Category Archives: Kids Activities

Nearing halfway point in prep football season, here is the Wyoming/Kentwood team report

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
From WKTV Featured Game action from Sept. 10, South Christian in a goal-line stand against Middleville T-K. @WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The 2021 high school football season, and WKTV’s Feature Game coverage of local teams, are about at the halfway point of the season — and, after a week off for the WKTV crew, we will be catching up with the East Kentwood High School Falcons this week.

With most Kentwood and Wyoming area high school football team having played their fourth game of the season last week and prepping this week for the halfway point in their schedule, WKTV brings you a look at where the teams are standing.

And speaking of Week 5 schedules, WKTV will be at East Kentwood this week for a WKTV Featured Game with the Falcons hosting Holland West Ottawa.

WKTV Featured Games available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, and the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood).

Upcoming games on the WKTV Featured Game schedule include the Friday, Oct. 1, Kenowa Hills at South Christian game (also at East Kentwood); the Friday, Oct. 8, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights game; and the Friday, Oct. 15, Union at Wyoming High game.

The final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will select a game of more importance to local fans.

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons (0-4) lost at home last week, 9-35, to Caledonia (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Red action.

After starting off a brutal early season schedule with a home loss to state power Muskegon (7-47) on Aug. 27, followed by two road losses: at Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (0-33) — another state power — on Sept. 3, and then falling to open OK Red play at Rockford (0-48) on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Caledonia and Rockford are both 2-0 in OK Red standings, with East Kentwood at 0-2. The Falcons (0-2) host Holland West Ottawa (0-2 OK Red; 0-4 overall) this week.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-4) saw their offense kick into high gear but could not break into the win column at home last week during a 49-52 loss to Holland (1-3) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Green action.

The Wolves started the season with a 13-37 loss at home to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern on Aug. 27, then lost a road game at Grand Rapids Northview, 0-24, on Sept. 3. Last week, on Sept. 10, Wyoming was also on the road to open OK Green action with a 12-48 loss at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer.

After last week’s action, Muskegon, Muskegon Mona Shores, and Zeeland East are all 2-0 in OK Green action (and all 3-1 on the season). The Wolves are 0-2, with a home game this week against Muskegon.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (2-2) saw their up-and-down season continue last week with a 6-28 road loss at OK Conference Gold leader Grand Rapids Catholic Central (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Gold action.

The Sailors started the season, in non-conference action, with a 27-7 win on the road at Grand Rapids Christian Aug. 27, then lost 21-30 at home to East Grand Rapids on Sept. 3. South Christian then got back into the win column Sept. 10 with a 35-14 home win over Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg.

After last week’s action, Central Catholic and Cedar Springs (3-1) are both 2-0 in OK Gold action. The Sailors are 1-1 in conference with a road game at Wayland (0-2; 0-4) coming this week.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (2-2) saw their season record fall to .500 last week with a 18-59 road loss at OK Conference Silver leader Comstock Park (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Silver action.

The Wolverines started the season, in non-conference action, with a 34-7 win at home over Manistee on Aug. 27, then followed that up with a 27-21 overtime win on the road at Fowler on  Sept. 2. Godwin opened its OK Silver slate with a 28-40 loss at home to Hopkins on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Belding (4-0), Comstock Park, and Hopkins (2-2) are all 2-0 in OK Silver action. Due to an open week in the Wolverines schedule, Godwin will next play on Oct. 1 at Sparta (0-1; 2-2).

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (0-4) also saw their offense crank it up last week but lost at home 38-42 to Hopkins (2-2) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Silver action.

The Rockets started the season, in non-conference action, with a 28-49 home loss to Owosso on Aug. 26, a 8-55 road loss at Ionia on on Sept. 2, and then opened its OK Silver schedule with a 26-67 loss at conference co-leader Belding on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Belding (4-0), Comstock Park, and Hopkins (2-2) are all 2-0 in OK Silver action. Kelloggsville, this week, will be at Calvin Christian (0-1; 1-3).

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Exploring the possibilities: GR Ballet School expands program for children with disabilities

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A scene from the Grand Rapids Ballet School Explorer Dance Program’s adaptive dance class. (Supplied/GRBS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Grand Rapids Ballet, recently announced an expansion of its Explorer Dance Program, a 45-minute beginning-level ballet class that emphasizes balance, coordination, and creative expression for children with disabilities.

The ballet school’s Explorer Dance Program continues at the Meijer Royce Center for Dance in downtown Grand Rapids, but will now return to Holland community with classes held at Hope College’s DeVos Fieldhouse after a 16-month hiatus due to the pandemic.

“I feel fortunate that we can once again offer the Explorer Dance classes,” school director Attila Mosolygo said in supplied material. “There’s a need for this type of class and we take great pride in being able to fill that need because these kids benefit from it.”

A scene from the Grand Rapids Ballet School Explorer Dance Program’s adaptive dance class. (Supplied/GRBS)

The Explorer Dance is part of the Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) Adaptive Dance Program, which is focused on “the therapeutic power of dance for participants of all abilities to experience the joy of dance,” according to the announcement.

Among the many benefits of participation in Explorer Dance, students will interact with other children in their class, and build a sense of community and belonging. Mosolygo added that in addition to the camaraderie students feel, ballet also offers many therapeutic qualities.

“It’s great for people to recognize that dance can be part of everyday life. It’s very calming,” he said. “Our students feel great coming out of the class.”

The Explorer Dance program in Grand Rapids is returning to in-person classes for the fall semester following a year of virtual learning the previous school year. The Holland Explorer Dance classes are re-launching after more than a one-year break.

“There has always been overwhelming positivity in the Explorer Dance class,” Taryn Streasick, GRBS faculty member, said in supplied material. “All they wanted was to be back in person and see each other again.”

The Explorer Dance classes at both locations offer students the chance to interact one-on-one with the teacher in a hands-on environment that provides an opportunity to focus on learning. Students are able to discover their abilities and strengths while working to improve balance and hand-eye coordination.

“The students love being able to move and dance together,” Streasick said. “They build each other up and they help each other by encouraging one another.”

The fall semester runs through Jan. 22, 2022. Classes take place Monday evenings in Grand Rapids and Tuesday evenings in Holland.

For more information about the Grand Rapids Ballet School visit grballet.com.

For more information and to enroll in a Grand Rapids Ballet Schools’ Adaptive Dance program, visit grballet.com.

Meijer Gardens to provide a flora feast for autumn eyes with fall mum (and more) exhibition

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The beauty of fall is on display with Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributing Writer

As West Michigan enters the fall season, the local community can enjoy an annual floral feast — an exhibition that literally spans thousands of blossoms across 158 sprawling acres.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is presenting its fall horticulture exhibition, Chrysanthemums & More!, opening to the public Sept. 17 and on display through Oct.31. The largest of its kind in Michigan, the exhibition not only features expansive displays of chrysanthemums and fall foliage, it also offers family-friendly activities.

“This year’s theme for Chrysanthemums & More! is Autumn Glow,” Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture, said in supplied material. “We hope that guests will notice how the low light of autumn softens textures and cast long shadows and see how some leaves and plants appear as if they are glowing from within, illuminating fall’s beauty.”

Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a flower show and so much more. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

Outdoor pathways offer a treat for your senses, allowing you to peruse various gardens aglow with vibrant fall plantings while breathing the crisp fall air. Be sure to pay attention to changes in texture, hue, and mood as you move from the intensity of sun-filled spaces to the understated low light of autumn afternoons.

Stunning displays are also available for viewing indoors, with a notable and exciting weekly change in the BISSELL Corridor as different local floral designers create a singular arrangement highlighting the chrysanthemum as its primary element.

Other activities offered during the horticulture exhibition include local gourd art, The Fall Bonsai Show, music and dancing, and Hallowee-ones.

Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a flower show and so much more. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

Starting off will be the Herb & Gourd Fest on Sept. 18-19. Participants will discover many ways to use herbs and gourds at this event, including how to create gourd art using locally available supplies.

Tuesdays at the Farm will occur Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 and feature the James & Shirley Balk Café pop-up with fresh local fare, West Michigan beer, and an adult cocktail. Dance to local music in the barn and enjoy an Autumn Glow display featured at Michigan’s Farm Garden.

For young visitors, Oct. 22 boasts Hallowee-ones, a special event designed for your “wee ones” from 10 a.m. to noon, with a parade at 10:15 a.m. Children are encouraged to be creative and dress as a sculpture, fish or flower, or in any other way that highlights the Children’s Garden. No tricks. No treats. Just fun!

All exhibition programming activities are included with admission. For a full listing of events visit https://www.meijergardens.org/.

Kentwood’s adaptive recreation celebration (and support) night to have more ‘casual vibe’ this year

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The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, part of the city’s Park and Recreation Department programing, includes summertime water skiing. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There are many reasons to attend “The Vibe,” the City of Kentwood’s community event this week to raise awareness and funds for the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs.

Yes, it is a fundraiser — this year with the proceeds going to keep its adaptive waterskiing program even more participant-safety focused. But, also, it is a chance for the general public and program participants to mix and learn about the program and its importance to the community.

But this years event — on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the city’s Kent District Library branch — will have a much more “casual vibe” than in some past years.

“This years Vibe has a totally different feel than in years past,” Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV. “It’s going to be more like a backyard barbecue. It is more informal … and is also going to be outside. It is like just hanging out with your friends. … It is going to have more of a casual vibe.”

And there will be some great new friends to be made at the “backyard barbecue,” for community members who want to support the programs and for program participants.

The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing for all ages. (WKTV)

“The vibe is a fundraiser but it is also a celebration of what our department does for our community, specifically our adaptive recreation population,” Bush said. “We invite many of our participants that are involved with the programs and their families, so many of our athletes can come and be ambassadors for the program. They can answer questions and share their experiences.”

The Vibe will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food and cocktails, live music by Main Street Dueling Pianos, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and yard games.

The evening also will feature guest speaker Brad Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, who will “share his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community,” according to supplied material.

As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. He spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth and sixth grade general education as well as supporting special education.

“We are grateful to have Brad Dion share his story at this year’s event,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome the community to join us to hear his journey and learn more about the value of inclusive recreational opportunities.”

Tickets for the casual-attire event are $40 per person, and tickets are still available. They can be purchased online at KentwoodVibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270.

(The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.)

Water skiing is fundraising focus this year

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the city’s adaptive water ski program. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners. Kentwood also offers its own “Sibs Clinic” once a year, where friends and family members are encouraged to ski with their loved one with a disability.

The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing, which requires extensive safety support. (WKTV)

The clinics give youth and adults of all abilities an opportunity to experience water skiing “in a positive and safe environment with the help of trained staff and volunteers,” and equipment designed for individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.

That “safe environment” is, as always, a focus of the adaptive recreation staff and the programs they offer.

“The funds raised at this year’s event will go to purchase two new jet skis for our adaptive water ski program,” Bush said to WKTV, “These two watercraft are essential to the program. … They trail the skiers and many of our skiers have pretty severe physical limitations. So once they are in the water, their safety is really our responsibility and our top priority.”

If the skiers hit a wave or they fall off, those two jet skies have a trained person riding on the back to get to the skiers “in just a matter of seconds.” … We have to have that ability or we cannot run the program safety.”

Many adaptive recreation programs offered

“We offer a variety of adaptive recreation programs to meet the interests of all individuals — from those who enjoy relaxing leisure opportunities all the way to the biggest thrill seekers,” Bush said in supplied material.

Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. (WKTV)

“Because water sports are high-adrenaline activities, they are a great way for people to get out of their comfort zone, enjoy the rush of going fast and feel the wind in their hair. It’s no surprise we have a waiting list each summer.”

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers, according to supplied material.

Adaptive programs include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.

The Vibe event will have stations where some of our adaptive equipment will be displayed, where educational information will be available — “Who might use it, why they might use it,” Bush said. “This is an opportunity for conversation and curiosity, and support for these programs. It’s a party. It’s an educational opportunity. It is just a unique way to connect to the community.”
 

Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.

To learn about current offerings of the Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Cascade Township to host inaugural Cascade Heritage Day on Sept. 25

3-bottom, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Cascade Township is inviting the West Michigan community of all ages to its inaugural Cascade Heritage Day, a daylong event that will celebrate the township’s history.

(Cascade Township)

Cascade Heritage Day will take place 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, outside at the Kent District Library – Cascade Township Branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE.

The event will feature a 5K and Fun Run in the morning, a cornhole tournament, festival rides and food from local restaurants in the afternoon and live music in the evening.

The Cornhole tournament and community festival featuring kids’ rides and activities, food from local restaurants and a book sale will run from noon to 4 p.m. There will be live music from Signal Point from 5-9 p.m.


Throughout the event, attendees will be able to learn about the township’s history by visiting booths set up by the Cascade Historical society and viewing facts and historic photos on signage along the 5K course and throughout the library property.

“We are delighted to gather with the community and celebrate what makes Cascade Township such a special place to live, work, eat and play,” Ben Swayze, Cascade Township manager said in supplied material. “With a 5K, cornhole tournament, festival rides, local food and live music, Cascade Heritage Day has something for everyone, and we cannot wait to start this tradition in the township.”

While event admission, festival rides and live music are free, there are costs for the 5K, Fun Run, cornhole tournament and food and beverages. Food and beverages are cash-only.

To register for the 5K, Fun Run and cornhole tournament or for more information about Cascade Heritage Day, visit cascadeheritageday.com.

The 5K and cornhole tournaments are managed by Athletic Timers of Michigan, and 10% of each entry supports Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of service members who have died or who are disabled.

City of Kentwood to close out its summer events with Food Truck Festival

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The City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival will return Saturday, Sept. 11. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will again partner to offer a Food Truck Festival with more than 20 vendors to both help the community support small businesses and make the most of the end of the summer season.

The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 11, in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, according to a Sept. 7 statement from the city.

The free-to-attend community event will run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and feature 24 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent.

This year’s event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The event will include a moment of silence led by Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, at 5 p.m., to honor the victims of 9/11, followed by a brief performance by local bagpiper Tom Bradley. There will also be posters from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York on display in the Library Community Room.

“We’re looking forward to the return of our Food Truck Festival, which has become one of our community’s favorite events to enjoy great food and music as we near the end of summer,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. said in supplied material. “We’ve developed a great lineup of food trucks with GR8 Food Trucks, as well as several musicians for a full day of fun outdoors.”

There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase, according to the statement, with participating food trucks including Bigfoot Burger, Big Mike’s Kettle Corn, Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, El Jalapeño, Fire and Rice Paella, Kool Breze, Kona Ice of Lowell, Lazy Man BBQ, Mapocho Fresh Sanwishes, Mexcellente, Nick’s Gyros, Olly’s Donuts, Patty Matters, PJW Creole Cuisine, Pressed in Time, Saladino Smoke, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch, Arcane Pizza, Whipped, a Brunch Truck, and UCC Desserts.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Bucket O’ Maybes, followed by DJ Snax, Moonshot Band and Last Gasp Collective.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, according to the statement, which may require changes to the event. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more (and the the latest) event information visit kentwood.us/FoodTruckFestival.

ArtPrize early: Yellow Ribbon sculpture, inspired by local veterans art project, to be unveiled at public event

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  • Retired Chaplain John Hooglund, from Holland Home at Breton Woods, produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • Veteran Jurgen Nitzsche produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County Veterans Services had planned an in-doors Yellow Ribbon Gala this week to unveil the selected works of more than 100 local veterans created during veteran art workshops in 2020 and 2021, and led by local artist Pamela Alderman. But pandemic concerns caused that to be canceled.

But Alderman will still be showing off selected works which inspired and are included as part of her Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize work at an event Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center, on the Blue Bridge, in Grand Rapids. The program starts at 10:30 a.m.
 

The event will include Alderman’s Yellow Ribbon sculpture, made in collaboration with several veterans, as well as other individual art pieces made by veterans during the art workshops and also led by Alderman.

There will be live music performed by singer/songwriter and Navy veteran Drew Nelson. There will also be snacks and activities for kids, and county Veterans Services Officers on site to answer questions and set up future appointments for veterans and their families. Additionally the Veterans Services office will have a pop-up shop for making Kent County Veteran ID cards.

But the stars of the show will be the works of the veterans and how their works — and their stories — inspired Alderman’s work.

Pamela Alderman, the lead artist of the veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry, with her son, who is in her first year in the military. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

“The community veteran ArtPrize work took two years to develop,” Alderman said to WKTV. “Over 100 veterans participated. Some families participated with three generations.”

About 14 veteran art workshops were held throughout the pandemic, some indoors and some outdoors in the Veterans Services parking lot. Some art supplies were event delivered door to door.

 

“The finished work (Alderman’s sculpture) showcases four Kent County veterans pieces, but on Saturday, we will highlight the work of over 100 veterans and family members, plus loved ones,” Alderman said.
 

The Saturday event will also highlight how Yellow Ribbon evolved into a bigger ArtPrize project with Michael Hyacinthe from [Has Heart] at Veterans Memorial Park. This ArtPrize venue, co-curated by Hyacinthe and Alderman, will host the work of 21 veteran entries along with the Yellow Ribbon work.

For Alderman, the two-year project was as much a passion as a project.

“I’m a veteran wife. My husband served as a Naval Officer for 20 years,” said. “I’m also a Blue Star Mother. My youngest son is training as a Navy pilot, and son-in-law also serves as Navy helicopter pilot.”

Artworks tell veteran’s stories

One of the works to be displayed, an abstract vision including a helicopter flying, was created by retired Chaplain John Hooglund from Holland Home at Breton Woods.

According to suppled material, Hooglund worked as an U.S. Army chaplain for 30 years. In Vietnam, he travelled by helicopter with two gunships. Stateside, he helped integrate church services across racial and gender lines. At the Pentagon, he worked with more than 1,400 chaplains — and assisted them in performing their most difficult duties.

“Once, when he walked into a bar wearing his chaplain’s uniform to deliver some sad news, the father burst into tears as soon as he saw him,” Alderman relayed to WKTV in an email. “Those kinds of experiences still follow John decades later.”

Another work, another abstract vision of a flag and a service member saluting, was created by Jurgen Nitzsche, who detailed his service in a statement relayed by Alderman.

“I served in the U.S. Army 394th station hospital unit for six years,” Nitzsche said. “In 1969, I was honorably discharged … During my time in service, I learned mechanical engineering and people skills, which helped me to become an engineer and plant manager. I believe the military is a great start in life for any young person. I’m 80 years old, and I am proud to have served in the United States Army, to help keep our country free and safe.”

Many local veterans groups helped

In addition to the support of Kent County Veterans Services, Alderman also thanked several local groups for their assistance with the workshops and with her project.

Among the groups supporting the project were 92 For 22 and the Kent County Veterans Treatment Court; Ottawa-North Kent Blue Star Mothers and Marne American Legion; Blue Star Mothers of South Kent and American Legion 305; Blue Star Mothers of Ionia, Kent and Montcalm and Ray I. Booth American Legion; Grand Rapids Home for Veterans; Holland Home; Finish the Mission; WINC: For All Women Veterans; and the GVSU Veterans Upward Bound Program.

Cascade Township to host ‘Metro Cruise Warm-Up’ all-ages event on Thursday, Aug. 26

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The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28 in Wyoming and Kentwood. But Cascade will host a “Warm-Up” — with lots of fun and cars — on Thursday, Aug. 26. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up returns to Cascade Township where it will welcome classic car lovers and community members of all ages.

This year’s event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot at Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids, 6797 Cascade Road SE. The free-to-attend event will feature activities for car enthusiasts, music lovers, families and children, including classic show cars, music by The Soul Syndicate, and face painting and balloon sculpting for the little ones.

There will also be variety of dinner and dessert options available from local food trucks, including Patty Matters, The Grilled Greek, O’Hana Ice and Mexcellente.

“The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up is a wonderful way for residents of all ages to get outdoors, have fun and connect with neighbors,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township economic development director, said in supplied material. “We are beyond excited to return this year and gather with the community to listen to great music, grab a bite to eat and, of course, admire dozens of classic cars.”

The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up leads into the 28th Street Metro Cruise, West Michigan’s premiere auto cruise and car show set for Friday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.

Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm-Up will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office will auction off two ride-alongs with the K-9 Unit. Each ride-along will consist of a six-hour patrol shift that will “give participants the opportunity to see the role of law enforcement from a unique perspective,” according to supplied material. Participants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. The K-9 Unit will also perform a live demonstration at 7 p.m.

For more information on the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up visit the Township’s website or the event’s Facebook page.

The centuries old tradition of black ash basketry, made locally, featured in GRAM exhibit

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The black ash basketry work of artists Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish will be feature at the Grand Rapids Art Museum starting Aug. 28. (Courtesy)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The centuries old tradition of black ash basketry will be the focus of the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s next installment of its Michigan Artist Series.

Set to open Aug. 28, “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” features the work of the mother-and-daughter team who are members of the Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band. 

“The black ash tree is an integral part of who we are, from creation stories to blood memories, to the baskets that we make today,” Artist Kelly Church said. “We start with the black ash tree, and we do all of the processing—we harvest it, we process it, we cut it, and then we make a basket that tells a story of our life today. We’re combining the traditions of our past that have been carried on for thousands of years.”

Courtesy of Cherish Parrish, Odawa & Pottawatomi, Gun Lake Band. Photo by Richard Church, Odawa & Pottawatomi. © Cherish Parrish

The artists and their family come from an unbroken line of black ash basket makers. The Anishinabe originally made baskets purely for utility, weaving them in various sizes for carrying, collecting, and storing. As a broader appreciation for Native baskets developed, their ancestors began creating decorative baskets to sell and bolster the tribal economy. Church and Parrish draw on these traditions to create more topical and experimental works. An Interwoven Legacy powerfully demonstrates both their astonishing artistry and their urgent advocacy on behalf of Native traditions.

The exhibition emphasizes two of the artists’ primary motivations: the importance of maintaining the basketmaking tradition within their culture, and their advocacy for the black ash tree’s survival, which is being decimated by an invasive insect, the emerald ash borer. These issues are critically important for people whose cultural survival depends on passing traditions on to the next generations, whether through language, ceremonies, or practices like basketry.

Church added, “Cherish and I take our old traditional teachings and we combine it with the contemporary stories of who we are as Natives in 2021. We are the largest basket weaving family in Michigan, and the fact that we can carry it on this long, to me shows strength and resilience of who we are.”

On exhibit through February 26, the artists will debut more than 20 new works in An Interwoven Legacy that focus on the centuries-old tradition of black ash basketry. The exhibit will be a mix of traditional baskets and the contemporary ones that draw on Native history and storytelling.

 

“The Grand Rapids Art Museum’s exhibition presents the work of two Michigan basket makers who are nationally-recognized for their remarkable level of skill and craft,” said GRAM Chief Curator Ron Platt. “In Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish’s family, basket weaving has been handed down from one generation to the next, extending back centuries. Their work is especially powerful for the way it balances tradition with their concerns about the environment, both here in West Michigan, and nationally.”

Kelly Church demonstrates her work. (Courtesy)

Accompanying the exhibition will be documentary elements illustrating the strenuous process of harvesting black ash trees and preparing the splints for basketmaking, as well as stories and background information from Church and Parrish about the works on view.

Complementing the exhibition will be several related programming and events, including Drop-in Tours, virtual basketmaking workshops led by Kelly Church, and Drop-in Studio. Guests are encouraged to view the Museum’s updated visitor guidelines in advance of their visit, which includes face mask requirements for all visitors while indoors.

For those who prefer to experience the exhibition virtually, there will be digital resources on GRAM’s website including installation images, a video interview with the artists, archival photographs, and texts.

Ford Museum to bring experience of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Grand Rapids this fall

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)
  • Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Anybody who has stood inside the Sistine Chapel in Rome and witnessed the power and the glory of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, you know the feeling of heavenly art if not an actual connection with God.

For those of us who haven’t, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will bring to Grand Rapids the feeling of being in the chapel when it hosts “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” this fall. (The museum is currently open but with limited capacity.)

The immersive visual experience that is “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel”, presented by Los Angeles-based SEE  Attractions, “recreates one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements through photographic reproduction displayed in its original size,” according to an exhibition announcement.

The exhibition opens on Oct. 22 and runs through Feb. 20, 2022.

“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” will be the museum’s feature exhibit in 2021, and Brooke Clement, acting director of the Ford Museum, said in supplied material that the support from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation was pivotal in the exhibit’s scheduling.
 

“This is an epic exhibit, and we are proud to partner with our friends at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to bring Michelangelo’s iconic images to West Michigan,” Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, said in supplied material. “There is something in these timeless paintings to delight and teach every visitor — from students who are learning about how art tells our most important stories to seasoned travelers who have toured the Sistine Chapel in person and seek to deepen their knowledge.”

Local ties by exhibit producer

The path for a Los Angeles-born entertainment exhibit, by a German-born producer, to make its way to Grand Rapids, is really a story of local ties.
 

 “I first came to Grand Rapids as an exchange student from Germany in 1975 and graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School,” Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Attractions, said in supplied material. “That experience inspired me to stay in the US and start my entertainment business, so it’s a special honor for me to be able to bring one of my productions to Grand Rapids.”

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum entrance. (Supplied)

“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, in addition images of timeless masterpieces including the “Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment”, includes the ceiling paintings from the Sistine Chapel, all of which have been reproduced in a truly unique way using licensed high-definition photos.

“Brought to life using a special printing technique that emulates the look and feel of the original paintings, visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible: seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes,” according to supplied material.

Each image is accompanied by informative signage, and audio guides are available to rent for an even more in-depth experience.

For more information about “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, visit chapelsistine.com/

The Ford Museum is currently open on Wednesday-Friday, 2-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m,. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, non to 5 p.m. Tickets are limited to a 50-person capacity and available for purchase online at buy.acmeticketing.com/events/277/list.

For more information on the Ford Museum, visit fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

In Kentwood, shared goals bring churches and police department together on National Night Out

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  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s National Night Out community celebration this week had police and other city personal at more than 15 locations throughout the city, but events at three local churches clearly showed a shared desire to engage the community after a long period of pandemic distancing.

On the evening of Aug. 3, at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue — which along with Faith Baptist Church and Pentecostals Church on 44th Street hosted special large scale events — Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible pastor Jason Ross talked to WKTV about their shared focus on the community.

Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible Church Pastor Jason Ross, at the church’s National Night Out event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“What we share, is we desire to connect with the community in a positive way,” pastor Ross said. “We can do that as a church. We can also do that with the people, within Ada Bible Church, as well as in the community. … We want you to feel like you are welcome here.”

Pastor Ross also talked about his and his church’s appreciation of the Kentwood Police Department. (See a WKTV video here for an expanded discussion.)

Chief Roberts also talked about the shared focus and the great opportunity of interacting with the community at local churches.

“We are privileged to be invited to Ada Bible Church … This just gives us a great opportunity, especially given this past year, for us to all come out and celebrate in a special way on National Night Out,” Chief Roberts said.

(For an expanded discussion with Chief Roberts, see a WKTV video here.)

McGruff and a future Detroit Lions fan had a moment at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The City of Kentwood was truly bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities — including a special presence at Woodland Mall — on National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders joined residents, who had the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.

“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Chief Roberts previously said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

 

Slippin’ and slidin’, food and fun, Wyoming’s National Night Out brought out the community

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  • Mayor Jack Poll meets up with residents and officers.
  • The Grace Christian University National Night Out organizing group with officers.
  • A member of the Wyoming tactical team helps a student try on gear.
  • A student tries lifting a shield.
  • Tents with goodies and surprises were open to the public.
  • K9 Chase with Officer Ryan Patterson (right)
  • Wyoming K9 Chase waiting for his audience.
  • Members of the community visited at the Grace Christian University event.
  • Officer Pam Keen talks to a resident.
  • Some area children have fun on the slip-n-slide
  • Cooling off on the slip-n-slide
  • Lots of laughter at the slip-n-slide
  • The nine-square game was popular
  • Wyoming Public Safety Chaplin Rick Pilieci and Officer Pam Keen wrap hot dogs
  • Wyoming Public Safety officers at Grace Christian University.
  • Chris Kowalski, the children’s director at Clyde Park Church of the Narazene, makes cotton candy
  • Police cars at Grand Rapids First
  • Residents visit with officers at Grand Rapids First
  • Some local children get an inside look at a police car.
  • Residents checked out the police vehicles.
  • Grand Rapids First also hosted a National Night Out event.
  • Wyoming Public Safety had booths with information and prizes
  • K9 Max makes a new a friend
  • The newest addition to the force: K9 Max
  • K9 Max, with the department for two months, meets the residents
  • Officers help residents check out the motorcycles
  • Always a big hit are the motorcycles

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Police cars, K9 officers, food, and a slip-n-slide were all part of the Wyoming National Night Out event which took place Tuesday, Aug. 3.

This year, the city had two main National Night Out events, one at Grand Rapids First and the other at Grace Christian University. Sgt. Brian Look said the department wanted a location in the northland of the city and one in the south to make the event as accessible to as many residents as possible.

“We love the engagement with the community,” said Rick Pilieci, Grace Christian University pastor and chaplain for the Wyoming Public Department of Safety. “We have a strong partnership with the department because officers do come into our criminal justice program.

“We believe in the message that the city is focused on for this event, communicate safety. It is just a great opportunity for us meet our neighbors and the community.”

At the Grace Christian University event, there was hot dogs, popcorn, and donuts from Marge’s Donut Den. Also on site was the Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, which provided cotton candy and snow cones. Activities included the game nine-square and a slip-n-slide. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety had police cars, motorcycles, the tactical truck and K9 Chase was wowing the crowd.

Meanwhile, the newest member of the K9 unit, Max, was busy meeting Wyoming residents at Grand Rapids First, which also had police cars and motorcycles along with a fire truck. Visitors enjoyed cool treats while checking out the vehicles and talking to officers about safety tips.

“It is an opportunity for our community to get together with our public safety people and show appreciation both ways, our public safety people for what our citizens do for them and certainly what they do for us in keeping us safe,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “It gets everybody talking and communicating and the more we know our neighbors, the safer our community is.”



No mere chance, The Accidentals very busy return to road continues with Kentwood summer concert

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The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Accidentals, talking to WKTV early this year, said they could not wait to leave their pandemic quiet places in their hometown of Traverse City and get back on the road — but they were productive in their time off.

“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” Savannah “Sav” Buist — who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause make up The Accidentals — said to WKTV in May. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We toured so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”

Back on the road with their usual hectic pace of concerts across Michigan and the region, the band will be making a stop Thursday, Aug. 5, at the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concerts free series hitting the stage at 7 p.m.

And songs familiar and new will be on the set list.

The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)

“Might As Well Be Gold” is one of the new songs, included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7. The EP is a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey  — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.

For more information on The Accidentals, visit theaccidentalsmusic.com. For a WKTV video interview of the band, with a special live version of “Might As Well Be Gold”, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has one more Thursday night date, a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

While most of the series of concerts have been livestreamed by WKTV, contractual restrictions by the band’s record label will prevent The Accidentals from being shown live or on-demand.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Snapshots: A busy Tuesday, Aug. 3, is coming — local elections and local National Night Out

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Democracy is about voting and it’s about a majority vote. And it’s time that we started exercising the Democratic process.”

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Voters at the voting booth. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)

Voting in Kentwood and Wyoming

There will be contested primary elections happening in both Kentwood and Wyoming, with a Kentwood City Commission race possibly settled, and local Democrats and Republicans set to decide who from their part will be on the ballot for a State Senate seat up for final vote in the fall. Go here for the story.

National Night Out is all about getting people out and mixing with local public service employees including police and firefighters. (NATA.org)

Night out in Kentwood

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.” Go here for the story.

Night out in Wyoming

A change for this year’s Wyoming National Night Out event will be that the city will host two main sites — Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW, and Grace Christian University, 1011 Alden St. SW. Both locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

71

Number of cities in Michigan which have registered to be involved in National Night Out. Source.

Woodland Mall’s new theater tenant brings high tech, soft seats and a family business outlook to Kentwood

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Phoenix Theatres will be relaunching movie theater operation at Woodland Mall, as early as this fall. (Supplied graphic)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

At a special announcement at Woodland Mall this week, new mall movie-theater tenant Phoenix Theaters’ management team made clear that “big company” high-tech visuals, solid sound and premium seats will be the standard when the mall’s theater building reopens as early as this fall.

But Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson also made clear to the small crowd at the mall Tuesday, July 27, that, in his “small” movie-theater company, families come first at Phoenix and in its theaters, and COO John Scanlan, talking to WKTV, made clear that Phoenix’s nimble “small” company structure is one of the reasons they were able to take advantage of the Woodland Mall opportunity.

Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson. (WKTV)

The company is a 21-year-old independently owned movie theatre company that plans to invest $4 million to refurbish the 14-screen theatre, according to supplied material, a project which will expand a company which operates several theaters in Southeast Michigan as well as one each in Iowa and Massachusetts.

It is also a company which prides itself on having employees who have worked their way up from taking tickets and popping popcorn, to top-level management.

“All these people have something in common. They have all worked for our company for many, many years,” Jacobson said as he introduced his management team to the crowd at Woodland Mall. “All of the senior staff started out popping popcorn, ripping tickets, selling concession items.”
 

After Jacobson and others of the management team talked to the Woodland Mall crowd about his company’s “family” outlook, and his theaters’ amenities including plush twin seats that can be opened up for customer “families,” Scanlan also talked to WKTV about how being a now-not-so-small family-owned company allowed it to move quickly when the Woodland Mall opportunity presented itself. (See complete discussion in video below.)

“We are still nimble enough to pivot, and move, and we all work so closely together that we are  able to make these decision fairly quickly,” Scanlon said. “We have one owner (Cory Jacobson), we do not have to worry about having a group thought. … Cory can make decisions on the fly and that allows us to make decisions on the fly as well.”

Phoenix Theatres Woodland Mall outside view. (Supplied graphic)

Phoenix Theatres at Woodland Mall is the first major post-pandemic theatre investment in West Michigan, “signaling renewed confidence in the strength of this property and the regional economy,” according to PREIT, the mall’s parent company.

For Phoenix Theatres CEO Jacobson, the Woodland Mall expansion just felt right from the moment he first visited.

“Phoenix Theatres has always been a neighborhood theatre company, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” Jacobson said in supplied material. “After spending several weeks exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community. Movie theatres are places where people come together to enjoy themselves. Creating an environment that celebrates community has always been our highest goal.”

After the renovations at the Woodland Mall location, the theater will be a 14-screen theatre within the 47,000-square-foot building, and will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K digital projection, Dolby Atmos, first-run movies and “family-friendly pricing.”

City of Kentwood’s National Night Out return features community gatherings, public safety interactions

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The Kentwood police department will again be present at the Woodland Mall for National Night Out. (WKTV/2019)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities Tuesday, Aug. 3, as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”

According to information provided by the city, National Night Out encourages people to turn their porch lights on and come outside to meet their neighbors, as well as community leaders, police and fire department personnel who will be out and about. The city also “encourages residents to continue to follow current public health guidelines.”

Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will join residents at more than 15 gatherings, most of which will take place between 6-8 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.

“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”

The Kentwood Police Department will once again partner with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at police vehicles inside the mall, from 3-5 p.m. Shoppers will be able to learn about and explore a police cruiser and motorcycle and enjoy giveaways.

In addition, several community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Among the major event locations are:

Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, which will offer food and activities from 5-8 p.m.

Faith Baptist Church, 1412 44th St. SE, which will have food trucks, live bands and prizes from 7-9 p.m.

Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, which will host a party from 6-8 p.m., featuring a bounce house, food and games.

“National Night Out’s message of neighborhood connections and the importance of caring for one another is right in line with Kentwood’s community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “The City’s leadership team is looking forward to a fun evening connecting with residents, celebrating community and learning about ways we can work together to keep Kentwood a wonderful and safe place to call home.”

 

More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.

National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.

David Gerald, and his ‘Power Trio’, set to bring Detroit power sounds to Kentwood summer concerts

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David Gerald (Courtesy of David Gerald)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It is no coincidence that guitarist and vocalist David Gerald likes to call his tight, taught guitar-bass-drum group a “Power Trio” — seeing him on video, hearing him on vinyl, tells you he knows that his hometown Detroit blues, R&B and rock sound is all about bringing the power to the stage.

Which, we can assume, he and his trio will do, Thursday, July 29, as they visit the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concert free series for a 7 p.m. gig.

Gerald also knows all about the blues, coming from a family that lived it, and grabbing the power, from a father who grabbed it.

Gerald is the son of rural Mississippi born and raised parents, and while he was born in Detroit, the youngest of 11 children, six of his siblings were born and partly raised in Mississippi.

David Gerald. (Courtesy of David Gerald)

“Because segregation and racial discrimination were so bad in Mississippi at the time, my dad moved the family north to Detroit when he was 33, so we’d have a better chance at the American dream,” Gerald said in supplied material.

And Gerald’s version of the American Dream is playing his beloved Detroit-sound music — what he calls “blues-infused rock and soul hybrid” — with his lead guitar a central figure since he first pickup one up at age 14.

“I was lucky enough to have a neighbor who was a guitarist and gave me scrap guitars. I would piece them together and build ‘Frankenstein’ guitars,” Gerald said. “They were horrible to play and sounded bad, but I had to play music. It was and is my destiny. I finally scraped up enough money to buy an old amp and I was happy.”

After cutting his teeth and honing his guitar skills in the 1980s, he says he began to explore the music of blues guitar heavyweights like Albert King, ZZ Hill, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan — and his sound “evolved and expanded to where it is today.”

His 2009 debut CD, “Hell And Back,” reached #1 on Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart for Michigan based artists and remained in the top 20 for many weeks in a row. His newest album, “N2U”, was released in April 2018.

“N2U” had “been a long time coming,” he said. “I put together these songs for myself, my friends and supporters. It’s all about new thoughts, new experiences and deeply felt emotions. I hope everyone who listens can find something that touches them. Something they can relate to.”

For more information on the David Gerald Band, visit davidgerald.com.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has two more Thursday night dates: The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

Before the music starts, get a little treat at Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K/D. Norris)

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Perfect for little royals — parade and fairytale brunch kids day coming to Gilmore Car Museum

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan,
Fairytale princesses will be cruising in cool cars at the Gilmore Car Museum next week. (Gilmore Car Museum)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Gilmore Car Museum, and a bunch of little princesses and princes, had so much fun early this year that the museum will hold its second Princesses on Parade & Fairytale Brunch outdoor event on Friday, July 23.

“Children will enjoy unforgettable interactions with their favorite storybook princesses and special cars from the museum’s world-class collection,” according to an announcement from the museum, located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo at Hickory Corners. Activities will run 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and different levels of tickets are on sale now.

With purchase of a Fairytale Brunch ticket, children can enjoy a delicious morning brunch with Rapunzel, Ariel, and Belle, as they mingle with guests under the outdoor tent, lead a special welcome dance, and conduct a wishing ceremony.

Pretty in Pink: Princesses and cars at the Gilmore Car Museum. (Gilmore Car Museum)

Or, with purchase of a standalone Meet & Greet ticket, children can capture memorable outdoor photo ops with up to 12 storybook princesses and vintage vehicles as they tour the Gilmore lawns, according to the announcement. Also, purchase of a special Princesses on Parade ride ticket allows for parent and child to enjoy a ride around campus alongside a Princess, waving to onlookers, in a classic convertible.

“Princess Days at the Gilmore Car Museum engage and delight children, yet also educate and introduce them to automotive history,” Josh Russell, executive director of the Gilmore Car Museum, said in supplied material.

Outdoor photos with the featured princesses will be taken in front of landmark buildings and special vehicles from the museum collections, including a 1921 Roamer Speedster, America’s Sweetheart Model A Ford, and a 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca DeVille.

Capacity for the Fairytale Brunch is limited to 150 guests, and capacity for Princesses on Parade convertible rides are limited to 80 guests.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Princess Day at the Gilmore Car Museum is produced in collaboration with Michigan-based Olivia Grace & Company, and its cast of unforgettable character performers. For additional information on Olivia Grace & Company, please visit oliviagraceandcompany.com.

For more information, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org, call 269-671-5089 or email info@gilmorecarmuseum.org.

Benzing Graves Collective brings ‘swingin’ good times’ to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Benzing Graves Collective will be bringing their West Michigan bred country sounds to Kentwood. (Benzing Graves Collective)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Benzing Graves Collective — aka “BGC” — may be led in music and name by Austin Benzing and Hannah Rose Graves, but with Jeremiah Wenger, Luke Lenhart and Max Griffith added to the “collective”, the band’s stop in Kentwood this week is sure to offer the audience “old-school country steeped in swingin’ good times,” so they say their facebook page.

The West Michigan group of musicians and songwriters hail from different parts of Michigan, were raised on different styles of music, but blend all of the best genres to create their own completely unique sound.

For more information on the Benzing Graves Collective, visit the band’s Facebook page.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites Dalmatian Stone on July 22, David Gerald on July 29, The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Snapshots: A&E returning to “normal” — WKTV stories you might have missed

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul. I want to get lost in your rock and roll, and drift away.”

From the song “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray

The Soul Syndicate. (Supplied by the band)

A summer concert on the lawn in Wyoming

The Soul Syndicate will open this summer’s season of Wyoming Concerts in the Park on Tuesday, July 13. The free performance, hosted by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, will at at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Go here for the story.

The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)

And another summer concert series, in Kentwood

The free Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which kicked off this week with The Bootstrap Boys, continues July 15 and most Thursday nights through Aug. 19 and includes West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald … and The Soul Syndicate night rescheduled for Aug. 19. Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV and will also be available on WKTV cable channels. (See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.) Go here for the story.

A classic car show on the shore in St. Joe

As part of St. Joseph’s Love Local Weekend July 16-18, The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show kicks off the weekend on Friday, July 16, from 4- 8 p.m., downtown. View classic cars from days gone by as they line up along Lake Boulevard. Attendees will also “cruise” along the bluff. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

83 million

The number of entertainment event attendees who lost out on various entertainment events around the world — in the first month of pandemic shutdowns in March-April 2020 — according to Forbes. Source.

Bootstrap Boys brings ol’ country music with modern bite to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Bootstrap Boys will be pulling up to Kentwood this week. (Supplied/Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The best way to describe The Bootstrap Boys — this week’s offering as part of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts, on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m. — is  probably to get out of the way and let them do the talkin’.

“This is country music, just like we know how to make it,” the band says on its website. “It comes from days of hard work, nights in the honky-tonk, and mornings in the church. The songs have a distinct flavor of the workin’ man, folks with dirt on their hands, good times, bad times, drinkin’, druggin’, lovin’, livin’ on the road, and what a friend we have in Jesus.”

‘Nuf said. (But if you need more, check out their website at thebootstrapboys.com.)

And just in case you want another opinion:

“The Bootstrap Boys are singlehandedly reviving country music in West Michigan both in attitude as well as song,” Luke Sass, promotional manager for Founders Brewing Company, says on the band’s website. “The band’s ability to tell stories indicative of a life lived on the razor’s edge is only eclipsed by the ease with which they connect to their audiences.”

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald. (The Soul Syndicate night has been rescheduled for Aug. 19.)

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. The concerts will also be available on WKTV cable channels the following Tuesday at 9 p.m., and the next weekend on Saturday at 12:30 and 7 p.m. See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Muskegon’s Great Lakes Surf Festival to return to Pere Marquette Beach in August

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The Great Lake Surf Festival will be returning this year to Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach. (GLSF)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Great Lakes Surf Festival at Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach was a great success in 2018 and 2019, and then there was the pandemic year of 2020. But the organizers of the festival recently announced that they will be holding their third event on Saturday, Aug. 14.

And this year, event goers will be able to learn how to surf and paddleboard, along with practicing in yoga directly on the beach. Music, food, and a raffle will also take place. Several surfboards and paddleboards will be given away along with a surf trip to Costa Rica, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to see the Great Lakes Surf Festival grow and to have the support from our sponsors and from the surf and paddleboard industry,” event co-founder Joe Bidawid said in supplied material. “We have one of the most beautiful venue locations on the Great Lakes, in Pere Marquette Beach.”

  

And what if there is no waves? Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids Michigan will be making artificial waves — waist high waves to simulate ocean waves — wave conditions ideal for those seeking to learn a variety of boardsports.

“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion,” Bidawid said in supplied material. “That is our goal.”

For more information visit GreatLakesSurfFestival.com.

YMCA of Greater GR awarded part of $2.3 M for expanded summer programs

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Photos provided by the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Click through to see images.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, which operates seven branch locations in the Grand Rapids area including the SpartanNash YMCA in Wyoming, announced this week that it has been awarded $189,000 from the Michigan Department of Education to provide summer learning opportunities for children in summer programs.

The grant is part of a larger $2.3 million given to Michigan YMCAs to “deliver a coordinated program which supports children, families, and schools while they recover from the pandemic and prepare for a successful return to the school year,” according to the announcement.

“The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is excited to expand and enhance our existing day camp program,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through intentional math, science, literacy, and social-emotional curriculum, we will ensure the youth in our community have an engaging summer full of education and connection.”

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is still accepting registrations for day camp programs. To sign up visit grymca.org/summer-day-camps. (Camp leaders are also still needed to staff the day camps. Applicants can visit grymca.org/careers for more information.)

The YMCA’s summer programs will “focus on fun, keeping kids safe, active, fed, and engaged with other children and adults.” The funding from the Michigan Department of Education allows YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids to offer traditional camp programs that are “enhanced to address the unique academic needs created by the pandemic,” according to the statement.

“The Y is prepared to work with schools to overcome the challenges facing students, families and communities,” Fran Talsma, executive director for the Michigan Alliance of YMCAs, said in supplied material. “To effectively combat COVID learning loss, in- and out-of-school learning needs to be connected and seamless.

“We have the capacity and expertise to support schools and help achieve positive outcomes for students. The Y is ready to meet the academic, social-emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of children and is committed to strong collaborations to improve the academic success and overall well-being of children.”

In addition to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ branch locations, it also operates YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, community outreach programs, and childcare sites. For more information visit grymca.org.

Kentwood’s Fourth of July celebration includes a full day of activities on Saturday, July 3

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Kentwood will celebrate July 4 a day early this year, on Saturday, July 3, with a parade, fireworks and much more. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has a full day of activities planned Saturday, July 3, for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, a 5K race, a parade, and a carnival and live music — all leading up to fireworks at dusk, according to an announcement from the city.

Complete information about Kentwood’s Independence Day activities can be found at kentwood.us/july4.

“We are excited about the return of Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration with a variety of activities community members of all ages can enjoy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “We welcome our residents to join us as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”

Mayor Kepley and City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson, both of whom are running to be elected mayor this fall, are expected to be part of the festivities, as will all members of the city commission.

The City is also seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270.

A full day of activities

The July 3 events will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The breakfast is $5 per person (free for age 5 and younger), served 7-9:30 a.m., and includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee.

Kentwood hosts several community 5k runs (this one fro the fall of 2019) and will do another on July 3. (WKTV)

At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk.

The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, no baby strollers, roller skates, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are not guaranteed unless registered before June 21.

Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m.

Kentwood will celebrate July 4th a day early this year, on Saturday, July 3, with a parade, fireworks and more. (WKTV)

The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will honor essential workers by having them lead the parade. Spectators are encouraged to physically distance from other households along the route.

From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival at City Hall featuring a variety of rides that “will be cleaned between riders” and carnival games for all ages, according to the city statement. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.

City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration, scheduled for 4-10 p.m., where there will be community booths, a beer tent and food trucks lining the lawn behind city hall. A variety of bands, including BareNaked 90’s, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues, and The Adams Family, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from city hall and surrounding areas.

Some notes about traffic flow

A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities.

Guests who are parked at Kentwood’s Kent District Library can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

Soul Syndicate’s sweet ’n’ hot sounds opens City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week. Can you say “Party time!” (Supplied by the band)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Rains didn’t damper summer fun kickoff in Kentwood as first Food Truck Festival returned

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Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, discusses why the city added an early season food truck rally this year, at the May 19, 20231 event at the Kentwood City Complex. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks’s new early-season Food Truck Festival, the first of two this summer season, had some rain showers but plenty of family fun as well on Saturday, June 19.

On Juneteenth, June 19, the Kent County Black Caucus had a presence at the Kentwood food truck festival, attended here by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The “kickoff” of the Summer Food Truck Festival’s two-event schedule took place in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the same location.

The free-to-attend community event had 16 food trucks — with even more planned for the September event, Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV.

There was also live music, a beer tent and food available for just about every taste.

There was also several community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, as the day was also Juneteenth, attended early to by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz.

More information about the Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival. For a slideshow of photos from the event, see below (and click through).

Kentwood, Kent County seeking local help with ‘Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz’ biodiversity effort

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An image of the camera app in use, from iNaturalist promotional material. (iNaturalist)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is joining with the Kent Conservation District and Kent County Parks to promote a “BioBlitz” program, an effort to record as many species of flowering plants and pollinating insects as possible in Kent County within a two-week period.
 

Kentwood and Wyoming community members are invited to help in the effort as part of a “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, running June 21 to July 6 in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, June 21-27.

To participate in the “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, community members can download the iNaturalist app on their smartphones and join the “Parks for Pollinators – Kent County, Michigan” project to record and report plant and pollinator species they see. The app will help users identify their findings.

For an introduction to the program, watch a video here.

“Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” seeks community participation to observe and record pollinators such as butterflies, bees and other insects, as well as flowering plants — “Together, the community will create a snapshot of the variety of plants and pollinator species found in Kent County,” according to promotional material for the program.

Kristina Colby, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator hopes the program will “encourage residents to spend time outdoors visiting new parks” while looking for pollinators.

Kentwood will host an event associated with the program on Saturday, June 26, at 1 p.m., with a free guided naturalist hike with West Michigan Butterfly Association at Kentwood’s Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground Drive SE.

“We’re delighted to host the guided naturalist hike right here in Kentwood in partnership with the West Michigan Butterfly Association,” Colby said in supplied material. “Butterflies in particular are most active in the middle of the day when the sun is shining, so it is sure to be a successful outing for observing and recording these beautiful local pollinators, as well as other species.”

Several other events will occur during the program to help participants increase their knowledge of pollinators and their impact on the natural environment. At the BioBlitz’s conclusion, program organizers will present information about the recorded species and pollinators, as well as award several pollinator posters to participants including the youngest naturalist and the one who identifies the most species.

The program kicked off June 18 with an online meet and greet with Kent Conservation District and Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff to learn more about how the “BioBlitz” program and iNaturalist app work.

Other outdoor events planned as part of the program include:
 

Wednesday, June 30, at 6 p.m., a free prairie walk in a wildflower and pollinator habitat on a converted family farm at 4790 Peach Ridge Ave. NW in Sparta with local landowner Persephone Rana.

Monday, July 5, at 9 a.m., a butterfly count with the West Michigan Butterfly Association at Rogue River State Game Area, 13747 Krauskopf Road NE, Sparta, MI 49345. The cost is $3 per person.

“Through this program, we hope to help Kent County residents become more familiar with native bees and butterflies and the environments they prefer,”Jessie Schulte, Kent Conservation District Manager, said in supplied material. “The project also will help us answer the important question, ‘Do we need more habitat?’”

More about the project is available at iNaturalist.org. Interested participants can contact Kent Conservation District Manager Jessie Schulte with questions at jessie.schulte@macd.org or 616-222-5801.

Snapshots: WKTV has two ideas for a fulfilling weekend in Kentwood, Wyoming

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”

— Harriet Tubman (Freed Slave)

A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)

Food Truck Rally in Kentwood

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events. The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Go here for the story.

Juneteenth celebration in Wyoming

In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4p, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW. The free event will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

800, plus or minus

Kent County has a fair amount of food trucks, but arguably the home of the first food truck culture, Los Angeles, Calif., had a food truck population of more than 800 trucks before the pandemic. Source.

Wyoming hosts first-ever Juneteenth event this Saturday

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Local children, lead by singer Tabitha Williams (far left), perform the Black National Anthem. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event this Saturday at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW.

The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment.

“I wanted to create an intimate space that there could be an exchange of learning about the Black culture,” said Wyoming resident Dana Knight, who through the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, organized the Juneteenth event.

Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day –  June 19, 1865 – that a Union General issued an order announcing the end of the war and freeing enslaved African Americans in Texas. The order was signed in Galveston one day after the Union Army arrived in the western most Confederate state, two months after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The City of Grand Rapids has hosted a Juneteenth event for the past several years and Knight, who had lived in Grand Rapids, said she found herself heading to Grand Rapids to participate in cultural activities. After joining the Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission, she said discussed with the commission about hosting similar cultural events in Wyoming.

The Commission was open to the idea, according to Knight, and has planned several cultural events, including something for Black History Month and Juneteenth 2022, for next year. 

“There was discussion that there was money leftover this year because of COVID and the fact that there were no concerts last summer,” Knight said. “I said, if you approve it, we still have time to have a Juneteenth event this year.”

The Wyoming Cultural Enrichment Commission gave the green light with Knight then looking for a location to have the event. It was a challenge, as COVID restrictions had not been lifted.

“I was driving past (Calvary Christian Reformed Church) and it just struck me that they are always doing something for the community,” Knight said. “They have food trucks. They have a community dinner. They are just very involved with the community.”

Calvary Christian Reformed Church agreed to be the host site and from there, Knight began lining up speakers and presenters to focus on different topics such as the CROWN legislation act, which is focused on helping to end hair discrimination. There also will be discussions on the Freedom Rides, Marvin Gayes “What’s Going On,” racism as a public health crisis, the 1972 Black political convention and poetry presentations along with exhibits and artifacts.

“This is a cross cultural, cross racial opportunity for people who don’t have the opportunity to be around each other to talk and learn, to see each other as humans, as regular people,” Knight said.

The event will be filmed by WKTV and aired at a later date. Wyoming’s Juneteenth event is Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500, Byron Center Ave. SW. 

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

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I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.

Entrepreneur and Businessman Bill Gates



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Where’s Curi?

One of the Kent District Library’s beloved buddies, Curi, has decided to tour the local parks this summer. If you want to catch up to where he is, then you need to find him. KDL will provide clues to those participating in the Summer Wonder program a partnership between KDL and Kent County Parks Department. For more information about the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org.

Pollinators and POPnology

If the temperatures get too hot, then cool off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which is featuring two new exhibits this summer, “POPnology” and “Amazing Pollinators.” “POPnology” combines pop culture and technology, showcasing how science fiction has become science fact. “Amazing Pollinators” is a maze that visitors follow taking 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups, including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. For more on the exhibits, visit grpm.org.

Big and Small

OR wander through the John Ball Zoo to visit the animals and check out the zoo’s latest BRICKLIVE exhibit, “Supersized!” featuring some of the word’s smallest creatures in large-than-life proportions. Or put it on the calendar to check out the next Adult Night Out series on Thursday which features brews from Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing. For more on the zoo, visit, jbzoo.org.

Fun Fact: Hey, Little Sister

We know that sometimes it can take a while to have family join you in the United States after immigrating here. For the Statute of Liberty, it took 136 years for her sister to finally make the trip. Wishing to emphasize the importance of the bonds between the United States and France, a group of French craft people created the nine-foot replica of the 181-foot one on Ellis Island. The statue is set to board a ship on June 19 to come to the United States. It will be on display for a short-time next to her ‘big sister’ in New York before heading to Washington D.C., where it will be on display for the next 10 years at the French embassy.

‘Where’s Curi’ latest summer adventure by Kent District Library

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kids Activities,

By Katie Zuidema
Kent District Library

As part of its Summer Wonder program, Kent District Library has teamed up with Kent County Parks to present “Where’s Curi?” Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt through local parks to find Curi, KDL’s Summer Wonder mascot.



Where’s Curi? is a fun opportunity to get outdoors and explore and learn this summer! Use clues to find Curi in five park sites throughout the county — Lepard Preserve in Caledonia, Palmer Park in Wyoming, Pickerel Lake Park in Rockford, Wahlfield Park in Comstock Park and Millennium Park in Walker.

Curi is on an adventure. Can you figure out where Curi is?

To get started, pick up a Summer Wonder workbook at any KDL branch or visit kdl.org/findcuri. Each time someone finds Curi and answers the coordinating question, they will be entered to win an outdoor fun basket!

“The Kent County Parks Department is so pleased to be partnering with KDL on this fantastic program,” said Cori VanderHart, Parks Operations Supervisor for Kent County Parks. “We can’t wait to be part of your summer adventure!”

KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing. Summer Wonder is the annual summer program from Kent District Library that helps prevent the “summer slide” that students often experience when they’re not in school. 

Summer Wonder includes activities such as reading challenges, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects and entertainment for families and individuals of all ages. Summer Wonder is free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. Visit kdl.org/summer for more information.

It’s back to summer fun in Kentwood as the Food Truck Festival returns to library parking lot

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A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events.

The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11.

A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

“We’re pleased to expand the Food Truck Festival to two dates and double the opportunity for community members to come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic local food and music,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We’re delighted to again partner with GR8 Food Trucks, vendors and musicians to provide this wonderful all-ages event for our community.”

The free-to-attend community event will feature 16 food trucks, live music and a beer tent, according to supplied material. The food trucks will offer everything from Filipino cuisine to Indian food, as well as barbeque options, hot dogs, fries and a variety of dessert options. While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

The event also will have community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, which will honor the day and educate the public about Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Workforce Employment Specialists, United Healthcare and others will be on-site as well.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Boogie Woogie Kid, followed by DJ Snax, Hazy Past and Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Among the food trucks expected to participate are Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Detroit’s Original Coney Island, Kona Ice of Lowell, Kool Breze, Little Mamma’s Ultimate Dessert & Snack Truck, Nick’s Gyros, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Pressed in Time, SANSE Filipino Cuisine, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch and UCC Dessert.

“Food trucks offer a great way to sample a variety of cuisine in a relaxed and outdoor setting,” Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks, said in supplied material. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival provides an opportunity for residents to have fun while supporting local businesses, which is especially important during the pandemic.”

More information about the Kick-off to Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.

Volunteers are also needed for the event. Those interested can sign up online.

Responding to community interest, Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returned for summer of food, fun (and music!)

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Kentwood Farmers Market manager Kristina Colby on opening day 2021. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.

“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.

“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series set to return to city complex in late June

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The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will host The Bootstrap Boys’ harmony-rich country on July 8. (Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.

“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:

June 24 — The Soul Syndicate: Award-winning classic soul, R&B and funk.

July 8 — The Bootstrap Boys: Harmony-rich country.

David Gerald’s blues and R&B will be prefect for a summer night in July. (David Gerald)

July 15 — Benzing Graves Collective: Blend of old-school country and other genres.

July 22 — Dalmatian Stone: Soul/funk-rock with elements of R&B and fusion.

 

July 29 — David Gerald: Blues, R&B and rock. 

Aug. 5 — The Accidentals: Mix of indie rock, pop and orchestral arrangements. (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

City of Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returns June 3 with special activities, concerts planned

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The Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s summer farmers market. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced this week that the Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its seventh season Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Vendors of all types will be active at the City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market. (WKTV)

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items, according to the statement.

“We are looking forward to welcoming community members back to the Farmers Market for another season with a great lineup of vendors and special activities,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “Please join us this season for fun outdoors connecting with and supporting our local farmers and vendors.”

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping.

(In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.)

The schedule of free classes, special events and concerts includes:

The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

June 3: Yoga class at 6 p.m.

June 10: Meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

June 17: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

June 24: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Soul Syndicate

July 1: Hip-hop fit class at 6 p.m.

July 8: Herb demonstration 4:30-7:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. – The Bootstrap Boys

July 15: Concert at 7 p.m. – Benzing Graves Collective

July 22: Concert at 7 p.m. – Dalmatian Stone

July 29: Concert at 7 p.m. – David Gerald

Aug. 5: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Accidentals (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

Aug. 19: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.