East Kentwood students are hoping to help make change at this year’s election by helping people register to vote. (Photo by 2015 Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0))
Recognizing that real change begins at the voting booth, a group of East Kentwood High School students have banded together to host a voter registration drive July 14 – 17.
“With all that has been going on in our community and nationally, there are many students from East Kentwood High School who have been very vocal about their desire to see change,” said Andrew Love, a 2020 East Kentwood High School graduate and one of the voter registration drive organizers.
Love’s friend, Litzey Ramos, another 2020 East Kentwood graduate, had been part of the school’s American Political Thought (APT) class. As part of the class requirements, each student is required to complete a final project and Ramos had decided to host a voter registration day during the school’s lunch periods.
“Then school got closed due to COVID, so she wasn’t able to do the project,” Love said.
Through a discussion between Ramos, Love, and friends, the group decided that the project was a good idea and began looking at whether they could host a voter registration event over the summer.
“We kind of pulled this together in a week,” Love said. “We knew many of the students would be heading off to college soon, so we did not want to wait too long. Plus we wanted to make sure that people were registered for the primary election.”
Residents have until July 20 to register at any office such as the Secretary of State or local clerk or at a voter registration event such as the one hosted by the East Kentwood students. From July 21 to the Aug. 4 Primary election, residents may only register at their local clerk’s office and must have proof of ID with them.
Love said the group began to look for a large parking lot where they could set up a drive thru registration event so as to abide by social distancing guidelines. Since he worked for Celebration Cinema South, Love asked his manager about using the parking lot there since the cinema is currently not open due to COVID.
A resident would drive in and be handed a clip board to fillout the voter registration. Students would be on hand to answer questions. All registrations would be collected and given to a League of Women’s Voter representative who will deliver the items to the downtown clerk’s office.
“So hopefully people would be registered to vote in time for the primary,” Love said.
At the same time, Love said students will be helping with absentee registration. Residents have until July 31 at 5 p.m. to request a mailed absentee ballot. An absentee ballot can be returned up to 8 p.m. on Aug 4 to the person’s local clerk’s office.
The registration event is open to any person eligible to vote. A person must be 18 or older by the day of the election to vote. Love said they wanted to open it to any graduating student as well as to anyone in the community needing help to register.
“Litzey and her family have a connection to the Hispanic community and they are working to let people know about this opportunity,” he said. “Our goal is to get as many people as possible registered.”
When the State of Michigan allowed local craft brewing establishments — along with most Lower Peninsula restaurants — to reopen to inside seating in June, there were and still are some “socially distant” capacity limitations which make sit-down business hard to turn a profit on.
Thank God for beer gardens.
And, in some cases, thanks to various city leaders allowing parking areas and other outdoor spaces to become beer gardens, outside seating has become very important part of local businesses’ recovery plans.
WKTV visited three local craft brewers — Two Guys Brewing, Broad Leaf Local Beer and Railtown Brewing Company — to see how they were making the move outside.
Railtown Brewing is located at 3595 68th St. SE, in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. (WKTV)
For Railtown Brewing, an existing wrap-around deck area was already in place and required very little changes. For TwoGuys Brewing, they worked with the City of Wyoming to be able to use parking spaces until a new back deck area is finished and approved.
For Broad Leaf Local Beer, working with Kentwood city leaders allowed them to expand into a grassy area onsite and into their parking lot — but that is just the beginning of a cooperative effort, including making the place a little more dog friendly.
(For a video report on Broad Leaf Local Beer’s outdoor spaces, doggie-friendly attitude — and the assistance they have received from the City of Kentwood — see the WKTV YouTube video at the top of this story.)
Railtown andTwoGuys
Railtown’s fairy new facility was perfectly suited for the new rules, and both have continued to garner community/customer support in changing conditions.
“We’re not expanding our space in any way. We’re actually in a fairly unique position to have a lot of space as it is,” Railtown Brewing Company’s Justin Buiter said to WKTV in June. “Inside, we’ve removed many tables, chairs and bar seats to get everyone spaced out appropriately. Outside, our tables were already socially distant, so there wasn’t much change necessary out there.
“In general, the support has continued to be amazing. As most folks are experiencing, face masks are the hot button issue. We really haven’t had any issues to speak of and folks have been generally understanding.”
Two Guys is actually working to offer permanent outside seating while it utilizes temporary outside seating.
Two Guys Brewing is located at 2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming. (WKTV)
“We have taken advantage of the ‘Temporary Outdoor Space’ and are able to use part of our front parking lot until October 31,” TwoGuys Brewing’s Amy Payne said to WKTV. “We have a permanent patio space in the back that is in the works and will, hopefully, have approval soon for that. … Inside we have reduced our number of tables by half and bar stools by just over half, making sure that all guests are a minimum of 6 feet from the next guest.
“Folks have been very understanding and have followed the rules fairly well. Support has been amazing with many of our neighbors and regulars making sure they come in at least once a week. They want us to be around when this is all over!”
Two Guys Brewing is located at 2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming. For more information visit twoguys-brewing.com.
Railtown is located at 3595 68th St. SE, in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. For more information visit railtownbrewing.com.
Broad Leaf Local Beer is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd., Kentwood. For more informant visit broadleafbeer.com.
Bell’s Brewery to join Black is Beautiful initiative
Bell’s Brewery recently announced it has joined the Black is Beautiful initiative, an effort to help “bring awareness to the injustices many people of color face daily,” with the planned August release of a special brew.
The Black is Beautiful initiative originated with Marcus Baskerville, founder and head brewer at Weathered Souls Brewing based in San Antonio, according to supplied material. Originally planned as a Weathered Souls-only release, Baskerville was encouraged to expand his reach and make the recipe and label artwork available to more craft brewers — and so Bell’s plans to step up to the bar.
“We all have some work to do, Bell’s included, and we are committed to that,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, said in supplied material. “It starts on an individual level. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to continue this conversation and help drive real change.”
There are currently more than 700 breweries from across the globe committed to this initiative.
Bell’s version of the Weathered Souls Imperial Stout recipe will be released in 6-pack bottles exclusively at Bell’s General Store in downtown Kalamazoo and Upper Hand Brewery Taproom in August. Upper Hand Brewery is a division of Bell’s Brewery and is located in Escanaba.
As part of this initiative, Bell’s will make donations to two local Black-led organizations, the Kalamazoo NAACP and Face Off Theatre.
This collaboration brew, “while sharing some of the same values,” is not part of Bell’s Celebration Series, according the Bell’s statement. That series, which empowers different groups within the company that makes Bell’s what it is, will continue later this year with another beer designed and brewed by Bell’s employees. That next release, which will come from and celebrate Bell’s Black and African American employees, will be released in the fall.
Previous brews have celebrated International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, the LGBTQ+ community and veterans.
For more information on Bell’s Brewery visit bellsbeer.com.
OK all you mask haters, Governor Gretchen Whitmer had a message for you this week: just wear them. And in fact, several area restaurants, such as Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing, have joined the Michigan Restaurant Promise, an initiative designed to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners have made the commitment to assure their employees are healthy with wellness checks, and other social distancing guidelines including wearing masks. In return, restaurants who sign the promise, ask restaurant-goers to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. For more, click here.
Renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony will be featured in a rebroadcast of a Grammy-nominated PBS special. (Supplied/GRS)
A blast from the past
Missing the Grand Rapids Symphony’s summer pops concerts? Well don’t fret! At 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, and again at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, there will be a special showing of the Grammy-nominated PBS special “Invention & Alchemey,” featuring renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Streaming of the special will be available July 12 -17. For more, click here.
Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. (Supplied)
West Michigan Round-Up
There are lot of gas tank away adventures taking place this weekend that gives you an opportunity to explore our great state. The Lakeshore Harvest Country’s guide features an array of farms and wineries that will have you traveling around Lake Michigan. Petoskey is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Petoskey stone being Michigan’s state stone. Or go further north to visit the Fort Michilimackinac, part of the Mackinac Historic State Parks, which will be featuring 125 different events in the coming days.
Final Word on Masks from Bill Nye
Today we are letting one of the nation’s most famous science guys do all the talking…take it away Bill.
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, discusses wearing a face mask.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) in Grand Rapids didn’t want to cancel an annual summer camp that deaf kids have been part of in person, but then COVID-19 happened.
So a summer camp for both deaf and hearing kids will happen virtually in 2020 — “a week’s worth of excitement and education,” according to a statement from the organization.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services community education coordinator Nancy Piersma, left, with Kenny in background, at John Ball Zoo. (D&HHS)
Recently, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ community and partnerships manager, Erica Chapin, was out and about in Grand Rapids with community education coordinator Nancy Piersma (a native deaf facilitator who uses sign language to communicate) and a film crew, plus some special guests, filming at John Ball Zoo, Blandford Nature Center, HOPE Gardens community garden and The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
“Through these videos, kids will be able to learn and experience something new,” Chapin said in supplied material. “Each day Nancy teaches new signs related to the theme, making Kids Kamp videos a great opportunity for children to have increased exposure to language. Every video is in ASL, with English interpretation and closed captioning, to offer accessibility to anyone who wants to watch.”
From July 13-17 those videos will be rolled out for free on the D&HHS YouTube channel. But kids who buy a Kenny’s Kids Kamp Kurious Kit for $30 will be able to complete a number of crafts and activities at home as they watch the videos, according to the statement.
“Kenny is our Kids Kamp friend who is coming along with us for our adventures,” Chapin said. “He is a stuffed animal monkey. Throughout our videos you can see him playing in the background. Sometimes he is easy to find; other times he is hidden away. The kids have to keep an eye on him and at the end of the week we will announce how many times he was seen.”
Each Kenny’s Kids Kamp Kurious Kit will include a 2020 Kids Kamp t-shirt, snacks and drinks for each day, ASL vocabulary related to the video adventures, crafts, a children’s book and other fun activities to promote learning. In addition, according to the D&HHS statement, the purchase of a Kurious Kit enters each purchaser into a daily drawing for bonus prizes from the video locations that include fun for the whole family.
D&HHS will also be offering scholarships and seeking donors to underwrite kits. Anyone who would like to apply for a scholarship for a kit can contact Deb Atwood, executive director, at datwood@deafhhs.org.
Also, on the Kids Kamp sign-up page, people can purchase a kit for a child directly, said Chapin. For more information visit here.
Questions about Kids Kamp should be directed to Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at 616-732-7358, x211 or community@deafhhs.org.
Classic rock and power ballard will be the music track for this Thursday’s Sound of Summer concert program.
Jaded 8 will be the guest performers for the free 7 p.m. concert at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park SW, just west of 68th Street and Division Avenue.
Being one of the few outdoor annual concerts taking place this summer, it is apparent from Jaded 8’s Facebook page that the group is excited to perform this Thursday.
“We’ll be cramming every song possible into the show because WE MISS PLAYING and WE MISS YOU!,” the band wrote on its Facebook. “And we are even going to practice for it, so you know we’re serious!”
Jaded 8 was formed in January 2010 and is currently made up of three members who have been rocking the Lakeshore since then. Mark Pawlak, a co-founding member of the band is on guitar and vocals together with his co-founder Lee Nelson, who is on the drums and vocals. Jeff Post joined them later on and is on the bass guitar and also vocals.
“We love classic rock…and we perform to honor those incredible artists who brought this timeless music to the ears of multiple generations,” according to the band’s our story on Facebook. “Whether you’re a boomer or a Gen-X, Y, or Z’r, you will know these tunes and you will be singing along with every song.”
Sounds of Summer organizers are not oblivious to the current COVID-19 situation and therefore will be observing public health guidelines, such as groups having to stay six feet apart.
Upcoming performances include Oat Bran Boys July 16, dusty Chaps July 23, and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here.
Previous Sounds of Summer concerts are now airing on WKTV Channel 25 at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.
According to the Wyoming Historical Commission, the Suburban 5 & 10, now Springrove Variety, was started around 1958 by the Bulthuis family. The picture above is of the first store which was located at 921 28th St. The location is now a park. (Photo: Wyoming Historical Commission)
The candy counter at the Springrove Variety Store is empty. About 10 of the shelves close to the cash register have items left with most of the store’s other shelves empty.
After more than 60 years, the five-and-dime store located on 36th Street just west of the corner of 36th and Clyde Park Avenue will officially close its doors in a couple of weeks.
“This has nothing to do with COVID or anything else,” said owner Mike Sprenger. “The landlord had put the building up for sale and I really don’t have a lease there.
“Plus it’s just time. I think us dime stores have kind of outlived our niche.”
A predecessor to the dollar stores, the five and dime — also called the five and ten, nickel or dime, and ten-cent stores — were known for offering a wide assortment of inexpensive items for personal and household use. Candy, toys, housewares, and notions were just some of those items.
Springrove Variety Store, the former Suburban 5 & 10, located at 815 36th St. SW, will close within a couple of weeks. (WKTV)
“My first time coming here [was] in 1998 with my mother-in-law. I fell in love with all the thing I could create and have through the years. All the blankets and quilts made form supplies from your store. I am very sad to see you go. Truly the last quality store with friendly service. You will be severely missed. “- a customer wrote in a notebook filled with good-bye notes and well wishes.
“I grew up in the neighborhood,” wrote another customer in the book. “Often my mom would bring me here to spent $1.00 in the 1960s. I would walk up and down the isles to make a decision.”
Just as popular was the candy — especially the sea foam, which Sprenger said “We got that from Muskegon.” People would come from miles to get the sea foam candy, store employees noted.
Frank Woolworth is largely credited with founding the first American five-and-dime stores. After having had some success in Michigan and western New York with his nickel stores, where everything cost a nickel, Woolworth opened his Great Five Cent Store in Utica, New York, and then later opened the F. W. Woolworth Company. Woolworth ceased in 1997. There were others such as Kresge which became Kmart and Sam Walton, founder of War-Mart, started with the well-known Ben Franklin stores.
Sprenger began his career with the D&C Five-and-Dime store, founded by brothers James and Paul Dancer and their partner, Glen Cowan in 1926 in Stockbridge, Mich. The D&Cs expanded to include 54 stores at one point but by 1993, giant discount retailers had moved in and the D&C chain closed its stores.
After leaving D&C, Sprenger decided to continue in business, buying a few dime stores, one in Marysville near Port Huron, one in Owosso, and another in Lowell which had been operating as a five-and-dime store since 1926.
“I just loved that the dime store was such a part of the community,” Sprenger said. “It was fun to be with the people.”
“It turns into a mission and it really was a joy. We did not make a lot of money, but we’ve been blessed.”
Springrove Variety Store customers and area residents leave messages in a notebook. (WKTV)
That love was shared by many who left good-bye notes in that notebook just a few feet from the store’s entrance.
“My sister (Kathy) and I (Linda) have been coming here for years and we will so dearly miss and remember you all. We could find anything here. Thank you so much.” – Customers Kathy and Linda
“First came here in my teens. Now I’m in my 70s!!” – A Springrove customer.
Through its records, the Wyoming Historical Commission found that the then Suburban 5 & 10 was started in 1958 by Jack A. Bolhuis and Myrth Bolhuis, both of whom lived in Wyoming. The store was first located along 28th Street and by 1963, had moved to its current location along 36th Street, according to the Polk Directories. The directories also showed that the couple at onetime had a second location on Lake Michigan Drive. In the 1980s, Dale Elliott purchased the store and would sell it to Sprenger in 2008.
“At that time, the owner was looking to retire and was going to shut the store down,” Sprenger said adding that he loved the dime stores and just did not want to see the Wyoming store close.
“Now I am where the former owner was at and it’s time to just slow it down,” Sprenger said, adding with a laugh, “All of us mas and pas have become grandpas and grandmas.”
With the building for sale, Sprenger made the decision to close, letting employees know in January. The COVID-19 delayed the sales, but as soon as allowed, Springrove reopened in June with its closing sale. Within weeks, the store’s inventory had been considerably reduced. Many of the fixtures have been sold as well.
Sprenger agreed with the customers that it is sad to see the Wyoming store closed, ending an era for the Wyoming community. This August, he will start the process of closing the Lowell location. His other stores, the ones in Owosso and Marysville, will remain open for now.
“You will be missed,” wrote a customer. “This store has been big part of my childhood and then my kids. Best of luck and you will be in our prayers. Thanks for the years!!!”
Within only a few weeks, much of the store’s inventory has been sold. Things are going so quickly that it is expected the store will close in a couple of weeks, according to store employees. (WKTV)
The Kent District Library 2019 Annual Report tells the story of another year of new initiatives and increases in the use of library resources. The annual report is available for download at kdl.org/2019AnnualReport, highlighting numerous community needs that are routinely met by the library, including:
Nearly 3,000 children (kindergarten through third grade) launched to reading success with Mission: Read.
The total number of active library card holders increased by 7 percent, bringing the total to 174,795.
KDL was the first library in the United States to offer MagnusCards, a resource for people with autism and other special cognitive needs.
A record number of people completed the annual summer reading program.
Late fines for unreturned materials are traditionally thought of as a way to encourage people to return items, but since going fine free, the library has experienced a sharp increase in the speed and volume of returns.
The KDL Bookmobile completed its first full year on the road, serving 22,421 people.
The library was recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for, an honor that was raised to the national level earlier this year.
“The needs in the community are constantly changing, and libraries are quick and agile in response,” said Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director. “Agility helped us to quickly respond to COVID-19. We’ve literally re-engineered the library, so people can enjoy nearly everything from the safety and convenience of their homes.”
Since closing the library to public visits, KDL has pivoted to shift all programming online and launch curbside pickup. Additionally, the annual summer reading program has been totally reconfigured so people of all ages can fully participate from home using a workbook that was mailed to all cardholder households or through the new Beanstack app.
In the months of May and June this year, circulation of digital materials increased 61 percent compared to the same months in 2019.
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has announced the launch of their 2020 West Michigan Photo Contest. With so much beauty found in West Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association wants travelers to show off what they love most about this beautiful side of the state, and win some great West Michigan prizes! The contest is looking for traveler photo submissions from all around West Michigan. This region covers the entire west half of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to share these great images of West Michigan this year,” said Courtney Sheffer, WMTA’s Marketing Director. “We love seeing the community involvement with this contest, and hope that people will find the images inspiring during a summer where they may not be able to travel as originally planned.”
Sheffer also noted that photos do not need to be taken this month in order to submit them to the photo contest. “If you have West Michigan photos from your past visits to the area, we encourage you to enter those as well! West Michigan is photogenic all seasons of the year, so don’t feel that you’re only limited to submitting summer photos.”
All photo entries must be received by July 28th, 2020. Judges will be awarding prizes in the categories of “Nature,” “Downtown,” “People,” and “Beach/Lake,” with an additional prize awarded via public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience. In addition to receiving a West Michigan prize pack, all winning photos will be featured in WMTA’s upcoming West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide, printed in January of 2021.
Photo submissions should include first & last name of photographer, city where the photograph was taken, and a short description of the photo.
The Kent County Health Department announced last week that ongoing surveillance and testing conducted by the health department has revealed three presumptive positive instances of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in the county.
The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquito remains that were trapped in the 49504 and 49525 ZIP Codes in the City of Grand Rapids. But, the county statement advises, “It is important to note that these are not human cases.”
“Discovering these cases in mosquitoes should serve as a reminder to everyone who lives in West Michigan that West Nile Virus season is upon us,” Brendan Earl, supervising sanitarian at Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said in supplied material. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”
West Nile Virus is spread primarily by infected Culex mosquitoes. Only about 20 percent of the people infected will notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains and fatigue. Most people with this type of West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may last for weeks or even months.
About 1 in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery from this type of West Nile virus may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous system can be permanent. In rare instances the disease can lead to death.
Since there is no vaccine or cure for West Nile, the best treatment is prevention, according to the county statement. KCHD recommends wearing a mosquito repellant that contains 10–35 percent DEET, wearing light colored clothing and staying indoors during dusk.
Residents can also help stop mosquitoes from breeding by removing or refreshing water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets. Empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard and keeping your lawn and shrubs trimmed also help.
More information about prevention can be found at accesskent.com.
“And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air … Gave proof thru the night that our flag was still there … Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave … O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
The Star Spangled Banner
The day it all got started
In honor of the 244th 4th of July since American independence was declared against Great Britain, WKTV Journal is sharing with you a Youtube clip from the HBO miniseries, “John Adams” that features the reading of the Declaration after it’s passage on the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
(City of Kentwood)
Watch a parade from your (Kentwood) lawn
The City of Kentwood announced to WKTV this week that a dozen or so city vehicles will parade throughout the community on Saturday, July 4, as a way “to celebrate Independence Day safely in lieu of its traditional celebration activities this year.” Go here for the story.
(Kent County Animal Shelter)
Take care of your pets when things go ‘boom!’
The Kent County Animal Shelter has published a video with steps on how to help pets cope with fireworks.
Catch some fireworks, but play it safe
4th of July fireworks and other “responsible fun” is available this weekend. Go here and here for stories.
Fun fact:
150 million
According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, on the Fourth of July alone, 150 million dogs get consumed – enough to stretch between L.A. and Washington, D.C., more than five times. Source.
Trumpeter extraordinaire Max Colley III will kick off the 2020 Sounds of Summer concert series tomorrow at Cutler Park.
The popular concert series is one of the few free concert series that will take place this summer. The concert is set for 7 p.m. and organizer Patty Williams said there will be social distancing guidelines including groups sitting at least six feet a part.
Colley has earned many honors over the years including being named the 2014 Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. He has performed with several area groups such as the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra and Gumbo Nuveau, as well as his own Max Colley III Quartet.
Through his Facebook, Colley has stated he is excited about being able to performing considering so many summer concerts have been cancelled.
“I always look forward to this and try and keep it fresh and new each year,” Colley wrote on his Facebook page. He has been part of the Sounds of Summer concert series for about 20 years. “It will be hot, but I guarantee it won’t be snowing!”
Joining Colley on stage is Jordan VanHemert on sax, Kazuki Takemura on bass, Elijah Cosby on drums, and Colley will be trumpet and drums.
The Sounds of Summer includes family friendly activities. All performers start at 7 p.m. The shows are sponsored by Byron Township.
“We know that people really look forward to this,” said Byron Township Supervisor Tom Hooker about the annual Sounds of Summer concert series. “We just felt this was an opportunity for people to get out and look forward to something that was different.”
Upcoming performances include Jaded July 9, Oat Bran Boys July 16, Dusty Chaps July 23 and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here.
As part of its commitment to building stronger communities and serving those who served, the SpartanNash Foundation invites store guests to take part in its companywide fundraising effort, supporting military heroes and their families. The SpartanNash Foundation’s fundraising effort will run July 1-12, and all funds raised will be evenly split between nonprofit organizations Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember.
SpartanNash Foundation grants will be used to connect servicemembers, veterans and their families to their local communities through physical and social activity, provide critical financial assistance and family support services and honor those who lost their lives defending our freedoms.
During the 12-day scan, store guests who visit any participating SpartanNash-owned retail store or fuel center in nine states will have the opportunity to donate $1, $5 or $10 at any checkout lane, or round their total up to the nearest dollar to support the trio of patriotic partners. More than 150 stores are participating in the Foundation scan, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery and Dan’s Supermarket.
For the first time, 20 Martin’s Super Markets in Michigan and Indiana will also take part in the SpartanNash Foundation scan campaign, introducing the Foundation and its mission to Martin’s store guests for the first time.
“One of our company’s core values is patriotism, and we are deeply committed to serving our military heroes and their families both at home and abroad,” said Kathy Mahoney, SpartanNash Chief Legal Officer and President of the SpartanNash Foundation Board of Trustees. “We do so by contributing thousands of dollars, products and volunteer hours to military and veterans organizations and events each year, as well as hiring veterans and military-connected associates as a Military Friendly® and veteran-friendly employer.
“In partnership with Team RWB, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember, our Foundation scan is another unique and powerful way we can support our military heroes and ensure they have access to the benefits they have earned and the camaraderie they need. What better time to join with our store guests to support our military heroes than leading up to the Fourth of July, when we celebrate the freedoms they protect.”
Since 2016, the SpartanNash Foundation has raised and granted more than $1 million for its patriotic partners through its fundraising scan campaigns, benefitting veterans service organizations including Give an Hour, Fisher House Foundation, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., Disabled Veterans National Foundation and in 2020, Team RWB, Operation Homefront and Honor and Remember.
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Oh how we hate to start off by being the bearer of bad news, but according to state law, fireworks are allowed June 29 – July 4. So if you are planning to light up the skies this weekend, don’t. If you get caught, you could face upwards of a $1,000 civil fine. For more on the rules and how to prepare your pets, click here.
Give Some Love to Local Businesses
Independents Week starts Saturday. Hosted by LocalFirst, this special event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by supporting local businesses who could use a lot of love right now after being closed for 10 weeks or more. Starting on Monday are different themes each day to help inspire residents on how they can be supportive. For more information, click here.
Feeding the mind and the stomach
The KDL Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Wyoming branches will all be offering the Meet Up and Eat Up program. a free lunch program for K-12 students. (WKTV).
The Kent District Library announced it has expanded the Meet Up and Eat Up summer food program for K-12 students. Students can visit one of 12 KDL branches such as Kentwood, Wyoming or Kelloggsville, and receive a free meal. Click here for more information. Kent ISD has announced the program Summer Brain Gain for students in K-12. The program is designed help students stay sharp over the summer and avoid the usual knowledge drain that happens when students are out of school for a long period of time. The program is offered through Aug. 7. For more, click here.
An early design to provide cool air to car passengers. (Wikipedia)
Fun Fact
When the temperatures and humidity are high, we all enjoy a little cool air as we drive around in our automobiles. We have Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company to thank for this luxury. In 1939, the company was the first automobile manufacturer to offer an air conditioning option. Made by Bishop and Babcock (B&B) of Cleveland, Ohio, the units were large, taking up half the trunk space. The system also was not reliable and had no temperature control. The option was discontinued in 1941 with other companies eventually perfecting the air condition option for cars. While air conditioning (amongst other things) has become a standard on today’s automobile that was not always the case about 40 years ago. Air conditions partly become popular because it was more aerodynamic for the car windows to be closed while going down the road then opened to cool off the riders.
The Kent County Health Department is partnering with the Black Impact Collaborative and LINC UP to provide a free COVID-19 community testing today, Monday, June 29, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Gallery at LINC UP located at 1167 Madison S.E., Grand Rapids.
The county announcement is also available in Spanish at the link at the end of this story.
In Kent County, members of the Latinx community account for 39.4 percent of the COVID-19 cases while comprising 10 percent of the population, while African Americans have 19.25 percent of the cases but make up 10 percent of the population.
Federal CDC-provided Coronavirus test kit. (KCHD)
“We know that COVID-19 has been disproportionately impacting the African American and Latinx communities, so the Black Impact Collaborative wanted to partner with Kent County to make sure that African Americans and Latinxs in our community have the opportunity to get tested,” Robert Womack, Kent County commissioner, said in supplied material. “This is such a needed resource for our community to allow anyone to get tested and we are thankful that the County put this testing day together.”
Any person, 6 months of age or older, can get tested, according to the county statement. Pre-registration for this event is encouraged by going online through this link or calling 616-632-7200 but walk-in testing is available.
The specific location of the free testing is based on county data.
“Our data is showing that 17 percent of our COVID-19 positive cases are located in the 49507 Zip Code and yet only six percent of Kent County’s population resides in this area,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, said in supplied material. “This type of data continues to inform our response to COVID-19 and ensures our resources are accessible to the most impacted neighborhoods.”
The county health department “will continue working to address the racial and ethnic health disparities by collaborating with community partners to offer testing in areas that are showing a higher prevalence of positive cases,” according to the county statement.
“We are excited to work with community partners like the Kent County Health Department, who recognize that racial health disparities exist and are actively working to address them by changing their practices,” Vincent Thurman, communications manager at LINC UP, said in supplied material. “COVID-19 has further revealed how stark these disparities are and how much needs to change.
“Partnering with KCHD is a great step forward to improving equity in healthcare. The data shows that Black and Brown communities are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and we are happy to have free tasting available to residents in our neighborhoods.”
To learn more about Kent County Health Department services visit accesskent.com/health.
While fireworks and local community events may not be happening this July 4th, there is still a way for area residents to celebrate the nation’s birthday and give a little love to local businesses.
This year, LocalFirst has put together its first Independents Week, June 27 – July 4. The event, started by the American Independent Business Alliance or AMIBA, is designed to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirt by showcasing local businesses.
“We actually started working on this way before COVID,” said LocalFirst Marketing Manager Mieke Stoub during an interview with the WKTV Journal. “We had plans to make this something really big, but COVID had other plans.”
Area businesses have faced a lot of twists and turns as the state grappled with dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, which lead to many businesses being shutdown for at least 10 weeks. With public gatherings restricted and the future being decided on an almost day-by-day basis, LocalFirst staff were not certain if they could even host Independents Week.
“That has definitely been the name of the game – Pivoting in this fast past ever changing world when we don’ know quite what tomorrow’s news is going to be,” Stoub said. “We didn’t know that our businesses, if some of them would even be open at this point.”
The road has been rough for all businesses, especially the small locally owned ones.
“Our local businesses work on such thin margins,” Stoub said, adding that for restaurants, they need to be at a 100 percent capacity in order to make a profit. “So for the economy to come to a screeching halt that it has, it’s really a scary time for businesses and they need us to show up.”
With all the craziness and the fact that many businesses lost so much during the shutdown, LocalFirst recognized the need to host an event focused on independent business owners. So the work began to turn the Independents Week into a virtual event.
“We decided to make it super flexible, making it online as much as possible and really point people to local businesses and their social media to see the most recent updates,” Stoub said.
Show some love to a local business by visiting or purchasing a gift card. (Supplied)
To help area residents, LocalFirst created different themes for each day. Starting Monday, the themes are:
Monday, June 29: Show Love Today: This is a day to write a review for a local business, such as Wyoming’s Lindo Mexico or Kentwood’s Schuler Books & Music. You could also tag a local business in your social media to show your support.
Tuesday: June 30: Show Love Tomorrow: This is an opportunity to support to a business by purchasing a gift card to use in the future, especially a business, such as Celebration! Cinema, that has not opened yet. Stoub also suggested making a hair appointment with a local stylist or for those planning to do some decorating, contacting some of the local home decor businesses such as Grand Rapids’ Verhey Carpets.
Wednesday, July 1: Let Someone Else Cook: Who doesn’t like a night off from cooking? Well there are a lot of great local restaurants, such as Wyoming’s Lindo Mexico and Grand Rapids’ Daddy Pete’s BBQ, offering in-dining and takeout. Many area food trucks, such as the Patty Matters, also are operating and are easy to find through their websites and social media.
Thursday, July 2: Retail Therapy: The Greater Grand Rapids area also has many locally owned shops from Rockford’s Aunt Candy’s Toy Shop to the area’s longtime sports shop Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus. Head over to The Mudroom and make a plate, browse the shelves at Kentwood’s Schuler Books & Music, or grab a few cans from Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Local Beer.
Saturday, July 4: Grill Out: What is July 4th without grilling out? You could hit a number of the area farmers markets such as the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market or a family-owned one such as Belding’s Heffron Farms to collect up on your goodies. Byron Meats now offers the HarvestBox where you can order a selection of beef, pork, or chicken. Also there are a number of area businesses that offer packaged meals — both ready-to-cook and cooked — to making the day a little more relaxing. Remember with the holiday, you may need to pre-order items.
Stoub emphasized that Independents Week is really a launch pad to help inspire residents on ways they can support local businesses. Spending local is important, she said because for about every dollar spent, 68 cents stays within the community. This in turns helps produce more local jobs and creates economic stability.
“Our businesses are excited about Independents Week,” Stoub said. “They are excited about just being open.”
Many of the local business owners are nervous as the future still remains uncertain. They are also making sure to follow all Kent County Health Department and Center for Disease Control guidelines.
“The important thing is our businesses need us to show up and that is what we can do right now,”
For more about Independents Week, LocalFirst or how spending local benefits the community, visit localfirst.org.
The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association, during a Tuesday, June 23, teleconference, released the results of a survey of more than 30,000 Kent ISD area parents asking questions related to the school reopening issues.
The bottom line of the extensive survey (link at end of story), according to a summary shared with media during the teleconference, is that while some parents seek continued distance learning for various reasons including their child’s safety, the majority desired “safe, in-school” education for their children.
“Most parents would like to see a return to school as normal in late August,” Ron Caniff, superintendent of Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “Our superintendents are working to ensure a safe opening, researching all information regarding the steps necessary to protect students and staff, and will remain connected with the health department and parents throughout the summer to ensure they are well informed about school re-opening plans.”
Kent ISD website photo. (Supplied)
The survey results come in preparation for the planned release June 30 of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap”, which is expected to set state directives for the reopening of schools in August.
The survey, commissioned by the Kent ISD on behalf of the superintendents’ association and administered by Gartner Marketing, was conducted from May 29 through June 10. The 30,000 responses represent parents from the 20 public school districts across Kent ISD but did not include any private or charter school parents, according to the Kent ISD.
The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association (KISA) Future Learning Committee hosted the meeting. The speakers included Superintendent Caniff; Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, KISA Future Committee Chair and member of the Governor’s Return to Learn Advisory Council; Sunil Joy, Data Scientist at Kent ISD; and Ron Koehler, Education Consultant and former Kent ISD Assistant Superintendent.
The Kent Intermediate Superintendents’ Association represents the superintendents Kent ISD and each of the 20 school districts it serves.
Survey summary results highlights
Among the key findings of the survey, according to the KISA summary (link at end of story), is that parents want to see school open in the fall, in a traditional face- to-face setting; continued parental concerns about safety will likely necessitate an online option; and a hybrid option has many of the same challenges as an online learning option and “It is also not highly preferred by parents.”
Part of the reason for a hybrid option — where students would spend part of their time in school and part of their time at learning remotely — is that there would be little cost savings on the part of the districts currently facing possible loss of state funding due to COVID-19’s economic impact. (See a WKTV story on the possible funding losses here.) And there would be little difference between the costs of an in-person or hybrid option.
Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, KISA Future Committee Chair and member of the Governor’s Return to Learn Advisory Council. (Supplied)
“We know that hybrid and in-person costs are going to be very similar,” Superintendent Polston said during the teleconference, “because even though you may have fewer students back each day you still have your full compliment of staff the needs to be back each day.
“And, in addition, for a district like Godfrey-Lee, … we served more meals closed than we did open. That means for the students that aren’t at school each day are still going to need the nutritional services that schools provide. So we are going to need to allocate additional resources.”
The survey summary presented at the teleconference (link at bottom of the story) was, as explained by the Kent ISD’s Sunil Joy, a “stratified random sample of 800 respondents … (that was) … representative of the demographic makeup of our region.”
Sunil Joy, Data Scientist at Kent ISD. (Supplied)
“A random stratified sample just is a statistical method to ensure the respondents to the survey actually look like the county’s demographics,” Joy said to WKTV. “For example, if East Grand Rapids parents made up a significant percentage of all respondents — that wouldn’t be very representative of our county as only a small percentage of our county is from East Grand Rapids. So that’s why it’s a stratified sample — so it’s more representative of our districts as whole.”
The survey data was also “disaggregated by respondent groups (e.g. race/ethnicity, special education, income, etc.)”
“This simply means that I reported data not just ‘overall’ but also for different respondent groups,” Joy said to WKTV. “For example, in the question of whether childcare is an issue if school did not open 100 percent this fall, I included both what parents said overall, but also by different grade-levels. As no surprise, parents of younger kids had greater concerns with childcare if school didn’t open normally in the fall.”
In addition to the overall, county wide survey results released at the teleconference, each district has access to their own district-specific reports.
“Each district will share the results in the way they see fit with their constituents,” Joy said to WKTV. “The best way to get them is to contact the district directly, if it is not already available on their website or social media.”
School Re-entry Plan
At the teleconference, and using the results of the survey as part of their guidance, the superintendents’ association also released a School Re-entry Plan, in both English and Spanish. (See links to both at bottom of the story.)
Among the highlights of the plan are: a “desire” to return to full-time, face-to-face instruction, per state health requirements; the intent to provide a high-quality online learning option for students and families; districts will share best practices in virtual instruction to maximize efficiency and quality; families who choose an online option will have continued access to local district extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
The plan also makes clear that a a hybrid option — a mix of face-to-face and online learning — is “not preferred and will be implemented if it is the only way to have in-person instruction as mandated by state executive order.”
Superintendent Polston, in summing up the position school districts could be put in come June 30 and the result of the Governor’s “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” plan, said the best interest of the students must and will come first.
“Regardless of the model for teaching and learning, together we must be ready to meet the challenge that awaits,” Polston said. “And we will.”
A quick flip through Facebook and you know its fireworks season.
“I would like to say thank you to the [person] lighting off fireworks and causing our dog to go crazy. I hope that you are pleased with causing the neighborhood dogs to freak out …”
“OMG. This is worse than the Fourth of July. STTTOOOOPPPPPP! The dogs are freaking! I have come to detest fireworks.”
“Our neighborhood was like a war zone last night and the 4th is still two weeks away.”
While no one can blame people for wanting to have some fun after being cooped up for 10 weeks or more, if you are shooting off fireworks before June 29, you are doing so illegally in most areas. Those who get caught could face up to $1,000 in civil fines.
In 2011, Michigan approved the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks and in 2018, the state amended the law to allow local governments to restrict the use of fireworks, except around certain holidays, such as July 4.
If fireworks are being displayed outside of those times, it is recommended that residents contact their local police departments even if they do not know the exact location of where the fireworks are being set off.
“Dispatch will put out a broadcast to all cars of ‘fireworks in the area of …'” said Lt. Eric Wiler, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “As call volume permits, officers will check the area of any violations of the firework ordinance.”
Wiler added that in the according to the state law, fireworks are not permitted on public property such as roads and parks, schools, churches, or the property of another person without their permission.
Helping Our Four-legged Friends
So how do we help our dogs get through all the noise and commotion of fireworks? We checked in with local rescue Mosh Pit Rescue for some tips.
Keep your dog INSIDE in a closed secure room with no open windows.
Use a TV, a white noise machine, your laundry, your dishwasher, a fan, your bathroom fan EVERYTHING to provide familiar noises.
Double check your dog is wearing a collar with tags and your contact information is current on the pet’s microchip.
Contact your vet about medications – there are meds that can help ease anxiety.
Make sure your pet is exercised during the day and take them out just before dusk again so the dog is tired and ready for a calm nap.
Many dogs like a kennel with blankets over the kennel as a secure safe space.
Consider a Kong with Frozen Peanut Butter or other feeder puzzle toy or chew toy to keep your dog occupied and distracted.
Have current photos of the pet in case they go missing.
A term all-too familiar to educators is “Summer Brain Drain” — that students tend to regress in their educational skills over the summer school break. It is expected to be even more of problem with the final months of the 2019-20 school year moving to online learning instead of in-class learning, the so-called “COVID Slide”.
According to a 2019 article by GreatSchools.org, teachers spend an average of 4-to-8 weeks every fall reviewing materials students have studied but lost mastery of over the summer, and most fall behind particularly in math and spelling.
But again this summer, educators across Kent ISD are collaborating with partner organizations — including the Kent District Library — to turn a brain drain into a brain gain, and to keep learning going all summer for all students through the ISD’s free Summer Brain Gain program.
The program provides online learning, resources students can engage with on their own and printable packets available to students in grades K-12 in Kent County and beyond.
Registration for instructor-led courses is available by grade level for all public, private and homeschooled students began June 15. These courses and other learning opportunities continue to begin June and July and conclude Aug. 7.
“We have brought together experts in curriculum and instructions from all around Kent ISD to create courses, gather learning opportunities and connect families with resources appropriate for their students at every grade level,” Kelli Brockway, Director of Teaching and Learning at Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The idea is to bridge the learning gap between June and the start of the new school year.”
Preliminary estimates suggest additional learning losses due to the pandemic, or “COVID slide” as it’s been called.
A report by Dr. Megan Kufeld and Dr. Beth Tarasawa for the Collaborative for Student Growth at NWEA suggests learning loss may range from 30 percent in reading, to more than 50 percent in math and in some grades, according to supplied material. It also suggests when students return in the fall, learning may be nearly a full year behind what likely would be observed in normal conditions.
Summer Brain Gain programs offered include GRASP, the Grand Rapids Public Schools Program for math and reading that is free for Kent ISD students this summer.
Connections to vetted online apps, resources and links to learning that children and teens can engage in on their own are also part of the program, according to Kent ISD. Summer Brain Gain also links students and families to educational offerings by area cultural and community organizations who are School News Network Education Everywhere partners such as John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Van Andel Institute, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and more. All resources are located at kentisd.org/SummerBrainGain.
Printable packets and links to Kent ISD’s Summer Brain Gain program are available through partnerships with Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Public Library and Literacy Center of West Michigan. Packets can be ordered for printing and pick up at library locations throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County.
Through the Kent District Library partnership, students can order printed packets from their local KDL branch and KDL will print it and have it available for them to pick up. For more information visit here.
Registration is now open but the deadline to register for GRASP is June 30. Summer Brain Gain materials and connections will be available through Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Public Library and Literacy Center for West Michigan starting this week, on June 22.
Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency that provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools within the ISD’s boundaries.
For more informant about the Kent ISD, visit their website kentisd.org.
School News Network hosts the series “Grads with Grit,” sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The series offers inspiring stories of seniors who have faced considerable obstacles on the way to graduation day and yet, with perseverance and determination, have made it to the finish line. Below are some of the Grads with Grits from the Kentwood and Wyoming areas.
For more stories on our local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Milton Brown by his Class of 2020 graduation sign. (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: ‘There’s no replacing Milton’
After being told he was “bad” in first grade, it is not surprising that Milton Brown’s attitude was not pleasant when he entered Godwin Heights Public Schools. But a teacher turned mentor and another at the Boys and Girls Club lead Milton down a different path, going from mentee to mentor. Click here to read Milton’s story.
Kelloggsville High School’s Naudia Potts. (Supplied/School News Network)
Kelloggsville: She’s ‘small but mighty’
Despite a time of homelessness in ninth grade, and the COVID-19 school closure as a senior, Kelloggsville senior Naudia Potts is set to graduate and set to soar at Central Michigan University where she will major in social work. Click here, to learn more about Naudia.
While graduation looks different this year, Quyen Tran is still celebrating. (Supplied/School News Network)
Kentwood: While embracing her roots, student leader steps forward
Wanting to bring the diverse backgrounds, customs, and traditions of Asia together, East Kentwood graduate Quyen Tran, an officer and original member of the Asian Student Union, organized the Asian Festival. This 4.33 grade point average student now has her sights on Harvard where she plans to be active with student groups and happenings. To read this student leader’s story, click here.
Adjy Jean smiles with two teachers at East Kentwood High School (courtesy/School News Network)
Kentwood: ‘Following a map and the sky’
Adjy Jean spent years as an unaccompanied youth, displaced and moving from country to country. Now after three years settled in Michigan, he will graduate from East Kentwood High School and start his next chapter at Grand Rapids Community College. Click here to learn more of Adjy’s story.
Rodrigo Lopez-Ruiz said he gets inspiration from friends and teachers at Wyoming (School News Network)
Wyoming: ‘I had to push myself’
While his family moved back to Mexico, Wyoming graduate Rodrigo Lopez-Ruiz decided to stay in the United States. Being largely on his own and taking responsibility for himself has been challenging, Rodrigo said, but the graduate wrapped up school by completing three dual enrollment courses while working at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. For Lopez-Ruiz’s story, click here.
Marco Guzman with his parents, Veronica and Juan Guzman, in front of Kelloggsville High School (School News Network)
Project NorthStar/Kelloggsville: ‘So many doors have opened’
It was the birth of his daughter Leilani inspired Marco Guzman to graduate. “The moment I saw her, I knew I had to kick it in gear,” Marco said. “I had messed up my school and I wanted to change. I had to change, because I wanted her to know that she could succeed.” Learn how Kent ISD’s Project NorthStar helped Guzman graduate, get a driver’s license and find a job by clicking here.
Each year, the Hudonville Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses and business leaders. Last year, Hult, Inc received the Business Excellence Award. (Supplied)
A local business with offices in Wyoming and Kentwood was recognized by the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce for being an outstanding business that has excelled in its industry while contributing to the Hudosnvile Community.
The Hudsonville Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy, which its Wyoming office is a member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, was a finalist for the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Award. Also a a finalist was Healthy Choice Family Chiropractic with Farmhaus Cider Co. receiving the 2020 award fr its excellent innovation, unique business model and community involvement.
Each year the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce chooses two business, and two individual as recipients o nth eBusiness Excellent, Spark, Leadership, and Chamber Champion Awards.
The Spark Award serves to recognize businesses/organizations who serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the Hudsonville Community. This year’s finalists included 317 Coffee, City2Shore Real Estate, and 4G Athletic. 317 Coffee received the Spark Award as they have a strong mission, and are truly spark-ing growth in Hudsonville.
The Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have excelled professionally and support the development of the Hudsonville business community. This year’s nominees included Patrick Waterman, Henry Samaniego, and Kris Keegstra. Kris Keegstra received the award for being an active volunteer in our community.
The Chamber Champion Award recognizes individuals who have personally contributed to the success of the Hudsonville Chamber. Adam Locker was recognized as the 2020 Chamber Champion as he is constantly going above and beyond to benefit both the Chamber and the Hudsonville Community.
Any police officer will tell you that when you have been with a certain partner for awhile, you just know their little quirks.
So when Wyoming Officer Kelsey Eisen came to some train tracks on her first week out without her K9 partner Dutch, she missed his familiar bark.
“It was a little strange not to hear it,” Eisen said. “I was so use to it and then to go over the tracks and it not be there.”
Officer Kelsey Eisen with Dutch. (Supplied)
After nine years of service — three as Eisen’s partner — Dutch officially retired from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety on June 7. As with any officer, he was given a full send off complete with cake — doggie approved — and the final 10-42 call announcing his retirement.
“Yeah, now he gets to hang on the couch and get all the treats that he wants,” Eisen said with a laugh. This means Dutch has moved from his kennel to inside Eisen’s home while Eisen’s new partner, a two-year-old Belgium Malinois named Kovu, settles into the kennel and starts his training as the new “dog” on the force.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of a few area departments that has a K9 unit. Wyoming has four K9 officers, Chase who is with Officer Ryan Patterson, Azar who is with Officer Daniel Sanderson, Jett who is with Officer Chad Wells, and now Kovu who is with Eisen.
High flying’: Dutch shows off his jumping skills. (Supplied)
While a dog can be trained for a single purpose, such as tracking or narcotics, all the Wyoming K9 dogs are dual purpose meaning the animals are cross trained for narcotics, building searches, evidence recovery and people searches such as tracking suspects to missing persons.
“One of my favorite searches with Dutch is when Kent County called,” Eisen said. “They had stopped a car and the suspect had taken off on foot. They had chased him a little bit into a wooded area. They lost him and called for Dutch and I. [Dutch] started to track and he tracked probably a good 10 to 15 yards to a swamp and he started to track into the swamp. We lit the swamp up and Dutch was about a foot away from the guy submerged trying to hide.
It’s the couch life and treats
Now the only searching Dutch has to do is to locate the couch.
Dutch helps out collecting cans for Officer Eisen’s new partner, Kovu. (Supplied)
“My son and daughter are extremely excited that he gets to come into the house and hang out for more than a few minutes here and there,” Eisen said with a laugh.
For the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, when a K9 dog retires, it traditionally comes home with the trainer/handler.
“I don’t know what I would do if someone said I couldn’t keep Dutch after working all those many training hours and working the road ,” Eisen said. “You literally spend more time with the dog than you do with your family. So if someone was to tell me that I couldn’t take him afterwards it would be devastating and I would be heartbroken that I couldn’t give him that special treat afterwards for how much work he has done in the city and couldn’t spoil him in retirement.”
Eisen admitted she’ll have lots of help spoiling Dutch — who had a reputation for visiting City Hall and looking for goodies — which is probably a good thing since Eisen will be spending most of her time training Kovu.
The new dog on the force
Knowing that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety would be needing to purchase another K9, the department partnered with the K-911 Foundation. The cost for a police dog is around $8,500 with the department putting in half. The other half was raised through a can drive, which due to COVID are still waiting to be returned, with the aid of the K-911 Foundation.
Kovu is the new K9 recruit and Officer Eisen’s partner. (WKTV)
After visiting with several dogs at Shadow Creek Kennels, Eisen said Kovu’s “drive and confidence is what won us over with him.”
Kovu, who originally came from the Czech Republic, spent the first two weeks bonding with Eisen, getting to know her and building a relationship of trust. He will spend eight weeks training with Eisen with the goal being for Kovu to officially go on patrol in August. Eisen added that he definitely will be ready to meet everyone at National Night Out, which, due to COVID-19, is set for Oct. 6 this year.
“Obviously the dog is a tool for us but he is not just a tool,” Eisen said. “He is our partner, our family. There is that special bond that goes with all the training and all the blood and sweat and tears that you work toward a partnership and it’s all about that partnership.
“It’s not just the dog that does all the work. You have to be able to read the dog and the dog has to be able to rely on you and there’s that balance and confidence working as a team to get to that goal that you want to achieve, whether it’s getting the bad guy, finding the missing person, a building search or anything else like that.”
In recognition of both a desire to honor Wyoming High School’s 2020 graduating seniors, and the importance of allowing the school staff and Wyoming community the opportunity to join the celebration, Wyoming Public Schools held a WHS Senior 11 Night Celebration Parade Monday, June 15.
In addition, Wyoming High School is scheduled to host its Class of 2020 commencement ceremony on July 28 at Grand Rapids First.
Prior to the parade, WKTV caught up with WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra and asked about how the parade came to be, and the desire of he and the entire school community to make sure the seniors time of graduation was not “defined” by COVID-19 shutdown.
“This will end. As stressful and devastating as it is, it will end. We are all in it together as a global community, and I do see the light at then end of the tunnel.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, in a June interview with UK newspaper The Telegraph
Kent County Health Department
The Kent County Health Department’s efforts to make COVID-19 testing more widely available to specific segments of the public has expanded by the opening of community testing sites, including ones at the Wyoming’s The Potter’s House school, and in Kentwood at the Kent County Health Department South Clinic. Go here for the story.
Metro Health
COVID-19 has exposed large health inequities both nationally and locally, resulting in devastating, even life-and-death consequences. In Michigan, over 40 percent of the deaths from COVID-19 were African American. Metro Health is working to address that issue. Go here for the story.
Mercy Health’s Clinica Santa Maria
Mercy Health Saint Mary’s is offering free COVID-19 testing for 1,000 residents of Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park Neighborhood, thanks to funding made available through the federal CARES Act grant to Kent County. Go here for the story.
Just the (sad) facts:
4,156 and 115
The Kent County Health Department has almost daily updates of Kent County and State of Michigan statistics. On May 18, they reported 4,156 total cases of COVID-19 but only 115 deaths. Source.
Continuing to provide some clarity to what K-12 public school education might look like in the fall — including a possible return to in-person learning — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 17 that she plans to announce on June 30 a “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” that will provide details on “what will be required and what will be recommended” for schools to reopen.
“Our students and educators have made incredible sacrifices these past few months to protect themselves and their families from the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “I am optimistic that we will return to in-person learning in the fall … (but) schools must make sure to enact strict safety measures to continue protecting educators, students, and their families.
Gov. Whitmer also said her office is working with the Return to Learn Advisory Council and leaders in health care “to ensure we get this right,” but that the state also needs more flexibility and support from the federal government.
“This crisis has had serious implications on our budget, and we need federal support if we’re going to get this right for our kids,” Gov. Whitmer said.
On May 15, Gov. Whitmer, buy executive order, created the COVID-19 Return to School Advisory Council. On June 3, the governor announced a group of 25 leaders in health care and education to serve on the advisory council. Local persons on the council include Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and Nicholas J. Paradiso, vice president of government relations for National Heritage Academies.
The advisory council was created to “identify the critical issues that must be addressed, provide valuable input to inform the process of returning to school, and to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to school,” according to the governor’s statement.
“The most important thing we can do when developing a return to school plan is closely examine the data and remain vigilant in our steps to fight this virus,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief deputy for health, said in supplied material. “I will continue to work closely with Governor Whitmer and the Return to Learn Advisory Council to ensure we continue to put the health and safety of our students and educators first.”
The weather has been hot which has begged the question from several people on Facebook about when the City of Wyoming’s splash pads will be open.
The City of Wyoming’s Park and Recreation Department has announced it will open its splash pads on July 6. Wyoming has three splash pads, one at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW.
The splash pads are open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be social distancing guidelines put in place for the splash pads. More information about those guidelines will be coming soon. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov and click on Parks and Recreation.
The splash pads at Kentwood’s Pinewood Park and Veteran’s Park are now open. (Kentwood)
Kentwood is now open
The City of Kentwood’s splash pads are open. Kentwood has two splash pads, one at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Dr. SE, and a new splash pad at Veteran’s Park, located next to the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE.
The splash pads are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to follow CDC public health guidelines, including staying at least six feet away from others not in their household. For more about the parks in Kentwood, visit kentwood.us/exploreourparks and click on City Departments and then on Parks and Recreation.
Millennium Park splash pad is now open. (Kent County)
Millennium Park is open as well
Kent County also has opened the splash pad at Millennium Park, located behind Johnson Park at 1415 Maynard Ave. SW.
Due to COVID-19, the Millennium Park splash pad is limited to 50 percent capacity which is about 50 people. Currently the splash pad is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with hours reducing after Aug. 4 to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The splash pad is located next to the six-acre sand beach at Millennium Park.
Millennium Park does have an entrance fee which is $4/adults, $3/seniors (63 and older), $2 children (ages 3 – 15) and free for children two and under. For more information, visit kentcountyparks.org.
As part of its commitment to helping customers save money every day and reducing its environmental impact, SpartanNash today announced it is relaunching its Flashfood® pilot program at five West Michigan Family Fare stores.
The Flashfood app allows store guests and community nonprofits to purchase food nearing its best-by date at savings of up to 50 percent off. Eligible items include meat, produce, seafood, deli and bakery products.
The five participating Family Fare stores testing the Flashfood app are located at:
2245 84th St., SW in Byron Center
1415 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids
2755 Lake Michigan Drive, NW in Grand Rapids
1225 Leonard, NE in Grand Rapids
6127 Kalamazoo Ave., SE in Kentwood
Through the partnership, Family Fare shoppers can download the Flashfood app and browse grocery deals. Purchases are made directly from the shoppers’ phone and picked up from the Flashfood area in participating Family Fare stores.
The Flashfood pilot was first launched in February 2020 but was temporarily halted due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Given the success of the initial pilot, SpartanNash plans to expand the partnership at the end of the month, with additional stores to be announced soon.
“We are excited to relaunch the Flashfood app for our customers and expand the program to additional stores, making it easier than ever to save time and money at Family Fare,” Director, Retail Consumer Innovation Matt Bennett said. “The Flashfood app also gives us the ability to reduce food waste while increasing access to lower cost fresh foods – making it a win-win for our customers and the environment. Our aisles are filled with a variety of perishable foods, and as we get near the best-by dates, we want to make sure customers know about the savings available to them.”
Flashfood is a Toronto-based mobile app that operates in more than 450 grocery locations throughout Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin. The mobile app is free and available on iOS and Android.
After downloading the Flashfood app, customers can select a participating Family Fare store, choose the items they want to purchase and pay for them directly on the app, then pick up their items and confirm their order at the customer service counter. To make it even easier, the purchased food will be stored at the front of each participating Family Fare in refrigerators and on storage racks until the store guest picks them up.
The Flashfood app pilot is another way SpartanNash is fighting food waste and hunger in local communities. SpartanNash also partners with local food banks and food pantries throughout the company’s footprint, donating pantry staples and shelf-stable products as well as fresh dairy, meat and produce.
“Reducing food waste and building stronger communities are both important parts of SpartanNash’s corporate responsibility commitment,” Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications Meredith Gremel said. “At SpartanNash, we are always looking for positive changes we can drive as we ‘take food places’ in more socially responsible, environmentally sustainable ways, and the Flashfood app is another way we can do that – all while benefitting our store guests and community partners.”
Note: this is an update to the story as the original date of the event, June 11, was a storm washout and it was rescheduled to Monday, June 15.
Wyoming High School will host its WHS Class of 2020 commencement ceremony, scheduled for July 28 at Grand Rapids First, but first it will allow the community to celebrate local seniors with a WHS Senior 11 Night Celebration Parade Monday, June 15.
According to a June 10 statement from the Wyoming Public Schools office, the parade will begin at 8:20 p.m., with a caravan of Wyoming high seniors traveling Burlingame Avenue down Prairie Parkway, to the Wyoming Wolves football stadium parking lot, and then exit Prairie Parkway to Michael Avenue.
“Our Class of 2020 has experienced so much throughout the course of their successful journey to earning their high school diploma,” WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said in supplied material. “This parade is one of the many ways our Wyoming Public Schools staff, and greater community, are showing them that we love and care about them, no matter the circumstance. We don’t want this pandemic to be the hallmark of their senior year.”
(Public Domain image)
District staff and members of the community will line the parade route to congratulate and celebrate the Class of 2020 and their families. Wyoming High School staff will be stationed along the gates of the football stadium and throughout the stadium parking lot near the concession stand. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Upon arrival at the football stadium, seniors will be given their high school diploma and awarded an Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award.
“Our hope is that each one of them knows now and remembers on their life’s journey that they were surrounded at all times by people who had an unwavering commitment to support and celebrate their success, every step of the way,” Hoekstra said. “I am very proud of this graduating class for staying committed to their studies, not losing focus on their goals, and demonstrating grit like no other class before them has had to. The perseverance that they have shown will serve them well as they do great things in our world.”
The WPS statement stressed that the parade does not replace the WHS Class of 2020 commencement ceremony scheduled for July 28, at 7 p.m., at Grand Rapids First.
For more information on Wyoming Public Schools visit wyomingps.org or follow them on social media: Facebook and Twitter @WolvesWPS and Instagram @WPSWolves.
As food supplies diminished during the recent statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe order, Hand2Hand officials were left with how to secure large quantities of food to help feed the thousands of children who rely on the organization and its church partners for weekend meals.
“Our founder Cheryl Hondred was praying on how we could feed these families also knowing that area restaurants were deeply impacted by COVID-19 as well,” said Jodi Joseph, director of growth for Hand2Hand. “Then she had this idea and it just started to grow.”
The idea became the Win Win program where Hand2Hand was able to take matching grant money to purchase gift cards from local businesses which in turn the organization would give to families to purchase meals at the restaurant.
Lombardo’s Pizza, 2307 Lee St. SW, Wyoming, was one of the 30 restaurants that participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. (WKTV)
Local restaurants were asked to create meals, not including drinks, that would feed a family of four but that the restaurant would still make a profit on, Joseph said. Gift cards would be purchased for $10, $15, or $20 and then distributed to the families who in turn could go to the restaurant to get the WinWin meal, she said.
“We were just blown away by the generous response of the community,” Joseph said. The Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation and the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation provided a $30,000 matching grant. Community members stepped up to foundations’ challenge contributing $40,000 to the program allowing Hand2Hand to raise a total of $70,000 in a short time.
“We have given out 4,100 gift cards and have heard numerous stories and testimonies from families who were so grateful to receive a warm cooked meal from restaurants that treated them so well,” said Hand2Hand Founder and Executive Director Cheri Hondred in a wrap up video about the program.
Through the effort, Hand2Hand was able to connect with more than 30 restaurants from 17 of the 37 school districts that the organization serves. Some of the restaurants were Two Guys Brewing, Lombardo’s, and Russ’s in Wyoming and The Candied Yam in Kentwood.
“At a very early age, my twin sissy and I experienced the pain of being hungry before we were adopted,” said Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of the Candied Yam as to why she participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. “Being able to partner with organizations, like Hand2Hand, gives us the opportunity to empathize and give back in a way that makes a big difference to someone. We are also grateful to keep our team working so we can continue making this food with great love to share with others.”
Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing also participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. Pictured is TwoGuys managing partnerTom Payne. (WKTV)
Nick Lombardo owner of Wyoming’s Lombardo Pizza, located at 2307 Lee St. SW, said the program did help in bringing traffic to his restaurant.
“The first couple of weeks we were down,” said Lombardo, who’s restaurant is mostly takeout and delivery. He added that the opportunity to be a part of the Win Win program gave the restaurant a chance to give back while keeping busy at the sametime.
Hand2Hand, which is based in Hudsonville, partners with about 119 area churches and businesses to provide weekend backpacks to more than 8,000 area students in 206 schools. Gift cards were dispersed to families who are part of the Hand2Hand program.
Now that the Stay Home, Stay Safe order has ended, the Win Win program also has wrapped up as well. Looking back at its success, Hondred, through the Hand2Hand blog said the program really was a blessing to the families as it provided a break and a special treat to them while providing stability and income to the partnering 30 restaurants.
According to the U.S. Census about 16 percent of the Kent County population does not have internet with about nine percent having no computers. However a recent initiative from the Kent District Library looks to help provide internet straight to resident’s homes.
The KDL has added 700 new hotspots to the collection, increasing the number to 8333. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older.
Also announced this week, the State of Michigan is partnering to provide a map of public hotspots state wide. (See info below.)
A wifi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service. (Supplied)
“With an estimated 24,000 households without broadband access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it is important to help as many people as we can,” said KDL Director of Library Services Carrie Wilson, who was referring to the recent COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a quarantine. The result of the statewide quranrinte had many families working from home as well as students completing the 2019-2020 school year online.
“With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than every before.”
Outside of the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Census through its data had determined that computer usage and Internet access had become increasingly important of regathering information, looking for jobs and participation in a changing world economy. For example, in a U.S. Census report about computer and Internet usage, it is estimated that about 8 percent of households had a compute run 1984. That number jumped to about half of all U.S. households having a computer in 2000 with the number growing to 79 percent in 2015.
Wilson also noted that the wifi at the KDL branches is free and open with residents being able to connect from the parking lot. A library card is not needed to connect to the free wifi.
To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot.” Hotspots will be mailed to households while KDL branches are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. When KDL opens, hotspots will be able to be picked up at the branches. KDL branches are expected to open with limited services July 6.
People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling 616-784-2007.
Statewide map of hotspots
The State of Michigan, in partnership with the Connected Nation Michigan, released a statewide Wi-Fi hotspot map this week to assist residents who currently lack internet access at home. Currently on the map are only two in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on the map, but more are being added.
The COVID-19 pandemic and transition to remote and distance learning has only increased the need for residents and students to have easy access to broadband services.
The Wi-Fi mapping effort, spearheaded by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Connected Nation Michigan, along with the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Education, is an interim step amid the coronavirus pandemic to spotlight publicly available broadband hotspots for households without internet access.
School officials and students celebrate the end of the school year in special ways with some graduates discussing the riots and the impact on them and their community. For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
From left, on bottom of the screen, Wyoming High School 10th grader Margoth De Leon and ninth grader Lizbi Garcia talk about how their family coped when their dad was hospitalized due to COVID-19 (School News Network)
Wyoming: Father receiving from COVID-19 thanks ‘ Team Gladiola’ on Zoom
A father’s thank you for the support from his children’s school, Gladiola Elementary School, shows just how important the weekly parent meetings between staff and families became during the COVID-19 lockdown. To learn more about Gladiola’s Continuity of Learning Plan, click here.
Schools had to adjust overnight to the new reality of the pandemic, and now face a funding crisis with literally billions of dollars at stake (School News Network)
All Districts: Our Kids, Our Future: COVID-19 and the looming crisis in public school funding
It is estimated that nationwide schools will need to spend $41 billion for COVID-19 pandemic related costs in technology and other social distancing guidelines. This is on top of an estimated $1.25 billion in lost funding. Want a better understanding of how this will all play out? Kent ISD Research Data Analyst Sunli Joy breaks down how school budgets are funded and the impact of the loss of funding and additional expenses. Click here for the story.
Protestors flooded downtown Grand Rapids the night of May 30, with a peaceful demonstration followed later by rioting (School News Network)
Kelloggsville/Godwin Heights: Students speak out on protests, call for ‘a better America tomorrow’
The recent protests could be a teachable moment, a call to action or both. School News Network spoke to five newly graduated seniors that included one from Kelloggsville and one from Godwin Heights, as well as a Godwin Heights educator, about the impact the protests have had on them, and what they think is needed to address the root causes. Click here to read more.
Godwin staff and teachers wave to students during the last day of school parade (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: ‘This was good for our souls!’
After 11 weeks of staying home, “flattening the curve” and distance learning, Godwin Heights students got to see the staff and teachers in person, from a safe distance, on the last day of school, May 29. West Godwin Elementary Principal Mary Lang dreamed up the idea for the last day of school parade and Assistant Principal Casey Kroll led the effort to make it happen, devising a route that hit every neighborhood in the district and making sure the parade passed bus stops so students would have a familiar spot to watch. To get the full story, click here.
Education leaders local and statewide are warning of what Superintendent Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Kevin Polston calls “unprecedented budget deficits” at Michigan public schools resulting from decreased tax revenues due to the COVID-19 economic crisis.
While the looming school funding concerns are just beginning to hit the news, the community may have some questions, need a little background and history.
Why will lower tax revenue impact public school funding? How does the state fund public schools? What is the recent history of changes in tax-payer funding of schools? How do public schools spend their state funding?
The Kent ISD recently produced informational videos that tries to explain the state’s taxpayer funded public school finances — including one specific to current school funding concerns. (See additional information videos descriptions and links below.)
Superintendent Polston, in a recent Godfrey-Lee schools community-wide email, makes clear the current — and urgent need — for community understanding and action on the current threat to public school funding. He also urges increased state and federal support for public schools.
“Without federal intervention, the budget shortfall for the remainder of 2019-2020 through 2021 school year would total $6.2 billion for all Michigan public schools. Godfrey-Lee alone could see a deficit of over $1.2 million ($700 per student) for just the 19-20 school year that is about to end,” Polston said. “Further cuts are projected for the 2020-21 school year that begins on July 1, 2020.
“Put in context, this is roughly twice as large a deficit as Michigan public schools faced in the Great Recession, yet federal aid to date has been less than 20 percent than was given at that time. In fact, of the $2 trillion of aid granted by the (federal COVID-19 recovery) CARES Act, less than 1 percent went to fund public education.”
Polston points out that school districts are required by state law to present a balanced budget by June 30, 2020 for the upcoming school year, even though the state has not provided an answer about the shortfall for 2019-20 or given a projected budget for 2020-21.
“This is unacceptable,” he said. “To meet our legal requirement, we have to use the budget forecasts that have been provided (to Godfrey-Lee schools). These forecasts call for $2,750,000 in cuts for our upcoming school year. Cuts of this magnitude would devastate GLPS and would challenge the district’s future solvency.”
To aid Kent County schools districts explain the current funding system, and the need for community support and action, the Kent ISD produced a series of short videos.
An ISD is a regional education service agency. The job of Kent County’s ISD, one of the state’s 57 agencies, is to “help local school districts with programs and services that are best done on a regional basis — things that are highly specialized or that would be far too expensive on an individual basis,” according to the Kent ISD.
The videos:
History of Michigan Public School Finances, which details how school financing in Michigan is guided by Proposal A which was approved by Michigan voters in 1994 which shifted ‘day to day’ school finance to a state-based model.
What Public School Finances Fund, which details how public schools in Michigan spend a majority of their resources on personnel and describes how dollars are divided up to fund education in this state.
Taxes and Public School Education, which explains how everyone who works or lives in Michigan helps to support public schools by paying taxes, and where tax dollars for public education come from and how they are spent.
COVID-19’s Impact on Michigan School Funding, which details how school finance will be greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the economic impact will negatively affect Michigan’s public schools.
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department has announced round two of its Rec at Home Kids which will be handed out Thursday, June 11 from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.
The kits will consist of fun activities for your children to do at home. In order to receive this kit, each child must be registered on the Wyoming Parks and Recreation website. Click here to register.
There are about 300 kits available and they are expected to go quickly so register soon.
COVID-19 has exposed large health inequities both nationally and locally, resulting in devastating, even life-and-death consequences. In Michigan, where African Americans make up just 14% of the population, over 40% of the deaths from COVID-19 were African American.
“There are several reasons why racial minority populations are experiencing higher COVID-19 infectionrates,” said Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of DEI, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.“These include underlying health conditions, occupational environment and living situations.”
When it comes to seeking treatment, minority populations are often at a disadvantage with inadequate health insurance, a lack of transportation and language barriers.
Metro Health is working to combat these barriers by bringing free COVID-19 testing and resources into some of the most vulnerable communities in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Beginning the week of June 8, Metro Health mobile units will be rotating to two different sites each week for free walk-up testing and consultations.
Hispanic Center of West Michigan – Beginning the week of June 8
1204 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Tuesdays and Fridays from 8-11am
United Methodist Community House – Beginning the week of June 15
904 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Tuesdays from 1-4pm
Those desiring testing do not need to be current patients of Metro Health. They do not need health insurance or identification for the free test. They will simply be asked for their name and contact information so results can be appropriately delivered. In addition to COVID-19 testing, Metro Health will have providers available to answer questions and distribute important resources in both English and Spanish.
“During a crisis like we are facing with coronavirus, it becomes convenient to abandon commitments to principals of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Booker. “We will not allow this to happen.”
In addition to our mobile testing, Metro Health also offers free COVID-19 drive up testing at the Metro Health Community Clinic located at 781 36th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. This site sees anestimated 6,500 patients a year that are medically underserved and may not be comfortable seeking care in other locations.
Even in the best of times, healthcare does not look the same for all people. It is not equitable. A pandemic shines a bright light on those inequities. Metro Health is taking an even greater responsibility and accountability so that no group of people is left behind.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park set to open on Monday. (Supplied)
Places are starting to reopen with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture announcing it will open Monday and the Kent County Parks announcing it will have a stagger opening. Opening immediately are swimming beaches at Long Lake Park, Millennium Park, Myers Lake Park and Wabasis Park; all playgrounds; the Kaufman Golf Course; all restrooms, open shelters and group picnic areas. KDL announced it will start curbside June 15. For more upcoming openings, click here.
Time to purge, Kentwood
Kentwood residents, Saturday is your official Community Clean-Up Day!. That means all the stuff you have been collecting over the past 10 weeks in quarantine you can finally get rid of. Community Clean-Up Day takes place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Also opening this Saturday is the city’s brush and leaves drop-off sites. For more information, click here.
Our beautiful Downtown GR
Hundreds of people came out last Sunday to help downtown Grand Rapids businesses clean up after a night of riots. This past week, artists and community leaders turned the boarded up windows into works of art and positive message such as the “be nice.” displayed at One Trick Pony. Take a drive through downtown this weekend to see this mini-outside gallery and remember, many of the places are now open so step on in and share the love. For more, click here.
Everybody Loves a Parade!
Let’s admit it: we all love those big trucks. On May 22, the Kentwood Department of Public had a parade of its trucks to show community support. So click on the link above and enjoy the ride!
The City of Wyoming has issued guidance that temporarily allows local restaurants to expand outdoor seating arrangements. Today, Mayor Jack A. Poll signed an emergency order that increases outdoor restaurant seating during the coronavirus pandemic. The order is designed to support local restaurants that are reopening with reduced indoor capacity.
To take advantage of the new guidelines, business owners will need to apply and be approved for the expanded seating area. Before submitting their application, applicants are encouraged to contact staff to discuss their plan and any questions they may have. The planning staff can be reached at plan_info@wyomingmi.gov or 616-530-7258, Monday thru Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once an application with relevant plans and information is submitted to the planning office, they will be promptly reviewed for approval. The full emergency order with application instructions can be found online at wyomingmi.gov/coronavirus.
“Wyoming is home to a variety of excellent restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world,” Poll said. “I’m excited to give restaurant owners an opportunity to jumpstart their businesses as we rebound from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. With the support of the community I know they’ll be successful. I welcome everyone in West Michigan to join us for a meal in Wyoming.”
Wyoming City Hall building will reopen to the public on Monday, June 8 with visitor requirements such as answering COVID-19 screening questions, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In-person visitors will be able to access City Hall through the 28th Street, front entrance. Community members are encouraged to continue using online and drive-up window services to limit contact points. City Hall’s hours remain Monday thru Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
