Category Archives: City of Wyoming

DRCWM wins $50,000 Steelcase grant for Wyoming schools Restorative Circles project

June 27, 20163-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Education, Hard News, Non-ProfitsDispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, DRCWM, Kelloggsville Middle School, Lee Middle School, Restorative Circles, Steelcase, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

victoria@wktv.org

adam bird photo of Chris Gilman — DRCWM’s executive director, Christine Gilman (Photo by Adam Bird)

Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation, the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan (DRCWM) will further develop its Restorative Justice Program for Lee Middle School in Wyoming, Kelloggsville Middle School and Wyoming High School over the next two years.

Spearheaded by its executive director, Christine Gilman, DRCWM began its restorative justice program at Lee Middle School in the fall of 2013. The services target students, staff and the community.

The Steelcase grant will also provide funding to have the three current facilitators become licensed by the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP). Once licensed, the facilitators will be available to train “Introduction to Restorative Practices” and “Using Circles Effectively” to school administrators, teachers and others who wish to invest in the training so that they can join the paradigm shift away from punitive methods of discipline and towards restorative solutions to problematic behavior.

Chris and kids courtesy of Godfrey Lee Public Schools — Christine Gilman leads a restorative circle. (Photo courtesy of Godfrey Lee Public Schools)

Why restorative justice?

Bullying and out-of-control conflict at home or school have far-reaching consequences, with negative effects on communities and society. Without intervention and support, such negative exposure can inhibit youths’ emotional and cognitive development, prohibit healing, lead to serious health issues later in life and may perpetuate the cycle of violence.

“If you just get suspended, the fight is still going to be going on in your head,” said Gilman. “When you come back to school, you’ll probably be 10 times angrier than when you left.

In addition to quelling disputes and developing proactive plans to address misbehavior, restorative practices positively influence the school environment by teaching effective, non-violent ways to handle anger, frustration, and conflict. Restorative practices foster the development of empathy, which creates a more caring and safe environment.

According to the Council of State Governments, during 2012-2013, Michigan students with disabilities lost 190,036 days of instruction due to suspensions and expulsions. Students who are removed from the classroom as punishment are more likely to repeat a grade, drop out or enter the juvenile justice system. In monetary terms, every student who drops out is estimated to lose $250,000 in lifetime earnings, according to the Michigan Student Advocacy Center.

adam bird photo of circles — Photo by Adam Bird

What restorative justice does

A school-based restorative justice program provides an early intervention for youth who are beginning to demonstrate problematic or delinquent behavior. When students are suspended, they are not learning, and they are not resolving the issues that led to suspension.

Often the issues that led to suspension are exacerbated during the student’s absence from school. Further, students who are harmed by others are not typically addressed in school disciplinary measures; whereas in circles they can express their feelings, make suggestions for reparations, and learn more about why the incident occurred. Additionally, circles allow students to take responsibility for their actions, face up to what they have done, apologize and make amends—actions which are likewise not part of traditional discipline.

Restorative practices (including facilitative conferences and circles) offer a holistic approach to school discipline and problem solving. These practices been proven to decrease the number of suspension/expulsion days and disproportionately higher suspension days for non-white students and special education.

Circles are used in a wide variety of instances, including threats of fights; social media issues; bullying; vandalism; and to help restore relationships after suspensions. Circles can be used instead of suspension, to complement a shorter suspension, or to help reintegrate students into the school community following suspension.

Rather than look at which rule was broken and then doling out traditionally prescribed punishment, at-risk students may be sent to a circle for resolution. During a discussion led by the circle facilitator, the students come up with solutions to the issues raised. Circles help students look at what happened, determine the harm done, talk about how the harm can be repaired, and discuss how future harm can be prevented.

The facilitator draws up the restorative agreement in the students’ own words. When the students are satisfied with the content of the restorative agreement, they sign the document.

“Accepting an apology is almost as good as giving an apology,” Gilman said. “When you see that empathy, it’s really cool. I have seen the light go on. The best thing is while I’m typing up the agreement, they’re giggling, laughing and talking,” she said.

For more information on Restorative Practices, visit DRCWM’s website here.

Additional reporting from School News Network.

Wyoming’s 28 West moving from concept to reality

June 21, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News28 West, 28th Street, City of Wyoming, Jack Poll, Wyoming MallJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming took a giant step forward on its 28 West project by entering into a development agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night.

In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council accepted a $1.6 million agreement with Wyoming Mall, LLC, to facilitate the mall owner’s construction and demolition projects, and the relocation of city water, sewer and storm water lines and construction of a new public street. The actual cost to the city will be about $1.2 million for the relocation of city services and construction of the road. The developer’s costs is around $113,000 with there being a 25 percent contingency, around $322,000, for the entire project.

“The Wyoming Mall approached us about doing some major reconstruction/demolition on their property,” said Mayor Jack Poll during Monday night’s council meeting. Mall officials indicated they were ready to allow the city to put in a public road since they were planning to teardown the north end of the mall where Once Upon A Child is located and add a new structure along the northwest side of the building, Poll said.

City Manager Curtis Holt said the city is in active discussions with Loeks Theatre Inc. which owns the Studio 28 property just to the west of the Wyoming Mall. It is the goal of the city to acquire property for the proposed road to continue through with an egress across from Hook Avenue located on the north side of 28th Street between Applebee’s and Anzah Sands West. Proposed land acquisition and construction of the road on the Studio 28 lot is estimated about around $708,000. The entire project from Michael Avenue to Hook Avenue is estimated to be around $2.2 million.

Holt said the city plans to put the project out to bid with the goal of completing the entire road project from Michael to Hook within the next few months.

Because of the Wyoming Mall owners’ decision to move forward with construction, it gave the city an opportunity to officially start its 28 West concept which is a reimagining of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame into a mixed-use town center with new complete streets and compact blocks. Part of that plan features a curving slip street to be the center’s new “main street.” That street is proposed to start on the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. A portion of the road runs straight through the Wyoming Mall property which is bordered by the former Studio 28 site on the west side and Michael Avenue on the east.

Adopted in December of 2013, the 28 West plan has a form-based code, which is a land development regulation that fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form rather than separation of uses. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. 28 West calls for an increase in retail space with a mix of office and residential space.

City officials have been working on the 28 West concept for the past couple of years acknowledging that they knew it would take several years for the plan to materialize. With Wyoming Mall officials’ announcement that they had decided to remodel its facility at 28th Street and Michael Avenue construction of the first part of the 28 West could begin, Poll said.

Plans for Wyoming Mall include removing the north end of the mall and adding a new building to the northwest side of the current facility.

City officials said this is a first good step on the project and they hope it will help encourage growth along the corridor and future development of the 28 West project.

Construction on the site should start soon, Holt said, adding that the city can not begin the road until the demolition at Wyoming Mall is completed . In fact, mall officials want construction to start on the new building so quickly that they are willing to build on top of existing utilities instead of waiting for the city to move those utilities. The council approved a second agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night that mall officials assume any risk for doing this so that the mall could begin construction.

Metro Health to partner with U-M Health System

June 21, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Health, Our Cities, Tech TrendsHealthcare, increased access, Metro Health, U-M, University of Michigan Health SystemsJoanne

generic-metro-health

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Amongst all the medical facilities and providers in the greater Grand Rapids area, Metro Health Corporation can now be considered one of the ‘Leaders and Best’ after recently announcing their intent to join the University of Michigan Health System.

Both organizations signed a letter of intent to bring Metro Health’s hospital and network of doctors, nurses and other providers together with U-M (health system), expanding this academic medical center’s care in western Michigan.

“The U-M Health System is a top-ranked academic medical center with a world-class medical school, extraordinary hospitals and clinics, and groundbreaking research facilities focused on moving cutting edge discovery to patients’ bedsides in order to improve lives,” said Marschall Runge, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president of medical affairs and Dean of the U-M Medical School. “We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Metro Health’s expert physicians and health care professionals in stepped up ways.”

While Metro Health already partners with U-M for clinical services like radiation oncology, this affiliation agreement gives U-M its first hospital near Grand Rapids.

Michael Faas, President of Metro Health, added that joining with the U-M clinical enterprise will bring additional options for complex care to Metro Health patients and to the greater Grand Rapids community.

“It is no secret that U-M has some of the best providers in the state and country,” said Faas. “By joining the ‘leaders and best’ we can build on our existing expertise and provide our patients and community with enhanced access to specialized health care services, scientific discovery and advanced technology.”

The letter of intent signed by both organizations is not a sale and no layoffs are expected at either health system. Also not expected, a U-M satellite medical campus like Michigan State University has with Spectrum Health.

“There are currently no plans for a medical school to come as a result of the partnership,” said Metro Health spokeswoman Ellen Bristol.

The partnership with U-M comes a year after a proposed partnership with a for-profit Tennessee-based hospital chain dissolved. The Tennessee organization was to contribute between $100 to $125 million in capital to Metro Health.

Maranda Park Parties kick off in Wyoming, include Kentwood location

June 20, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, EntertainmentEast Kentwood High School, Lamar Park, Maranda, Maranda Park Party, WOODJoanne

Maranda (second from the right) and gang get ready to host the Maranda Park Parties, starting in Wyoming this Thursday.

You know its summer in West Michigan when WOOD TV’s Maranda kicks offer her Park Parties, which once again will start at Wyoming’s Lamar Park this Thursday, June 23.

“We are excited to kick-off the 2016 Park Party at Lamar Park in Wyoming,” said Maranda during a recent interview. “It’s a beautiful park and we love working with the city officials.”

For more than 15 years, Maranda has hosted the annual summer Park Parties event, which run for a couple of hours with all activities being free. This year, Maranda is scheduled to visit six communities, two of which are Wyoming and Kentwood about a month later on July 21. Activities run from noon to 2 p.m. with a free lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. available while supplies last to anyone 18 and younger.

For the past several years, the annual summer event has kicked off at Wyoming’s Lamar Park, 2561 Porter Ave. SW. According to Maranda, the park offers excellent parking, wide open space and the Splash Pad, which helps children and families cool off on hot summer days.

“The community is so supportive,” Maranda said. “We have record crowds each year and the city officials are amazing to work with. The convenient location and warm hospitality keeps us coming back year after year.”

There are a number of contests associated with the event with area children being able to pick activities that will be taking place. At the Wyoming June 23 event, the activity picked was a Zip Line. Also at the Wyoming event, will be the popular Super Slide and a 3D Climbing Wall.

At the Kentwood July 21 event, there was a tie for activities. so both the Zip Line and the Extreme Obstacle Course will be offered along with the Ferris Wheel and the 3D Climbing Wall. The Kentwood event takes place at East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

The Wyoming and Kentwood Maranda Park Parties are the only ones for the Greater Grand Rapids area. The other parties are June 30 at Muskegon’s Smith Ryerson Park; July 7 at Kalamazoo’s Upjohn Park; July 14 at Holland’s Kollen Park and wrapping it up is July 28 at Battle Creek’s Northwestern Middle School.

For more information about the Maranda Park Parties, click here.

No local millage increase with Wyoming’s 2017 budget

June 16, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsbudget, City of Wyoming, Curtis Holt, Jack Poll, taxable valueJoanne

cityhall By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Through planning and controlling costs over the past several years, the City of Wyoming had good news with its 2017 budget: the city is recovering from the economic downturn the state experienced about six years ago.

The City of Wyoming, like many Michigan municipalities, faced challenging times when the housing market decline that caused the city’s taxable value to drop. Coupled with the fact that the State of Michigan has diverted state money away from Michigan municipalities since 2002 – about a $2 million lost annually for the City of Wyoming – city officials have worked to provide the same level of services to its residents with less income.

And the city has succeed in doing just that, according to City Manager Curtis Holt. The 2017 budget is about $105.4 million, a 4.7 percent increase over last year with no scheduled increases in the local millage and sewer and water rates. In fact, the city’s millage will remain the same as it has been for the past two years at 11.9073 mills.

“Compared to similar cities we maintain a very low cost per capita for the services we provide,” City Manager Curtis Holt said. “The leaning of the organization hasn’t stopped service delivery, though. We’re committed to investing in technology and training to continue to provide better service and greater value while ensuring the safety of residents and city employees. This year’s budget reflects our work to maximize every tax dollar we receive.”

In fact, staffing levels have decreased from 2006’s 402 to 345.5, but this does include the addition of five and half new positions to the city including a part-time firefighter program introduced in 2016, which continues to provide significant overtime cost savings, while improving response times and firefighter coverage.

Other positive factors impacting the city’s 2017 budget include the state’s 17 percent increase in road funding which will allow the city to spend down some of its reserves in its street funds; the relocation of the Wyoming’s public safety dispatch operations and the refinancing of two water bonds and the anticipated payoff of one water bond.

Residents will see an increase in property tax of about 1.97 percent, which is actually less than the 5.6 percent assessed value. The reason for this is that in 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which is designed to limit the growth in property taxes by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until ownership in the property is transferred. The CPI is a statistic calculated by the State of Michigan that tracks the cost of living in Michigan.

Most property taxes are based on a capped value multiplied by the CPI or 5 percent, whichever is lower which has crimped how quickly Michigan municipalities such as Wyoming can recoup from when property values dropped in 2009. In fact, even with the slight property tax increase, making the city’s taxable value around $2.35 billion, the city’s overall taxable value is still about $338 million below the highs of 2009, when the housing market crashed. This represents a lost of about $1.6 million in revenues to the city, said Deputy Finance Director Rosa Ooms as she presented the council the 2017 budget at a meeting last month.

The lost of taxable value also has hit Wyoming’s Downtown Development Authority, whose budget was also approved by the council in May. While the council has adjusted the amount the DDA can capture, the current funding has limited what the authority has been able to do, Holt said.

Despite the fact that the city probably will not see its taxable values return to the levels of 2009 for about another 14 years, Wyoming residents will see several improvement projects taking place in the upcoming year such as work at several of the city parks including Palmer, Kelloggsville, Lemery and Pinery along with improvements at the Wyoming Senior Center, the reconstruction and widening of 56th Street from Ivanrest Avenue to Byron Center Avenue and upgrades to the Kent District Library Wyoming branch.

Mayor Jack Poll cited the City’s tradition of maintaining its fiscal stability and commended Holt for his work and commitment to balancing the budget. “Our city runs extremely efficiently thanks to the good work done by the city manager and our city employees,” Poll said. “They serve our community admirably while working to maintain a healthy and sustainable financial position.”

For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272 or click here.

Learn about who’s running: Primary Candidate Forum is June 16 at Wyoming Public Library

June 15, 2016Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events2nd ward, 3rd ward, 77th district representative, august 2 primary elections, election, primary, wyoming city council memberJoanne

It’s your voice. Your vote. And it matters.

Attend the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce’s Primary Candidate Forum and become an informed voter! Learn about who’s running for City Council and the 77th District State Reps in the Primary Election on August 2.

Running for 77th District Representative (one position, Term ending 2018) are:

REP Tommy Brann
REP Frank Murin
DEM Dana J. Knight

Running for Wyoming city Council Member 2nd Ward (one position, Term ending 2020 are:

Jeremy Bakken
Richard Kent Pastoor*
Marissa K. Postler

Running for Wyoming city Council Member 3rd Ward (one position, Term ending 2020) are:

Tamara L. Lopez
Robert D. Postema
Rusty Richter

Event Location: Wyoming Library

3350 Michael Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Date/Time Information Thursday, June 16
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Contact Information

Michelle 616.531.5990

For more info, go here.

Wyoming grants deferral on revocation of abatement for Grand Rapids Plastics

June 15, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsChemical Bank, Fiat Chrysler, Grand Rapids Plastics, Mayor Jack Poll, tax abatementJoanne

Grand Rapids Plastics, 4220 Roger B. Chaffee Blvd. SW., Wyoming, recently announced it was laying off 85 employees. — Grand Rapids Plastics, 4220 Roger B. Chaffee Blvd. SW., Wyoming, closed in April after Fiat Chrysler pulled its contracts.

Joanne Baiey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A Wyoming business which was forced to close after Fiat Chrysler pulled its contract will have until Aug. 15 before the city will revoke its existing tax abatements.

Grand Rapids Plastic, with a home address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee in Wyoming, closed its doors April 15. The decision came after Fiat Chrysler sent notice it would end its contracts with the company. Those contracts made up more than 50 percent of the company’s business. Chemical Bank took over the company’s buildings, equipment and other assets and is currently seeking a buyer.

“[Chemcial] Bank has control and is actively seeking a buyer for the business and is hoping that any buyer will qualify for the tax abatements that the city has for the business and property,” said Tim Hillegonds, from Warner, Norcess and Judd, the law firm representing Chemical Bank. The bank, Hillegonds said, believes in the economic development of the City of Wyoming, “which is why it is seeking a buyer that will actually reopen the business.”

By having the existing abatements revoked, both representatives of Chemical Bank and the former owners of Grand Rapids Plastics felt that it could chill any potential sale, Hillegonds said.

Grand Rapids Plastics had three abatements. One that was amended in 2007 for $1.2 million for personal property and another one that was for $1 million for personal property in 2008. Both of these were for 12 years. There also is a full abatement for $615,931 granted in 2011 for 10 years for personal property accusation. The total taxes owed to the city is about $212,000, $180,00 is the abatement taxes and around $33,000 is the personal property taxes for 2016.

Tax abatements have become a common tool for cities to attract and maintain businesses. Through a tax abatement, taxes for an industry can be forgiven or deferred depending what the business is requesting. Most businesses seek abatements for new plants, expanding existing plants, renovating aging plants or adding new machinery and equipment. The maximum length for an abatement is 12 years. There are specific guidelines for the business outlined in the abatement that can include the addition of employees and staying within the city for the length of the abatement.

City Manager Curtis Holt said the city, like many other municipalities, began to put clawback agreements in the abatements in the mid-2000s. A clawback allows the city to collect on taxes deferred from an abatement if a business did not meet what was outlined in the abatement agreement.

A municipality could forgive an abatement if there was an unforeseen circumstance which Hillegonds said they felt Fiat Chrysler pulling its contacts fit that criteria. However; Sandra Hamilton, from the law firm Clark Hill and who has worked with the city’s treasurer’s office and the state treasurer’s office on tax collection issues, said that an unforeseen circumstance is not necessarily a financial crisis but is often associated to something like a fire or natural disaster.

Hamilton said that as of the May council meeting, where the abatements were considered, there had been no indication or written interest in the business. She said the state treasurer’s office already has filed jeopardy assessments against the company for taxes. Her office recommended that the city revoke the current abatements and then if a new business does take over the facility, grant new abatements based on that business’s needs and requirements.

Holt said the city has not been contacted by anyone about the property. He also noted that a business has up to six months after starting to seek an abatement with the process taking a minimum of 45 days. Holt noted that the buildings are at a premium and the city has been quite liberal in working with businesses on abatements.

“The opportunity for a buyer here I think is rather high, but what they will do, I can’t tell you,” Holt said.

Mayor Jack Poll said the new business has to match the blueprint exactly to Grand Rapids Plastics. He added that the 16 years he has been on the council, the city has never turned down a business for an abatement once all the numbers came in.

After determining that that there was no time frame required for the city to revoke the abatement, several of council members expressed that they were not ready to vote on the matter and were willing to give Chemical Bank the 90 days. The motion to revoke the abatements was deferred until Aug. 15 with the city maintaining access to the buildings to check that the equipment remains in the facility.

Larry DeHaan from Chemical Bank said the bank is only asking for the 90 days. If a buyer is not found within that time, DeHaan acknowledged the bank realizes it would be in the same situation that it is now. If a buyer is not found, the bank probably will put the equipment up for auction and sell the buildings.

Wyoming sets aside a day to say ‘thanks’ to its police, fire departments

June 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Upcoming EventsCity of Wyoming, James Carmody, Pinery Park, Wyoming Public Safety DepartmentJoanne

Steves Antique Auto Repair is the first business to host Appreciation Day for Wyoming police and fire fighters.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Realizing just how much the Wyoming Public Safety Department officers do for businesses, Harriet Sturim and her family, which owns Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, Inc., have been hosting the Wyoming Public Safety Appreciation Day, an event – with the help of Wyoming businesses – they are now making a community-wide celebration.

“When we started it, it was during a time when officers really weren’t being given the credit for what they do,” Sturim said during a recent phone interview. “As a business owner, we recognize the amount of time the officers take to check the businesses throughout the night, leaving their card to let owners know when they came by, and we just wanted to say thank you for that.”

This year, the Sturims along with the Wyoming Business Leaders, the business association the Sturims are a part of, decided to make the event a community “thank you” by having it Saturday, June 25, at the lodge at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW. The event will run from 2 – 4 p.m.

Several area businesses, such as Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, Fresh Coast, and Marge’s Donut Den, have donated items from food to kids activities. More donations are welcomed and anyone interested can contact Sturim at 616-540-7675.

Depending on the needs of the city for that day, the Wyoming Public Safety Department and the Fire Department will have equipment on hand as well. Also scheduled to make an appearance is the K9 Unit.

“This is a great way to meet your police department,” Sturim said. “In this day and age, we feel it is really important for the young people to realize that these officers are friends and that if they need them for something, they are there for them.”

The entire event is free and open to public.

Ride Along with Mayor Jack Poll

June 9, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Local Faces, Our Cities, RecreationBarri Tiggle, Bikes, Jennifer Stowell, Mayor Jack Poll, Monelli's Italian Grill and Sports BarJoanne

Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll is looking to have his first bike cruise through Wyoming, and you’re invited!

“The Mayor does a neighborhood walk every summer in the community, so it’s the same concept, just with bikes.” said Jennifer Stowell, administrative assistant to the city manger.

The two-mile bike ride starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16, from the Women at Risk parking lot, 27900 44th St. SW and concludes at 7:30 p.m. at Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar, 5675 Byron Center Ave. SW. After the ride, all participants are invited to join Mayor Poll for food, drinks, and mingling with other Wyoming residents.

“It will be a leisure bike ride through the neighborhood. The mayor will be stopping throughout the ride, periodically, to talk and greet people,” said Stowell.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes and protection, such as helmets, as there will be no bikes available for rent or borrowing. During the bike ride, there will be limited t-shirts and bike lights given out to those who attend. You must have a bike In order to receive a bike light.

“If it is a successful turnout, it will most likely become an annual event added to the community walks that happen yearly in the community,” Stowell said.

For more information on the bike ride with Mayor Jack Poll event, visit http://wyomingmi.gov/ or call the City of Wyoming’s City Hall at 616-530-7226.

Let the (Kids)Games Begin!

June 9, 2016Area Education, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, VolunteersJack Ponstine, KidsGames, KidsGames West Michigan, Mike DeWitt, Shane Buist, Wyoming, Wyoming Junior HighJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Wyoming Public Schools closed the doors last weekend and ushered in the end of the school year. This Monday, churches and volunteers from around the area will reopen the doors to Wyoming Jr. High School and welcome in over 200 kids to participate in a worldwide, faith-based movement called KidsGames.

The idea started over a decade ago in the Middle East and Spain to give children an experience in a sporting event over the summer. Since then, KidsGames has expanded and evolved all over the world, including right here in West Michigan.

“One of the founding fathers of KidsGames International, Michael Wozniak, is local here in West Michigan,” said Jack Ponstine, the founder of KidsGames in Wyoming. “There was already an event in Byron Center, so he reached out to me to get one started in Wyoming. That was nine years ago.”

KidsGames is a free event for children entering 1st-6th grade. It is focused on making the week as fun as possible while building strong character and building a relationship in Christ. Each night starts with the whole group (kids and volunteers) meeting in the gymnasium to talk about the mission for the year. Past years have worked with Feeding America and sending sporting equipment to low-income areas. This year, the goal is to raise money for water for Flint.

After the opening meeting, kids are broken into three different groups to learn about nutrition, stories from the Bible, and play experimental games with life lessons incorporated throughout. Kids are then placed into small groups for Bible Discovery Time with a small group leader.

Following small group, it’s time to get active again as kids can choose between many different activities or “Tracks.” The Tracks are led by volunteers and include different games, sports, and crafts. Tracks for this year include basketball, beauty 101, crafts/scrapbooking, drama, jewelry making, karate, legos, painting 101, painting 202, soccer, and wacky science.

“We have more volunteers and Tracks than ever before,” said Ponstine. “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers”

Last year, 64 volunteers from 13 different churches helped out at the week-long event. All 64 were needed to help make the experience as positive as possible for the 181 students, from 57 different schools, that attended.

Things don’t look like they’re about to slow down in 2016 either.

“We already have over 100 that have pre-registered. That doesn’t include the large number who will register on Monday when we start,” said KidsGame coordinator Shane Buist.

When the week is over, Jack Ponstine hopes each family leaves having checked all four boxes:

1. They had a great week with the other children and the leaders.

2. That parents enjoyed dropping their kids off knowing the fun they were about to have and the lessons learned.

3. A positive relationship was built with the small group leader.

4. A strong relationship with Jesus Christ was built upon.

In the end, it all comes back to spreading the word.

“My goal is to get churches to come together to spread ministry,” said Ponstine.

Details about the event are below:

Who: 1st-6th graders and volunteers from churches throughout Wyoming
What: KidsGames: West Michigan
When: Monday, June 13 – Friday, June 17 from 6:00-8:30pm (Registration opens at 5:30 Monday night)
Where: Wyoming Jr. High School (2125 Wrenwood SW, Wyoming, MI 49509)
Why: Building character, making new friends, learning about the Bible and having FUN
Cost: FREE!

Sniffing Out the News is Elementary

June 1, 20163-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Kids ActivitiesErin Albanese, Gladiola Elementary School, Gladiola Wolf Tracks, School News Network, student newspaper, Wyoming WolvesJoanne

Students work on stories (credit: Lysa Stockwell)

By: Erin Albanese — School News Network

Gladiola Elementary School students sat around a table and discussed what lead — that’s journalistic jargon for introduction — would be best for this School News Network article about their new student newspaper, Gladiola Wolf Tracks.

“Meet all the students that made the first Gladiola Wolf Tracks newspaper,” said third-grader Megan Sivins.

“This is four out of 16 of the kids that came up with the Wyoming newspaper called Gladiola Wolf Tracks,” suggested fourth-grader Quinton Gebben.

And, “Meet the Gladiola Elementary students who came out on top and made the first Gladiola newspaper in the whole Gladiola school history,” said fourth-grader Brady Flint.

Fourth-grader Maddy Lee considered the best possible lead. She decided Brady had already nailed it.

Sixteen students in the after-school enrichment program at the Wyoming Public Schools building recently launched the newspaper after learning the basics of journalism from fourth-grade teacher Lysa Stockwell and by interviewing teachers, peers, staff members and even community officials, such as Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll.

They’ve covered events and school programs, with cameras and notepads in hand, learning to get details centered around the who, what, when, where and why questions for their stories. They use technology, including Google Docs, and keep current on what’s going on in the building

“They’ve interviewed all the staff members in the building, from teachers to custodians to parent volunteers. It’s been really, really exciting because the more they do the more excited they get,” said Principal David Lyon.

Elile Silvestre and Madeline Pauline interview Wyoming Police Officer Rory Allen (credit: Lysa Stockwell)

Wolves or News Hounds?

The ace cub reporters recently completed the second edition of their newspaper, with plans for another and monthly publications next school year. Lyon said the almost entirely student-written newspaper will incorporate the school’s newsletter.

Parents can donate $5 to have a message to their child published in the newspaper, supporting the costs of publication.

In class, students studied examples of journalism, heard from a local reporter who shared tips and experiences, and learned about interviewing skills, bias and plagiarism.

They also learned the fun they can have with journalism, Stockwell said.

“Generally, kids don’t have the chance to have their writing published and for them to have that opportunity has really been exciting for them,” Stockwell said.

“Writing has become really authentic for them,” Lyon added. “Plus, they are far more alert now to things going on in the building.”

When a story presents itself, Wolf Tracks reporters have jumped at the chance to grab a notepad. For example, they took the initiative to cover a sneak-peek performance of the Wyoming High School musical.

Brady said he enjoyed writing a story about teacher Kimberly Swiger called “Mrs. Swiger: The Inside Story.” In it she talks about her favorite books, and that she’s spent 25 years teaching, has 10 nieces and nephews and attended Gladiola herself.

“Mrs. Swiger told the best stories,” Brady said. “I really liked being an interviewer and reporter and writing the articles. I am a social butterfly.”

Pinky Nguyen and Dion Idizi are busy with the news (credit: Lysa Stockwell)

Back to the Headlines

Discussion around the table continued after the students had found their lede. They talked about their favorite interviews with the art and music teacher and other staff members.
“I like when I interviewed Mr. Lyon. He can ride a unicycle,” Quinton said.

Further conversation led to the fact that Lyon can also juggle, prompting a follow-up question from Brady: “Can he juggle while riding a unicycle?”

Now, there’s a nose for news.

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

Where can you see The Verve Pipe for free? Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park

May 26, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, EntertainmentNational Night Out, The Crane Wives, The Outer Vibe, The Verve Pipe, WY-FI, Wyoming Concerts in the ParkJoanne

When Brandon Simmons began working with the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series six years ago, he saw a lot of potential for growth.

“I was coming from Muskegon’s Summer Celebration and had worked on Milwaukee’s SummerFest, so I knew Wyoming had something that could really be built upon,” Simmons said.

This year, the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission not only booked a record number of bands, 14, but has pulled in several that have toured regionally and nationally. Headlining it all is West Michigan’s The Verve Pipe, kicking off the series May 31.

“This is The Verve Pipe’s only free show all year,” Simmons said.

The Verve Pipe formed in 1992 and is best known for the song “The Freshman,” which peeked at No. 5 in the Billboard Top 100, along with “Photograph” and “Colorful,” the ballad from the film “Rock Star” starring Mark Walhberg.

In addition to their success on radio, TV and film, sold-out concert dates throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, features in Spin and Rolling Stone and videos on MTV and VH1, the band have made numerous television appearances, including “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and “Late Night With David Letterman.”

After an eight year hiatus, The Verve Pipe were approached to submit an original song for a compilation album of children’s music. That session inspired “A Family Album,” their critically acclaimed introduction to the world of children’s music, as well as their follow up release, “Are We There Yet?.” Both albums contain music intended for the entire family, with fun and inventive lyrics set to the memorable melodies the band is known for.

In 2014, The Verve Pipe released their first rock album in more than 13 years with “Overboard,” a collection of ten new songs including “Crash Landing,” “Hit and Run,” and the haunting title track “Overboard.”

The May 31 show will be a mixture of the band’s hit tunes and family friendly music since the concert is on “Kids First Day.” The concert is set for 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

The Wyoming Concerts in the Park run every Tuesday through Aug. 2 and then wraps up with the Saturday event the Music & More Fest. Running from 4 – 11 p.m., the free event will feature a kid’s Home Run Derby, local food options, and a beer/wine/cider tent. Three bands will perform, headlined by the country-rock group Gunnar & The Grizzley Boys. The Grand Rapids Film Festival will show a movie at dusk on a giant inflatable screen to close out the event.

Simmons said another popular concert is June 28, which will be the 4th annual “WY-FI,” the official Wyoming fireworks event. “We are expecting about 10,000 people in attendance,” Simmons said. The concert features two bands, Trilogy and Grand Rapids high-energy rock band The Outer Vibe.

The rest of the concert line-up includes: rock and blues group Big Boss Blues June 7; rockabilly/honky tonk Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys June 14; country group Kari Lynch Band June 21; Kentwood Community Church’s Gospel Band July 5; indie rock and folk show The Legal Immigrants July 12; country rock group Jared Knox July 19; folk band The Crane Wives July 26; and Grupo Viento Aug. 2 for National Night Out.

Simmons said the local food truck Goodwill Blue Spoon will be on hand at the concerts. “This truck is a little different in that being part of Goodwill, it provides training and jobs to those in need,” he said, adding the series is excited to have the truck at this year’s event.

All concerts, unless noted, start at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park. All the concerts will air on WKTV 25 Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and again Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. For all details and up-to-date information, visit www.wyomingcec.org or www.facebook.com/wyomingcec.

Honoring those who served: Kentwood, Wyoming host Memorial Day activities

May 25, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV ProjectsJoe Rossi, Kentwood, Memorial Day, WyomingJoanne

Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming's Memorial Day guest speaker. — Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming’s Memorial Day guest speaker.

“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.” General Douglas MacArthur’s Thayer Award Speech, 1962.

Those words, “duty, honor, country” have become synonymous with a soldier. The motto of the United States Military Academy West Point, those words now adorn three arches at Wyoming’s Veterans Memorial Garden, located in front of the Wyoming Public Safety Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. The final arch, “Country” will be dedicated at the city’s annual Memorial Day Services, set for Monday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden.

“Our Memorial Day Ceremony is a tribute to that service and protection,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s directory of community services. “We are grateful to have the Veterans Memorial Garden in Wyoming. It is a place where we can hold these ceremonies and where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected and those who continue to protect our freedoms.”

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was officially observed when in 1968, General John A. Logan, leader of the Northern Civil War veterans the Grand Army of the Republic, call for a nationwide day of remembrance. The date selected was May 30 since no major Civil War battles had ever been fought on that day. A 100 years later in 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, changing Memorial Day to the last Monday in May with most communities like Wyoming and Kentwood observing it on that day. (Note: The City of Grand Rapids traditionally observes Memorial Day on May 30 no matter when that date falls in the week.)

Guest speaker for the Wyoming Memorial Day Services is Retired Lt. Joe Rossi, who is a candidate for judge in the 17th Circuit Court race. Rossi served 22 years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, including serving in Operation Desert Storm where he commended a rifle platoon of 41 Marines and one sailor. He led a hostage rescue unit and had two presidential recalls to active duty to command the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Grand Rapids, where he mobilized more than 400 Marines for service in East Africa and Iraq.

The rest of the program will include the Lee High School Band performing “As Heavens Were a Bell,” the Department of Public Safety Honor Guard firing a rifle salute, and Lee High School graduate and Navy veteran Bronson Sawn performing taps.

The city of Kentwood’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony also will be Monday, May 30. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 48th Street and Eastern Avenue, with the route proceeding west on 48th Street and finishing at the memorial at Veterans Park, 353 48th St. The American Legion Post 208 will host a ceremony at the park following the parade at around 10:45 a.m.

Both the Memorial Day programs from Kentwood and Wyoming will be aired on WKTV. The Kentwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony are set for 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, May 30, with the Wyoming Memorial Day Service set for around 8:35 p.m.

For more on WKTV programming, visit www.wktv.org.

More than 1,500 local students take their graduation walk

May 25, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Upcoming EventsEast Kentwood High School, Godwin High School, Graduation, Grand River Prep High School, Kelloggsville High School, Kentwood, Lee High School, South Christian High School, The Potters House, Tri-Unity Christian High School, West Michigan Aviation Academu, West Michigan Lutheran High School, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

2016 graduation ceremonies kick off tomorrow and run through next week.

It’s May. The weather is finally warm. The flowers are blooming and it’s time for more than 1,500 students to take their final walk down the aisle to receive their high school diplomas.

In the Kentwood and Wyoming areas, there are 11 schools hosting graduation ceremonies within the next two weeks. Here is a rundown of dates and the top students for each school.

Starting out of the graduation ceremonies will be South Christian High, which will graduate 154 students Thursday, May 25. Graduation is set for 7 p.m. at Kentwood Community Church, 2950 Clyde Park Ave. SW. The school has three valedictorians: Joshua Boers, Colin Hartgerink and Nicolas Kuperus. The remaining students in the top ten are: Peyton DeRuiter, Lucy Dykhouse, Cassidy Huizinga, Hannah Koning, A.J. Samdal, Bradley Scholten and Alex VanKooten.

On Friday, May 26, both East Kentwood High School and Godfrey’s Lee High School will be hosting their 2016 graduation ceremonies. Lee High School has around 90 students walking down the aisle at 7 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville. Making up the 2016 Lee High School top ten are Leonardo Vallejo, Emily Fishman, Selena Knutson, Dino Rodas, Allison Fisher, Giselle Perez, Ivan Diaz, Alonso Lopez-Carrera, Alejandro Vargas and Oliver Lorenzo.

East Kentwood High School’s graduation is at 7 p.m. May 26 at the school’s stadium, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The rain date is May 27. Making up the top ten are Andy Ly, Megan Callaghan, Makaela Dalley, Nolan Meister, Sara Anstey, Marilyn Padua, Tran Vo, Hao Nguyen, Venesa Haska, and Matthew Richer.

Tri-Unity High School and Wyoming High School will have graduation ceremonies on Tuesday, May 31.

Wyoming High School will have 265 students graduate at 7 p.m. May 31 at Grand Rapids First Church, 2100 44^th St. SW. The top ten are Montana Earegood, Kayla Kornoelje, Stella Achiyan, Naomi Nguyen, Nhu Quynh, Christopher Hanson, Jada Haines, Rachel Bolt, Lazaro Cruz, and Kelly Gonzalez Diaz.

Tri-Unity Christian School will be graduating 17 students at 7 p.m. May 31 at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville. The top two students for the class are Lisa McKelvey and Alissa VanderVeen.

Godwin High School has 126 students graduating on Wednesday, June 1. Graduation ceremonies are at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, 50 35^th St. SW. The valedictorian is Esteban Romero Herrera. The salutatorian is Taylor Jarrett. The rest of the top top are Ashley Soto, Sandra Rivera, Chloe Fritz, Amel Causevic, China Nguyen, Karen Barrose, Hector Zoleta and Alex Mosley.

Several area schools will be hosting graduation ceremonies on Thursday, June 2.

Kelloggsville High School’s 2016 graduation ceremonies are at 7 p.m. June 2 at Kentwood Community Church, 2950 Clyde Park Ave. SW. The class has 140 students this year. The top ten are: Lan-Phuong Ton, Lucynda Pham, Kim-Ngan Nguyen, April M. Savickas, Shayla Huong Huynh, Ashley Duong, Chantal Lopez, Loc Tran, Michael Truong, and Sang Tran.

The Potters House will be graduating 44 students at 7 p.m. June 2 at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, 1800 Plymouth Ave. SE., Grand Rapids. The valedictorian is Ashley VerBeek and the salutatorian is Emily Stout.

West Michigan Aviation Academy has 94 students in its 2016 graduating class. Graduation is at 7 p.m. June 2 at the school, 5363 44^th St. SE. Making up the top ten are Abigail Kathleen Austin, Cindy Ngoc Ha, Connor Hendrik Hogan, Jonathan David Ketcham, Jason Thomas Kilgore, Hayley Elizabeth Latham, Jaxyn Bennett Ryks, Emily Ann Seykora, Samantha Rae Stuart, and Joshua Zane Vogeli.

West Michigan Lutheran High School is proud that its eight graduates will graduate with over a 3.0 GPA. The graduation baccalaureate service begins at 7 p.m. at the school, 601 36^th St. SW, Wyoming. Valedictorian is Allison Klooster and salutatorian is Joshua Andree.

On Friday, June 3, Grand River Prep High School has 113 graduates for 2016. This year’s graduation is at 6:30 p.m. Calvin College’s Van Noord Arena, 3195 Knight Way SE. Class valedictorian is Christa Fernando. Salutatorians are Ajilan Potter and Megan Lawrence. The rest of the top ten include Victor Rojas Garcia, Samrawit Kahsay, Taitum Male, Julia Lammy, Antony Nguyen, Giselle Uwera, Mckenzie Male, Hai Truong and Kendall Garland.

Big trucks and hotdogs: It’s National Public Works Week

May 12, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsKentwood, National Public Works Week, Public Works, WyomingJoanne

Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city's recycling center. — Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It’s the kid in all of us that watches those big machines that build and plow our roads in wonderment and a little bit of awe. Next week, thanks to two local Public Works Departments, we will all get the chance to let our inner child out.

In celebration of National Public Works Week, May 15 – 21, both the Kentwood and Wyoming Public Works Departments will be hosting open houses, giving area residents a chance to discover all that these departments do for the city and its residents.

“Road, water, sewer, recycling, household hazardous waste,” said Kentwood Public Works Director John Gordy as he listed off just some of the items area Public Works Departments take care of on a daily basis.

In 1960 the American Public Works Association established National Public Works Week to create a better understand of the various responsibilities of a Public Works facility in maintaining the infrastructure of its community. This includes such areas as ground maintenance, sewer and water, potholes and road maintenance, and snowplowing to list a few of the many services provided by these departments.

Having hosted a Public Works Week Open House for the past 22 years, the event has become one of the City of Wyoming’s most anticipated activities for families..

The City of Wyoming will have various equipment out at its Public Works Open House set for May 16. — The City of Wyoming will have various equipment pieces out at its Public Works Open House set for May 16.

“It has become a tradition,” said Wyoming’s Public Works Assistant Director Aaron Vis. “We have been doing it so long that people have just come to expect that we will be hosting it.”

Because there are several entrances into the event, its hard for staff to take attendance, Vis said, adding they estimate attendance by the number of hotdogs served.

Last year, the Wyoming Public Works Department went through about 1,800 hotdogs with staff estimating about 1,500 people attended the event. Vis said he expects about the same for this year’s open house which is set for Monday, May 16, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Wyoming Public Works building, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. Various Public Works Department equipment will be on hand for people to explore along with a police cruiser and fire truck. Staff will be on hand to talk to visitors about equipment and projects as well as serving free beverages, chips, and, of course, hotdogs.

Kentwood’s Public Works Department will host its first Public Works Week Family Event with the Kent County Road Commission Wednesday, May 18 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Kentwood Public Works building, 5068 Breton Rd. SE. Road plow trucks and construction equipment will be on hand for visitors to explore along with 20 different displays on various Public Works topics. Gorney said there also will be live demonstrations on maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems and discussions on how and why different improvements are made on roads. Kent County Public Works officials will be there to discuss household hazardous waste and how to properly dispose of such items. There also will be giveaways for children, free snacks, and yes, hotdogs.

According to APWA’s website, National Public Works Week has been growing with more and more municipalities participating. Besides Wyoming and Kentwood observing the week, the City of Grandville will have a display at its library as part of Michgian Week BBQ, the City of Grand Rapids will mark the entire week with a display of Grand Rapids Public Works equipment on Market Street, and the City of East Grand Rapids will host a “Touch a Truck” event starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18.

New additions at the Wyoming Dog Park raise the ‘Woof’

May 12, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, Pets/AnimalsDog Castle, Kimble Field, Marquette Park, Mike DeWitt, New Equipment, Wyoming Dog ParkJoanne

Wyoming Dog Park By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

As the sun breaks through the clouds and warms the ground beneath, spring is ushered in and invites everyone to get outside. Winter has finally put itself in the rearview mirror and Wyoming residents can now take the opportunity to bring their loved ones outside on the new equipment at Marquette Park.

As the adults look on, the playful noises coming from the new equipment isn’t the laughter of kids, but rather the happy barks and tail wagging of Wyoming’s four-legged friends at the Wyoming Dog Park.

This spring, the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department installed a large “canine castle” and a smaller “top dog bridge” to the city’s dog park. Both play structures were made from low-maintenance durable recycled plastic and will continue to recycle joy for canine visitors for years to come.

The dog park opened in 2009 and was founded by a citizen group with a vision for a dedicated pet area in the city. The group petitioned the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission for a space and an enclosed 2.2-acre park was created just north of Kimble Field in Wyoming’s Marquette Park. The enclosed area features areas for all dogs, both large and small.

“The dog park creates a community,” said Valarie Mester, the recreation programmer at Wyoming Parks and Recreation. “It’s a social event for people, as well as their dogs, and the dog park members become very close. It also brings people, even non-residents, to the north side of town.”

The dog park currently has 179 active members for 2016. That number is expected to reach over 300 by the end of the summer as new members sign up and old membership are renewed.

In total, the new equipment cost $5,178 and the dogs really enjoy going underneath the pieces for the shade it provides. In fact, the castle is designed for the dogs to go underneath it. Funding for the project came from the Wyoming Parks and Recreation millage as well as through the annual Wyoming Dog Park membership fees.

“The Wyoming Dog Park is the result of a successful collaboration between the Citizens for Dog Park Committee and the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s director of community services. “We are excited to incorporate this new equipment to the park, which will enhance the experience for our canine members.”

The Wyoming Dog Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park is controlled by a key fob access requiring a membership for entry into the dog park. The membership process is to ensure all pets are vaccinated and licensed to create a safe environment for everyone.

“Our key fob entry system is an advantage to our park and makes us unique,” said Mester. “The extra security and safety measures are very helpful. They make sure everyone stays healthy, and the members of the dog park really appreciate that feature.”

An annual membership costs $12 for a Wyoming resident and $24 for a non-resident. Memberships can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office at 1155 28th St. SW. Proof of required medical records and a current dog license are necessary for membership.

For further information regarding the dog park, or any of Wyoming’s parks, call the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164.

So, this spring and summer, make sure to get outside and enjoy the weather! Oh, and bring your furry friends too.

Wyoming student surprises herself with a win from countywide poetry contest

May 11, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming EventsDyer Ives, Nurit Gonzalez, San Juan Diego AcademyJoanne

San Juan Diego Academy Seventh Grader Nurit Gonzalez with her winning poetry piece "April." — San Juan Diego Academy Seventh Grader Nurit Gonzalez with her winning poetry piece “April.”

Every student is bound to get that school assignment where you write a story or poem and then have to submit it to a local writing competition.

At least that was the assignment for Nurit Gonzalez, a seventh grader at Wyoming’s San Juan Diego Academy, and her classmates. The 23-member class was just wrapping up its poetry unit when their teacher, Molly Pelak, announced the students would each need to select one poem from their collection to enter the Dyer Ives Kent County Poetry Competition.

“I had never done something like the before,” Pelak said, admitting she had never heard of Dyer Ives until her principal had forwarded her information about the annual competition. “I have a classroom with many of whom write pretty well and I thought this was a great way to end the unit.”

Gonzalez looked over her poems that covered various topics from rain to her favorite sport, soccer. She decided to select “April” because she liked the way it had come together and “because it is the month my birthday is in.”

She submitted it and from there, really did not give the poetry competition much thought. “I really didn’t think it was going to go anywhere,” she said.

This year the Dyer Ives Kent County Poetry Contest had a huge increase with nearly 400 entries, due in part to area teachers sending in student work, according to coordinator Christine Stephens Krieger. “More first-time poets are entering and winning the competition alongside more experienced local poets, so we end up with a mix of voices to represent Kent County,” Krieger said. “Poetry is alive and well in Kent County, thanks in part to efforts like this competition and teachers who prompt students to write a poem and send it in.”

Nurit Gonzalez's poem "April." — Nurit Gonzalez’s poem “April.”

The Dyer Ives Kent County Poetry Contest is a free poetry competition started by the Dyer Ives Foundation in 1968 to encourage excellence in writing and to provide recognition for local work of high quality. The contest is open to Kent County residents of all ages. There are three divisions: kindergarten – eighth grade; high school – undergraduate; and graduate – adult.

The standards are high for the competition as every year there is a panel of judges alone with a national judge. This year’s national judge was Maria Mazziotti Gillan, who has published 20 books, been on NPR and CBS, is the founder/executive director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, editor of Paterson Literary Review, director of the Binghamton Center for Writers and professor of English at Binghamton University-SUNY.

Gillan said because there were so many good poems, it was “difficult to choose” the winners. With that spirit, the Dyer Ives Foundation decided to add an Honorable Mention category to celebrate more Kent County poets in this year’s publication of “Voices,” which features all the winners of the 2016 competition. Gonzalez’s poem “April” was one of five to receive an honorable mention in the kindergarten – eighth grade division. Along with being published, she will read it June 4 at 1 p.m. at the Ryerson Auditorium at the Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. The reading is part of the Festival of the Arts, a celebration of the local arts that takes place June 3 – 5 in downtown Grand Rapids.

“Our teacher announced that one of us had made it in and then she was like, ‘Drumroll please,’” Gonzalez, the daughter of Maria Martinez and Josè Gonzalez, said of the day she found out about her winning piece. And how did it make her feel? “I can actually do something,” she said.

Besides playing soccer for a travel team, writing is another passion for Gonzalez. “I do enjoy writing a lot,” she said. “I mostly write fiction as I like to make up stories as I go.”

Poetry was a new challenge and one that Gonzalez said she enjoyed, however; her goal is to write a book, something that the Dyer Ives has given her the confidence to get started. “I love writing that makes people think,” she said. “So the reader can ask questions and think.”

In five years, she is hoping to have that book written as she heads off to college maybe for sports medicine since she loves soccer so much, Gonzalez said.

She also has some advice for those students facing that assignment to enter a piece of writing into a contest.

“Try to do the best on what they are writing and stop thinking those negative thoughts that yours isn’t good enough,” Gonzalez said. “There is always that one chance that you can.”

Wyoming business marks 100th anniversary by celebrating opening of plant

May 5, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming100th anniversary, Chicago Drive, Rieth-Riley, WyomingJoanne

Reith-Riley officials and employees along with City of Wyoming officials and business owners gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Rieth-Riley. — Rieth-Riley officials and employees along with City of Wyoming officials and business owners gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Rieth-Riley.

How do you celebrate your 100th anniversary? How about with a ribbon cutting, cupcakes and a tour of your recently opened facility?

That is what Rieth-Riley Construction, Inc. did today, May 5, exactly 100 years ago to the day when Indiana civil engineer and surveyor Albert Rieth started the asphalt and concrete paving company.

“We have found the City of Wyoming to be amazing,” said Chad Loney, Rieth-Riley’s regional vice president for Michigan. “The city has been very generous and is very pro-business. They have bent over backwards to help us accomplish this goal.”

Formerly based in Ada, the company bought five Aggregate Industries locations in 2009 including the one at 2100 Chicago Dr. SW. When the economy slowed, Rieth-Riley shut the facility down but a couple of years ago, decided to move its regional operations out of Ada to the Wyoming location.

“We are happy to have them come back to Wyoming,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, adding that Reith-Riley is a great fit to the industrial area located along Wyoming’s Chicago Drive corridor.

“We have about 13 acres here,” said Rieth-Riley Area Director Kirk Breukink. Breukink said the company has actually been on the Wyoming site since November 2014, redesigning the location to make it more efficient including tearing down an existing building and constructing a new facility. Those who attended the open house and ribbon cutting on Thursday were able to tour the site along with viewing a 10-minute video on the history of the company.

Rieth-Riley Area Manager Kirk Breukink accepts a plaque from

Started in 1916 by Rieth, the company’s focus is road construction and through its history has remained true to that providing highway construction, asphalt and concrete paving, site preparation and excavation, bridge construction, underground utilities and drainage construction, asphalt and concrete recycling, curb and sidewalk construction, mining and aggregate processing, and sand, gravel and other aggregates for construction projects.

Rieth’s first project was a county road in Elkhardt County, Indiana, his home state and where he founded the company. The project was $25,000 and later became known as Country Road 32. In 1918, George A. Riley became Rieth’s partner, hence the company’s name Rieth-Riley.

In the 1920s, the company expanded into Michigan with its first contract to lay paving on the Michigan State Trunk Line No. 11 near Sawyer in Berrien County. From there, the company grew with today there being 14 plants in the state. The Wyoming location serves as the regional office for the state and oversees operations at the Wyoming and Zeeland facilities. Breukink said the company has worked on about every major highway in the state of Michigan including 1-96, US-131, US-31 through Holland, M-6, and the M-231 bypass around Grand Haven, which helped the company earn a Michigan Asphalt Pavement Award and a National Asphalt Pavement Award.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Rieth-Riley is that it is 100-percent employee owned. With the deaths of the owners, Rieth’s sons Blair, Lee, and William, it triggered the company to move toward the establishment of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 1986. Fifty percent of the company was sold to the employees at that time. In 1992, the employees bought the other 50 percent making it a fully employee-owned company.

“It was quite cutting edge to do that,” Loney said, adding Rieth-Riley was one of the first companies become employee owned. It also was a risk but one that appears to have done well for the business. Talking to employees, it is easy to find people who have been with the company 17, 23, 30 and more years.

Breukink said the company is in full swing for the construction season and is already working on various road construction contracts.

Approximately 80 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration at the site. It was a mixture of employees, city officials, and local business owners.

Kelloggsville students make a statement against the recent violence in their community

April 29, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingIsiah Blue, Kelloggsville, violenceJoanne

Kelloggsivlle High School students Melody Szatkowski and Analise Cabrera were part of a handful of students who recently led a silent protest against violence in their community.

While some were getting ready for prom and others were just enjoying a beautiful Saturday, a handful of Kelloggsville students were silently protesting about the violence in their community.

“I don’t like living with the violence,” said Analise Cabrera, a Kentwood resident who is an 11th grader at Kelloggsville High School. Cabrera, like all the students holding signs on the corner of 44th Street and Division in front of the RiteAid, has personally been touched by violence. Her friend, Michael White, a former Kelloggsville student, was killed in March by two out-of-district students.

“There are a lot of people sitting back and just watching what happens,” Cabrera said. “We need people to step up and do something.

“We are doing what we can do and we want to just make an impact on others. You have to start somewhere.”

Kelloggsville student Alexandrea Groters and Calvin College student Morgan VonThaden were part of the silent protest last Saturday. — Kelloggsville student Rebecca Minier with D.O.C.K director Laurie Zuverink and GRIL leader Jordan Seebeck..

Interns for the after-school program D.O.C.K., Discipling of Christ’s Kids, the four students participated in the leadership program GR Initiative for Leaders (GRIL U). A faith-based training for teens, the nine-month program is designed to help students find their passions and then show them the tools they have available to share that passion, said Noele Stith, who is part of GRIL U.

“It is designed to show them they have a voice and how they can use that voice in a positive way to encourage change in their community whether that community is home, school, a place of worship, or a neighborhood,” Stith said.

In the GRIL U program, students set aside two hours of service for their church or organization, in this case specifically for D.O.C.K. The students meet with a mentor once a month and with that mentor, work on learning about the causes that interest them. The topic of violence came to the forefront after Kelloggsvile student Isaiah Blue was shot in January and then the murder of White a couple of months later.

Kelloggsvile student Alexandrea Groters and Calvin College student Morgan VonThaden were part of the silent protest last Saturday.

“For me, it was important for people to understand what violence is,” said Melody Szatkowski, a Wyoming resident and 11th grader at Kelloggsville High School who stood on the corner holding a sign with the definition of violence. “It is behavior involving physical intent to hurt, damage or kill.

“I hope this creates a better understanding of what violence is because it is not just killing, but hurting and damaging someone or something as well.”

The students stood out on the corner from about 10 a.m. to noon holding signs and saying little. Cars drove by, beeping their horns in support and a few students stopped to chat with the protestors.

The event was one of three that took place within a week all organized by students who participated in the GRIL U program. There was one on human trafficking at RiverTown Mall on April 20 and another on voter registration on April 27.

Kelloggsville officials officially break ground on high school renovations

April 26, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingJoanne

A rendering of the Kelloggsville High School's new front — This is a rendering of the Kelloggsville High School’s new front entrance.

While it is evident that construction has already started at the Kelloggsville High School, school officials and board members made it official with a ground breaking ceremony at the school on Monday, April 25.

About 80 people came out on the bright sunny afternoon to celebrate the start of the construction at the building located at 23 Jean St. SW. School officials again thanked the voters and those involved in getting the $33.9 million bond issue approved in February 2015. The bond issue passed with a two-to-one margin, 334 to 126.

“We are excited to make the high school the center of the district, the way it should be,” said Kelloggsville Superintendent Samuel Wright.

Kelloggsville school officials and representatives "break ground" on the district's high school renovation project. — Kelloggsville school officials and representatives “break ground” on the district’s high school renovation project.

“I can only imagine the impact that it will have on the community with all the kids going through this building,” said Frank Stank, president and CEO of Owen-Ames-Kimbell, which has been working with Kelloggsville Public Schools and the community on the project.

The bulk of the bond proposal, according to Wright, has been dedicated to the high school with major changes planned for the building that originally was constructed in the 1920s. There have been several additions to the structure over the years including a remodel of the school’s cafeteria from a 1998 bond issue. The last major construction project for the district was the Kelloggsville Middle School in 1994.

The remainder of the bond money will be used for upgrades, including security cameras, at the district’s other facilities.

Among the changes for the high school includes a revamping of the front of the building which will move the entrance of the school from Jean Street to Division Avenue and allow students to exit with the light at 48th Street and Division Avenue. The new entrance will allow for added security in the building as visitors will only need to enter the front of the building to access the school’s gymnasium, media center and the public areas, said Jim Ward, a resident and media specialist who has been working with the district.

The school also will have a new competition gym which will be able to host varsity games (currently the games are at the middle school), an indoor track facility, and state-of-the-art media center. Kelloggsville Director of Curriculum Tammy Savage said the goal is to have all of these facilities open to the public which includes the library being open possibly two nights a week.

Members of the Kelloggsville High School band perform as people gather for the ground breaking ceremony at Kelloggsville High School.

The rest of the high school project includes renovations and additions of classrooms, the auditorium receiving theater-style seating for 480, technology upgrades, and security and safety improvements including the addition of security cameras and card access along with a new fire alarm system. The entire project is expected to take about two years with completion scheduled for 2017.

“We’ll meet back here in the fall of 2017,” said Kelloggsville School Board President Tim Pomorski in his closing remarks. He adding it will be for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Kelloggsville High School.

Kelloggsville was formed in 1859. It is about four-and-half square miles and straddles the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.

Wyoming residents certainly purged making city’s community clean-up day a big success

April 25, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, RecyclingCommunity Clean-Up Day, Godfrey-Lee, Nancy Stoddard, WyomingJoanne

Residents unload trash into the dumpsters during the Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day.

Of those who came, most didn’t mind waiting to dump their trash and other items at the Godfrey-Lee Athletic Field this past Saturday. They were just happy that the City of Wyoming was hosting the Community Clean-Up Day event.

“We’re just appreciative that the City of Wyoming did this,” said Wyoming resident Michael Donavan, who also works at Godfrey-Lee. Donavan said his family recently helped his father clean out his garage and he came with a truck and trailer full of items.

“The wait is not that big of deal,” said Wyoming resident Melissa Digiovanna, who had her own vehicle along with a friend’s truck full of items. “It is just super awesome that the city is doing this.”

Early indicators showed that the Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day was to be a success as the original story on now.wktv.org had more than 425 Facebook shares. City officials said there was a line when the event opened at 8 a.m. this past Saturday with one of the four dumpsters completely full shortly after opening.

The line to get into the Community Clean-Up Day at one point was backed up to where Joosten Street intersected with Godfrey Lee Avenue.

Nancy Stoddard, who works in the city’s treasurer’s office and was part of the organizing committee, had hoped for about 300 cars. Final count was 332 vehicles – including some small U-Haul-style trucks. About 130 of those vehicles dropped off household hazardous waste and 33 20-yard roll-offs of trash were collected. Stoddard said she was still waiting on total tonnage collected.

Stoddard said the committee, which was the city employee group Looks Good Committee, already has begun thinking about next year’s event which includes checking with Godfrey-Lee about possibly having the same location. “I have been checking into grant opportunities,” Stoddard said. This year’s event was unwritten by grants. Also Stoddard said next year, organizers are planning to start with eight dumpsters on the ground to help move people through faster.

“The area that we had this year was so spacious, we really had room for more,” Stoddard said.

Megan Kretz, a resource recovery specialist from the Kent County Department of Public Works and who was helping with the event, said the way the Community Clean-Up Day had been organized and laid out, it really didn’t seem like a first-time event. Cars entered through Joosten Street into the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center’s west parking lot and curved around exiting on to Godfrey Avenue. There were several checkpoints where people could unload household hazardous waste, gently used items to the Salvation Army, recycle items and trash.

“It’s a wonderful event,” said Matthis Fields who was with the Salvation Army. “I love doing these type of events. It’s a beautiful day. Nice weather and I am just so glad to be here.”

As Fields talked, one of the volunteers walked by with a fireplace in an unopened box to put on the Salvation Army truck, which was about two-thirds full by noon.

“This just happens to be one of the good parts, events like these,” Fields said with a smile.

Got Drugs? Kentwood, Wyoming offer safe way to dispose of old, unused meds

April 25, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingDave Oostindie, drug-take back, drugs, Kentwood, prescription, WyomingJoanne

Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be hosting drug take back programs on April 30.

April 30 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are participating with drug take back programs on that day.

The Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will be accepting medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. For specific questions on the Kentwood program, call 656-6571.

The City of Wyoming has once again teamed up with Metro Health Hospital with its program also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday, April 30, in the main lobby of Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. A pharmacist will be available to answer questions. Also at the Metro Health site, those with mercury thermometers can exchange those items for a new digital thermometer.

Drug take back programs like the ones in Kentwood and Wyoming are designed to help with the environment in that it increases awareness about placing medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, a practice that is now strongly discouraged as it can create safety and health hazards.

“The main thing for us is to keep it out of our water system,” said Wyoming’s Environmental Services Supervisor Dave Oostindie. “If it gets in, it ends up going into the Grand River which feeds into Lake Michigan which is where we pull our water supply from and eventually return back to the residents.”

Also, medications that are forgotten in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 44 people a day die from drug overdoses. That number has tripled since 2000. A majority of abused prescription drugs, such as opioid pain relievers found in homes, are obtained from family and friends with Oostindie noting often the meds are stolen right out of people’s medical cabinets.

Residents from both cities are encouraged to bring in unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to their city’s respective drop-off site. Both sites are free and anonymous with no questions asked.

Kentwood officials noted that every year they have a number of people bring items that are not accepted such as needles and medical equipment. You can can check with specific organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but many groups pointed to the Kent County Health Department as a good place to start for information on disposal of medical equipment and supplies. Recyclekent.org offers a number of resources on recycling for a variety of materials including hazardous material and medical equipment and supplies.

Needles: The recyclekent.org website recently added a program called Safe Sharps, where residents can sign up at the Kent County Health Department. For more information, visit recyclekent.org/material/sharps/. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also has a list places to take needles. Click here for the list.

Medical equipment: Recyclekent.org has a list of places that either recycle or dispose of the equipment or you can donate medical equipment to them. For a complete list, click here. One place that does take medical equipment is Spring Lake’s International Aid. For more about that organization, visit internationalaid.org.

Eye glasses: The Grand Rapids Lions Club has several locations where you can drop off old eyeglasses. For a complete list, click here.

There is also the West Michigan Take Back Meds program. a joint effort between local pharmacies, law enforcement, wastewater treatment facilities and government agencies to provide safe, convenient medicine disposal.

Medications collected in West Michigan are brought to Kent Countys Waste to Energy Facility, where the items are incinerated. Metro Health and the City of Wyoming partner twice a year to provide this service. Last fall’s Wyoming event brought in 169 pounds of medication and 18 thermometers.

The City of Wyoming also offers a prescription drug drop-off service 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at its Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

Late start, early closure of carnival puts a dent in city’s profits

April 21, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newscarnival, City of Wyoming, Rebecca Rynbrandt, shootings, weatherJoanne

The City of Wyoming is weighing several different options for future carnival events.

Due to a late start followed by an early closure of its carnival, City of Wyoming officials expect its revenues to be “significantly” less than last year, coming in under $10,000, way below the $30,000 goal.

Wintry weather caused a delay in the opening of the spring carnival, moving the opening from Friday, April 8, to Monday, April 11. Despite the delay, city officials said if the weather cooperated, they felt they could make their goals.

The weather did turn warmer, but the city closed the carnival at various times on Thursday and Friday due to shooting incidents near the event. City officials officially announced the shutdown of the annual event at the former Studio 28 parking lot on the morning of April 16, about two days before the scheduled conclusion. City officials made the decision to close the carnival because of the shooting incidents. The first was on Thursday, April 14, when a 19-year-old man showed up at Metro Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. While witnesses to the shooting were uncooperative, Wyoming police officers believed the this shooting took place in the parking lot next to 1350 28th St. SW.

On Friday, April 15, officers heard a gunshot in a parking lot south of the carnival. The officers witnessed a vehicle leaving and made a traffic stop, discovering two guns and arresting three people on weapon charges. Both events are still under investigation.

“We are still working on the final numbers,” said Wyoming’s Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt about the carnival, adding that the city is working with the carnival vendor on expenses he had to incur do to the early closure.

“We are expecting our portion to be significantly less than what we had hoped,” Rynbrandt said. She said that the estimated amount is less than $10,000. Last year, the city earned about $26,000. The money from the carnival is split between the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWRCA). The Parks and Recreation Department uses the money to help with park needs. The GWRCA funds youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Rynbrandt said officials will be reviewing park needs and funding along with meeting with GWRCA to assess funding and programs.

As for the future of the carnival, Rynbrandt said the city is still reviewing all of its options.

“One thing people should be aware is that carnivals themselves are not bad and provide wonderful services in the city of Wyoming,” Rynbrandt said, emphasizing that none of the incidents took place at the carnival. Rynbrandt added that city officials want to wrap up this year’s event and then take a step back to look at everything such as location and time of year.

“Our number one priority is public safety,” Rynbrandt said. “As sponsor of the event we hold ourselves to a much higher accountability in that regards.”

Captain Kim Koster, from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety echoed the city’s commitment to safety of its residents and visitors. With safety at the forefront, Koster said the department is working with other organizers on upcoming city events.

“Our Department of Public Safety has and will continue to worked with the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the participating businesses to determine and provide the appropriate level of police presence for the Metro Cruise, and we are always happy to work with other community organizations to plan for similar events.,” Koster said. “Similarly, public safety has worked with the Community Clean-Up Day [which takes place this Saturday] committee to determine the appropriate level of police presence for the day’s activities.”

Rynbrandt noted that the city does accept donations for its park and recreation programs. Anyone interested in donating, should contact the City of Wyoming’s Park and Recreation Department.

Local resident climbs a mountain in search of Noah’s Ark

April 15, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming EventsArk Search, Finding Noah, Kevin DeVries, Mt. Ararat, Noah's Ark, TurkeyJoanne

Kevin DeVries, the lead mountaineer for the "Finding Noah" exhibition, will be at the KDL Wyoming branch April 21. — Kevin DeVries, the lead mountaineer for the “Finding Noah” exhibition, will be at the KDL Wyoming branch April 21.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

In 2013, something rare happened in Turkey: after decades of bloody conflict, there was a cease fire between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the Turkish Government/Army.

For a professional film crew, directed by Brent Braum, it was iconic in it meant the group of Ark Explorers Inc., with lead mountaineer and Byron Center resident Kevin DeVries, would be able to make its last attempt to discover if Noah’s Ark made its final resting place on Turkey’s Mt. Ararat’s nearly 17,000-foot Eastern Plateau. Released last year, the independent film, “Finding Noah,” became something of a phenomenon with more than 500,000 views on its trailer, more than 65,000 likes on its Facebook page and more than 30,000 theater tickets sold on its limited release. The film also garnered several awards from the Montreal World Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, Twin Cities Filmfest and the Sun & San: The Mississippi Film & Music Festival.

It also helped launch a speaking career for DeVries who is scheduled to be at the Kent District Library’s Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, Thursday, April 21, for a private, free screening of the film at 5:45 p.m. along with a Q&A with DeVries to follow.

“We were there to prove scientifically that the ark was there,” said DeVries, who formed a connection with KDL while working on his four-part book series “Explorers of the Lost Ark.” The book series recounts the five summers (2009-2013) Ark Search LLC, explored Mt. Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark.

DeVries was a travel agent when he reached out to the group offering his services and expertise in mountain climbing. He had climbed five of the seven continental summits, skied to the North Pole, kayaked all five of the Great Lakes and is a 2013 Boston Marathon Qualifier and Finisher, so DeVries knew what was needed to survive the rugged conditions of Mt. Ararat. A devout Christian, DeVries admitted he had an interest in the story of the ark especially since similar tales appear in cultures around the world.

“It’s kind of one of those holy grails from the Bible,” DeVries said of searching for Noah’s Ark. “If you can prove it one way or another, it would have tremendous ramifications.”

Proving the ark’s existence and location, which according to the Bible “…came to rest on the mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4), could rewrite textbooks in such fields as zoology, geology, and anthropology, to name a few. A flood of that proportions certainly would have had an impact on land formations, DeVries said.

But in the end, as the film points out, it is not so much the destination, but, as DeVries noted sounds a little clichè, the journey.

“It is really about the brotherhood,” DeVries said. “I made friendships with these people that will last a lifetime.”

The adventure certainly impacted DeVries life who is an inspirational speaker travelling the United States to talk about the film and his personal experience in several faith-based programs and events. He continues to climb with his goal of completing The Explorers Grand Slam – Climb the Seven Summits and Ski to the North and South Pole. For the record, he needs to climb Mt. Everest and Mt. Vinson – the tallest peaks in Asia and Antarctic respectfully – along with skiing to the South Pole.

At the April 21 event, DeVries said the film, which is now out on DVD, will be shown with the audience having an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. The film, DeVries said, does an excellent job in telling the story of the search, not only for Noah’s Ark, but in finding yourself. Or, as a quote from DeVrie’s own website puts it “Sometimes we have to travel the ends of the earth to reach the end of ourselves and find a new beginning in God that never ends.”

For more about the showing, visit the KDL website. For more about DeVries, visit his Grace Explorations website.

Grand Rapids Plastics announces it will cease operations on Friday

April 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard NewsJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Despite an effort to expand sales to cover a major blow in the lost of contracts earlier this year, Grand Rapids Plastics has announced it would be closing its doors at the end of this week.

“Grand Rapids Plastics has made the difficult decision to end operations on Friday,” said Mary Ann Sabo who is with Sabo PR and is serving as spokesperson for the company. “While our management team worked to expand sales efforts, we were unable to compensate for contracts that ended earlier this year.”

It was about two months ago, Grand Rapids Plastics, which made auto replacement parts, had sent a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice to the Michigan Workforce Development Agency stating the company will begin permanently laying off a number of its employees. The reason for the layoffs, according to the letter, was that Fiat Chrysler (FCA), had ended contacts with Grand Rapids Plastics. Grand Rapids Plastics reached out to FCA seeking clarification and was told all orders would cease immediately. WKTV reached out as well to FCA, but there was no response from the company.

Accord to the notice, FCA was the main customer for Grand Rapids Plastics, which has an official address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee in Wyoming. The layoff was to affect 85 employees.

Officials confirmed in February that 125 employees would remain with the company focusing on diversifying the company’s portfolio, according to a statement made at the time by Grand Rapids Plastics Chief Operating Officer Fred Cini.

Sabo said there are currently fewer than two dozen employees at Grand Rapids Plastics.

“We are especially appreciative of the employees who helped us complete final orders for our customers.,” she said.

Grand Rapids Plastics was started in 1976 by Arthur J. Bott, Sr., who received a 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, one of 10 Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, for his work in the community. In 2001, Bott sold Grand Rapids Plastics, which had an estimated worth of $300 million with 300 employees at the time. When the company went into bankruptcy, he bought it back in 2003 and re-launched it. The Bott family still owns the company.

In 2015, the company was fined $558,000 for safety violations related to the death of a worker by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. MIOSHA issued 32 serious citations, nine willful-serious citations, and 14 other-than-serious citations as a rule of the investigations.

Metro Health earns special recognition

April 13, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Non-ProfitsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Distinction Award, Metro Health, Mike DeWittJoanne

Mike DeWitt

Mike.Dewitt@wktv.org

Metro Health Hospital is home to some of the best maternity care and hip and knee replacements in the country. Recently, Metro Health received Blue Distinction Center status, a national designation program from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), for their exceptional treatment.

“The Blue Distinction Center designation lets our members know where they can go in Michigan to receive high-quality care that meets robust clinical standards,” said David Share, MD, MPH, and senior vice president at Blue Cross.

As a first time winner, Metro earned the award based on a number of measurements from BCBSM. BCBSM hands out the awards based on a combination of publicly available data and information it compiles from its subscribers’ medical claims. The examined data includes clinical measures, patient outcomes, and the cost of care. Patient satisfaction scores and patients’ willingness to recommend the hospital are also taken into account.

“Awards such as these from BCBSM are meaningful to the hospital for multiple reasons,” said PR Director Ellen Bristol in and email with WKTV News. “They confirm our teams are providing quality care to patients and they boost morale and a sense of pride among employees and physicians.”

Both award distinctions from BCBSM carried different criteria. The Spartan Stores Family Childbirth Center at Metro Health excelled in areas of early elective delivery and for maintaining programs that promote successful breastfeeding as well as requirements for cost efficiency.

Knee and hip replacements are the fastest growing medical treatments in the country, the BCBSM distinction recognizes Metro as a leader in safe and high-quality specialty hip and knee care.

“The recognition helps patients be confident in the organization and the people who are caring for them,” said Bristol. “Plus, they confirm to physicians that the hospital can provide their patients with the high quality care they want for their patients”

With an annual patient count of over 250,000 across West Michigan, a little recognition is just a reminder of the great work they do every day.

Got an urge to purge? Wyoming hosts its first-ever community clean-up day

April 12, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingJoanne

Wyoming gets ready for its first-ever Community Clean-Up Day Saturday, April 23.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

With the warmer spring weather and the chance to finally get outside, it seems like everyone starts taking a look at the “stuff” they have accumulated over the winter and that little urge to purge takes over.

And Wyoming City officials say purge away and bring all of your discarded stuff to Wyoming’s fist citywide Community Clean-Up Day set for Saturday, April 23. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Godfrey Lee Athletic Complex, 1824 Godfrey Ave. SW, Wyoming residents will be able to drop off trash, household hazardous waste and donations for the Salvation Army.

“In the past, there have been dumpsters placed in certain neighborhoods, but we have never had a citywide clean-up event,” said Nancy Stoddard, who works in the city’s treasurer’s office and is on the organizing committee for the Clean-Up Day event. The event was put together by the Looks Good Committee, one of three strategic planning committees made up of city employees. The other two committees are Feels Good and Sense of Place, both of which are helping with the April 23 event.

“We are excited to do something together,” Stoddard said. “We enjoy working with each other and this is a nice opportunity to be able to volunteer for the community, working to make it a nicer place to live and work.”

More than 30 volunteers will be on hand during the day at the drop-off site to help residents. Residents of Wyoming will need to bring proof of residency such as a picture ID or a tax or water bill with the person’s name and address on it. Only Wyoming residents will be allowed to drop off trash or general household items such as old furniture, appliances, building material scraps, etc. Kent County will be on hand for the collection of household hazardous waste, such as antifreeze, bleach and pesticides, and recycling, such as cardboard, metal cans and plastic shopping bags. For what is accepted in hazardous waste and recycling, visit the Recycle Kent website.

“Kent County officials said they would have one dumpster just dedicated to cardboard because at these type of events, they said they get a lot of cardboard,” Stoddard said.

The Salvation Army will be on site to collect gently-used items (for a list of accepted items, visit the Salvation Army website) and Plummer’s Disposal will be there for mattresses and box springs, which will be $12 each to drop off, and tires, which will be $10. The only item that will not be accepted is electronics, such as old computers and televisions. Stoddard said the organization that planned to help with that had to drop out due to another commitment.

Traffic will enter off of Joosten Street near the Godfrey Lee Early Education Center, curving through the site with various drop points before exiting on to Godfrey Avenue.

Being the first one, Stoddard said they are not sure what attendance will be like. She said she has handed out more than 300 handbills at the treasurer’s office and people have seemed interested.

“We have talked to the city of Kentwood, which has held a community clean-up day in the past and officials there said to expect about 300 vehicles,” Stoddard said. Kentwood’s annual Pride Day Community Clean-Up is May 7 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Recycling Center, 5068 Breton SE.

In addition to the activities taking place at the Godfrey Lee Athletic Complex, the Wyoming Public Service Center Yard Waste Drop-Off site, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 223. There are no limits to the size of branches or shrubs, however; residents must unload the yard waste themselves. All containers must be removed from the facility and proof of residency is required.

Also on April 30, the city has partnered with Metro Health for a Drug Take Back program from 10 a.m .to 2 p.m. at Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.

For more information, visit the City of Wyoming’s website.

Local Jaycees changes name to South Kent, expand area

April 12, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-ProfitsBreakfast with Santa, Forest of Fear, Kentwood Jaycees, Ronald McDonald House, South Kent JayceesJoanne

The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly rebranded South Kent Jaycees.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Even though its charter said South Kent, the name Kentwood Jaycees just seemed to fit better when the group original formed in 1966. It certainly described the area that this particular chapter of the United States Junior Chamber covered.

But with recent changes, including absorbing the former Wyoming Jaycees chapter, the name did not seem to fit anymore. So in 2015, the former Kentwood Jaycees chapter rebranded itself as the South Kent Jaycees.

The South Kent Jaycees recently participated in a wish list drive for the Grand Rapids' Ronald McDonald House. — The South Kent Jaycees recently participated in a wish list drive for the Grand Rapids’ Ronald McDonald House.

“It really broadens our horizon not only for the membership but for the communities we are able to help,” said Jen Groom, secretary of the South Kent Jaycees. “By staying Kentwood, we could only help Kentwood.”

A requirement of being part of the Jaycees organization is that you live within the state and are from the area the local chapter represents. Looking at its membership, South Kent Jaycees leaders discovered that many lived or worked outside of the Kentwood area. The name changed also allowed the organization to expand its reach into adjoining communities which include Grandville, Jenison, Byron Center, and Caledonia along with Kentwood and Wyoming.

With that South Kent Jaycees leadership was able to find a larger base of service and leadership opportunities. Most recently, the South Kent Jaycees worked with the Ronald McDonald House with a holiday wish list drive. South Kent Jaycees also have teamed up with the Grand Rapids Jaycees in an effort to bring the Kids Kicking Cancer program to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Kids Kicking Cancer, which just expanded to help all children who are in pain, focuses on martial arts therapy.

“It is a really great outlet for the kids while they are in the hospital,” Groom said.

And should anyone fret over the Forest of Fear disappearing, Groom and the other board members confirmed plans are in the works for this year’s haunted attraction and that the popular Breakfast for Santa event also will continue.

The South Kent Jaycees plan to host the Breakfast with Santa event again this year.

Gone is the Kentwood Jaycees Club House, which before being the club house was a Pizza Hut located at 1640 44th St. SE. According to the group’s website, it was sold so the organization could focus more local trainings, community benefit programs and local partnerships.

“I joined the Jaycees to give back to my community, but what I get from it so much more than that,” said Marybeth Schafer, who is the secretary of the Grand Rapids Jaycees and is part of the Grand Rapids and South Kent Jaycees collaboration efforts. “It helps me grow personally and professional and I have made some really close friends.

“You also not only meet people in your area, but across the state and the nation.”

The Jaycees organization was established on January 21, 1920 to provide opportunities, at that time, for young men to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others. The organization included women in 1984 after the U.S. Supreme court ruled that Minnesota could prevent sex discrimination in private organizations. 1985 marked the end of the US Jaycee Women organization. Today, there are numerous Jaycees chapters around the globe. There are about 33 chapters in Michigan with five being in the West Michigan area, Allegan, Greater Muskegon, Lakeview (covering the Montcalm area), Grand Rapids and South Kent.

This year, according to Julia Klein, who is a District 2 Michigan Chairman of the Board and treasurer for the South Kent Jaycees, the Michigan Jaycees chapters will host the National Jaycee Conference which is set for Sept. 22 – 25 in Detroit.

But you do not have to wait until September, or head to Detroit, to learn more or join the Jaycees, said Scott Avery, South Kent Jaycees vice president. The organization has monthly membership meetings where potential members can learn more about events and meet other members. Meetings are rotated through the South Kent Jaycees coverage area. On April 20 at 6:30 p.m., the group will meet at Bigby’s in Wyoming. May 23 at 6:30 p.m., they will be at the Byron Family Restaurant, 2527 84th St. SW, Byron Center. On June 18, they will be meeting at 10 a.m. at EB Coffee and Pub, 8980 Rodgers Court SE, Caledonia.

More information can be found at the South Kent Jaycees’ website or the group’s Facebook page.

Gem and Mineral Show ‘rocks’ the spring with demos and more

April 8, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Local EntertainmentIndian Mounds, Rock and Mineral Show, rockhound, Rogers PlazaJoanne

Don VanDyke looks forward to the annual Gem & Mineral Show at Rogers Plaza every year.

“Some people come to sell, some people come to look, me, I come to just share my passion,” said the 82-year-old who calls himself a Rockhound (a nickname for an amateur geologist).

In fact, VanDyke lights up the minute a young girl comes to the table and he immediate starts talking about the rocks and minerals sitting in front of him.

Rockhound Don VanDyke talks to visitors at the 41st Gem & Mineral Show.

“This is chlorastrolite,” VanDyke says as he points to a greenish stone with a turtle back pattern. “It is Michigan’s official gemstone and more commonly referred to as Isle Royal Greenstone.”

Turnout for this year’s Gem & Mineral Show, which marks its 41st year, has been high with Rogers Plaza pretty busy on the opening day of the show. The show continues today through 9 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9.

On opening day, the club’s Junior Rock Club Leader LaDonna Siebelink, who oversees all the children’s activities at the show, already was estimating that the group would go through 1,000 mini rock collections and about 500 grab bags.

“The bad weather does pretty well for us,” said Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club President Kreigh Tomaszewski with a laugh. Tomaszewski contributed some of the draw from the weather being cold and snowy. The group also has seen an increase in attendance due to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) incentives along with other science-related programs.

Part of one of the displays at the 41st Annual Gem & Mineral Show.

“Geology includes chemistry, physics, meteorology…paleontology – we’ve got the fossils – which touches into biology,” Tomaszewski said.

A must-see at this year’s show, according to Tomaszewski, is the rock and mineral displays put together by Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club members. “The members really dug deep into their personal collections and pulled out some amazing specimens,” he said.

The Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, September – May at Wesley Park United Methodist Church, near the corner of Michael Avenue and 36th Street in Wyoming. June – August, the group meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday at Wyoming’s Pinery Park, off of DeHoop Avenue across from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

For more about the group, visit the website indianmoundsrock.com or the group’s Facebook page.

Wyoming set to host annual fair housing seminar this month

April 8, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard Newsfair housing, Fair Housing of West Michigan, Liz Keegan, Wyoming Department of Public SafetyJoanne

The Wyoming Senior Center will be the host site for the upcoming fair housing seminar.

Up until a month ago, a person with a criminal record might have found it difficult to find a place to rent. But changes made by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made it harder for landlords and home sellers to give a blanket “no” based solely on a person’s criminal background.

“It is a very competitive market out there,” said Fair Housing Center of West Michigan Director of Education and Outreach Liz Keegan, who will be one of the speakers at the City of Wyoming’s fair housing seminar set for April 25. Keegan said from what they have heard, houses have been selling before they even get on the market and with such a competitive market, it is important to make sure people are not being too particular in their choices that would impede fair housing.

For the past several years, the City of Wyoming Community Development Office has hosted a seminar for rental property owners and housing professionals to assist them in their daily compliance with fair housing laws and also provide information on local agencies and resources that address various housing-related issues. This year’s seminar is from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. April 25 in the Community Room at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

In fact, criminal background checks are just one of the many topics landlords and home sellers need to consider, Keegan said. Another is assistance animals, which covers not only trained service animals but animals designated for emotional support.

“We really view these seminars as more of a risk prevention opportunity,” Keegan said, adding its an opportunity for the Fair Housing of West Michigan to educate and provide resources on federal, state and HUD guidelines.

Along with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan’s update on fair housing practices, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will present “A Crime-Free Multiple Family Housing Program,” and The Salvation Army Social Services will discuss “Eviction Prevention Assistance.”

The Rental Property Owners Association, which is sponsoring the event with the City of Wyoming Community Development Office, and Wyoming building inspectors will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.

Keegan noted that the City of Wyoming has done a nice job of growing the seminar over the years with up to 90 people in attendance. Landlords, rental agents, property management personnel, real estate agents, residents and others are invited to attend the seminar. Each attendee will be issued a certificate of completion.

The seminar is free, and a continental breakfast will be provided to attendees. Registration is required by April 18. To register, call 530-3164.

The City of Wyoming, which has about 10,798 rental units within its limits, prohibits unfair housing practices through its adopted City Code Section 42-53 and also has certified to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that it will affirmatively further fair housing.

For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7266, or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov.

April is Fair Housing Month with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan hosting its annual event, the 29th Annual Luncheon & Workshop Series with “Remember the Titans” Coach Herman Boone May 19. This event is at the Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St. SE. For more information, visit the Fair Housing of West Michigan website.

Wintry weather forces Wyoming to delay the opening of its Spring Carnival

April 6, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Upcoming EventsRebecca Rynbrandt, Spring Carnival, Studio 28, weatherJoanne

Wyoming's Spring Carnival, located in the former Studio 28 parking lot, will officially open Monday, April 11. — Wyoming’s Spring Carnival, located in the former Studio 28 parking lot, will officially open Monday, April 11.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.com

With the forecast of possible snow on Friday, officials from the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department announced today that due to the weather, it would be delaying the opening of its Spring Carnival to Monday, April 11.

“With today’s weather and reviewing the pending forecast for the rest of the week, safety during the carnival set up and for attendees has required us to delay opening,” officials stated in a press release sent to WKTV. The Weather Channel is reporting snow for Thursday and Friday with break on Saturday and snow again on Sunday. It is supposed to rain on Monday with the weather clearing by Tuesday.

Due to schedules, the Spring Carnival will be shorten from ten days to seven. City of Wyoming Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt said the decision to delay start was mutual one made by both city officials and the carnival vendor.

The annual event, which was scheduled to start on Friday, is now scheduled to run from 4 – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, April 11 – 15; noon – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 15 – 16; and 1 – 10 p.m. Sunday, April 17. The carnival is located in the parking lot of the former Studio 28 theaters, 1400 28th St. SW.

A staple in the city for more than 30 years, proceeds from the carnival will be split between the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWCRA). GWRCA funds support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA will also distribute funds to the community through its annual grant making process.

The Parks and Recreation Department will use its funds to help with park needs such as updating playground equipment, ball field matts and bases and tennis court nets.

“It really is a great opportunity to go out and enjoy the carnival while at the same time giving back to your community,” Rynbrandt said.

Last year, the event raised $26,000. The goal for this year is $30,000. Of course events like these are weather dependent and the shortening of the event could impact the goal, but the overall safety of the carnival workers and those attending is the city’s first priority, Rynbrandt said.

“The carnival will be open in the evenings and on the weekend of April 15, 16, and 17,” Rynbrandt said. “If we have four really great days, we can still meet our goal.”

The admission cost is $15 Monday—Thursday and $20 Friday—Sunday. The Parks and Recreation Department has $3-off coupons available on its Facebook page.

This year’s sponsors are the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, T.J. Schmidt & Co. and Loeks Theatres Inc.

For more information on the carnival, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 530-3164.

Postpone pruning to prevent oak wilt disease

April 6, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyomingoak wilt disease, Stelle Slootmaker, Tree Amigos, WyomingJoanne

Leaves showing signs of oak wilt diesease.

By Stelle Slootmaker

The Tree Amigos

The City of Wyoming encompasses an environmental feature known as oak barrens. Located near glacial outwash areas in southern Lower Michigan, “Oak barrens likely originated when prairie fires spread into surrounding closed oak forest with enough intensity to create open barrens,” states the Michigan Natural Features website article. “Oak barrens and surrounding prairie habitat once supported a rich diversity of invertebrates including numerous species of butterflies, skippers, grasshoppers, and locusts. Mound-building ants and numerous grassland birds also once thrived in barrens and prairies.”

The article goes on to say that past degradation of Michigan’s oak barrens caused the regrettable decline of these many species.

A map showing the areas where oak wilt disease has been discovered.

Our City’s oak trees now face a new threat: oak wilt disease. A serious disease, oak wilt mainly affects red oak, black oak and pin oak. It can kill a red oak tree in just a few weeks’ time. In white oaks, the disease progresses more slowly.

Beetles carry the fungus that causes oak wilt from diseased to healthy trees. The fungus especially thrives on a tree that has been recently pruned or injured. The beetles become active in mid-April and stay active through mid-July. Hence, the Michigan DNR shares that you can help prevent oak wilt by not pruning or otherwise injuring oak trees from April 15 to July 15.

Help stop the spread of oak wilt disease in your neighborhood. Postpone pruning your oaks and share this advice with your neighbors. If you want to do even more to ensure that the City of Wyoming supports a healthy tree canopy, join The Tree Amigos, a citizen group supporting a vibrant Wyoming tree canopy. Like The Tree Amigos on Facebook and message or post your concerns and comments.

Wyoming High School Artist Leaves Mark with Mural

April 1, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, EntertainmentKibsaim "Kibsy" Ruiz Salva, mural, School News Network, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

Kibsaim Kibsy works on a painting during the recent Wyoming High School Festival of Arts.

by Erin Albanese

School News Network

When senior Kibsaim “Kibsy” Ruiz Salva paints, she relaxes. That’s an important outlet for someone who is already working toward becoming a doctor.

Kibsy is beginning her studies to become a neurosurgeon by attending the Kent Career Tech Center’s Health Early College Academy, but the talented student is leaving her mark at school through art.

Kibsy painted a mural titled “Time and History” in the school hallway — which showcases how literature can help people step back in time — by depicting a woman reading to a child on a park bench on one side and a gathering of people in dress from bygone eras on the other.

Kibsaim “Kibsy” Ruiz Salva’s painting won second place in the Hope Restored Empowerment Center 2016 Soul Food Eat and Greet Excellent Art Award contest.

She also created a painting of a boy and his mother reading about civil rights activist, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., which received second place in the Hope Restored Empowerment Center 2016 Soul Food Eat and Greet Excellent Art contest. The center is a non-profit located in Wyoming.

“Martin Luther King is an icon. He had a dream and he wanted to see people together,” she said of the inspiration for her piece.

Kibsy began studying art as a 9-year-old at a specialty school in Durango, Mexico, after her parents, Daniel Ruiz and Juanita Salva, realized she had the ability to draw what she saw. She said her artistic ability is a gift from God that gives her peace.

“My inspirations come from my past and family, as they define my culture, my daily life, and my passion for art,” she said.

After immigrating to the United States at age 11, Kibsy continued her art, impressing those like Wyoming High School art teacher Robyn Gransow Higley.

“Kibsy’s artwork is powerful, from inception to product,” Higley said. “Full of emotion, her artwork invites viewers to engage and reflect upon meaningful figures, eras and experiences. Kibsy’s passion for learning is inspirational and exciting.”

Kibsy had to choose between art and attending the Tech Center this year, but Higley encouraged her to continue art outside of class to continue creating.

While painting is a stress reliever and outlet, Kibsy finds it an important means of expression too.

“I want to influence people and make an impact in their lives,” she said. “Art is the most convenient form of message. In an image, people can think of many things.”

Kibsy plans attend Grand Rapids Community College and then a four-year university to major in biomedical engineering before attending medical school.

Robots, rocks and more are all part of this year’s Spring Break activities

March 31, 20163-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming EventsFlick, Gem & Mineral Show, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Robots, Spring Break, The Robot ZooJoanne

Robots rule – at least for Spring Break 2016 as several area organizations have programs around robots and science.

Leading off the robot mania is Kent District Library’s Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, with the KDL LAB Maker Break April 4 – 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. According to the KDL’s press materials “If robots and smashing and rebuilding things is your kid’s idea of a great time, then do we have the event for you!”

The Grand Rapids Community College Manufacturing Trailer will be at the branch Monday through Thursday with a 3D printer, virtual welder and more to explore. Also on Monday, there will be 11 different STEAM-based activities including Snap Circuits, LittleBits Electronics, Robot Rumble as well as demonstrations from local robotics groups.

Thursday, Spanish-speaking staff from Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities will be on hand as Maker Break week wraps up.

The Grand Rapids Public Library also focuses on robots and programming with its spring break program Teen [Tech]Knowledgy Spring Workshop from 2 – 4 p.m. April 4 at the Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. Participants will be able to create and program a robot using the Lego Mindstorm Education EV3 base set and software. This program is for grades 7 – 12. For more information, visit grpl.org.

And then there is The Robot Zoo at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the basis for the Museum’s Spring Break programs. The Museum’s Galleria will be filled with hands-on crafts and activities that are free with general admission. Create your own robotic creature to take home and play with oversized games. Activities will take place in the Museum’s Galleria Monday, April 4 through – Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Robot Zoo will be open extended hours until 8 p.m. all during Spring Break and the Chaffee Planetarium features the new original show Starlight Safari and Breaking News from Outer Space and the return of Dark Side: The Light Show. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Not to be left out on the robots theme, the Second Annual FIRST Robotics Competition returns to the East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2. This high-tech sporting event will produce excitement and energy for participants and spectators alike, as teams compete for honors and recognition that reward design excellence, sportsmanship, teamwork and more.

The 41st Annual Gem and Mineral Show will take place at Rogers Place April 7 - 9. — The 41st Annual Gem and Mineral Show will take place at Rogers Place April 7 – 9. (Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Also taking place and in the realm of the world of science is the 41st Annual Gem & Mineral Show, which this year returns to Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The event is from 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 7 and 8 and from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and features an array of mineral specimens, crystals, fossils, beads, and more. Demonstrations will be taking place along with rock and mineral identification, displays and exhibits and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.indianmoundsrockclub.com

The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will host a Spring Break Fun Club April 4 – 8 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Activities include sports, games, arts and crafts, gym and outdoor fun. Cost is $25 per day or $85 per week. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 656-5270 to register.

Some other spring break activities:

The Grand Rapids Art Museum opens "Maurice Sendak: Where the Wild Things Are" on April 9. — The Grand Rapids Art Museum opens “Maurice Sendak: Where the Wild Things Are” on April 9. (Courtesy of Grand Rapids Art Museum)

The Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW, opens on April 9. The six-week exhibition, which closes May 22, features original drawings, prints and posters by the children’s book author in celebration of book’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Craig’s Crusisers, 5730 Clyde Park SW, hosts unlimited fun every Wednesday with $25 wristbands from 4 – 9 p.m. For more information, visit craigscruisers.com

John Ball Park Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., will be having a Zoobilee during spring break, April 4 – 8. Activities include special animal feeding times, an opportunity to meet the animal keepers and learn more about the animals at the zoo. For specific activities and days, visit jbzoo.org.

John Ball Zoo also offers Spring Break Day Camps for kindergarten through 5th grade. April 4 and 5 is Just Zoo It! and April 6 and 7 is Who Dung It? There is also the Spring Break overnight, Starlight Safari, April 8 to April 9, for students in third through sixth grades. Visit the website to register.

The Salvation Army KROC Center, 2500 S. Division Ave., will be offering special activities and entertainment such as extended open swim hours and sports tournaments April 4 – 8. Sponsored by the National Heritage Academies, the Spring Break activities are free for members. Non-members can purchase a day pass which is $5.50 for ages 11 and younger and $7.50 for ages 12 and up. Visit grkroccenter.org for more information.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NW, will have all kinds of Spring Break activities from April 2 – 10. There will be interactive dance, magic shows, and storyteller Kevin Kammeraad. For a complete list of events, visit grcm.org.

Shows:

"Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip" runs April 1 - 7 as Flick's Family Film — “Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip” runs April 1 – 7 as Flick’s Family Film Fest. (Photo courtesy of Flick’s Family Film Fest)

Flick’s Family Film Fest is currently running at all Celebration! Cinemas, including Celebration! South Cinema, 1506 Eastport Dr. SE (across from the East Kentwood High School). Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip runs April 1 – 7 and Kung Fu Panda 3 is April 8 – 14. Movies are free for children ages 12 and under and $5 for ages 13 and older.

The Grand Rapids Ballet brings back its popular Spring Break for Kids program April 5 – 7. With two performances each day of a half-hour, family-friendly ballet with the fun starting at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. Tickets for these shows do sell out, so if possible purchase early. For more information, visit grballet.com.

For those comic book lovers, Marvel Universe Live! comes to Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. Spidy, Hulk and even Thor will battle those dastardly villains tonight at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $27.50. Visit vanandelarena.com for more information.

Final arch added to Wyoming’s Veteran’s Park

March 31, 20163-bottom, City of Wyoming, Veteransbricks, Memorial Arch, Rebecca Rynbrandt, Veteran's ParkJoanne

The new memorial arch at Wyoming's Veteran's Memorial Garden. — The new memorial arch at Wyoming’s Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

The final memorial arch was installed this week at the City of Wyoming’s Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

The installation marked the end of a more than 10-year project for the Veteran’s Park. Started as a vision of local veterans groups, in 1995, through the support of the community, the city was able to complete the first phase of the project by dedicating the Walk of Honor to all military branches. Over the course of the past several years, the city has been adding elements to the park. This week, the city completed the project with the installation of the last of the three arches. The new arch will be recognized during the city’s annual Memorial Service set for the observed holiday, May 30 at 7 p.m.

Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming, said the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department received a $6,475 grant from the City of Wyoming Community Development Block Grant to fund the final memorial arch. This included the casting and placement in the Veteran’s Park, Rynbrandt said.

“We invite the community to visit the park located at 2300 DeHoop Avenue to view its three arches heralding Honor, Duty, and Country and reflect upon the service of our veterans,” she said. The Veteran’s Park is located right in front of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and across from Pinery Park.

There are no current plans for any other additions to the park. Rynbrandt said. Memorial bricks for those who served are still available along the Walk of Honor. Bricks are placed in the spring for Memorial Day and in the fall for Veteran’s Day. Bricks are $40. For more information on purchasing a brick, click here or call the City of Wyoming offices at 616-530-7272.