Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Tri-Unity Christian pushes on to semifinals

March 23, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys quarterfinal, Boys semifinal, High School Basketball, March Madness, MHSAA, Mike DeWitt, State Semifinal, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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’

March 22, 20163-bottom, Local Entertainment, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsA League of Their Own, A Team of Their Own, AAGPBL, Baseball, Marilyn Jenkins, Veterans History ProjectJoanne

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

March 22, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys quarterfinal, Boys Regional, Girls Quarterfinal, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, State Semifinal, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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

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

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

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

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

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

March 18, 20163-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventsgiraffe, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Kate Moore, Robot ZooJoanne

[huge_it_slider id=”32″]

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

March 16, 20163-bottom, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsDeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, John Varineau, Sami Ahmad, WKTVJoanne

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

March 16, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Regional, Girls Quarterfinal, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, State Semifinal, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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

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

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

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

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

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

March 15, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Regional, Girls Quarterfinal, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, State Semifinal, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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

The 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

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

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

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

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

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

March 15, 2016Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming EventsAmber Tamblyn, David Cross, Laughfest, Schuler Books and MusicJoanne

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.”

“[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

March 14, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Regional, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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

The 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

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

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

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

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

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

March 11, 20163-bottom, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional Final, South Christian, Tri-Unity ChristianJoanne

By: 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 – 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

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

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

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

March 11, 20163-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming EventsLaura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie, Schuler Books, William AndersonJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

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.

“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

March 10, 20163-bottom, Beer, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Eventscesar chavez, cesar chavez day, civil rights, Community Awareness, edge urban fellowship, festivities, march, march 17, march 31, unity luncheonJoanne

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 28^th 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

March 10, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional FinalJoanne

By: 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

March 9, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Semi Final, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, Regional, Regional FinalJoanne

By: 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

Class 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

District games offer heart stopping finishes

March 8, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Finals, Full Court Shot, Girls Regional, Godwin Heights, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWitt, RegionalJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

The boys tipped off the postseason with fireworks in the first round of districts. Heart stopping plays, incredible performances, and down-to-the-wire finishes were the standard.

Two area girls teams prepare for their upcoming regional tilt.

Boys Recap

Class A

Ottawa Hills – 58
East Kentwood – 56

East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills battled all night, and then some, in a tight game from start to finish. With the score knotted up at 50 at the end of regulation, both schools needed an extra period to battle it out.

With the score tied at 56, East Kentwood missed a pair of free throws that would’ve given the Falcons the lead. Following the missed free throws, Bengals guard Ojani Echevarria took the ball the length of the court and made a shot as the buzzer sounded.

It was a tough way for East Kentwood to end the season.

Wyoming – 60
West Ottawa – 58

In a game as tightly contested as this one was, making the freebies at the charity stripe can decide a winner and a loser. Wyoming ended up a perfect 9-9 from the line. Contrast that with West Ottawa who struggled, 3-for-8, from the free throw line in the final 2 minutes.

The game was back and forth all night with both teams making plays and answering back. Wyoming senior Edwin Martinez made a three-point play in the final 15 second to put the Wolves up two. West Ottawa had a chance to tie things up but couldn’t get a bucket to fall as the clock wound down.

With the win, Wyoming will play Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night. Hudsonville has won six-straight district championships.

Class B

Godwin Heights – 65
Wayland Union – 52

Up 34-29 with the final second waning down in the third quarter, sophomore Markeese Hastings picked up a ball underneath his own basket and fired it towards the other end. The ball looked pure from the moment it left it left his fingers and hit nothing but net with the buzzer sounding. The gym erupted and the shot gave Godwin Heights three points to add to their lead entering the final stanza.

Behind the play of their strong first half defense, Wayland Union entered halftime with a three-point lead, stifling a potent Wolverines offense and holding them to only 16 points. Then came the third quarter where Godwin Heights put things together and outscored Wayland Union 21-10.

With the win, Godwin Heights is one step closer to defending their Class B State Championship. They play South Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night.

A replay of this game will be aired on WKTV on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:00pm

Grand River Prep – 65
West Michigan Aviation Academy – 44

Shahadah Camp scored a game-high 34 points as Grand River Prep defeated West Michigan Aviation Academy. Camp drained six 3-pointers and scored 32 points before the 4th quarter.

Grand River Prep will play Kelloggsville on Wednesday night in the District Semi-finals.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian – 81
West Michigan Lutheran – 6

The game was close when it was tied 0-0 at the opening tip. Potter’s House plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday.

Girls Preview

Class B

South Christian (21-2) vs Williamston (19-3)

After scoring 31 points in the District Final, Jennifer DeBoer looks to keep the wind in South Christian’s sails. They play Williamston, winners of 11 of their last 12, in the Regional Semi-final.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (19-4) vs Athens (16-7)

The Crusaders look to keep their season alive in the Regional Semi-final against Athens. They ended 2015 in the Regional Final, they’re looking to take the next step in 2016.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

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

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

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

LaughFest Looking to Reclaim World Record

March 8, 2016Community Health, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsGilda's LaughFest 2016, Gildas LaughFest, Largest rubber chicken toss, world recordJoanne

LaughFest is hoping to reclaim the rubber chicken toss record

By: Eric Snoek

Who wouldn’t want to laugh, break a world record, and help support an amazing organization within your community? Gilda’s LaughFest does exactly that!

LaughFest is in its sixth year of bringing enjoyment and excitement to the community of Grand Rapids. The festival runs for ten days starting with the Community Kickoff on March 10 at 5:30 pm at the Calder Plaza.

What better way to kick off such an incredible event then breaking a world record?

Gilda’s LaughFest has done an amazing job over the past six years by finding silly ridiculous records that are exciting and fun for the community to achieve together. This year they hope to redeem themselves by taking back the Guinness World record for “largest rubber chicken toss.”

“This will be our sixth attempt to set a world record. We’re hoping to take back our original world record we set tossing rubber chickens in our first year of LaughFest,” said Wendy Wigger, President of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “We’ve broken four out of five world records for most people wearing sunglasses in the dark, wearing false mustaches, wearing animal noses at a single venue and of course, the number of rubber chickens tossed.”

Back in 2011 Gilda’s LaughFest broke the rubber chicken record with 925 rubber chickens tossed. That same year, a church in Ontario, Canada broke the record by tossing 999. LaughFest plans on providing the first 1,200 participants with rubber chickens so they can shatter the previous record.

LaughFest is designed to bring the community of Grand Rapids together for laughter and a bigger cause. There will be 200 different entertainment events throughout the city, many of them free, during the ten-day festival. There are events for all ages.

By attending LaughFest, you are not only helping yourself by adding more laughter to your life but you are always helping many community members in needs. About 15 percent of the profits go towards Gilda’s Club. Gilda’s Club helps support grieving children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death due to any cause. The organization runs solely on charitable donations and currently helps more than 10,000 individuals every year.

Make sure to enjoy LaughFest in its entirety! It only comes once a year.

Eclipse Awards are Coming, Prepare Yourselves

March 7, 2016Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsEclipse Awards, West Michigan Film Making, WKTVJoanne

By: Brett Weisenauer

The 5th Annual Eclipse Awards will be hosted on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the City Flats Hotel ballroom, starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 for everyone but the nominees. While the glamour, excitement, and beautiful statuettes return, the details behind the scenes changed dramatically this year, starting with the selection process of this year’s winners. The Eclipse Awards Board of Governors elected to invite past nominees and winners of the Eclipse Award to become judges.

Previous nominees and/or winners in the competition know personally what it takes to produce the kind of quality that makes West Michigan’s regional Film, Television and Crafts awards program continue to grow. Previous nominees and winners received official invitations to become voting members at the end of 2015. Becoming a voting member did not disqualify former nominees and winners from entering their work in the current awards year, because judges did not judge entries in categories they may have entered.

The Board of Governors also decided to publicize the national and international judges who participate in evaluate Eclipse Award winners. The judging participants give their time and expertise to the process of defining and recognizing the best examples of production achievement in West Michigan.

Eclipse Awards nominees become winners after their entries go through a two-step process starting with judges who are past nominees and winners for each particular category and craft. The first round of voting decides the 2016 nominees for all given categories and crafts. After nominees are announced on April 4th, voting proceeds onto the second round where national and international judges in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Australia, and others participate in the selection of Eclipse Award winners. The results are kept secret until the night of the awards ceremony.

After the announcement of nominees, all nominated works will be posted on the Eclipse Award Face Book site and made eligible for the People’s Choice Eclipse Award. The People’s Choice Eclipse Award has one winner. There is no student category or craft consideration though students are encouraged to compete.

For a complete list of national and international judges, visit the Eclipse Awards website at www.TheEclipseAward.com.

And be sure to attend, the future of West Michigan film-making might just depend on it.

Girls Wrap Up Districts as Boys Prepare for Postseason

March 7, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Districts, district, District Finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Five Wyoming-Kentwood area girls basketball teams entered the District Finals looking for a championship, two went home with a trophy intact.

Tonight marks the first round of districts for the boys as they begin their march to glory.

Girls Recap

Class A

Grand Rapids Christian – 54
East Kentwood – 39

East Kentwood struggled shooting all night, especially from the free throw line where the Falcons only converted 11-27 free throws. The game was close at halftime with the score at 25-20, but a lackluster third quarter saw East Kentwood get outscored 22-6.

After a successful 2016 campaign, the Falcons lose three seniors and look to reload heading into next season. Grand Rapids Christian heads into Regionals on an 11-game winning streak.

Hudsonville – 50
Wyoming – 28

Wyoming has dealt with a lot of adversity this season and still made it to the District Finals. However, for the second straight year, the Wolves fell to Hudsonville in the finals. The Eagles were never threatened.

With a healthy Claire Hendrickson next season, look for Wyoming to be a solid contender.

Class B

South Christian – 63
Wayland Union – 42

South Christian move onto Regionals thanks to a huge performance by Jennifer DeBoer. DeBoer poured in 31-points and also rewrote the record book at South Christian for most points scored in a season.

The Sailors improved to 21-2 on the season and will face Williamston in the Regional Semi-finals on March 8.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 54
Potter’s House Christian – 38

Tri-Unity Christian defeated Potter’s House for their 11th straight victory and is eyeing that elusive Regional Championship. After finding themselves down three at halftime, the Defenders exploded into the second half with a 25-point third quarter. Potter’s House couldn’t mount a comeback.

Tri-Unity will play Athens in the Regional Semi-final on March 8.

Boys Preview

Class A

East Kentwood (15-5) v Ottawa Hills (11-9)

East Kentwood comes into the playoffs having won 8 of their last 9 since the start of February. Can they keep the good vibrations going into the postseason?

Don’t let the 11-9 record fool you, Ottawa Hills can play with anyone. Their regular season consists of close loses to two of the better teams in the area – Wayland Union and Hudsonville.

Winner is set to take on the winner of East Grand Rapids/Middleville Thornapple Kellogg in the District Semi-Finals on March 9.

Wyoming (14-6) vs. West Ottawa (17-3)

Wyoming is coming off their first ever conference championship in the OK Bronze. As winners of 7 of their last 8, Coach Vander Klay has the Wolves playing well. They’re in a tough district with West Ottawa in the first round and Hudsonville in the semis.

After winning their first 15 games, West Ottawa hit a slight dry spell to close out the season. One loss quickly turned into three as the Wildcats looked to rebound heading into the playoffs. After righting the ship by winning their last two regular season games, and taking a share of the OK Red for the first time since 2004, West Ottawa looks to keep their special season cruising along.

Winner will face Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

Class B

Godwin Heights (17-3) vs. Wayland Union (18-1)

Two of the best teams in the area are set to face up in round 1. Godwin Heights is on their usual tear through the regular season. The Wolverines high-flying and athletic offense is too relentless for most teams to handle. Their three losses – Hudsonville, Grand Rapids Christian, and Portage Northern – are nothing to be ashamed of.

Wayland Union dropped a game way back before the start of 2016. Since the New Year, it’s been all Wildcats as the team has rattled off 15 straight victories.

Whichever team escapes this dogfight will have a date with South Christian on March 9 in the District Semi-finals.

Grand River Prep (13-5) vs. West Michigan Aviation Academy (9-8)

Grand River Prep has won 9 of their last 10 games. The lone loss in that span? A one point defeat to Kalamazoo Heritage Christian Academy.

It’s been an up and down year for the Aviation Academy with the largest win and loss streak extending to 4 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency as a team.

Winner plays Kelloggsville on March 9 in the District Semi-Finals

Class D

Potter’s House Christian (15-4) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (2-16)

The last time these two teams faced off, Potter’s House Christian won by a convincing score of 84-7. Could be a long game.

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

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

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

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 – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Big Screen Cuisine: ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ March 13 at the Downtown Market and UICA

March 6, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Food, Non-Profits, Upcoming EventsBig Screen Cuisine, chocolate, class, courtesans au chocolat, dinner, Downtown Market, grand budapest hotel, pastry, UICAJoanne

By UICA

Join the Downtown Market and UICA for Big Screen Cuisine, the scrumptious series and hands-on cooking lessons at the Downtown Market inspired by your favorite food-focused films.

Enjoy dinner and a movie, Wes Anderson style. Learn how to make Courtesans Au Chocolat inspired by the film’s pastry shop, Mendle’s. After indulging in delicious pastry treats, head to the UICA Movie Theater to watch the film.

About Grand Budapest Hotel:
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular European ski resort, presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave’s friend and protege. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel’s guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave’s lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.

Sunday, March 13, 2016
Class/Dinner: 3:00-5:00 pm at Downtown Market, 435 Ionia St. SW, Grand Rapids.
Call 616.805.5308 for more info and to register.

Movie: 5:30 pm at UICA, 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids.
Call 616.454.7000 for more info.

TICKET PRICE: $38

Includes class registration, snacks, and movie admission.

Michigan Maple Weekends Celebrate Sweet Agricultural Heritage

March 6, 2016Area Education, Food, Upcoming EventsDianna Higgs Stampfler, Maple Syrup, Michigan Maple Syrup, Promote MichiganJoanne

By: Dianna Higgs-Stampfler

The Michigan Maple Syrup Association is once again planning three weekends of celebrations focused on the state’s oldest agricultural activity during the 4th Annual Michigan Maple Weekend. Overall, more than 25 sugar makers are participating in the festivities.

Due to the state’s diverse weather and geographical elements, events are first held in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula (south of US10), March 19-20, followed by events in the upper half of the Lower Peninsula (north of US10), March 26-27 and throughout the Upper Peninsula, April 2-3.

“The weekend provides the people of Michigan and surrounding states a chance to see how our oldest crop is produced,” says Joe Woods, event coordinator. “For many people it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where their food comes from and the work and expense that goes into bringing a crop to market. For the producer it is a chance to meet new customers, educate consumers and display the workings of a sugar bush. Together this brings awareness of the maple syrup industry to the public.”

The family-friendly events held around the state are a great time for people to get out and get a firsthand look at how maple sap is collected, boiled down and turned into sweet maple syrup and other maple treats. Many of the farms will offer tours of their operation including tree tapping demonstrations, samples of their products, recipes for the use of maple syrup and local maple syrup products available to purchase.

Visitors to local farms can meet the farmers and their families that produce maple syrup and to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s early spring weather. Attendees are reminded to wear boots as mud and snow may still be abundant at this time of the year.

Michigan Maple Syrup Facts:

▪   Michigan ranks 5th in maple syrup production in the United States.
▪   Average maple syrup production in Michigan is about 90,000 gallons per year.
▪   Economic contributions of the pure maple syrup industry to Michigan are nearly $2.5 million annually.
▪   Maple syrup is a Michigan tourist benefit. It is a “thing” to buy.
▪   Maple syrup, as an agricultural commodity, benefits Michigan farm markets.
▪   There are an estimated 500 commercial maple syrup producers in Michigan with some 2,000 additional hobby or home use producers.
▪   Michigan law requires that processor of maple syrup must be licensed.
▪   The production of pure maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States.
▪   Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply.
▪   Only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resource is used in maple syrup production.
▪   In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure Michigan maple syrup.
▪   Maple sap is a slightly sweet, colorless liquid.
▪   It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
▪   A gallon of standard maple syrup weighs 11 pounds and has a sugar content of 66 percent.
▪   Maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year.
▪   Maple syrup is not the recipient of any crop support or subsidy programs.
▪   A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended.
▪   Warm sunny days and freezing nights determine the length of the maple season.
▪   The budding of maple trees makes the maple syrup taste bitter. Thus, production ceases.
▪   Freezing and thawing temperatures create pressure and force the sap out of the tree.
▪   A very rapid rise in temperature (25 to 45 degrees) will enhance the sap flow.
▪   While the sugaring season may last 6-10 weeks, during this period, the heavy sap may run only 10-20 days.
▪   Average sugar concentration of maple sap is about 2.5 percent.
▪   Maple sap is boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugars in a process called evaporation.
▪   In a conventional evaporator one cord of hard wood is required for every 25 gallons of syrup produced.
▪   Tubing collection systems with vacuum can increase average sap yields approximately 50 percent.
▪   Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
▪   Pure Michigan maple syrup has 50 calories per tablespoon and is fat-free. It has no additives, no added coloring and no preservatives.
▪   Maple syrup has many minerals per tablespoon: 20 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.2 milligrams of iron, 2 milligrams of sodium, 35 milligrams of potassium.
▪   Maple syrup is classified as one of nature’s most healthful foods.

Other maple syrup events in Michigan this spring include:
▪   March 5-27 — Afternoons at the Sugarhouse – Chippewa Nature Center, Midland
▪   March 12-13 — Maple Sugar Festival – Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo
▪   March 13 — Maple Sugaring – Hillside Homestead, Suttons Bay
▪   March 19 — Maple Syrup Day – Chippewa Nature Center, Midland
▪   March 19 — Maple Syrup Festival – Fenner Nature Center, Lansing
▪   March 28 — Maple Sugaring Days – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Newberry
▪   April 22-24 — Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
▪   April 22-24 — Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival

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!

Technology makes our reading lives easier but can’t replace the library

March 5, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Upcoming EventsDeidre Doezema-Burkholder, goodreads, KDL, kindle, march reading month, overdrive, Public Library, reading rainbowJoanne

Diedre w: Librarian — Book, libraries, and especially librarians have always been a big part of my life

By: Deidre Dozema-Burkholder

I’ve had a library card since I was in kindergarten. Thinking of the library always brings back fond memories of trips with my Dad to the local book heaven to check out books. I would select a few different books for my Dad to read to me at bedtime. I still enjoy reading at night before I fall asleep. There have been more than a few times where my husband has come to bed only to find me asleep with a book in my lap or on his pillow.

Over time, my choice in books has changed as well as how I choose to read those books. For a while I strayed away from the library and opted to purchase books directly from retailers and Amazon, back when books were pretty much the only thing they offered. Then in 2007 Amazon launched a digital reading device called the Kindle.

The idea of digital books wasn’t something exactly new – a patent from 1949 shows the idea for a Mechanical Encyclopedia – and books on Tape/CD had been around for years. However, the Kindle was a game changer. It was the idea of holding something tangible in your hand and reading for enjoyment and knowledge.

The first Kindle cost $399.99 and sold out in less than 6 hours. It remained out of stock for five months. While I would have loved a Kindle, the digital experience of reading books didn’t seem worth the $400 price tag.

With that, I rediscovered the library, and soon the library discovered technology. My local library had already placed computers into their realm but now it really looks like the libraries are catching up with the technological curve. Certain libraries can checkout Kindle or iPads just as easy has checking out the latest James Patterson novel.

Libraries offer other options through technology as well. There are a handful that I highly enjoy.

The first is called Overdrive, it’s an application which you can download on to your computer or mobile device and “checkout” books from the library. You can even request a book just the same as you would before. If you prefer picking up an album or movie at the library, you should try Hoopla. Hoopla offers movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and comics. If you prefer browsing magazines, take a look at the application Zinio.

I love all three of these applications because they’re so easy. I don’t have to worry about returning the item since many of these applications have auto-return. The item simply returns itself after the allowed checkout time. The one downside to auto-return happens when you’re midway through a book and the time is up. You end up having to go through the process of downloading or requesting it again the book again. However, that’s something I’m okay with because I no longer have late fees!

Of course, if you’re an avid reader it can be easy to lose track of what you have read or what you want to read. For this, I like to use the website called GoodReads. I was introduced to GoodReads several years back, and it’s something I like to keep in my back pocket to find books from authors I like.

On top of finding books from authors, GoodReads also offers the ability to check the order of your favorite book series, give notice when a favorite author is releasing a new book, and suggest other authors or books based on your reading history.

Sometimes when I’m wandering Schuler’s Book Store, I pull out the app and scan a book so I can remember the book when I’m at the library next. I also use it to check reviews from what others who have already read the book had to say about it. My reading list currently sits at 41 books and includes everything from classics like The Maltese Falcon and Gone with the Wind, to “beach reads” which will remain nameless.

I can’t write this without making note of a show way back in the day called Reading Rainbow. I watched this show growing up and would often go to my local library to find the book featured on the show. For over 23 years this show aired on PBS and featured specific books or a centered theme which was explored throughout the show.

After the show stopped airing in 2014, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to help fund an App. Within 24 hours the campaign reached $5 Million with over 100,000 thousand donors. The campaign set an all-time record for the most backed kickstarter since its inception. It seems that a lot of people still wanted to take a look in a book and see the butterflies in the sky.

If you don’t have the iconic Reading Rainbow theme song in your head by now, you should do so by clicking here.

As for me, I don’t think I will ever stop reading. While technology continues to evolve, I still enjoy picking up a book and holding it in my hands. It’s something tangible. Plus, reading an actual book is easier on the eyes than a digital screen. Trust me, your eyes need a break from the screen!

I still take the time to visit my local branch to see the same librarians that have helped me find books all my life. Their help and suggestions have helped enrich my life. Now, instead of just asking for books, I take time to talk to the librarians that mean so much to a community. They are more important than the books they recommend.

With March being National Reading Month, take a look and rediscover your local library.

Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West Michigan area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.

Five area teams, Four District Finals

March 4, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District Finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

It’s a dogfight to get through districts. The bracket is littered with teams familiar with one another; A team’s strengths, weaknesses, game plans, and counters. Tonight, five Wyoming-Kentwood area teams have the opportunity to bring home a District Championship.

One championship game will be filmed an aired on WKTV.

Class A

East Kentwood (14-8) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (16-5) – District 5

Things weren’t looking pretty for East Kentwood at the beginning of February. The Falcons stumbled through the first month of the new year with a 4-4 record, but the girls were able to dig deep and find a second gear that has propelled them to the District Finals.

Since the start of February, the Falcons have won 8 of their last 9, including a revenge win over East Grand Rapids – the teams only loss in February – in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday. This team is rolling right now, but they’ll have their hands full in the finals.

On the other bench sits a team that has traveled a very similar path. Grand Rapids Christian is currently riding a 10 game win streak after dropping 4 of their first 5 games in January. Their last loss? The same Caledonia team they beat in a rematch in the District Semi-Finals.

East Kentwood beat Grand Rapids Christian in the first game of the season. With the way both teams have stormed into the playoffs, it’d be silly to look at that first game for any indication about how this one will go. A champion will be crowned tonight.

Wyoming (7-14) vs. Hudsonville (19-3)

The teams haven’t changed, but what was a clash of two titans in last year’s District Final has morphed into an uphill battle for Wyoming.

At the turn of the new year, the Wolves suffered a potentially fatal blow with the loss of MSU-commit Claire Hendrickson to a knee injury. In the aftermath after the injury, it looked to be the end to a once promising season. The Wolves lost 12 straight games to limp into the postseason. The playoffs are a new season, a slate wiped clean, and Wyoming sits at 1-0.

Hudsonville has been going full throttle since the season started. The team sits at 19-3 with win streaks littered throughout. Those three losses include two early in the season by a combined 7 points and a loss late in the season to East Kentwood, another District Final participant.

It’s going to be a tough game for Wyoming, but hey, they call it March Madness for a reason.

Class B

South Christian (20-2) vs. Wayland Union (9-11)

Both squads laid down the hammer in the District Semi-finals, winning by a combined point total of 124. Now they’re matched up with a team of equal caliber.

This District Final is also a rematch from last season. Last year, Wayland Union came in as the favorite and won handily, 59-39. This year, the roles are reversed.

South Christian is sitting on two losses by a combined 9 points. The Sailors are not only looking for revenge, but further down the line as well. This team has potential and very little weakness. Wayland Union will have to relish the underdog role.

Don’t let the under-.500 record fool you, the Wildcats have some pretty impressive games on their resumè. They currently own wins over District Final participants Wyoming (before the Hendrickson injury) and Hudsonville, and they’ve played Caledonia and Grand Rapids Christian to close losses. This is a dangerous team.

South Christian has already beaten Wayland Union twice this season, but it’s hard to beat a team three times. The game will be filmed live and aired tonight on WKTV.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian (7-13) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (18-4)

The theme of districts so far has been a rematch in the finals, this one is no different. Last season Tri-Unity beat Potter’s House handily to a tune of 21-points.

The Crusaders are currently on a 15-1 run in the last 16 games and don’t show any signs of slowing down. They won their last playoff game by 72(!) points and this one might play out similarly. Tri-Unity won the first meeting between these two 61-19.

Potter’s House will need to play some flawless basketball and force Tri-Unity into an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers. Regionals await.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

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

Class D

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

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 – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

The educators are coming—5,000+ of them!

March 4, 2016Area Education, Education, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Eventsadministrators, classroom teachers, conference, devos place, educational technology, knowledge, MACUL, school board members, workshopJoanne

From Wednesday, March 9 through Friday, March 11, thousands of educators will take over the DeVos Place Convention Center. It’s not an invasion. It’s the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning’s (MACUL) 40^th annual Conference for Educational Technology.

One of the nation’s largest conferences for educational technology, the event will gather more than 5,000 teachers, administrators and school board members from Michigan, neighboring states and Canada. National leaders and classroom teachers will present more than 350 sessions on best practices and trends in educational technology, along with special events and featured speakers planned to meet the needs of every attending educator in Michigan.

“The MACUL Annual Conference is the highlight of the year for educators who strive to explore and utilize innovative teaching tools and strategies,” said Kevin Clark, president of the MACUL board of directors. “With the constant influx of new technology, it can be a challenge for teaching professionals to keep their practice relevant. The MACUL Annual Conference provides the opportunity to see ideas in action, get hands-on professional development, and make connections with colleagues from around the state.”

Kent County school districts attending and participating in MACUL include Grand Rapids Public, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, Grand Rapids Catholic Central high school, Forest Hills, Kentwood, Kenowa Hills and East Grand Rapids. The Student Technology Showcase, highlighting he projects of K-12 students from across Michigan, will be held on Thursday, March 10 from 11:00 am to 1 pm. The showcase will feature some of the top technology projects being used by students in their classrooms. Students and teachers will be available to discuss and share their projects.

The exhibitor section of the MACUL conference will feature more than 200 booths, representing nearly 150 companies. Displays of the latest and greatest in hardware, software, and services will highlight how technology can enhance teaching and learning. Exhibit days and times at DeVos Place will be Thursday, March 10 from 9:30 am – 5 pm and Friday, March 11 from 8:30 am to 1 pm. The exhibits are open to the public with a $20 admission charge at the door.

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors, go here.

The story of one B-17 Bomber, some high school students and Virginia’s most photographed spots

March 3, 2016Local Entertainment, Local History, Upcoming EventsB-17 Bomber, Blue Ridge Parkway, Gerald R. Ford, Sandra Warren, South High SchoolJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

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While Grand Rapids’s South High School has been closed for almost 50 years, the school’s spirit remains strong as its Varsity Club still meets regularly along with other alumni get-togethers.

No one can deny that the spirit of South High School is just as strong now as it was when the school was open and one person who can attest to that is author and 1962 graduate Sandra Warren.

“It was quite an amazing school,” Warren said. This might be an understatement since within its graduating classes were former president Gerald R. Ford (1931) and singer Al Green (1966). And the students did some amazing things such as raise $375,000 through the sale of war bonds and stamps to purchase a B-17 Bomber – aptly titled “The Spirit of South High” – for the World War II effort, the subject of Warren’s latest book.

“The students did all of this work to raise this money for the B-17 and there was a dedication on April 6, 1944 and from there it flew off with no one ever really knowing what happened to it,” said Warren, who will give a presentation on her book “We Bought a WWII Bomber: The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & the Blue Ridge Parkway” on Monday, March 7, at Grand Rapids Public Main Library, 111 Library St. NE.

“There were these wonderful stories that it had won all these battles in defending our freedom,” Warren said. One South High alum took it upon himself to find out what happened to “The Spirit of South High” and with the aid of another – Ford – he discovered its history was not that glamourous. The bomber was used for training in the United States and was dismantled in Columbus, Ohio, according to a military report.

“Many of the alums were disheartened to learn the end of the story was it was used for training,” Warren said, adding that during one of her presentations about South High she stated “I wonder how many pilots it had trained. It could have had far more of an impact on the war as a trainer than if it had gone off into the war.”

A classmate, who also was a veteran, heard that comment and decided to see if he could find a list of those who had trained with South High’s B-17 Bomber. What he discovered was the bomber had a much more colorful past than originally reported.

“The Spirit of South High” never fought in the war, nor was it dismantled as reported, instead it had crashed during a training exercise in the area that today is considered one of the most photographed places in Virginia – Mabry’s Mill. What made it even more interesting is that no one from Virginia’s Patrick County Historical Society or historians for the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road where Mabry’s Mill is located, knew anything of the crash.

“I had one historical member say to me that he had been involved with the group for decades and couldn’t figure out why he did’t know about the crash,” said Warren, who has copies of the reports made by those involved in the crash. “I went on a local radio station in Patrick County asking people if they remember the crash to contact me and we started getting calls.”

At the time of the crash, Oct. 1, 1944, the land was a pig farm. The original accounts talk about how the neighbors helped the pilots all of whom got out of the plane safely. The six-member crew were being retrained to lead their own combat units, Warren said, adding that all of the crew members had amazing records with one being involved with the atomic bombing of Japan.

“The military took what it could savage from the plane after the crash,” Warren said. “The farmer had to sign a paper stating it was OK for the military to leave the smaller pieces of metal on the land.”

Warren visited the crash site last May and discovered that much of those small pieces are still there. The area has been marked as an archeological dig site and Warren said she hopes to have a national marker placed there.

“It really is a magically story,” Warren said. “It is quite amazing what these students did and in the end, just how much of an impact the bomber did have on the war effort.”

Sandra Warren’s presentation on her book “We Bought a World War II Bomber: The Untold Story of a Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & the Blue Ridge Parkway,” is at noon March 7 at the Grand Rapids Public Library. For more information on the presentation or other library activities, visit www.grpl.org or call 616-988-5400.

Tickets Punched to District Finals

March 3, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District semi-finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

District Semi-Finals are officially in the books. Five Wyoming-Kentwood teams have yet to reach the expiration date on their season, and they have a big opportunity to add a District Championship to 2016’s resumé.

Class A

East Kentwood – 53
East Grand Rapids – 51

The first time these two teams met, East Grand Rapids left with a narrow four-point victory. Fast forward to the District Semi-Finals, and it was the Falcons from East Kentwood leaving the gym with smiles.

Kentwood lead by 10 with under four minutes left, but the Pioneers weren’t going to let their season end without a fight. East Grand Rapids stormed back and had an opportunity to tie the game with 10 second left on the clock. It would all be for naught as they couldn’t convert the ensuing inbound pass into points.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 14-8 overall and find themselves in the District Final. The game will be played against a very strong Grand Rapids Christian team. The Eagles pulled off a big 48-40 win over 18-4 Caledonia in their semi-final matchup.

The District Final game will be played at Byron Center on Friday night.

The Wolves are headed to the District Finals once again.

Wyoming – 53
Jenison – 47

Even though the season has taken a different journey with the injury to Claire Hendrickson, the Wyoming Wolves find themselves in a familiar spot: a date with Hudsonville in the District Finals.

Wyoming took home a hard-fought victory, their 7th of the season, against Jenison behind the scoring hand of Kayla Hinton and her 24 points. The Wolves will need another big game from Hinton against Hudsonville this Friday.

The District Final game will be played at Holland on Friday night.

Class B

South Christian – 79
Kelloggsville – 7

While the victor wasn’t necessarily a surprise, the final score is a little eye-popping. South Christian came out strong from the opening tip. The rest was just a formality.

The Sailors will play Wayland Union in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

Wayland Union – 67
Grand River Prep – 15

Different teams, same story. The District 48 Semi-Finals were lopsided on both sides. Wayland Union handled Grand River Prep and finds themselves in the District Final for the second straight year.

The Wildcats will play South Christian in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

Class D

Potter’s House Christian – 62
West Michigan Lutheran – 55

West Michigan Lutheran entered the District Semis sporting a 17-3 record. One of those three regular season losses came in a 5-point game against Potter’s House Christian. At halftime, it looked like West Michigan Lutheran was too much for Potter’s House. The Mustangs were in control and up 11.

However, the Pumas turned things on in the second half.

Behind 23 points a piece from Cassie Wielhouwer and Anika Huizenga, Potter’s House clawed their way back on the offensive end. The Pumas also shut down the Mustang’s offense, holding them to only 20 second half points.

With the win, Potter’s House advances for a rematch of last years District Final against Tri-Unity Christian. The game will be played at Byron Center Zion Christian on Friday night.

Tri-Unity Christian – 72
Holland Calvary – 36

For Tri-Unity Christian, it was a night of career highs. Sarah Buffum tied a career-high with 28 points and Cierra Smith added her own career-high with 27.

The game was never in doubt for the Crusaders as they continue to storm through the season. They will play Potter’s House on Friday night at Byron Center Zion Christian

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

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

Class D

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

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 – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

New and Classic Japanese Animations to debut in West Michigan

March 3, 2016Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventsanimation, at the movies, Brett Wiesenauer, Japanese AnimationJoanne

I love to promote animation from anywhere and everywhere that’s not Disney. Audiences have grown lazy in supporting flicks that don’t descend from the House of Mousecapades. I for one will always look to view things that challenge me asides from hammering messages into me like “RACISM AND CLASSISM ARE BAD, Even With Animals”.

Luckily, the next two weekends hold promise to showcase wonderful Japanese treats that, while not implicitly for kids, look like exciting experiences for animation fans and non-followers alike to feel free to dive into.

Opening this Friday at Woodland Mall is the latest from Japanese artiste Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and the Beast. The tale concerns a boy who falls into a strange apprenticeship to Kumatetsu the Beast Lord, who is currently involved in a competition for succession with another beast warrior who is more popular in standing than our Beast Lord.

The film was the second-highest grossing film in Japan last year and is from a creative talent who has been honing his skills over the last decade with visually pleasing and stimulating projects like Summer Wars and Wolf Children. As a fan of the whole of the directors work, going back to Digimon The Movie back in 2000, I look forward to exploring a whole different culture (of animal-warrior hierarchy) via the lens of another culture (Japan), and seeing how Hosoda seeks to delight audiences with a good story and unique character archetypes.

If you are in the mood for a less fantastic trip into Japanimation-Land, boy do I have good news for you. West Michigan is also receiving a dose of classic, classy Studio Ghibli within the week, in tandem with The Boy and the Beast.

Opening at the Kalamazoo Alamo Drafthouse this weekend and spreading to Celebration Cinemas and select AMC theaters on March 11th is a special revival of the previously unreleased-in-America Studio Ghibli work, Only Yesterday. Featuring the voice talents of Star Wars – The Force Awakens ingenue Daisy Ridley and helmed by Ghibli legend Isao Takahata (director of the Oscar-nominated Tale of Princess Kaguya as well as the tearjerker classic Grave of the Fireflies), the film promises to be a beautiful adult tale of nostalgia in youth and adapting to womanhood. Animation circles have whispered on the beauty and grace of Only Yesterday for years, due to it never acquiring proper release outside of Japan due to its non-fantastic story and setting, which is the image Ghibli has presented internationally for most of its filmography.

Best of all is the relic quality of Only Yesterday, being released in Japan in 1991, when cel animation and hand-drawn family flicks was still the prominent animation style before computer animation made a hostile takeover thanks to Disney and Friends deciding putting pen to paper was old-hat and wasn’t worth the effort of maintaining. I miss classically drawn epics like the original Sleeping Beauty and Princess Mononoke. I want to see actual effort onscreen rather than glorified computer coding. Yes, computer animation can be impressive, as Tangled and Frozen showed in slow spurts, but due to the shrinking successes of mid-2000s releases like Home on the Range and Princess and the Frog, the Disney studio gutted the hand-drawn department and decided to focus more on computer technologies. But the companies mistook the failure of their products to be good and memorable films as the failure of the medium rather than the product.

Hopefully the two flicks will live up to the unearthly expectations I have planted on them as an animation fan.

Girls District Semi-Finals set to square off with Eight Wyoming-Kentwood teams in action

March 2, 2016Sports, Upcoming Eventsdistrict, District semi-finals, Girls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

The girls play their District Semi-Final games tonight, and the Wyoming-Kentwood area has a number of teams looking to be one step closer to a district championship.

Class A

East Kentwood (13-8) vs. East Grand Rapids (16-5) – District 5

The last time these two teams met, East Kentwood found themselves down 11 at half, but they wouldn’t fold that easily. An 18-point third quarter gave the Falcons a one-point lead entering the final stanza. However, the furious comeback was too little too late as East Grand Rapids came out with a hard-fought 49-45 victory. Round 2 between these two squads looks to be just as exciting.

East Kentwood is coming off of a 19-point victory over Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. As winners of 11 of their last 14, the Falcons are looking to keep the positive vibes going for at least another couple of days.

East Grand Rapids defeated a very strong Byron Center team in the first round and is currently riding a 5-game winning streak.

Winner plays Caledonia or Grand Rapids Christian in the District Finals this Friday.

Wyoming (6-14) vs Jenison (5-16) – District 6

Wyoming came into this season ready for big things after having an extremely successful 2015 campaign that saw the season end in the District Finals. Behind junior star player – and Michigan State commit – Claire Hendrickson, the Wolves were primed for a special season.

Early on, everything was going according to plan. The Wolves were 5-1 and playing very well when they traveled to Calvin Christian on January 5. It was then that adversity struck, Hendrickson went down with a torn ACL and meniscus and a sprained MCL. After the injury, the Wolves slogged to a 1-13 finish. They enter the postseason on a 12 game losing streak.

Jenison hasn’t fared much better than Wyoming. The Wildcats handled Holland in the first round of districts to break a five game losing streak. Jenison hasn’t struggled scoring points this season, it’s on the defensive end where they’ve lost games. In their 16 losses, the Wildcats have surrendered over 54 points a game.

Winner plays Grandville or Hudsonville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class B

South Christian (19-2) vs. Kelloggsville (2-12) – District 48

After suffering only their second loss of the year in the season finale, South Christian got things back on track in a big way in the first round of Districts. The Sailors were able to quickly get the wind back in their sails and Godwin never stood a chance. South Christian won their 19th game of the season handily, 60-38.

Things haven’t been easy for the Rockets this season. Kelloggsville currently sits at 2-12 and has lost nine straight. They’ll have their hands full against the Sailors.

Winner plays Wayland Union or Kentwood Grand River Prep in the District Finals this Friday

Grand River Prep (5-13) vs. Wayland Union (8-11) – District 48

Grand River Prep and Wayland Union each look to end a long string of losing to reach the district finals. Grand River enters the postseason having lost 10 of their last 11, while Wayland Union has lost 5 of their last 6.

No matter how you look at it, Grand River Prep is facing an uphill battle. Wayland Union may be under .500 on the season, but the Wildcats have nabbed a few impressive pelts this season. The Wildcats have wins over Wyoming – before the Claire Hendrickson injury – and Hudsonville.

Winner plays South Christian or Kelloggsville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class D

Potter’s House (6-14) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (17-3) – District 110

Although Potter’s House comes in with a much less impressive record than West Michigan Lutheran, the Pumas hold the all important ‘W’ in the only head-to-head meeting between the two squads. The first time these two teams met, things were very close. Potter’s House had a strong second quarter and was able to hold on to the lead until the end, resulting in a 5-point victory.

West Michigan Lutheran has rebounded quite nicely from that last game. Since the loss, the Mustangs have rallied off 9 wins in their last 11 games. Expect another back and forth battle between the two squads.

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian or Holland Calvary in the District Finals this Friday.

Tri-Unity Christian (17-4) vs. Holland Calvary (8-7) – District 110

Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Finals last season before falling to St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran. This season, they have their eyes set even further, they just need to make sure they don’t stumble looking ahead.

The Crusaders have already played, and defeated, Holland Calvary twice this season by a combined 62 points. Holland Calvary is hoping third times a charm!

Winner plays Potter’s House or West Michigan Luther in the District Finals this Friday.

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 – East Grand Rapids

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Jenison

Class B

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

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Three Area Teams Advance to District Semi-Finals

March 1, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsGirls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Girls basketball tipped off the post-season last night with the first round of districts. Three Wyoming-Kentwood area teams advanced to the semi-final round while one had their season come to an end. District semi-finals will be played on Wednesday.

Class A

East Kentwood – 58
Thornapple Kellogg – 39

East Kentwood extended their winning streak to four games and 11 of their last 15. The Falcons look to get revenge against East Grand Rapids in the District Semi-Finals on Wednesday. When they met in the regular season, the Pioneers took home a close four-point, 49-45 win.

Class B

The Sailors will face Kelloggsville on Wednesday

South Christian – 60
Godwin Heights – 38

South Christian kept a stellar season rolling right along with a big win over Godwin Heights in the opening round of districts. The Sailors’ experience, depth, and height was too much for the young senior-less Wolverine squad to handle.

Jennifer Deboer led all scorers with 17 points and also chipped in seven rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Isabella Scott helped South Christian with her first ever double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Ravinear Koppenhofer led the Wolverines in scoring with 11 of her own.

South Christian looks to keep the ship sailing against Kelloggsville in the district semifinals on Wednesday night at Godwin Heights.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 50
Byron Center Zion Christian – 40

Tri-Unity Christian kept the season moving forward on Monday night. Led by Sarah Buffum and her 20 points, the Crusaders extended their winning streak to nine with a ten-point victory over Byron Center Zion Christian.

Tri-Unity Christian will take on Holland Calvary, a team they’ve already beat twice this season by a combined 62 points, in the district semi-final on Wednesday 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 – East Grand Rapids

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/Jenison

Class B

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

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Microscopes, water rovers and more: science fun at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

March 1, 2016Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Eventsengineering, Grand Rapids Public Museum, kids, neil degrasse tyson, science, STEMJoanne

Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Science Tuesdays. — Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Science Tuesdays.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson makes his way to Grand Rapids this month, the Grand Rapids Public Museum sets the mood with a number of family activities in March all centered around science.

This week, the GRPM hosts its annual celebration of engineering week with school groups participating in an integrative Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics experience featuring activities from science and engineering. The week culminates in a public day Saturday, March 5.

“Basically all the stations that the school groups go through during the week are available for the public on that Saturday,” said the museum’s Marketing Manager Christie Bender.

Saturday’s programming focuses on STEM applications to create real world solutions to human problems and needs. Stations include creating underwater submersibles, design bridges, exams biomedical devices, manipulate robots, experiment with water systems and create concrete cookies using household ingredients.

“There are also special audience interactive events on the fifth where they can help drive an underwater rover that is in Florida waters from the Museum’s Theater,” Bender said. Underwater researcher and scientist Chris Olstad,and Grand Valley State University Professor Mark Gleason will be hosting live presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. from thirty feet below the water’s surface in Florida waters.

The GRPM also will be continuing its new, ongoing program Science Tuesdays, focusing on Zoology for the month of March. Stations will include hands-on activities, microscopes, animal x-rays, honey bee information and live animals every week. Today and March 8, animals from the John Ball Zoo will be at the GRPM from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blandford Nature Center will bring in animals on March 15 and 22 from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Rebecca Vincent will have animals from noon to 4 p.m. March 29 and she is also scheduled to be the guest speaker at 6 p.m. that day. Vincent will discuss wildlife rehabilitation. Presentations are free with general admission.

Also this month, the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association with the GRPM will be hosting the Winter Star Party March 11 and 12 at the Cascade Recreation Park, 3810 Thornapple River Dr. SE. The program is from 7:30 – 9 p.m. both days.

GRAAA members will have telescopes set up to allow public viewing of the crescent moon, Jupiter and various other sky features visible only during winter and early spring. During warm weather season, these features are below the horizon making them unable to be seen. Those attending this event are encouraged to dress for cold weather and to bring flashlights, binoculars and telescopes if available.

This event is weather dependent and will only take place if the sky is clear. Status updates will be posted on the GRAAA website, graaa.org.

For more information on these events, upcoming exhibitions or other activities at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. SW.

Neil deGrasse Tyson comes of Grand Rapids March 21. He will be at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. SW.

Def Leppard to storm Grand Rapids with REO Speedwagon and Tesla on July 9

March 1, 2016Beer, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBrewery Vivant, def leppard, get them now, july 9, reo speedwagon, summer tour, tesla, tickets on saleJoanne

By Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority

Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, March 4 at 10:00 am for Def Leppard’s GR tour stop at Van Andel on July 9.

Thanks to overwhelming demand, Def Leppard will return to the road this summer for an extensive tour across North America. The Live Nation-promoted outing will storm through 55 cities across all parts of the U.S. and Canada. It is set to kick off on May 1st in Orlando, FL and stop in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Joining Def Leppard on their mighty summer outing are REO Speedwagon and Tesla.

Ticket prices are $29.50, $59.50, $79.50, $99.50 and $125.00. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, all Ticketmaster ticket centers, online at Ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 1.800.745.3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to each order, and prices are subject to change.

Said Def Leppard front man Joe Elliott, “I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and playing some great music with some great people for some of the most appreciative audiences in the world. It really is always a pleasure.”

Def Leppard—Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums)—continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music. With 100 million records sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards to their credit, the group’s spectacular concerts, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, continue to sell out venues worldwide. For the past thirty years the band’s epic live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as an institution in both the music and touring industry.

Def Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum release’s—including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria. The band’s 2015 US tour was one of the year’s highest grossing, hitting 70+ cities nationwide. In addition to the tour, Def Leppard debuted their self-titled new album in October 2015. The album secured the #1 slot on Billboard’s Top Rock Albumschart. It features the #1 Classic Rock chart single “Let’s Go” and their new single “Dangerous” out now.

With the regular season over, Girl’s Basketball is readying for Districts

February 29, 2016Sports, Upcoming EventsGirls Districts, High School Basketball, March Madness, Mike DeWittJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt

While Leap Day may be able to push March back 24 hours, it can’t stop playoff basketball from starting. March Madness is here, and the girls are getting ready to kick off Districts in a big way. Below are all the District First Round games for Wyoming-Kentwood Area teams:

Class A

East Kentwood (12-8) vs. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (5-14) – District 5

East Kentwood stumbled into the season, losing 4 of their first 6 games. However, after the New Year, the Falcons went on a terror. East Kentwood finished the season strong by winning 10 of their last 14 games. The team’s four losses during that stretch came by a combined 10 points.

Thornapple Kellogg started the season slow, losing 7 of their first 8, and never seemed to find a grove. The Trojans have struggled to score the ball, only topping 40 points in 5 of their games.

Winner plays on Wednesday, March 2 against the winner of East Grand Rapids and Byron Center.

Class B

Godwin Heights (12-7) vs. South Christian (18-2) – District 48

South Christian has been on a rampage all season. How far will they go?

Godwin Heights is hosting District 48 and finds themselves in a tough draw in the opening round. The Wolverines have been extremely resilient when coming off a loss. Their longest losing streak only lasted two games back at the very beginning of December. Something to watch, Godwin Heights is coming off of a loss in their last game.

South Christian is firing on all cylinders in 2016. The Sailors started the season on a 14 game winning streak before losing their first game of the season to Caledonia by 2 points. South Christian then proceeded to win their next four before falling in the season finale against Catholic Central.

With both teams coming off of a loss, which one will get off the mat? This game will be televised on WKTV. Winner plays Kelloggsville on Wednesday, March 2.

Class D

Byron Center Zion Christian (12-8) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (16-4) – District 110

After hitting a dry spell and dropping their first three games at the beginning of February, Byron Center Zion Christian brushed things off and proceeded to win their next four straight. Having only broken 40-points six times this season, the Mountaineers win with defense while doing just enough on the offensive end.

Tri-Unity Christian currently sits at 16-4 but could easily be 18-2. Early in the season, the Crusaders dropped two one-point games by the same margin, 42-43. Last season, Tri-Unity made it to the Regional Finals before falling to St Joseph Michigan Lutheran. The Crusaders are looking to take it one step further this year.

Winner faces Holland Calvary on Wednesday, March 2.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – Middleville Thornapple Kellogg

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/Jenison

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – Godwin Heights

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – Zion Christian

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

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

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

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

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 – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

LaughFest announces ‘High Five’ Corporate Challenge Day on March 4

February 29, 2016Community Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Eventscorporate challenge day, emotional health, Gildas Club, high five, Laughfest, laughter, seriously funJoanne

Sheriffs high five — Members of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department participating in the “High Five” Challenge

By Tyler Lecceadone

Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, has announced their upcoming “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day open to all West Michigan businesses, offices and organizations to participate.

The “High Five” campaign celebrates the importance of emotional health and the role laughter plays in our lives. It creates visibility for the cancer and grief support programs offerfed through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and Gilda’s Club Lowell. This year they’re illuminating their children’s programs – cancer, grief and in-school emotional health programs.

Organizations may collect donations by inviting employees to wear jeans to work, or a hat, or a tee shirt, or the color yellow (for LaughFest!) or any other seriously fun and funny thing they can offer their team as “special” that fits with their culture and work environment. This year’s Grand Prize for the organization that raises the most money in High Fives on March 4 includes LaughFest tickets, merchandise, and goodies, along with restaurant gift certificates and more.

How the “High Five” campaign works is simple. Each participating business or organization is asked to give Gilda’s LaughFest a “High Five” ($5 donation or greater per person that wishes to participate). Their goal is to generate $50,000 for children living with cancer or grief, and for their in-school emotional health programs. All proceeds raised go directly to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

“We’re very grateful for all the past companies who participated and helped us raise funds for our children’s programs,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “We’re hoping to get many more local businesses and organizations to participate this year.”

Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFestfeatures free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. PastLaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Iliza Schlessinger, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit the website, or call 616.735.HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.

To sign up to participate in the “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day on March 4, please contact Shawn Ruetz, Director of Development at sruetz@gildasclubgr.org or 616.453.8300 ext. 137 for details and materials.

This nun is fun: Sister Act premiers at the Civic Theater

February 29, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming EventsCivic Theater, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Julianne Howe-Bouwens, Sister Act, Susanne AlbaitisJoanne

Civic Theater has done it again. They have assembled amazing Grand Rapid’s talent, chosen the perfect actors, created a fabulous set, and put it all together with incredible music for Sister Act.

Julianne Howe-Bouwens has established herself as a powerhouse of talent and continues to amaze, this time in the lead role as Deloris Van Cartier. With comedic timing and that voice (that voice!) she leads the cast through this very entertaining rendition.

Deloris Van Cartier witnesses murder and is sent into hiding in a convent. No one would think to look for this outgoing, sequin-wearing showgirl under the same roof as nuns. Deloris’s zest for performing soon takes hold of the nuns, and before they know it, they are packing the pews of the nearly closed church. It seems that the church has caught “Sunday Morning Fever”.

Deloris stays with the sisters until it is safe for her to leave. Once free, she returns to the convent for one last performance, realizing that she needs the nuns’ friendship as much as they need her voice. They are sisters.

Julianne Howe-Bouwens shines in Sister Act (Courtesy of GRCT.org)

Civic Theater was awarded the right to perform Sister Act along with playing Alan Menken’s original music from the Broadway show. The singing and choreography are perfectly matched with the music’s disco beat. Deloris and her back-up singers perform “Fabulous, Baby” in the beginning of the play. The song is then reprised later in the show with Deloris and the nuns. The music, directed by Wright McCarger, weaves in and out of the story line seamlessly.

Sister Act is directed by Allyson Paris who is the Associate Director of Grand Rapids Civic Theater. She also recently directed the travelling troupe production of The Hundred Dresses. You may remember her as the mean nanny from Mary Poppins.

Much of the glitz and glamour of the show is emphasized by the ensemble dance numbers. Choreographer, Torrey Thomas worked with the groups nightly to perfect the routines. Whether in sequins or pajamas, the nuns put on quite a show.

If you like to laugh, enjoy great music, and are amazed by talented singers, then make sure to catch Sister Act at the Civic. The show runs through March 20 with ticket available online at GRCT.org.

Rarely exhibited Newcomb ceramics, tableware, jewelry, textiles and more on display thru April 17 at GRAM

February 27, 2016Local Entertainment, Local History, Non-Profits, Upcoming Eventsart nouveau, arts and crafts, GRAM, new orleans, newcomb memorial college, newcomb pottery enterprise, pottery, retrospective, social change, women's rightsJoanne

Platter, c. 1942-1948. Gulf Stream. Sarah A. E. “Sadie” Irvine with Kenneth Smith or Francis Ford. Newcomb Art Collection, Tulane University

By GRAM

Between 1894 and 1948, some of the most beautiful and functional art objects of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements were created at the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise in New Orleans. The Pottery was an innovative educational experiment as much as an operational facility: it was conceived in the late 19th century at Newcomb Memorial College, Tulane University’s coordinate institution for women, as an income-generating venture for women training in the applied arts.

The Newcomb School operated under the philosophy that no two handcrafted objects should be alike, as evident in the wide-ranging works of the exhibition. The selection of handcrafted objects showcases the Pottery artisans’ unique interpretations of animal and botanical subjects, including the flora and fauna of the American South.

Sadie Irvine at the Newcomb Pottery Studio

Women, Art, and Social Change includes examples from the full range of the Newcomb collection, from the naturalistic, blue and green tones, to the signature design of vertically banded spatial divisions, to the austere, modernist aesthetic that celebrated the vessel form. The exhibition is rounded out with historical photographs and artifacts that lend additional insight into the Newcomb Pottery story.

The exhibition serves as a retrospective of the works of the students and teachers of Newcomb Memorial College, and their important contribution to women’s rights and social change. The Newcomb model proved successful during a time of economic hardship, providing financial stability and economic autonomy for numerous women, who established themselves vocationally as independent artisans, instructors, activists, and businesswomen. This pioneering cohort of self- reliant women not only made a lasting impact on the art community, but also proved the value of an education, during a time in which learning opportunities for women in the Deep South were lacking.

Over 125 rarely exhibited Newcomb ceramics, tableware, jewelry, textiles, bookbinding, and graphics, from one of the most remarkable collections of 20th century American pottery, are on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), 101 Monroe Center NW. Call 616.831.1000 for info.

Discover some of Kentwood’s restaurants in this year’s Taste of Kentwood

February 26, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Food, Upcoming EventsBloop, Celebration Cinema, Parks and Recreation, Pippin, Smash Burger, Taste of KentwoodJoanne

Participants check out the 2015 Taste of Kentwood event.

Every wonder what a Smash Burger tastes like? How about a sub from Boardwalk Subs? Or just curious about what food items Celebration! Cinema has to offer?

Thursday, March 3, area residents will have the opportunity to find out as the Kentwood Park and Recreation Department hosts its 15th Annual Taste of Kentwood at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

“It is a nice opportunity to sample several different offerings from various local places,” said Laura Barbrick, marketing and events coordinator for the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

This year, about 13 restaurants from the Kentwood area will participate. Each restaurant brings in samples of some of its well-known food items. Participants sign up for one of the two sessions, 4:30 – 6 p.m. or 6:30 – 8 p.m., and during the session go from table-to-table trying the various foods.

“There will be a nice variety from soup, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, curry dishes and Mexican food,” Barbrick said. There are about 13 restaurants participating in this year’s event. Those restaurants include Peppino’s Grille and Pizzeria, Zoup!, Bloop Frozen Yogurt, Rak Thai, Pizza Ranch, Smash Burger, Jet’s Pizza, Potbelly, On the Border, Boardwalk Subs, Dave & Buster’s and Celebration! Cinema.

The annual event, which is marking its 15th year this year, is quite popular, bringing in about 500 people to the 2015 event, according to Barbrick. On average, Taste of Kentwood raises about $3,000 – this includes money from a silent auction – which is used to provide scholarships to programs at the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

Tickets for the event are$5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children 5 & under are free. For more information or other City of Kentwood Park and Recreation programs, visit the department’s website.