Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique in mid-April created a self-portrait challenge for female-identifying persons which would “inspire … the community to exist in photos.” (Supplied/Mod Bettie)
Selfies can be good; they can be, ah, not so good. But in these times of self- and imposed-isolation, selfies — self portraits — can be a means of communicating one’s place in this strange new world in humorous, poignant and even stark ways.
Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique, of Grand Rapids, in mid-April, created a self-portrait challenge for female-identifying persons which would “inspire … the community to exist in photos.”
Mod Bettie, a studio which specializes in “pin-up and boudoir to professional photos and glamour shots for the whole family,” is focusing its challenge on photos taken by age 18-plus “female identified, LGBQT and non-binary” persons.
“These are wild times,” Elise Kutt, Mod Bettie owner said. “Though things are uncertain and things are stressful, there is one thing Mod Bettie is sure of — We are not alone.”
One of the submissions to the Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique self-portrait challenge. (Supplied/Mod Bettie)
The goal of the challenge is to “show our resilience and our camaraderie. Community members were encouraged to share their daily routines, whether at work or home or somewhere in between. To show their fears and hopes, how they are being helpful and how they are being supported.”
One of the submissions to the Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique self-portrait challenge. (Supplied/Mod Bettie)
According to Kutt, the submitted images will be curated in an exhibition and printed in a book that will be for sale with proceeds going to female small business owners, artists and performers affected by the closures.
Mod Bettie studio plans on continuing to host challenges throughout the COVID-19 closures.
“It started when the quarantine started and will continue through May 15, or longer if the quarantine gets extended,” Kutt said.
To say that the students in East Kentwood High School’s Red Storm Robotics program are ‘industrious’ would be a high-tech understatement. But the lessons they learn about robotics design and manufacture are only part of the curriculum.
Faced with a hiatus of the program in the light of COVID-19 school and social restrictions, one parent volunteer and Red Storm student looked around, saw a specific need for front-line medial workers, and realized they and the Red Storm community could be part of the solution.
A great first day. (Supplied)
The result, as of late last week, was the production and delivery of more than 1,200 protective face masks and ear guards (a comfort device for face masks) — at not cost to the users. The results are also another lesson for the Red Storm students about real-world applications for high-tech imaginations.
“It became clear early on that there was a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) in Michigan,” Trista Vandervoord, a mentor for the middle school program and parent to Red Storm student Ethan, said to WKTV. “We knew people were 3D printing PPE, and as a robotics team we have multiple 3D printers. It was an easy way to do our part. We borrowed five 3D printers from our robotics space, set up a print farm in the basement, and got to work. Once we identified the need, we felt we had to help if we could.”
The persons being helped include health care workers and other essential “front line” staff, almost all of them local in West Michigan but a few sent as far away as Tennessee.
A team effort to ‘do something good’
Trista and Ethan Vandervoord, getting a milestone delivery ready.(Supplied)
Trista and Ethan, an East Kentwood sophomore, started the project in early April by 3D printing themselves but also setting a community project with a dedicated website, a user request and distribution system, donation requests, and getting our drop site at the Kentwood Public Schools Administration Building.
Then the “Red Storm Cares: Operation Face Shield” 3D print army came charging in.
“More than a dozen Red Storm Robotics students are involved in a safe way, by punching holes in the transparencies, delivering face shields, writing emails to request support, writing thank you notes to our generous donors, and spreading the word,” Trista said. “It is a true team effort.”
The scope of production; shown are the ear guards (a comfort device for face masks). (Supplied)
The team effort is a coordination of volunteers, headed by team members of Red Storm Robotics, who are coordinating the effort independent of one another physically, “but united in spirit and drive to do something good,” according to supplied material.
“We are primarily providing face shields, which are composed of a 3D printed headband and a transparency sheet,” Trista said. “We have a 3D print army of individuals and robotics teams all over West Michigan who are printing in their own homes or businesses.
“To date, we have provided 1,200 face shields and 1,200 ear guards … and receive more requests each day. We have provided to hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, group homes, court bailiffs, pharmacists, community food distributors, COVID-19 test sites, and more.”
Some of the Red Storm Cares face shields were delivered to Rite Aid Pharmacy for use of the frontline workers. (Supplied)
The list of local places where the face shields have been put to good use include Cherry Health, Rite Aid Pharmacy, CareLinc Medical Equipment and Supply, and Pilgrim Manor Senior Living.
While their focus is in West Michigan, they also sent five to doctors at University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville, “due to special request from a friend,” Tristia said.
The production lines; the supply chain
As with any Red Storm Robotics project, there were so initial design and production work to be done.
Ethan Vandervoord. (Supplied)
“We are using five 3D printers … and they are in production around the clock (literally),” Ethan, who is in his fifth year with Red Storm Robotics, said to WKTV. “We are using a tested shield design from Operation Face Shield Ann Arbor, who got us started in this effort. My dad is our technician, and he has learned a lot about 3D printing through this project.”
The project’s “top need now” is for additional members to join our 3D print army, Trista said. “We have filament, we just need people to turn it into useful items using their 3D printers. Beyond that, we have an Amazon Wish list at redstormcares.com for the community to purchase filament and transparencies for this project.”
The Wish List items are mailed directly to the home shop, and they also have a material donations drop site at KPS Administration Building, 5280 Eastern Ave. But, Trista stressed, no cash donations can be accepted.
For more information about Red Storm Cares: Operation Face Shield, visit their website or their Facebook page.
The 2020 election cycle, the August primary and the November general elections, will have a wide spectrum of officeholders for Wyoming and Kentwood voters to decide upon.
The 2020 election cycle, the August primary and the November general elections, will have a wide spectrum of officeholders for Wyoming and Kentwood voters to decide upon — from Kentwood’s District Court judge to President of the United States.
As the candidate deadline for the filing for partisan positions on the fall primary and November ballots passed today, April 21, at 4 p.m., a review of the Kent County Elections Office list also includes three local developments of special note.
Three candidates will vie for the Kent County Board of Commissioners 8th District seat, which is entirely in the boundaries of the City of Wyoming, but current commissioner and long-time public servant Harold Voorhees will not be one of them.
And current State Sen. Peter MacGregor (Republican, 28th District) is running for Kent County Treasurer, an action that if successful would require him to resign from his senate seat two years before term limits would force him to do so.
Both Commissioner Voorhees and Sen. MacGregor talked to WKTV briefly today about their decisions.
For Commissioner Voorhees, this is just the right time.
Commissioner Harold Voorhees
“At the end of 2020, I will have served 30 years in elected office. I think this is the right time for someone else,” Voorhees said. “I have been blessed to be able to serve people in three different elected offices … (and) my wife and I are in our 80s and we are blessed with good health. So why not spend more time with our six children, 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. We have lots of visiting to do.”
The new county commission’s 8th District commissioner, to be decided in November, will be either the sole Democrat to file, Sarah Chatterley of Wyoming, or the winner of an Aug. 2 Republican Party primary between current City of Wyoming City Council Member-at-large Dan Burrill and Grandville’s Denise Kolesar.
Additionally, in the county commission’s 13th District (Kentwood), incumbent Democrat Betsy Melton filed early but then removed her name late in the process, so fellow Democrat Michelle McCloud and Republican Levi Cipcic, both unopposed in the primary, will face off in November.
As far as Sen. MacGregor’s decision, he told WKTV that his love of public service — he has more than 11 years as a state representative and now state senator — and looming term limits are what drove him to the decision.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District)
“I truly love serving the people” of Kent County, he said. “Maybe I can use my skill set to continue serving this way … (and) this is kind of a free shot to test that.”
If he does not win the treasurer seat, Sen. MacGregor would continue to serve his final two years in the senate.
Also seeking the county treasurer job, and running in the Democratic primary, are José L. Reyna and Beth White, the winner of which will face MacGregor in the general election.
City of Wyoming City Council
City of Wyoming voters will have three seats on the City Council to be voted on, all three on the November ballot and two of the three unopposed at this point. Incumbents Marissa K. Postler and Robert Postema have filed for the 2nd Ward and the 3rd Ward council seats, respectively. Rob Arnoys and John Fitzgerald have filed for a Commissioner-at-large seat.
Kent County Board of Commissioners
In other Kent County Board of Commissioners contests, in the 7th District (Grandville/part of Wyoming), Republican incumbent and Grandville resident Stan Ponstein and Democrat and Grandville resident Jane Newton will run unopposed in August and face off in November.
In the 9th District (Byron Twp./part of Wyoming), incumbent Republican Matt Kallman will be opposed by Keith Courtade (D) of Wyoming, while in the 12th District (Kentwood/part of Wyoming and Grand Rapids) incumbent Democrat Monica Sparks of Kentwood and Grand Rapids Republican Ryan Malinoski will run unopposed in August and face off in November.
Kent County-wide elections
Current Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker (R) will run for reelection unopposed this election cycle, but current Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young (R) will be opposed Democrat Marc Burns.
Current county Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R) will also be opposed, by Wyoming resident Devin Ortega-Furgeson (D). And current Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker (R) will be opposed by Elaine Isely (D).
Part of the Kent County Court System, Kentwood’s current 62 B District Court Judge William G. is bared from running again due to a state law setting an age limit of 70. Running for the non-partisan seat is Amanda Sterkenburg and Joe Jackson, both of Kentwood.
According to the Kent County Elections Office, local judicial candidates will only be on the November candidate listing unless they are forced into a primary (if more than twice the number of candidates file for the number of seats to be elected). If that happens, there will be a primary on the August ballot.
Wyoming’s and Kentwood’s state, federal elected positions
In the Michigan State House of Representatives 72nd District, which includes Kentwood, incumbent Rep. Steven Johnson (R) of Wayland will run unopposed in the primary but in November will face the winner of a Democratic primary between Lily Cheng-Schulting of Grand Rapids and Cade Wilson of Kentwood.
The state house 77th District (which includes Wyoming) will have incumbent Tommy Brann of Wyoming running unopposed in the Republican primary and, in November, he will face the winner of an August Democratic primary field of Bob Smith of Byron Center and Dana Knight of Wyoming.
In Michigan’s 2nd U.S. Congressional District (which includes Wyoming and Kentwood) incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) and Rev. Bryan Berghoef (D) will also run unopposed in August and face off in November.
Wyoming and Kentwood voters will in November also select between incumbent U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) two Republicans running in the August primary, John James and Bob Carr.
According to the Kent County Elections Office, “Candidates without party affiliation have until 4 p.m. on July 16 to file petitions to appear on the November ballot.” So independents could still file for offices.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Leslie Vaas, high school sports remote, in-studio crew
“I’m working from home now, and since my coworkers normally do most of their work face-to-face with students at their schools, we’re cancelling everything we had planned for the spring and summer and figuring out new ways to continue providing services. So that’s been a challenge,” Vaas said to WKTV in an email.
Leslie Vaas
“But not all the changes to my life have been bad. It’s just as easy to video chat with a friend in New York as a friend in Michigan, so I’m seeing a lot more of people I don’t normally make weekend plans with. I also attended my first ever online birthday celebration, for a friend in Chicago who decided to host his party on Zoom. So even though it’s a bummer not to be able to spend time with people in person, it’s cool to see how creative people are getting.
“My family continues to get along well even though we’re all spending a lot more time at home, and so far we’re all still healthy. And as I already mentioned, I’m still able to do things with friends and family outside my household, thanks to technology. I’ve always done my workouts either at home or outside, so that required no change. I can still read books, and write stories, and continue watching a lot of my favorite movies, shows, and YouTubers, so most of my solo free time activities are still possible. And of course, Michigan’s weather remains as unpredictable as ever.”
And her words of wisdom:
“Whether you’re super busy now or have more free time than you know what to do with, try to find at least a little bit of time for things that help you stay sane or help brighten someone else’s day (while still maintaining social distancing). These are crazy times, but like High School Musical says, we’re all in this together. Stay safe, be kind, and hang in there, everyone.”
Thank you Leslie, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV volunteer Leslie Vaas in station’s remote coverage truck during a 2019 high school sports event. (WKTV)
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Dan Stevens, long-time WKTV volunteer, video partner (and humorist)
Dan Stevens is a man of many skills, including making sweets for WKTV’s volunteer potluck. (WKTV)
“With the crisis, there are no (sports) officiating opportunities thanks to schools being closed for the rest of the year, which doesn’t affect me much as I was not planning officiating high school sports this spring anyway. Thanks to my 25 months spent on active duty with the military, 19 of which involved recovery from two shoulder surgeries, I have enough money saved to support myself while I wait for summer recreation leagues to start providing me income again.
“Until that happens, though my shoulder isn’t 100 percent, it still works well enough to allow me to get lots of exercise by playing with a small (yet growing) group of outdoor pickleball enthusiasts (and yes we ARE maintaining awareness of social distancing when we play!) who like to play for 2-4 hours a day, 2-3 days a week. We all enjoy it as it keeps us sane and in good shape in the midst of these troubling times.”
And his words of wisdom:
“When I’m not out playing pickleball, I’m focusing on writing books, which I was planning on doing even without the pandemic, learning about stock market investing, learning a 2nd language, taking care of my adorable kitty Hobbes, and laying the foundation for starting my own business training future sports officials, so that when this pandemic blows over — and I have faith it will blow over — we can all get back to doing what we enjoy: reconnecting with work, friends and ESPECIALLY our WKTV family! So keep your chin up, everyone, we’ll all be seeing each other again very soon!”
Thank you Dan, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit wktv.org.
“In Between the Trees”, Rose Hammond’s 2019 documentary film about the historic African-American resort towns of Idlewild and Woodland Park, was more than simply a community project supported by WKTV Community Media.
It is a prime example of a community-led project which WKTV prides itself in being an advocate for and a partner with. And the film will be on display next week as it begins a short cable-television run on WKTV Community Channel 25.
“As Rose went through he process of producing this documentary, we all found it fascinating that she was uncovering this amazing story of local history,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV Community Media. “WKTV is happy and proud that she chose to use this facility to realize that storytelling goal.”
WKTV will air “In Between The Trees Monday, April 20, at 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m.; and Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.
Idlewild was started in 1912 by white investors who created a resort for black vacationers during the Jim Crow era — when most resorts would not allow blacks to book stays. Woodland Park came a few years later.
Rose Hammond at WKTV Community Media for the premiere of her film “In Between the Trees”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The film about the history of the towns — produced, substantially filmed, and edited at WKTV by Hammond — is based on her 1994 book “Idlewild & Woodland Park, Michigan (An African American Remembers)”.
“I was attracted to the story when coming home and our family went up north to visit our grandpa’s old house,” Hammond said to WKTV. “While in Woodland Park all I heard were the stories of how it used to be. I then decided that someone needed to put a collection of interviews together to maintain the historical value of the community.
“No matter what becomes of the two communities they will always be known as an outlet for thousands of African Americans to entertain and vacation like their counterparts. It will always be Idlewild and Woodland Park.”
For the complete WKTV Journal story, visit here. The trailer for the documentary can be viewed here and another here. For a WKTV video interview with Rose Hammond while the film was in process, visit here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, two things have defined the American — and the world’s — job market: rampant unemployment and the explosion of work-from-home. That, and the already emerging changes due to interconnected world job markets and automation in the workplace, are profoundly changing the future of work.
So the World Affairs Council of West Michigan’s now virtual-only spring lecture series is perfectly timed as it looks at “The Future of Work” with three Tuesday evening lectures discussing the future workforce and workplace changes in a changing world.
“The Future of Work” series, presented in partnership with the Kent District Library, will start with the reality that “COVID-19 creates a ‘new normal’ in all aspects of our lives, including the economy and work,” according to World Affairs Council statement.
Set to start the series on Tuesday, April 14, Kristin Sharp, a partner with Entangled Solutions, out of Washington, D.C., will speak on “Global Trends Shaping the Future of Work”.
Following discussions will be April 21, as a panel led by moderator Attah Obande, “Director of Dream Fulfillment” at Spring GR, discuses “Entrepreneurs’ Experiences in the Changing Economy: Local Perspectives”.
Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink (GRCC)
Finally, on April 28,Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, will discuss “Working Together for Growth in West Michigan: Industry and Education”.
The premier of each discussion will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday and can be attended for free via the World Affair’s Council’s YouTube page for an “interactive conversation” as there will be the ability to send questions during the live presentations. All the discussions will be available afterwards as archived videos.
“Globalization. Automation. Underemployment and the gig economy. What are the trends that have been shaping patterns of work?” the World Affairs Council states about the series. “How will government, industry, and educators respond to the new opportunities and challenges created by change? Just as importantly, how do people imagine new possibilities in their local roles as workers and citizens in a global and tech-driven economy, so that we can positively affect the future of work?”
Details of the discussion leaders
Kristin Sharp. (Supplied)
Kristin Sharp, as a partner with Entangled Studios, is “focused on building out the future of work, automation, and ed/workforce technologies portfolio,” according to her company’s webpage biography. Prior to joining the company, she co-founded the Shift Commission and launched the ShiftLabs and Work, Workers, and Technology projects at New America, examining the impact of automation and AI on the workforce. Earlier in her career, she worked in technology, innovation, and national security policy in the U.S. Senate, working in senior staff roles for senators and committees on both sides of the political aisle.
Attah Obande, of SpringGR. (Supplied)
Attah Obande works for Spring GR, “a grassroots business training experience that uses the business model canvas (think of it like a road map for starting a business) to help entrepreneurs develop their business idea or business,” according to the company’s website. Over the course of 12 weeks, the group brings people together in small groups, teach the business process, and provide coaching. … For two years following graduation, SpringGR “acts as a bridge to connect graduates to other resources throughout Grand Rapids to further grow and develop their businesses.”
Dr. Bill Pink is the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College, starting in 2017. He has been an educator for over 25 years, including as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma City.) and he has taught and/or coached in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Oregon. He has an Associate’s Degree from York College (Nebraska), a Bachelor’s from Oklahoma Christian University, a Master’s from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us all a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Riley Zoet, volunteer cameraperson and sports intern
“Things around here are pretty boring for the most part. I’m certainly jealous of people who live with friends or significant others right now as I have been stuck in the house alone. I’ve made more FaceTime and phone calls these past couple weeks than I have in a long time.
Riley Zoet.
“Like many others, I am laid off from work, which initially was a welcome break from what was becoming an exhausting stretch for me, but now I’d beg for a chance to go back. Even more, however, I miss working with the WKTV crew. I was excited for the Gold Gloves boxing tournament and the other upcoming projects for the station.
“I felt like my life was on a good path before all of this, so the stop in momentum has certainly been taxing. Even things like writing and studying film are becoming difficult during this period of stagnation.”
And his words of wisdom:
“Regardless, I hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy and trying to stay sane. We’ll get through this as individuals, as a country and as a planet. Survival is one of humanity’s defining traits.”
Thank you Riley, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
Voltaire
Meijer Gardens horticulturist Laura Worth leads a virtual tour of the back greenhouses at the Gardens. (Meijer Gardens)
Let’s meet at The Gardens when all this is over
Can’t wait for working in the garden? Meijer Gardens works the year around. Take a tour with horticulturist Laura Worth as she leads a tour of the back greenhouses, where the horticulture team stores and grows many of the plants that make Meijer Gardens beautiful. Go here for the video.
National Museum of Natural History. (Supplied)
Look at the tusks on that elephant!
One of the world’s most visited museums for good reason, the National Museum of Natural History branch of the Smithsonian is magic at keeping kids of all ages entertained and learning. Go here for the virtual tour.
“All the Small Things” video remix 2020 by MDs vs COVID (YouTube) 2020
A little music, just for the fun of it …
In late March, a group of students at Harvard Medical School created “FutureMDs vs. COVID” and, as young people are want to do, created a video with an update of Blink 182’s “All The Small Things”. A little silly, a little good advice, a little heart. Go here for the music video.
Fun fact(s):
Winning at Go Fish
Playing a lot of card games with your kids? Tired of letting them win or, worse, them accidentally winning? Here is how to reach your kids how to beat you at Go Fish. Winning at Go Fish.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life? What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Cory Dalton, high school sports announcer and sports show host
Cory Dalton on the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection. (WKTV)
“My job has not changed much as I am fortunate to still be working at this time. Just taking some extra precautions with social distancing, sanitizing, which I did a lot anyway. I’m spending my time just focusing on my family, my wife and two kids. We have been playing games, watching movies and conversing to past the time … also doing little projects together, which is always fun.”
And his words of wisdom:
“My advice to everyone during this time is to understand that this is real serious. This is a big deal. There are people actually dying behind this virus. Protect yourself. Sanitize your hands … stay home … only go out if it’s absolutely necessary. You don’t know if you are carrying this virus or not. This will past. Be patient and we will get back to normal living.”
Thank you Cory, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Bill Rinderknecht, volunteer cameraman and content contributor
“Thanks for asking about us in the midst of these life altering circumstances. Like all extroverts —and now many introverts — I’m a little stir crazy because of the stay-at-home restrictions during this COVID-19 season. However, spending time with my wife, Charlotte, has been wonderful.
Bill Rinderknecht. (WKTV)
“Also, we work from home at C Grace Productions (cgraceproductions.com) so not a lot has changed in our ‘day-job’ routine. Thankfully we have captured a lot of video, which needs to be edited so we can start providing content to WKTV. On the other hand, editing requires a lot of time sitting in front of the workstation, which requires a lot of mental gymnastics, concentration, etc. I’d frankly rather be in the field (with horses) and let someone else do the editing.
“One blessing we had was filming the Michigan Horse Expo March 6-8 in Lansing with (WKTV volunteer) Riley Zoet, just before social distancing was directed. It was a great learning and networking experience for us, and Riley proved his worth as a videographer! Speaking of teammates, I miss the regular interaction with other volunteers at sports events, concerts, and other WKTV filming opportunities.”
And his words of wisdom:
“To my teammates, fellow volunteers, now is a great time to go virtual with projects you may have initiated. If you started editing at WKTV but have no such software at home, you can download free, robust editing software called DaVinci Resolve (https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/). Black Magic also has a $300+ version, but the free version doesn’t lack much. I already have an Adobe account and am not inclined to learn a new GUI, but testimonials I have heard speak very highly of even the free version capabilities.”
Thank you Bill (and Charlotte), for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with our volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Mike Moll, high school sports director and announcer
“I am still working each day as we are considered to be an essential business … the hours are being cut way back though as there simply are not enough other businesses that remain open for us to service. As a result, it will be interesting over the next several weeks to see how we are affected.
WKTV’s Mike Moll.
“This is certainly a different time for all of us, not just in our lifetimes, but in the generations around us as well. Even as much as I enjoy watching, calling, and participating in sports, I think it’s a time where we have the opportunity to ‘re-focus’ and really look at what is ‘important’ in our lives, but more-so, what SHOULD be ‘important’ in our lives.
“I find it more than coincidental this all happened around the time of year where sports are at their highest in our world. Between college basketball and March Madness, but also basketball, hockey, and baseball being in the small window where all major professional sports seasons overlap for a period of time and became more of a daily routine in many lives. We turn on the television to watch or to get the results of the games, or listen on the radio for the same.
“I think this is giving us a chance to look elsewhere for the where, and the what, is the purpose of our lives and how we can show others around us as well.”
And his words of wisdom:
“We (he and wife Pat, also a longtime WKTV volunteer) have much more recognizance of what and who is around us, as well as how and what we do on a daily basis. As we see and read more of the daily struggles of so many, we lift our family, friends, communities, country, and world up in prayer knowing that they are all being held by much bigger and stronger hands than ours could ever be. May we feel that touch of those hands each day of our lives in some way, but then may we share that feeling somehow with someone else.
“Here is the hope that you all stay healthy and may we all change our focus point to be a little higher than what is in visibly in front of us each day. I know I’m trying!”
Thank you Mike — and Pat, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
In Focus today is Treetops Collective, a Grand Rapids based group which helps New American women become part of our west Michigan community — to quote from their website, to help refugee women “sink their roots down and flourish with their families for generations to come.”
Peninah Mucyo
With us is Tarah Carnahan, Treetops Collective Business Development Director & Co-Founder, and well as Peninah Mucyo, social enterprise program participant with Treetops Collective.
The local non-profit’s past and present and future — including why they use the name “Treetops Collective” — is both informative and important; Ms. Mucyo’s personal story is nothing short of inspiring.
WKTV Managing Editor Ken Norris hosts.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Becci Schumaker, cameraperson extraordinaire
“I, we, are doing well, I am stuck at home regardless of the stay-at home-rule. Just one week out from my foot surgery. Already going bonkers,” Becci said to WKTV in an email. “But I am making phone calls to people, encouraging them when needed. Also on Facebook, so I’m in contact through Facebook. Will be doing a short video for my second grade Sunday school class and posting it to our church Facebook page.”
And her words of encouragement:
“Stay safe everyone. Miss y’all.”
Thank you Becci, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
WKTV Community Media is all about the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, as well as our community volunteers who live all over West Michigan — community people who bring life to our building and to our work. So in these days of social distancing we at WKTV wanted to keep us a little more connected.
So, we asked people to “Tell us how are spending your time?” How has your life and work changed due to the COVID-19 restrictions? What has stayed the same in your life. What advice would you give to the other WKTV community members, and the public at large?
Paul Kabelman, long-time high school sports announcer
“Being retired, not much has changed other than lack of flexibility of going somewhere and not having church on Sunday,” Paul said in an email. “Obviously one change is being more cautious about what you touch and constantly washing your hands, as well as avoiding getting close to someone.”
And his words of wisdom:
“My advise would be to continue to lift our country and its populace in prayer, especially those affected by the virus and those service personnel that are trying to help see us through this time.”
Thank you Paul, for all you do.
Interested in learning more about WKTV Community Media, maybe getting involved with volunteer community? Visit https://wktv.org.
On this episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we sit down with the director and a student of Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program, which helps adult students get their high school equivalency, gain skills in the English language, and connects them with various career and technical education programs.
The various ISD programs, according to its website, offer adult students, “Pathways to Success to help them build a brighter future.”
With us is Oogie LaMar, Kent ISD Director of Adult Education, as well as Kylan Tette, a student enrolled in the the Adult Education General Education Development, or GED, Program.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Michigan voters are starting a busy election with the just-completed presidential primary, so on the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus we offer a review of how the State of Michigan in general — and Kent County in specific — handle elections so that they provide voter accessibility, ballot security and accurate results.
With us is Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds, who was elected to the position in 2016 after serving three terms as a Republican in the Michigan House of Representatives. Also with us is county elections director Gerrid Uzarski, who was appointed by Ms. Lyons in late 2017 and, previously worked for ElectionSource, a local company which, along with Dominion Voting Systems, is contracted by the state to provide election hardware and software.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The 2019-20 Kelloggsville High School girls basketball team. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
In just his second season leading the Kelloggsville High School girls basketball program, Rockets head coach Bilal Muhammad appreciates his 2019-20 team’s 16-4 regular season record and the impressive milestone of the program’s first OK Conference title in more than four decades.
But with his team losing only two seniors — even though one, Trayana Starr-Thurman, was their best player — and a new buzz around the school about his program, Muhammad can’t wait to start working towards the future.
This season’s accomplishments “bode well for our program, just getting that experience, and being there before is going to help tremendously,” coach Muhammad said to WKTV. But “I’m excited to see what this off-season is going to bring … I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Kelloggsville tied for first in the OK Silver Conference with Calvin Christian, with a 10-2 record, giving the Rockets a share of their first league title since 1976, when the school competed in the OK White. The team’s season came to an end in a district semifinal game against Wayland.
The Rockets went 12-9, 6-6 in conference, last year, in Muhammad’s first season in charge.
The keys to their successful season, Muhammad said, was not only having two seniors leaders, but also a bunch of underclassmen who stepped up and provided points, toughness and work ethic.
Trayana Starr-Thurman, and her 1,000 point ball. (Supplied)
Starr-Thurman’s contributions were clear: she led the team with an average of 15 points per game and scored her 1,000th point this season. The team’s other senior, Zenaiya Gonzales, will be missed for other reasons.
“Trayana is a student of the game … she’s not afraid to ask questions, and she voices her opinion on certain plays … (she was) able to communicate, and offer that leadership,” Muhammad said. Gonzales “brought leadership as well, and toughness” to the team.
Gonzale “has been hurt all season, literally all season, and she’s been tough enough to tune it out all year. She brought that toughness and leadership in practice — (the team knows) that if she’s here, if she can do it, it makes everybody else’s moral come up and work hard as well.”
The returning players who their coach has so much confidence in includes two juniors — Nariah Collier and Jaden Wade — and super sophomore Brea’Ana Smalley.
Collier and Wade “are going to be important on and off the floor” next season, he said. “Some of the summer stuff we are going to be doing. Getting the girls to come out. …This is their first year actually working together. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”
Collier, a center, averaged eight points, eight rebounds and four blocks a game this season. Wade, a forward, also gave the Rockets a strong inside force.
And Smalley, who fought through injuries to be the team’s second leading scorer, with 13 points per game, is only going to get better, her coach said.
“She did a great job. She was injured a few games as well this year. We had a lot of injuries this year. But those big, important games, when we needed her, she stepped up,” Muhammad said. “I’m looking forward to her for next year, She’ll work on her game over the summer and be even more dynamic next year.”
Coach also pointed out that junior Jazmine McCaleb will be a returning captain while freshman Malia Fields is a “hard worker, very hard worker,” and sophomore Yarlene Valdez “came to our team the second half of the season, but she is committed and ready to work over the summer.”
And after not having JV and freshman programs this season, having varsity returners who will “help with the new players”, along with work by he and has staff, Bo Garyson and Tiesha Stokes, Muhammad sees a good future for the Kelloggville program as a whole.
“I’m optimistic the number (of players in the program) will increase,” he said, pointing out that he’s been working with the middle school program as well. “I am hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to fill that void that we did not have this year.”
Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The term “patron of the arts” is name-dropped often, but there are few people who it more aptly applies to than the late Stella Royce. With her late husband, Chuck, Stella spent decades generously advocating for and directly supporting arts and culture in West Michigan.
One of those arts organizations to benefit from the couple’s patronage was St. Cecilia Music Center — as evidenced by the beautiful renovated Royce Auditorium at the center, to name only the most obvious contribution.
So it is appropriate that St. Cecilia’s 2020 Helen DeVos Legacy Award will honor Stella at its 2nd annual gala, a sold-out event to be held at the music center Saturday, March 7, during Women’s History Month — also appropriate as St. Cecilia came into being in 1883 under the leadership of several local women.
Chuck and Stella Royce. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
“Stella was a vital force in the leadership and vision of St. Cecilia Music Center for over 60 years, and she and her husband, Chuck Royce, consistently promoted and supported St. Cecilia Music Center,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, said in announcing the award. “Stella and Chuck Royce also generously supported other arts organizations including the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Ballet, as well as many others. … Stella was truly one of the great patron saints of St. Cecilia Music Center and led a life of service to the arts.”
St. Cecilia held the first annual Helen DeVos Legacy Award Gala in 2019, honoring the first recipient and namesake of the award, the late Helen DeVos. The award is now presented each year during Women’s History Month “to a woman who has helped expand the cultural life of our community and has shown exemplary service to the arts.”
Hearing stories of Stella, both from Holbrook and Charlie Royce, one of several relatives of Chuck and Stella who will be in attendance at the gala, it is clear the woman appreciated the arts and enjoyed life.
“I believe that Stella immediately fell in love with St Cecilia from the first day she visited,” Charlie Royce said to WKTV. “Since she passed away, I have spent a lot of time discovering how Stella became an artist in the first place. Because of her childhood I do not believe music or art was even an option for her. Only in high school did she become exposed to music through singing in the choir at Greenville High School.
“I tend to think this opportunity was perhaps her first place to escape to from a turbulent past into something beautiful. By the time she got to St. Cecilia, she knew that music could provide this same beauty to others that maybe struggled like she did. Thus all the programs for children and support for anyone that wanted to pursue their talent. And to have the means to provide it at a place like SCMC made for a perfect match.”
Royces’ long history with St. Cecilia
Chuck’s history with St. Cecilia actually predates Stella’s.
“Chuck’s mother and grandmother had been involved at SCMC since 1913,” Holbrook said to WKTV. “Chuck grew up roaming the halls of the building while his mother and grandmother performed, went to committee meetings and helped organize various events. So, you could say that SCMC was in Chuck’s blood.
Chuck and Stella Royce, with Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive director, and visiting musician Frederica von Stade. (St. Cecilia Music Center)
“When Stella met Chuck, her own love of music naturally drew her to the organization that his family had been so involved in for so many years and she took up the cause as wholeheartedly as his mother and grandmother had done. Chuck and Stella were at all events and concerts (at St. Cecilia). In fact, as their health declined and they were not attending events at SCMC regularly any longer, it definitely felt like something was ‘missing’. … We all wished that she could be here to receive it herself but, both Charlie and Maria are musicians themselves and recognize the impact that their parents had on this organization.”
And Chuck and Stella’s “impact” on St. Cecilia goes far behind the perfect acoustics of the renovated auditorium.
“During the renovation in the (19)70’s, the decision was made to make the auditorium handicap accessible,” Charlie said. “My folks turned this into an opportunity by suggesting the Great Artist Series. The series featured world renowned artists and opened with Izsak Perlman, who was at the time the most recognized violinist in the world who also happened to be handicapped.
“Also, after my folks retired and moved to downtown, they became a kind of welcoming committee of two for whomever just moved to Grand Rapids to head a corporation or take over as a president of a bank or college,” he said. “Through casual conversation my folks would learn of their interests, be it in architecture, the arts, cultural history, education … (and) every tour involved a stop at St Cecilia … Chuck and Stella totally recognized the importance of connecting people with something they could participate in and since they were new in town, St. Cecilia became the first place they connected with”
Proceeds from the Helen DeVos Award Gala honoring Stella Royce will help support St. Cecilia Music Center’s artistic performances, its varied music education programs for youth and adults, as well as preservation of the center’s historical building.
St. Cecilia Music Center is the oldest performing arts organization in West Michigan, according to supplied material, began in 1883. Nine women, led be Ella Matthews Pierce, gathered that year to form a society to promote the study and appreciation of music in all of its branches, and to encourage the development of music within the community. They chose to name the new organization after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
In the late 1880’s the members began planning for a building of their own, designed by prominent Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb, who was a protégé of Carnegie Hall’s architect, William Burnet Tuthill. The building, which currently stands at 24 Ransom Ave., in downtown Grand Rapids, opened to the public in 1894, and is the only building in the United States built by women and has operated solely for the purpose of music.
For more information about St. Cecilia Music Center visit scmc-online.org.
Godwin Heights senior wrestlers Malcom Gowens, right, and Jamykal Lewis, on the mats where the put in all the hard work that led them to the 2020 State Individual Finals. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Two things about a trip to the Michigan high school wrestling individual finals: it is reward enough for many wrestlers to simply get on the floor of Detroit’s Ford Field, and anything can happen when the action starts.
So for two Godwin Heights High School wrestlers, seniors Malcom Gowens and Jamykal Lewis, there is an excitement to finally be headed to Detroit for this weekend’s tournament to cap off their high school wrestling careers. But, you know, neither are going to be satisfied unless they do a little damage in their brackets.
Lewis, in fact, has a little inside advice on how to do that, given to him by his brother, Eli Southern, who wrestled for Godwin Heights in the state tournament in 2016, and took third place in his weight class.
“One good bit of advice he has given me is to always keep pressure on top, never let your guy get up,” Lewis said this week to WKTV. “And score as many points as possible. Get up and get ahead.”
The pair’s coach, third-year Wolverine coach Kyle Liechty, probably would agree — that its a reward for his seniors to make the state finals March 6-7, that having a big brother who wrestled helps, and that thing about “scoring as many points as possible,” that too.
Godwin Height wrestling coach Kyle Liechty. (WKTV)
“It is an incredible reward for both of them,” Liechty said to WKTV. “They have shown throughout, not just their senior year but the last two years that they have been wrestling under me, ways to continually get better. … They have put in so much hard work. They have gotten so much better. They trusted us coaches to learn the moves and the technique they need to make it to state.”
Those moves and techniques clearly came into play as both made it through their regional tournament last week.
Gowens, who is 36-10 this season and wrestles at 171 pounds, went 3-0 in the tournament, surviving three hard-fought decisions (6-3, 9-6 and the 6-3 in the finals against Trayshon Rinkines of Lansing Sexton).
Lewis (36-7, including his 100th varsity win in districts) had a slightly tougher road to get through the regionals, wining by a fall in his first match but losing a 6-4 decision in the second before battling back in the back-end of the 140-pound bracket with a 3-1 decision and then winning a 7-5 battle with Jared Thelen of Portland.
Multi-sport athletes who put in the work
Both Gowens and Lewis are multi-sport athletes at Godwin Heights, and both also say wrestling has helped them in their other sports. Both have played varsity football, while Lewis is also a track runner and Gowens likes baseball.
Gowens, too, has a brother who wrestled for Godwin before graduating last year. and gained from the experience.
“My brother, Edwin, he’s taught me a lot,” Gowens said to WKTV. “When he was here, we always tried to push each other to be better. Even though he was way heavier than me, and he’d always win, I’d always go back at him. Trying to learn new moves. He was a big man, but it helped me going against different type of wrestlers.”
Both young men also agreed with their coach about the reward of making it to the finals.
“We put in a lot of work to get to this (the state finals), day after day, night after night,” Gowins said. “Having a hurt wrist or something, but coming back to the weight room, to the wrestling room. You go far beyond what you think you can do. Putting in all that work, it fells so good to make it this far.”
“Wrestling is a hard sport, so making it to the state finals is a dream come true,” Lewis said. “I didn’t think I was going to make it this year. But I put all my hard work in. I believed in all my coaches, and they believed in me. Hard work pays off.”
While those two are the only Godwin wrestlers to make the individual finals, coach Liechty said he was proud of two other Wolverines who made the regionals, senior heavyweight Carlos Arroyo and junior Serafin Barranco at 125.
Arroyo was a “first year wrestler … He had 20 wins and did a really good job. He was a staple in our lineup and he gave us some great leadership,” Liechty said. And “I’m excited not only for what (Barranco) did this year but what he can accomplish. I think he can make it to states” as a senior.
And coach does have a track record of such things.
Kelly Baldwin, retired Kentwood Police Officer. (Kentwood Police Department)
By Kentwood Police Department
The Kentwood Police Department and the local community are mourning the loss of retired Officer Kelly Baldwin who passed away on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her engaging smile and energetic laugh were well known throughout the local law enforcement community and Kelly’s difficult fight inspired many. She will truly be missed.
Kelly retired from the department Dec. 20, 2019, after serving the Department and community for 20 years.
Kelly’s assignments during her career at the Kentwood Police Department include Patrol Officer and Detective. She quickly developed into an incredible investigator, and her talents and expertise in this area benefited not only the Kentwood Police Department but other agencies over the last 13 years of her career. She also demonstrated an incredible drive to solve cases and was always a seeker of justice for the victims.
Her true character was evident by her daily display of thoughtfulness and generosity to everyone she came in contact with. A few examples include the purchase of a memorial headstone for a family of a dog that was killed during a home invasion, hiring an exterminator to treat for bed bugs at a sexual assault victim’s home, and collecting money to purchase Christmas gifts for two young boys whose mother was murdered by their father just before Christmas.
Kelly leaves behind her husband and four children. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 3–5 p.m., and 7–9 p.m., at Cook Funeral Home, 4235 Prairie St SW, Grandville. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St SW, Wyoming. There will be visitation from 10–11 a.m., prior to the service.
Shanika Carter’ will discuss her new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” and will sign books Thursday, March 5, at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library. (Supplied by the Author)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Author Shanika Carter’s new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” has the appropriate subtitle of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your Past Experiences”.
In the book — which she will be speaking on and signing copies of at the Kentwood KDL Branch Library March 5 — Carter makes the case that while people can be helped on their personal and career journeys by other people, the best help may well be understanding and learning from one’s own positive and negative experiences.
Shanika Carter. (Supplied)
“I share not only my experiences, but those of others who have emphasized a lack of mentorship and encouragement to move up the ladder in their fields,” Carter said to WKTV. “For me, though, although I did experience a lack of the mentorship along the way, I learned quite a bit about myself and how to overcome obstacles I encountered.”
Carter’s discussion and book signing will take place Thursday, March 5, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood. The event is free and open to the public.
Carter’s talk, and book signing with snacks, will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a library equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) community conversation. And while the author will not be directly involved in the discussion, she strongly supports the inclusion efforts.
“I plan to support and participate in (the EDI conversation) on the 5th,” Carter said. “When I lived in Grand Rapids, before starting my writing/editing business … and getting back into teaching, I was employed part time in KDL’s circulation pool, rotating to the various locations to assist.
“That was over five years ago, so my relationship with KDL began then, and continued as I got my writing up off the ground, having participated as a guest speaker for one of KDL’s annual writing conferences … I appreciate everything that they have done with me on this journey.”
Carter’s journey includes graduating from Muskegon Heights High School, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from Michigan State University and her Master of Science degree in communications from Grand Valley State University.
Carter has worked as an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute and Jackson College’s Prison Education Initiative program. She currently works in the writing center at Muskegon Community College, also teaching for the Communications and College Success Center departments, and is also an adjunct instructor at Montcalm Community College, where she teaches interpersonal communications and speech.
Carter is also a big supporter of the need for all persons — students, reformed prisoners, everybody — have the ability to communicate to be successful in life and careers.
“It is highly important to be able to communicate both verbally and in written form, particularly in a time where we, and so many of our youth, are in a social media world where even the communication is so different,” Carter said. “I’ve heard from teachers (and) parents over the years about how basic handwriting was no longer a requirement, like it was when I was growing up. Also, with social media, we find more people communicating in other ways outside of face-to-face contact and even using a more condensed language to exchange messages.
“As an instructor at this level of education, I am amazed at how many students I do encounter who do have difficulties with basic writing and grammar, let alone social and interpersonal skills. With the combination of losing some of the basic writing and communication requirements that were available in the past, and then dealing with those who allow their social media interactions to lapse over into their regular, face-to-face or written communications, the importance of communications and writing is just as relevant and important to continue in education.”
For more information on Shanika P. Carter’s book “To Lead or Not to Lead: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your past Experiences”, visit here. For more information on her The Write Flow and Vibe project, visit here.
For more information on the KDL Kentwood event, visit here. Follow the Kent District Library on various social media platforms — Facebook: facebook.com/KentDistrictLibrary and Instagram: @kentdistrictlibrary and Twitter: @KDLNews.
The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23 — named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. The public is invited to the celebration.
The official reading of the proclamation will take place a special dedication ceremony Saturday, Feb. 29, with a long list of state and local public officials, as well as veterans organization leaders.
The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., with guest speakers and a POW/MIA Ceremony. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with the meal prepared by the Blue Star Mothers and a per-plate cost of $7. The Frank Eimer Band (with full brass) will provide music starting at 8 p.m.
Government leaders expected to be in attendance include City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, State Sen. Aric Nesbitt and State Representatives Steven Johnson and Tommy Brann.
The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)
Local and state veterans organizations expected to be represented include, according to supplied material: Chuck Petch, state AMVETS Commander; Lenny Hogan, past state AMVETS Commander; Donald Torr state Sons of AMVETS President; Bertha Lema state Auxiliary President; Richard DeVoe, state AMVETS 1st Vice Commander; Lora DeVoe, state AMVETS District 5 Commander; Eric Nelson, United Veterans Council of Kent County Commander; Bob Green, AMVETS State Man of the Year; and Denny Gillem, Frontlines of Freedom.
The AMVETS organization (American Veterans Organization) was started in 1947, by action of the Congress and President Harry Truman, and is open for all veterans who served between 1940 and current day without regard to specific wartime assignment.
AMVETS Post 23 was chartered in 1950, and is dedicated to 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, who attended Kelloggsville High School and was killed in action as part of a crew of a B-29 Superfortress which crashed while on mission in Manchuria in 1944.
AMVETS Post 23 “was started by World War II veterans who didn’t feel that some organizations met some of their needs,” according to a statement from the Post. “So they started their own group, and it’s for all veterans … we are very, very inclusive.”
To find out more about AMVETS Post 23, located at 98 SE 52nd St., visit AMVETSPost23.org, check out the AMVETS Post 23 Facebook page, or call 616-531-5438.
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of, from left, Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools. Wyoming High School athletic director Ted Hollern is a far right. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
With the anticipation of a huge boys basketball game between Wyoming High School and Grand Rapids Christian on the schedule, the Wolves could not have picked a better backdrop for its annual Hall of Fame Basketball Community Night Friday, Feb. 14, as the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 honored.
Both the earlier girls and later boys basketball games were WKTV Sports Featured Games, and are available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
The Wolves boys defeated the Eagles, by the way, 62-61, to push their record to 14-1 overall, 8-1 and into art tie for first place in the OK-Conference Gold, as Wyoming avenged their only loss of the season, to Christian. The Wolves trailed by 14 points at halftime but rallied as senior Monte Parks hit a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 18 points, while Parks had 15 and senior Menalito McGee added 13.
The Wolves have also won both of their games since Feb. 14 and now sit at 16-1 overall and 9-1 in conference, still tied with Christian for the conference lead.
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools.
Narber, according to supplied material, was one of the all-around great athletes at Wyoming Park. She played basketball, softball and track. While participating in track Narber received two varsity letters and was a conference and regional finalist in the discus. In basketball, she was a four-year letter winner, started in 94 consecutive games and was voted team MVP for three years in a row. In college, she excelled at Aquinas College and is a member of the Aquinas College Ring of Honor Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Micah Bell, second from right, with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)
Bell was also a graduate of Wyoming Park High School, where he played football and basketball during this time. He was selected All-O.K. Conference in basketball and was All-State Honorable Mention in 1996 and All-State in basketball in 1997. After high School, Bell played college basketball at University of Colorado and Grand Valley State University. After college, he played professional basketball.
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction Craig Chappell, center with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)
Chappell was a multi sport athlete at Rogers High School, playing football, basketball, baseball, and track. Among his other accomplishments, he played varsity basketball from 1982-84 and was All-Conference all three years, and All-District and All-State for two years. Chappell still holds the Rogers High School school record for 1,462 career points. He went on to play at Ferris State University.
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Rich Friberg, shown with his wife. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)
Friberg attended Wyoming Rogers High School and graduated in 1982. While attending Rogers, he played four years of football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also a 4-time District wrestling champion, 2-time Regional champion, and 2-time State Champion, in 1981 and in 1982. He continued on his wrestling career at Northern Michigan University.
Peterson graduated from Rogers High School in 1999, and excelled in basketball and softball. In 1999, she led the Rogers High School basketball team to a MHSAA District Championship and was named to the the MHSAA All-State Basketball team. She then graduated from Grand Valley State University and is now an EMT paramedic.
Agema — “Critter” Agema — was a multi-sport star at Wyoming Park High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was the leader of the 1984-85 State Champion football team, and was also was a standout basketball player. He went on to play football at Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan.
Kentwood’s Sylvia James, right, is sworn in to serve on the the Kent ISD School Board. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. (Supplied/Kent ISD)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools.
According to the ISD statement, in addition to her service in Kentwood’s public school system, she has extensive professional experience in operational and strategic human resources practices and management at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc., and previously with Steelcase, Spectrum Health and Robert Bosch, LLC.
“We are pleased to welcome Sylvia to the Kent ISD School Board and look forward to enlisting her experience, passion and dedication to serve all students in the Kent County area,” Ron Caniff, Superintendent, Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The board is grateful to Bill Joseph for his 18 years of service, countless insights and many contributions throughout the years. We look forward to continuing this important work with Sylvia’s leadership and commitment to public education.”
James has lived in the Kentwood area for more than 25 years and is interested in expanding her reach to help meet the needs of students throughout the region, according to the ISD.
“I love how Kent ISD works collaboratively with all of the districts to provide programs and services to the residents of 23 public and non-public school districts.” James said in supplied material. “I am committed to ensuring that our students are well educated, as we provide for their safety and welfare.”
James was sworn in at the February Kent ISD School Board meeting. She will serve until the June 2021 election, at which time she can run to serve the remainder of Joseph’s term, through 2025.
Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency “devoted to achievement for all students,” and provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools.
For more information on the Kent ISD, see kentisd.org.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we welcome two leaders of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, arguably the most influential group of elected officials in the county. While often little understood, it is a governing body whose decisions and leadership impact residents in a myriad of ways, from its health department to its road crews, from its park system to the county sheriffs office.
The commissioners last month elected their leadership and we have two of those leaders in studio today, Commission Chair Mandy Bolter and Vice-chair Stan Stek. Ms. Bolter represents District 5, which includes all or part of Cascade, Lowell, Bowne and Caledonia townships. Mr. Stek represents District 6, which includes the City of Walker and part of the City of Grand Rapids.
Top among the topics discussed are how and why the county was able to approve nearly $18.7 million for three strategic capital funding projects — all without the need for any issuance of bonds, which are repaid with taxpayers’ money.
Also discussed are the scope of county services and responsibilities, the relationship between the county and both state and federal governments, as well as challenges for the coming year in county governance.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus we continue WKTV’s series of discussions on the impact of Michigan’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana.
First we talked with the executive director of Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, the state office which controls both the state’s medical and recreational marijuana distribution facilities. See the video here.
Now, In Focus is Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, who discusses the current and evolving legal aspects of the recreational marijuana, specifically how the law enforcement community is reacting to the laws associated with legalization.
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young on the WKTV Journal In Focus set with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
Specifically, the Sheriff talks about where is it legal and illegal to smoke marijuana in public, and while there are laws on the books dealing with driving while impaired by alcohol, it is a new and evolving situation when it comes to driving while impaired by marijuana and other cannabis-derived products.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game. (Curtis Holt)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Wyoming High School will be hosting its annual Hall of Fame Basketball Community Night Friday, Feb. 14, with the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 honored, special coverage by ESPN radio and the WKTV video crew, and two special performances by Wyoming’s Dance Team.
Oh, and ya, there will be also be what will likely be the OK-Conference Gold’s boys basketball game of the season as Wolves boys team hosts Grand Rapids Christian for the conference lead.
The Wolves boys (13-1 overall, 7-1 in OK Gold) will seek to tie for the conference lead and avenge their only loss of the season as they host the Eagles (14-0 and 7-0) in an 8 p.m. game. On the girls side, Wyoming (5-10 and 2-6) will try to spoil the conference title chances of Christian (13-2 and 5-2) in a 6 p.m. game.
Both games will be WKTV Sports Featured Games, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
“These are great games for the team and the community,” Wyoming boys coach Thom Vander Klay said to WKTV. “Wyoming has always had tremendous support for our kids and respecting the countless hours of training and practice it takes to develop their skills.
“The boys been working since elementary school to play in games like this one … and next Tuesday at Hudsonville, etc.,” he said. “Our kids will battle.”
This pack of Wolves led by seniors
One of those kids who will battle is senior Menalito McGee, who will be honored between the two games for scoring his 1,000th point in a Wolves uniform during a game in January.
The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into this Dec. 13 home game; this week’s game will be even more exciting. (Curtis Holt)
“Menalito is a great leader and is one of the best communicators we have ever coached,” Vander Klay said. “He leads the team in assists and rarely turns the ball over, particularly given the amount of time he has the ball in his hands.”
McGee is averaging an impressive 26.4 point per game this season, including shooting 47-of-82 from 3-point distance and 45-of-54 from the free-throw line, with 61 assists and only 15 turnovers.
“He has one agenda,” Vander Klay said. “ … to help us win. In his case that means he may have to score.”
But the Wolves are not a one-man team, as their record indicates, and have gotten great play from fellow seniors Marion Parks, Diego Ledesma, Monte Parks and Quincy Williams.
Marion Parks was a honorable mention All-Conference player last year and this season is averaging 12 points and nearly six rebounds a game.
“He had 27 against GR Christian in the first game to lead all scorers,” Vander Klay said. “He is a great athlete and competitor.”
Ledesma is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game, while Monte Parks is averaging eight points and five rebounds per game.
Wyoming High School basketball coach Thom Vander Klay, coaching. (Supplied)
“Ledesma is a very skilled player that continually works on his game to improve and loves the big games,” Vander Klay said. “Monte Parks is a great athlete and is fearless regarding competition. He can board, defend and score.
“Quincy Williams (leading the team in rebounds per game with just under seven per) is our role player that will continually battle and emerge with big plays on both ends of the floor even though he is perpetually undersized,” Vander Klay added.
Other players on the team include seniors TJ Chandler, Carlo Bass and Deion Parks, and juniors Jeremy Barber, Payton Lee, Joshua Anstey, Sam DeYoung, Mahki Matthews and Seth DeYoung.
Big night of basketball and ceremony
And, it if playing at home on a special night is not motivation enough, there is that matter of the Wolves only loss coming at Christian.
“Obviously, we believe we can improve one possession since the January 17 game,” Vander Klay said. “Certainly motivation is high for both teams to play well and we have been working on things for a long time.
“We emphasize our pace including making sure our opponent plays fast for as close to 32 minutes as possible. The faster the pace, overall, the better opportunity we have to win games. We hope Grand Rapids (Christian) will have to play 32 minutes at our pace to give us the best opportunity for victory.”
The planned Hall of Fame Ceremony — the induction of Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema — is also set for between the two games.
The night will also be Wyoming Dance Senior Night, with performances at halftime of both games. There will also be a performance by the school’s honors choir and pep band, special student section t-shirts and an effort to set a student section attendance record, and the Wyoming Wolf Mascot bounding around.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Local state legislators, and leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, weighed in on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plan to borrow $3.5 billion to rebuild the state’s deteriorating highways and bridges over a 5-year span, as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Feb. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The Democratic governor unveiled the bonding plan during her second annual State of the State speech to lawmakers. It will enable the state Department of Transportation to do about twice as much construction on I-, U.S.- and M-numbered routes as it can now, she said in her speech. The funds would not be used to repair local roads.
But it was near unanimous opposition to, or at least serious questioning of, the Governor’s plan from local officials.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R), in part, pointed out that “bonding for the roads is not a solution” and compared such a plan to “financing the roads by putting it on credit cards.” While State Rep. Steve Johnson (R) said that when it comes to government financing “it is really easy to get into debt and really hard to get out.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt also voiced their concerns.
Mayor Kepley said, in part, that “this is not long-term planning,” and Bolt pointed out that the increased state road work “doesn’t do any good for Wyoming” as it not have any funding for city roads.
Other discussion topics at the meeting included Kent County recycling efforts and the issue of drivers license documentation for undocumented immigrants.
The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
At the February meeting, state leaders also included Rep. Tommy Brann. On the federal level, the panel included Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, and Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2).
The next meeting will be March 9, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit WKTVjournal.org.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is a follow-up with the Grand Valley State University Veterans Upward Bound program. In 2018, as the program was just started, we talked with its new director. Now we bring you two veterans working for and as part of the program — each with unique and moving stories to tell — to find out how it is working.
The Veterans Upward Bound program aims to provide academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education.
With us are two members of the Upward Bound staff, Air Force veteran and soon-to-be college student Russell Coon, and Army veteran Belinda Coronado, who already has a degree from GVSU but is not yet done with her higher education efforts.
And Coon’s story is more than simply a vet finding help with higher education — his story is one of a vet finding his way in the world thanks to veterans support programs.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Kathey Batey in the WKTV studios talking about her various counseling and mediation and training efforts. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Kathey Batey is known for many things in the West Michigan community, including as an on-air volunteer at WKTV and as moderator of several Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce programs including its Government Matters.
But her day job — and her passion — is helping people overcome hardships as a domestic relations councilor and meditator.
That passion, late last year, earned her an award as Volunteer Meditator of the Year as part of the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan 2019 Peacemaker Awards.
While she has a history in counseling and public speaking, in the last decade she has focused on mediation.
“My interest (in mediation) began when a man in my support group (Divorce Support Anonymous) about nine years ago, stated his legal fees were $129,000 and he wasn’t done with his divorce yet,” Batey said to WKTV. “I was so taken aback, since divorce is destructive enough for the individuals, the family, and especially the children, why should they devastate their finances as well?
“I had heard of mediation so I set out to find out how. I went through mediation training eight years ago and, since, have found mediation as a wonderful challenge that helps people, giving them control over their future with the power to self-determination of their future. And it saves them a lot of money. They can mediate with an attorney or on their own. When they mediate on their own I always advise they have an attorney review it prior to signing. Because the Mediation Agreement is legally binding.”
Also honored at the event, held in October 2019, was Grand Rapid Mayor Rosalyn Bliss.
The Dispute Resolution Center, at the time of the award ceremony, said of Batey:
“Kathey specializes in domestic relations mediation. She has been mediating with the Center since 2012 and has donated over 500 hours of her time. Her passion and dedication shine though everything she does. One recent mediation participant summed it up in her post-mediation survey, ‘I was appreciative of Kathey’s demeanor, skill in facilitation, and ability to keep on task . . . She was thorough and compassionate.’ Kathey is committed to helping those who find themselves faced with Divorce.”
The kind words from the center at the time of the award was an honor, Batey said.
“To be recognized for your commitment to this valuable organization and recognized for your skill as a mediator is very rewarding,” she said. “I believe in their cause and they provide mediation services on a sliding scale, the most it will be is $150 per person for 3 hours. So those without a lot of means can get these services and minimize legal costs.
“Plus, the only way to truly be skilled in any profession is to work at your skill continuously. There is a lot to know in the many facets of divorce. There are the individual needs, self-determination, financial issues, co-parenting children, the law, critical thinking. The art and science of a good question, discipline of the mind, dealing with multiple personalities, managing fears, tears and still maintaining professionalism.”
For Batey, however, there is also a very simple, and personal, reason for her mediation work with the Dispute Resolution Center and on her own — a reason that makes her earning a Peacemaker Award all the more fitting.
“It is a part of my giving back into the world,”, she said, referencing the biblical passage “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
The Dispute Resolution Center, also at the time of the Peacemaker Awards ceremony, said of Mayor Bliss:
“Bliss is the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, MI. In honor of United Nations International Day of Peace, she declared September 21, 2019 as the International Day of Peace in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Public Schools participated in activities throughout the week in honor of the occasion. The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan is all about helping to create community and repairing broken relationships. Mayor Bliss understands that, ‘[H]aving a safe community is critical to our success, and that requires our continued commitment to strengthen community-police relations,’ Bliss said. ‘This requires building a strong foundation of trust between community members and our police officers.’”
For more information on the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan, visit drcwm.org.
Batey is the author of “Suddenly Single: Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce” and, among other projects, is the founder of Divorce Support Anonymous. For more information on Batey and her other efforts, visit StayMarriedAmerica.com and/or spiritedpresentations.com.
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., was at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan annual luncheon to be honored with the group’s locally-focused inaugural Hillman-Orr Award, at the same event when the inaugural Vandenberg Prize for work on the world stage was presented.
The Vandenberg Prize was given to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)
The Vandenberg Prize went to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman, who was honored in person at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, where a large crowd was in attendance Tuesday, Jan. 14.
But Klohs, who was raised in post-war Germany, spoke poignantly in her acceptance speech about Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951), who forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the then new United Nations.
“I grew up in the safety of NATO. I grew up with … (a German economy) predicated on the Marshall Plan,” Klohs said as she accepted her award but also honored the Vandenberg legacy. “So for that, every time I walk by the (senator’s) statue (near Rosa Parks Circle), I salute a little ‘Thank you’.” But Klohs’ path of learning about the man who was a key figure in the Marshall Plan and NATO was not simple.
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)
Hank Meijer “wrote the definitive book on a senator I’d never heard of when I moved here,” Klohs said. “When I first met Hank, many years ago, he said to me ‘Birgit, there needs to be a Vandenberg Square in Germany.’ And I’m like ‘Who is Vandenberg?’ Another Dutch guy? And he’s like ‘No. Let me tell you about Senator Vandenberg.’
“And I was stunned. Growing up in Germany, in a divided Germany, we always lived in the shadow of the Soviet Union. Right? We all learned about the Marshall fund, and how it helped West Germany and the rest of Europe get back on its feet. Learned about NATO. But I’d never heard of the senator who was really the person behind the scenes the made the Marshall fund happen, who made NATO happen, who made the UN happen.
“And who brought along senators who were isolationists. (Other senators) who said ‘It is 1945, we won the war. We all go home and be done with it and leave those Europeans to themselves.’ But he (Vandenberg) had learned that after World War I, that didn’t work. He, who was an isolationist himself, became a globalist. And, frankly, we could use more globalists today.”
Vandenberg was also the inspiration for founding the local World Affairs Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr, for whom the Hillman-Orr Award was named, according to the council.
The Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Klohs by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America.
“There is likely nobody in this room who has not heard from Birgit Klohs on the importance of global economic ties between West Michigan and world partners,” Tappen said. “Under her leadership, as the CEO of 32 years, The Right Place has created 47,000 new jobs and spurred nearly 5 billion dollars in new investment in our local the economy.
“Birgit is a leading economic development strategist, collaborates with our local, our national and our state government on critical issues related to economic development.”
Klohs, however, pointed out that much of her work is encouraging local leaders to embrace internationalism, in business and in all things.
“I also wanted to spread the word in our region, that embracing international, that embracing people from other parts of the world, will enrich us. It does not make us poorer, it makes us richer,” she said. “And that, in fact, your competition today is no longer in Iowa or Indiana. But it is in Mexico. And it is in India. And it is in China.
“The more we embrace that competition, we will be stronger as a region for it. And so, the World Affairs Council has really modeled this thinking for the last 70 years. … It has always been the strength of this community to gather and embrace new thoughts.”
At the Jan. 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall were chamber member and moderator Kathy Bates, chamber president Bob O’Callaghan, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Local governmental leaders — from the mayors of Wyoming and Kentwood, to a county commissioner and state legislators, to representatives of federal officials — looked ahead to 2020 as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Jan. 13. at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
At the January meeting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll represented their cities. Kent County Commissioner Monica Sparks was also present. State leaders included Sen. Peter MacGregor and Reps. Tommy Brann and Steven Johnson.
On the federal level, the panel included Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.
The next meeting will be Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.
WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Homelessness featured Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson moderating along with Marshall Kilgore and, from left, panelists Hillary Scholten and Bo Torres. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we bring you City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Immigration, held Thursday, Jan. 9, at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood.
The event was moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates, and included panelists Hillary Scholten, candidate for the U.S. 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, a Hispanic community leader.
WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Immigration set-up by Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson drew a crowd Jan. 9. (WKTV)
The conversation drew about 100 people, with standing room only, and included discussion on current immigration policies as well as the contributions made to the United States from immigrants — both documented and undocumented. It also included discussion on proposed Michigan governmental action to change the state’s driver’s license laws.
Regular episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).Individual interviews area also available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel at WKTVvideos.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team in action against Wyoming Tri-unity Christian on Jan. 7. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The Godwin Heights High School girls basketball team (5-1) closed out their early non-conference season schedule Tuesday, Jan. 6, with a convincing, if at times sloppy, 58-38 non-conference home win over Wyoming Tri-unity Christian.
And while the Wolverines’ schedule will get more challenging now as it enters OK-Conference Silver play Friday, Jan. 10, at Hopkins (3-3 in early season action), head coach Cassie Medina likes what she has seen from her team of nine juniors and one super freshman.
And she really likes what she thinks the team could become this season and next.
“I’m excited, because I had half of them (the juniors) on varsity last year, so we are still building,” Medina said to WKTV after the Tuesday game. “I feel like this year is the year and next year is the year.”
Medina is now 82-59 overall at Godwin, but is 77-44 without a losing season after going 5-15 in 2012-13, her first year leading the varsity.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team before a game Jan. 7. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
In the Tri-unity game, the Wolverines had seven players in the scoring column, led by center Jakaya Lay’s 15 points and freshman guard KaShari Babb’s 12 points. Guard Lashay Lee added nine points and forward Anika Clark eight.
Other juniors on the team include guards Lanaja Polk-Craig, Diamond Johnson and Hannah Barns, forward Shantil Johnson and center Jaida Walls.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team head coach Cassir Medina talks during a timeout in a Jan. 7 game. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
And while coach Medina feels she can and will get scoring — and tight defense — from just about anybody she puts on the court, Lay has been very impressive on both offense and defense in the paint, and Babb was is just beginning to show why she was too good to not play point guard/off guard on varsity.
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team had nine juniors and one freshman, guard KaShari Babb, right. (WKTV)
Babb’s “basketball smarts is just too good, there is just no way she should be JV,” Medina said. “If you watch her, her basketball IQ, she sees layups inside, she sees open players. She is just too good.”
And Lay is not only developing into a scoring machine, but she rebounds and plays tough inside defense without drawing carless fouls — she did not have a single foul against Tri-unity.
“Her footwork is so good inside. For her size, she’s a little shorter (5-foot-9), her footwork is so nice,” Medina said. “The way she can get the ball and move … I’m amazed at the inside moves she has.”
But Medina knows that her team will need to get better, this season and next, starting with the conference opener this week.
“Tonight (against Tri-unity) was a little sloppy, we need to clean-up a lot of the turnovers,” she said. “But righty now we are doing a lot of things right.”
The Wolverines were 11-11 last season and were 4-6 in OK-Conference Silver play. They won two games in the state playoffs, including a 56-40 win over conference foe Kelloggsville, before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in the Division 2 District 44 finals.
The Godwin Heights vs. Tri-unity game was a WKTV Sports Featured Game and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
