 years old.
“The heat is on (oh yeah) … The heat is on, Burnin’ burnin’ burnin’ … It’s on the street, Woo, hoo … The heat is on”
Glen Frey, lyrics from the song “The Heat is On“
(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera)
Be smart, beat the heat
The heat is on, but Kent County has some common advice: spend as much time as possible in a temperature-controlled cool environment; stay in the shade with a good breeze or air flow to decrease felt temperatures; remain well hydrated by drinking water — as opposed to alcohol drinks that can be counter-productive and dehydrate the body; and, finally, know the signs of heat exhaustion and watch out for each other. For the complete story, visit here.
Here Comes the Sun
The 25th annual summer season of D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops continues in July and while it may be late to make plans for Here Comes the Sun: A Tribute to the Beatles at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 19, you can be early for Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown and More at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, July 25-26. For a complete preview story, visit here.
Hot, sleepless, nights
If you were up all night due to the heat, you might ache all over the next morning and your lack of sound slumber might be to blame. Cant do nothing about the heat, but knowledge is power. For the story, visit here.
Fun fact:
67 degrees
In general, the suggested bedroom temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. Source
School superintendents from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties gave their state legislators an earful about how state funding cuts have impacted students during a meeting on Monday, June 24.
Chris Glass, director of legislative affairs for the West Michigan Talent Triangle, said they wanted to give the legislators a “boots on the ground” perspective on how education has suffered. Michigan has fallen far behind other states in achievement scores and funding levels, the school superintendents and teachers told the legislators who were seated among them at round tables.
“We’re not where we need to be on student performance,” Glass told about a dozen state legislators and their top aides during a luncheon session hosted by Kent ISD.
The educators also offered a solution developed by the School Finance Research Collaborative, which tracked school funding trends in Michigan and made comparisons with other state education funding programs.
East Grand Rapids Superintendent Heidi Kattula records the legislator’s concerns
New Funding Formula Sought
Instead of Michigan’s one-size-fits call funding formula based on each district’s student population, the study urged Michigan to change its school funding formula so it is weighted on the basis of each student’s learning needs. That means additional funding for districts that rely more heavily on English Language Learning programs, special education and have greater numbers of students in poverty.
The study recommended that the base funding in Michigan rise to $9,590 a year, not including transportation, meals, and other costs. Michigan schools currently receive $8,188 per student in base funding.
Adjusted for inflation, Michigan schools get only 82 percent of the funding they received in 1995, when Proposal A shifted school funding formulas from local sources to the state. Funding for at-risk students has fallen 60 percent from 2001 to 2017, according to the study.
Michigan now ranks among the worst states in the funding gap between school districts with the most students in poverty and those with the fewest students in poverty. “We think the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer,” said Kent ISD Assistant Superintendent Ron Koehler, a member of the School Finance Research Collaborative’s steering committee.
Legislators Respond
For their part, the legislators were sympathetic but also had suggestions.
State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, said she has three children in public schools. “How do we deal with all of the factors that have entered the classroom? We’re expecting our teachers to be parents to the kids and parents to the parents.”
Citing golfer Tiger Woods’ early training in golf, State Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, said he liked the idea of mandatory full-time pre-school and kindergarten as a way to prepare students for achievement.
State Rep. Pamela Hornberger, chair of the House Education Committee and a former teacher, drove to the conference from her district in Macomb County to participate in the discussion. She said funding increases for education would not be automatic and needed bi-partisan support.
State Rep. Greg VanWoerkem, R-Norton Shores, said the reforms being proposed may require structural changes in the way education is funded to overcome the constitutional restrictions currently in place. “There’s got to be a total reform if you want to get the type of dollars you’re looking for and that’s going to be difficult because of term limits.”
For more stories on our area schools, visit the School News Network website at schoolnewnetwork.org.
West Michigan educators gave their legislators first-hand accounts of the challenges they face. (School News Network)
In the self-stated biography of Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, they say the band is “a bold foray into the funky, rhythmic refrains of a foregone era … a cross pollination of funk, blues, and rock ’n’ roll with soul” — emphasis on “SOUL”.
Hannah Rose and the GravesTones (Facebook)
And anybody who has heard lead singer and front-woman Hannah Rose Graves knows she knows how to wail with soul — emphasis on ‘WAIL”.
The GravesTones will be offering up the soul, with Hannah Rose doing some wailing, as the Grand Rapids group takes the stage of the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m.
In addition to Hannah Rose, the band members include Adam Marth on guitar and vocals, Calvin Allen on drums, Clifton Metcalf on organ and various keyboards of choice, and Nuri Tett on bass.
For a video of Hannah Rose and the GravesTones playing the song “Take It Slow” from a 2018 gig at Meijer Gardens, visit here.
WKTV will be covering the concert, and almost all of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine.
The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:
July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.
Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
With the dead of summer comes hot, humid days — and the need to get plenty of water in you. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera)
WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
In anticipation of several days of possible temperatures in the 90 degree plus range and high humidity, of Kent County on Tuesday released a statement from the county’s emergency manager including some advise.
Some predictions have daytime temperatures near and surpassing 90 degrees on Wednesday, July 17, with predicted highs of 95 degrees Thursday through Saturday.
“We collectively waited much of the year in anticipation of warm weather, but this week may be a little too warm for comfort,” Lt. Lou Hunt, Kent County Emergency Manager, said in supplied material. “It will also be very humid, which will increase the discomfort. It is important to be aware of the dangers heat can present to residents, and pets, so we can stay safe and remain as comfortable as possible.”
In the county’s statement, residents are encouraged to follow several simple tips:
Spend as much time as possible in a temperature-controlled cool environment.
Stay in the shade with a good breeze/air flow to decrease felt temperatures.
Remain well hydrated by drinking water (more than usual) which can help the body’s natural process for adapting to higher temperatures, as opposed to alcohol drinks that can be counter-productive and dehydrate the body.
Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion (which can include weakness, cold and clammy skin, darker than normal urine, significant sweating, cramps, dizziness, headache and nausea, among others) is a strong indicator it is time to get to a cooler environment, drink some cold water, and rest, according to county health officials.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency with signs such as confusion, disorientation, the absence of sweating, high body temperature, rapid pulse/heart rate, and others.
Cooling centers will be open throughout this event for residents to go and rest from the heat. Most cooling centers will be open during the day while the temperatures are hottest (nighttime temperatures this week will be much more tolerable, in the mid 70’s). For locations and hours of cooling centers, please call 211 and a United Way representative will assist you in locating the closest cooling center.
“Remember, this week is a good time to slow things down a little, stay out of the sun, and make sure the people around you (and yourself) are coping during this heat event,” Lt. Hunt said. “Also, please remember your family pets! Pets that live outside will require shade and lots of cool water, but residents are encouraged to bring their pets inside for cooler temperatures.”
Romeo Kattookaran could not help but notice the extra food generated by his own restaurant, Chicken & Fishes, that was being thrown in the garbage. So he asked one of his employees if they could give the extra food to someone.
“She told me no, not according to the law,” the Kentwood business owner said, adding that he learned restaurants were not allowed to give leftovers or extra food to anyone, but only to put it in the trash.
“It seemed like such a waste,” Kattookaran said during a recent interview on the WKTV Journal newscast. Especially when when Kattookaran started considering the number of restaurants in the area and the amount of food that was probably just being tossed.
So he decided to write about it. That story became the independent film “A Wonderful Day,” set to premiere this Saturday, July 21, at Celebration! Cinema at Woodland Mall. The show time is 3 p.m. For tickets to the premiere, click here.
“There certainly is a need,” said Wyoming-based filmmaker Nuri Bauswell, owner of BlackHoleMediaGroup.com, and who was a cinematographer for the film. Bauswell said it was not only the story that caught his attention, but the purpose behind the film.
That purpose is to encourage patrons of area restaurants to give their leftovers to those in need.
“While restaurants can not give the food to others, you or I can do that,” Kattookaran said.
Participating restaurants will have either containers or something that can be placed on a container that says “A Wonderful Day.” The patron can then take the leftover and give it to a person in need.
“A Wonderful Day” was shot entirely in Grand Rapids using local actors. (Kentwood Films)
The release of the film this week is the first push in promoting the concept to help those in need by encouraging people to donate their leftovers, Kattookaran said, adding the group plans to work toward promoting the concept to area restaurants. He has started it at Kentwood Chicken and Fishes restaurant located in the Marathon gas station on the corner of 44th Street and Shaffer Avenue.
The film also has received a couple of awards including best producer award and best first-time filmmaker award from Los Angeles’ Olympus Film Festival and recognition from the Film Freeway’s Best Shorts Competition.
For more about “A Wonderful Day,” visit the Kentwood Films International website, kentwoodfilms.com, or follow the Facebook page, Kentwood Films. The trailer for the film has been running on WKTV with the movie scheduled to air at a later date.
Knowledge is Power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.
Kofi Annan
(From right) Kentwood City Commissioner Emily Bridson, State Sen. Winnie Brinks, Sandy Swanson, Past President of the Kentwood Women’s Club.
Pink Tax. Don’t get it? Get it!
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we discuss the various aspects of what is sometimes called the Pink Tax, public policies including taxation that are often viewed as discriminatory toward females. For the complete story and link to Podcast, visit here.
Watch out for Kentwood roadwork
The City of Kentwood has released its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer. The City Commission approved the resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 30 miles of major and local roads, at a cost of $1.4 million. For the complete story and a map, visit here.
(Our) Government Matters
Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) offered his views on the status of Michigan’s current budget problems and West Michigan’s pending mental health services changes as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. For the story and a link to the video, visit here.
Fun fact:
81 cents on the dollar
In 2018, the ratio of women’s to men’s median weekly full-time earnings was 81.1 percent, a decrease of 0.7 percent since 2017. Source
The motto of the Kent County Sheriffs Office’s just-started Pink Patch breast cancer awareness effort has a simple, stated goal: “Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken and never giving up hope.”
The program offers pink Sheriffs Office patches for a $10 donation with the proceeds going to Gilda’s Club and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Fund.
“We have sold 150 patches in the last 2 weeks which has raised $1,500,” Sgt. Joel Roon, Kent County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, said last week to WKTV. “The reception from the community has been amazing. Our clerks have heard many inspiring stories of people who were motivated to buy a patch because of a personal story.”
And thanks to the program being registered with the national Pink Patch Project, the local effort is event getting out-of-the-county requests.
“We have even received a few out-of-state requests which we’ve obviously accommodated,” Sgt. Roon said. “Local interest with officers from other agencies has also been evident and very exciting.”
The goal of the Sheriff’s Office program is to “raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection.”
According to a flyer distributed by the Sheriffs Office about the program, here are a few sobering yet hopeful facts: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime … Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, but there are 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the country.”
Patches are available for purchase at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at 701 Ball Ave. NE, and two substations: the North Sector office at 790 17 Mile Road NW and the South Sector office at 8557 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.
For questions about the patches, contact deputies Mandy Bernal-Hill at 616-632-6228, Joy Matthews at 616-632-6224 or Jordan Peters at 810-223-1732.
WKTV Journal In Focus podcast on the Pink Tax and other gender discriminatory policies, with (from right) Emily Bridson and guests State Sen. Winnie Brinks and Sandy Swanson, Past President of the Kentwood Women’s Club. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we discuss the various aspects of what is sometimes called the Pink Tax, public policies including taxation that are often viewed as discriminatory toward females.
Visiting our studios, each with unique perspectives on the subject, are Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson; State Sen. Winnie Brinks, who, among her many duties in Lansing, serves on the Health Policy and Human Services committee; as well as Sandy Swanson, Past President of the Kentwood Women’s Club, a club which has the stated goal of, quote, “Enhancing the cultural, civic, education and social opportunities of Kentwood women.”
Regular episodes of 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).
Detail of City of Kentwood map showing planned work on Breton Avenue between 44th and 52nd streets. See the complete map at the bottom.
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood has released its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.
The City Commission approved the resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 30 miles of major and local roads, at a cost of $1.4 million. The projects are funded through the Michigan Transportation Fund, which is supported by taxes on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel as well as the fees collected by the Secretary of State for vehicle registrations.
Pavement management decisions are made in accordance with industry principles based on hard data, such as the PASER ratings obtained each year. Kentwood maintains the highest-rated major street network in Kent County according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council.
“Quality roads are critical to a safe and functioning community. We appreciate the patience of residents and businesses as we work to maintain and improve this important infrastructure,” said Kentwood City Engineer Dan VanderHeide. “Crews will work as quickly as possible to minimize impacts on commuters.”
Major streets scheduled for maintenance include:
Breton Avenue, looking north from 52nd Street, will be one of the areas set for road improvements this summer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Kalamazoo Avenue – 52nd Street to 60th Street
East Paris Avenue – 52nd Street to 60th Street
Breton Avenue – 44th Street to 52nd Street, excluding the roundabout
Walma Avenue – 44th Street to Breton Avenue, excluding the roundabout
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, slag and fog treatments, which help to protect the roads from water and sun damage, on Kalamazoo, East Paris, Breton and Walma are slated to begin Aug. 1 and be completed before schools are back in session. Slag and fog seal treatments are also scheduled for 50th Street, Falcon View Avenue, Air Lane Drive and Barden Court at that time.
Mill and pave work on Kalamazoo is slated to begin Aug. 9 and be completed before schools are back in session. There will be lane closures from 52nd Street to 60th Street for up to four days while the work is underway. Traffic delays should be anticipated; commuters may need to find alternate routes.
A number of neighborhood roads will receive cape seal treatments in September. A cape seal is a multiple component treatment designed to create a smooth surface with increased durability. Cape seal projects will take two non-consecutive days on each segment of road, and no street parking will be available while the work occurs.
Other preventative street maintenance work, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching is scheduled to take place during the summer months as crews have capacity. The City aims to have its resurfacing and routine maintenance completed by the end of September.
The City plans to display message boards on major streets to give commuters advance notice of when closures will begin. Commuters can also receive updates via the City’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) and website (kentwood.us).
Other road construction projects outside of the 2019 Street Resurfacing and Routine Maintenance Program include:
The reconstruction of Rondo and Gerda streets east of Kalamazoo Avenue, underway and expected to be complete in August.
The rehabilitation of Sparks Drive and Forest Hill Avenue from East Paris to Burton, currently underway with substantial completion in August.
The reconstruction of the intersection at 44th Street and Patterson Avenue, managed by the Kent County Road Commission, which is also slated for completion in August.
For more information, including a map of street resurfacing and repairs, visit kentwood.us.
Eighth-graders Sakai Baker, Jaiden Woodson and Jazzmin Groendyke all found something they wanted on shelves stocked with brand new books during Pinewood Middle School’s Summer Book Bag Shopping event.
“I like these books,” said Sakai as he chose a “Goosebumps” mystery.
“I like this one because I can probably relate to it the most,” said Jaiden, about the novel “The Stars Beneath Our Feet.”
“This gives me a chance to refill my shelves,” said Jazzmin, as she chose a graphic book called “Green Hornet.”
Seventh-grader Kyla Mallard chooses three books from the same series
District-wide, more than 400 Pinewood, Valleywood and Crestwood middle school students went summer-book shopping to end the school year, each choosing three free books to read while school’s out. They brought their new reads home in bags, with the option to bring them back to swap them in the fall.
The giveaway, led by Melisa Mulder, secondary English-language arts intervention coach, aims to get books into students’ hands so they can stay on track with their reading. “Many of them don’t have books at home, so it’s also helping them build a library,” Mulder said.
Keeping Pace by Turning Pages
Students who received books are in Read 180, an intervention program for struggling readers, in special education or are English-language learners.
Mulder joined district media specialists in shopping for 2,000 books representing different genres, diverse authors and characters for the event. Kentwood Public Schools is the most diverse district in the state. Books are funded through state at-risk funding.
Seventh-grader Brooklyn Botello said she enjoys historical fiction
Her message: “Read. It’s really that simple.”
“The most important thing is that we want them to have a choice because we want them to be motivated to read, engaged and excited about it. A lot of them are cracking their books open and reading already,” Mulder said at the end of the school year.
She’s held the event at Pinewood for 10 years, this year expanding it to the other schools. Mulder wants to guarantee students have access to books, especially during the summer.
According to the Johns Hopkins University study Lasting Consequences of the Summer Learning Gap, more than 80 percent of children from economically disadvantaged communities can lose one to three months of reading skills over the summer, and the loss is cumulative. But providing books of students’ choice for summer reading produced as much or more reading growth as attending summer school, according to the book “No More Summer-Reading Loss.”
“They work so hard over the year and then in the summer if they don’t keep reading they lose traction,” Mulder said. “Keeping the ball rolling over the summer makes such a tremendous difference.”
Mulder is also involved in an initiative to build classroom libraries, stocking their shelves with books that represent students’ various tastes and backgrounds.
Seventh-grader Shy’Ana Thomas was ready to enjoy some new reads. “It’s really good getting a chance to pick out books and stay busy over the summer in an educational way,” she said.
