Category Archives: Upcoming Events

5th Annual GRJazzFest announces line-up April 27

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grand-jazz-logo

By GRandJazzFest

 

Summer’s still quite a way off, but it’s never too early to get excited about good jazz!

 

GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation returns to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., this Aug. 20 and 21, for the fifth annual festival. The popular family-friendly festival, which attracted more than 10,000 people last year, is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival. The two-day festival will again be free because of Presenting Sponsor DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids and other sponsoring organizations and individuals.

 

Edye-Evans-Hyde
Edye Evans Hyde performed last year

“Grand Rapids and West Michigan have embraced GRandJazzFest,” founder Audrey Sundstrom said. “We’re proud to say GRandJazzFest is one of the most diverse, community-oriented festivals for people who live here, who travel here, and who want to enjoy two days of great live music in a vibrant downtown setting. THIS is what community is all about.”

 

Each year, GRandJazzFest has been held at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids to enable festival-goers to take in all that downtown has to offer: restaurants, clubs, museums, microbreweries and shops. The festival typically occurs during Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids. The festival’s location provides easy access to those who ride the bus, walk or bike, and is also close to parking.

 

The 2016 festival lineup will be announced on April 27 at the House of Entertainment and Music (H.O.M.E.) at The B.O.B. That night at H.O.M.E., the band Evidence led by saxophonist Michael Doyle takes the stage. Evidence performed at the 2014 GRandJazzFest.

 

Like last year’s reveal, festival organizers will coordinate with leaders at International Jazz Day to include GRandJazzFest’s reveal announcement as a sanctioned International Jazz Day event.

 

At the 2016 festival in August, 11 diverse jazz artists and bands will perform, including a student jazz band and two major headline acts.

Walt-Gutowski1
Walt Gutowski performed last year

 

Free face painting by Fancy Faces will be available for kids and, if lines aren’t too long, for “kids at heart.”

 

GR and Jazz (the non-profit, all-volunteer-run producer of GRandJazzFest) is pleased to announce a special collaboration with the Grand Rapids Art Museum: Under an agreement with GRAM, the festival’s VIP area will be located on the GRAM front terrace where refreshments and snacks will be provided. The VIP area is for sponsors of GRandJazzFest. Additionally, GRAM will have an outdoor bar area set up at the base of its front steps adjoining Rosa Parks Circle for attendees who would like to purchase and consume refreshments and enjoy the festival.

 

Grand Rapids city commissioners approved GRandJazzFest as one of 24 events that it will co-sponsor in 2016, a distinction only given to events that have proven to be successful and enrich the community. GRandJazzFest 2015 received distinction as a Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Signature Event along with two other festivals, ArtPrize and LaughFest.

 

In addition to DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids, and GRAM, sponsors for the 2016 event to date include GR and Jazz, IntentPR, Gilmore Collection, Comcast, Hilger Hammond, Amway Hotel Corporation, Experience Grand Rapids, ICON Sign, Meijer, Moxie Men Incorporated, Hungerford Nichols, WGVU, Steelcase and Clark Hill. Sponsorship opportunities are here.

Grupo-Aye
Grupo Aye performed last year

 

“We are so grateful to all of our sponsors for their support – we could not do it without them,” Sundstrom said. “We’re seeking additional sponsors to help us bring a full weekend of FREE, family-friendly live jazz performances to West Michigan!”

 

Get a taste of past GRandJazzFests by viewing the “recap” videos here.

 

More information on the 5th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation can be found here and at the festival’s Facebook and Twitter sites.

Why “Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương” and an abbreviated Overview of Vietnam History

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VietnamBy: Adrian Ɖặng Bảo Oánh

 

The Hung Vuong Era, which spanned 28 generations, is officially recognized and accredited as the founding forefathers of Vietnam. Prehistoric Vietnam dates back much further.  The Association of Senior Vietnamese-Americans in the Grand Rapids Metro Area is organizing a commemorative event to honor the founding forefathers of Vietnam. This year, the formal event will take place on April 16th, 2016 at the Little Saigon Plaza on 28th Street, beginning at 2:00 PM.

 

It is the most appropriate time to recite on the ancient history of Vietnam so we could have some basic understanding of another culture in our diverse community, and also to potentially share with our friends who have Vietnamese heritage the sentiments of one of their important days.

 

Prehistoric information, according to historians and archeologists, shows evidence of human dwelling and activities as early as the Paleolithic Age. Evidence of Homo Erectus presence dating back to 500,000 BC were found in caves around the Lạng Sơn and Nghệ An provinces of Northern Vietnam in 1965. There have also been human fossils from the middle and late Pleistocene Age discovered in other unfrequented caves in Vietnam. Fossilized homo-sapiens teeth help calculate the timeframe of the findings through archeological excavations.

 

Legend has it that the Vietnamese “breed” of people derived from an ancient couple – Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ – much like Adam and Eve of the Western world. The man was a descendant of the dragon, and the woman was a fairy. The legendary couple gave birth to a large sac of 100 eggs. The eggs hatched and gave life to 100 children. Fifty of the children went to live toward the ocean and explored the coastal areas while the other fifty offspring went toward the mountains to explore land. The developments and multiplications gave rise to the people of Vietnam, and later, their nation.

 

Vietnam has been recognized as a nation for about 4,900 years. This small country started in the Ɖộng Ɖình Hồ region among numerous other non-Chinese groups who inhabited in the southern part of China known as the Bach Viet group, where “Bach” means 100.

 

The first kings of Vietnam belonged to the Hùng Vương Era which lasted twenty-eight generations. This period is called the Hồng Bàng Period in history. During these generations, the kings and the people mostly kept adding richness to the Vietnamese culture in different facets. They also added population and expanded their homeland border southward. There were no specific recordings of the dynasty’s specific achievements or accomplishments, yet there were plenty legends told to explain of how certain customs and habits came about throughout the millenniums. But without the Hùng Vương Era, the country of Vietnam would not have started and become of what it is today.

 

Ɖại Cồ Việt Imperial Palace at Hoa LưThe Vietnamese throughout the world commemorate the Hùng Vương’s day annually. This date falls on the 10th day of the 3rd month on the eastern lunar calendar. Since the lunar calendar does not coincide with the Julian-solar calendar, this historic celebration date changes from year to year. This year, per the solar calendar, the celebration occurs on April 16th.

 

After the Hùng Vương Era, the history has been recorded more accurately and completely. The country of Vietnam was monarchically ruled by several dynasties with the kingdom passed down from one king to another within the family names. The 6 main dynasties proceeded in order as: Ɖinh, Lê, Lý, Trần, Lê, Nguyễn. The Đinh dynasty started with Ɖinh Bộ Lĩnh who later became Ɖinh Tiên Hoàng, the founding monarch of the Ɖinh dynasty in 968 AD. He named the country Ɖại Cồ Việt and set up the capital in Hoa Lư. The name lasted through the Lê Dynasty until the second king of the Lý Dynasty, Lý Thánh Tông, changed it to Ɖại Việt in 1054. The first king under the Lý family name was Lý Thái Tổ, who then moved the capital of the country to Thăng Long from Hoa Lư, but he never changed the name of the nation. Thăng Long is now known as Hanoi, the current capital of Vietnam.

 

King Gia Long of the Nguyễn DynastyThis little country in Southeast Asia underwent several name changes until king Gia Long (Nguyễn Phúc Ánh) of the Nguyễn Dynasty changed it to Việt Nam, and it stands to this date. It was also during the Nguyen Dynasty that the capital was moved to Huế for the entire duration under the ruling of the Nguyễns.

 

Vietnam is a relatively small country lining the southeastern coast of the South China Sea. Vietnam occupies approximately 331,211.6 square kilometers and has a population of  91,700,000 according to the 2015 official estimation. Although small in size, Vietnam has been targeted for invasion by other countries. Vietnam was under Chinese control for four different periods of time totaling about 1,000 years. The French made Vietnam one of its colonies for approximately 100 years starting in the mid 1800’s. The Japanese also dominated Vietnam in the 1940s. There were several other attempts to invade and seize Vietnam by other countries throughout history.

 

Why is it that this little country is always pestered by others?

 

Geographically, Vietnam’s whereabouts offers an advantage in military operations and trading. It is also rich in natural resources ranging from mines of precious metals to fertile land which yields bountiful harvests to rich sea resources off the reef that runs the length of the entire country. The Vietnamese people mostly are pleasant, amiable looking, intelligent, ambitious, and hard-working. Many nations wanted Vietnam to be a part of their own countries; perhaps, there exists some nations who still harbor these obsolete and morally wrong ideas.

 

Courtest of Vivi for Hung Vuong Commemoration
Courtest of Vivi for Hung Vuong Commemoration

We touched slightly on a couple of the country name changes that Vietnam underwent.  Actually, there were many more names that defined this country at one time or another. Some were significant, some were not, and sometimes certain names re-appeared at later times.

 

The main names Vietnam wore throughout history were: Xích Quỷ, Văn Lang, Âu Lạc, Nam Việt, Giao Chỉ, Lĩnh Nam, Giao Chỉ, Giao Châu, Vạn Xuân, Giao Châu/An Nam, An Nam, Trấn Nam, An Nam, Tĩnh Hải Quân, Ɖai Cồ Việt, Ɖại Việt, Ɖại Ngu, Giao Chỉ, Ɖại Việt, Việt Nam, Ɖại Nam, Việt Nam.

 

During the French domination, the French government strategically divided Vietnam into three parts with three different names that fell under different rules for easier control and management. The North was named Tonkin which was totally placed under French rules. The central part of Vietnam was named Annam which was – on the surface – left in the hands of the Vietnamese people and the Vietnamese king. In reality, it was under French supervision. The South was called Cochinchina, and it was French-cultured with the most freedom. The southern Vietnamese were most influenced by the French. Consequently, many of them were well-versed in the French language.

 

The French were driven out of Vietnam by the Việt Minh in the early 1950s resulting in the Geneva Conference that divided the country into two parts: Communist North Vietnam and  the Republic of South Vietnam. The capital of North Vietnam became Hanoi and the capital of South Vietnam became Saigon. The civil war then began between the south and the north of Vietnam until 1975. It ended on April 30th of Year 1975.

 

Vietnam history in its entirety is in no way possible to present in the confinement of these pages and the limited knowledge of one person. The intention of this article was to present an abbreviated overview of the history of Vietnam through April 1975. And the author hopes that it helps ignite interest on the event that The Association of Senior Vietnamese-Americans in the Grand Rapids Metro Area is going to hold on Saturday April 16th, 2016.  If you are curious and or have time, please do not hesitate to attend at 2:00 PM at the Little Saigon Plaza on 28th Street, just East of Division Street.

 

God bless America and God bless us all.

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

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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.

 

In full bloom: Kent Garden Club beautifies Grand Rapids with cherry trees

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Members of the Kent Garden Club will help to plant nine Kwanzan Cherry Trees this Saturday. (Photos provided by Cynthia Larson Burden of Photos by Bur'den.
Members of the Kent Garden Club will help to plant nine Kwanzan Cherry Trees this Saturday. (Photos provided by Cynthia Larson Burden of Photos by Bur’den.)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Think of the last time you took a stroll along the west bank of the Grand River near the Grand Rapids Public Museum –  a very picturesque scene of the water and beautifully landscaped grounds. Hard to imagine it could be even more picture perfect, right? How about the addition of some flowering trees like Kwanzan Cherry Trees?

 

If you eyes just got wider and a smile slipped on your face at that thought then you are right in tune to the reaction of the members of the Kent Garden Club which will be planting those cherry trees this Saturday, April 16, along the west bank of the Grand River.

 

“The fact that it is Global Youth Service Day on Friday and then you have Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day April 29, it just seemed like the perfect project to do during the month of April,” said Adele Krhovsky, who is the Kent Garden Club president.

 

More than 100 years old, the Kent Garden Club, as part of its mission to encourage active interest in civic beautification, has for about 75 years helped oversee the planting and maintaining of the landscape at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The committee, Gardening on the Grand, is currently chaired by Kent Garden Club member Barb Hoogeboom.

 

“Once a month we come out and plant, prune and weed,” Krhovsky said, adding that the group has planted 500 daffodil bulbs.  Some of the members have focused on specific areas such as Kent Garden Club member Mary Block who takes care of all the urns at the Public Museum.

 

Kent Garden Club members get ready to plant and prune at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photos by Cynthia Larson Burden of Photos by Bur'den.)
Kent Garden Club members get ready to plant and prune at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photos provided by Cynthia Larson Burden of Photos by Bur’den.)

It was during one of the monthly Public Museum gatherings last year that the idea for the Kwanzan Cherry Trees was planted with the members and from there bloomed into a plan of action. The Kent Garden Club proposed the idea of adding the trees to the Public Museum, but due to the river restoration project, had to put the plan on hold until this March, Krhovsky said.

 

When it was determined that where the trees would be placed would not be impacted by the Grand River project, the membership moved into action, raising more than $2,500 for the trees and to have a tree specialist available on planting day. Scotts Miracle-Gro is providing fertilizer and mulch with a representative also scheduled to be there on Saturday as well.

 

More than 40 volunteers are expected on Saturday to help with the planting. There will be nine trees planted. The Kwanzan Cherry Tree, also called the Japanese Flowering Cherry, is  a popular selection because of its huge carnation-like pink cluster of flowers in the spring and for its green leaves, tinted with red, that turn a brilliant orange in the fall. It is planted in Washington D.C. along with the Yoshiko Cherry for the area’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Kwanzan Cherry Tree is ornamental and does not bear fruit.

 

The trees being planted on Saturday are six to eight feet in height and will grow to 30 to 40 feet in maturity. The trees will blossom in full approximately one year after being planted, but some blossoming may occur this season. The tree’s lifespan is about 15 to 25 years.

 

The Public Museum is one of five gardens that the Kent Garden Club cultivates and maintains. The club coordinates volunteers to help with the gardening and those interested in participating or learning more about the Kent Garden Club should visit the group’s website at kentgardenclub.org or check out the group’s Facebook page.

 

The Kent Garden Club is part of The National Garden Clubs, Inc., which on May 2, the City of Grand Rapids will be home to The National Gardens Clubs’ 87th Annual Garden Club Convention, “Blooming on the Grand.” The convention will highlight what the Kent Garden Club has done for the city including the Museum’s grounds. For more on the convention, click here.

 

 

‘Kids Simmer Camp’ stirs up kids’ imaginations and cooking skills

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simmer camp 5By Downtown Market

 

Kids Simmer Camp, for ages 6-11, is a great way to get your kids excited about preparing meals. Fun and educational, these three-day camps explore adventurous weekly themes. From discoveries in the Greenhouse to hands-on cooking in the Teaching Kitchen, “Simmer” Camp cultivates growth and bakes up excitement. Each activity and recipe will pair with the inspiring weekly theme and stimulate inventive imagination and creativity.

 

Everything needed for class is provided: ingredients, the aprons, and the fun! If you shop prior to class and need to put any perishable food purchases in the cooler, please let the sous chef know on your way into class.

 

If your child has an allergy, simply indicate during the registration process if there are any dietary restrictions that our chef should be aware of. We will make the appropriate accommodations to ensure an excellent culinary experience.

 

Please include ages on registration so our chef can prepare ahead for all ages.

 

These classes fill quickly.

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simmer camp 2

 

Week 1: Baking 101-Oven Science
June 28, 29, and 30, 10a-2p • $125

From savory to sweet, to sneaking in a few secret ingredients, kids will learn the science behind baking, and how to incorporate greenhouse fresh ingredients into their baked goods.

 

This week’s kids’ creations include:

Buttermilk biscuits, homemade baked chicken tenders, nutty chocolate chip quinoa cupcakes, mini seasonal fruit tarts, savory supper pie, black bean brownies, pizza with vegetable pizza sauce, and monkey bread.
REGISTER HERE

 

Week 2: Roadtrip USA
July 12, 13, and 14, 10a-2p • $125

From the Southwest, to Creole country, to New England, and back, kids will take a culinary road trip throughout the US!

 

simmer camp 4This week’s kids’ creations include:

Mexican enchiladas, southwestern slaw, Tex-Mex style chocolate pudding, hopping John rice and beans, pimento cheese spread, lemon parfaits, New England crab cakes, rhubarb tea, and hasty pudding.

Kids will also learn about water resources, plant adaptation, rice farming, food preservation, and other important agricultural facts from around the country.
REGISTER HERE

 

 

Week 3: SOLD OUT!

 

 

Week 4: Movie Meal Mayhem
July 26, 27, and 28, 10a-2p • $125

Ever wondered how to make a real Ratatouille or what would happen if Minecraft food was served at your dinner table? What would happen if food took over Grand Rapids like it does in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? Join us as we explore the food, farming, and environment related to these popular movies.

 

This week’s kids’ creations include:

Sausage meatballs, giant pancakes, peach sauce, fresh fruit juice, pixelated fruits and veggies with homemade sauces and dips, vegetable ratatouille, French chocolate mousse, and homemade bread sticks.
REGISTER HERE

 

simmer camp 3

Week 5: Modern City Homesteading
July 19, 20, and 21, 10a-2p • $125

Kids will learn the ten basic concepts of urban homesteading and align them with practical skills, such as growing potted plants, making sauces from scratch, designing your own reusable snack sack, and using dry ice to create a fun dessert. Kids will also learn about rain barrels and worm bins (vermiculture) and how they add value to any urban yard.

 

This week’s kids’ creations include:

Cucumber salad, black bean quesadillas, banana pudding vegetable pancakes with homemade ketchup, carrot slaw, ice cream, deviled eggs, seasonal veggie soup and homemade soft pretzels with honey mustard dip.
REGISTER HERE

 

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Questions?  Email classes@downtownmarketgr.com or call 616.805.5308 ext 217.

Code Red: A Robotics Takeover by Area Students

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

The outside fortifications of the castle have taken serious damage as the opposing forces lick their chops readying for a takeover. Three valiant knights, bonded by an alliance, are all the castle has left. They band together and strike back, strategically battering the opposing stronghold with a flawlessly executed counterattack that places victory within reach.

 

Now all that’s left is to bring down the tower, and time is running out.

 

It’s a battle scene playing out straight from a movie. However, these knights aren’t people, they’re robots, and they’re built and operated by high school students on a quest for a state championship at the DeltaPlex from April 14-16..

 

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in Michigan is an organization and robotics competition that gives students an opportunity to build their own robots and compete against other teams. It’s a way for students to discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.

 

Code Red Robotics, a local program based in Kentwood, recently qualified for the Michigan FIRST Robotics State Championship that will be held this weekend at the DeltaPlex Arena. Code Red enters the competition with the highest district score in West Michigan, highest scoring regular season match in the country, and as a winner of the Chairman’s Award, the top award in FIRST.

 

The competition theme for this year is “FIRST Stronghold” and creates alliances of three robots on a quest to breach their opponents’ fortifications, weaken the opponents’ tower with foam boulders, and ultimately capture the tower. Students were given six weeks to create a robot from scratch that could best handle all the obstacles. In all, the outermost line of fortification had more than 18,000 possible field configurations.

 

Code Red“Robotics is a great opportunity for the kids to learn teamwork. It truly is a team sport,” said Code Red director Ken Orzechowski.

 

Code Red Robotics started in 2008 and hasn’t looked back. Since the team started competing in 2009, Code Red has qualified for the state championship every year but one and has qualified for the world championship twice.

 

While most robotics teams are affiliated with a school, Code Red Robotics runs separately and relies on students from surrounding area schools to bolster the team. It’s the most challenging obstacle for the program.

 

“We have to constantly reach out to kids to join,” said Orzechowski. “It’s difficult, but having a team represented by 10 different schools only adds to our team dynamic. Plus, once they get in, they don’t leave. It’s too much fun!”

 

The schools represented at Code Red include Byron Center, Caledonia, Calvin Christian, Forest Hills Central, Grandville, Kenowa Hills, NorthPointe Christian, South Christian, Well Spring Academy, and home schools. On top of bringing kids in from other schools to learn robotics and be a part of a team, Code Red has been active in starting up robotics programs across the area.

 

In order to get a new program off of the ground, Code Red meets with school and community leaders, recruits mentors to help the students, and aids in finding sponsors and developing business plans. Their efforts have succeeded in getting six programs off the ground and rebooting another: the Forest Hills Comets, East Kentwood Red Storm, the Altobots, West Mi Aviation Spitfires, Harper Creek Robo Beavers, and the Petoskey Paladins. Code Red was also instrumental in finding mentors and sponsors to revive the Wyoming Demons after they folded in 2012. The Demons also qualified for the state championship this year.

 

Code Red“Starting some of these programs has cut into our own pool of kids, but that’s okay. It’s all about spreading the positives that come with FIRST,” said Orzechowski.

 

Orzechowski touched on those positives that spread well beyond the technical skills learned.

 

“It forces kids to articulate what they know and share ideas. We have a lot of smart kids; at one point we had five valedictorians, but they don’t always know how to share their ideas. If you can’t articulate your idea, it’s as bad as not knowing it. The teamwork that is required for FIRST helps build those skills.”

 

Code Red Robotics will compete in the state championship at the DeltaPlex, April 14-16. For further information on the competition, visit FIRST in Michigan. For more information on Code Red Robotics, visit their website.

Local spoken word poets featured at upcoming KDL Kentwood advance

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Local spoken word group The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21.
Local spoken word group The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21.

Marcel Price, better known as Fable the Poet, understands how powerful words can be. When strung together, they can be hurtful, he acknowledges, but they can also be liberating.

 

“Recently, I was working with students [at a local high school] and we were talking about domestic violence and this boy in the class offered to share up one of his poems,” said Fable the Poet, who is one of the founding members of the local spoken work poet group The Diatribe. The Diatribe will be at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch April 21. “I was like, ‘OK, everybody, let’s clap him up, he is going to share with us.”

 

As the young man stood there telling his story, and tears, about knowing and facing domestic violence, the room became quiet.

 

“Afterwards, students came up and gave him a hug and that in the end is what it is about,” Fable the Poet said. “It is teaching that there are a lot of issues but that many are facing the same issues and through those issues there is a feeling of unity.”

 

For the past several years, The Diatribe, which includes Fable the Poet, Kelsey May, Rachel Gleason, Shawn Moore and G Foster II, have been working with area high schools and students, showing them how spoken word poetry can be used as a catalyst to talk about the issues going on in a person’s life.

 

“We focus on trust,” Fable the Poet said about getting students to standup and openly share their poetry with a group of their peers. “We tell them that we are going to be vulnerable  with them and that they need to be vulnerable with us. We make sure they understand that everything we do is transparent.”

 

The spoken word poetry movement has certainly taken a foothold within the United States  punctuated by Sarah Kay’s “If I Should Have A Daughter” at a 2011 TEDx. The spoken word art form can include hip-hop, jazz poetry, poetry slams, traditional poetry readings, some comedy routines and prose monologues.

 

Because of its popularity, the Kent District Library added a spoken word component to its annual teen poetry contest. Students in grades 6 -12 can enter up to three poems by April 30. Judges will select 10 winners with all entrants eligible for the spoken word competition on May 17 at the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE. Ten winners will be selected from the spoken word competition with all winners receiving a $50 gift card from Schuler Books & Music. For complete details, click here.

 

As part of the spoken word contest, The Diabrite has partnered up with KDL, hosting workshops in about 12 to 14 area schools which included Kentwood’s Pinewood Elementary School and Kelloggsville Discovery Alternative High School. The partnership culminates with the KDL Reads: Spring into Poetry with The Diatribe Thursday, April 21 from 7 – 8 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, 4950 Breton SE.

 

“This is the first time we have partnered with KDL,” Fable the Poet said, adding that the collaboration has been amazing with hopes of expanding the project to more schools next year.

 

For more about the KDL’s 2016 Find Your Voice Teen Poetry Contest and Spoken Word Competition, visit KDL’s website.  The April 21 event with The Diatribe is free and open to the public.

 

 

Movies in the Park start June 3

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movie-rMark your calendar for Movies in the Park this summer. Pre-movie entertainment typically begins at 6 pm and movies begin at dusk.  A list of movies will be out later this month. Meanwhile, the dates are as follows:

 

  • June 3
  • June 17
  • July 8
  • July 22
  • August 5
  • August 19

 

Movies in the Park is the premier outdoor film series in Grand Rapids. DGRI and partners present films–free of charge–on a giant screen in Ah-Nab-Awen Park on the banks of the Grand River every other Friday from June thru August. Guests are invited to treat the evening like a picnic and bring your own blanket, chairs, beer, wine and snacks for a special night under the stars. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6 pm. Films start at dusk.

 

Movies in the Park stems from a 2013 community idea to expand the portfolio of free, outdoor urban recreation activities in Downtown Grand Rapids. The film series has quickly become a signature event in Downtown. The 2015 series of six movie nights attracted more than 31,000 people and stimulated an estimated $664,000 in total consumer spending. Overall, the series leveraged approximately $441 in economic return to downtown and participating businesses for every public dollar invested to produce the events.

 

Go here for more info.

Aldo Leopold Festival 2016 – Celebrating the North Huron Birding Trail

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Aldo LeopoldBy: LesCheneaux.org

 

Les Cheneaux welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold— one of America’s most influential naturalists— by visiting a place he spent summers in his youth. Les Cheneaux is now home to a historical marker honoring Leopold’s time in Les Cheneaux. See the woods and water that surely formed Leopold’s early impressions of the natural world.

 

Les Cheneaux IslandsThe 2nd Annual Aldo Leopold Festival is scheduled for May 13-15 in the Les Cheneaux Islands, centered around the communities of Cedarville and Hessel.

 

Who Was Aldo Leopold & Why Do We Care?

 

Aldo Leopold and his family spent several months a year in Les Cheneaux at their cottage on Marquette Island. There, young Leopold spent his days in the woods and on the water, where he developed an appreciation for the environment and wildlife on the island while mapping trails and listing the flora and fauna he found.

 

Beginning in the early 1890s, the Leopold family made annual treks from their Burlington, Iowa home to their cottage, first by steam ferry from Chicago to Mackinac Island, and later by rail. As a young adult, Leopold continued to visit the Les Cheneaux area until about 1919, according to family photographs of Leopold in the area.

 

Aldo LeopoldIf one believes that our love of the land begins in childhood, it can be said that those summers spent roaming the islands, by foot or by canoe, were instrumental in helping to shape Leopold’s own land ethic. His brother, Frederick, wrote of their summers on Marquette describing Aldo’s explorations: “Aldo knew most of the island intimately. He produced several handmade maps artistically decorated and illustrated with typical trees, animals, and birds in appropriate places. All of the trails were shown including some newer trails which he himself created.”

 

While in the Les Cheneaux Islands, Leopold met the headmaster of the Lawrenceville School, a preparatory school that eventually took him to Yale, the only school in the country at that time that offered a forestry degree. Graduating from the Yale Forest School in 1909, he eagerly pursued a career with the newly established U.S. Forest Service in Arizona and New Mexico.

 

By the age of 24, he had been promoted to the post of Supervisor for the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. In 1922, he was instrumental in developing the proposal to manage the Gila National Forest as a wilderness area, which became the first such official designation in 1924.

 

Following a transfer to Madison, Wisconsin in 1924, Leopold continued his investigations into ecology and the philosophy of conservation, and in 1933 published the first textbook in the field of wildlife management. Later that year he accepted a new chair in game management – a first for the University of Wisconsin and the nation. In 1935, he and his family initiated their own ecological restoration experiment on a worn-out farm along the Wisconsin River outside of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

 

Planting thousands of pine trees, restoring prairies, and documenting the ensuing changes in the flora and fauna further informed and inspired Leopold. When Aldo Leopold wrote about considering the natural world “as a community to which we belong,” the world was a different place than it is now. The simple idea of leaving a few trees behind to seed the next generation of forest was a wild idea in a time when it was thought the American landscape offered unlimited resources that were ripe for the taking. Leopold’s influence on modern land ethics, land and wildlife conservation, and on American love of the land, is still felt today.

 

Aldo Leopold Festival – Program at a Glance

 

A Sand County AlmanacAll weekend: Follow the Birdie – Berry Hunt
Location: Hessel School (Scavenger hunt maps and programs available here)

 

Friday, May 13:

 

9:30 am – Wings of Wonder raptor program
Location: DeTour Elementary School, DeTour – Open to public

 

1:30 pm- Wings of Wonder raptor program
Location: Les Cheneaux Community School, Cedarville – Open to public

 

6-9 pm – The Historic Waters of Aldo Leopold Kayak Outing
Location: Woods & Water Ecotours, 20 S. Pickford Ave., Hessel

 

7 pm – “Native Orchids of the Eastern U.P. and Tip of the Mitt” by Dr. Steve Baker
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

8 pm – “Beautiful Birds of the Eastern U.P.” – by Paul Rossi
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

Saturday, May 14:

 

7 am – Bird Walk at Gerstacker Preserve with Dave Ewert of The Nature Conservancy
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

7am – Birding for Warblers at Search Bay with Elliot Nelson
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

9am – Wildflower Walk with Pat Wilson
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

10 am – Aldo Leopold Festival “ALF” Triathlon
Location: Begins at Hessel Beach

 

10-4 pm – “Green Bird” Bird Houses Family Workshop
Location: Pickle Point, 138 Pickford Ave., Hessel

 

12 pm – Birding Trail Opening Celebration
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

1 pm – Wildflower Walk with Pat Wilson
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

1:30 pm – Birding Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands with Elliot Nelson
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

3 pm – “Cold Love” Documentary Film Screening
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

7 pm – “Migration of land birds in the Great Lakes region: Natural history and conservation”
by Dave Ewert
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

8:30 pm – “The Storyteller’s Night Sky” by Mary Stewart Adams
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

Sunday, May 15:

 

Little Traverse Conservancy7 am – Bird Walk at Gerstacker Preserve with Dave Ewert of The Nature Conservancy
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

7 am – Birding for Warblers at Woollam Preserve with Elliot Nelson
Location: Hessel School, 3206 W. Cedar Road, Hessel

 

9 am – Drummond Island Alvar Tour
Location: Drummond Island (Participants should arrive in DeTour at 8:20 am to catch the 8:40 ferry to Drummond Island)

 

10 am – The Historic Waters of Aldo Leopold Kayak Outing
Location: Woods & Water Ecotours, 20 S. Pickford Ave., Hessel

 

1-3 pm – Lions Club Community Picnic
Location: Snows Heritage Park, 267 Blindline Rd., Cedarville

 

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!

Kent District Library Hosts International “Disability Rights” Dignitaries

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wyoming library

By: Andrea Mantakounis

The Wyoming Branch of Kent District Library will host a tour of international leaders to discover how the library offers an inclusive environment and accessible spaces for disabled community members.

 

The group of eight visitors represent disability rights organizations in seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. They will tour KDL’s Wyoming Branch on Monday, April 11 from 1-3 p.m. The visit is part of an international professional development project that stems from a partnership between Colleagues International (CI) – a non-profit organization based in Kalamazoo, Michigan – and the U.S. Department of State.

 

In 2015, Kent District Library was awarded the Community Champions Award by Disability Advocates of Kent County for assessing all 18 KDL branches and the service center headquarters for accessibility. Kent District Library operates the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for residents in Kent, Ionia, and Montcalm Counties

 

“We are so humbled to see this recognition for our accomplishments in serving the disabled community. We have learned so much from our partners at Disability Advocates of Kent County and their assistance has helped us become the best library we can be for all members of our community,” says Lance Werner, KDL’s Executive Director.

 

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

 

·         Examine federal, state, and local laws and programs intended to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
·         Explore government and private sector funding of services and programs for persons with disabilities;
·         Discuss how various organizations, associations, and NGOs influence policy and raise awareness of disability issues through advocacy, media and grassroots organizing; and
·         Provide professional networking opportunities that facilitate long‑term dialogue among the visitors and their American counterparts.

 

The Department of State specifically requested these guests have a tour and meeting with Kent District Library. This event will include KDL staff and community members, including those with disabilities, highlighting how the library has created an inclusive environment and accessible spaces for the community.

UN.EARTH showcases KCAD students’ imaginative, captivating work

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Un_Earth LogoBy KCAD

 

The most imaginative and captivating work from students in Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s (KCAD) Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion will be presented to the public at their annual fashion show, to be held inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market on April 13 from 7:30-10 pm.

 

“It’s fitting that all of the hard work and dedication the students in our Fashion Studies program have displayed throughout the year culminates in an event that they have the freedom to make their own,” said Interim Dean of the College Ron Riksen. “The KCAD community looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”Chelsey Sawallich

 

Titled UN.EARTH, the event will feature work from all class levels of the Fashion Studies program that ties into the event’s theme of nature and personal growth. The theme is based on the earth’s terrain and includes three subcategories: peak, valley, and coast. Specific color schemes and key words associated with each subcategory informed class projects in Fashion Studies courses throughout the spring semester of the 2015-2016 academic year.

 

Underclassmen will be displaying individual garments, selected through a juried process, that were designed within the parameters of different class projects. Graduating seniors, on the other hand, will be displaying their full capstone collections, multiple garments that have been designed with much more creative freedom at the students’ disposal. A number of fashion illustrations will also be on display.

 

“We chose to call the fashion show UN•EARTH specifically for its definition and connotation,” said Fashion Studies senior Audrey Langejans, one of the event’s lead organizers. “The word ‘earth’ got us thinking a lot about incorporating the nature-inspired trends that are so relevant in the fashion industry right now – trends that would give the underclassmen a chance to be extra creative in their interpretation of the theme. The definition of the word ‘unearth’ itself felt like the perfect summation of the senior experience. We seniors have spent three years working on class projects and learning different techniques, and now we have been able to unearth our own aesthetics and identities as designers through our capstone collections.”Maria Tenhave-Chapman

 

Fashion Studies Program Chair Lori Faulkner added, “In our Capstone course, senior students use all the technical skills and knowledge they have gained through their years of study at KCAD to create an individual collection that specifically reveals their individual vision. Up until their senior year, they have been designing with certain guidelines in mind, but for this project they are given complete creative freedom. Regardless of their class level, I am consistently amazed by the unique designs that my students are able to take from concept to finished product.”

 

UN.EARTH will be held at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market on April 13, 2016 from 7:30-10 pm. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided by Martha’s Vineyard. Admission to the event is free, and the public is warmly welcomed to attend. Attendees are asked to please RSVP through Eventbrite to reserve their free tickets. Space is limited.

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

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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.

Jim Carrey might be a no, but Garth Brook is a yes for performing in GR

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Garth Brooks performs at the We Belong: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Center
Garth Brooks performs at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Center

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Earlier this week, the management arm of the Van Andel Arena, SMG, announced that country legend Garth Brooks and the Garth Brooks World Tour will make its first ever appearance and only show in Michigan for 2016 in Grand Rapids on May 14.

 

Tickets, which are  $74.98 and include at $2.50 facility fee and $6.25 service charge, for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 15 at Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks or Ticketmaster.com. There will be no sales at the venue box office or TicketMaster outlets on April 15, according to an SMG press release. Calls for tickets can be made at 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000.

 

Brooks exploded on the scene in 1989 with his self-named first album, which featured the song “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old),”  that was followed by No Fences that included “Friends in Low Places,” “The Thunder Rolls,” and “Unanswered Prayers.” Brooks would continue with a string of albums, each with chart topping songs such as “The River,” “What She’s Doing Now,” “Somewhere Other Than the Night,” “In Pieces,” and “Standing Outside the Fire.” In 2000, he announced his retirement from performing and left to focus on his family, making brief performances such as for We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Center and at Las Vegas. In 2014, he made his announcement of signing with Sony Music Nashville, his new tour and the release of his latest album Man Against Machine. In 2012, Brooks was inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame.

 

“We are just really excited about being able to bring Brooks to Grand Rapids,” said Mike Klompstra, SMG marketing assistant.

 

The show includes Garths’ wife Trisha Yearwood, a country star in her own right who broke out in 1991 with the song “She’s In Love With a Boy.” Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and has won a number of awards including three Grammy Awards, one for her signature song “How Do I Live” from the soundtrack of Con Air.

 

Marking its 20th year, the Van Andel has hosted a number of high profile names including most recently Elton John along with Kate Perry, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Aerosmith (several times), Marilyn Manson, and Rush.

 

Because of Brooks popularity, he is the best-selling solo albums artist in U.S history with more than 136 million albums sold, demand for the tickets is expected to be high. Klompstra said having worked with a number of high profile performers in the past, SMG is not anticipating any problems.

 

TicketMaster will be the only authorized seller. Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. sharp and a personal recommendation is to start checking before the start time. There will be an eight ticket limit and timers will be set to keep people moving through.

 

Some other tips from Ticketmaster’s “On Sale Tips” section: if you don’t have one, create an online account now and mark the concert for an alert; sign in ahead of time; split up the number of tickets you are requesting – the fewer the number makes it easier to find seats; keep checking back as tickets do get released; and only buy verified resale tickets.

 

Lastly, if you miss you chance to snag tickets for Brooks at the Van Andel Arena’s May show, he will be returning to Michigan in 2017. The tour is scheduled to come to Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena Feb. 20 – 21 and 27 – 28, according to the Garth Brooks World Tour official website.

 

 

 

 

WKTV readies to air Golden Gloves for the 32nd straight year

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michigan golden glovesThe Golden Gloves have a long, outstanding history throughout the country in the sport of boxing. What started in New York in 1927 as an amateur boxing tournament has morphed into The National Golden Gloves, a boxing program with affiliates in all 50 states who focus in training young people for success.

 

Grand Rapids started their involvement in 1932 under the sponsorship of the Grand Rapids Press and the Furniture City Post of the American Legion to foster competing teams in Grand Rapids. In 2008, Grand Rapids and the Michigan Golden Gloves Association hosted the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.

 

Back in 1985, the Michigan Golden Gloves Association and WKTV formed a partnership to film the state championship boxing bouts. When the partnership began, the tournament was held at Stadium Arena (now known as the DeltaPlex). When Stadium Arena was no longer suitable, the tournament was moved to the Grand Valley National Guard Armory on 44th street.

 

2016 marks a return to the DeltaPlex and the 32nd year of WKTV’s coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. Catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evenings bouts the following day at noon.

 

West Michigan Championships
Saturday, April 9
Wednesday, April 20 (airing at 8:30pm)

 

State Championships
Saturday, April 23
Friday, April 29
Saturday, April 30

West Michigan Design Week kicks off April 9 at the Pyramid Scheme

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By WMDW

 

West Michigan has a long history of design, and it’s becoming an even stronger and more vital part of our community. From graphic design to industrial design, architecture, interior design, packaging design, and UX design, an incredible amount of innovative, world-class work is happening here, and we want the world to know about it!

 

In its second year, West Michigan Design Week is a week-long series of programs aimed to inspire designers from all disciplines and demonstrate the strategic and economic advantages of design thinking to the rest of the community. The hope is that this event will spotlight West Michigan design increasing opportunities for local designers, attracting new ones, and building connections between designers and our cultural, educational and business communities.

Speakers
Mimi Valdés, The Multimedia Maker

 

From April 6-11, a lineup of tours, speakers and workshops is scheduled in the area to showcase what has been accomplished in the region as well as to develop connections in the design industry. Go here for the calendar of events.

 

The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, kicks things off on April 9 with music and good company. Get your 2016 West Michigan Design Week t-shirts screen printed by Ambrose live on stage. Glitter Booth will capture the action.

 

Saturday, April 9th  |  9pm – 2am
9:00 – 10:30 | Tom Engelsman from Scintillate
10:30 – 12:30 | AJPASCHKA
12:30 – 1:30 | AB

 

$8 / 21+
Get tickets here.

 

Sponsors:
Glitter Booth

 

Several design industry organizations have collaborated to make this event possible, including (in alphabetical order):  AIGA West Michigan, American Institute of Architects Grand Rapids,  American Society of Interior Designers and Interaction Design Association, Design West Michigan, Industrial Designers of America, International Interior Design Association, and Kendall College of Art and Design.

 

 

 

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

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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.

Art.Downtown. – Grand Rapids is April 9

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art.downtown_trolley

400 Artists, 30+ Destinations, 3 Trolleys, 1 Night

 

By Avenue for the Arts

 

This spring, Art.Downtown. will captivate Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 12-9 pm. Grand Rapids’ ultimate local art experience will feature several hundred artists in dozens of galleries, businesses, and studio spaces around downtown GR. Expanding from the Avenue for the Arts corridor in the Heartside Neighborhood to Kendall College of Art and Design and Devos Place in central downtown, this one-night event features several hundred artists in dozens of galleries, businesses, and studio spaces around downtown Grand Rapids.

art.downtown._3

Here’s some of what to expect, rain or shine: artists and musicians exhibiting and performing at a variety of unexpected locations from U-haul trailers, the art museum, parking lots and private studios. Come early and stay late, for a night on the town with family and friends.

 

Grand Rapids Trolley will provide free transportation to all the major areas of Art.Downtown. Volunteers and maps will be on-site to help guide you to various sites, restaurants, and parking locations. Meet and speak with artists, curators, and shop owners about everything from artistic methods to collective movements. Join the excitement and see what our downtown arts community has to offer!

art.downtown_4

Stay updated on Art.Downtown. information by attending planning meetings at 307 S. Division Ave, and by visiting our website. Follow @AveForTheArtsGR on Twitter, and join the event conversation by using #ArtDowntown. Connect with Avenue on Facebook for detailed updates about Art.Downtown. and special event postings.

 

For more info, call 616.914.8463.

 

Photos courtesy of Avenue for the Arts

Applications being accepted for the Festival of the Arts Regional Arts Exhibiton

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Entries being accepted for the 2012 Regional Arts Exhibition.
Entries being accepted for the 2012 Regional Arts Exhibition.

There have been a few changes to this year’s Regional Arts Exhibition, which is part of the annual Festival of the Arts, a celebration of the arts community that runs the first full weekend in June in downtown Grand Rapids.

 

This year, organizers have announced they would only be accepting online registration from those interested in participating in the event. Artists may go to http://festivalgr.org/regional-arts to preregister. Printed entry forms will not be provided this year.

 

Entries will still have to be brought to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton St., May 12 – 14. According to Fred Bivins, the chair for the Regional Arts Exhibition, the change gives artists several options. Artists can  go to the website and print the labels that go on the back and pay online if they wish. If an artist does do that, the bar codes that are included for each work will minimize handling of works and reduce the number of hours volunteers have to put in to track every entry, Bivins said.

 

Artists can enter one, two, or three pieces through the online system and when he/she complete the simple form he/she will receive an email with the labels included as a pdf. Just print the sheet and affix the labels. Bivins did note that if an artist does bring in his/her works and has not preregistered, volunteers will go through the same process and print out the labels at that time, which will take a little more time than those who preregister.

 

Parking will be limited this year as the city of Grand Rapids has informed organizers it has leased most of the parking spaces in the gallery ramp located next to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, where the exhibition will be this year. For that reason, Bivins said Festival will not be using the fourth floor ramp. Take in will be from UICA’s Commerce Avenue entrance. Meters will be hooded and there will be signs to direct people.

 

Because artwork will have to be transported through several doors and hallways this year, the size allowed has changed. Artists are encouraged to visit the website to check on what sizes are being accepted.

 

This year’s jurors are: 2-D, Matt Schenk, who was the Regional Arts recipient of the UICA’s annual solo award; 3-D, potter Rita Shields; and photography, Filippo Tagliati, an associate professor of photography and video at Grand Rapids Community College.

 

Here are the important dates.

Take In of Entries:

  • Thursday, May 12, noon – 5 p.m.
  • Friday, May 13, 4  – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Jurying, Saturday, May 14

Give back of non-selected Entries: 

  • Thursday, May 19, Noon – 5 pm
  • Friday, May 20, 4 pm – 7 pm
  • Saturday, May 21, 10 am – 2 pm

 

Hanging  Schedule – May 19 – May 27

 

Awards Selection – May 23 – May 26

 

Purchase Awards – May 25

 

Opening Reception – May 27

 

Closing Reception – June 26

 

Pick Up Selected entries after the show ends:

  • Sunday, June 26, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. (after the Opening Reception)
  • Monday, June 27, noon – 5 p.m.

Festival of the Arts will take place June 3 – 5 in downtown Grand Rapids and along with the Regional Arts Exhibition, includes an array of activities with performances, a youth art exhibition, children and adult art activities and much more. Visit festivalgr.org for more information.

Broadway Grand Rapids opens the curtain on its new season

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,

Broadway Grand RapidsBroadway Grand Rapids announced its new season with a four-show slate sure to pique the curiosity of every generation.

 

“A majority of the shows we bring in are musicals and we’re always looking to bring in something different, something new to Grand Rapids. It’s a combination of new and traditional to reach a multi-generational audience,” said Meghan Distel, Director of Marketing for Broadway Grand Rapids.

 

The planning required to create a new season at Broadway Grand Rapids is quite extensive. Booking a show requires finding shows that will play well with the Grand Rapids audience, planning and scheduling around open dates at the DeVos Performance Hall, and also finding dates that work with the shows themselves and their tour locations. It’s a process that can take over a year, but it’s all worth it.

 

It’s also important to bring in variety. “They’re all very different. Cinderella and the Sound of Music are classics. Motown should bring in a new crowd because it’s new and features over 40 classic hits,” said Distel.

 

What exactly does the new season look like? Take a look:

•    Cinderella (September 27 – October 2, 2016)
•    The Sound of Music (February 21-26. 2017)
•    Motown the Musical (May 2 – 7, 2017)
•    Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage (June 6 – 11, 2017)

The season kicks off with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, an updated version of the classic family favorite with new twists and musical numbers.

 

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the beloved film The Sound of Music, which starred Julia Andrews. A stage adaption is coming to Grand Rapids directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien.

 

Motown the Musical features more than 40 classic hits and tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. The Michigan roots make it a great show to bring to Grand Rapids.

 

The season finishes off with an unprecedented live experience of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage. Based off the 1987 iconic film, this performance is full of heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing.

 

On top of the four featured shows, Broadway Grand Rapids will premier two special event performances. These performances are scheduled to a limited number of shows.

 

•    A Christmas Story The Musical  (December 27 – 30, 2016)
•    Rent 20th Anniversary Tour (March 14 – 16, 2017)

 

While the 2016-2017 season is currently generating buzz, Broadway Grand Rapids has already reeled in a big fish for the fall of the 2017-2018 season and it’s something quite Wicked. That’s right, Wicked the Musical will be coming to the DeVos Performance Hall.

 

To purchase tickets for the upcoming season, visit broadwaygrandrapids.com.

Tri-Unity Christian falters in the fourth at the Breslin Center

3-bottom, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Tri-Unity Christian entered the Breslin Center for the 10th time under Coach Mark Keeler looking for another state championship. When the clock hit zero, the dream ended.

Boys Recap

Class D – State Semifinals

 

Tri-Unity Christian BasketballWaterford Our Lady – 64
Tri-Unity Christian – 53

 

Tri-Unity Christian was looking for its first state championship since 2011, but ended up falling in the semifinals due to an uncharacteristic fourth quarter that saw the game end on a 17-3 run.

 

The first three-quarters went back and forth with neither team holding more than a six-point lead. The Defenders were being badly outrebounded – final tally ended 37-17 in favor of Waterford Our Lady – but held things together with strong outside shooting and a tenacious defense that forced 15 turnovers on the night.

 

The well would eventually run dry.

 

With Tri-Unity up 50-47 in the final stanza, the Lakers of Waterford responded with a big three-pointer to tie things up. Another three just a few possessions later put the Lakers up 55-53 and put a final nail in the coffin.

 

Collin Rosendall led the Defenders with 17 points and senior Javi Cuevas added another 12. In all, the Defenders hit 7 three-pointers.

 

Tri-Unity only graduates two seniors, Cuevas and Willie Otol, and is poised to make another deep run in 2017.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Final Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – W (67-51) Dearborn Heights Robichaud
March 18
State Semifinals – W (57-46) Detroit Country Day
March 19
State Finals – L (42-51) Marshall

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – L (30-71) Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – W (73-52) Benton Harbor Countryside
March 22
State Quarterfinals – W (54-43) Adrian Lenawee Christian
March 24
State Semifinals – L (53 – 64) Waterford Our Lady

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Chicago’s Young Lord founder helps document the history of Grand Rapids southeast, southwest areas

3-bottom, Local History, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

 

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

When Anita Christopher, the director of senior programs at the United Methodist Community House, met Jose “Cha Cha” Jiménez, she had no idea he was the man behind Chicago’s legendary Young Lords of Lincoln Park.

 

And Jiménez did not know any of Christopher’s past which included being a member of Western Michigan University’s Black Action Movement, which shutdown WMU’s Student Center in the late sixties, shortly after Martin Luther King Jr. had died.

 

However, the two quickly learned they had a lot in common. Both lived in Kentwood. Both had been active with civil rights movements and both shared a passion of preserving their culture’s past.

 

That passion lead to Jiménez extending his current project of documenting the Young Lords in Lincoln Park through oral histories to residents living on the southeast and southwest sides of Grand Rapids.

 

In celebration of the two projects is “A Neighborhood Affair to Preserve Community” Tuesday, March 29, from 4 – 8:30 p.m. at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room 2204, on the Allendale Campus at 1 Campus Drive. The event features the Young Lords of Lincoln Park oral history project, including a clip from the upcoming documentary, and the release of 46 oral histories from residents living on Grand Rapids southeast and southwest side. The Grand Rapids oral histories will be available through Kent District Library and the Young Lords of Lincoln Park are available at gvsu.edu/younglords.

 

Cha Cha Jiménez and Anita Christopher
Cha Cha Jiménez and Anita Christopher

In 1980, Jiménez had moved to Grand Rapids to take a break from the pressures of the Young Lords, a gang based in Chicago’s Lincoln Park that he helped transform into a civil rights group for the Puerto Rican community. Jiménez eventually enrolled at Grand Valley State University where he decided, as an undergraduate project, to document the Young Lords in Lincoln Park.

 

When Jiménez began helping at the United Methodist Community House, he saw the same thing that had happened in the Lincoln Park area was happening to those on the southwest and southeast sides of Grand Rapids. The residents – especially the older ones – were being displaced by urban renewal.

 

“We talk about walkable communities,” Jiménez said. “How can residents walk to the stores or the businesses if they are being pushed further and further to the outer fringes where they have to take a bus to get anywhere?”

 

In an effort to develop a conversation on how to best accomplish renewal while meeting the needs of those who live in the neighborhood, Jiménez began to record the oral histories of area residents.

 

The histories provide a view into a portion of history that does not always make it to the school textbooks, Christopher said. To provide a connection to the youth with their elders and to give students of various backgrounds a sense of who they are and where they came from. Both Jiménez and Christopher agreed that having that connection, builds a sense of pride.

 

“It is like a tree with no roots,” Christopher said of youth without a sense of history. “It is not very stable and with a strong wind, could blow down.”

 

The oral histories also provide something else – that no matter your background, everyone has faced struggles and challenges that connect cultures and people together. Jiménez and Christopher discovered that as Christopher, who was interviewed for the project, told her story of BAM’s occupation of the Student Center.

 

The interviews are as diverse as the people. Christopher said she learned from a woman who had been coming to the Community House for the past 10 to 15 years that she had been involved in the march at Montgomery and helped stage a boycott with Rosa Parks. Jiménez admitted he learned some new things as well. “I interviewed one woman who is Anglo-Saxon and she talked about how she was a sharecropper. To be honest, I always thought sharecroppers were mostly Latino families.”

 

Jiménez added the interviewee said “she had always wanted to write book about her life and I told her that now she had through telling her story here.”

 

“A Neighborhood Affair to Preserve Community” is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested by Friday, March 25. To reserve a spot, email, younglordsmail@yahoo.com.

Tri-Unity Christian pushes on to semifinals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

With a win in the state quarterfinals, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for its 10th trip to the Breslin Center since 1996.

Boys Recap

Class D – State Quarterfinals

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 54
Adrian Lenawee Christian – 43

 

Tri-Unity Christian Basketball
Javi Cuevas has helped lead the Defenders back to the Breslin Center

Tri-Unity Christian had to channel their inner underdog and embrace playing small ball against a much larger Adrian Lenawee Christian. Adrian Lenawee had the size (two players standing at 6’8″) that Tri-Unity couldn’t even pretend to compete with (no players over 6’1″), but in the end it didn’t matter.

 

At first, it looked like the Defenders were doomed. They couldn’t defend against the height and found themselves down 15-6 after the first 8 minutes. Things got a little better in the second half, but Tri-Unity still trailed 23-17 heading into the break.

 

In the second half, the outside shots started to fall. The Defenders stayed with their four guard offense and utilized their speed and shot making ability to stretch the floor and take the lead. The score stayed tight until Adrian Lenawee was forced to foul. Tri-Unity iced the game from the free throw line.

 

Three Defenders finished in double digits with Javi Cuevas leading the way with 16, Collin Rosendall adding 12 of his own, and Willie Otole finishing with 11.

 

For Tri-Unity Christian and head coach Mark Keeler, this is the program’s 10th trip to the Breslin Center since 1996. The Defenders are looking for their fifth state title under coach Keeler.

 

Tri-Unity Christian will face Waterford Our Lady in the state semifinals on March 24 at the Breslin Center.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – W (67-51) Dearborn Heights Robichaud
March 18
State Semifinals – W (57-46) Detroit Country Day
March 19
State Finals – L (42-51) Marshall

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – L (30-71) Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – W (73-52) Benton Harbor Countryside
March 22
State Quarterfinals – W (54-43) Adrian Lenawee Christian
March 24
State Semifinals – Waterford Our Lady

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

WKTV program showcases the women who helped build ‘a league of their own’

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
Former player Marie Legman, who once played for the Rockford and Fort Wayne clubs.
Former player Marie Wegman, who once played for the Rockford and Fort Wayne clubs, discusses a call with an umpire. (From “A Team of Their Own)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

For a young pre-teen girl whose family was struggling to survive the Great Depression, baseball – specifically the teams that made up the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association – brought a little bit of hope to Marilyn Jenkins.

Jenkins was living on the south side of Grand Rapids in the 1940s, near the corner of Cass and Hall Street “which was about a long block and a railroad track from South Field where the ‘Chicks’ played,” she said during a 2008 interview for the documentary “A Team of Their Own: The First Professional Baseball League for Women.” There is a screening of the documentary set for Wednesday, March 23, at noon at Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale. Also on Wednesday, March 23, at 8 p.m. and again Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m., WKTV will be airing “Women in Baseball, a Veterans Oral History Special,” featuring a panel of women who played on the Grand Rapids Chicks during World War II.

For Jenkins, baseball was the one thing she had to do. “I knew there was no money to go to college. There weren’t scholarships and all that business, and in what? I wasn’t qualified,” she said. “I was a good student in hight school [Jenkins attend South High School], but anyway, I had to play ball.”

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was started by Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, during World War II to fill the void left by the departure of most of the male baseball players for military service. Female players were recruited from across the country, and the league was successful enough to be able to continue on after the war. The league had teams based in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and operated between 1943 and 1954. The 1954 season ended with only the Fort Wayne, South Bend, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Rockford teams remaining. The League gave more than 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball. Many of the players went on to successful careers, and the league itself provided an important precedent for later efforts to promote women’s sports.

For Jenkins, who developed her love of the game through her father, the experience was profound. She went from helping with the grounds at age 11 to batgirl at age 13 to playing for the team right out of high school. She would be one of the last players when the league ended in 1954. Jenkins would stay in Grand Rapids,  earning an associate degree to become a radiologist and later working in an attorney’s office.

Jenkins said she enjoyed her time as a “Chick” and has continued as a member of the AAGPBL, but knew at some point it would end.

“…there were good ball players, but there are today too, but the skirts, the uniform, the time, it’s in a little pocket of history, where it fit in perfectly and I don’t know where you’re going to find another pocket like that…,” she said.

For more on the documentary “A Team of Their Own: The first Professional Baseball League for Women” visit gvsu.edu/wibdoc. For the full interviews with the AAGPBL players, visit www.gvsu.edu/vethistory. For WKTV programming, visit wktk.org.

South Christian comes up just short, Tri-Unity Christian preparing for quarterfinals

3-bottom, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

South Christian upended number one ranked, and defending state champion, Detroit Country Day in the semifinals but couldn’t seal the deal the next day. For the second time in three years, the Sailors lost in the state finals.

 

Tri-Unity Christian took home a regional crown and is three wins away from hoisting another trophy. The Defenders will play in the state quarterfinals tonight.

Girls Recap

Class B – State Finals

 

Marshall – 51
South Christian – 42

 

It came down to the final game of the season, the state championship at the Breslin Center in Lansing, Michigan. The Sailors had already toppled Detroit Country Day and looked poised to bring home a championship that eluded them two years ago, and something the program hasn’t won since 1988.

 

South Christian couldn’t handle Marshall’s press in the first half as the Redhawks forced nine first half turnovers and extended their lead to 10 heading into halftime. That pivotal second quarter ended up being the difference as the Sailors weren’t able to weather the storm.

 

The Sailors led a valiant comeback behind 13 points, 9 rebound and 9 assists from senior Jennifer DeBoer and 16 points from senior Markayla Vander, but  ultimately came up short as the Redhawks made their free throws down the stretch.

 

It was a tough end to an otherwise extremely successful season.

 

Boys Preview

Class D – State Quarterfinals

 

Tri-Unity Christian (19-5) vs. Adrian Lenawee Christian (17-7) – 7:00pm at Coldwater

 

Tri-Unity Christian enters the state quarterfinals coming off of a 21-point victory over Benton Harbor Countryside. The game was close at halftime but adjustments were made and the Defenders dominated the third quarter 27-6. By the time the clock hit double-zero, all five starters found themselves in double figures.

 

Adrian Lenawee Christian toppled Morenci by 14 in the regional final and is looking to take that all important next step to the Breslin Center.

 

Winner will play either Waterford Our Lady or Marine City Cardinal Mooney in the state semifinals at the Breslin Center.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – W (67-51) Dearborn Heights Robichaud
March 18
State Semifinals – W (57-46) Detroit Country Day
March 19
State Finals – L (42-51) Marshall

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – L (30-71) Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – W (73-52) Benton Harbor Countryside
March 22
State Quarterfinals – Adrian Lenawee Christian

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Robot animals make a ‘zoo’ out of the Grand Rapids Public Museum

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Ever wonder why a giraffe does not pass out when it lifts its head up and down? Curious how a giant squid breathes?

 

These and other animal questions are explored in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibit “The Robot Zoo,” opening this weekend.

 

“There has been a lot of comments and interest on social media about the show,” said Kate Moore, the museum’s vice president of marketing and public relations, who added that the 1,700 tickets for the grand opening event on Saturday, March 19, are sold out.

 

“Part of the appeal comes from the fact that it is a little more hands on then our last exhibit [‘The Discovery of King Tut’] and it is a shift from the historic subject matter to more a science focus.”

 

Moore added that the staff purposely works to vary the different exhibitions at the Museum so as to attract different audiences. While the Museum’s last exhibits, “Tut” and “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition,” were for more of an older crowd, “The Robot Zoo” is geared more toward kindergarten through eighth grade. The Museum has developed a pre-kindergarten curriculum to go with the exhibit as well.

 

“The Robot Zoo,” which is based on a book of the same name that is now out-of-print, exhibits machinery in the robot animals that simulate the body parts of the machine’s real-life counterparts. Muscles become pistons, intestines become filtering pipes and the brain becomes a computer. For example, in the giraffe, a cooper pipe outlines the main vein in the giraffe’s neck with several gages showing where the vents are located. These vents are what help control the giraffe’s blood flow so the animal does not pass out from too much or too little blood flowing to its head.

 

Because of the design of this exhibit, it has an appeal to those interested in biology as well as those interested in technology and engineering, Moore said.

 

Eight robot animals and more than a dozen hands-on activities illustrate real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors, a giant squid propels itself and a fly walks on the ceiling.

 

Popular among the staff is the chameleon, which rocks back and forth as it turns its head, looks around and fires its tongue at its insect pray. “It also has three interactive elements,” Moore said. Those include being able to see what happens when the chameleon is angry, scared, and looking to attract a mate.

 

Other larger-than-life-size animated robots, besides the chameleon and the giraffe, are a rhinoceros, a giant squid with 18-foot tentacles, and a platypus. Joining the animals are a house fly with a 10-foot wingspread, a grasshopper and the monster-of-the-night bug eater, the bat.

 

Admission to the exhibit is free for Museum members and for non-members, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children with the price including general admission to the entire Museum. Staff does recommend purchasing tickets early since lines can get long on Saturdays and during Spring Break. A membership is $65 for a family and includes parking and planetarium shows, which staff said a new planetarium show for “The Robot Zoo” will be opening soon.

 

Several activities are planned around the exhibit including special Spring Break programs and a summer camp dedicated to robotics. Also, in May, the museum will be opening the National Geographic exhibit “Earth Explorers,” which Moore said has a connection to the “The Robot Zoo” since it looks at animals living in various environments around the globe.

 

“The Robot Zoo” will be open through Sept. 18. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW. For more on programs and upcoming exhibits, click here.

 

18-year-old pianist wows crowd performing Rachmaninoff at Grand Rapids Youth Symphony concert

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,
Sami Ahmad
Sami Ahmad is this year’s Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s Piano Concerto Winner

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Most would admit – whether musicians or just lovers of classical music – that Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is one of the more difficult pieces for a pianist to master.

 

So it was bit of a surprise when 18-year-old Sami Ahmad performed it at the 2016 Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s Piano Concerto Competition held this past January.

 

“It was amazing,” said Kin M. Ma, who heard Ahmad perform the concerto during the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s March 6 concert where Ahmad was the featured soloist.

 

“I chose the Rachmaninoff because two years ago I was looking for a concerto to play,” said Ahamd, who attends both Portage Northern High School and Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center. “So I printed the score and found that my hands could reach the big opening chords so I played through the first few pages and listened to a bunch of recordings and found I really loved the piece.

 

“I have asked my teacher [Susan Wiersma Uchimura] to play it ever since then and this year, she finally said yes. So I have been playing it for about a year now. “

 

Ahmad certainly showed he had mastered the piece as he went on to win the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s Piano Concerto where he earned a $300 cash prize along with the honor of being the featured soloist at the March concert. That concert will be broadcasted on WKTV (channel 25 on Comcast, channel 26 on AT&T, and channel 99 on U-verse) Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, at 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 26, at 10 p.m.

 

Besides featuring Ahmad, the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s second concert of the season also included Mozart’s Sinfonie in A KV 201 featuring the Grand Rapids Classical Orchestra. Franck’s “Le Chasseur Maudit” also was on the concert program and the performance finished with Berlioz’s “Symponie Fantastique,” a popular piece that has been featured in the films “The Shining” and “Sleeping with the Enemy.”

 

As Ahmad, who has performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, and at the Grand Rapids Bach Festival, finishes up his high school career, he said his plans to pursue a major in the history of science and medicine with at least a minor in music. He has not yet selected a college.

 

The Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, under the leadership of John Varineau who is also the Grand Rapids Symphony’s associate conductor, was formed in 1959 with the goal of bring together West Michigan’s most talented young musicians to rehearse and perform together under professional standards. In 2000, the Classical Orchestra was founded and focuses on musical literature from the Classical period.

 

The Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s last performance of the season is May 1 at 3 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. SW. Tickets will be available at the door.

 

For more information on the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, click here. For more on upcoming programs at WKTV, click here.

South Christian moves on to State Semifinals, Tri-Unity Christian bows out after historic season

3-bottom, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

The historic season for Tri-Unity Christian is officially in the books after losing in the state quarterfinals. South Christian will make a trip to the Breslin Center this weekend to play for a state championship.

 

On the boy’s side, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for a regional final game against Benton Harbor Countryside.

Girls Recap

Class B – State Quarterfinals

 

South Christian – 67
Dearborn Heights Robichaud – 51

 

South Christian found themselves in a one point game with four minutes to play. It was an uncanny night with top-scorers Markayla Vander and Jennifer DeBoer only registering seven first half points, combined!

 

Then those final four minutes happened and the Sailors finished on a 16-1 run to put an end to any title hopes the Bulldogs’ might have had. It was part of a huge second half where South Christian scored 21 and 25 points in the third and fourth quarters.

 

Vander finished with 20 points and DeBoer added 17 of her own. For Vander and DeBoer, it’s their second trip to the state semifinal in three years. South Christian lost in the championship back in 2014.

 

With the win, South Christian will head to the Breslin Center on Friday night to play defending state champion, and number one ranked, Detroit Country Day.

 

Class D – State Quarterfinals

 

Pittsford – 71
Tri-Unity Christian – 30

 

Tri-Unity Christian ran into a buzzsaw in the quarterfinals. Pittsford used their full court press to hassle Tri-Unity and proved why they are the top-ranked team in the state.

 

For the Defenders, it was the program’s first taste of the big lights. After winning regionals for the first time in history, Tri-Unity saw what it’s going to take to reach the next level. The team was outrebounded 35-15 and gave away too many second-chance opportunities.

 

It was a great season for the program and helped pave the path for next year’s team to take the next step.

Boys Preview

Class D – Regional Final

 

Tri-Unity Christian (18-5) vs. Benton Harbor Countryside (12-3) – 6:30pm at Benton Harbor Countryside

 

Tri-Unity Christian looks to keep their season alive tonight against Benton Harbor Countryside.

 

The Cougars of Benton Harbor come in having played only 15 games but carry a 12-3 record. They had a very close call – a 57-55 win – in the regional semifinal against Kalamazoo Pheonix.

 

The Defenders have held strong all season and look to add a regional title to their successful 2016 campaign.

 

The winner will face either Morenci or Adrian Lenawee Christian in the State Quarterfinals.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – W (67-51) Dearborn Heights Robichaud
March 18
State Semifinals – Detroit Country Day

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – L (30-71) Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – Benton Harbor Countryside

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Tri-Unity Christian moves on as Godwin Heights is sent packing; Girls prepare for State Quarterfinals

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

And then there was one. After a heartbreaking overtime loss, Godwin Heights was eliminated from the playoffs in the Regional Semifinal. The loss leaves one area boys team, Tri-Unity Christian, left in the tournament.

 

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are in action for the girls tonight in the State Quarterfinals.

Boys Recap

Class B – Regional Semifinals

 

Williamston – 57 (OT)
Godwin Heights – 55

 

Godwin Heights BasketballThe defending Class B State Champions weren’t going to go down easy. In fact, it took an extra stanza to outlast the Wolverines, but Williamston pushed through thanks to a 37 point performance from Riley Lewis.

 

Trailing by five entering the fourth quarter, Williamston was able to stifle Godwin Height’s potent offense and allow for the overtime period. Leon Redd notched 23 points for the Wolverines, but it wasn’t enough down the stretch.

 

With the loss, Godwin Heights’ season is in the the books. Over the past three years, the Wolverines have a stunning 71-6 record.

 

Class D – Regional Semifinals

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 52
Marcellus Howardsville – 38

 

After a high-scoring first quarter, Tri-Unity Christian put the clamps down on defense and propelled themselves to the Regional Final. The Defenders found themselves down 19-18 after the first eight minutes due to uncharacteristic defense.

 

Marcellus Howardsville could only muster 19 points the rest of the way.

 

Tri-Unity Christian evened out the scoring load with 12 points coming from Willie Otole and 10 each from Javi Cuevas and Braydon Sherrod.

 

The Defenders will play Benton Harbor Countryside for the Regional Final on Wednesday.

 

Girls Preview

Class B – State Quarterfinals

 

South Christian (23-2) vs Dearborn Heights Robichaud (18-6) – 7:oopm at Fowlerville

 

The Sailors sit three wins away from a State Championship, but they must get through Dearborn Heights Robichaud first.

 

The Bulldogs enter the quarterfinals having won Districts and Regionals for the first time in program history. They have also won 11 of their last 12. In those 11 victories, their average margin of victory is 21.5 points.

 

South Christian has only lost two games all season and knows how to close out games. Seniors Jennifer DeBoer and Markayla Vander lead a unit with their eyes on the ultimate prize.

 

Winner will play either Detroit Mumford or Detroit Country Day in the State Semifinal.

 

Class D – State Quarterfinals

 

Tri-Unity Christian (21-4) vs Pittsford (24-0) – 7:00pm at Springport

 

After capturing their first-ever Regional Title, Tri-Unity Christian prepares for their biggest task yet against No. 1 ranked Pittsford. The Wildcats have beaten their opponents this season by an average margin of almost 45 points.

 

The Defenders defense has been one of their calling cards all season, the team only gives up 37 points per game. The defense will need to be on point tonight for Tri-Unity to pull the upset.

 

Winner will face either Waterford Our Lady or Kingston on Thursday in the State Semifinal.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – L (55-57 OT) Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – W (52-38) Marcellus Howardsville
March 16
Regional Final – Benton Harbor Countryside

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Poems from the dark side: actress Amber Tamblyn presents at Schuler Books

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Amber Tamblyn reads from her new book "Dark Sparkler."
Amber Tamblyn reads from her new book “Dark Sparkler.”

It seems wherever comedian David Cross shall be, actress Amber Tamblyn is sure to follow.

 

Tamblyn, who has starred in “Joan of Arcadia,” “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” and “Two and a Half Men,” has been touring with her husband Cross, whose “Making America Great Again!” tour is part of this year’s LaughFest lineup.

 

And the arrangement works out well for area residents as Tamblyn, who is a writer and acclaimed poet, will be at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, discussing her latest book “Dark Sparkler.”

 

Dark Sparkler
Dark Sparkler

“[What drew me to poetry] I think, like anybody, is being able to have a feeling that’s expressed and reciprocated — to be able to make others feel and emote,” Tamblyn said in a recent article with Boulder Weekly. “It’s also what’s powerful about acting — that you get to affect people. Writing to me, when I was younger, had the same power that acting did.”

 

“Dark Sparkler” started with Tamblyn digging into the life and death of child star Brittany Murphy. Murphy died in 2009 from pneumonia and anemia. Tamblyn, also a child star who got her start on “General Hospital,” did not know Murphy but was moved by Murphy’s death as she was the first female contemporary of Tamblyn’s to die.

 

Tamely wrote a poem about Murphy that appeared in [Pank] magazine. The overwhelming interest in that poem encouraged Tamblyn to delve deeper into the topic of the female actresses who were gone before their time.

 

In total, more than 30 actresses, both famous and obscure, are featured in the book such as Murphy, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. The poems are paired with original artwork, commissioned for the book, by David Lynch, Adrian Tomine, Marilyn Manson, and Marcel Dzama.

 

Tamblyn’s talk and book signing is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. Also that evening, her husband, David Cross, will be at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. His LaughFest show is at 8 p.m. with tickets running from $39.50 – $32.50. Tamblyn’s talk is free.

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian move on to Regionals

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Godwin Heights and Tri-Unity Christian added a District Championship to their already successful season on Friday night. Tonight, they both look to make a claim for a regional title.

Boys Recap (& Preview)

Class B – Regional Semifinals

 

Godwin Heights – 88

Kelloggsville – 46

 

Godwin Heights BasketballThe first two meeting between these two squads ended with Godwin Heights winning in dominating fashion. The third game was much of the same. The Wolverines were led by 20 points from Lamar Norman. By the end of the game, every single Wolverines scored.

 

Kelloggsville found themselves down 51-27 at halftime and never found a way to get the game any closer.

 

Godwin Heights will play Williamston in the Regional Semifinal tonight at 6:00pm. The game will be played at Eaton Rapids.

 

Class D – Regional Semifinals

Tri-Unity Christian – 61
Holland Calvary- 47

 

Tri-Unity Christian defended their District Title and also topped Holland Calvary for the third time this season.

The Defenders have a tough game tonight against Marcellus Howardsville (19-3) in the Regional Semifinal. The game will be played at 6:00pm at Portage Northern.

Girls Preview

Both South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian play in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – W (88-46) Kelloggsville
March 14
Regional Semifinal – Williamston

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – L (46-88) Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – W (61-47) Holland Calvary
March 14
Regional Semifinal – Marcellus Howardsville

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian crowned as Regional Champions, Boys ready for District Finals

3-bottom, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian kept their seasons alive with Regional Championship victories. For Tri-Unity Christian, it’s the first time in program history.

 

On the boy’s side, three area teams have an opportunity at a District Championship.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian Girls Basketball

South Christian – 62
Portland – 49

 

Last season, South Christian found themselves in a precarious position. The team struggled relative to program expectations when they struggled to even make it out of districts. Fast forward a year later and things are back to normal as the Sailors wrapped up another Regional Championship with a win over Portland.

 

Markayla Vander scored 18 points and Jennifer DeBoer added another 17 in the win.

 

South Christian will play Dearborn Heights Robichaud in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.

 

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 58
Climax-Scotts – 46

 

For the first time in school history, Tri-Unity Christian can call themselves Regional Champions! The Defenders were led all season by Sarah Buffum, and this game was no different. Buffum scored 29 points, with most of her damage coming from the free throw line where she went 15 for 23, in the biggest win in program history.

 

After falling short last season, Tri-Unity Christian came in to 2016 with eyes dead-set on the next round. They now have that chance. The Defenders will play Pittsford on Tuesday.

Boys Preview

Class B

Godwin Heights (19-3) vs Kelloggsville (6-14) – 7:00pm at South Christian

 

Godwin Heights is looking for their 5th straight district championship. In two games this season, the Wolverines have outscored Kelloggsville by a score of 189-105.

 

Winner will face either Lansing Catholic or Williamston in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

 

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (16-5)  vs. Holland Calvary (11-10) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

 

The Defenders are looking to repeat as district champions. Tri-Unity Christian and Holland Calvary have played twice this season, with Tri-Unity coming out on top in both contests. The combined score of those two games? 133-73.

 

Winner will face either Mendon or Marcellus Howardsville in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

A boy and his book: Michigan author William Anderson shares his love for Laura Ingalls Wilder

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The newest book by William Anderson
The newest book by William Anderson

 

Like many students, William Anderson first was exposed to the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder through school.

 

“For me, like many American kids, it started in elementary school,” said Anderson who will be discussing his latest book “The Select Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder” at Schuler Books & Music March 15. “In those schools, especially the upper elementaries, it wasn’t uncommon for a teacher to read a book to the class. Wilder’s books were popular because she offered a very good window into frontier life.”

 

Born Feb. 7, 1867, as Laura Ingalls – she later married Almanzo Wilder – Wilder is known as the author of the classic “Little House on the Prairie” series which are based on her childhood memories as a settler family from 1932 to 1943. In the 1970s, a televisions series “Little House on the Prairie,” was loosely based on the books starring Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Michael Landon as her father, Charles Ingalls.

 

With a shift of school goals over the years, the practice of teachers reading to their classes has somewhat disappeared, but the books have remained popular having never gone out of print since first being released in 1932. There have been numerous authors, including Anderson, who have written on Wilder’s life and times. Anderson has done a travel book on Wilder’s homes as well as picture books on her life. Earlier this year, it was announced that a “Little House on the Prairie” movie was being discussed.

Author William Anderson
Author William Anderson

 

“She certainly has staying power,” Anderson said. “It is a topic that people like and enjoy.”

 

Wilder was, and still remains an American icon, with communities naming facilities after her and in fact the first to do so was Detroit. The Detroit Public Library Wilder Branch, which was dedicated in 1949, still exists today.

 

In fact, in his new book “The Selected Letters,” Anderson said he selected many letters that had strong Michigan ties. Some came from the cities of Kalamazoo, East Jordan, and Mt. Pleasant. Michigan schools were one of the school systems that had adopted Wilder’s books and used them heavily in its curriculum, Anderson said.

 

“Wilder often credited the librarians for the popularity of her books,” Anderson said. “When the books were released in the thirties and forties, they were immediately adopted by teachers and librarians.”

 

Wilder also was dedicated to responding to every letter she received which means there is a lot of correspondence from Wilder – much of it is housed at the Hoover Public Library – available to pull from. “There are still letters being found,” Anderson said, adding that this is happening as people clean out old family homes.

 

While it might seem like a Herculean task to decide which of the 500 to 600 letters to include in a book, Anderson said he spent his time focused on what would tell the story of Wilder.

 

The book, “The Selected Letters,” is Anderson’s swan song, said the author, who has written about Mark Twain, Mt. Rushmore and the VonTrapp family and is currently working on other projects. He said while the author helped launch his career into writing about unique American icons, he feels he has pretty much covered the gamut of Wilder’s life and travels.

 

“It’s time to let other people find different spins on her story and life, if there are any left,” Anderson said.

 

Anderson is set to present his book “The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder” March 15 at 7 p.m. at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. For more information, visit www.SchulerBooks.com or call 616-942-2561.

History! Unity! Camaraderie! César E. Chávez Social Justice Activities planned for March 17

3-bottom, Beer, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,

By Victoria Mullen
victoria@wktv.org

When César Chávez was 11 years old, his family’s home was lost after his father made a deal to clear 80 acres of land in exchange for the deed to the house. The agreement was broken, and when Chavez’s father tried to buy the house, he could not pay the interest on the loan and the house was sold back to its original owner. It was the Great Depression, and Chávez and his family were forced to became migrant farm workers. The family would pick peas and lettuce in the winter, cherries and beans in the spring, corn and grapes in the summer, and cotton in the fall.

Chávez worked in the fields until 1952, when he became an organizer for the Community Service Organization (CSO), a Latino civil rights group. Chávez urged Mexican Americans to register and vote, and he traveled throughout California and made speeches in support of workers’ rights. In 1958, he became CSO’s national director.

Dedicating his life to workers’ rights, empowerment of the poor and disenfranchised, civil rights, economic justice,
environmental justice and peace, Chávez always used non-violent methods to further his causes. He organized strikes and boycotts, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW) along with Dolores Huerta, and undertook a number of fasts.

After his death, Chávez became a major historical icon for the Latino community. Many streets, schools and parks are named after him. He has since become an icon for organized labor and leftist politics, symbolizing support for Hispanic empowerment and for workers based on grassroots organizing. Barack Obama adopted Chávez’s slogan, “Sí, se puede” (Spanish for “Yes, one can” or, roughly, “Yes, it can be done”), as his 2008 presidential campaign slogan.

Each year across the country, César Chávez Day brings together hundreds of thousands who participate in celebrations, service and learning projects, and other activities that further Chávez’s many causes. Michigan is among the eight states that observe the holiday.

César Chávez National Holiday was established by Los Angeles volunteers who organized and led the effort in California. The legal holiday bill was signed into law on August 18, 2000. The holiday is celebrated in California on César E. Chávez’s birthday March 31st. This marked the first time that a labor leader or Latino has been honored with a public legal holiday.

In Grand Rapids, the Committee to Honor César Chávez plans several events throughout the year to honor the best-known Latino American hero, and the festivities begin March 17 when, at 11 am, the César E. Chávez Social Justice March begins at The Potters House School, corner of Grandville Ave. SW and Van Raalte Dr. SW. Participants will march north on Grandville to The Edge Urban Fellowship.

A Community Gathering follows at 11:30 am at The Edge Urban Fellowship, 735 Ritzema Ct. SW in Grand Rapids. Lead Pastor “PT” Troy Evans will officiate.

The festivities culminate in a luncheon at 1 pm at the Maya Mexican Grill, 1020 28th St. SW, Wyo
ming. The 2016 César E. Chávez Unity Luncheon will congratulate and welcome new Grand Rapids mayor, Rosalynn Bliss; and students from elementary to university level will showcase their musical talent and leadership abilities with special music, poetry and presentations. There will be a special tribute to Kathleen Straus, member of the State Board of Education, who has fought discrimination and worked to build bridges between races, religious and ethnic groups, and to promote social justice and education. A $25 donation per person is requested.

For more info about the march, community gathering and luncheon, go here. For a list of upcoming events, go here.

District Finals are set for the boys as the girls look for a Regional title

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Three boys teams took the next step forward in achieving a district crown, while five area teams had their season hopes dashed in the semifinals.

 

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are looking to keep their season churning along in the Regional Finals tonight in Class B and D, respectively.

Boys Recap

Class A

 

Hudsonville – 55
Wyoming – 52

 

Wyoming found themselves down 15 points and needed to dig deep to try to save their season. The Wolves did just that in the fourth-quarter by forcing overtime behind a 20 point performance from sophomore guard Grant Nabors. Wyoming had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation, but a three-point attempt by Chase Vander Klay couldn’t find the bottom of the basket.

 

In overtime, Hudsonville’s Riley Costen and Adam VanLaar were too much for the Wolves to handle.

 

For the third straight season, Hudsonville put an end to Wyoming’s season. The Eagle’s are seeking their sixth-straight District Championship.

 

Class B

 

Godwin Heights – 64
South Christian – 43

 

The Wolverines continue to go about their business as usual, beating South Christian by 21 in the District Semifinal. After getting passed Wayland Union on Monday night, the district looked to be Godwin’s to lose. That’s the way it’s shaping up as well.

 

Godwin Heights will play Kelloggsville in the District Finals on Friday night.

 

Kelloggsville – 65
Grand River Prep – 60

 

Grand River Prep received another inspired performance by Shahadah Camp to the tune of 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep Kelloggsville from taking the win and a spot in the District Final. Camp made 8 three-pointers but only converted 5-13 from the free throw line. Those missed opportunities ended up being costly down the stretch.

 

It was a tightly contested game that went back-and-forth for all four quarters. In the end, the Rockets have their season extend a couple more days.

 

Kelloggsville will play Godwin Heights in the District Finals on Friday night.

 

Grand Rapids Catholic Central – 70
Wyoming Lee – 24

 

The Rebels season comes to a close with a blow-out loss at the hands of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. A tough end to a long season.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 65
Potter’s House – 60

 

Tri-Unity Christian beat Potter’s House by two early in the season and defended their crown when the two schools met a second time. Potter’s House found themselves down 17 in the second half but cut that deficit to 3. However, it was too little, too late as Tri-Unity Christian held on for the win.

 

The Defenders will play Holland Calvary in the District Final on Friday night.

Girls Preview

Class B

 

South Christian (22-2) vs Portland (15-9) – 6:00pm at Wayland Union

 

After taking consecutive trips to the State Semifinals and Finals in 2013 and 2014, South Christian dealt with a rare let down last season when they didn’t even make it out of the first round of districts. Oh, what a difference a year makes! The Sailors are cruising through the season with a 22-2 record and find themselves in the Regional Final once again. Senior sensation Jennifer DeBoer is looking to lead her team to the State Quarterfinals.

 

Portland is coming off of a close win over Eaton Rapids in the Regional Semifinal. It’s never efficient to use the transitive property when comparing teams, but Portland lost to Williamston twice this season, and both times by over 20 points. South Christian bested Williamston in their last playoff game by six.

 

Winner will face either Dearborn Heights Robichaud or Flat Rock in the State Quarterfinal.

 

This game will be filmed live by WKTV and aired on Comcast channel 24

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian (20-4) vs. Climax-Scotts (20-2) – 6:30pm at Climax-Scotts

 

Last season, Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Final before bowing out of the tournament. The Defenders are looking to take that next step this season, but it won’t be easy. Climax-Scotts comes into the game with only two losses on the season and they get to host the Regional Final game.

 

It’ll be a tough one from start to finish.

 

Winner will face either Pittsford or Hillsdale Academy in the State Quarterfinal.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

 

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Regional Finals set for the Girls, Boys looking to fill out the District Finals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Two area girls teams have advanced to the Regional Finals with close victories. Seven boys teams from Wyoming and Kentwood are looking to set a date to the District Final.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian – 59
Williamston – 53

With the game knotted up at 49 with two minutes to play, South Christian dialed up a play for their leader Jennifer DeBoer. The senior struggled with her shooting touch throughout the game but she found it when it mattered most. Coming off a quick screen behind the arc, DeBoer sank a deep three to put South Christian ahead for good.

The Sailors finished out the rest of the game a perfect 6-of-6 from the line to ice the victory. South Christian never trailed.

With the win, the Sailors head to the Regional Finals on Thursday to play Portland. A date in the State Quarter-finals is on the line.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 46
Athens – 44

The Defenders find themselves in the same position they were last year, one win away from a Regional Championship. With the win over Athens, Tri-Unity extends their win streak to 12 games, and 17 of their last 18.

Tri-Unity Christian will face Climax-Scotts in the Regional Final on Thursday.

Boys Preview

Basketball in HoopClass A

Wyoming (15-6) vs Hudsonville (15-5) – 7:30pm at Grandville High School

Wyoming has had Hudsonville dash their district title chances in each of the past two seasons. The Wolves are hoping the third time’s a charm. After upsetting West Ottawa 60-58 in the first round of districts, Wyoming is playing solid basketball with a lot of confidence. They’re playing as hot as anyone right now.

Hudsonville is looking for their sixth straight district crown. The Eagles hold wins over Godwin Heights, Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood and West Ottawa. This team is no slouch. Expect a tightly contested battle for all 32 minutes.

Winner will face either Jenison or Zeeland East in the District Finals on Friday night.

Class B

Godwin Heights (18-3) vs. South Christian (7-13) – 7:30pm at South Christian

As the Wolverines keep on rising with the tide, the Sailors are hoping to stay afloat. Godwin enters as one of the best teams in the state and looking to defend their State Championship from a year ago.

South Christian has struggled all year against teams at the top of the totem pole with loses to Wyoming, Wayland Union (twice), Ottawa Hills (twice), and East Kentwood. The Sailors will need to put together their best game all season if they want to upset the Wolverines.

Winner will face either Kelloggsville or Grand River Prep in the District Final on Friday night.

Grand River Prep (14-5) vs. Kelloggsville (5-14) – 6:00pm at South Christian

Shahadah Camp scored 34 points – 32 in the first three-quarters – against West Michigan Aviation Academy in the first round of districts. Grand River Prep is hoping that hot hand stays in the semi-final.

Kelloggsville has struggled mightily this season and will need an inspired performance to overtake Grand River Prep.

Winner will face either Godwin Heights or South Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Class D

Potter’s House (16-4) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (15-5) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

Potter’s House put a thumping on West Michigan Lutheran in the first round by a score of 81-6. The semi-final should be much more competitive for the Pumas.

These two teams met way back at the beginning of the season where Tri-Unity Christian won a close game 41-39. The Defenders are looking to defend their district crown.

The last time these two met in districts was back in 2014. Potter’s House walked away with a win and the District Championship.

Winner will face either Holland Calvary or Byron Center Zion Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House