Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Take a Sneak Peek at WKTV’s 2015 DreamWheels LIVE!

Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,

DreamWheels LOGO

As in past celebrations, the 11th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, will be attracting car lovers from around the country on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. For WKTV Community Television and Media the tradition continues to host the only red carpet classic car show in the country on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The two-hour live productions have a new name, “DreamWheels!”

You’re invited to be a part of the live audience on Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. as one-of-a-kind vehicles and their proud owners grace the red carpet! Hosting the shows are David Knisley from SPEED Television and Kim Carson from WLAV FM and WZZM’s “Take 5.”

Here’s a taste of just some of the classic cars you’re going to see live at “DreamWheels.”

This 1936 14th Senior Series 1401 Packard Eight-913 Touring Sedan originally cost over $2500. Although today's value is unknown, only a few of these Sedans still remain.
This 1936 14th Senior Series 1401 Packard Eight-913 Touring Sedan originally cost over $2500. Although today’s value is unknown, only a few of these Sedans still remain.

This 1936 14th Senior Series 1401 Packard Eight – 913 Touring Sedan has been owned by Richard and Leanne Zapala of Haslett, MI since July of 2011. The couple nicknamed the classic car “Big Al” after Chicago’s notorious gangster.

Retaining its original colors of a black body and tan interior, this five passenger beauty is also rumored (but not confirmed) to have belonged to actress Bette Davis but sold in an estate sale.

What is true is that Packard Motor Company skipped the automobile’s 13th Series due to superstition. As a result, the 1935 model was the 12th Series and 1936 model became the 14th Series.

The 1950 Muntz Jet takes the stage with a rich merlot exterior and a sweet cream interior. Its estimated only 198 of these cars were produced.
The 1950 Muntz Jet takes the stage with a rich merlot exterior and a sweet cream interior. Its estimated only 198 of these cars were produced.

Now here’s a classic car you’ve probably never heard of – a 1950 Muntz Jet! And here’s why:

In 1949, a man known for his design and construction of Indy 500 race cars, Frank Kurtis, began to produce a two-passenger sports car called the Kurtis Sports car. Unfortunately it wasn’t a commercial success so only 16 were made.

In 1950 Earl “Madman” Muntz purchased the rights and the tooling for the Kurtis Sports Car and proceeded to make changes to the care like increasing the wheelbase to accommodate two more passengers. More changes were applied to the Kurtis, (and you’ll hear about them during the show), and it became known as the Muntz Jet.

David Hans of Barrington, Illinois paid $60 for the vehicle back in 1964 after responding to a classified ad in the Chicago Tribune. Soon after studying the title, he realized he owned the second Muntz ever made!

See these cars and many more during WKTV’s live production of “DreamWheels!” It all takes place outside in the old Klingman’s parking lot across from Rogers Plaza. The show goes live on Friday, August 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. and again with new cars on Saturday, August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a crosswalk between Rogers Plaza and the old Klingman’s for easy access. Best of all – admission is free!

Red Barns Spectacular is the “Granddaddy”

Upcoming Events, ,

Gilmore Car MuseumThe Red Barns Spectacular, the area’s oldest and largest antique, classic, and special interest car show and swap meet, takes place at the Gilmore Car Museum on Saturday, August 1st. The event will feature vehicles of all eras, from 1990 and earlier.

Gilmore Car Museum 2Celebrating its 35th year, the Red Barnes Spectacular has been sponsored since 1980 by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club (KAARC) and the Gilmore Car Museum.

“This is the event that folks wait all summer for,” said KAARC show chairperson Jim Holland, “the name says it all, it really is spectacular!”

At last year’s event, over 1,200 collector cars, and hundreds of swap meet vendors, descended on the Gilmore Car Museum for what has been dubbed the “Granddaddy” of all area car shows.

There’s something for every level of automotive enthusiast at the Red Barnes Spectacular! From the vast automotive parts swap meet, to the huge assortment of antiques and crafts, and the extreme variety of collector cars for sale, it is a car lovers dream. By the end of the event, nearly 100 trophies will be awarded to show vehicles.

Whether you’re interested in the antiques, classics, muscle cars of the 1960s, or prefer trucks, customs, street rods, vintage boats or campers, this event will not disappoint!

Gilmore Car Museum 3The Gilmore Car Museum’s exhibits will also be open at no extra charge during the Red Barnes Spectacular. Showcased are the Museum’s extraordinary collections of over 350 historic vehicles, including the all-new special exhibition: “Mid Century Performance,” featuring iconic cars from the 1960s and 70s. Visitors are also treated to an expanded 1950s and 60s gallery, as well as “American Legends: Hot Rods & Customs,” featuring the Little Deuce Coupe of Beach Boys Fame.

The Gilmore Car Museum’s 90-acre historic campus, located just 20 miles northeast of Kalamazoo, will be filled with antique, classic, and special interest autos, as well as customs, street rods and military vehicles. You’ll even find special displays of vintage travel trailers, and antique boats. Both a Judged Car Show and Driver’s Choice Show will take place during the Saturday event.

Visitors will have the chance to step back in time, locate those hard-to-find parts for their restoration project, or even purchase a collector vehicle from the large cars for sale “corral” area. You’ll also find several vendors selling vintage auto-related items, general antiques, as well as arts and crafts. Guests will enjoy the variety of old-time food concessions and the Museum’s authentic 1940s roadside eatery—George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner.

DeLorean
The DeLoreans bring you Back to the Future

Some highlights for this year’s event includes:

  • A special gathering of DeLoreans, best known for being Doc Brown’s time machine in the movie Back to the Future, will help pay homage to the 30th anniversary of the blockbuster Michael J. Fox film.
  • A chance to see the very last Tucker sedan built, completed 67 years after the controversial Tucker Corporation closed its doors. Only 50 of Preston Tucker’s dream cars were finished when the factory shut down in late 1948 amid scandal. The partially factory-assembled 51st car was completed in the 1980s using various fiberglass body panels. This Tucker, with cowl number 52, was an original test chassis and has just been completed with original, left-over factory body parts rather than fiberglass or composite reproductions.
  • A display of rarely seen 100 to 120 year old high-wheeled motor buggies—true horseless carriages—built between 1895 and 1915 will be showcased at the event. During the infancy of the automobile, many states passed “Red Flag” laws, requiring a person to carry a red flag and walk ahead of each car to warn others on the road of the oncoming vehicle.
  • A living history “Tin Can Tourist Camp” featuring several dozen antique and vintage campers and trailers from throughout the Midwest will be displayed on Gilmore’s historic campus.
  • “Boats at the Barns” is an amazing display area full of antique boats and motors, vintage wooden and classic fiberglass boats of all kinds—from barn find to stunningly restored.
  • Get an in-depth look at Sunseeker and meet the team of students from Western Michigan University who design, build, and race the car in the American Solar Challenge and Formula Sun Grand Prix.
  • The noon traffic “jam” is when all show cars announce their presence by sounding their horns!

Gilmore Car Museum 4Gates will open to the public at 9am for this ever-popular family friendly event, which runs until 4pm, while the Museum remains open until 6pm. Discounted admission for the day is only $12.00 per person, with those under 11 admitted FREE, and includes the car show and all the expanded Museum exhibit buildings.

The Gilmore Car Museum is located midway between Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek, on M-43 just five miles north of Richland.

To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum and the Red Barns Spectacular, visit: www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call the Museum at 269-671-5089

Don’t miss out on the Metro Way 5K

Area Education, Community Health, Upcoming Events

Metro Health’s Metro Way 5K is our annual family fun run. Our goal is to get you and your family up and active. So this event welcomes all ages and abilities:  walkers, beginning runners, children and even stroller-pushing parents in addition to seasoned runners. If registered before July 15, you will receive a free 2015 5K t-shirt. Awards include Overall Male/Female & 3 Deep Male/Female by age group.

Metro Way 5K Group (4+)
Thursday, July 30 • 6:30 pm
Early Bird – $20/person (until June 30) • $24/ person (after June 30)
Registration & Packet Pick Up Thursday, July 30 at Metro Health Farm Market • 9 am – 2 pm

Register your child for the FREE Kids’ races here!

For groups less than 4, individual registration is available here.

City of Wyoming to Hold Memorial Day Ceremony

Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Veterans, Volunteers

Veterans Wyoming

The City of Wyoming will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW).  Harriet Sturim, 5th District Auxiliary Chaplain, will be the guest speaker for the event, with her address entitled, “Voice for our Veterans”.  The Lee High School band will perform along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard.  Bronson Swan, a graduate of Lee High School, and a veteran, as well, will perform “Taps”.  Mayor Jack Poll will host the ceremony.  In addition, the newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (made possible by Community Development Block Grant funding) will be recognized.
“The City of Wyoming prioritizes the recognition those who have served, and continue to serve, our country in the armed forces,” according to Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services for the City of Wyoming.  “Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to that service.  We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming (Veteran’s Memorial Garden) where we cannot only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms.”
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people,  parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area.  For more information, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department  at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec.              Veterans Wyoming 2

How I became a Model Railroader

Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, ,

 Or how I learned to be a child again

Model railroads have captured the imagination for decades.
Model railroads have captured the imagination for decades.
Ken Skopp is the Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Club's train show coordinator.
Ken Skopp is the Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Club’s train show coordinator.

by Ken Skopp

I was five-years old when I visited my grandparents in Waterloo, WI. A train track ran next to their farm. One day while I was playing near the track, a steam engine was moving freight cars back and forth. After some time passed, the steam engine stopped. The engineer leaned out of the cab and asked me if I would like to take a quick ride in the engine. I screamed “Yes!”

I rode with the engineer five miles down the track and back. I didn’t realize it then but I was bitten by the “train bug” and there is no cure.

Now fast forward, 60 years. My wife bought me a HO scale train set made by the Bachmann Company for Christmas. It had a steam locomotive, three passenger cars, a small DC power pack and a loop of track. I had model train layouts in the past but it had been 20 years since I had built my last layout. Those layouts mainly consisted of a track with a few buildings laid on a sheet of plywood. I started buying “Model Railroader” magazines to learn more information about what was available in the hobby.

Ken's model railroad uses the latest technology for the hobby.
Ken’s model railroad uses the latest technology for the hobby.

After being an “armchair railroader” (thinking and dreaming about building a model railroad), I decided it was time to start working on a layout. I wanted it to be more than just track on a piece of plywood. I wanted realistic track work and realistic scenery. One day I visited Rider’s Hobby Shop and found a flyer promoting a local train show. So I started going to train shows to see what new products were available in locomotives and cars. I was amazed at how many shows there are in Michigan and Indiana.

Two years ago this past November, I attended a train show at the Home School Building in Wyoming. At the show I bought a HO scale diesel locomotive and wanted to see if it worked. The Grand River Valley Railroad Club (GRVRR Club) which was running the show had a test track there. The club member who tested the engine invited me to visit their club. I did and discovered that many improvements had been made in the hobby. I realized that the ideas I had for my railroad would require learning new techniques from others who had more experience in the hobby. I joined the club three years ago.

Photos courtesy of Ken Skopp
Photos courtesy of Ken Skopp

Over the past three years, I have started a model railroad layout in a 9′ x 10′ room in our condo basement. Roger Fenske former president of the GRVRR Club helped me build the bench work, lay the track, wire the layout and how to make realistic scenery. Most importantly, I learned about Digital Command Control (DCC).

Up to the advent of DCC control, trains ran on electrical current from a DC transformer that powered the electrical motor in the locomotive. You could only run one locomotive at a time on your layout. If you wanted to run more than one locomotive, you had to divide the layout into isolated electrical blocks or segments. The wiring and controls are somewhat complicated and not very flexible.

Because of the advance in computerization and miniaturization provided by DCC, each locomotive has a computer chip in it with an individual address. With a DCC control cab, you can send signals to each individual locomotive address. This allows you to control the direction of motion, speed and sound functions for that particular locomotive address. So now, you can have multiple locomotives running at the same time on your layout and each is under individual control.

The Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Train Shows offer fun for kids of any age.
The Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Train Shows offer fun for kids of any age.

But the biggest advancement in locomotives is the sound in them. It brings them to life! You hear the chuffing of your steam locomotive as it moves on the tracks. You can ring it’s bell and blow it’s whistle just like a real train! Now I can have my Pere Marquette Railroad Steam locomotive chugging around my train layout while my diesel switcher locomotive is switching cars in a train yard. All this action is complete with realistic locomotive sounds – engines, bells, and whistles!

Model railroading is a hobby that combines, motion, sound, 3D modeling, painting, sculpting, woodworking, electrical work, historical research and so much more! At the Grand River Valley RR Club’s Train show on Saturday, April 11th, you can see all the aspects of the hobby in action. You’ll see everything from a Garden Scale railroad that you can put in your backyard to a Z scale railroad that you can fit on the top of a small desk. Your children will love the large LEGO operating layout, playing with LEGOs in the play area, and seeing a “Thomas the Train” display. In addition, there will be two large HO scale operating layouts provided by The Holland Modular RR club and the Battle Creek Model RR Club. I invite you to come and enjoy it all! There will be food available, free parking, door prizes and 120 tables of model railroad items for purchase.

 

West Michigan Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Boredom-Busting in West Michigan

Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,

by Courtney Sheffer

 “I’m bored” is something no parent likes to hear! Luckily,the West Michigan Tourist Association has collected a list of great kid-friendly places for you to visit, with everything from water parks to zoos, and museums to festivals. Keep this list on hand year-round for ideas to pull out when the kids start getting restless, or you’re looking to plan your next family outing!

South

A.W. Overhiser Orchards, South Haven: Hands on animal barn, hayrides, & child corn maze.

Allegan County Fair, Allegan: Live music, midway, & a historical village.

Allegan County Parks – Recreation and Tourism, Allegan County: Bike, hike, go boating, or fish outdoors.

Air Zoo, Portage: Rare & historic aircraft, amusement park-style rides, historical exhibits and educational activities.

Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theater Training, Augusta: Theatre training programs and performances.

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, Battle Creek: Nation’s largest air show and balloon festival.

Berrien County Youth Fair, Berrien Springs: Exhibits from youth ages 5-10 in August.

Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek: African Adventures, Feed the Giraffes, Kids Zoo Programs.

Cass County Fair, Cassopolis: Firefighter show, supercross, and family dollar day.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA, Marshall: Turkey dinner, ice cream parlor, and dinner theatre.

Crane Orchards, Fennville: U-pick fruit, pie pantry, & cow train rides.

Dutch Farm Market, South Haven: Bakery, farm market, and ice cream.

Echo Valley, Kalamazoo: Tobogganing, tubing, and ice skating.

Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo: Seasonal performances with kids shows.

Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners: Visit a car of Disney movie fame, watch Model Ts drive around, and eat at the Blue Moon Diner.

Historic Charlton Park: Village, Museum & Recreation Area, Hastings: Step back in time and tour historic buildings from Barry County, & head to their beach for swimming & a picnic.

Kalamazoo County Parks, Kalamazoo: Hike, beach, picnic, or farm market.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo: Visit the Interactive Gallery for a variety of fun games, puzzles, activities, and a reading corner to enjoy.

Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, South Haven: Become a Bailey’s Budding Naturalist, tour one of the oldest homes in South Haven, and enjoy the gardens.

Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven: Antique engine & tractor exhibit and display.

Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven: Sail on the Friends Good Will restored tall ship and learn about Michigan’s maritime history.

Niles Haunted House, Niles: Michigan’s largest haunted theme park.

Olde World Village, Augusta: Visit for Frontier Days, Buccaneer Bash, or BlackRock Medieval Festival.

Saugatuck Dune Rides, Saugatuck: Learn of the lost town of Singapore or check out our local vegetation and wildlife on a dune tour.

The Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph: Ride the tigers, hippocampus, panda, and clown fish, and learn local history just steps from the beach.

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises, Saugatuck: Ride an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat down the Kalamazoo River and watch for wildlife.

Stokes Homestead, Grand Junction: Wagon rides, pedal karts, corn kernel crib.’

Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater: Attend “Popcorn Theatre” which includes a show, snacks, and meeting the actors. Coming up: “Peter Pan” this July!

Central

ArtPrize, Grand Rapids: Explore free art in and around downtown Grand Rapids.

Berlin Raceway, Marne: Weekly racing April-October, Special family events, discounted kids tickets.

Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids: Self-guided hikes, Children’s Camps, Visit Blandford’s Farm.

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, Alto: Hands-on wildlife experience, Exotic animals & reptiles, Feed the animals.

Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont: Ski lessons, special events, and winter trails.

Christmas Lite Show, Comstock Park: Over one million Christmas light display.

Community Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids: Magic Circle shows for kids and summer concerts.

Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville: Vintage Train Car Rides, Seasonal themed outings, 90 minute rides.

Country Dairy, New Era: Visit the dairy cows, Learn how Ice Cream is Made, Enjoy a bottomless glass of milk.

Critter Barn, Zeeland: Hands-on educational farm, Hold, Pet, & Feed the Animals, Free Admission.

Danish Festival, Greenville: Annual Danish breakfast & Hans Christian Andersen Park.

Deer Tracks Junction, Cedar Springs: Wildlife safari by stagecoach, Live Theatre Show, Kids Play Area.

DeGraaf Nature Center, Holland: Knee-High Naturalist classes, adopt-an-animal, & nature programs.

Double JJ Resort, Rothbury: Splash in the water park, learn to ride a horse, attend a rodeo.

Double R Ranch, Belding: Hop on a hayride, float down the Flat River, ride a horse.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids: Children’s Garden, outdoor concerts, spring butterfly exhibit.

Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids: Free outdoor arts, entertainment, & activities.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven: Parades, fireworks, entertainment, carnival.

Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids: Purposeful play and artful learning.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids: Play with a giant Lite Brite, make giant bubbles, and rock the stage at the Amigo Amphitheater.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids: School of theatre arts & performances.

Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids: Walk under a whale skeleton, visit the streets of old Grand Rapids, & catch a planetarium show.

The Haunt, Grand Rapids: 20,000 square feet of fear to navigate your way through.

Holland Museum, Holland: Take a Family Ties or Native American tour.

Holland Princess/Holland Water Sports: Jet ski, boat rentals, and boat cruises.

Ionia Free Fair, Ionia: Free entertainment, live music, midway.

John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids: Pet stingrays & sharks at Stingray Lagoon, ride a camel, climb through the Sky Trail Ropes Course.

Klackle Orchards, Greenville: Apple orchard, school trips, Le Tour de Donut.

Lakeshore Museum Center / Hackley & Hume Historic Sites & Scolnik House, Muskegon: Visit the hands-on science center, learn about Michigan habitats, & walk through 10,000 years of natural history.

Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, New Era: Visit Jeffrey the camel, bounce on the giant jumping pillow, and feed animals at the petting farm.

Loutit District Library, Grand Haven: Kids programs, classes, special events.

Mac Woods Dune Rides, Mears: Climb the sand dunes in a Dune Scooter.

Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing: Explore an Upper Peninsula copper mine, stroll along a 1920s urban street & relive the 1957 Detroit Auto Show!

Muskegon Luge and Winter Sports Complex, Muskegon: Luge, snowshoe, sled, and skate.

Nelis’ Dutch Village Theme Park & Wooden Shoe Factory, Holland: Ride the arms of a windmill, watch wooden shoe carving, watch Dutch klompen dancing.

Pando Winter Sports Park, Rockford: Tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Parrot’s Landing, Mears: Rent a Jeep on the sand dunes, a jet ski in Lake Michigan, or take a guided dune tour.

Post Family Farm, Hudsonville: Hayrides, homemade donuts, & fall fun days.

Pumpkinfest, Zeeland: Fall activities & pumpkin contests.

Rainbow Ranch Horseback Riding, New Era: Horseback riding, riding lessons, and sleigh rides.

Ramada Plaza, Grand Rapids: Indoor pool with a three story water slide.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids: Apple haus, jumping pillow, hayrides, and corn maze.

Silver Lake Buggy Rentals, Mears: Cruise the dunes, picnic on the beach or swim in Lake Michigan in your own ATV or Dune Buggy.

Teusink’s Pony Farm, Holland: Pony ring rides, hay maze, feed the sheep and goats.

Tulip Time Festival, Holland: Klompen dancing, Kinderplaats, and thousands of tulips.

Unity Christian Music Festival, Muskegon: Live music, The Hide Out youth lounge.

USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, Muskegon: Board a WWII Landing Ship Tank, tour the galley & crews quarters, and watch a movie at night on deck.

USS Silversides, Muskegon: Spend the night in a WWII submarine or sign up for a Submarine Technology Program.

Van Singel Fine Arts Center, Byron Center: Theatre technology school program and off-Broadway shows.

West Michigan Whitecaps, Comstock Park: Cheer on the home team, join in a wacky game between innings, and root for a home run.

Windmill Island Gardens, Holland: Dutch carousel, fudge shop, and antique street organ.

North

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls: Michigan’s first SuperLOOP waterslide, Rip Zone Surf Simulator, Arcade & Snack Shack.

Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City: Hands on Discovery Gallery, Family Days, Inuit Gallery.

Econo Lodge Bayview, Mackinaw City: Pirates Adventure Indoor Waterpark, Beach access, Game room.

Fairview Beachfront Inn & Waterpark, Mackinaw City: Indoor & Outdoor water park.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum/Historical Society, Salt Ste. Marie: Explore the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes & visit the oldest functioning lighthouse on Lake Superior.

Historic White Pine Village, Ludington: Visit on a History in Action Day, or stop by Town Hall for some ice cream in a circa 1900 Ice Cream Parlor.

Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen: Art classes, education, and performances.

Jacob’s Corn Maze, Traverse City: Corn maze, farm market, u-pick.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Mackinac Island: Take a horse-drawn narrated tour of Mackinac Island with stops at Arch Rock and the Grand Hotel.

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, Traverse City: Homemade ica cream and dairy farm tours.

Music House Museum, Acme: Listen to a player piano, tour a mini Traverse City, and marvel at the sounds of the 18 foot tall Dance Organ.

Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston: Kayak, canoe, raft, SUP.

Shetler Family Dairy, Kalkaska: Open barn, flavored milk, farm store.

Traverse Tall Ship Co., Traverse City: Cruise Grand Traverse Bay, drop anchor for a quick swim, and learn to help pilot the ship.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord: Snowboard, ski, and participate in family activities.

Wildwood Rush Canopy Tours, Boyne City: Adrenaline-filled zip line tours through the trees.

 

10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival Coming Soon

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events

by Scott Graham and Deb Havens

Michigan winter beer festival tentA record 103 breweries and 1035 beers will be featured at the 10th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival, coming up Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at Fifth-Third Ballpark just north of downtown Grand Rapids. Tickets for Friday’s session, which will run from 3-7pm (2pm entry for Enthusiast Members), remain available for $45 each at MiBeer.com.

Overall, 1000 fewer tickets are available for Friday meaning slightly smaller crowds and shorter lines. Friday will also feature special beer releases and tappings, a live ice carving demonstration by The Ice Guru Randy Finch, sideshow acts and street performers, musical entertainment and fireworks (weather permitting). If the Friday session does not sell out prior to the event, tickets will be available at the gate for $50 the day of. There will NOT be tickets at the gate on Saturday.

The impressive list of breweries and beers can be viewed here: http://www.michiganbrewersguild.org/2015wbf-beer-list

Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for the number of craft breweries – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State”.

 

Set Sail for the South Pacific

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events

susanne_albaitis

South Pacific Marjorie Steele
Majorie Steele, member of the local Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, shows off vintage Red Cross uniforms and supplies used during World War II, the era in which “South Pacific” takes place.

Set sail for the South Pacific with the Grand Rapids Civic Theater from February 27 through March 22.  An amazing cast will take you to the other side of the world and back in time to World War II. This iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells two honest love stories from a different era where prejudice often complicated romance.

The first of these romances is Nellie’s, a lively nurse from Arkansas. Upon arriving in the South Pacific, she is quickly swept up in a romance with Emile who is a local plantation owner. When Nellie learns of his romantic past with another local, she refuses his proposal.

Lieutenant Joe Cable’s story is the second. His love affair with Liat, the young daughter of Bloody Mary who is a local grass skirt peddler, leaves him struggling with his prejudices and fears of social consequences.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s play, South Pacific was based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Tales of the South Pacific. They believed that their musical adaptation could be financially successful and would also send a strong, open-minded message on the prejudices that were prevalent in the 1940’s.

In addition to the social message of South Pacific, there are the wonderful songs that are still sung today. “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening” are two of the musical’s hits that have been sung for generations.

Civic Theater has partnered with the Red Cross for this production of South Pacific. The Red Cross had a strong presence in World War II when volunteers soared from 17,000 to 7.5 million. Volunteers supported service men and women by donating blood and also serving alongside the military in the South Pacific. The Red Cross has organized a letter writing campaign that will take place during the performance. Audience members can write a note of thanks to veterans who are returning home.

Come escape this Michigan winter and see South Pacific at Grand Rapids Civic Theater. Show times are 7:30 PM Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 PM matinee performance on Sunday.

Black History Month from Food to Food for Thought

Area Education, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Holidays, Local Business, Local Food, Non-Profits, Senior Living, Upcoming Events

West Michigan honors the contributions of African Americans to the rich tapestry of our nation’s history. Organizations including local universities, social clubs, and institutions such as public libraries will feature special displays, exhibits, and events dedicated to recognizing the unique stories and achievements of Black Americans.

GVSU Office of Multicultural Affairs Events

GVSU will host several events to honor Black History Month. For dates and locations, click on the link for details.

Grand Valley State University Events & Information Calendar

Sunday, February 15 – 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Taste of Soul Sunday at Grand Rapids Public Library

Join the GRPL as they celebrate African American history and

Imani Singers of Grand Rapids
Imani Singers of Grand Rapids

culture at the tenth annual FREE Taste of Soul Sunday. Parking is always free on Sunday in the library lot. The parking ramp at GRCC (north of our building) and metered spots on the street  are free on Sunday as well.

Click here for more information

Tuesday, February 24 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Greater Grand Rapids Racial Equity Network

Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, 655 Seward, Grand Race to EquityRapids, MI, (4th Tuesday of every Month). FREE and open to the community with free parking in the lot and on the side streets. Build relationships, your knowledge of racial equity, and learn about advocacy to create ideas for action, recruit the help of others, and implement work that can help eliminate racialized outcomes in our community.  Email Colin Smith with questions.

Saturday, February 28 –5:00 – 11:00 pm

Celebration of Soul

Vanessa WilliamsFor 14 years, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony with Soul concert has moved diverse audiences with jazz, opera, gospel and R&B. On February 28th, Vanessa Williams will perform her greatest pop hits alongside the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra. The Grand Rapids Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Community Inclusion Group to bring the NAACP Image Award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist to DeVos Performance Hall.

The concert is part of the evening’s Celebration of Soul gala, which is celebrating its 10th year. DeVos Place, Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI  49503

Tickets:  $150.00

Celebration of Soul Symphony Information

Wyoming KDL offers Rockford Brewing Company Tour

Area Education, How-To's, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

by Deb Havens

It’s no secret that West Michigan is home to Beer Mania, but if you want the secrets behind the Rockford Brewing Company’s signature beers such as Rogue River Brown, Sheehan’s Irish Stout and Paradigm MPA, you’ll save the upcoming date: The Wyoming branch of the Kent District Library has teamed up with the Rockford Brewing Company to offer a facility tour on Tuesday, February 10 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The brewery is located at 12 E. Bridge Street in Rockford.

After the tour, show your Kent District Library card and Wyoming KDL branch tour partners will get you a special deal on beer tasting. Plus, they’ll help you unlock the secrets of home brewing your own beer with KDL materials ready and waiting for check out.

Renew your license at Michigan International Auto Show

How-To's, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, ,

by Deb Havens

The Michigan International Auto Show features more than 300 new sedans and sports cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids — and the Secretary of State Mobile Office. “Our full-service Mobile Office is designed to make taking care of business fast and easy,”  Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said.

Customers visiting the full-service Secretary of State booth can renew their drivers license, get license plate tabs, change their address, update their voter registration, sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry or order a replacement vehicle title. The Mobile Office hours are:

  • Thursday, Feb. 5 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 6 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 7 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 8 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Look for the Mobile Office located near the Ford display.  SOS services are available online as well at www.ExpressSOS.com.

The 2015 Michigan International Auto Show at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. N.W. in Grand Rapids, begins Thursday, February 5th and runs through Sunday, February 8th.

Volunteers help abused neglected children

Area Education, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , ,

by Deb Havens

 

We’re hearing lots of good news about the improving economy in the U.S. and Michigan. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much to the lives of  hundreds of children in Kent County who are wards of the court system, removed from their homes largely due to abuse and neglect.

 

Given the number of children in need and cutbacks in government services the county is turning to volunteers. If you are willing to help a child throughout the traumatic process of separation from family and the journey through the court system, you are called to serve.

 

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program of Kent County is a non-profit organization that trains volunteer advocates to provide consistent oversight for children who are wards of the court.

 

Volunteer training begins Feb. 9 for those willing to support a child by giving time and caring. Click on the link below for a volunteer application form. For more information call 616-632-5311.

 

http://www.casakentco.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Volunteer-Application-CASA-Program-Complete.pdf

LaughFest Comedians Return to Perform Together at Gilda’s Club Signature Event

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , ,
Sinbad will be one of the headliners for LaughFest 2015
Sinbad will be one of the headliners for LaughFest 2015

by Tyler Lecceadone

 

Gilda’’s LaughFest today announced that this year’s Signature Event will celebrate the festival’s fifth year, and five years of smiles in West Michigan, with a lineup of returning LaughFest comedians coming together for the first time ever. Additionally, LaughFest has announced the remaining acts for the 2015 Festival, which runs from March 5 to 15.

 

The Signature Event will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at DeVos place and will be hosted by Michael Kosta, the winner of LaughFest’’s 2011 stand-up competition. The event will feature headlining acts from LaughFest’’s past years including Jim Breuer, Kathleen Madigan, Sinbad and Justin Willman. Additional LaughFest acts announced today include Cristela Alonzo, Orny Adams, Hen Sapp, Improv Cinema and Don’t We Boys with Dubalicous.

 

““This is our fifth festival and Signature Event, so to celebrate those five years of smiles and Gilda Radner’’s legacy of laughter, along with the fifteen year anniversary of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, we’re bringing back some of LaughFest’s most talked about acts to our Signature Event,”” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest.

 

“”These performers will come together for an amazing evening of laughter and entertainment while supporting the mission of Gilda’s Club.””

 

Breuer was named one of Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time, and is known for his charismatic stage antics, dead-on impressions, and family-friendly stand-up. Following three years on Saturday Night Live, Breuer also appeared in several television shows and movies, including Zookeeper, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He currently hosts, Friends with Breuer, a weekly Sirius/XM Radio show.

 

“”I’’ve always been aware of the way that Gilda paved the way for female comics”, ”said Breuer.  “”She left such a lasting impression on the comedy industry and SNL fans. While she left us way too soon, her legacy lives on through the incredible work of Gilda’s Club.  I had a great time at LaughFest in 2013 and can’t wait to get back to Grand Rapids to be a part of this amazing event.””

LaughFest

 

Winner of the American Comedy and Phyllis Diller awards for Best Female Comedian, Madigan has a successful comedy career that spans 25 years. She’ has appeared with late night performers Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Craig Ferguson. Her third hour-long special, Madigan Again, was named one of the best comedy albums of 2013 by iTunes.

 

“I was really happy to hear that I was invited back to Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids,”” said Madigan. “I did it in 2011 and was blown away with this relatively small city that just blew the doors off of how to do a festival. I’ve been correctly quoted that’s it’s the best festival in the country right now. No politics, just all funny people. I was a big Gilda Radner fan and paying tribute to her with a great festival is perfect. And, from performing in Michigan for 25 years, it’s hard to find better crowds. I’m coming early to watch other comics. Can’t wait!”

 

A two-time LaughFest veteran and Michigan native, Sinbad is also internationally known for his movie roles including Planes, Jingle All the Way, Houseguest and Necessary Roughness. He also appeared in five of his own HBO comedy specials, his annual HBO music concert series, and has found great success with his two Comedy Central specials, 2010’s Where U Been and 2014’s Make Me Wanna Holla.

 

Willman is a magician, comedian and TV personality. He is a frequent guest on the Tonight Show, Ellen and Chelsea Lately. He also hosts hits shows Cupcake Wars, and Win, Lose or Draw. The Los Angeles Times dubbed him, “a new breed of magician who’s making magic cool again for grown-ups.” Time Out says his live show “has to be seen to be disbelieved.”

 

Kosta, a Michigan native, is currently the resident clown on Fox Sports 1’s flagship series Crowd Goes Wild. There, Kosta and Regis Philbin lead a panel of sports experts in a lighthearted look at the world of sports. He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Chelsea Lately and Conan. He also starred in his own special on Comedy Central, and can currently be seen as a correspondent for E!’s The Soup Investigates.

 

“”What Gilda’’s Club Grand Rapids has done is truly amazing,”” said Kosta. ““To have a festival of this caliber in my home state makes me so proud, and I was honored to be the winner of the inaugural year’’s stand-up comedy competition.

 

“When I was here for LaughFest, I had the opportunity to tour Gilda’’s Club and learn more about the important work they are doing for people living with cancer and grief, and I’’m so proud to be associated with it. I’’ve been trying to get back to the festival for years. –I’’m glad they finally invited me back to be part of such a special event!””

 

Signature Event tickets are currently available for purchase. Table sponsorships are available for $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 for tables of 10. Individual tickets are available for $250. $100 of the individual ticket cost is tax deductible.

 

In addition to the Signature Event performers, LaughFest also announced the final five shows for the 2015 festival. Tickets for these shows are on sale now.

  • Cristela Alonzo will perform on March 7 at Wealthy Theater. She has topped several comedy lists in the past year, including Variety’’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch in 2014 by L.A. Weekly, Cosmo Latina’s 8 Women You Should be Following on Twitter, Time Out’’s Comics to Watch, Cosmo’s 13 Female Comedians to Watch For in 2014, and One of the 50 Comedians You Should and WILL Know by Vulture.com
  • On March 11, Orny Adams will perform at GVSU’s Kirkhof Center in conjunction with Spotlight Productions. Adams rose to prominence after co-starring in Jerry Seinfeld’s documentary Comedian. Named by The Hollywood Reporter as a favorite comedian to watch, he has made several appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman.
  • On March 13, Grand Rapids native and comedian Hen Sapp will host A Night of Skittles at Kentwood Community Church. This event will feature Sapp and his special guests, Vyck Cooley, Gilbert Esquivel, Tyreece Guyton and Lisa Mills, for a night of comedy, music, and more!
  • On March 13, Compass College will host Improv at the Movies with special guests Lethal Action Force. Improv at the Movies features a team of comedic artists, from West Michigan, “updating” a famously bad film in the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Comics will improvise new dialog and sound effects as films are projected live on the screen, playing off the sometimes bad plot lines and poor acting. Following the movie, improv group Lethal Action Force will perform an improv show influenced by action movies from the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Don’t We Boys with Dubalicous will perform on March 14 at Compass College. Don’t We Boys is a fast-paced sketch comedy show that has received positive reviews at comedy festivals across the country. This show is similar in tone to Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Dubalicous combines the thrill of long form improv with hilarity of dubbing. Troupe members Lauren Bickers and Cara Trautman met during their first term at Second City Detroit many, many years ago.

Entertainers previously announced for LaughFest 2015 include: George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Patton Oswalt, Bo Burnham, Pete Holmes, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Lavell Crawford, Jerrod Carmichael, Brian Posehn, Costaki Economopoulos, Big Jay Oakerson with Ben Roy, Jim Jefferies, Ryan Hamilton, and Nick Thune and Brody Stevens.

 

LaughFest 2015 will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland during the 10 days of the festival.

 

Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $70, excluding the Signature Event. All shows are on-sale now, and tickets can be purchased at the Van Andel Arena Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets, or LaughFest Central, when it opens in mid-February, through the closing day of LaughFest.

 

Gilda’’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Since inception, LaughFest has averaged 55,000 attendees per year. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit laughfestgr.org or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’’s LaughFest.

You’ve shared your ideas – Did we listen?

Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events

Ideal Pk storm.jpbCome see what is Planned for Ideal Park!

by Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services, Wyoming

 

On December 2nd we invited you, your neighbors, school representatives, business leaders and citizens throughout the City of Wyoming to share visions for a “new” Ideal Park master plan. We then sought input from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Kent County Drain Commission, and City Engineers; and consulted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps to help inform us on what can be developed in the park and where.

 

Our consultant PM Blough, Inc. has taken all this information in, considered current and future recreation trends, and the unique role that Ideal Park plays in mitigating area flooding. It is now time to present to you and the community the draft park master plan. We are eager to hear your feedback.

 

Your reaction and opinion is actively sought and greatly desired!Ideal Park Pav

 

Please join the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and our consultant P.M. Blough, Inc. as we present to you the proposed master plan:

WHEN
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE
Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church Activity Center, 320 56TH St SW, Wyoming, MI 49548

Ideal Park

 

Everyone who has an interest in Ideal Park’s use and development is strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at P.O. Box 905, 1155 – 28th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or may be emailed to Parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.

 

On behalf of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, thank you for helping make our community a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Tornado forever changes Wyoming’s Ideal Park

Upcoming Events, Weather, ,

Ideal Park TornadoThe City of Wyoming has owned & operated Ideal Park, 5843 Crippen Avenue SW, since 1938. On July 6, 2014, the park was significantly changed when a tornado destroyed the playgrounds and most of the trees, changing the character of the park so that a new development plan is necessary to guide investment priorities.

Ideal Park Tornado

The tornado’s destruction, coupled with regular flooding from Buck Creek has also resulted in the need to renovate the parking lot, basketball and tennis courts. All combined, this requires us to evaluate the park’s design, facilities, and functional relationships related to your family’s interests, community programming needs, and general public uses.

 

Your input is actively sought and greatly desired.

 

Please join the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and our consultant P.M. Blough, Inc. to share your ideas and opinions on the park and its future redevelopment:

 

When: TUESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2014 6:30 pm

 

Where: IDEAL PARK CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH ACTIVITY CENTER 320 56TH ST SW Wyoming, MI 49548

Ideal Park Tornado

 

Residents, business owners, school representatives – everyone who has an interest in Ideal Park’s use and development is strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at P.O. Box 905, 1155 – 28th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or may be emailed to parks_info@wyomingmi.gov.

 

On behalf of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, thank you for helping make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Caring Claus–For Children with Special Needs–Holiday Events

Our Cities, Upcoming Events,

Don’t miss these holiday events close to you.

 

CARING CLAUS – For Children with Special Needs

 

Sundays, November 23rd & December 7th

 

10am – Noon, RiverTown Crossings Mall

 

This is a special time to visit Santa at RiverTown Crossings mall.  It’s an opportunity for children with special needs to visit Santa in a more soothing and sensory-friendly environment.

 

Taking place before stores open on Sunday, November 23 & Sunday, December 7, families will have the opportunity to visit Jolly Old Saint Nick with dimmed lighting, no overhead mall music, and lower shopper traffic.

 

Each child will receive a Rudolph coloring book from Santa, and each family will receive a free 5 x 7 photo.  Additional photos will be available for purchase.

 

To reduce the challenges associated with waiting in a long line, we are limiting the number of families for each event.  Please reserve your space with RiverTown Crossings mall by calling 616-257-7600 during normal business hours.

 

Quick and convenient parking is located on the South side of the mall underneath the movie theater or on the North side on the upper level of the parking deck.  Santa is located in the Food Court on the Upper Level.

 

Students can Experience the Grand Rapids Symphony concerts for just $5! 

 

Students are eligible to attend most GR Symphony concerts for just $5 through the Student Passport Program.  Student Passport tickets are available for the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series, the Fox Motors Pops Series, Crowe-Horwath Great Eras and MusicNow Series, and select Nestle Gerber SymphonicBoom concerts.  For more information, go to GRSymphony.org/studentpassport.

Everything you need to know about riding the Silver Line!

Our Cities, Upcoming Events

The Silver Line & Designated Lanes: 4 Questions Answered

The opening of the Silver Line on August 25 is coming up very soon. As we get closer to the maiden voyage of Michigan’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) line, here’s what you need to know about the designated lanes that will be in place along much of the route.

1. Where will the designated lanes be located?

The Silver Line will run between 60th Street and Division and Rapid Central Station.  The route is primarily along Division, but will loop through downtown to serve key employment centers, educational institutions, health care facilities, and entertainment venues. On August 25, about two-thirds of the 9.6-mile route will be reserved for buses only during peak periods of travel, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Bus-only lanes will be signed and marked running both directions of Division from Maplelawn Street, just north of 44th Street to Wealthy. The only exception regarding these designated lanes is about 500 feet north and south of the intersections at 36th, 28th, and Burton streets. There also will be a bus-only lane on Monroe Avenue NW between Michigan and Fulton streets.

Bus only lanes are a main stay in many cities around the world.2. When will the designated lanes be in use?

The designated lanes will be reserved for buses from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. weekdays. All other traffic — excluding emergency and public service vehicles — will be prohibited from right lanes during rush hours. During reserved times, individual motorists will only the lane to make a right turn.

3. How will the designated lanes impact traffic?

“Engineering models suggest the bus-only lanes will have a “minimal” effect on traffic flow,” said Conrad Venema, strategic planning manager for The Rapid. “In most cases, we were not downgrading the traffic. It’s also important to note that the bus-only lanes will not exist at many intersections. While the stretches of the route in between these intersections may have delays.

4. Who will enforce the use of these designated lanes?

City police would enforce the use bus-only lanes, issuing civil infraction tickets. Ordinances for lane restriction enforcement are currently being reviewed by Wyoming and Kentwood.

We’re excited to see the Silver Line come to life in our community. If you’re seeking to travel within this corridor, the Silver Line is a low-cost, convenient, and easy option for getting you where you need to go!

Do you have any other questions about the designated bus-only lanes? Please share them in our comment section!

Written by The Rapid

The Rapid (Interurban Transit Partnership) is the authority that provides a variety of public transportation services for the Grand Rapids metro area and beyond. It is organized and operates under Michigan Public Act 196 of 1986.    For more information go to:  http://blog.ridetherapid.org/silver-line-designated-lanes/

Win Your Own Pace Car in WKTV’s The Great American Muscle Car Giveaway!

Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

If you’ve dreamed of cruising in style down 28th Street, imagine cruising in your own perfectly restored 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Indy Pace Car. Sound good?

Enter to win THIS car! (Photo by Tom Costello)
Enter to win THIS car! (Photo by Tom Costello)

 

Take the first step in making that dream a reality by purchasing raffle tickets for WKTV’s Great American Muscle Car Giveaway!

 

Purchase three raffle tickets for $20 for a chance to win a $75 thousand restored Indy 500 pace car as part of the station’s fundraising effort for Metro Cruise production. Tickets can be purchased at WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, MI. 49509, or go online via Pay Pal for your opportunity to win.

 

“This is a great opportunity for funding some of WKTV community media projects,” says Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV, “And to be able to connect with the extremely popular classical car event called Metro Cruise.

 

“At the same time we will reach out to children through the fire safety component through our partnership with 1 Fire Safety—a 501 C3 Charity for Kids,” he adds. “We are proud to be the hub of all of that.”

 

Winners will be announced live during programming at the Corvette Nationals in Chicago on Nov.23, 2014. Swing by the station Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to buy your raffle tickets and show your support for your community media center – WKTV!

Wyoming Public Safety to Hold Fire Expo This Saturday

Our Cities, Upcoming Events

imagesby Erin Nemastil

 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety Fire Service Division will hold a Fire Expo on Saturday, May 17, to showcase fire fighting tools, activities and opportunities. The public is encourage to attend this free event.

 

The Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wyoming Fire Station #3 at 2300 Gezon Parkway SW. The event will feature displays, demonstrations and interactive participation opportunities. Displays will include overviews of firefighters’ tools, hazardous materials education and public safety and EMS response within the City of Wyoming. Vehicle extrication demonstrations will be performed every half hour. Other demonstrations will include CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs.

 

Participants will be able to take part in hands-on learning with Wyoming firefighters. These interactive activities will introduce personal firefighting turnout gear, apparatus and education in fire prevention and fire safety.

 

Children’s activities including fingerprinting service will also be provided for families by the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, or RSVP. RSVP volunteers are community members who participate in public safety operations including performing vacation checks on homes in Wyoming and other community outreach activities.

Firefighters don’t just fight fires. They really do so much more to serve the community. –  Frank Verburg, Deputy Director of Public Safety Fire Services

 

The department will also be recruiting firefighters for their paid-on-call staff, in order to advance its goal to reach a contingent of 60 paid-on-call firefighters. The paid-on-call firefighters will support the fire stations on South Division Avenue, Burton Street, Gezon Parkway and the central station on 36th Street. To further attract and encourage response, City administrators have created an incentive system for paid-on-call staff who respond to fire calls.

 

“This is an opportunity for the public to see all that the firefighters do,” said Deputy Director of Public Safety Fire Services Frank Verburg. fire2

 

“It is also an opportunity for those who live and work in Wyoming to have a chance to meet the firefighters, and possibly to join the Wyoming Department of Public Safety as a paid-on-call firefighter. Firefighters don’t just fight fires. They really do so much more to serve the community. That includes medical and vehicle accident response, rescues and hazardous materials management, as well as public education and fire prevention. We need people who are looking for a real challenge and want to be a part of something much bigger than one person.”

 

The recruitment expo is a next step in implementing the City’s innovative public safety model. Other sustainable and efficient changes in public safety service delivery in the City of Wyoming include:

 

 · Establishing a peak-load staffing and deployment model for the Wyoming Fire Service Bureau

 

· Cross-training City of Wyoming Public Works employees as certified firefighters.

 

· Further developing in-house crime lab capabilities

 

· Outfitting all police patrol vehicles with AEDs to quickly respond to the most serious medical emergencies

 

 · An agreement with AMR to stage an ambulance at Gezon Station to provide faster medical response times

 

· Purchasing a quick response vehicle for medical and fire emergencies during peak load

 

 · Working towards building a staff of 60 paid on-call firefighters

 

Training opportunities are available for paid on-call firefighters. Applicants must pass a physical ability test and will be subject to a full physical with a drug test, as well as a criminal background and driving record check. Fire fighters are required to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Wyoming firefighters will be performing blood pressure checks on-site.

 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local businesses. For more information, contact Lt. Chris Velzen at velzenc@wyomingmi.gov.

Cool Brews. Hot Eats.

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events

By Emily Richett

Beer City USA will once again host foodies and beer lovers from all over Michigan and the country to celebrate Cool Brews. Hot Eats. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second annual event runs from February 17 to March 1 at more than 50 restaurants and breweries in the Grand Rapids area. Cool Brews. Hot Eats. encourages talented local chefs and master brewers to collaborate, creating beer-infused dishes using beer as an ingredient, or meals with complementary beer pairings. The event returns after a successful launch in 2013 with participating businesses reporting a 20-60 percent sales increase during the event.

“While the inaugural event in 2013 was a very successful venture for us and those who participated, we expect an even better outcome in 2014,” says Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids. “The Grand Rapids area beer scene has thrived over the past year and with that, our ever popular dining scene continues to tempt foodies from throughout the region; together, these two cultures collide to give even the most experienced beer aficionado and most discriminating culinary fans a wonderful experience.”

Cool Brews. Hot Eats. blends craft beer and fantastic food- two things that make Grand Rapids a popular destination. Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Grand Rapids during the two-week long event and many will celebrate at Beer Week and the sold-out 9th Annual Winter Beer Festival on February 22. Visitors can also plan a self-guided craft beer tour on the Experience GR website’s “Beer Page” to experience why Grand Rapids was named one of the Top 10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers.

“Grand Rapids continues to evolve as a city that is being recognized as a destination that caters to a wide range of visitor interests,” says Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids. “Events such as ArtPrize attract nearly half a million visitors annually. In addition, we have a celebrated earth-to-table restaurant scene, an award-winning craft beer culture, vibrant art and cultural communities and easy access to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. This gives our destination a vibe that is usually reserved for much larger cities.”

For a list of all the participating restaurants and menus:

http://www.experiencegr.com/events/brews-eats/

Craft beer tour map:

http://www.experiencegr.com/things-to-do/tours/beer/

Event Discusses the Latest Technology and Privacy Rights

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events,

Upcoming Eyes in the Sky event focuses on your rights

Join the Western Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan for a discussion on privacy rights.  From drones to NSA hacking, the ACLU is dedicated to ensuring that civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by new advances in science and technology.  The ACLU’s mission is to expand the right to privacy and increase the control that individuals have over their personal information.

Don’t miss Eyes in the Sky on Monday, January 13 at 7:00p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts– 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids, MI. 49503.

Joe Marogil, coordinator of the event, stresses the importance of the public’s right to know. “Specifically, we hope that people will come away more informed on what their privacy rights are, and what is being done to undermine those rights.  We want people to learn what options they have available to protect their rights, and we want to provide a forum for them to learn.  We want them to know that the ACLU is working on a local and national level to protect the right to privacy, he explained.”

Panelists Include:

Mary Wheeler, a journalist specializing in national security and civil liberties who regularly contributes to The Guardian, Daily Kos, The Huffington Post and Michigan Liberal as well as her own website Empty Wheel.

Ronald G. DeWaard, an attorney with vast experience in civil liberties.  DeWaard is a partner at the law firm Varnum, LLP and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami as well as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Shelli Weisberg, the legislative director of the ACLU of Michigan.  Weisberg has worked to persuade policy makers to enact or amend legislation consistent with civil liberties principles and educate the public on the importance of legislative processes in the protection of our rights and liberties.

“We chose the panelists because they are all specialists in different aspects of privacy rights.  Marcy Wheeler has extensive experience following the national security aspects of privacy rights.  Ron DeWaard worked as a prosecutor and can speak to the local level, and police protection issues.  Additionally, he can speak to the question of whether corporations like google and facebook are too invasive in their collection of data, and where the line is draw.  Shelli Weisberg is one of our resident experts on all aspects of ACLU policy, and we are hoping she can help formally address the ACLU position on the issues, while also explaining how to best help create change through legislative and other means to help protect our privacy interests,” Marogil concluded.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, check: www.aclumich.org/westernspeakers

The Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker–An Event for the Entire Family

Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events

The NutcrackerJoin The Grand Rapids Ballet for the ever-adored holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece presents a dramatic score performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony and brought to life by astonishing choreography, costumes, and sets. Bring the whole family and be a part of an American tradition!

Friday, Dec 13 – 7:30pm

Saturday, Dec 14 – 2:00pm

Saturday, Dec 14 – 7:30pm

Sunday, Dec 15 – 2:00pm

Friday, Dec 20 – 7:30pm

Saturday, Dec 21 – 2:00pm

Saturday, Dec 21 – 7:30pm

Sunday, Dec 22 – 2:00pm

 

Tickets:  Ticket prices from $20-$54. $12 tickets available for college students with ID at the door the day of the performance. To order tickets, call the Ballet Box Office (616) 454-4771 (open M-F 9am-5pm) or visit Ticketmaster.com.

Soldier Nutcracker