At approximately 11:30 pm on Nov. 3, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a commercial burglary alarm at Russell and Ballard Jewelers (5751 Byron Center Ave SW). The suspects had forced entry into the business and stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry before fleeing the store.
The suspects are described as two males with hoods pulled over their faces. We are working on obtaining video surveillance footage from the business and will release photos of the suspects as soon as they are available.
Community Action:
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Lamar Park’s lake has been my family’s happy place a long time. My dad caught turtles there in the 1930s and was the lifeguard in the 1940s. My parents began taking me there in the late 1950s. I remember seeing African American children for the first time at its beach, specifically a little girl my age with rich dark skin and lovely pink palms. My mom simply stated, “We are all the same on the inside.”
In the 1960s, I learned to swim in that lake on chilly 7 a.m. summer mornings and, during even chillier winters, raced and beat the boys ice skating. I found out about kissing there in 1970s. In the 1980s, I brought my own kids there to swim. The last time we went, my son Andy dove underwater and came up with a ten-dollar bill. So many good times!
Lamar Park neighbors were able to capture Goofus’ buddy, Sir Lancelot. (Photo by Daniela Georgescu)
These days, I love walking around the lake that’s now home to so many interesting wildlife creatures. Huge, rust-colored carp, silver trout, quick diving turtles, and the flocks of geese and ducks. This past summer, one duck in particular caught my eye — a huge, white, domestic Pekin duck who was quite at home with a flock of much smaller, wild, brown mallards. I named him Goofus, though later I found out “he” was probably a “she.” Other friends of this little lake we’re enamored with Goofus, as well. One called her “Goofy,” another “Donald.” Donna Batdorf called her “Guinevere.” No doubt others had their own name for this somewhat laughable, but fabulous femme fatale.
Why do I say fatale? Well, for one, Goofus and another Pekin duck did not come to Lamar Lake on their own accord. Some cruel human ditched the ducks, even though they couldn’t fly (wings clipped) and would no doubt die of cold as soon as the next winter blew in. Humans with a more compassionate nature were able to rescue Goofus’ partner. But Goofus was too smart for them.
Goofus and Sir Lancelot (Photo by Daniela Georgescu)
Batdorf posted about the duck’s plight on Facebook. She shares, “… a girl named Rachel stepped forward to help. Rachel has other ducks in a pond on her property and feeds them and makes sure that they’re healthy all winter long by providing shelter. She lives over Allendale way, but came over to Lamar Park and was able immediately to capture the first duck, a male. I hadn’t named him yet, but now I’m going to, and let’s say he was Sir Lancelot, since she was Guinevere. Rachel took Lancelot home and he immediately blended in with her flock. She came back several times alone and sometimes we’d meet and tried to capture Guinevere. We tried various food techniques, and we tried even putting a large pen on the shore to lead her into and then we were going to shut the door real fast. We tried luring her with the previous duck that she knew, but nothing worked.”
Many other folks tried on many other occasions. Each time, Goofus escaped. Lamar neighbor, Marcy Kale, had plans to winter Goofus at her house, if caught. As the attempts continued to fail, another Lamar neighbor, Renee Kooiman posted on Nextdoor, “She’s very wary now and her girl squad of mallards flank her!”
Ah yes, her Mallard family. Goofus taught me that birds of different feathers flock together. These ducks of color welcomed Goofus into their family with open wings. She swam with the flock, slept with the flock, and squawked with flock — although her goofy, loud duck honk was a good deal louder. We humans think we are the superior species. Ha!
I cried the day I learned that Goofus died. I’m not sure how this big, silly bird got a hold of my heart, but she sure did. Unaware that Lamar neighbors were trying to rescue her, I had put in my own message to Wildlife Rehab Center. But before any of us had a chance to spare Goofus from life alone after the mallards migrated and the sure death a cold winter would bring, a not-so-woke human ran her down and killed her in the road. Goofus and her friends were on their way to eat some seed at a neighbor’s feeder. Honestly, who would not see a bright white duck the size of a toddler child crossing the residential, park-side street (speed limit 25)?
That’s when I found out about Goofus’ human admirers on Nextdoor. Somehow, I felt comforted knowing that they shared my grief. In that brief online encounter, I had a flock. I hope one of these days, as I walk around the lake, I might run into one or two of them. Who knows, even if we aren’t of the same feather, we could have a very nice chat about a very impressive Pekin duck named Goofus, er … uh … Guinevere — no, Donald. Or was it Goofy?
With more than 11 million U.S. children living gin food insecure homes, hunger is no longer just a city concern.
“People don’t understand or realize that poverty does not have a zip code anymore,” said Cheryl Hondred, founder and CEO of Hand2Hand, a local organization that partners with area churches and schools to provide weekend food to area children. “Actually urbanization has caused people to move into the rural areas, suburbs, so every single school now has students who go home over the weekend, that 68-hour gap in the week, with limited food resources.”
Cheryl Hondred, founder and executive director of Hand2Hand
The need for food resources continues to grow, according to Hondred. Hand2Hand works with 111 area churches to help about 6,356 children in 192 schools. Through the program, there are about 5,200 volunteers.
“We are in the places you wouldn’t expect, Rockford, Caledonia, Jenison, Grandville, Hudsonville, Wyoming, Byron Center,” Hondred said, adding that more schools wish to have Hand2Hand in their school.
Hand2Hand’s model is to partner with a local school to provide the weekend food to the students. Hondred said. Hand2Hand works with the church to train members, set up food pantries and organizer foods.
So the biggest challenge for Hand2Hand has been to find churches to partner with to provide the nutritious food to students for the weekends.
Currently the organization is hosting an initiative in school districts of Kentwood, Godwin Heights, and Godfrey-Lee where Hand2Hand is offering seed money to churches to purchase pantry items, shelving, bins and additional food items if the church would be willing to help with a school in one of those districts.
For more about the Hand2Hand program, click on the link above featuring WKTV’s Donna Kidner-Smith talking to Hondred about the program or visit h2hkids.org.
Wyoming resident Beth Kiurski at her second marathon in Germany. It was during training for this marathon that Kiuski was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. (Supplied)
This weekend more than 50,000 runners from around the world will be converging on New York City for the largest marathon in the world, the New York City Marathon. On Friday, Wyoming resident Beth Kiurski will be heading out to join the crowd.
Kiurski is part of a group of 30 runners who make up the estimated 9,000 charity runners attending this year’s race. She will be running for the Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those live with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that Kiurski herself was diagnosed with about 16 months ago. Type 1 Diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, which the body needs to allow sugar to enter cells to produce energy.
“I remember the exact spot on the freeway when I got the call,” she said about when she received the news on June 4, 2018. “The nurse called and she said my blood sugar is 800. I said ‘Is this bad?’ and she responded, ‘Oh honey, you are diabetic.’”
Looking back, Kiurski said she noticed signs such as running had become “so much harder,” the excessive amount of water she was drinking (more than 100 ounces outside of other beverages), and her fiancé noticed she was losing weight.
“I kept saying it was because I was running so hard,” she said.
None of it was due to the running, but to the Type 1 diabetes.
“That night [of the diagnosis] I learned how hard it was going to be right away as they gave us a prescription for insulin and when we stopped to get it filled. It was $700,” Kiurski said. “They don’t ease you into diabetes.”
As Kiurski learned how to manage her Type 1 diagnosis she found herself becoming restrictive on her diet, reducing it to certain items such as lettuce, spinach, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
“I just decided to eat certain items because that would mean I would not have to have insulin and I just was not comfortable with stopping everything so I could give myself a shot,” said Kiurski, who is a teacher at Holland’s Black River Public School.
Beth Kiurski on a recent hiking trip. (Supplied)
A scheduled backpacking trip had Kiurski researching how people with Type 1 diabetes handle these types of adventures. She discovered the Dexcom CGM System, which provides continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes management. The Dexcom CGM System consists of three parts: a small sensor that measure glucose levels just underneath the skin, a transmitter that fits onto the sensor and sends data wirelessly to a display device, and a small receiver or compatible smart device that displays real-time glucose information.
“No one wants to stop and check their sugar in front of everybody” said Kiurski, who has a Dexcom G6. “It tells me when I going low so I know to eat something. In fact, I have an Applewatch, so I can just look at my watch and no one knows that I am checking my sugar.”
Within months after being diagnosed, Kiurski was asking for a Dexcom and an insulin pump.
“It’s a little unusual in that most people get those in a year,” she said. “There are number of reasons why, such as insurance, but they also want you to know how to do it by hand in case the technology does not work.”
About a year and half later, Kiurski has discovered she does not have to stop running — or living — because she has Type 1 diabetes, something she hopes others will learn from her story.
“People with diabetes don’t have to be limited because of the disease,” Kiurski said. “As a teacher, you don’t want anyone to be based on their ability or their disability. You see everyday that there are different challenges and different struggles and people can do what they want to do.
“In the end, it’s what you bring to the table.”
Or in Kiurski’s case, to the road. As she prepares to take to the New York City streets for the 26.22-mile marathon on Nov. 3, Kiurski revealed that along with demonstrating that people can live with Type 1 diabetes and raising money for Beyond Type 1, she does have a personal marathon goal as well.
“For my first marathon, my goal was between 4 and 4:20 [hours] and I did it in 4:24,” she said. “My second one, which during training I was diagnosed, I did it in 4:40. I am hoping to do this one in 4 or 4:20,” and with a laugh, “but I heard the hills in New York can be tough.”
Michele Suchovsky with a Paws with a Cause friend. (Photo by Colleen Pierson)
By Colleen Pierson WKTV Contributing Writer
Paws with a Cause CEO Michele Suchovsky loves her job.
“I love the puppies and seeing the impact of the work we do with them,” she said. “We find the right dog for the right client and help people be independent.”
Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.
Michele was recently awarded the Marge Wilson Community Service Award from the AMBUCS. The event took place at Marge’s Donut Den. Numerous political figures, previous winners of the award, and community supporters came out to celebrate with the 2019 award recipient.
“I was shocked—blown away, so deeply honored to receive this highly prestigious award,” Suchovaky said with a face breaking grin.
The award goes to individuals who work hard in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Den and the person for whom the Marge Wilson Community Service Award is named after, watches as Michele Suchovsky receives the award. (Photo by Colleen Pierson)
Suchovsky, who has been with Paws for a year, is an experienced nonprofit leader. She has served for 15 years as executive director of two nonprofit organizations — the first is the arts and disability organization Very Special Arts and the second is The Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation. Suchovsky has always helped to impact and improve the lives of people throughout West Michigan.
Her work is far from over. At Paws With a Cause, she is looking forward to placing more service dogs with appropriate clients.
“In the next five years we want to increase placement by 60 percent,” she said. “We are also working with K-12 schools.”
The Kent County Chiefs of Police, local police departments, and the Michigan State Police announced this week that Kent County residents can participate in a fingerprinting program that would help identify a lost person with special health care needs.
Both Wyoming and Kentwood police departments are participating agencies. The cost is $30 for the state’s processing fee, but participating agencies will waive local processing fees through the month of November. The general police department telephone numbers for Kentwood is 616-698-6580 and for Wyoming is 616-530-7309.
According to supplied material, in Michigan, a parent, legal guardian or power of attorney of an individual with special needs may voluntarily provide the person’s fingerprints and photograph for inclusion in a State of Michigan database. This includes a single or married individual whose normal capacity for education and self-support may be reduced due to a disease or medical condition.
Fingerprints and a photo of the individual are captured electronically and then securely stored along with additional demographic information, including a home address, and contact information for the person legally responsible for the individual.
Once enrolled, law enforcement has the ability to access the information to quickly identify someone who may have trouble identifying him/herself.
“This fingerprinting program gives us an unprecedented advantage to help individuals who are considered vulnerable or impaired get to a familiar and safe environment in a timely manner, while maintaining their dignity,” Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen, president of Kent County Chiefs of Police, said in supplied material. “Not only will we have access to crucial identifying information, but it also provides families some peace of mind. Once enrolled in the program, should anything happen to their loved one, local law enforcement is already one step closer to finding that individual.”
Interested parties must get printed in their jurisdiction of residence and should contact their local law enforcement agency for details regarding its enrollment process. IN addition to Wyoming and Kentwood police departments, participating agencies include Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rapids police, Walker police, Grandville police, Rockford police, Lowell police and the Michigan State Police’s Rockford Post.
If desired, a parent or guardian may also make a written request to the department to have the fingerprints and photograph of an individual with special health care needs removed from the automated fingerprint identification system database and the statewide network of agency photos.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The state of State and Kent County mental health services funding, and some astounding statistics surrounding Kent County’s recycling efforts, were among the topics discussed as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Oct. 14, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor, who represents the City of Wyoming as part of his 28th Senate District and chairs the important Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, gave the group a report from Lansing on the topic of mental health funding and the state budget battles.
Darwin Baas, the director of the Kent County Department of Public Works, also reported on the good, the bad and the ugly of recycling and trash disposal in the county — and what actions are being done to lessen the amount of trash going into limited landfill space.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting — a special on-location meeting honoring Veterans Day at the AMVETS Post 23, 98 52nd Ave. — will be Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org .
Wyoming Lee High School’s football team has had some ups and downs this season — the first season of a two-year hiatus from OK Silver conference play and into an independent schedule. But as the team prepares to end their season with a home game, the Legends have reason for optimism and accomplishment.
Lee (2-6 on the season) will host Potterville (0-7; 0-6 Central Michigan Athletic Conference) at Lee’s field Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. And WKTV will be there to record and broadcast the game.
Before the game, WKTV caught up with head coach Tom DeGennaro, who talked about what his team accomplished this season, players who have stepped up this year including a special freshman in the backfield, and how they are preparing for the season finale.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”*
Aristotle
*Aristotle probably would have said it this way: “Ποια είναι η ουσία της ζωής; Να υπηρετείς άλλους και να κάνεις καλό.” But in Ancient Greek and with waaaaay more accent marks.
Sounds like a dare
Ask Me Anything! is Nov. 2 at Kentwood Library. Learn about your community and your neighbors in a fun, relaxed environment. Visit the branch to “check out” different members of our community for a chance to learn from them and ask them anything. More info here.
In the ‘mark your calendar’ category…
Courtesy Grand Valley State University
Zapatos Rojos | Red Shoes is an itinerant installation originally organized in 2009 by artist and architect Elina Chauvet in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Comprising 33 pairs of red shoes donated by the women of Ciudad Juárez — each pair representing a woman who had disappeared in that community — the piece is designed to draw attention to the fact that women were being killed without any consequences. Nov. 1, 2019-Feb. 28, 2020. Get the details here.
Do some good — here’s how
The SpartanNash Foundation invites store guests to join the fight against hunger during its companywide fundraising effort, Oct. 23 to Nov. 3. The SpartanNash Foundation’s retail scan campaign supports more than 100 local food pantries and food banks, and 100 percent of dollars raised will support food pantry partners in eight states. Learn more here.
Fun fact:
Volunteering keeps you young
Volunteering not only engages your mind and body, but it can actually help you age well and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.“
Dalai Lama XIV
Say yes to saying no
Just say no
Do your part to keep prescription drugs out of our waterways and out of the hands of kids and teens — Oct. 26th is National Drug Take Back Day, and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are taking part. Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 469 tons (more than 937,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and almost 5,000 state and local law enforcement partners. The details are right here.
Lucky flag is going home
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and OBON Society are in the process of returning a rare Japanese “Good Luck Flag” to its rightful family. OBON Society provides reconciliation between American and Japanese families through the return of personal items acquired during World War II. A Grand Rapids resident donated the flag, along with a WWII newsreel and a map of Iwo Jima, to the GRPM in 2015. The items were possessions of the donor’s deceased father, a former American soldier, who collected the flag during the war. Read all about it here.
Say ‘hello’ to ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’
Elton John is coming to the Van Andel Arena on April 23, 2020, and tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 1 at 10am local time. But highfalutin American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10am local time through Monday, Oct. 28 at 10pm local time. Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at EltonJohn.com. Don’t delay! More details here.
Fun fact:
>1,000
Elton John has over 1,000 pairs of shades. Rumor has it that he has to book a separate hotel room to accommodate all of them.
Wyoming quarterback Matthew Berg (11) reacts to a Wolves touchdown in a game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
In the third year of Wyoming High School football coach Irvin Sigler’s reboot of the Wolves program, the coach and his team are probably disappointed with their win/loss record in the tough OK Conference Gold.
But the Wolves’s offensive mindset is showing impressive improvement, the team opened their new field in equally impressive fashion, and Sigler’s 2019-20 senior class continues to show the leadership he wants.
Sigler talked to WKTV this week about his Wolves, currently 3-5 (1-4 in conference) with a Friday, Oct. 25, game at East Grand Rapids remaining on the season. And he started with his team’s ability to stay focused and positive after a 1-4 start to the season.
“Our coaching staff and players believe in each other,” Sigler said. “Trust is a critical part of building a team. We have a great time on the practice field and a relentless belief in what we are doing. It’s truly a team effort. Most importantly our players know that they are loved by our coaches.”
That belief in the system led to two impressive wins in weeks 6 and 7 — a 57-51 overtime win at Holland West Ottawa on Nov. 4 and a 47-0 win over Wayland on Nov. 11 as the Wolves opened their newly refurbished field at the high school.
But the team’s scoring outbursts in those two wins were only two signs of the increased offensive prowess of the Wolves. Even in losses, the offense has been scoring points.
As evidence, Wyoming scored 158 points in nine games in 2017-18, Sigler’s first season as head coach, and 132 in 2018-19 — but the Wolves have totaled 279 points in eight games so far this season.
The Wyoming offensive line, from the Wolves game at Northview Sept. 6. (Curtis Holt)
“We’ve got some very skilled guys on our offense,” coach said. “The four Parks have really been a key. We moved DeMari and Marion to running back after some injuries and they blossomed. Monte is an excellent receiver and Deion helps lead our offensive line.
“Mahki Matthews, Payton Lee and Matt Berg have also played very well. The key to everything is our offensive line. Getting Austin Bruce back from an ankle sprain was a big boost.”
De’marion, Diamonte and Dion Parks are seniors, as are Lee and Bruce. DeMari Parks is a junior, as are Matthews and Berg.
Sigler also pointed out several other seniors who have been leaders for the Wolves.
“Logan Cox, Dale Cross and Keeingg Briggs are three guys that come to mind — all have played exceptionally well,” he said. “ Our kicker, Adel Odobasek, has become a great leader in our special teams and has improved greatly.”
But plenty of other underclassmen have played and played well.
Maybe the biggest returner next season, however, will be a return to the Wolves’s new home field — the arrival of which this season was a boost to the team, Sigler said.
“The change in our mindset, with the opportunity to be in the new field, came at a great time,” he said. “While many teams are going through the grind of doing the same thing daily, we had an amazing new facility to jump start our season.”
And he expects that home field advantage, as well as overall program improvement, to carry on in the future.
“We must play our best at home and that is the mindset we are working to build,” Sigler said.
While local groups will take back un-used or unwanted prescription drugs all year, every year National Drug Take Back Day — this year Saturday, Oct. 26 — focuses local efforts including those in Kentwood and Wyoming.
The need for prescription drug recovery range from keeping them out of the illegal marketplace to protecting public water supplies and wildlife from possible exposure.
The Kentwood Justice Center which houses the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)
In Kentwood, the Kentwood Police Department will take back prescription pills and patches at 4742 Walma Ave SE, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in a service that is “free and anonymous, no questions asked,” according to supplied material. (The Department cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.)
In Wyoming, the City of Wyoming is once again partnering with Metro Health-University of Michigan Health to provide a location for residents to dispose of unused medications safely and properly. Persons can drop off expired, unused prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications at Metro Health Hospital lobby, 5900 Byron Center Ave., also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Call 616-252-7117 with any questions.)
Kent County also spearheads year-around efforts for drug take back. The Kent County Department of Public Works has established the SafeMeds Program that includes a list of many local pharmacies and law enforcement agencies that will accept unwanted medications. (For more on the SafeMeds Program, visit here.)
The efforts, both locally and nationally, are driven by high rates of abuse of unused prescription drugs as well as concerns of public water contamination due to those drugs being disposed of improperly, including simply flushed down toilets.
Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 469 tons (more than 937,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and almost 5,000 state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 17 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in more than 11.8 million pounds — approximately 5,900 tons — of pills, according to supplied material.
In Kentwood, the Kentwood Police Department will be giving the public its 18th opportunity in nine years to “prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs,” according to supplied material.
This initiative focuses on medicines that languish in home cabinets and are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows, year after year, that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.
While information is scarce, according to a 2002 analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey of 139 streams across 30 states it was found that 80 percent of waterways tested had measurable concentrations of prescription and nonprescription drugs, steroids and reproductive hormones.
According to a 2018 report in healthline.com, bay mussels in Washington’s Puget Sound tested positive for oxycodone, an opioid prescription analgesic. Pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic wildlife also potentially raises the risk for more human contact through direct consumption of these animals.
Pharmaceutical and hormonal contaminants, including bisphenol-A, antibiotics, and opiates, are being detected in a significant portion of the United States groundwater supply for drinking water.
While researchers say that the levels detected are unlikely to cause any harmful effects, it is unknown what, if any, amount of these chemicals will make it through water treatment to the tap.
The problem of unused prescription drugs generated by nursing homes is also a factor in there problem. While there is little nationwide estimates on the issue, another report details how Colorado officials in 2017 said the state’s 220 long-term care facilities throw away 17.5 tons of potentially reusable drugs every year, with a price tag of about $10 million.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimated in 2015 that about 740 tons of drugs are wasted by nursing homes each year.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit the DEA website here.
People have all kinds of hobbies from refurnishing furniture to quilting. For resident Pat McGovern, it is growing trees.
McGovern, who lives on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, is a private nurseryman and Aspen tree breeder. He currently has about 1,000 saplings growing at his home.
“I planted about 1,800,” McGovern told WKTV’s Donna Kidner Smith during a recent WKTV Journal interview. “Of those, about 1,000 survived of which I might keep about 150 trees.”
McGovern participates in a short rotation woody crops program. This is when a woody tree species has been bred and selected to have extremely high rates of growth, allowing the trees to be harvested after a short growing period.
Hybrid poplar or willow are the two species most commonly adapted for short rotation management. Poplars are planted using cuttings or “sticks” that are about eight inches long. The trees are cut back to ground level which helps to stimulate growth. The trees typically remain productive for three harvest cycles before replanting, which is about 15- 20 years.
Pat McGovern, co-founder of the Open Forest Group (Photo by WKTV)
McGovern, who is the co-founder of the Open Forest Group, primarily uses Aspens, a populus tree that is found in Michigan. Aspens are known for their quaking leaves and brilliant colors. While white and soft, Aspen wood is fairly strong and has low flammability. It is used for a number of items such as timber to heat homes, to make paper and matches, and to make veneer.
McGovern said over the years he found one rare Aspen tree that has a curvy, wavy figured grain and has incorporated into the breeding of the trees on his property. McGovern grows the saplings in his backyard, planting in April and then harvesting them in November, around Thanksgiving.
During harvesting, he determines which trees to keep and which to discard based on a number of factors. From there he cuts each sampling up into eight inch pieces — a root with a stem — which are stored in the refrigerator. In April, the pieces, which are soaked in water for about 24 hours, are then taken to a planting site to grow.
Short rotation woody crops such as the one McGovern does, have shown promise as an economically viable strategy for producing a sustainable supply of fuel for power stations. Fast growing species can be planed at relatively low costs and harvest in less time than traditional species.
For community members, the 4th annual South Kent Community Expo, on Saturday, Oct. 26, will be an opportunity to explore products and services from a variety of community businesses and organizations.
For local local businesses and organizations, it is an opportunity to connect with the community — and customers.
The free event, hosted by the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, located at 355 48th St. SE.
“This family-friendly event is designed to connect area community members with the broad range of businesses and organizations offered in southern Kent County,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said in supplied material. “We like to think there’s a product or service for everyone to discover at this community expo.”
In addition to community booths, the expo will feature health screenings, flu shots and food trucks. The flu shot clinic will be provided by Walgreens from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost for a flu shot will be $35 for individuals without qualifying insurance.
According to Lorraine Beloncis, assistant director of the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, this year’s event will be football themed and vendors are encouraged to decorate their table with the football theme and wear something supporting their favorite team.
There will be a Heisman trophy award for the booth with the best use of theme,” Beloncis said in supplied material.
For more information about the community event, visit here.
Donte Granison, of Wyoming, easily admits that being part of the GM family was just in his blood, after all he comes from a family of GM workers.
“It was just something that was rooted in me,” Granison said. “I just felt I needed to try it at least.”
Chad Fox, a UAW Local 167 member (Photo by WKTV)
So he left his $20-plus an hour job at Steelcase to work at Wyoming’s GM Components Holdings as a temporary worker making $15.62.
“It was tough but I live with my fiancé, who also works, so we are able to split the bills,” Granison said.
Chad Fox, of Grand Rapids, had no interest in returning to the auto industry. He had been on the bargaining team that had to negotiate the closing of a Lear Corp plant, so Fox admitted he had just moved on.
But friends and colleagues encouraged Fox to return, so he too joined the ranks of the temporary employees at the GM Components Holdings.
“It took longer than it should,” said Fox of his finally becoming a full-time GM employee. “I really didn’t think it would take that long because at first they took 50 but then the numbers started shrinking to 10, then 6, then 4.”
UAW Local 167 member Myron Brewer talks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the plight of the GM worker. (Video by WKTV)
With no guarantee on when they might get hired in as full-time employees, both Granison and Fox worked as many hours as they could to make ends meet. Granison said he worked 12 hours a day, juggling family responsibilities and schedules with his fiancé.
“She works in the evening, so I was able to add a couple of hours before I had to be home,” Granison said. “It’s a lot of coming and going and working on weekends, but you do what you have to survive.”
“I was working seven days a week, 12 hours a day,” Fox said. “There were weeks that I would put in 78 hours but most of the time it was 65-75 hours a week.”
After waiting a year to be hired in, Granison said he only received an .82 per hour raise, bringing his hourly wage to just more than half the estimated livable hourly wage that a family of four in Kent County needs, according to the United Way’s ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed, Simply) According to ALICE, for Kent County, the needed livable hourly wage is $32.39 for a family of four. It is $10.81 for a single adult.
For the past four weeks, both men have been surviving on $250 in strike pay, about 38 percent of their weekly salary, which Donate said has helped to cover the basics, food, shelter, etc.
“My daughter was doing gymnastics which was $70 and we had to cut that out,” Donate said. “We also had one in band, learning different instruments and one in swimming, which was $60-$70, but we can’t afford that right now.”
UAW Local 167 president Willie Holmes and bargaining chair Martin Wood. (Photo by WKTV)
On Oct. 13, the UAW increased strike pay to $275 per week — workers at the GM Components Holdings receive the strike pay if they walk the line at least one-day a week — and allowed for strikers to get part-time jobs that would not have any impact on their strike pay. Before, workers receiving $250 a week in strike pay and could not receive more in part-time pay than the strike pay amount.
The relief from UAW about part-time work comes as good news for both Fox and Granison. Both men have considered part-time work especially if the strike continues.
There was more good news as according to reports GM and the UAW have been working intensely in negotiations with numerous UAW leaders called to meet in Detroit on Thursday. GM officials have stated that “We continue to negotiate and change proposals, and it remains our goal to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our employees and our company.” For more information, visit the company’s website, buildingastrongerfuture.gm.com.
Marge Wilson is always a welcoming figure at her shop, Marge’s Donut Shop. (Photo by Colleen Pierson).
By Colleen Pierson WKTV Contributor
The time is 2 a.m. and Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Den on 28th Street in Wyoming, wakes up ready to make the donuts, cakes, cookies, and muffins. She turns 80 in December, but that doesn’t stop this sweet dynamo from giving her all to community and business.
“I will always support this community through loyalty, and hard work—I try to give back every way I can,” Marge said.
And give back she does: Take the 222 wells campaign she has supported to provide drinking water to residents of southeast Nigeria or the countless amounts of non-profits she has helped.
“She’s first of the first class, and has a heart bigger than life,” said Vince Portelli at a recent AMBUC community event.
Donuts and cookies and more are available at Marge’s Donut Den. (Photo by Colleen Pierson).
Marge’s Donut Den, open for 44 years, is a fixture in West Michigan. She arrives to her donut shop at 4 a.m., 365 days a year since she established her business in 1975. Everything is made fresh from dough and batter to fillings and icings. Customer favorites are apple fritters and long johns.
A selection of gluten free treats from Marge’s Donut Den. (Photo by Colleen Pierson)
“When we first started, we had about 14 different types of donuts,” she said. “Now we are at 60 different varieties. My favorite is anything with chocolate or cinnamon sugar.”
On a daily basis, hundred of customers enter through the doors where the slogan, “Be kind. Be good.” is placed. You definitely are treated like family here.
Amy Mead, an employee at Marge’s, said it well: “There is no place I would ever want to work than here. So much joy and fun to be had on a daily basis.”
When I asked Marge Wilson what her future plans are, she hesitated, then said with a great chuckle…
“It used to be people would ask me, ‘What’s next for you Marge?’ I would tell them, ‘Wait until I am 80 and ask.’ Now, I have to say, ask me when I’m 85.”
She has always believed that if you make a quality product, people will keep coming back. And that belief should continue for many years to come.
The author Colleen Pierson with Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Shop. (Photo by Colleen Pierson).
Old tires are hard to recycle, but Kent County has a free take-back this week.
By Kent County
The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) Monday. Oct. 14, that community members can safely dispose up to 10 passenger tires for free at either the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center in Rockford and South Kent Recycling & Waste Center in Byron Center. Kent County residents can bring their old tires to either facility during normal business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 15-18.
“Whole tires are notoriously difficult to get rid of because they are not accepted by trash pick-up and cannot be disposed in a landfill unless they are shredded,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County Department of Public Works. “We encourage Kent County residents to take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of old tires.”
The free tire disposal is made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Tire disposal normally costs between $4-6 per tire. All the collected tires will be sent to a facility that will process and recycle them into new products.
The free tire disposal comes at a time when the Kent County Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites due to the recent Eastern Equine Encephali s (EEE) outbreak, a virus that can lead to seizures, coma or even death. Old tires with standing water are a potential mosquito breeding ground. As of Oct. 11, there were 10 human cases of EEE in Michigan. There have been no human cases in Kent County.
“We encourage all residents to take every precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said Adam London, Health Officer Kent County Health Department. “Removing any potential mosquito breeding ground from your property not only helps protect you and your family, but it also helps protect our community.”
For facility hours, locations and contact information, visit reimaginetrash.org.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in the 2019 Metro Health Race Weekend. For the 13thconsecutive year, Metro Health is the title sponsor of the Grand Rapids Marathon, and for the first year Metro Health has extended their sponsorship to include Run Thru The Rapids 5k, 10K and Family Walk.
“Metro Health continues to sponsor this event year after year because it encourages health and wellness in our community,” said Greg Meyer, Chief Community Officer, Metro Health – University ofMichigan Health. “This weekend is a culmination of athlete’s hard work and training, and Metro Health is happy to help participants celebrate and cross that finish line safely.”
All of the weekend’s races start and finish at the David D Hunting YMCA, located at 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The timeline for the weekend is as follows:
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. Metro Heath Run Thru The Rapids 10k, 5k and Family Walk
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Health and Fitness Expo
1:30 p.m. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Marathon
Sunday, Oct. 20
7:30 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Wheelchair and Handcycle Division
8 a.m. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Foster Swift Half Marathon Pepsi Max Marathon Relay
Metro Health’s Sports Medicine team will be providing on-site medical attention throughout the entire weekend. They will be on the course prepared to assist runners with medical issues and help them safely reach the finish line. Metro Health volunteers will also be running several aid-stations, supporting runner safety and giving back to the community.
Leading up to the race weekend as well as race day, both Greg Meyer and Metro Health Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Ed Kornoelje, will be available for interviews. Whether it’s advice from an expert marathon runner or running safety tips, Metro Health experts have it covered.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert Camus
Early Trick or Treat
The City of Wyoming and its Parks and Recreation will offer the community a Trick or Treat Trail, a free event for kids and families, on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Lamar Park. Go here for complete information.
Craft, crafts and more crafts
You want me at that craft show? You need me at that craft show? You can handle me at that craft show. We got a list. Go here for complete information.
Woodland Mall’s Von Maur wing. (Photo Credit: WKTV)
Merriment at the Mall
The opening of the new Von Maur at the Woodland Mall is only the biggest of the happenings at Kentwood’s shopping focal point this weekend. Go here for complete information.
Fun fact:
135 minutes
Average amount of time spent at a shopping mall when people go to one. Source.
UAW Local 167 have been on strike for about a month. (Photo credit: WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma joanne@wktv.org
Despite his own business wows with an electric bill at around $20,000, Mitten Pizza owner Jamie Zichterman did not blink an eye when it came to donating pizzas to the UAW Local 167.
“I think it was just the right thing to do,” Zichterman said. “Regardless of what type of issues we were facing, it was just something that we needed to.”
About 46,000 GM employees went on strike Sept. 15 which included 650 employees from Wyoming’s GM Holdings Components LCC, a subsidiary company of GM that makes auto parts.
The Mitten Pizza is located in Middleville with the nearest GM facility being the Wyoming plant. Because of the distance, the strike will have minimal impact on his business, Zicterman said, adding that he has seen an uptick in business that he credits to the amount of publicity he has had over his surprise electric bill of about $20,000 from Great Lakes Energy. Zichterman is currently trying to settle the bill with friends establishing a GoFundMe page to help pay it.
“What was surprising was to see the people coming in with UAW shirts buying pizzas and donating like crazy to the cause,” Zichterman said. “It shows if you do the right thing, good things will happen.”
Marilyn Free, manager of Marge’s Donut Den, said the Wyoming donut shop has not been impacted much by the strike either.
“Other than people stopping to pick up donuts for those striking, no we have not seen anything,” Free said, adding that people have been purchasing three to four dozen donuts at a time along with coffee to go.
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. (Photo credit: GVSU)
Brian Long, director of Supply Management Research at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, said in his monthly economics report, he is not surprised that there has not been much impact felt from the strike at this point since most of the local firms and businesses have diversified their customer bases.
“None of the firms in our survey is exclusively GM which was not the case from 20 years ago,” Long said. “Two of the firms I talked to indicated that they are actually stockpiling for GM. They figure that when GM does come out of this strike there is going to be a huge build up demand and they are going to need the parts that they are producing. However if this drags on for too long we may see some marginal layoffs.”
Long said regardless of the strike, the whole auto industry has been slowing down for 2019 with it being down about 1.6 percent on sales.
The Wyoming GM Components Holdings LLC has been building precision machined automotive components for almost 70 years. The plant makes such parts as lifters and the axle for full-size trucks. WKTV did contact a couple of local suppliers with one indicating that despite the warning on the GM Parts webpage about a delay in getting parts, they were able to continue fulfilling orders.
Todd Bartrand, owner of Wyoming’s Bob and Dave’s Garage, which like many similar independent garages purchase parts from suppliers and not directly from GM, indicated his business has not been impacted by the strike, yet.
“So far, so good,” Bartrand said. “I guess if it does not get resolved soon we might feel it, but for right now, we have not noticed anything.”
Congressmen Bill Huizenga (R) in a recent interview with Fox Business said he has reached out to a number of suppliers that supply GM.
“Our suppliers are kind of mixed. Some of them are really afraid as they have slowed down and had to lay people off voluntarily that they may not be able to keep doing that voluntarily and they would have to do layoffs,” Huizenga said, adding that there is some concern that these employees would seek employment in other industries.
The strike is now four weeks old. UAW officials have stated that issues have been temporary employees becoming full-time GM workers, wages, pensions, and job security.
A GM spokesperson said “We continue to negotiate and exchange proposals, and it remains our goal to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our employees and our company.” For more information, visit the company’s website, buildingastrongerfuture.gm.com.
Lee High School’s boys soccer team preps for District tournament play. (Photo Credit: WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
After a 17-1 regular season, and being crowned co-champions of the OK Conference Silver, the Lee High School Legends boys soccer team is preparing for another run at a District title next week at Hudsonville Unity Christian and — hopefully — another shot at a Unity Christian squad which knocked them out in the District finals last season.
But first things first. As his team practiced this week, Lee coach Jaime Ramirez talked to WKTV about his team having a week off after a great regular season, detailed his top players, and his belief that this year’s team has brought their own bit of pride to the school.
Oh, and ya. There is that thing about “the kids” wanting a rematch with Unity Christian.
“It is a fantastic season so far, the kids are playing so good,” Ramariez said. “They earned this (conference co-championship) because they are doing the job on the field. … There is a little (school) pride in this team this year.”
Ramirez gives some of the credit for the school pride to Lee Middle and High School’s new principal, Candy VanBuskirk, who in addition to her impressive educational background played and coached basketball at the collegiate level — “This year the new principal is doing good job announcing (game results) every morning when we play, how we did.”
There was a lot of good news announced, as far as the soccer team’s season was concerned.
The Legends outscored their regular season opponents 81-12, with their only loss being a 1-0 setback to conference co-champion Grandville Calvin Christian, which the Legends beat early in the season, 2-1.
While scoring has not been a problem for the Legends this season, Ramirez still thinks they can do better and he is using the team’s 10-day layoff to “adjust” some things.
The long layoff “is kind of bad because the kids don’t get to play,” he said. “But it is kind of good too because the kids get to rest and I am able to adjust some things, what we’ve been struggling on, like targeting or scoring goals. That is my main thing right now.”
Lee High School’s boys soccer team huddles, from an early season game. (Photo Credit: WKTV)
Senior-led but but with plenty of young stars
The Legends are deep and talented with both offensive and defensive position players, according to their coach.
Senior co-captain and midfielder Raúl Montañez has 10 goals and six assists this season, junior co-captain and midfielder Gerardo Montañez has scored 10 goals and has eight assists, sophomore midfielder Edgar Vazquez leads the team in assists with 16 while adding five goals. But the team’s scoring leader is co-captain Michael Esqueda with 19 goals and five assists this season.
Senior forward Tristan Perez has played through injuries but still contributed nine goals and 10 assists.
On what has been a smothering defense, sophomore Alexandro Ruiz “improved so much and … (is a) very solid defender”, Ramirez said, while junior Gustavo Romero has also anchored the back line. Senior goalkeeper Jorge Montes blocked two penalty kicks, has 25 saves and six shutouts.
Two younger players who have contributed to the team’s success are junior Wili Diaz and Jacob Flores, who has played both on the field and in goal. “Definably he (Flores) will be my main goalkeeper next season, but he did an outstanding job as a defender,” Ramirez said.
District tournament outlook
Coach Ramirez said he and his team are not looking past their first game of the District 35 tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at a time to be determined, when they will play the winner of an opening round contest between Grand Rapids Catholic and Grand Rapids West Catholic. But, should they win, they know which team they’d like to see in the District finals.
“We have to beat anybody that is going to be in our way, regardless of who it is,” Ramirez said. “If we come out and play a bad game, and they beat us up, then we don’t have anything to say. But if we play good, it doesn’t matter who we play, if we play good, we beat them.”
And as far as that rematch with Unity Christian — “The kids are looking for that rematch because they think they can do better this year than we did last year.”
There’s a fascinating creature in teacher Kate Hull’s classroom. She has a triangular head with bulging eyes and an enormous appetite. She moves at lightning speed and eats grasshoppers like tasty morsels.
Meet Francis the Mantis — fierce hunter. Agile acrobat. Writer’s muse. Bad girlfriend.
Francis devours a grasshopper. (School News Network)
Not only is the other-worldly-looking praying mantis, which students found in the schoolyard, providing entertainment in the West Elementary classroom; she is teaching students a thing or two about curiosities in the natural world and fierce animal instincts, the fourth graders explained.
From inside her habitat of leaves, dirt, sticks and grass, Francis has inspired much scientific study, research papers, and lots of conversation.
While she mostly eats other bugs, praying mantises can take down animals three times her size, students learned. “They can eat birds, frogs, lizards, snakes and each other,” said Kalayla Kome.
In a research paper, Julianna Mosher detailed the insect’s habitat, eggs and diet. “They live in warmer regions and prefer hotter places. Most species can be found in the tropical rainforest,” she wrote.
Also, the class shared, Francis can turn her head 180 degrees and has one ultrasonic ear on her chest.
But perhaps most gruesomely, “When they mate, the female eats the male,” said Cody Stacy.
There are endless interesting facts to learn about praying mantises. (School News Network)
Schoolyard Visitor
A few weeks ago, while outside for recess, students discovered Francis hanging out on the side of the school building. They ran to tell Hull, who said, “Go get it!”
Julianna’s mother brought in a butterfly habitat, and the students got busy learning what Francis needed to survive. They built a dwelling perfect for a mantis. They watched her eat — often, and voraciously — and soon noticed her trim abdomen begin to bulge.
“We started to wonder, maybe this isn’t a male,” Hull said.
Sure enough, the next Monday morning an egg sac called an ootheca hung on the side of the cage.
Students are also learning about the circle of life. Francis will soon die, which is nature’s way of protecting her eggs from the always hungry mother, said Hull.
In eight to 10 weeks the eggs should hatch, though Hull’s unsure if she will keep them in the class. The babies are so tiny, she said, they could crawl out of the habitat’s netting.
She’s loved seeing the students learn about Francis step by step, from discovery to research to catching food and feeding her, to observing and writing about her.
“It was the most impromptu learning lesson I’ve had in years,” Hull said. “It’s been amazing.”
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Christopher Hernandez describes how a praying mantis hunts and eats. (School News Network)
Artist Jon Lopez’ creatures come to life in his studio. (Photo Credit: WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Wyoming resident Jon Lopez’ early day job is managing a Bagel Beanery on Clyde Park Avenue SW, where he is often present at the crack of dawn getting ready for the morning rush of caffeine seekers and bagel lovers.
Ernie and Ziggy (bakers bear and rabit) with bagels Jonathan Lopez 2019 (Courtesy of the artist)
But in the afternoons or early evenings, in his basement sculpture studio, he sort of transports himself to another world — a world of clay-full characters including thoughtful monkeys, mice on a mission and a green octopus that he is almost on talking terms with.
“I always have a tremendous amount of self-doubt when I’m starting a sculpture, but then suddenly the character is looking back at me and I say ‘Oh, shoot’, this is the character, its spirit,” Lopez, a 2015 graduate of Grand Rapids Community College, said to WKTV. “An animal will just set on the desk until that breath of life is put into them. … If I don’t get that feeling, it does not get put out.”
And one of the self-titled Clay Alchemist’s favorite characters-come-to-life is a green octopus called Charlie, who will be present at the current exhibition “GRCC Alumnus: Jonathan Lopez”, at GRCC’s Collins Art Gallery. The exhibition held a soft opening Sept. 30, plans a opening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 3-7 p.m., and will run through Oct. 25.
Charlie the Octopus Charlie the Octopus Jon Lopez 2019. (Courtesy of the artist)
“The simplicity of Charlie is one of my favorites,” Lopez said. “And I’ve come back to him a couple times. I just like messing with octopuses. They are really fun … they have really comical faces.”
Lopez has a long history with clay sculptural work, which has undergone a environmental transformation to plasticine, and over the years developed an artistic preference for the end result being high-tech photos of his sculptures in unusual settings and then the recycling of the original works of art.
“I like the idea (of using plasticine), that I can reuse it over and over again. … I just like the concept of nothing is permanent,” he said. “There is something nice and refreshing that when something is done, it is out of my hands. I might keep it for a short time, so some people can see it in person. But when it is done — once the (photograph) illustration is done, I like to take them apart and that same clay goes into the next illustration. … In a way it is environmentally friendly.”
And as far as the choice of photographs being the final product?
Jon Lopez in his studio. (Photo Credit: WKTV)
“I have always been really reserved with letting people see the finished product, in person, the actual sculpture in person,” he said. “Allowing me to do the photograph, rather than you see it in person, I have more control of the lighting and where it is at. I almost feel that, as an artist, you lose a lot control and emotion when you hand it off to someone else. And the photography just enables you that control when you hand off the finished piece.”
He uses Fuji metallic paper in printing, which “brings a really dimensional esthetic to the picture,” he said. “When you have just a standard glossy, or luster, there is a lack of depth to there photograph. The metallic just picks up the highlights in a certain way where I’ve had so many people come up to a print and say ‘It looks lifelike. It looks 3-dimensional.”
While most of the sculptural and photographic work occurs in his basement studio, sometimes his creatures travel.
“My friend and I went to Colorado as well as Louisiana with some characters … There has been a few spring breaks where I have taken them along,” he said. “I took a turtle down to Louisiana and I took his photograph in New Orleans and in the swamps.”
The exhibition is really the evolution of his work, starting with his first publicly shown work, when he was just out of college, “which was an online dating parody,” then there is a series which has not been on exhibit called “Curious Cuisine, which is sort of a humorous approach to looking at the lives of food.”
Some of his work — maybe as he matures — is becoming more serious, maybe even described as “dark”. One series of works is called “No Dignity” which includes the photograph “Untermench”.
Untermench Jonathan Lopez 2019. (Courtesy of the artist)
“Untermench literally means sub-human, and it’s just an analogy of the way that people treat, that people in general, demonize a group of people. The photograph is of a cat exterminating mice and cockroaches, and over the years, since Hitler, really, people have been called cockroaches or vermin, and exterminated,” Lopez said. “This is an examination of social issues, really. … It is important to have these conversations about how we treat each other.”
But, Lopez says, when he gets too dark, there is always Charlie and other fun and funny creations waiting to come to life.
“As an artist, when you have a point in life, when you’re getting a more low-key part in your life, or you are just going thorough some inner turmoil, it is nice to have an outlet,” he said. “But at the same time, when I do a couple of darker pieces, then I would have to do a curious cuisine illustration … The truth is that I cannot stay in that (serious) vein for too long.”
The GRCC Collins Art Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, formerly Main Building, 143 Bostwick Ave NE. Grand Rapids. Gallery hour at Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit GRCC.edu/visualarts .
Russian-born pianist Olga Kern was the first woman in 30 years to win the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. She performs with the Grand Rapids Symphony Oct. 4-5. Story here.
Right en pointe
A scene from rehearsals of Ballet 5:8’s “Butterfly”. (Supplied/Ballet 5:8)
Ballet 5:8, the Chicago-based dance company known for providing audiences with “a unique opportunity to engage in conversation on relevant life and faith topics addressed in the company’s repertoire”, will return to Grand Rapids Oct. 5 with a program both emotionally heavy and delightfully spiritual. At the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship on Saturday, Oct. 5, starting at 7pm. Go here for more info.
Got leaves? Go here.
Beginning Oct. 5, the City of Kentwood will again offer its brush and leaf drop-off sites at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The sites will run concurrently from Saturday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 7, with open hours from noon to 8pm, Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6pm on Sundays. Here’s the info.
Fun fact:
A new trip for Alice
Mad Hatters Tea Party in the eye of a needle by Willard Wigand
Willard Wigand makes these teeny-tiny sculptures — so itty-bitty, in fact, that he uses a microscope to create them. Wigand enters a meditative state, slows his heartbeat and sculpts between pulses. And holds his breath, apparently — one time he inhaled Alice from an Alice in Woodland tableau he was working on inside the eye of a needle.
UAW Local 167 members walk the picket line at one of the entrances to the GM-Components Holdings LLC, located on the corner of Burlingame and Burton. (WKTV)
On any given work day, Willie Holmes’ car would be one of about two in the parking lot of the UAW Local 167 office located at 1320 Burton St. SW.
However, this being day 19 of a nationwide UAW strike against GM, the 42-space parking lot is packed with vehicles as strikers head to their assigned posts and retirees come in to help prepare food and work on the organization’s newsletter.
“I’m a little tired,” said Holmes, who serves as the president of UAW Local 167, which represents employees at the GM-Components Holdings LLC, located at the corner of Burlingame and Burton in Wyoming.
Holmes does not look or act tired. He moves effortlessly through the hall, answering questions and talking to members and retirees.
“Actually things are going quite well,” Holmes said. “I think many of us didn’t expect the strike to happen so there was a little bit of chaos in the beginning as this is the first strike for many of us, but we got our groove going now.”
The last GM/UAW strike was in 2007 with about 73,000 employees striking for two days. The longest and largest GM/UAW strike was in 1970, which was 67 days and had about 343,000 GM employees striking in both the U.S. and Canada.
The parking lot at the UAW Local 167. (WKTV)
On Sept. 15, 46,000 GM workers went on strike, of which 650 employees are from the GM-Components Holdings in Wyoming. According to Holmes, there is about 137 employees still working at the plant as they support the Toyota line.
What many people do not understand is that the plant in Wyoming is a subsidiary to GM, Holmes said.
“Many have lumped us in with the traditional GM plants, saying that we make a $1,000 a week,” Holmes said. “I don’t make a $1,000 a week.”
Wages are one of the issues the UAW wants addressed as currently there is a three-tier system. For those at GM Components, a general employee who has been at the plant for 13 years makes about $22 per hour or $45,760 gross per year. The starting wage at a traditional GM plant, like the Lansing plant, is around $29 per hour. Temporary employees make $15.62 per hour.
“So for many of these temporary workers, they are working 10- to 12-hour shifts to make any money,” Holmes said. The union also wants a clear pathway for full-time employment for temporary employees. Currently there is none, according to Holmes.
“They are working one, two, three years,” Holmes said. “There is one temporary worker in Lansing who has been working for five years. That is five years of no profit sharing, no vacation days.”
While there are some places that temporary employees work well, the auto industry is not one of them, he said.
“That is another misconception in that it is grungy, basic work that anyone off the street can do,” Holmes said. “There is a lot of technology involved in auto manufacturing. You can’t just come in and push a button, you have to know why are you are pushing that button.”
From an Oct. 1 letter from UAW Vice President and Director Terry Dittes, other issues centered on health care costs, skilled trades and job security. A GM spokesperson said “We continue to negotiate and exchange proposals, and it remains our goal to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our employees and our company.” For more information, visit the ompany’s website, buildingastrongerfuture.gm.com.
“This is going to be historical,” Holmes said, adding that the negotiations will set a tone as to how employees in the auto industry and other places are treated. “It has been like a movement. I believe people are just tired of the greed. They are tried of being taking advantage of.”
One of the sheets listing those who have donated. (WKTV)
There has been community support with three large sheets of paper on the walls filled with individuals and businesses who have donating food and supplies in support of the union and its members.
The ripple effect of the strike also is being felt. Along with the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings, the UAW Local 167 also represents employees at Robert Bosch Fuel Systems, Challenge Manufacturing, Caravan, and North American Fuel Systems Remanufacturing. Holmes said work has slowed down with lay-offs happening at some of the businesses.
As to when the strike will end, Holmes could not predict, but the local is looking to extend services to its members and their families by offering a food pantry, a diaper drive and other resources such as financial planning. Recently, members started receiving $250 a week in strike pay, which is only a portion of an employee’s paycheck — temporary or permanent.
“We have worked to help members get deferred rent payments, deferred car payments,” Holmes said. “We are bringing people in to talk to members about spending and how to budget on a modified income.”
Before the current school year started in August, Godfrey-Lee Pubic Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston publicly expressed concern that this summer’s partial collapse of a portion of the Lee Middle and High School building could drive parents to transfer their students out of the district.
Such a loss of student head count would add a reduction in state per-student funding to the losses in class space and district financial flexibility.
But, the district reported Wednesday, Oct. 2, that Godfrey-Lee Public Schools counted 1,824 students today during Michigan’s Fall Count Day, according to supplied information. The number is slightly above the 1,820 students the district based the 2019-20 budget on and would result “in a modest amount of additional funds for the district.”
The number represents a similar number from the spring count, and a loss of 21 students from last fall’s count.
Fall counts occur on the first Wednesday in October and represent 90 percent of state funding. Spring counts occur on the second Wednesday in February and represent 1 percent of state funding. According to state school funding records, Godfrey-Lee gained $10,807 per student in 2017-18. But the amount can change year-to-year and per student funding for 2019-20 is not yet finalized.
“The district is grateful for the support of our community during the past four months and the trust they have in the district,” Polston said. “We are honored to serve our community to provide an excellent educational experience for our students based on deep, meaningful relationships and rigorous learning.
“Our student count will allow the district to grow the vision into the future as we partner with a dedicated staff and loyal community partners to design innovative practices that prepare students for success well into the future.”
Seven classrooms and the psychologist’s office were destroyed during a roof collapse at the school building, located at 1335 Lee St. SW, on June 5. No one was injured. It was determined that corrosion of bar joists that supported the roof structure caused it to disengage from the exterior wall.
On June 23, the remaining structure of the affected area collapsed from the weight of the debris. With localized repairs, the remaining portion of the building was ready for opening day as planned on Aug. 19.
Superintendent Kevin Polston listens to community members during a community forum on Sept. 11. The forum was held to gather renovation ideas for Lee Middle and High School. (School News Network)
A pronounced entrance way, flexible spaces, better ventilation and lighting, and a separate auditorium and gym were common threads at the school district’s first community forum seeking input for the renovation of Lee Middle and High School held recently at the Early Childhood Center.
Seven classrooms and the psychologist’s office were destroyed during a roof collapse at 1335 Lee St. SW on June 5. No one was injured. It was determined that corrosion of bar joists that supported the roof structure caused it to disengage from the exterior wall.
On June 23, the remaining structure of the affected area collapsed from the weight of the debris. With localized repairs, the remaining portion of the building was ready for opening day as planned on Aug. 19.
Two more forums will be held, on Oct. 9 and Nov. 4 at Lee Middle and High School. The board plans to vote on design plans on Nov. 11.
The design phase will take place through May, and construction is planned to begin next summer.
The forum is the first of three sessions to get feedback from the community and to create a renovation plan.
Kevin Polston
Superintendent Kevin Polston said the forums will build on each other.
“We need folks to keep coming because we want the community’s voice to be represented in the final product,” he explained. “This is a community project.”
There are two phases: Phase 1 is redesigning the wing affected by the roof collapse, and Phase 2 involves planning other portions of the building.
Although a financial offer from the insurance company hasn’t yet been made, Polston said the process moves on.
“We’re trying to be patient with that … and we’ll keep the community in the loop,” he said. “I really want to credit our students and staff at Lee. We made the best of the situation, and our students were very patient finding new rooms and not having a locker in the first couple weeks.”
Polston reiterated that the site is safe during construction.
“There are fire walls and locked doors preventing students and anybody from accessing the affected area. Our contractors for plumbing, electrical, fire suppression and technology are designing how to reroute the infrastructure so we can demolish the wing.”
The wing is planned to be demolished in the next six weeks and “won’t impact our school, the learning environment,” Polston explained.
Creating A Vision
After the presentation, which included site information and a look at design trends by architectural/engineering firm TowerPinkster, community members took part in small group discussions.
Common themes included having flexible spaces, classroom connectivity, comfortable furniture, natural and better lighting, a comfortable learning environment that includes better ventilation and air conditioning, a dedicated auditorium for the arts, and a cafeteria separate from the gym.
Two other popular ideas were to build a pronounced, inviting entranceway — “a new opportunity to embrace people,” a community member said — and a courtyard open to other areas of the building.
“The feedback really resonated with what we’re trying to do; it’s about creating a vision for what the school could be and that’s exactly what we needed,” Polston said. “We had staff, community members, parents; a good cross-section of the community. Even though we didn’t have a high turnout, I think the representation was what we were hoping for.”
Other feedback included:
Safe and secure entrances
Flexibility to change with trends and needs
TVs throughout to inform and update
ADA accessibility
Include student input
Community needs to own the redesign
Transparency: what’s going on and why?
A recent photo of Lee Middle and High School shows a closed-off area of the building where the roof collapsed on June 5
Meetings Eased Fears
Cecilia Garcia, a mother of four students, said she’s attending the meetings to make sure they’ll get an updated and modernized building.
“This one has a lot of issues,” she said. “I have three kids in high school and they always complain that it’s too hot in there and they can’t concentrate during class. I want to keep updated as to what’s going on.”
Right after the collapse, Garcia said she was worried about the building and tried to transfer her kids to another district, but was too late to enroll them.
She said her worries have eased since going to the meetings.
Board of Education trustee and parent Jackie Hernandez, who has two children in middle school, said she wants to make sure they deliver clear, understandable information to the community.
She said one of the primary things her children want is air conditioning.
“It’s very hot in the school,” said Hernandez, who wants access to technology included in the new design, and to make sure a school is built with the future in mind.
Funding Needed
Polston said he has met with legislators multiple times, including with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently to tell their story and get support. He told those at the forum that the community’s voices are being heard.
Polston said the district is asking for stabilization funds for a year to avoid added pressure on the budget if enrollment falls below projections — possible if fears about the collapse prompt some to transfer out of the district.
“We’re monitoring enrollment closely to determine if that would be a solution for us,” he explained.
The district also is pushing for a structural fix for the inequity of school funding.
“A district like ours that has the second-lowest tax base in the state of Michigan on a per-pupil basis … we’re about tapped out as to what we can levy,” Polston said. “When we look at equity for our students, the kids that need the most, unfortunately, tend to get the least in the state of Michigan.
“Our students deserve the same opportunities, the same access that students anywhere do.”
With the limited funding, Polston said one possibility is a capital campaign to seek donations.
As with the mascot change last summer, the board said they wouldn’t use general funds, and to date have raised over $120,000 in community donations toward that effort.
“We’re going to keep having those conversations to see if we can raise private money to match what the community can raise,” Polston said. “The worst they can tell me is no; I take rejection well.”
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
The VOICES Airstream parked at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Heartside
WKTV VOICES visited the Heartside district, and one of the many things we learned is that being homeless is exhausting. Go here to read and listen to what some Heartside residents and workers have to say about their experiences.
Time’s running out to share your vision
City leaders are looking for community input on the future of the City of Wyoming, and will be hosting another Wyoming [Re]Imagined meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6-8pm at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming. More details here.
Well, isn’t that grand?
Woodland Mall sketch new entrance Von Maur wing 2019 (Supplied/Woodland Mall)
This fall, shoppers will enjoy the long-anticipated grand opening of first-to-portfolio department store Von Maur and the expansion of what will be known as the Von Maur wing at Woodland Mall, along with The Cheesecake Factory as a new dining anchor. Read all about it here.
Fun fact:
232 years
He was a very good boy
The number of years by which Adwaita outlived Lord Clive.
Lord Clive later became an opium addict and committed suicide in 1774 at the age of 49.
Adwaita’s shell cracked in 2005, and he died from infection and liver failure in 2006. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between 150-255 years old.
If the topmost number is to be believed, then Adwaita outlived Clive by 232 years.
Between the corridors of West Godwin Elementary is a courtyard area. Last spring, it was all pavement and grass. Now, it’s brimming with sunflowers, zucchini, watermelons, carrots, and cucumbers.
The new garden is a collaboration between West Godwin’s T.E.A.M. 21 after school program and H.O.P.E. Gardens, a Wyoming-based nonprofit that teaches students in grades K-12 about sustainable ways to grow food while “Helping Other People Eat,” which is what the name stands for.
First grader A’Sahra Kanjia explores the garden. (School News Network)
Ellen Veenkant is the site coordinator for the building’s T.E.A.M. 21 program. Last April, she received a grant from the Michigan Community Service Council to plant the garden.
On their first visit to the garden, students had the opportunity to harvest two items to take home.
“My favorite food was the watermelon. It was juicy,” said first grader Aixi Medina-Mati. “I like that we get to plant veggies and fruit. I liked eating the basil leaves too. It’s important to have a garden so we can get flowers and food.”
“Who wants to sample some cucumbers?” Julie Brunson asked students.
“Meeeeeeee!” answered a chorus of first, second, and third graders.
Julie and her husband, Rich Brunson, visit the school every other week and work with students to maintain the garden. The Brunsons founded H.O.P.E. Gardens to fulfill an idea dreamed up by Rich, who had experienced homelessness and hunger as a teen in the Wyoming area.
Second grader Andy Valenzuela samples the harvest. (School News Network)
The couple work alongside students, teaching them about sunflowers, encouraging them to chew mint leaves, and showing them what’s ripe for the picking.
Julie said that besides the obvious benefits of teaching students to garden and providing fresh produce, there is another plus to a garden at school: working in the dirt is good for you, and can uplift your mood. Students don’t always realize it, she said, but this is their happy place.
The Brunsons want students to take ownership of the space. Julie makes a habit of starting discussions by asking students, ‘Whose garden is this?”
“Our garden!” is the answer.
While H.O.P.E. Gardens is doing similar work in other districts, this garden is the first of its kind in Godwin Heights Public Schools.
GVSU’s annual Shakespeare Festival returns this weekend featuring one of the Bard’s most famous comedies “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” Roger Ellis directs the production that centers around four young lovers who leave Athens due to a law that requires a daughter to marry the wrong man or die. The group ends up in the lair of some fairies who decide to have some fun with them and a group of bumbling actors. Opening night is Friday Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. with shows running this weekend and next.
Music for the Soul
Shayna Steele joins the Grand Rapids Symphony for the “Queens of Soul.” (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Pops pays tribute to the voices that revolutionized rock and revitalized R&B with Queens of Soul on Sept. 27-29 in DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, to open the 2019-2020 Fox Motors Pops series. Special guest vocalists Shayna Steele, Kelly Levesque and Brie Cassil will be joining the Grand Rapids Symphony for such songs as Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” and Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude.” Tickets start at $18 for adults and $5 for students. Visit grsymphony.org.
Lending Your Voice
WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma with St. Cecilia Music Center Executive Director Cathy Holbrook. (WKTV)
St. Cecilia Music Center kicks of its season on Oct. 3 when country and folk singer Lee Ann Womack visits Grand Rapids. Or you could wait until Oct. 20 for when Judy Collins makes her way to the the facility located on 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Better yet, just visit scmc-online.org to check out the full St. Cecilia Music Center season, which includes a classical, jazz and folk. Want a few more hints? How about Rosanne Cash Feb. 19. For more, list to the Locally Entertaining podcast.
Fun Fact: Country Royalty
Since Rosanne Cash is coming to Grand Rapids (in February), we could not resist digging into her family past. Most people know Rosanne is the daughter of country legend Johnny Cash. Her mother was June Carter Cash, who was the daughter of Maybelle Carter. Maybelle was one third of The Carter Family, which also included A.P. Carter and his wife Sara. The Carter Family is considering the first family of country music.
There is still time for you to add your thoughts and ideas on the vision of the City of Wyoming.
The city leaders and staff will be hosting another Wyoming [Re]Imagined meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming.
“We are really looking for community input on this,” said Mayor Jack Poll during a recent City Council meeting. “This is a big deal that will set agendas, look at properties, look at where we want the city to go in the next number of years.
“We have staff here that does a wonderful job. We try to do our best to give out input but when we have 75,000 people in the City of Wyoming, so there are a lot more opinions then you see in this room and we want those to be a part of the plan in a community where you live and work and do business.”
For the past several months, the City of Wyoming has hosted community workshops, student/youth workshops, focus groups, surveys, and pop-up meetings at various locations.
A key component to the various programs have been an interactive mapping exercise to help identify future desired land uses throughout the community. The exercise is an opportunity for residents to help identify where they would like to see such items as future housing, commercial centers, and employment centers.
According to staff, the mapping exercise will provide residents an opportunity to talk about specific areas within the city such as Site 36, Divison Avenue, and 28 West Place/Downtown area. At Thursday’s meeting there will be a Spanish version of the mapping exercise available with a translator provided.
Those unable to attend the workshop can utilize the mapping exercise at the website wyomingreinagined.com or click here for a direct link to the map.
Also available on the website are ongoing surveys which are offered in both English and Spanish.
Junior Jessi Talluto painted a deer skull surrounded by fire and smoke recently on the wall of Wyoming High School.
Finished murals now decorate the hallway (courtesy photo)
The message she hopes to convey through the mural, located between lockers, is about deforestation, she said. Pictures of tiny factories behind the deer symbolize the takeover of wildlife habitat.
Art students are using a soon to-be-demolished hallway as their canvas to temporarily spread awareness and get their peers thinking about social, mental health and environmental issues. Art teacher Robyn Gransow-Higley said they wanted to use the space for art with the purpose of conveying messages before the hallway is torn down.
Renovations and construction of a large building addition are under way at the school, with much to be completed by fall 2020.
“We’re allowing this space to do one last and hopefully positive thing before it goes away,” Gransow-Higley said, noting that students took charge of the project after she got permission to paint on the walls.
Juniors Nicole Start and Onna Burger painted a picture of a bin containing trash with a large recycling bin above it. Onna said she wants students to think about how much they consume and discard. “A lot of people use a lot,” she said. “I want them to think about how things could be in the future if they don’t think about the waste they create.”
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we continue a series looking at the depth and breath of poverty throughout Kent County and specifically in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
To introduce us to some of the issues, we talk with Susan Cervantes, the Director of the Kent County Community Action program which, according to its 2018 annual report, served more than 7,000 individuals including more than 3,800 families, and also handled more than 42,000 information and referral calls.
The Community Action program came into existence 55 years ago when President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation to establish a War on Poverty.
The local group, according to its website “works to eliminate the causes and circumstances of poverty by investing in individuals and families with low incomes. Through dedicated staff and community partnerships we provide services, resources, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all residents of Kent County.”
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).
All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Candy VanBuskirk is the new Lee Middle and High School principal. SNN gets to know her in this edition of Meet Your Principal.
Other positions you have held in education:
Principal at Michigan City High School, Indiana
Assistant Principal at New Prairie High School, Indiana
Biology and chemistry teacher, New Buffalo High School
Head women’s basketball coach, Roberts Wesleyan College, New York
Head women’s basketball coach, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago
Assistant women’s basketball coach at Miami University, Ohio
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, where she was a team co-captain in basketball
Master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University
Master’s degree in science education from the University of Dayton
Currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Indiana State University
Principal Candy VanBuskirk with children Dawson and Sela, and husband, Todd
Spouse/children: husband,Todd; children Dawson and Sela
Hobbies/Interests: Running and reading
What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I was an athlete, and all I wanted to do was play sports. My personality has always been fun, engaging and adventurous.
The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… You have never walked in (their) shoes.
If I could go back to school, I would go to… my senior year in high school, because I could have done more.
If you walked into your new school building to theme music every day, what would the song be? “We are the Champions” by Queen
Three goals for the school year: Attendance, Achievement and Attitude.
Late bloomer: VanBuskirk said she didn’t get into education until her senior year in college.
“I was going on to medical school; I was a bio/chem major and had a conversation with my college basketball coach, who encouraged me to go into education. Right out of college I was a college basketball coach, got engaged and got married, and went on to get my master’s in education and then taught high school.
“When my children started getting into school age, I went back into high school coaching and teaching, and taught high school for six years before I went into administration.”
Principal Candy VanBuskirk, second from left, was a server at her prom at Waynesfield-Goshen High School in Ohio
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
