Category Archives: City of Kentwood

School News Network: Godfrey Lee superintendent makes push for reducing absences

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Bridie Bereza

School News Network

 

Years ago, while teaching automotive service at Kent Transition Center, Mark Larson helped one of his students find employment, and the student loved that job, he recalled.

 

About a year after he graduated, he visited Larson and told him he lost the job. “They said I missed too much work.”

 

But it wasn’t that much, the student insisted: “Just like in school: every other Friday.”

 

It’s that sort of chronic absenteeism, defined as 10 percent of missed school time or 18 missed days per year, that Larson, now Kent ISD’s truancy and attendance coordinator, hopes to target with the recently launched “Strive for Less than 5” campaign.

 

All Kent ISD school districts have come on board with the campaign which, as the name implies, encourages students not to miss any more than four days of school per year. It was adapted from successful work already done by Grand Rapids Public Schools in conjunction with Attendance Works and the Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation.

 

GRPS and the foundation shared its materials with Larson and Kent ISD colleagues, who then created the ISD-wide campaign. The foundation also contributed funds toward the materials.

Students who helped make the Strive video strike the “less than 5” pose

 

Absence Makes the… Grades Founder

 

Larson said “Somewhere along the line, the perception of school attendance changed from one of primacy — you attend school unless there’s a reason not to — to one of ‘Well, it really doesn’t matter if you miss school, as long as it’s for a good reason.’

 

“And that’s not true. What we’re learning is any absenteeism, for any reason, is harmful to the learning process.”

 

Last year, 12.1 percent of students in Kent ISD schools were chronically absent, down from 13.9 percent the previous year. Statewide, 15.6 percent of students in public school districts were chronically absent last year.

 

The harm from school absences is measurable, said Larson, whose work has become increasingly data-driven. Every 10 days of absence, he said, equates to a drop in one full letter grade. In as little as five absences, Larson said, there can be a drop in standardized test scores. Declines in grades and graduation rates are evident at 10 percent.

 

“ANY TIME THERE’S CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM FROM SCHOOL, IT’S TYPICALLY A SYMPTOM OF SOMETHING ELSE. OUR APPROACH IS, ‘HOW CAN WE HELP?’”— KEVIN POLSTON, SUPERINTENDENT OF GODFREY-LEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said that a few missed school days here and there may not seem like a big deal to a family, but it can quickly put a student on track for truancy.

 

Bill Fetterhoff, superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools, stressed the need for what he called “bell-to-bell teaching.” It goes beyond absences, he said: “To start late or leave early can be devastating to learning.”

 

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston says that absences can be indicative of a variety of challenges that students and families face

A Symptom of Something Else

 

“It’s not new information that kids need to go to school,” Polston said. “Our parents say the same thing.”

 

But, he said, issues such a transportation and physical and mental health can be barriers to attendance. Whatever the problem is, Polston said, chances are he’s heard it before. That’s why districts are connected with wraparound services such as mental health services or bus passes — whatever meets the need.

 

“Any time there’s chronic absenteeism from school, it’s typically a symptom of something else. Our approach is, ‘how can we help?’”

 

Polston said that with a few exceptions, unless a student has a sustained fever of more than 100 degrees or is vomiting, they need to be in school

 

A “Strive for Less Than 5” message hangs at the entrance of Kelloggsville Middle School

Spreading the word

 

Getting the word out about Strive looks different, depending on the district. Kent ISD created communication plans and materials  — stickers, videos, posters, and billboards, for example — to help schools spread the message.

 

At Godwin Heights, Fetterhoff said, some schools are using those materials and others are using novel tactics to increase attendance. North Godwin Elementary, for example, is targeting families with a history of absenteeism with a rewards program that awards gift cards for attendance. Polston said teachers throughout Godfrey-Lee have offered incentive and recognition programs to students for attendance.

 

While the coordinated public information campaign is new, absenteeism has long been a focus for the region’s superintendents, Fetterhoff said.

Kentwood’s brush drop-off program to return Oct. 13

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Recycling, Upcoming Events
The City of Kentwood will continue a yard debris drop-off site this fall.

 

By City of Kentwood

 

After receiving positive feedback from the community, the City of Kentwood will continue to pilot its brush drop-off program this fall.

 

The program will run concurrently with the City’s annual leaf drop-off site at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, from Saturday, Oct. 13 through Saturday, Dec. 8. The sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

 

The initial pilot of the program collected more than 2,640 cubic yards of brush, comparable to the average volume of a hot air balloon.

 

“The brush drop-off site was well-received this summer, and residents expressed an interest in us offering it again this fall,” said John Gorney, director of public works. “We’re hopeful that by providing both brush and leaf collection services at the Department of Public Works, residents will find it convenient to take care of a bulk of their autumn lawn care needs in one place.”

 

Beyond helping make yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush collections services also help residents stay in compliance with City ordinances. The accumulation of leaves and debris within the lot line of a property or upon the adjacent right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as is burning leaves and brush.

 

The brush drop-off site will accept brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs. Materials that cannot be accepted include: trash, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass or metal.

 

The services are available to Kentwood residents only; anyone wishing to drop off items must show proof of residency.

 

For more information on the program visit here .

 

School News Network: Michigan art teacher of year makes all subjects ‘artful’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

In art, teacher Adrienne DeMilner’s classroom, a ’60s era-themed mural is taking shape, with far-out events, peace-loving beatniks and iconic locales coming together through painted expressions of the groovy decade.

 

A dreamy Bob Dylan sits inside the thought bubble of a head-banded hippie. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X appear on what could be interpreted as the road to progress.

 

The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, space navigation and popular culture are all memorialized. But an addition is needed, DeMilner and her students decide. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul who died Aug. 16, will soon croon from the canvas.

 

The mural is not just a righteous art project, but a visual history to be used by social studies teachers at East Kentwood Freshman Campus, where DeMilner has worked for 15 years. “I think it’s going to excite kids and make them think more deeply about what happened during that era,” she said.

 

Her students have also created a World War 1 mural connecting major events to artistic imagery.

 

“I love social studies. I love learning about history. I don’t think we would know as much about history if it wasn’t for art,” she said.

 

It’s a statement that shows how DeMilner connects art to everything, a reason she was named both 2018 Michigan Art Educator of the Year and Secondary Art Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Art Education Association.

 

She will receive the awards at the MAEA fall conference in October in Kalamazoo, and a state award at the 2019 National Art Education Association convention in March in Boston.

 

Sophomore Kaitlyn McNally paints the ’60s-themed mural in Adrienne DeMilner’s classroom

Making School ‘Artful’

 

DeMilner opens students’ eyes to the presence of art in history, science, nature, literature and just about everything else. In the school courtyard, her students have added wooden Michigan fish among the native plants; in forensics class, they painted a crime scene, detailing a shoe store forever marred by murder; and in the FIRST Robotics room, they’ve made the landscape of wheels and gears pop with color.

 

“Making things artful” aligns with the way students best engage, said DeMilner, who teaches Introduction to Art, Drawing and Sculpture and, beyond that, leads a weekly after-school Art Club for students who want extra art.

 

Many English-language learners attend the district and benefit from learning English through pictures. But, really, all students can use art to learn about other subjects, DeMilner said, noting, “Sixty-five percent of the population are visual learners.”

 

Sophomore art student Daylona Jackson, who is in Art Club, agreed.

 

“Some people are definitely visual learners and it really helps to have murals like this,” Daylona said. “Some people like to join Art Club because of these murals and to learn the history and what we’re doing. … It brings the school together.

Art teacher Adrienne DeMilner explains how forensics students investigate a crime scene, enhanced through art

 

Art Aids Academics  

 

Science teacher Nicholas Bihler has seen the cross-curricular impact DeMilner brings to the school. The two worked on a project with Groundswell, an initiative through Grand Valley State University, creating a rain mitigation garden to capture water runoff and hold it in the soil with native plants. Wooden fish and a painted bench were among DeMilner’s students’ contributions.

 

“Adrienne reaches out, not only for students, but teachers as well,” Bihler said. “She seeks ways to bring in art and enrich our lives. Art is one of those components that heighten things, that gets us to look at things differently. Science with the absence of art is not as beautiful.”

 

DeMilner’s students have also created a mural of a world map, which hangs in the cafeteria. Students from dozens of nations have put their thumbprints in white paint and their initials on their home countries. DeMilner often sees them touch their spots as they wait in the lunch line. “There’s a lot of pride in that,” she said.

 

She’s also involves students in community art projects. They’ve painted murals at Hamilton Early Childhood Center, Bowen Elementary and Kentwood Public Library.

 

“She is the best art teacher I’ve ever had,” said sophomore Kaitlyn McNally, also an Art Club member. She recalled how DeMilner submitted one of her pieces for display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. “She just livens the place up and teaches in a unique way. It makes it memorable.”

The ‘60s were a time of intense global affairs

Molding Minds Through Art

 

Teaching art is a second career for DeMilner, who grew up in Detroit. She was a graphic artist who worked freelance and stayed home with her three sons.

 

She realized the need to volunteer as an art teacher in Grand Rapids Public Schools 21 years ago when the elementary art curriculum was greatly reduced. But she wasn’t interested in just leading little art projects. DeMilner taught students about masters of the past, like Picasso, Rembrandt and Monet. “I knew what I would like my sons to get from an art experience and what I thought was important.”

 

Volunteering led her to enroll in Aquinas College for an art education degree and, from there, she discovered her passion for making art accessible to all. She began working in Kentwood Public Schools in 2000 at Explorer Elementary before moving to the Freshman Campus in 2003.

 

DeMilner’s main goal is to unleash the artist in her students, and provide an outlet for self-discovery. “I think there’s an artist in everyone and I feel like I’m freeing that creative spirit when they are in my classroom,” she said.

 

She sees students build confidence and skills. Art Club is a fit for some students that don’t find one elsewhere.

 

“You’ve got kids who are not athletes and there is nothing else for them after school,” she said. “A lot of artists are shy. It’s all about them getting together with like-minded people.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kendra Postma exhibit opening at Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery Oct. 3

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
“Pink House” by Kendra Postma

By Colleen Cullison

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

 

A new exhibit titled, “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things,” by local artist Kendra Postma, opens at the Leep Art Gallery on October 3 at the Postma Center on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services campus in Grand Rapids.

 

Postma is a multimedia, collage, and ceramic artist. She was a long-time student of Loretta Sailors and has studied with numerous other artists over the years. She belongs to the International Society of Experimental Artists and is president for a co-op gallery called Flat River Gallery & Framing in Lowell, Michigan.

 

“My paintings often take on a dreamlike or spiritual aura to me. Inspiration often comes from walks on the beach with the water lapping at my feet and fills me with a sense of peace, or sometimes it’s my chickens which influence what I create. I always have an intense desire or need to create something that nourishes my soul,” says Kendra Postma.

 

“For me, the whole process of creating art is fulfilling in a way I don’t completely understand. From pulling out my materials and starting on a blank canvas to signing my name and choosing a frame, I feel rewarded from every part of the journey. Every time I complete a project and finally hang it on the wall or send it away, I’m filled with melancholy that the process is over; at least until I start my next project.”

 

Postma has exhibited in several galleries and competed in numerous juried art shows. She has also won several awards. Postma is married and has two children.

 

The Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery exhibit will be on display at the Postma Center located at 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Mich., from Oct. 3 until Jan. 2, 2019. The Leep Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 616.222.4530 or go to www.pinerest.org/leep-art-gallery .

School News Network: Of travel, teaching, and Timberlake

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Beth Travis, the principal at East Kelloggsville Elementary School

By Erin Albanese

School News Network

 

Beth Travis is the new principal at East Kelloggsville Elementary School. SNN gets to know her in this edition of Meet Your Principal.

 

Other positions you have held in education: I am starting my 20th year at Kelloggsville Public Schools. I have been a math, reading and language arts teacher for grades 6, 7 and 8. As an administrator, I’ve held the positions of dean of students and assistant principal at Kelloggsville Middle School.

 

How about jobs outside education? In college I was a sign-language interpreter, a nanny and a waitress.

 

Family: I have two sons. Jacob is in ninth-grade at East Kentwood High school, and Michael is in seventh-grade at Pinewood Middle School.

 

Hobbies/Interests/Little-known talent: I enjoy boating, reading, learning different languages, volunteering, traveling, being outdoors and watching my boys play sports.

 

What kind of kid were you in elementary school? I went to a Catholic school in Europe for my elementary years. I always received high marks on my reports cards and I was quite talkative and very social. We enjoyed traveling and spending time learning as much European culture and history as possible.

 

The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… Everyday is a new day. It always amazes me how resilient and loving our students are. Each day they enter the playground before school with a smile, and are determined to do their very best!

 

If I could go back to school I would … go back to ninth grade because of all of the opportunities that high school provides and the promise of a positive future!

 

If you walked into your new school building to theme music every day, what would the song be? This is an easy question, as our school secretary plays it for me a few times a week: “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood fun news you need to know

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Voices, , ,

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

 

“We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”  — Virginia Satir, family therapist

 

Kentwood artist’s HUG exhibit an extension of who she is

 

Meochia Thompson with some friends in an earlier Hugs campaign.

 

You can find 2018 ArtPrize artist Meochia Thompson giving hugs at church events, retirement homes, or around the community. Now you can find the Kentwood woman downtown embracing strangers during ArtPrize for her entry HUG, a campaign that stands for “help uplift goodness”. To get the details, click here.

 

Stars of one ArtPrize exhibit is the Wyoming Police K-9 unit 

 

Nidal Kanaan’s ArtPrize piece “Blue Courage” can be found at Flaganan’s Irish Pub.

Inside Flanagan’s Irish Pub in downtown Grand Rapids, you can find food, drinks, and Nidal Kanaan’s ArtPrize entry “Blue Courage.” Photographing the Wyoming Police K-9 unit, Kanaan produced images that ArtPrize attendees will enjoy while stopping in for a quick refreshment. To get the details, click here.

 

WKTV wants the VOICES of not just artists, but the voters as well

Last year, VOICES debuted at ArtPrize Nine, introducing our 1958 Airstream trailer and collecting the stories of winning ArtPrize artists Daniel Oropreza and Sofia Hernandez Ramirez. This year, VOICES will again collect stories from artists. But we are also bringing our Voters Feedback Booth, right next to the trailer, where voters are encouraged to share what they voted on and why. For get the details, click here.

 

 

And today’s fun fact:
3 seconds

 

Hugs follow a 3-second rule. Ever wondered how long a hug lasts? The quick answer is about 3 seconds, according to a 2011 study of the post-competition embraces of Olympic athletes.

 

POW-MIA Chair dedicated at Gerald R. Ford International Airport Military Welcome Center

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill, SpartanNash VP of Supply Chain Operations Lach McKinnon, and Mike Holmes of Rolling Thunder stand next to a new POW-MIA Chair of Honor outside of the Airport’s Military Welcome Center.

 

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Military Welcome Center presented by SpartanNash at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) now has a special area, dedicated to the men and women who never made it home.

 

Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter Four donated the POW-MIA Chair of Honor at a ceremony today at the airport. Members of Rolling Thunder, SpartanNash, and GFIA board members and staff joined in the dedication.

 

The Chair of Honor is to remain perpetually empty to help people remember that even though the military members are not here, there is always a space for them. POW-MIA Chairs of Honor can be found in public spaces ranging from professional sports stadiums to city halls, and now – the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Military Welcome Center presented by SpartanNash.

 

“The Rolling Thunder Chair of Honor program is intended to support our mission that ‘No Veteran shall be left behind or forgotten’ should they become a Prisoner Of War or Missing In Action,” said Mike Holmes, President of Rolling Thunder Michigan, Chapter Four.

 

National POW-MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September as a tribute to U.S. military members who were prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action, and their families.

 

“SpartanNash’s vision is to be a best-in-class business that feels local, where relationships matter, and, as a Military Friendly® Employer, one of our most important relationships is with our servicemembers, veterans and their families,” said Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash vice president of corporate affairs and communications. “We are honored to include this POW-MIA Chair of Honor in the Military Welcome Center as a solemn reminder of those who are not here with us.”

 

The Military Welcome Center, presented by SpartanNash, was officially opened to servicemembers, veterans, and their families in November 2017. The center offers refreshments, snacks, charging stations, an airport arrival/departure monitors, and lounging spaces. Additionally, there is an interactive map where military personnel and veterans can pinpoint where they have been stationed or deployed, and veteran profiles and programming offered by WGVU and PBS.

 

“We are proud to have a space in our airport dedicated to those that sacrificed so much for our country and our freedoms,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We appreciate the partnership with SpartanNash in providing this space for our military, veterans, and their families; and we are honored that Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter Four chose the airport to dedicate the POW-MIA Chair of Honor.”

‘Back to basics’, dominant Falcons hope to keep conference record perfect

City of Kentwood, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Sports, ,

 

By Micah Cho, WKTV Sports Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

The East Kentwood Falcons take on the Grandville this week in WKTV’s featured game of the week as the Bulldogs (2-2) will be traveling and facing a streaking Falcon team as well as a fired-up East Kentwood homecoming crowd.

 

East Kentwood High School is known for its loud and engaged Homecoming crowds. (WKTV file)

“Anytime you have homecoming, you’re going to have a big crowd,” said head coach Anthony Kimbrough of what is waiting his 3-1 East Kentwood squad. “It’s an exciting week leading up to the game. As a coach, it’s kind of a hectic week for me, but the kids seem to handle it well.

 

Coach Kimbrough says the secret to his team’s success, and now 3-game winning streak, is simple — the players are responding well to the fundamental system he has implemented.

 

“We just got back to basics,” said Kimbrough. “The kids are playing some really good fundamental and assignment football. Just doing everything right in the key moments of the game.”

 

Falcons Head Coach Anthony Kimbrough. (WKTV)

East Kentwood is coming off of a blow-out win against West Ottawa, a team that was down 35 points at halftime to the Falcons. The only loss East Kentwood has had to endure this season was a season-opener loss to an undefeated Mona Shores team, falling only 10 points short.

 

Grandville, however, has won the last three times these teams have met, beating East Kentwood 28-14 last year. Kimbrough expects to see the same competitive Grandville team as last year. East Kentwood comes in at 2-0 in OK-Gold standings, but Grandville is 1-0.

 

“They’re a physical and tough team that believes in their system and runs their system really well. They’re well coached and they play hard. So we’re in for a battle Friday night.”

 

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

WKTV’s featured football games are rebroadcast on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports for complete schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

Kentwood ArtPrize artist embraces diversity, looks to make impact at ArtPrize 10

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

By Micah Cho

WKTV Intern

 

You can find 2018 ArtPrize artist Meochia Thompson giving hugs at church events, retirement homes, or around the community. Now you can find her downtown embracing strangers during ArtPrize for her entry HUG, a campaign that stands for “help uplift goodness” 

 

Standing 10 feet tall, Thompson is building a hug stage, a safe place located at Grand Rapids City Hall where strangers can gather to embrace each other.  An entry that is based on volunteer hugger groups of five or more can rent out the stage to give hugs. 

 

Meochia Thompson with some friends in an earlier Hugs campaign.

“I just love hugging people.” Thompson said. “I know how it feels to be alone…So I decided to create a hug campaign. I prayed about it and I’m like ‘okay God what do I do with this.’”  

 

Thompson’s campaign started four years ago in her hometown of Chicago. Money from her first campaign went to caregivers, people who bear the stress of taking care of other peoples loved ones.  

 

“I was able to raise $5,000 and I just started giving it out to caregiving organizations” Thompson said. “They’re not around people all of the time. They’re dying for a hug, they’re dying to be around the regular public.” 

 

Talking about hugging strangers, Thompson said there’s nothing weird about it. Showing compassion and love to people you don’t know is what Thompson said this whole campaign is about. 

 

A mock-up of the Hugs stage which is located at Grand Rapids City Hall.

“Every time that you hug somebody, it doesn’t matter what they did in their past. It doesn’t matter who they are now or how much money they have. When you hug somebody it’s not about any of that. It’s just about at that moment showing love for mankind.” Thompson said about hugging.  

 

Although winning ArtPrize would be a great accomplishment for a first time ArtPrize artist, Thompson has something bigger in mind.  

 

“My goal is to make Grand Rapids hug city; the place to be for a good hug”. 

 

If you would like to learn more about Thompson’s entry or would like to get involved yourself, visit her website mylifechats.com/hug.

 

School News Network: Stress test:Students speak their minds on the M-STEP

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By School News Network

 

Editor’s Note: This is only the comments from students in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. For the complete story, click here.

 

It’s become an annual ritual. Each fall the state releases results of the M-STEP, the state-required standardized test taken by Michigan students to gauge their proficiency in reading, math, social studies and science. And each fall educators, parents and pundits wring their hands over why students aren’t doing better.

 

Rather than go back to the same hand-wringing sources, we decided to ask the people most directly affected by these tests: the students who take them. How do they feel about these tests, and how could the tests be improved?

 

Adults, listen up: Maybe they can teach you something.

 

Kelloggsville Middle School

Gianna Turnbull

Gianna Turnbull, sixth-grader

 

Gianna dreams of being a baker someday. She recalls taking the M-STEP last year.

 

“I was anxious,” she said. “Some of the questions on the math test were confusing. I felt like I was gonna fail.”

 

Gianna said she took the M-STEP “very seriously. I sat at a desk where nobody could distract me.”

 

She wasn’t sure how the test will help students, but suspects it could help predict what kinds of things they could do in the future. Despite not enjoying the experience, Gianna said, “I think students should take the test so the state knows what the school’s teaching you.”

 

Jonathan Mubake

Jonathan Mubake, sixth-grader

 

When he sat for the M-STEP, “I was messed up!” Jonathan said. “My brain was somewhere else. …. It was like two computers (were) connected to me! I was trying to read (the page) as fast as I can, but it’s 10 paragraphs long!”

 

He said social studies was the hardest topic for him.

 

“I was exhausted, my head hurt, and my feet were wobbly,” he said, from his foot shaking out of nervousness. “I was ready to eat my food and go outside and go play. I was just ready for that, until I had to go back into the room and do the whole thing over again.

 

Jonathan would like five weeks’ notice to prepare for future standardized tests.

 

“I would prepare mentally. I would eat a perfect breakfast in the morning, get ready for school, make sure I had the right clothing on — not uncomfortable — so it’s not too tight for me to do my thing. I would go to sleep at … I would say 8, so I get enough rest.”

 

Crestwood Middle School, Kentwood

Kamau Brame

 

Kamau Brame, seventh-grader

 

Kamau said M-STEP tests give students an idea of how they are doing in different subjects, but sometimes the process gets a bit complicated.

 

“I don’t particularly look forward to them, but I don’t mind doing them. They aren’t too tedious. The teachers know what you already know and what you need to go over more.”

 

Math is hardest for him. “I find some questions super-easy and some I have no idea what to start with. … Once you get a few questions right you start getting really hard ones, and you kind of stress out because you know you’re not getting those right.”

 

He sees testing as helpful for later grades, with the “big-test SAT and ACT and all that. It gets you used to having to prep for tests and taking them under pressure.” But he’d like to spend less time on setup. “I would change all the stuff you have to do before each test. … It’s like a long process signing in and all that.”

 

The atmosphere at school can be a bit tense during testing, he said. “Last year some other grades told us how bad it was. … The anticipation is the worst.”

Erna Kljaic-Dugalic

 

Erna Kljaic-Dugalic, seventh-grader

 

Erna said she mostly takes the testing in stride.

 

“I don’t mind the M-STEP, but I don’t get stressed out about it. I usually finish early because I don’t second-guess myself.”

 

But math can be a bit hard on her nerves, because it “starts easy and then gets harder and harder. It doesn’t really stress me out, but it makes me feel like I’m set up for failure. I also get really tired from looking at the screen.”

 

She looks at  test results as a way to think about what kind of job she’d be good at. “I do think it does help with your career because it shows your strengths.”

 

That said, she would definitely change the length.

 

“I understand that it’s long for a reason, but I would like it if it was a little bit shorter, maybe like two days, because sometimes it can take up a week for some kids to finish it. I’d like it to be shorter so we have more time for other things  at school.”

Alana Biley

Alana Biley, sixth-grader

 

Overall, M-STEP isn’t too bad, Alana says.

 

“I don’t mind it because it helps you to know what level you’re on and you won’t be on things that are too easy or too hard.”

 

However, it does make her nervous. “I’m just like, ‘Oh gosh!’ I get butterflies in my stomach like a week before.”

 

She’d feel better with more preparation.

 

“I would probably want a pre-test to get you ready for it.”

 

Local club offers friendship, lessons in wood carving at expo

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , ,

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

For Kentwood resident Mike Bacon, what he loves most about woodcarving is that he can do it.

 

“That is probably the most important thing,” Bacon said. “I really enjoy the people who are in the carving group. Half the experience is the solarization, and sharing all kinds of techniques and the information that has to go along with it.”

 

Saturday, Sept. 29, area residents will have the opportunity to explore the world of wood carving during a Wood Carving Expo sponsored by the WSC Wood Carving Club. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Wyoming Senior Center Community Room, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. 

 

The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the club and wood carving so there will be carving and wood burning demonstrations during the event. Many of the club members will be on hand to answer questions along with offering items up for sale.

 

“If you are interested in woodcarving, I would suggest joining a group because the people in the group will help you learn,” Bacon said.

 

The WSC Wood Carving Club started in the late seventies with a group of people who enjoyed wood carving, according to Club President Karen Brown. 

 

“Woodcarving is one of the oldest forms of art,” Brown said. “It ranks up there with cave painting.”

 

Today, the love and interest in the art form continues to bring people together. The group explores all types of wood carving from bark carving to caricature carving and pyrography, the art of wood burning. 

 

 

“We are all encouraging especially with younger folks because we want our skills and knowledge to be carried on by other people who are younger so we don’t lose the skills that we have learned,” Brown said, adding with a laugh, “and we’ll have someone to pass on our tools to.”

 

The group meeds the last Tuesdays of the month from fall to spring at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park SW. Programs have included demonstrations and classes on various wood carving techniques. Whittlin’ Time, the TV program based on the monthly meetings, airs on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, 4 p.m. Tuesday, and 11 a.m. Friday.

 

For more about the WSC Wood Carving Club contact Brown at 616-706-9685 or kahb69@chartermi.net.

What you will, and will not, be voting on discussed at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Politics, WKTV Projects, ,
WKTV cameras were at the latest Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Two proposed Michigan ballot measures which were passed by the legislature — and will now not be on the November ballot — was among the discussion items of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Sept. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

 

The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions.

 

State Sen. Peter MacGregor told the group that measures dealing with paid sick leave and minimum wage were both passed by the legislature, thus allowing the legislature to alter them later with only a simple majority and not a two-thirds majority which would be required if they were voted on and passed by the voters.

 

But MacGregor said there was one measure which he wished had been passed by the legislative action and was not.

 

The paid sick leave and the minimum wage “are great ideas but they need a lot of massaging,” he said. But “we missed a chance to do something about recreational marijuana.”

 

The meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvondemand.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

 

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 Oct. 8 will be at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE, 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 Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.

 

School News Network: Understanding what all the fuss is about: A primer on the M-STEP

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,

By Sunil Joy

Research Data Analyst for Kent ISD

 

Welcome to the 2018-19 school year everyone! Let’s hope this year is our best school year yet. And what better way to kick things off than to talk about state test results, right?

 

Okay, probably not.

 

Sunli Joy

Truth is, the new school year also happens to coincide with the release of the last school year’s state assessment data (2017-18) — the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). And for at least a few days annually, the public gets inundated with stories through television, radio, newspapers and social media — all seeking to understand the newest results and their repercussions.Now we realize that most parents have plenty of other things they need to worry about in regards to their child’s education. And it is likely that most busy parents probably don’t fully understand what the fuss is all about, or if M-STEP is something that should warrant their attention. In reality, these results have big implications, meaning we all should have a better understanding of what they are telling us.

 

For these reasons, we decided to go beyond the simple headlines and soundbites, instead, taking a deeper dive into the test’s purpose and implications. It is our hope this information will equip parents with the knowledge necessary to make meaning of the results for themselves.

 

 

Getting Some Background

 

Before diving head first into interpreting the results, it is important to understand the background behind the M-STEP, including the context in which it exists in our state.

 

What is the M-STEP?

 

M-STEP is Michigan’s common assessment system: The M-STEP is Michigan’s mandated state assessment for public elementary and middle school students. The assessment evaluates performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics, along with Science and Social Studies in select grades. The vast majority of public school students—with a few exceptions for special populations—are required to take this assessment during the spring of each school year.

 

Why are students required to take the M-STEP assessment each year and to what end?

 

M-STEP is required by federal and state law, and is designed to measure mastery of state academic standards: In exchange for federal and state dollars, public school students are required to take a statewide assessment for certain subjects and grade-levels each school year (Michigan public school students are required to take the SAT exam in high school). More broadly, these tests are aimed at measuring a student’s performance against the state’s academic standards—the subject-level expectations students should be able meet at the end of each grade-level.

 

My child’s teacher already administers their own tests, why do they need to take the M-STEP too?

 

M-STEP’s primary purpose is to provide a snapshot of end-of-year student learning across the state: When teachers give students assessments throughout the school year, the primary purpose is to gauge their students’ progress, and make adjustments to their instruction as necessary. Parents also get a sense of how their child is advancing during the school year from the assessments teachers prepare.

 

The M-STEP does not serve this purpose. Instead, think of the M-STEP as a final exam you would take in high school. Once the exam is over and you’ve received your results, you can’t simply step inside a time machine and take the exam again. Similarly, once a teacher gets their students’ M-STEP results, the school year has already ended. As a summative assessment rather, the M-STEP’s purpose is to provide a snapshot of student learning over the past school year. And because most public school students statewide take the same assessment every year, it’s possible to compare one school’s results to the next.

 

What happens if my child or school performs poorly on the M-STEP?

 

Poor performance on the M-STEP has real repercussions both for schools and students: The state uses the M-STEP as one of the primary sources for identifying and intervening in schools that are underperforming or failing. Current state law also requires that teachers receive annual performance evaluations, which in part must be based on their students’ state assessment data.

 

And while there historically haven’t been prescribed consequences beyond educators and schools, a 2016 state law passed by the legislature requires students unable to pass the third grade English Language Arts assessment be retained in third grade beginning in 2019-20. Though exemptions for good cause exist, in this example, consequences for poor performance aren’t just for adults, but for students.

How to soundly interpret the M-STEP results

 

Now that you have some background and assuming you are still awake, let’s turn our attention now towards how to best make meaning of the M-STEP.

 

I’ve heard Michigan’s M-STEP scores are not so great. Should I move my child to another state where kids perform much better?

 

Michigan’s results aren’t so unique when compared to other states: With each release of statewide test scores, the recent norm for news stories is to point out that Michigan’s students are falling behind the nation. It would lead one to conclude that something distinctively “bad” is happening in Michigan. But as we’ve highlighted in the past, our state isn’t as unique as some would like us to believe. To further demonstrate this concept, we decided to look at state assessment results from Massachusetts and Tennessee—places that experts had previously identified as top education states—as it compares to M-STEP. What we found were headlines not too different than Michigan. While we realize that every state has its own assessment systems—meaning comparisons aren’t exactly apples to apples—the following examples are here simply to illustrate this idea:

 

  • According to the 2017 Massachusetts assessment results for third grade reading, 47 percent of students were proficient. In Michigan, 44 percent of students were proficient in English Language Arts for 2017 in third grade.
  • In Tennessee, 35 percent of students were proficient on the 2018 Mathematics assessment in grades 6-8. In comparison, 34 percent of students were proficient in Michigan.

 

Now let’s look at a few recent media headlines, putting into perspective our own state’s headlines:

 

  • Massachusetts: “Just half of Massachusetts students met MCAS expectations in 2017”
  • Tennessee: “TNReady testing scores mostly flat, but results dip in high school English”
  • Michigan: “More than half of Michigan students failed M-STEP literacy exam”

 

There are clearly areas for improvement. Is this because teachers are doing a bad job or students simply aren’t that smart?

 

Blaming students or their teachers for subpar results focuses attention in the wrong places: Often when M-STEP results aren’t where they ought to be for a school or district, the immediate inclination is to either blame students or their teachers. This occurs in large part because the major focus of media reporting are often the deficits, with little explanation on “why” such inequities may exist. And when little explanation is provided, it shouldn’t be a surprise that most people would blame either the test takers (students) or the people preparing the test takers (teachers). But by narrowly focusing on teachers and students only, we ignore the systemic reasons that may be contributing to the results. Moreover, this limited mindset distracts us from the questions that need to be answered in order to genuinely move forward:

 

  • Are schools and districts receiving adequate and equitable resources to best support student learning—particularly for disadvantaged students who have historically lagged behind their peers? Students face a diverse set of obstacles every day—ranging anywhere from emotional trauma to access to clean clothes. Research from the School Finance Research Collaborative reveals that despite the diverse obstacles students may face, our state isn’t distributing resources equitably to those students who need them the most.
  • Are we providing schools with relevant and engaging instruction that makes students not only interested in their courses, but able to reach their maximum potential?
  • Are we ensuring educators have access to high-quality instructional or curriculum materials and ongoing professional development, which we know are essential for teaching and learning?
  • Are we proving strategies to address matters that go beyond the four walls of the school building, including in areas like chronic absenteeism?
  • Are we strategizing on approaches to better involve parents/guardians in their child’s education?
  • Are those schools that are truly making an impact or “beating the odds” being promoted as models for success regionally and statewide?

 

Does the M-STEP point to a child’s success later in life?

 

M-STEP is a single data point, and can’t paint the whole story of student success alone: It would be naïve to believe that one assessment given at a single point in time—regardless of quality—can sufficiently predict a child’s future. To be clear, this is not to say M-STEP’s data on content mastery is unimportant. In fact, the Kent Intermediate Superintendent Association (KISA)—a group composed of Kent ISD’s 20 school district superintendents—have anchored three of their four long-term goals on data provided by current state assessment systems.

 

Rather, we know from our business partners in the region that indicators like collaboration, innovation, teamwork and others are just as vital for life success. Albeit difficult to measure, we simply can’t forget that these matter.

 

Our purpose here is to ensure our readers are better informed on this complex, yet important topic in public education. Despite its intricacies, the implications behind the M-STEP are too important to overlook.

 

Ensuring high academic achievement for students is multi-faceted strategy—including the strategic use of data. But it also means understanding what the data is and isn’t telling us. Only by doing so can we truly ensure that success is attainable for all of our students.

 

Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.

Kentwood bicyclist, riding for grandson, finds reward from wrong roads

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Travel,
Ken Smith’s view from the bike as he headed across Canada on a bike trail. (Supplied)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith this week continued his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

A cyclist Ken meet on his travels. (Supplied)

Smith, 70, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

On Day 45 of his trek, Wednesday, Sept. 12, he took a wrong road but ended up with an unexpected meal and a donation.

 

“I found a rail trail from Simcoe to Port Dover (in Ontario, Canada) and made some good time,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page on that day. “I also discovered a road that followed the lake (Lake Erie) and it was a beautiful ride with a great view of the lake but it became a little confusing and I made a BIG mistake and turned the wrong way. That took me some 10 miles in the wrong direction …

 

“Oh well but it is amazing how things turn out. A lady (Liz) stopped me along the highway and said, ‘I just read about you in the paper’ and asked me if I would join her and her son and son-in-law for lunch. WOW what a blessing and she also donated to Jakob’s Ride. Even when you make a mistake, you never know what will develop because of it.”

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles
Ken Smith leaves Grand Rapids to begin last 1,000 miles 

 

On Thursday, Sept. 13, Smith prepared to cross back into the United States and wrote on his Facebook page:

 

“Tomorrow I cross into the US at Buffalo, NY and get on the Erie Canalway trail that is 360 miles long and takes me to Albany, NY. I will be on it for a few days. I am watching the weather forecast and I am expecting a wet ride over the next few days but I am ready for it. Distance today was 47 miles for a total of 2927 miles.”

 

When he left Grand Rapids, Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"If you can't tolerate critics, don't do anything new or interesting."

                                                  ~Jeff Bezos

Food, glorious food!

Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

And there will be food trucks galore! The free-to-attend event will run from 11am to 10pm, on Saturday, Sept. 15 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library — Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.

 

Find out more here.

 

 

Well, hello, gorgeous!

The new, expanded playground at Ferrand Park.

Ferrand Park got quite the facelift, and Wyoming residents are thrilled. The park features a number of new amenities such as a shelter, pathways into the park, architectural features that help to identify the park, and a new, expanded playground area. 

 

Go here to learn more.

 

Hey, there’s an app for that

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has launched a new app that features real-time flight departure and arrival information, updates on parking availability at the airport, and security wait times. Additionally, amenities such as food and beverage locations, kids play areas, nursing rooms, and the military welcome center are featured on the app.

 

Click here.

 

Fun Fact:

A cow-bison hybrid
is called a “beefalo”

You can even buy its meat in at least 21 states.

Wyoming looks to get back to winning ways in WKTV’s OK-Gold featured game

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, ,
The Wyoming High School football team at practice this week. (WKTV)

By Micah Cho/WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

 

After opening the season with three 2017 playoff teams, Wyoming High School is looking to come out of Week 4 strong with a win over another playoff team, South Christian, this week. Both teams are coming off of Week 3 losses.

 

Wyoming (0-1 in OK-Gold/ and 1-2 overall) was able to capitalize two weeks ago with a win against Comstock Park, a team that went 7-4 with a playoff run last year.

 

Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler. (WKTV)

“We came out of the gate with four playoff teams and so we have to be at that caliber of football right from the very beginning.” Coach Irvin Sigler said when WKTV visited the Wolves practice field this week. “The thing we did best against Comstock Park is how we started. We started fast, played really hard, and we were able to hold onto a win.”

 

Sigler has nothing positive things to say about his season so far. The Wolves had a well-synched defense in the first game against Holland and a well-played game on both sides of the ball in the second game against Comstock Park — both of which has shown what the Wolves are capable of.

 

“It’s really kind of finding our rhythm and make sure we’re doing things the way that we’re coached to do them,” he said. “We talk a lot to our kids about attitude and effort with those being the only things we can control.”

 

With the Wolves preparing for Friday nights game, it’s important to remember that Wyoming is a rebuilding program, with Sigler in his second year at the school. A win against South Christian Friday night could establish the Wolves as a team to watch this season.

 

“Well, they’re a playoff team, they’ve got a great tradition and they have a great coaching staff,” he said about the Sailors. “Their players have grown up believing in what they do, so it’s a great tradition (and) program and the kids always play very hard and do what they’re supposed to do, so we’re gonna have to do that and do it better if we want to win this game.”

 

 

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

WKTV’s featured football games are rebroadcast on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports for complete schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

On Tap: co-op brewery selects Kentwood as home; cooking with beer  

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Business, Recreation
The opening of High Five Co-op Brewery, with its storefront location at 3846 52nd St. SE in the city, is expected for sometime in 2019. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The brewing of beer at High Five Co‐op Brewery, which hopes to become the City of  Kentwood’s first member owned and managed brewery, took a huge step forward in August when it signed a lease for a location just west of East Paris in the center of the “Shoppes at 52nd Street”.

 

The co-op recently signed a lease for a location just west of East Paris in the center of the “Shoppes at 52nd Street”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The opening of the brewery, with its storefront location at 3846 52nd St. SE in the city, is expected for sometime in 2019.

 

“We still have to meet with the City of Kentwood for planning and approvals (scheduled for September),” Laura Barbrick, president High Five Co‐op Brewery, said recently to WKTV. “Once we get that, we will file for state and federal licenses. We’ve been told it can be a minimum of a 7 month process. We don’t plan to begin the buildout until some of these things are more of a sure thing. So we won’t be doing a ribbon cutting until hopefully sometime next year. In the meantime there will be lots of planning and paperwork.”

 

High Five announced the lease for their future brewery in August.

 

“Our members have been patiently waiting for this moment,” Barbrick said at the time in supplied information. “Our board of directors have been searching the real estate market in West Michigan for nearly two years. We believe this location offers a lot of great potential and is in a rapidly growing area. We are excited to bring our new cooperatively‐owned brewpub to Kentwood.”

 

According to Barbrick, the cooperative has more than 150 members and expects renewed interest in memberships now that a location has been secured. High Five member‐owners “share a passion for craft beer and a vision to introduce the cooperative brewing model to West Michigan,” she said.

 

The cooperative brewery is built on seven operating principles that include a focus on the community, cooperation with other cooperatives, education of its members, and democratic governance which allows all of its members to vote on the direction of the brewery, according to supplied information.

 

Cooperative member‐owners purchase a lifetime membership for a one‐time $150 fee.

 

While High Five pursues its local, state, and federal approvals, it will also focus on growing its membership and raising additional capital for the new brewpub, according to Barbrick.

 

Inspired by Black Star Co‐op Pub and Brewery in Austin, Texas. Black Star, the first co‐op brewpub in the United States, opened its doors in 2010, and since that time, more cooperatives have opened and several are in various stages of planning. High Five was born in 2011 when founder Dallas McCulloch took part in a 5×5 business competition and was awarded $5,000 in startup capital, according to supplied information.

 

According to the National Cooperative Business Association, more than 100 million people are members of cooperative businesses in the United States, ranging from agricultural co‐ops and credit unions to food, housing and worker co‐ops.

 

For more information visit beer.coop or visit their Facebook page.

 

Downtown Market hosts ‘Cooking with Craft Beer’ class

 

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will host a “Cooking with Craft Beer” class on Friday, Sept. 21, from 6-8:30 p.m.

 

“We’re lucky to live in the city with the best craft brews, so don’t just drink the good stuff — learn to cook with it too!” information on the class states. “This beer-inspired menu will include a refreshing seasonal salad with a pale ale vinaigrette, delicious brown ale-braised chicken, and rich chocolate stout cupcakes. Yes, beer in dessert!”

 

They had me at “beer”.

 

The cost for the age 21-and-older class is $90 per person. As you cook, beers selected to complement the meal will be available for purchase.

 

The Downtown Market is located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW. For more information on the class email classes@downtownmarketgr.com or call 616-805-5308.

 

Child passenger safety: Find a seat check event near you 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities,
Not only is the correct seat important, but also the correct buckling of seat and young passenger.

By Michigan State Police

 

The Michigan State Police is seeking to educate parents about how to choose the right car seat and how to install and use it correctly.

 

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children one to 13 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

 

“Car seats, booster seats and safety belts save lives, but their misuse by well-intentioned parents and caregivers is far too common,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller of the Rockford Post. “Be proactive — get your child’s car seat or booster seat checked to ensure their safety.”

 

Car Seat Recommendations:

 

On Aug. 30, 2018, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) published an update to its 2011 child passenger safety policy statement and technical report. The most significant change is modified language around how long children should remain rear-facing. Instead of recommending rear facing to at least age 2, the updated policy statement recommends children remain rear facing until they reach the weight or height limit allowed by their seat. Most current car safety seats will accommodate children rear facing to age 2 or more.

 

Further recommendations by the AAP:

 

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat (CSS) as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more.

 

All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their CSS should use a forward-facing CSS with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer.

 

All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their CSS should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 ft 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

 

When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.

 

All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

 

For more information on child car safety and to find a free car seat check event near you, go to safercar.gov/parents.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Tech Trends, ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it."

                                                  ~Chinese Proverb

Good things come in threes

Three well-deserving organizations recently received grants from the GM Foundation: the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Read all about it here.

 

 

 

The dude abides (er, rides)

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. More here.

 

.

Beam me up, Scotty

Well, maybe healthcare technology isn’t quite that advanced, but still…

 

Not only are physicians and other healthcare professionals becoming more accessible, but personal health information, billing, and care instructions have also become easier to find thanks to electronic health records and healthcare portals. Before electronic health records, or EHRs, patients had to request physical copies from their healthcare providers’ offices, an inconvenient process that meant that most people only received their records when they were absolutely required. Read all about it here.

 

Fun Fact:

A sneeze travels about
100 miles per hour.

We're not sure who clocked it or why. Maybe some things are best left unknown.

Kent County’s Operation: Safe and Secure planned for National Preparedness Month 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Upcoming Events

 

Are you prepared for an emergency at your house, such as a fire? A countywide program will offer help in planning. (Supplied)

By Kent County

 

September is National Preparedness Month, so …

 

Do you have a plan if you had to leave your home for an extended period of time due to a disaster? Do you know what to do if you have a house fire? What is your plan if the power goes out?

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent is offering a free fun and educational expo for both kids and adults focused on keeping homes and families safe.

 

Operation: Safe and Secure will be held Tuesday, September 18, from 4-8 p.m., at the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW in Walker.

 

“Operation: Safe and Secure is an ideal way for people to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Karla Black, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of the Kent County Health Department. “Our involvement is just another way we collaborate with the many wonderful community partners who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our families across the County.”

 

Presentations include hands-on safety activities for all age groups, drones and the Fire Safety Trailer from the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Walker Fire Department’s ladder truck, American Red Cross presenting Disney’s Pillowcase Project, safety tips for people with disabilities, what to do in an active violence event, free refreshments, giveaways and much more.

 

At the event, there will be vendors and presenters who will provide information on how the community can be better prepared against emergencies.

 

“Kent County has had many emergency situations and severe weather over the past few years,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We have seen tornadoes throughout the County in recent years, and we had a massive flooding incident in February that led to a State of Emergency declaration. House fires and accidents are regular occurrences. How you and your family respond in those initial moments can certainly mean the difference to avoid serious injury.”

 

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative of Kent (EPIK) is made of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kent County/Grand Rapids Emergency Management, Kent County’s Sheriff Department and Health Department, Grand Rapids’ Police and Fire Departments, Walker Fire Department, Kent ISD, Salvation Army, WOTV Operation Save a Life, E.S.C.A.P.E., neighborhood associations and others.

 

“EPIK thanks the DeltaPlex and the partners involved for offering support and sponsorship,” said Leslie Montgomery-Bean of American Red Cross. “There has been a great amount of community involvement in the planning process. People who attend the event will gain information and ideas to be more prepared for emergencies and disaster that they may face at home or in their communities.”

 

Quietly continuing mission, Kentwood bicyclist heads east from GR firehouse

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Travel, ,
Ken Smith got a great send off from members of the Grand Rapids Fire Department this week. (Grand Rapids Fire Department)

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

Along the way firemen and fire departments have been offering support, including a welcome home last week at the City of Kentwood Fire Department Station 1 and a send-off Wednesday, Sept. 5, from the Grand Rapids Fire Department’s central station.

 

Ken Smith arrives back in Kentwood after 2,500 miles

 

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, hugged a granddaughter. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, Jan, hugged a granddaughter and was buoyed by the time he was able to spend and support he was able to gain while at home.

 

“First of all, the arrival at Kentwood Fire Department took me totally boy surprise,” Smith told WKTV as he prepared to ride out of town. “Friends came over to the house, to meet me. They all said ‘Well, you lost a little weight.’ I lost about 10 pounds.

 

“Relatives called, just to say, ‘Boy, that’s great, I could never have done it. The fact that you did is really making a statement for Jakob.’ The family is excited that I am continuing, that I can continue.”

 

Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.

 

Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.

 

On Thursday, Sept. 6, Smith wrote from the road, as he crossed Michigan:

 

“I left St. Johns at 8 am and decided to take the rail trail to Owosso to get off hwy 21. It was a good ride on gravel. The trail from Owosso to Flint was not a good trail. Much of it was mud, a walking trail along the river very narrow but it did get me to some county roads. This slowed me down tremendously. My goal was to get past Flint and get as far as I could to hopefully get to the ferry to Canada by tomorrow night. Will see. Total miles travelled today 81 for a total distance of 2563 + 81 for 2644 miles. … I’m looking forward to the ride across Ontario to Buffalo next week.”

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

 

Quote of the Day

"You get to a certain age, where you know you can’t go over the wall, but I’ll never get to the age where I can’t go through it." - Actor Burt Reynolds, 1936-2018

 

 

Lending a Hand

 

Local nurses were on a hike at Dead River Falls, in the U.P.’s Marquette, but their day hike became a case of being in the right place at the right time. (Supplied)

When a group of local emergency nurses on vacation in Marquette, Mich., learned of an injured hiker they did what anyone with their training and background would do: they went to help. “I fully believe God placed nine ED nurses on that trail for a reason,” said Rylee Kuiphoff, one of the nurses in the group.

 

 

Are You Ready for the Challenge?

 

 

FIRST Power Up, the theme for the 2017 FIRST challenge, was based on a Mario game.

Hundreds of young technology enthusiasts will gather at Grand Valley State University September 8 to celebrate the beginning of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge season. The event is set for 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Eberhard Center and Keller Engineering Lab building on the Pew Grand Rapids campus. Competitions will take place in the winter.

 

The Rebels Who Are Turning it Around

 

 

Wyoming Lee faces NorthPointe Christian this Friday. The Wyoming Lee team has struggled in years past but last year, Coach Tom DeGennaro credited much of that success to the students: “It’s just the kids buying into the system, working out in the weight room and committing themselves to being here every day. It has nothing to do with coaching. All of the success goes to the kids.”

 

 

 

Killer Light Show

 

 

Well you have about a month and a half until “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the film about epic rock band Queen and its frontman Freddie Mercury, hits the theaters. Until then, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has got your Queen-fix as it will be opening “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love” Sept. 15. The show will feature laser lights dancing to 10 of Queen’s greatest hits. And yes, that does include “Bohemian Rhapsody.” For more, visit grpm.org/Planetarium.

 

Fun Fact:

33.9 Million Miles

Or 54.6 million kilometers. That is the closest Mars and Earth come to each other. Still the distance has not discouraged a love affair with the red planet, which Grand Valley State University explores in its new exhibit "Mars: Astronomy and Culture." The exhibit is set to open Sept. 13 and will feature 140 photographs, drawings, movie posters, book covers and more spotlighting Mars.

Kentwood’s plans food truck festival, games, music for end-of-summer celebration

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events
Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

 

By City of Kentwood

 

The City of Kentwood will host the third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival, with nearly 30 food trucks scheduled to be on hand, on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event is in partnership with GR Loves Food Trucks.

 

The free-to-attend event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.

 

“We think there’s something for everyone at the End of Summer Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “It’s meant to be an event you can spend the whole day at enjoying food, drinks and live music and meeting your neighbors.”

 

Food trucks attending the event include: Blue Spoon Catering and Event Planning (kabob, Tex-mex); Maui Wowi (Hawaiian smoothies and frozen coffees); Ice Box (gourmet ice cream bars); Ananda Ice (rolled ice cream, shaved ice); Doughrunts (miniature topped doughnuts); Patty Matters (gourmet burgers and fries); Silver Star Café LLC (sandwiches, wraps); Moochies (popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy); Fire and Rice (vegan and gluten-free paella); Pig Out on the Fly (pulled pork topped fries); Tamale Rose (tamales, burritos); Coffee Rescue (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Kona Ice (shaved ice); Porters BBQ (barbecue); Rise and Grind (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Crepes by the Lake (sweet and savory crepes); PorkFat Slim’s (barbecue); Saladino Smoke (barbecue); Do Your Wurst (brats, hot dogs); Underground Cookie Club (gourmet ice cream sandwiches); Lazy Man BBQ (barbecue); Daddy Dough (cookies, with gluten-free and vegan options); D&D Gluten Free (topped fries, rice bowls, chicken tenders, all gluten-free); Summer Pops (gourmet ice pops); Babatuck (gyros, kabobs); D&W Eatery (smoked tacos, smoked vegan options); Detroit’s Original Coney Island (hot dogs, chili dogs); Yochef (gyros, tacos).

 

“Food trucks offer foodies a delightful mix of talented chefs and fast-food time frames,” said Alan Stone, president of GR Loves Food Trucks. “When we have an event like this where so many food trucks come together, you can really feel a bustling community atmosphere.”

 

Local live music will be featured on stage starting at 1 p.m. with bands such as Allie Garland, Erika Scherry, Kari Lynch and Orquesta Ritmo.

 

A beer tent will be open from noon to 10 p.m. and feature craft beer and cider.

 

Teams of two will be able to compete in a corn-hole tournament during the event. Anyone can register by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5317.

 

While the festival includes free-entry, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

 

For more information visit here.

 

Kentwood bicyclist on a mission finds support from local, nationwide fire departments

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Faces, ,
Ken Smith was welcomed by family and friends in his West Michigan home area, while firemen and fire departments have been rallying to his cause across the nation. (WKTV/K.D. Norris.

 

By. K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident and avid bicyclist Ken Smith arrived back home Wednesday, 2,500 miles into a west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob,  and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.

 

He biked into town with a photo, and loving memories, of Jakob in front of him and the sure knowledge that his hometown fire departments and fire departments across the nation have his back.

 

Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.

 

And while on the road, and in his West Michigan home area, firemen and fire departments have been rallying to his cause.

 

“The support from firefighters has been wonderful so far,” Smith said, surrounded by family and firemen at the City of Kentwood Fire Department Station 1, near City Hall.

 

Smith first gained support when he went to the City of Grand Rapids fire department and got a letter of introduction which he and his sister, Lois Unbehagen, have used to notify fire departments along his route of his pending arrival.

 

“I’d go up to them (fire departments) and knock on the door, and they’d let me in,” He said. “We stayed at a couple fire halls along the way, or they made provisions to put me up in a hotel. … In Orofino, Idaho, I was met by a police escort.”

 

And when he came home for his short stay — his wedding anniversary is next week — the Kentwood Fire Department was welcoming and supportive as well.

 

“When we heard about Ken’s journey, we felt it was important to help provide a warm welcome home,” Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman said to WKTV. “Jakob’s father is a firefighter and adjusts his schedule to care for his son. We know first-hand how the fire service is a deeply rewarding, yet demanding vocation. Being there to welcome Ken back to his hometown was the least we could do to show our support for the family.”

 

It is all about family 

 

Supporting family — specifically son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, Jakob’s parents —  is the driving force behind Ken Smith’s journey. Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.

 

“At Christmas time (2017) I said  (to Jason) ‘What happens if something happens to you?’ He said the biggest challenge they’d have is for a care provider. An emergency care provider. And for speech therapy. … (Jakob, now 16 years old) was supposed to die at the age of two, that is what the neurologist said. They said he’d never speak, never walk. Well, he does walk, but he doesn’t speak. And so he needs speech therapy as well. He just turned 16. But if anything happens …”

 

Ken Smith has set up a Facebook page (facebook.com/rideforjake/) and a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ride-pacific-to-atlantic-for-jakob) to detail his journey and raise the funds.

 

“I just had this idea at Christmas time, I said, ‘Well, I’m going to raise funds. What I am going to do is I’m going to ride my bike from the Pacific to the Atlantic. It was an old bucket list, a thing I wanted to do,” Ken Smith said. So far he has travelled about 2,500 miles in 38 days and “I got another 800, 900, a thousand miles to go.”

 

With every mile, though, front and center on his mind is Jakob.

 

“He’ll never know, but all the time I think about him,” Smith said, fighting back tears as he spoke. “You have no idea, as I went across the country, people who said ‘My son, my daughter, my sister, my brother, somebody has the same kind of condition. And what your doing is going to touch people.’ I had his picture there all the time. And I will say that not one time during the trip did I say ‘I wish this thing was over.’ The only thing I did say was ‘I wish this day was over.’ ”

 

And as far as making his $30,000 goal?

 

“Those funds are earmarked for his care … I am nowhere near that. But I believe the Lord is in control and what will happen will happen.”

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Food, Holidays, Kids Activities, Recreation
First United States Labor Day Parade, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City.

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Today’s fun fact(s):

12, six and 1882

The average number of hours a day worked (12) and days a week worked (6) before the Adamson Act was passed in the United States in 1916, which established the modern 8-hour work day. That action came 30 years after the first Labor Day march for workers rights was held in New York City, on Sept. 5, 1882.

 

Labor Day parades? We’ve got two for you 

 

Looking for a Labor Day parade? Celebrations in Holland at the Annual Labor Day Boardwalk and Pancake Breakfast, Monday, Sept. 3, focused in and around the beautiful Windmill Island Gardens, will include the annual Truck Parade downtown. The big rigs that carry locally-made products rumble through downtown Holland and Zeeland, complete their route by parking at the Holland Civic Center. Also on Monday, in Muskegon, the city will host its annual Labor Day parade. To get the details, click here.

 

The few; the proud; the very, very full

After 10 hearty seasons, 12,000 brave challengers and nearly 58 million gut-busting calories, the Fifth Third Burger is calling it a career. The Whitecaps will officially retire the Fifth Third Burger’s jersey on Saturday, Sept. 1, during their season-ending home stand against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. For more information on the burger’s last days, click here.

 

Need a good news story today? We have one

 

After a less than stellar history as a student, in high school and in college, Justin Mathes began working in education by tutoring youth at various schools, now he is a middle school principal. This is a story for people who need to find what they really, really want to do. For more on Principal Mathes, click here.

 

Quote of the Day

“Nothing will work unless you do.”  — Maya Angelou

 

School News Network: After taking a left turn, he found his right calling

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , ,
Reading and traveling are favorite hobbies of Justin Mathes, new Valleywood principal. He also always sports a long, full beard

By Erin Albanese

 

School News Network

 

Justin Mathes began in education by tutoring youth at various schools, now the new Valleywood Middle School Principal.

 

What and where was your previous job? I was middle-school assistant principal at Knapp Charter Academy.

 

Degrees: I have a bachelor of arts in elementary education and master’s in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University.

 

Other positions you have held in education: I taught sixth grade (all subjects), seventh- and eighth-grade history, and was middle-school assistant principal at Ridge Park Charter Academy.

 

How about jobs outside education? I worked retail at MC Sports.

 

New Valleywood Principal Justin Mathes looks for good teen-level books

Besides getting to know the staff and families, what are you most looking forward to as principal here?  I look forward to working with the staff on growth and proficiency for our students and working to increase parental involvement to take advantage of parents’ skills. A lot of parents have skills I don’t have and I’d love to get them into the building!

 

What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I was very quiet. I rarely did homework. I didn’t really participate in school much. I attended because it was compulsory. I probably missed over 100 days during my high-school career. Once I got a car, it was easy to turn left instead of right (the opposite direction of school). It was shocking to people who knew me to learn I was going into education, and it still is shocking to them to know I am leading a building!

 

So, what led you to go from not liking school to becoming an educator? I went to college at Iowa State University for three weeks, attended zero classes, and my mom pulled me out. I got a job in retail, but realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. The person who is now my wife encouraged me to volunteer, tutoring youth at various schools. That led me to go into education.

I fell in love with middle school! I think it’s that the fact that I didn’t love school and I can talk to them about that. I want to intervene before they get to that point of missing 100 days of school and withdrawing from high school.

 

Spouse: Tricia Mathes, assistant principal for Grand Rapids Public Museum School

New Valleywood Principal Justin Mathes finds Stargirl, a favorite book, on the media center shelves

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and reading. My wife and I have the exact same job schedule, which allows us to take some lengthy trips. Favorite trips are anywhere I’ve been to in Mexico, including Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta.

 

I read primarily young adult fiction so I can keep up with what the kids are reading, and horror.

 

What inspires you, both in your educational role and in your own life? It’s working with kids. All of the paperwork will be here after the kids leave. I want to be in classrooms, in the hallway, in the cafeteria, talking with them. If I wanted to do paperwork I would have gone into accounting.

 

What makes you laugh (we bet you’ll say kids – what else?) Middle school humor. My wife would say I haven’t grown up past age 13 or 14. That’s why I get along with the kids so well.

 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?  I really disliked school and I had no idea I would be in charge of one 23 years later.

 

Tell us about a non-professional book you recommend and why: Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli

Bestselling author team set to visit Schuler Books & Music

City of Kentwood, Entertainment, , ,
Ilona and Gordon, the authors of the Kate Daniels series.

The husband-and-wife team behind the New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels series will be visiting Schuler books & Music at the end of August.

 

Under the pseudonym Ilona Andrews, Ilona and Gordon have co-authored four New York Times and USA Today bestselling series that along with the urban fantasy Kate Daniels series includes the rustic fantasy Edge, paranormal romance Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper Chronicles, which is posted as a free weekly serial.

 

The couple is touring for the release of Magic Triumphs book 10  and the final book in the Kate Daniel series. They will be at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St., at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30. 

 

Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona reportedly got the better grade. No comment from Gordon on that.

 

The couple live in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats. 

 

The Aug. 30 author talk will be open to the public. Guests can obtain a signing line ticket by purchasing a copy of Magic Triumphs at the event. 

 

For more, visit the Schuler Books & Music’s website.

Record primary voter turnout, county staff additions discussed at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Business, Local Faces, WKTV Projects,
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting brings together all levels of government for discussion of current issues. WKTV covers it and offers it on-demand. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

News that Kent County is planning to add about 32 more employees, many in the Sheriff’s Office’s juvenile detention area, was one discussion item of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Aug. 13, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

 

The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. Another topic discussed was the State Secretary of State’s office report on the results of the Aug. 7 primary election — which saw a record percentage of primary voter turnout.

 

The meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvondemand.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

 

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. 10 will be at the 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 Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.

 

The Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines brings in international winning quartet ‘Speed of Sound’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , ,

By Colleen Pierson

WKTV Contributor

 

What does it take to be named the best female singing quartet in the world?  Witness for yourself as International Award winners “Speed of Sound” will be featured along with The Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines.

 

The Harmony Quest performance takes place at Hudsonville Freshman Campus, 3370 Allen St., Hudsonville, on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. The night will be filled with extraordinary music, talents and humor.

 

Speed of Sound is a long-distance quartet, from all over the country, with more than 60 years of barbershop experience. They have been together for nearly five years and have achieved major accomplishments in the Sweet Adeline world.  In 2016, the group was crowned Queens of Harmony in Las Vegas!

 

They love singing cutting-edge arrangements.  But most of all, their wish is to spread their love for this art form called barbershop. It’s important to all four of them that they play a part in keeping barbershop alive and well for the coming generations.

 

The group is looking forward to traveling to West Michigan to share their talents.

 

“It will be so exciting to take the stage along with our sisters in harmony-The Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines,” said Carter Maysilles, baritone for Speed of Sound.  “We will all put on a fantastic show.”

 

Tickets for the Sept. 8 show are $20/general admission and $15/seniors/students. Group ticket prices also are available.

 

Go to www.grsa.netfor tickets/information or call (616)710-1765 for “will call” tickets.

 

Replay of 2018 Kentwood’s Got Talent show available on WKTV channels

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, WKTV Projects,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

The City of Kentwood’s Celebrate Kentwood festival, held Saturday, Aug. 11, featured a return of the popular Kentwood’s Got Talent event — and WKTV’s cameras were there.

 

Kentwood’s Got Talent will air on WKTV 25 on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

 

This year’s festival was a jam-packed day of events at City Hall and the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch featuring family-friendly activities, local food vendors, community booths, a beer garden and live music.

 

Also returning to the annual festival was a classic car show and Kentwood’s Got Talent. Modeled after the popular TV show, the talent competition will feature singers, dancers and other performers from the community.

 

Featured talent from around West Michigan took the stage at noon for Kentwood’s Got Talent, and the winner received a $500 cash prize. Contestants had up to five minutes to wow the judges with their talents.

 

Ford Airport on pace as America’s second fastest growing airport

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Tara Hernadez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

After serving more than a quarter-million passengers in the month of July, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is continuing its pace as the second fastest growing airport in the country.

 

July marks the seventh record-breaking month in a row for 2018, and the airport has seen growth in 60 of the last 67 months. July 2018 was the busiest July ever, with passenger numbers up 16.7- percent year-over-year.

 

Through July 2018, GFIA has already surpassed its annual totals reached in both 2008 and 2009, and the airport has now served over 75-million passengers in its 54-year history.

 

“Our growth is a collaborative effort between our community, our airline partners, our tenants, and continued economic progression,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “With recent announcements like American Airlines adding nonstop service to Miami, and Frontier Airlines adding nonstop service to Phoenix Sky-Harbor, we are continuing to set records and meet the demands and needs of our traveling public. We are not done, and we expect 2018 to not only be another record-setting year but to continue that momentum into 2019.”

 

Airline Weekly forecasted the Ford Airport as the second fastest-growing airport in the U.S. among the 100 busiest airports for the Q3 summer peak, according to data from Diio, an aviation data, tools, and technology product. The ranking was based upon a projected 21-percent increase in year-over-year growth.

 

July 2017 saw 249,268 passengers, while July 2018 topped that in serving 291,304 – the second largest increase ever for the month of July.

 

“Our airline partners continue to invest here and are adding more service with more routes, and larger aircraft to accommodate our growing passenger traffic,” said Gill. “We expect the record numbers and trends to continue as we wrap up summer and continue into fall.”

 

GFIA has invested in new facilities to accommodate the growing traffic by recently completing Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project – an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also included new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, pre and post security business centers, a military welcome center, kids play areas, and much more.

 

Phase Two of the Gateway Transformation Project is slated to begin in Fall 2018 with construction taking place at the airline ticket counters, baggage claim area, and ‘front of house’ area.

 

“As we continue to grow in traffic it is imperative that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Gill. “Our passengers keep coming back because we listen to their wants and needs, and as they do we will continue to do our part to improve our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we hope to add more growth in the years to come.”

 

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available at http://www.grr.org/history.php.

 

WKTV feature high school coverage begins with football at Godwin Heights

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Projects,
Coin flip time: WKTV’s 2018-19 high school sports coverage starts with prep football season opening night action at Godwin Heights High School. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

sportswktv@gmail.com 

 

WKTV’s 2018-19 high school sports coverage starts with prep football season opening night action at Godwin Heights High School as new head coach Brandon Kimble leads the Wolverines onto the field for the first time. (Don’t forget your sunglasses as the sun sets!)

 

WKTV interviewed Coach Kimble this summer; he talked football, mentoring young people, and more.

 

WKTV will cover all the local football teams in the first six weeks, including Tri-Unity Christian’s 8-man football team, before we start covering the best game available in October. Next week’s game will be the Thursday, Aug. 30, clash of Ashley at Tri-Unity Christian (8-man football at 5651 Gezon Court Wyoming.)

 

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

WKTV’s featured football games on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

The complete local high school sports schedule through the end of the month is as follows:

 

Monday, Aug. 20

Boys / Girls Cross Country

East Kentwood @ Muskegon Orchard View

Boys Tennis

@ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament

Kelloggsville @ Union

Boys Soccer

Wyoming @ Hudsonville Christian

Hudsonville Hornets @ Tri-Unity Christian

South Christian @ Holland Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Union

Potter’s House @ Calvin Christian

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21

Boys Tennis

Catholic Central @ East Kentwood – Quad

Girls Volleyball

Caledonia @ East Kentwood

Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Girls Swimming

East Kentwood@ Jenison

Boys / Girls Cross Country

Godwin Heights @ Kent City

Kelloggsville @ Kent City

South Christian @ St. Joe

Boys Soccer

Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville

Tri-County @ Wyoming Lee

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22

Girls Golf

South Christian @ East Kentwood

Holland @ Wyoming

Boys Soccer

East Kentwood @ Portage Northern

Godwin Heights @ Union

Zeeland West @ Wyoming

Calvin Christian @ South Christian

Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian

Boys Tennis

Wyoming @ Holland

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Unity Christian @ South Christian

Boys / Girls Cross Country

Wyoming Lee @ Hesperia – Baker Woods Invitational

 

Thursday, Aug. 23

Girls Volleyball

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wellsprings Prep @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation

Boys Soccer

East Kentwood @ Holland

Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation

Tri-Unity Christian @ Hope Academy of West Michigan

Muskegon Catholic Central @ Zion Christian

Boys Football

Hamilton @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event

South Christian @ Greenville

Olivet @ Calvin Christian/Potter’s House

Boys / Girls Cross Country

Grand River Prep @ Kelloggsville – Rocket Invitational

Girls Golf

South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores

 

Friday, Aug. 24

Boys Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

Boys Tennis

Jenison @ East Kentwood

Boys Soccer

Wyoming @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Boys Football

Holland @ Wyoming

Whitehall @ Kelloggsville

Wyoming Lee @ White Cloud

Tri-Unity Christian @ St Joseph Lutheran – 8 man

 

Saturday, Aug. 25

Boys Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

Girls Volleyball

East Kentwood @ Rockford

South Christian @ Rockford

Boys Tennis

East Kentwood @ Holland

@ South Christian – Quad

Girls Swimming

East Kentwood @ Traverse City Central

Boys Football

East Kentwood vs Muskegon Mona Shores @ GVSU

Boys / Girls Cross Country

Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central

Boys Soccer

@ Zion Christian – Zion Tournament

 

Monday, Aug. 27

Girls Golf

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Boys Soccer

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

South Christian @ Wayland

Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood

Boys Tennis

West Catholic @ Kelloggsville

Girls Volleyball

Kelloggsville @ Potter’s House

 

Snapshots: Fun news you need to know from Wyoming and Kentwood

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

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

 

Quote of the Day

 

"Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well." _ Aretha Franklin

 

Making a difference

 

Having lived in Wyoming all of his life — except for a short time when he was away at college — Chris Hall felt he knew a lot about the community he lives in. Then in 2003, he joined Wyoming’s Community Development Committee and discovered even more about his city. “It is really cool because you hear from folks who have been a part of [the Community Development Committee] and they’ve learned about stuff — me included — of things that I didn’t know existed and ways that I can help out, and I think I am a better resident, a better citizen. Because of my involvement in this committee, I am able to serve my neighbors better.”

 

 

 

Time to Sparkle

 

The Grand Rapids Ballet will celebrate the arrival of its newest artistic director, James Sofranko with a gala Oct. 18. The Wild Sweet Love Welcome Gala, so named after a ballet that will be performed that event, will start at the L3VEL at The B.O.B. and then head to the company’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre. To find out why “Wild Sweet Love” was selected and how it connects to Sofranko, click here.

 

Opa!

 

Or rather Yassou!, which is the Holy Greek Orthodox Church’s annual celebration of the culture and traditions of the Greek Orthodox community. The event takes place Aug. 17 – 19 and includes music, dancing, and of course, lots of Greek food favorites. This year’s event will be supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County (CAC). The church is located at 330 Lakeside SE.

 

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

 

Also this weekend is the popular JazzFest taking place in downtown Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle. The event, which is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18 and 19, features a host of jazz musicians from noon to dusk both days. Edye Evans Hyde, Kevin Jones, Grupo Ayé, and Marcus Anderson are just some of the performers slated for the seventh annual event. The entire two days are free, although if you plan on sitting, you might want to bring your own chair.

 

Fun Fact:

300,000 bulbs

That is how many tulip bulbs are planted in Holland every year for the annual Tulip Time, of which 50,000 are hand planted on the Window on the Waterfront Park. Organizers for Tulip Time just recently announced submission dates for the annual Art In Bloom competition, which are Sept. 29 - Oct. 4.

Kent County looking for residents to fill commission and committee spots

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is looking for residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to various boards, commissions, and committees. Any Kent County resident may apply by completing an online application form on the County’s website at www.accessKent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The application deadline is Sept 30.

 

Listed below are the boards, commissions, and committees that have openings for terms effective January 1, 2019 (unless otherwise noted):

 

  • Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and conservation representative)
  • Community Action Agency Advisory Governing Board (openings for consumer and public sector representatives)
  • Community Corrections Advisory Board (openings for Defense Attorney and Probation Representative)
  • Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for community-based and faith-based organization representatives and health care providers)
  • Community Mental Health Authority (Network180) Board – term begins April 1, 2019
  • County Building Authority
  • Fire Commission (openings for township elected officials only)
  • Friend of the Court Citizen’s Advisory Committee (openings for the general public and family law attorney)
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board
  • Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority
  • Housing Commission
  • Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (openings for private funding and private agency representatives)
  • Kent District Library Board (Region 1 – resident of Nelson, Oakfield, Spencer and Tyrone Township; and Region 5 – resident of Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, and City of East Grand Rapids).Applicants must live in Region 1 or 5.
  • Kent Hospital Finance Authority
  • Lakeshore Regional Partners Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board
  • Land Bank Authority (must be a city elected official – excluding the City of Grand Rapids – to apply)
  • Millennium Park Architectural Advisory Review Board (opening for business community representative)
  • Officers’ Compensation Commission
  • Remonumentation Peer Review Group (must be a professional surveyor to apply)
  • Kent County’s Veterans Services is focused of veterans issues.

    Road Commission Board

  • Solid Waste Management Planning Committee (openings for general public, environmental interest groups, solid waste industry representatives, and a representative from an industrial waste generator)
  • Veterans Services Committee (must have served honorably on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces to apply)If you have any questions, please contact Pam VanKeuren in the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580 or Pam.VanKeuren@kentcountymi.gov.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

 

Quote of the Day

"I would travel only by horse, if I had a choice."- Linda McCartney

 

 

Come One, Come All

 

Patrons visit the GRAM for free during ArtPrize.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum recently announced it would be part of the Museums for All programs, providing free admission, for up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card; commonly known as the Michigan Bridge Card. The GRAM joins the Grand Rapids Children Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in offering free and reduce admission. The Grand Rapids Symphony has the Symphony Scorecard program, which provides up to four free tickets to those receiving financial assistance from the State of Michigan and/or are active, reserve or guard military families.

 

 

A horse is a horse, of course, of course…

 

Bill catches up with an old friend at Lee’s Summit Equestrian.

WKTV volunteers Bill and Charlotte Rinderknecht have hit the road in search of stories about horses and the people who work with them for their documentary series “Horses and Their People.” Follow the couple as they journey through the United States, visiting ranches and exploring the local culture of the communities they visit.

 

Feeding the Mind and the Body

 

Snatching up the snacks

During the summer, Kent District Library’s newest branch, the Kelloggsville branch, has been participating in The Meet Up and Eat Up program. Sponsored by the state, the program is designed to bring nutritious meals to lower income areas. Set to wrap up this week on Aug. 17, the KDL Kelloggsville Meet Up and Eat Up served students living near the high school, where the facility is located. As KDL Executive Director stated “Feeding the minds, imaginations and spirits is something that we have always done at KDL, but now we are literally feeding hungry people.”

 

 

 

Murder She Wrote

 

The cast of the upcoming production of “And Then There Were None”

At first, no one wanted to produce the play version of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” because they insisted that the storyline wouldn’t work on stage and that people would laugh at it. In 2015, it was voted the World’s Favorite Christie having been made into several movies with such groups as the Superman comics and “Family Guy” making parodies of it. This weekend you can catch several local residents as they perform the murder mystery at the Jenison Theater of the Arts, which has productions running Aug. 17-19 and 24-26. If you can’t make that production, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will be offering a production in January. In between the two productions, you can always read the book.

 

Fun Fact:

17 hours

That is how long it took to make all the costumes and puppets for the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King. It took 750 pounds of silicone rubber with the tallest animal being the 18-foot giraffes and the smallest being a five-inch trick mouse on Scar's cane. You can see it all next year as Broadway Grand Rapids recently announced that Disney's The Lion King will be part of its 2019-2020 season.