“My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire or block the refrigerator door, let it be.”
― Erma Bombeck
Michael Jr. (Supplied)
Clean and funny, comedy
Grand Rapids very own comedian Michael, Jr. will be coming home to perform on March 3 at Grand Rapids First Church for his “In the Moment Tour.” His comedy is fresh, funny and has no foul language. For the complete story, visit here.
Wyoming High School will host a District final game Friday. (Supplied)
High school teams in big games
Wyoming, South Christian and Tri-unity Christian high schools will each host boys basketball state playoff District championship games on Friday, March 1 — with each host team playing for a title. WKTV’s featured high school sports coverage team will be at South Christian on Friday, but you can catch any of the games live. For the complete story, visit here.
One local resident enjoys his food at a pst year’s Taste of Kentwood event.
And, oh the Taste of Kentwood
The 18th annual Taste of Kentwood event is coming on Thursday, March 14, coming to the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, with two sessions: one from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and another from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will also include live music from Just Cuz, an acoustic duo that performs an eclectic mix of cover tunes from a variety of genres. For the complete story, visit here
Fun fact:
Five tastes, maybe
Five basic tastes are recognized today: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami. (Umami is a category of taste in food corresponding to the flavor of glutamates, especially monosodium glutamate.) (Source)
Adam Justus, tattoo artist at Meteor Ink House de Tatuadora, works his art. (WKTV/Kaleb Vinton)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The owner and manager of Meteor Ink House de Tatuadora, a long-time tattoo and body piercing shop on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids, have not seen any cases of Lyme Disease in their establishment — despite a known connection between even mild body stresses such as tattooing and flair-ups of the disease.
But that did not deter Andrea DeLeon, owner and head tattoo artist of the Meteor Ink, or store manager and piercing artist Bradford Logan from supporting a cause by joining with the national non-profit Lyme Warrior and the group’s “Ink to End Lyme 2019” awareness and fund-raising campaign this month.
The result was that on Feb. 9, Meteor Ink held a community awareness day when donations from the shop and tattoo and piercing clients went to the Lyme Warrior project and Lyne Disease information was available.
Emily Loewer, a tattoo artist at Meteor Ink House de Tatuador, shows tattoo images she created which Lyme Warriors wear. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“We have not seen any (in our community), and it is a good thing that we haven’t, because it means that lyme disease is not affecting that part of the community (urban tattoo and piercing fans) the same way it could be affect a more rural community,” Logan said to WKTV. “… But we know it is out there.”
Doing community awareness events is nothing new to Meteor Ink; in March they will have an ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) fundraiser in fact, and that is just another of many community involvement aspects of DeLeon and Logan’s shop.
“We offer cost-free coverups on any sort of gang-related or racist (tattoos), breast cancer scars, self-harm victims — we’ll cover any of those things for free,” DeLeon said.
During February, more than 32 shops will or have hosted a day of awareness to raise funds for Lyme Disease, according to information supplied by Lyme Warrior. Contributions will go toward research for a cure.
“This campaign has been a huge success in the past, not only in funds raised but awareness being brought to a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans but is rarely talked about,” Sarah Zahran, Lyme Warrior volunteer, said in the supplied material. “Some of the (tattoo and piercing) artists who supported the campaign are Lyme fighters themselves, have had family affected or pass from this disease, or are just sympathetic to the suffering.”
Lyme Disease is a condition “surrounded by misinformation and now has reached epidemic levels in our country because of inaccurate testing, poor treatment options, and controversy,” Zahran says. “Because of these issues, millions face misdiagnosis, lack of coverage or adequate treatment, and severe health issues, even death. With more awareness and funding, we can put a stop to this.”
For more information about the Lyme Warrior effort, visit lymewarrior.us .
For more information about Meteor Ink House de Tatuadora, located at 441 Division Ave, SW, visit their Facebook Page.
As part of the February WKTV Journal Newscast, we previewed the 18th annual Taste of Kentwood event on Thursday, March 14, coming to the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, with two sessions: one from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and another from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The event will also include live music from Just Cuz, an acoustic duo that performs an eclectic mix of cover tunes from a variety of genres.
Participating restaurants include: Boardwalk Subs, City Barbeque, PJ’s Pizza, Coffee & Ice Cream, Underground Cookie Club, The Candied Yam, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Loco Taco Taqueria, Desi Spice, Peppino’s South Kentwood, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Thai Express, Jet’s Pizza, YoChef’s Catering Company and Le Kebob.
The event is open to everyone in the community. Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased online in advance, $8 on the day of event. Kids 5 and younger are free.
From a previous year, the Taste of Kentwood brings out the community and families for fun and food. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The community is invited to explore a smorgasbord of local cuisine during the 18th annual Taste of Kentwood event on Thursday, March 14.
Held at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, a variety of local restaurants will offer food and desserts during two sessions: one from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and another from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The event will also include live music from Just Cuz, an acoustic duo that performs an eclectic mix of cover tunes from a variety of genres.
“Taste of Kentwood is a great opportunity to experience the diversity of Kentwood while supporting local businesses,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Everyone is welcome to come connect with neighbors, enjoy live music, and discover what deliciousness awaits around the corner.”
Participating restaurants include: Boardwalk Subs, City Barbeque, PJ’s Pizza, Coffee & Ice Cream, Underground Cookie Club, The Candied Yam, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Loco Taco Taqueria, Desi Spice, Peppino’s South Kentwood, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Thai Express, Jet’s Pizza, YoChef’s Catering Company and Le Kebob.
The event is open to everyone in the community. Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased online in advance, $8 on the day of event. Kids 5 and younger are free.
The latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus offers a discussion with Kentwood City Commissioner Maurice Groce, who has a long history serving the city his family has called home for nearly three decades, and Metro Health — UM Health’s Dr. Peter Hahn, who is one of the few leaders of a healthcare system with hands-on experience with patients.
First up, In Focus is City of Kentwood Commissioner Maurice Groce, who was appointed late last year to fill the unexpired term of at-large commissioner Richard Clanton. Groce is a 29-year resident of Kentwood and previously served the City as 2nd Ward Commissioner for two years. But his service to the city runs much deeper that. WKTV talks about his past, present and future work with the city and the community.
Then In Focus is Metro Health — University of Michigan Health President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peter Hahn, who was selected to lead the healthcare system late last year after serving as Metro Health’s Chief Medical Officer. As a doctor, he is one of the few healthcare provider leaders who has worked directly with patients as some of the national finest hospitals, but that does not mean his business credentials are not equally impressive.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).
In Focus is also available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com. All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
"Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.”
― Earl of Chesterfield
Some of the runners at a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash 5K. (WKTV)
Kentwood hosts Valentine’s Day run
The City of Kentwood is hosting its second annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, an event that will feature candy stations, awards and after-party including music, snacks, a photo booth, and the award ceremony. For the complete story, visit here.
A scene form a previous Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance. (WKTV)
Wyoming hosts daddy-daughter dance
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation is currently taking registrations for its annual Daddy Daughter Dance, which will be Saturday, Feb. 9. The popular dance, which is for girls ages 3-15, will be at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. Cost is $8 for residents and $12 for non-residents. (Fee is per person.) For the complete story, visit here.
WKTV’s coverage of girls high school basketball continues this month. (WKTV)
High school sports action abounds
February will bring some MHSAA State tournaments starting already as the high school winter seasons begin to wrap up, this includes girls cheer, boys wrestling, boys bowling, girls bowling and, starting the last week of the month, boys basketball will tip off “March Madness” in February with the girls version starting the following week. For the complete story, visit here.
Fun fact:
4,2076,800 minutes
Number of minutes in the lifetime of a person living to the age of 80.
The Little Food Pantry is located in the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
By City of Kentwood
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Kentwood will hold a food drive to stock its Little Free Pantry on Jan. 21. The City will collect canned goods and other non-perishable items on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at three locations:
Family Fare, 6127 Kalamazoo Ave. SE – 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Celebration Cinema, 1506 Eastport Dr. SE – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, 355 48th St. SE – 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The City is also seeking community partners willing to place a Kentwood Little Free Pantry collection bin for canned goods and other non-perishable items at their organization or business.
“Kentwood is a compassionate community which supports practical acts of generosity by encouraging neighbors to help neighbors especially in times of need,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “Since 2017, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry has assisted countless families to such an extent that the shelves become empty on a weekly basis.”
“To ensure those who need help can find it year-round, please lend a hand by donating to the pantry and consider becoming a year-round partner. Added partners will provide a more sustainable food source for our community.”
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began as an MLK Day community service project in 2017 to fill an immediate and local need throughout the year.
Located in the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, the premise of the Kentwood Little Free Pantry is similar to that of the Little Free Library movement: Take an item (or items) when needed and leave an item when you can. No applications necessary. No questions are asked.
Those interested in accepting a collection bin are encouraged to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 616.656.5270 or eRecreation@kentwood.us.
More information about Kentwood Little Free Pantry, including a list of suggested donations, is available online at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry .
As the Grand Rapids Ballet likes to say: “It isn’t the holidays without ‘The Nutcracker’.” And for one local youth, it will be a holiday to remember because she is part of the show.
The Grand Rapids Ballet is in the midst of its annual run of “The Nutcracker”, with final performances Dec. 21-23. As the ballet was preparing for the performances, WKTV Journal caught up with one of the youth dancers in the performances, Kentwood’s Cecilia Nguyen.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s production includes, according to the Ballet, “the world-famous design of Chris Van Allsburg, Broadway-quality sets by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, festive choreography by Val Caniparoli, and live music from Grand Rapids Symphony, all come together to create pure magic.”
“The Nutcracker” opened Dec. 14 and will continue this weekend, Friday-Sunday, at ther DeVos Performance Hall, downtown Grand Rapids. For more information and tickets visit GRBallet.com .
At 6:30 p.m., Kentwood city officials accompanied by carolers will conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood invites the community to begin the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, slated for Friday, Dec. 7. Centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the free event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.
The evening will be filled with festive activities, including a parade, live holiday music and carriage rides, as well as caroling and a tree lighting ceremony. Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered, and Santa, of course, will be there to take pictures with families.
“The holidays are special times every year that bring families and communities together,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “In Kentwood, we are working diligently to create memories for both the young and old by sponsoring a holiday evening in Kentwood. The tree lighting and parade along with other family activities that night are becoming a tradition in Kentwood that we hope our friends and neighbors will enjoy.”
The Holiday Light Parade will start at 6 p.m., at the Kentwood Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, and travel north to the Kentwood Justice Center at 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Roads will be closed from 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade, which will affect both Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue.
At 6:30 p.m., city officials accompanied by carolers will conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Following the tree lighting, community members will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, go on carriage rides and enjoy a musical performance by the East Kentwood High School Jazz Band. The Elves Express Gift Shop will be open at the library for the duration of the event, offering a variety of gift items and gift-wrapping services.
As with any large community event, the city relies on volunteers to ensure a smooth-moving event. Individuals interested in helping with the evening festivities may sign up online. The cost to participate is $15.
There are also openings for the parade. Groups interested in participating can submit a parade entry form online, The cost to participate is $15.
More information about Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, as well as other community events, is available on the City’s website at www.kentwood.us.
In a recent interview with Kentwood City Police Department Deputy Chief Richard Roberts, and local resident Pam Schichtel, WKTV Journal found out more about the department’s volunteer program as part of our November WKTV Journal newscast.
As a way to give back to the community they love so much, Kentwood residents volunteer thousands of hours annually to the program in order to keep the city safe. Schichtel tells us why she volunteers.
Deputy Chief Roberts and the rest of his department are grateful for the assistance given to them by these citizens and hope to see more involvement in the program in order to better serve the community with excellence. He tells us what the volunteers do and how people can join the team.
WKTV Journal airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. For more information regarding the police volunteer program please click here.
The City of Kentwood is the new home of the annual South Kent Community Expo, an annual effort of the Cutlerville-Gaines Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department.
With a timely, football/sports theme, there will be more than 60 booths offering products and services for consumers’ needs, many of them sports themed, as well as food trucks, police and fire vehicles, and other kids activities.
The expo will be held at the Kentwood Activity Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The 3rd annual South Kent Community Expo is excited to host this community event in its new location, the Kentwood Activities Center — we will have something for everyone,” Lorraine Beloncis, assistant director of City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “This year the expo has a football theme, so wear your favorite team’s gear and check out the fun football themed vendor booths.”
Beloncis said the event is an ability to learn about the businesses in our community and what services they have to offer including home improvement, home financing, home services, senior services, library services, colleges, fitness, health and wellness, pet care, banks, retail, hospitality, transportation, volunteer opportunities and employment services.
“We will have several food trucks on site to satisfy your hunger with a variety of delicious options,” Beloncis said. “Families can check out fire trucks, police and sheriff department patrol cars, go through the smoke house to learn about fire safety and participate in a variety of kids activities. As always, there will be lots of freebies, give-a-ways and a chance to win door prizes.”
Flu shots will be provided by Walgreens from 10: a.m. to noon. The cost for a flu shot will be $41 for individuals without insurance.
“With 60-plus businesses attending, there’s sure to be a product or service for everyone,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said in supplied material. “The expo is a family-friendly event designed to showcase the broad range of businesses and organizations who make their home in Southern Kent County.”
The family-friendly nature of the event was stressed by Drew DeVries, executive director of the Cutlerville-Gaines Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We’ll have fire and sheriff’s departments onsite with football-themed games, along with a smoke house simulation for the kids,” DeVries said in supplied material.
As of Friday, Oct. 19, vendor space was still available. Interested businesses/groups should contact Beloncis at 616-656-5278 for last-minute registration.
HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis. (Supplied/HQ)
By Godwin Heights Football and HQ
As a special feature of Friday night’s football game at Godwin Heights High School, the Night to End Youth Homelessness, Godwin Heights will admit attendees to the game for a donation of vital items for youth facing housing crisis.
On Oct. 19, when Godwin Heights host Lee, the two teams will be facing off with more than football on their mind. They will also be supporting local youth who are struggling to find safe and stable housing.
Staff and students at Godwin Heights saw that there are youth in Wyoming, and across Kent County, that are struggling with safe and stable housing, including at their own school. This is an opportunity for the team and the community to step up and make a difference.
You can gain entry to the game with a donation of any of the following items: liquid body soap, natural/urban hair products, deodorant, boxes of cereal, men’s and women’s underwear, packages of socks, white undershirts, toothpaste/toothbrush, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves.
“At Godwin Heights Public Schools, we have a number of students and families currently experiencing homelessness. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with HQ to help raise awareness and bring additional resources to this community issue,” according to a spokesperson for the school.
Godwin Heights High School currently has over 650 students and strives to build a legacy by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff and community partners.
HQ is a drop-in center for youth ages 14 to 24 who are experiencing housing crisis — staying in a shelter, a car, a tent, with friends or in a home environment that no longer feels safe. For each of these youth, access to resources, safety, and support from caring adults is no longer a given. This is where HQ comes in.
HQ exists to help young people find a place to rest, build connections, and receive support through relationship and professional skill building. We are a transformative space where everyone is welcome and diversity is celebrated. Youth are the experts of their own lives, and are encouraged and supported, with no strings attached, as they realize and achieve their goals and dreams.
"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."
~ Stanley Horowitz
Pumpkin Path in Wyoming
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the 15th annual Pumpkin Path, a free event for kids and families on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will host spaces along the path and will hand out candy, coupons and other goodies. Not only should children expect to receive treats, they should also look forward to a DJ and dancing, jumping in the bounce house and games. Participants are welcome to come in costume or in regular clothes. Read more here.
Woodland Mall’s Fall Fest
Woodland Mall will feature 12 local artisans and other vendors at its first-ever Fall Festival, slated for Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers will have the opportunity to explore handcrafted goods, face painting and kids’ craft activities inside the mall, and enjoy live music by Lana Chalfoun, a 13-year-old singer-songwriter from Grand Rapids. Also featured at the festival will be a free petting zoo on the outdoor plaza, which is located between Celebration! Cinema and Barnes & Noble. Read more here.
And on a more serious theme
What is bravery? How can one person make a difference? These are a few of the questions this Newbery Medal award-winning novel, “Number the Stars,” asks its readers and now its audience. For the first time on Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s stage, this powerful story of a young Christian girl’s willingness to risk her life to save her Jewish friend is told. Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II, the story reflects our world’s dark history in an effort to remind us all, good and light continues to be found. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Number the Stars” Oct. 12 – 21 at its theater, 30 N. Division Ave. Read about it here.
Fun Fact:
In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.”
And some still think they are 'gross' to eat. Source.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, guest host Keith St. Clair talks with Kentwood resident and bicyclist Ken Smith, who recently completed a 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.
Smith, 70, biked from the Pacific Ocean at Seaside, Oregon, to the Atlantic Ocean near Boston, Massachusetts, in hopes of raising funds to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob. WKTV has been proud to cover his journey.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith has finished his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage. In late September, he finished his journey at Revere Beach, near Boston.
Smith, 70, was riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.
On Day 56 of his trek, Sunday, Sept. 23, he literally rode his bike into the Atlantic Ocean.
“A day of celebration!” Smith wrote on his Facebook page. “I cannot believe I rode my bike from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Wow! A dream come true and for once I can say ‘I lived my dream awake’.
“My biggest THANK YOU goes out to my grandson JAKOB. Without you and carrying your picture on me daily this ride and journey would have meant very little other than personal satisfaction and accomplishment but it was YOU who inspired me, motivated me and drove me everyday to do what some would say was impossible especially at my age of 70. Love you JAKIE.”
The reception at the Revere Beach included friends, family and strangers, but he is thankful for many present and not-present.
“To have my family, my son Jason & my daughter Kyra and grandson Corbin drive so far just to be part of this day, I will never forget. My sister Lois and brother-in-law Roger were with me daily as I took this journey along with many of their friends who helped as well. Having her as my ‘eyes in the sky’ gave me that sense of security that I was not alone and safe. Thank you so much. I also want to thank my wife Jan for encouraging me to do this ride to support our family knowing I would be gone for 2 months. Her daily calls continued to lift me up in prayer.
“I just know Jakob has been blessed by all of you.”
WKTV followed Ken Smith on his journey (see online-print stories below) and plan to have him in studio soon for an in-depth, on-camera interview.
When he left Grand Rapids in early September, Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which took him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. The route across Canada was intentional.
Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.
Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.
Trick-or-treaters are invited to take part in the City of Kentwood’s annual Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 20.
The free event will be held at the Kentwood Department of Public Works facility, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, from 10 a.m. to noon. Family friendly activities will include hayrides, face painting, a bounce house and games.
The festival will also feature the community fall-favorite, Trunk or Treat, where various City and community vehicles decorate and fill their trunks with candy.
Residents will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk out of the 30 organizations and community groups that will be handing out candy and other treats throughout the morning.
Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring their own candy-collection bag for the activity.
“Our Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat event gives families a safe and fun environment to take part in Halloween activities,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “It’s been exciting watching the event grow with more residents and businesses attending every year.
“All are welcome to join us Oct. 20 for what we hope will be our biggest turnout yet.”
Local businesses and community groups wishing to participate in Trunk or Treat can register for free online. The deadline to sign up is 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12.
Helpers are needed from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Individuals who are interested in volunteering can sign up online.
Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith this week continued his 3,500-plus coast-to-coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.
A cyclist Ken meet on his travels. (Supplied)
Smith, 70, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.
On Day 45 of his trek, Wednesday, Sept. 12, he took a wrong road but ended up with an unexpected meal and a donation.
“I found a rail trail from Simcoe to Port Dover (in Ontario, Canada) and made some good time,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page on that day. “I also discovered a road that followed the lake (Lake Erie) and it was a beautiful ride with a great view of the lake but it became a little confusing and I made a BIG mistake and turned the wrong way. That took me some 10 miles in the wrong direction …
“Oh well but it is amazing how things turn out. A lady (Liz) stopped me along the highway and said, ‘I just read about you in the paper’ and asked me if I would join her and her son and son-in-law for lunch. WOW what a blessing and she also donated to Jakob’s Ride. Even when you make a mistake, you never know what will develop because of it.”
On Thursday, Sept. 13, Smith prepared to cross back into the United States and wrote on his Facebook page:
“Tomorrow I cross into the US at Buffalo, NY and get on the Erie Canalway trail that is 360 miles long and takes me to Albany, NY. I will be on it for a few days. I am watching the weather forecast and I am expecting a wet ride over the next few days but I am ready for it. Distance today was 47 miles for a total of 2927 miles.”
When he left Grand Rapids, Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.
Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.
Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.
The opening of High Five Co-op Brewery, with its storefront location at 3846 52nd St. SE in the city, is expected for sometime in 2019. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The brewing of beer at High Five Co‐op Brewery, which hopes to become the City of Kentwood’s first member owned and managed brewery, took a huge step forward in August when it signed a lease for a location just west of East Paris in the center of the “Shoppes at 52nd Street”.
The co-op recently signed a lease for a location just west of East Paris in the center of the “Shoppes at 52nd Street”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The opening of the brewery, with its storefront location at 3846 52nd St. SE in the city, is expected for sometime in 2019.
“We still have to meet with the City of Kentwood for planning and approvals (scheduled for September),” Laura Barbrick, president High Five Co‐op Brewery, said recently to WKTV. “Once we get that, we will file for state and federal licenses. We’ve been told it can be a minimum of a 7 month process. We don’t plan to begin the buildout until some of these things are more of a sure thing. So we won’t be doing a ribbon cutting until hopefully sometime next year. In the meantime there will be lots of planning and paperwork.”
High Five announced the lease for their future brewery in August.
“Our members have been patiently waiting for this moment,” Barbrick said at the time in supplied information. “Our board of directors have been searching the real estate market in West Michigan for nearly two years. We believe this location offers a lot of great potential and is in a rapidly growing area. We are excited to bring our new cooperatively‐owned brewpub to Kentwood.”
According to Barbrick, the cooperative has more than 150 members and expects renewed interest in memberships now that a location has been secured. High Five member‐owners “share a passion for craft beer and a vision to introduce the cooperative brewing model to West Michigan,” she said.
The cooperative brewery is built on seven operating principles that include a focus on the community, cooperation with other cooperatives, education of its members, and democratic governance which allows all of its members to vote on the direction of the brewery, according to supplied information.
Cooperative member‐owners purchase a lifetime membership for a one‐time $150 fee.
While High Five pursues its local, state, and federal approvals, it will also focus on growing its membership and raising additional capital for the new brewpub, according to Barbrick.
Inspired by Black Star Co‐op Pub and Brewery in Austin, Texas. Black Star, the first co‐op brewpub in the United States, opened its doors in 2010, and since that time, more cooperatives have opened and several are in various stages of planning. High Five was born in 2011 when founder Dallas McCulloch took part in a 5×5 business competition and was awarded $5,000 in startup capital, according to supplied information.
According to the National Cooperative Business Association, more than 100 million people are members of cooperative businesses in the United States, ranging from agricultural co‐ops and credit unions to food, housing and worker co‐ops.
Downtown Market hosts ‘Cooking with Craft Beer’ class
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will host a “Cooking with Craft Beer” class on Friday, Sept. 21, from 6-8:30 p.m.
“We’re lucky to live in the city with the best craft brews, so don’t just drink the good stuff — learn to cook with it too!” information on the class states. “This beer-inspired menu will include a refreshing seasonal salad with a pale ale vinaigrette, delicious brown ale-braised chicken, and rich chocolate stout cupcakes. Yes, beer in dessert!”
They had me at “beer”.
The cost for the age 21-and-older class is $90 per person. As you cook, beers selected to complement the meal will be available for purchase.
The Downtown Market is located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW. For more information on the class email classes@downtownmarketgr.com or call 616-805-5308.
Kentwood resident and bicyclist-on-a-mission Ken Smith, after a brief stop at home for his anniversary and time with family, quietly headed off from downtown Grand Rapids this week as part of a 3,500-plus west coast-to-east coast trip to raise funds for his grandson, Jakob, and awareness of all persons with neurological damage.
Smith, 70, whose father was a fireman and son is a fireman, is riding from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean — Seaside, Oregon, to Boston, Massachusetts — in hopes of raising $30,000 to provide for possible care of and therapy for Jakob.
Along the way firemen and fire departments have been offering support, including a welcome home last week at the City of Kentwood Fire Department Station 1 and a send-off Wednesday, Sept. 5, from the Grand Rapids Fire Department’s central station.
As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, hugged a granddaughter. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
As Smith took off, he prayed with his wife, Jan, hugged a granddaughter and was buoyed by the time he was able to spend and support he was able to gain while at home.
“First of all, the arrival at Kentwood Fire Department took me totally boy surprise,” Smith told WKTV as he prepared to ride out of town. “Friends came over to the house, to meet me. They all said ‘Well, you lost a little weight.’ I lost about 10 pounds.
“Relatives called, just to say, ‘Boy, that’s great, I could never have done it. The fact that you did is really making a statement for Jakob.’ The family is excited that I am continuing, that I can continue.”
Smith estimated he had about 1,000 miles remaining on his trip, which will now take him across Michigan, across Ontario, and into New York State and Massachusetts. He estimates about 20 days for this leg of the journey.
Jakob’s parents — Ken’s son Jason and daughter-in-law Sue, live in Ontario and Jason is a firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada.
Jakob, Ken explains, was supposed to die at age 2 but is now 16 years old. He can walk but cannot speak, and requires 24/7 care. The goal of the cross-country trip is, partially, to raise funds to support Jakob’s needs including speech therapy.
WKTV will follow Ken Smith as he posts to his Facebook account and will provide continuing coverage.
On Thursday, Sept. 6, Smith wrote from the road, as he crossed Michigan:
“I left St. Johns at 8 am and decided to take the rail trail to Owosso to get off hwy 21. It was a good ride on gravel. The trail from Owosso to Flint was not a good trail. Much of it was mud, a walking trail along the river very narrow but it did get me to some county roads. This slowed me down tremendously. My goal was to get past Flint and get as far as I could to hopefully get to the ferry to Canada by tomorrow night. Will see. Total miles travelled today 81 for a total distance of 2563 + 81 for 2644 miles. … I’m looking forward to the ride across Ontario to Buffalo next week.”
While the 2018 Metro Cruise was all about classic cars of the past, a scan of this year’s Cruise entries, especially the muscle cars and sports cars, makes evident that what was once futuristic in style and technology has always been part of what has made a car an eventual classic.
As part of its DreamWheels 2018 coverage of the Metro Cruise event, held Aug. 23-25, WKTV took a look at how technological advances in automobiles have always been, and continues to be, a desirable element of classics cars. We also looked at electric cars, delving a bit into the past but more so into the present and future.
It would not be far-fetched to say early 2000s cars such as the Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT and Corvette Z06 are all destined to be considered classic cars. And one thing they all had in common: evidence of the expansion of carbon fiber body parts from being a Formula 1 racing advantage to being a way to make street-legal muscle cars lighter in weight and, some would say, a bit cooler.
WKTV visited one local company — Walker’s Plasan Carbon Composites, Inc. — which makes carbon fiber body parts for a wide range if cars and talked with Adrienne Stevens, President & CEO of the company.
Then WKTV looked at the past, present and possible future of electric cars, ultimately asking the question: Is Tesla a classic-car must-have of the future? To find out, we asked a young — real young — car collector, Byron Center’s own Blake Dahlquist.
Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood will host the third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival, with nearly 30 food trucks scheduled to be on hand, on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event is in partnership with GR Loves Food Trucks.
The free-to-attend event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.
“We think there’s something for everyone at the End of Summer Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “It’s meant to be an event you can spend the whole day at enjoying food, drinks and live music and meeting your neighbors.”
Food trucks attending the event include: Blue Spoon Catering and Event Planning (kabob, Tex-mex); Maui Wowi (Hawaiian smoothies and frozen coffees); Ice Box (gourmet ice cream bars); Ananda Ice (rolled ice cream, shaved ice); Doughrunts (miniature topped doughnuts); Patty Matters (gourmet burgers and fries); Silver Star Café LLC (sandwiches, wraps); Moochies (popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy); Fire and Rice (vegan and gluten-free paella); Pig Out on the Fly (pulled pork topped fries); Tamale Rose (tamales, burritos); Coffee Rescue (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Kona Ice (shaved ice); Porters BBQ (barbecue); Rise and Grind (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Crepes by the Lake (sweet and savory crepes); PorkFat Slim’s (barbecue); Saladino Smoke (barbecue); Do Your Wurst (brats, hot dogs); Underground Cookie Club (gourmet ice cream sandwiches); Lazy Man BBQ (barbecue); Daddy Dough (cookies, with gluten-free and vegan options); D&D Gluten Free (topped fries, rice bowls, chicken tenders, all gluten-free); Summer Pops (gourmet ice pops); Babatuck (gyros, kabobs); D&W Eatery (smoked tacos, smoked vegan options); Detroit’s Original Coney Island (hot dogs, chili dogs); Yochef (gyros, tacos).
“Food trucks offer foodies a delightful mix of talented chefs and fast-food time frames,” said Alan Stone, president of GR Loves Food Trucks. “When we have an event like this where so many food trucks come together, you can really feel a bustling community atmosphere.”
Local live music will be featured on stage starting at 1 p.m. with bands such as Allie Garland, Erika Scherry, Kari Lynch and Orquesta Ritmo.
A beer tent will be open from noon to 10 p.m. and feature craft beer and cider.
Teams of two will be able to compete in a corn-hole tournament during the event. Anyone can register by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5317.
While the festival includes free-entry, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
WKTV offers marathon of local concerts on cable
Delilah DeWylde’s shows are always a blast, as her visit to Wyoming this summer proved. (Supplied)
WKTV community media will once again host its Wyoming Concerts in the Park Marathon this Labor Day, Sept. 3. The program will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 26 and AT&T Channel 99, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending after midnight. For more information, click here.
Labor Day weekend music at Founders
Looking for a little live music, and maybe a brew or two? Jam out at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend with live performances on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, click here.
Last Meijer Gardens summer concert is Monday, Labor Day
+Live+ is alive and kicking out the jams. (Supplied)
The Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series finishes its season Monday, Sept. 3, and the +Live+ concert still has tickets available. The multi-platinum band from Pennsylvania have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut. For more information, click here.
And today’s fun fact:
14,320,000
Rounded to 14.32 million, the number of vinyl albums sold in 2017, a Nielson Music-era high, up 9 percent from the previous one-year high — 13.1 million in 2016.
Once again the communities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be participating in National Night Out — this year on Tuesday, Aug. 7 — where residents are encouraged to turn their porch light on and come out and meet their neighbors. Go here for more info.
Wyoming hosts its last on-the-road meeting for the summer on Monday, Aug. 6.
“These are just great opportunities to get out in the community,” said Mayor Jack Poll during the meeting at Del-Mar. “We want our citizens to feel that we are very approachable and that they can come and talk with us.”
On Monday’s agenda are several items that will cover projects for the city’s parks and recreation and public works department along with several bid proposals and ordinance changes.
Michigan has an endless supply of grandchild-friendly activities, meaning long summer days filled with endless smiles and continuous laughter. These are the precious memories that last a lifetime.
The KDL Kelloggsville branch will host a Dot Mandala Painting Workshop Thursday, Aug 9. Go here for more details.
Fun fact:
Octopuses lay 56,000 eggs at a time.
The mother spends six months so devoted to protecting the eggs that she doesn’t eat. The babies are the size of a grain of rice when they’re born. (Source.) Then mom dies. And that's the thanks she gets.
Kentwood’s Kalamazoo Avenue from 52nd Street to 60th Street to be closed Aug. 2.
City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood announced today that Kalamazoo Avenue from 52nd Street to 60th Street is slated to be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2 while the road receives a joint repair treatment.
A detour route will be posted. Traffic delays should be anticipated.
The work is part of the City of Kentwood’s ongoing commitment to road repair and maintenance. Kentwood maintains the highest-rated major street network in Kent County according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council in its 2017 Regional Pavement Condition Survey Report.
For more information regarding Kentwood summer road projects, visit www.kentwood.us.
Kentwood City Hall and the surrounding area will be buzzing with activity on Aug. 11 as the community’s Celebrate Kentwood event returns for a day of fun and celebration.
This year’s festival will be one jam-packed day of events at City Hall and the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch featuring family-friendly activities, local food vendors, community booths, a beer garden and live music.
Also returning to the annual festival will be the classic car show and Kentwood’s Got Talent. Modeled after the popular TV show, the talent competition will feature singers, dancers and other performers from the community.
“The 50th Anniversary Celebrate Kentwood festival was such a great event that the fun, food, and entertainment will return on Aug. 11,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All of West Michigan is welcome to join as we enjoy the diverse culture and talent that makes Kentwood a desired place to work and raise a family.”
The day will rev up at 9 a.m. with the classic car show, featuring dozens of antique, classic and one-of-a-kind cars. Also kicking off the day will be a myriad of local vendors at the Kentwood Farmers Market, offering fresh produce, popcorn, cheese, honey and more.
A variety of family-friendly attractions will be on-site from noon to 4 p.m. There will be inflatables for kids to climb, and carnival games to enjoy, among other kid-friendly activities.
A previous Kentwood’s Got talent contestant. (WKTV)
Featured talent from around West Michigan will take the stage at noon for Kentwood’s Got Talent. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize. Contestants will have up to five minutes to wow the judges with their talents. The show begins at noon and is free and open to the public.
Food trucks will gather behind City Hall at 11 a.m. to offer a variety of savory and sweet snacks and beverages. Community booths from all over West Michigan will also line the streets. A beer garden will be open to adults 21 and older from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Live music will be featured on the main stage throughout the evening. The lineup includes: 2:30-4 p.m., Allie Garland & Awesome Sauce; 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hannah Rose and the GravesTones; 6-7:30 p.m., Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues; and 8-10 p.m., Avalon Cutts-Jones Music.
Celebrate Kentwood’s presenting sponsor is DTE Energy Foundation. Platinum level sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Mobile Solutions. A full list of sponsors is available online.
The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for Celebrate Kentwood. There are also openings for the car show and for community booths. Sign-up information and a timeline of events can be found online here.
The Crane Wives are set to take the stage on Kentwood City Hall’s lawn as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
Made up of band members Dan Rickabus, Emilee Petersmark, Ben Zito and Kate Pillsbury, The Crane Wives got their start while attending college at Grand Valley State University. Though the band has changed its sound over the years, listeners can expect to hear the mix of folk and indie pop in their music that gives them their unique sound.
“In Japanese folklore, the crane wife is a bird disguised as a woman who spins fine silks from her own feathers, until her identity is discovered,” according to the band’s website. “The Crane Wives spin fine songs from whole cloth, and you will never want the melodies to leave your head.”
After making recent tour stops throughout the country, the band will be returning home to play for the crowds that gave them their start.
“It’s special when we play back home,” Pillsbury told the WKTV Journal. “We’re incredibly thankful to the West Michigan community for being supportive of our art.”
Concert goers can expect to hear songs like “Here I Am”, which explores social injustices people face in urban communities. Listeners can also expect to hear songs from all four albums of the band’s seven-year career.
In addition to a variety of music, the Kentwood concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series offers free outdoor concerts until August. The final concert will provide music from Blue Soul Express on Aug. 2 at Kentwood City Hall located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
Railtown Brewing Company will hold its grand opening of its new expanded building and offerings on Monday, July 16 — and if you liked its beer, you’ll still like its beer; if you liked the fun atmosphere, you’ll love the extras available; and if you had wished Raltown had its own kitchen, your wish has been answered.
Railtown’s new location is located at 3595 68th Street SE, Dutton, but just across the border with Kentwood, and near the brewery’s original location. It will have two floors, an outdoor patio and will seat over twice as many guests as the original space.
“Some of the key gains from this new space is a kitchen, larger bar, more taps, more brewing capacity, reserved seating area availability, and patio,” Railtown co-founder Gim Lee said to WKTV in a previous interview. “The tap room will include a mezzanine with additional seating and space that can be reserved for parties and meetings.”
Gim and Justin Buiter opened the brewery in late 2014.
Railtown Brewing previously allowed patrons to bring their own food, but the new space has a kitchen that, according to other media, “will serve American pub grub with some cultural flavor. Dishes will take inspiration from Chinese, Korean and Dutch cuisine,” we are told.
I’m sure there is a beer for that!
For more information on Railtown Brewing Company, call the taproom at 616-881-2364 or visit railtownbrewing.com (leads to a Facebook page).
Seasons’s final GRPM Beer Explorers night might dangerous
Alas, the final 2017-18 season Beer Explorers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum will soon be poured as the museum is partnering with Perrin Brewing Company on Thursday, July 19 to share “the dangers of fruiting beer.”
Wait; there is a danger in that?
Perrin Grapefruit IPA (Supplied)
“Fruiting beers can be challenging, but Perrin Brewing Company, and its talented brewers, has perfected the process,” according to supplied material. “The company currently boasts a full menu of fruit beers, and in this final Beer Explorers participants will have the opportunity to try three vastly different fruit beers, from Grapefruit IPA to Passion Fruit Gose to Razzberry Blonde!”
In the class, participants will learn how the three beers differ from each other, as well as the stories behind other Perrin fruit beers. Participants will also have the chance to taste the fruit concentrate that goes into these beers, and learn unique facts about fruit beer brewing — did you know there is 1.1 grapefruits per pint of Grapefruit IPA.
Not usually much for fruit beers, but I must admit that sitting on the outside area at Perrin Brewing Company’s Comstock Park pub and sipping a Grapefruit IPA (5 percent ABV, 35 IBU) would go down pretty well on these hot West Michigan summer evenings.
Anyway, the class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the first floor of the Museum. Participants will have access to the museum’s first two floors to explore. A cash bar will be available.
Tickets for the event are $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members. Participants must be 21 and older. GRPM is located at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For information and tickets to Beer Explorers, visit grpm.org.
Grand Rapids Brewing set to release first bottle-conditioned brews
(Supplied Grand Rapids Brewing/Nate Spangenberg)
Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s new specially bottled brews. (Supplied/GR Brewing Co. and Nate Spangenberg)
Grand Rapids Brewing Company will release two limited-edition bottled beers, including its first-ever bottle-conditioned release — limited run of 150 bottles of bottle-conditioned Sur La Lune and Sur Les Nuages — available to the public at GRBC Saturday, July 14, beginning at noon.
GRBC mug club members (and lucky you if you are) will have exclusive access to purchase the bottles two hours prior to the public on-sale. All buyers will be limited to one bottle of each beer on the release day.
Sur La Lune golden ale, French for “on the moon,” was created to be bottle conditioned — a process that includes extra blast of yeast and sugar and a second period of fermentation once bottles are corked and caged similar to a Champagne bottle. The process allows carbonation to occur naturally, with “the pressure of the cork on the additional yeast and sugar enhances flavors, carbonation, aromatics and alcohol content,” or so we are told.
“Bottle conditioned beers have more depth and character than their draft counterparts and a finer carbonation and mouth feel, plus corks and cages are just fun and fancy,” Ernie Richards, GRBC’s “brewhouse alchemist”, said in supplied material.
Sur La Lune also will be available on tap for samples and comparison.
Its companion beer, Sur Les Nuages — “on the clouds” — first appeared in the 2017and comes from the same base recipe as Sur La Lune, but is force-carbonated, capped and fermented solely with a yeast isolate.
For more information on the Grand Rapids Brewing Company and the special releases, visit grbrewingcompany.com .
Green Door’s Get Lost Vodka earns (inter)national honor
Kalamazoo’s Green Door Distilling Co. submitted its Get Lost Vodka to April’s New York International Spirits Competition and announced last week it had claimed a silver medal, along with a tasting score of 92 – outscoring many nationally recognized brands, such as Belvedere, Grey Goose and Ketel One.
(Supplied)
“In a competitive landscape that saw over 600 spirits submitted for consideration, including many exceptional spirits from our own great state, we’re extremely honored to accept this recognition from the judges,” Jon Good, president and head distiller, said in supplied material. “We believe this is a reflection of the time and effort that goes into crafting spirits and the exceptional ingredients that we source.”
The competition also awarded Green Door the title of “Michigan Vodka Distillery of the Year”. Along with these recognitions comes the opportunity to compete in several other international competitions.
“The recognition that Get Lost Vodka has generated, not only from New York Spirits, but also from American Distilling Institute earlier this year, has definitely validated this wild adventure that we took up four years ago.” Good said.
For more information on Green Door Distilling, visit gddistilling.com .
WKTV, already a pretty energy efficient small business, learned it could save some with a Consumers Energy energy assessment program. (Consumers Energy/WKTV)
Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs includes efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills. WKTV community media — a small business in some ways — invited Consumers Energy into our studios to see how the program worked.
“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, recently told a group of business leaders. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”
After setting up an appointment through Consumers Energy, an energy advisor paid a visit in early June and took a tour of WKTV’s facility. The end result was an Energy Assessment Report specifically for our business.
The report included recommendations for energy-saving opportunities, a summary of estimated energy and cost savings along with available incentives, and a link to program brochures and rebate applications.
At WKTV, most of the interior lights are already energy efficient LED bulbs, but it was pointed out that every bulb replaced could save about $11.77 annually. (It was also pointed out that rates/savings vary.)
As far as some of the other energy savings opportunities pointed out, the report stated that changing two 250 watt exterior light fixtures with LED could qualify for a $59 rebate and could save $74 a year; and changing out the restroom lights to be motion-sensing (to turn off when not in use) could qualify for $100 rebate and could save $33.61 a year.
The bottom line, with WKTV already being pretty energy efficient, was that we could save about $155 in energy use and qualify for as much as $200 in rebates.
WKTV is probably the best example of savings, however, as we previously reported on one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, which faired much better from the review.
Paul Makkar, Richi’s owner, told WKTV that: “We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that.”
The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”
The final report to WKTV on its recent assessment came in an email with the following:
“Thank you for allowing Consumers Energy to perform an energy assessment at your facility. … (name of contractor) who performed your assessment, has enclosed the findings in the attached report. The values contained in the report provides usage history, savings analysis of items installed during the assessment, and estimated savings and potential rebates for several recommendations. The savings estimates are based on typical usage for your type of facility and average utility rates. Actual savings in your facility will vary based on your hours of operation, business type and actual utility rates. If you choose to move forward with our recommendations, please visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/StartSaving. On the website you will learn how to find a participating small business contractor, download a rebate application and learn many more ways to save energy. Thank you again for allowing the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Programs to help you save energy and lower your monthly bills.”
Other services available to small businesses through the EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.
For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.
Wyoming: Roadwork, and delays, coming to 56th Street in early July
If 56th Street is one of your favorite routes to take to the RiverTown Crossings or to Maple Hill Golf Course, be warned: starting July 9 you will need to find a different route. 56th Street will be closed between Ivanrest Avenue and 56th Street for reconstruction that includes the road being widen to three lines.
Kentwood and Wyoming: Citizens invited to talk with Sen. Gary Peters
S.S. Sen. Peters will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (Supplied)
U.S. Sen. Gary Petters (D-Michigan) has announced that he will be traveling to four Michigan cities this summer for community meetings, and he will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW.
WKTV on YouTube: U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga talks tax cuts, recreational marijuana
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. WKTV’s Ken Norris caught up with him.
It is hard to find anything close to reliable numbers as to how many Grand Rapids area persons of the Muslim faith will be celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just after sunset on Thursday.
But after being invited into, and sitting quietly through, a mid-day Ramadan prayer and service June 8 at Kentwood’s At-Tawheed Islamic Center and masjid (mosque), with an estimated 500 male and 200 female worshipers of all ages, the community’s quiet local presence is undeniable.
Further consider that the Kentwood masjid also hosted evening daily Ramadan prayers with as many and often more worshipers, and consider At-Tawheed is only one of at least five Muslim religious centers in the Greater Grand Rapids area serving congregations representing dozens of national and ethnic backgrounds ranging from Egyptian to Kashmirian to Bosnian to Somalian.
All Muslims, however, recognize Ramadan; it is, after all, a commandment of God.
Imam Morsy Salem of Masjid At-Tawheed Islamic Center. (Photo courtesy GVSU University Libraries.)
“During the days of Ramadan, from sunrise until sunset time, it is not allowed for them to eat or drink or have relations with their spouses,” Imam Morsy Salem, of the At-Tawheed Islamic Center, said to WKTV. “Our intention is to ask ourselves ‘Are we really willing to get closer to God?’ When we do fast, it is because it is good for our souls.”
Imam Morsy is of Egyptian origin but he proudly says his congregation has more the 35 national and ethnic backgrounds — not surprising give the fact that, according to a 2015 study, adherents of the religion of Islam are the world’s second largest religious group with about 1.8 billion followers, making up about 24 percent of the world’s population. And the followers spread around the world, with the largest Muslim country not being in the Middle East, as many think, but being Indonesia.
The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect religious background data, but looking at the numbers available, the latest Census estimates place the greater Grand Rapids total population at just under 1 million, while a recent study by a group called Muslims for American Progress estimates that 1 percent of the population of the United States is Muslim and about 2.75 percent of Michigan’s population is Muslim. Two other studies place the West Michigan Muslim population at about 1.5 percent, or about 8,000-to-9,000.
Local events planned for end of Ramadan
Whatever the actual local community numbers, a Ramadan prayer event planned at East Kentwood High School’s gym on Friday is expected to draw as many as 5,000 worshipers, according to event organizers.
Then, in the evening, local muslim communities will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, which, depending on who you ask, translates from Arabic as “the breaking of the fast” or “the feast of the breaking of the fast.” The celebrations will be family and community gatherings, some modest and some more grand.
This year, Ramadan began on or around May 16, with its ending, Eid-ul-Fitr, falling on or around June 15. (The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar cycle, so dates are subject to the sighting of the moon and change slightly each year.)
The East Kentwood gathering, and other Muslim community events, will be part of a celebration as Ramadan draws to a close after a month of fasting during the long days, light meals after sunset, and daily religious personal introspection and formal Islamic instruction focused on readings from The Qur’an Islamic holy book as well as imam instruction.
Islam and The Qur’an
Ramadan, in short, is a way for Muslims to become closer to God — which they call “Allah” but which is the same God as in Jewish and Christian beliefs. Muslims accept the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospels as the word of God, but believe that they are incomplete without The Qur’an. They also believe that Islamic prophet Mohammad is the final in a series of God’s prophets which include Adam, David and Jesus Christ — “Peace be upon them,” Muslims will often recite when mentioning their names.
And Ramadan is one of the most unique aspects of Islam.
Dr. Sahibzada (supplied)
“The purpose (of Ramadan) is because a person becomes more righteous, truthful and mindful of God,” Dr. Sahibzada, the director of the Islamic Center of West Michigan and Imam of the center’s masjid, said to WKTV. “When we are fasting, were are listening to the commandment of God — spiritually, materially, bodily, perception. Everything is attached to God. … We have to be close to God. We have to submit to the will of God.”
Dr. Sahibzada, who arrived in Grand Rapids in 2001 — just months before the September 2001 attacks on American — is of Kashmirian background (Kashmir being a region north of India divided and governed by India, Pakistan and China), but he points out that being the first Islamic center in West Michigan, dating from 1985, his congregation has varied over the years as new Muslim communities arrive and, sometimes, form their own masjids.
In addition to the Islamic Center of West Michigan on Burton Street and the At-Tawheed Islamic Center on East Paris Avenue, Dr. Sahibzada pointed out that there is also a Bosnian Cultural Center on Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids, another Bosnian Muslim community center in Kentwood, also on East Paris and not far from At-Tawheed, and a Somalian Muslim center on Eastern Avenue.
Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammad on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the “Five Pillars of Islam”.
Who fasts, who does not
While all devout adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan — which in Grand Rapids is almost 16 hours this year. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breast-feeding are not required to fast. Also, those who are “on journey” — on travel or at taxing daytime work — during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast until they have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
“Fasting is only for those who are healthy,” Dr. Sahibzada said. “Those who can afford it, those who can do it. Even if you are healthy, if you can do it, but you are on a journey, you are allowed to not fast. God is merciful.”
Fasting means more than simply food, beverage and smoking, Muslims also refrain from sexual relations as well as “sinful speech and behavior”.
During Ramadan, many Muslims pray every night, ofter reciting or being read different chapters each day until The The Qur’an is completed.
One part of a Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs, — which was the focus of a wide-ranging, business-focused discussion Tuesday, May 22 — are efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills.
And one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, was presented as a case-in-point at the discussion, held at downtown Grand Rapids’ JW Marriott.
“We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that,” Paul Makkar, Rishi’s owner, said to WKTV.
The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”
Makkar’s small business took advantage of one of several programs discussed at the morning gathering, which also allowed businesses attending direct access to energy and economic development experts. (The Right Place local economic development group was in attendance.)
Among the programs discussed were energy efficiency, which invited each business to receive a free energy assessment “to help reduce energy use and save money over the long haul,” according to supplied material.
“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, told the crowd. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”
Consumers Energy has several environmentally friendly energy generation efforts, including solar gardens. (Consumers Energy)
Other services offered to small businesses were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.
As far as Consumers Energy’s renewable energy efforts, also detailed at the meeting was the company’s goals: in the next five years, the company (which has one of its customer service centers in Kentwood) wants to save 1 billion gallons of water, reduce waste to landfills by 35 percent, and enhance and protect 5,000 acres of Michigan land; by the year 2040, it wants to reduce carbon immersions by 80 percent and eliminate the use of coal in energy generation.
For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.
The Meyer May House maybe the most famous house in Grand Rapids, but there are many grand homes in Heritage Hill that you can check out this weekend. (Supplied)
Wyoming: Honor a local hero by attending his statue unveiling
Roger B. Chaffee Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum
While the City of Wyoming has a Roger B. Chaffee Boulevard and an American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post 154, the hero’s home town was Grand Rapids. So, a full-sized bronze statue of Apollo Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee will be unveiled at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the corner of East Fulton Street and Sheldon Avenue NE, near the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
Kentwood: While you are out having fun, avoid this roadwork in town
The City Commission recently approved the city’s resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 22 miles of major and local roads. We have your list of where to avoid when you are out and about in the city this week: a tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.
Grand Rapids: Heritage Hill’s annual open house weekend his here
The Annual Heritage Hill Tour welcomes you inside seven restored private houses and three historic buildings. (Supplied)
The Annual Heritage Hill Tour welcomes you inside seven restored private houses and three historic buildings on Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 20, from noon to 6 p.m. Tour offers an interior view of stunning turn of the century homes each uniquely styled by current owners.
Wyoming: Big trucks, hotdogs and loads of fun for kids of all ages
Public Works employee Carlos Ochoa shows off one of the trucks that collects leaves. (WKTV File)
The City of Wyoming is celebrating National Public Works Week once again on Monday, May 21, at the Wyoming Public Works Department, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. The event that attracts more than 1,500 visitors gives the public the chance to learn about the city’s Public Works Department and its services, meet community members and much more.
Entertainment: The Grand Rapids Symphony offers up Beethoven’s Ninth
Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Marcelo Lehninger, will be in concert this weekend. (Supplied/Stu Rosner)
The Grand Rapids Symphony ends its 2017-18 season with Beethoven’s Ninth at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, in DeVos Performance Hall. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is one of the greatest achievements, not only in classical music, but in all of Western culture. Beethoven’s last symphony and his only symphony to use voices began as a defiant statement of freedom hurled at the repressive monarchies of Europe. Today, the finale of Beethoven’sNinth Symphony, is the official anthem of the European Union.
For the original map of street resurfacing and repairs, visit www.kentwood.us. (Supplied)
The City of Kentwood
Following City Commission approval, Kentwood has released its tentative road construction and maintenance schedule for the summer.
The City Commission approved the resurfacing and maintenance program, which includes improvements to 22 miles of major and local roads, at a cost not-to-exceed $892,000. The projects are funded through the Michigan Transportation Fund, which is supported by taxes on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel as well as the fees collected by the Secretary of State for vehicle registrations.
Kentwood maintains the highest-rated major street network in Kent County according to data compiled by the Grand Valley Metro Council in its 2017 Regional Pavement Condition Survey Report.
“We believe quality infrastructure is critical to a safe and vibrant community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As we kick off several street-resurfacing projects this summer, we will work as quickly as possible to minimize impact on commuters. We appreciate the patience of residents and businesses as we work to maintain and improve our streets in Kentwood.”
Major streets scheduled for resurfacing and rehabilitation include:
Kalamazoo Avenue 44th Street to 52nd Street
Kalamazoo Avenue 52nd Street to 60th Street
44th Street Bowen Boulevard to Enterprise Street
36th Street Broadmoor Avenue (M-37) to East Paris Avenue
East Paris Avenue/Swank Drive Broadmoor Avenue (M-37) to 36th Street
Radcliff Drive 28th Street to 29th Street
Additionally, Burton Street from East Paris Avenue to Patterson Avenue and 40th Street from East Paris Avenue to Soundtech Court are also slated for projects.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, work on Kalamazoo Avenue will begin in July.
From 52nd Street to 60th Street, the road will receive a joint repair treatment. From 44th Street to 52nd Street, it will receive a chip seal treatment. Both types of work will protect the road from water and sun damage. From 52nd Street to 60th Street, the road will be closed for two days in August, during which commuters will need to take alternate routes.
A chip seal treatment on 44th Street between Kalamazoo Avenue and Breton Avenue will take place in July. The project will take up to three non-consecutive days to complete and will include lane closures. Traffic delays near 44th Street should be anticipated; commuters are encouraged to find alternate routes.
A number of neighborhood roads will receive cape seal treatments this summer, which is a multiple component treatment designed to create a smooth surface with increased durability. Cape seal projects will take two non-consecutive days on each segment of road, and no street parking will be available when the work occurs.
Other preventative street maintenance work, including routine street marking, crack sealing and patching is scheduled to take place during the summer months as crews have capacity. The City aims to have its resurfacing and routine maintenance completed by the end of August.
The reconstruction currently underway on Wing Avenue from 52nd Street to 60th Street and the rehabilitation of Breton Avenue from 32nd Street to 44th Street are on track for completion in August.
The City plans to display message boards on major streets to give residents advance notice of when closures will begin. Residents can also receive updates via the Citys social media channels (Facebook, Twitter) and website (www.kentwood.us).
For more information, including a map of street resurfacing and repairs, visit www.kentwood.us.
Wyoming: City hires Scott Smith as new city attorney
Scott G. Smith
The Wyoming City Council has hired Scott Smith as its city attorney. Smith will serve as the city’s chief legal advisor, responsible for providing legal services to the City Council, city manager, all departments, and city boards and commissions. He will render legal opinions, prepare contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases and other documents, and assist in drafting proposed legislation on matters of interest to the City.
Kentwood: The Vibe parks and rec gala coming this week
Katelyn Bush
Community members and friends are invited to attend The Vibe, a Parks and Recreation gala benefiting Kentwood’s Adaptive Sports programs, which provide recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Stonewater Country Club, located at 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue SE in Caledonia.
Government Matters: Ballot measures are headed to a voting booth near you, maybe
Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.
WKTV programs: WKTV Journal offers Newscast and in-depth interviews
WKTV Journal is not only online/print but video programs as well. On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s newscast, voters for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools pass a sinking millage for the district and the 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust-Off took place. The local farmers markets are preparing to open with Metro Health Farm Market underway and the Kentwood Farmers Market set to start in June.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Dr. Rob Davidson, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s District 2 U.S. House seat currently held by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga. That district includes both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
West Michigan: Meijer Gardens Tuesday evening concerts plays it local
Kathy Lamar and Robin Connell, taken at J D Reardon’s. (Supplied)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced a nine-show lineup for the Tuesday Evening Music Club with a diverse two-month program of live bands ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk. Taking place on the Gardens’ 1,900-seat amphitheater stage, the Tuesday concerts are free to Meijer Gardens members and include admission throughout July and August.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
Possible Michigan legislative action driven by probable fall ballot measures on prevailing wage and recreational marijuana use was a key part of the discussion Monday, May 14, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting held at Kentwood City Hall.
After the topic was raised as to which ballot measure proposals were likely to be approved for public vote this fall, a representative of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed that the ballot proposal to legalize recreational use of marijuana was approved and a proposal to eliminate current prevailing wage laws was likely.
(A proposal to change the way state voting districts are drawn — which is driven by a petition drive led by a group called Voters Not Politicians — has enough signatures to be on the ballot but is currently facing opposition in the state’s courts.)
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) then took center stage when discussing possible state legislative action that could impact the ballot measures.
Sen. MacGregor said there is currently discussion in Lansing on the idea of the legislature (both the state Senate and House of Representatives) voting to approve the recreational marijuana proposal, an action which according to state law would then allow the legislature to impose certain rules (and possible restrictions) on the state’s recreational marijuana laws with a simple majority vote in the two chambers and without the signature of the governor.
He — and State Rep. Steven Johnson (R-72nd District) — explained that if the proposal went to the voters and passed, it would require a 3/4 majority of the legislature to change it.
“I have voted against every marijuana proposal,” Sen. MacGregor said. But “if we pass it, we can come back and revisit it.
“I want to make it clear that if the legislature decides to vote on any of the citizens’ initiated ballot proposals, we must vote and accept the language as written, within 40 days of certification,” he later said to WKTV. “We can’t change anything until it becomes a statute. Both accepting language and any future changes can be done by a simple majority vote.”
A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the federal deficit, funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, and business news from Kentwood and Wyoming were also part of the latest Government Matters meeting.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be June 11 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
