Category Archives: Local Faces

Songs on May Erlewine’s ‘Second Sight’ speak softly, clearly of America at crossroads

Entertainment, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming Events
May Erlewine (Supplied/Michael Poehlman)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Anybody who has seen West Michigan’s own May Erlewine in concert, either during her in-process local and national tour or at any number local gigs in recent years, know she sings her songs with a gentle passion.

On her latest full-length studio album release, Second Sight, set to hit the streets Nov. 1, she maintains her sweet, gentle delivery but she packs a musical heavyweight’s punch with songs about an American society at risk if not in peril.

For evidence of her intent to push her music into the realm of socio-political commentary of the best — and strongest — vein, you need to listen no further than the first single released from Second Sight, and witness the power of its accompanying video, “Whole Again” — which she states was “Written as a testimony for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. And for all of the women who have been ‘unheard’ in their truth.”

Erlewine, an American woman thorough-and-through, is making clear her concern, if not open anger, at the current state of the country. And she does so unabashedly.

May Erlewine (Supplied/Michael Poehlman)

“There was no reluctance to being straightforward because so much care and intention was put into our message from the beginning to the end,” Erlewine said to WKTV in an email interview. “I also feel very at home with the truth. It’s not something that we can really avoid, so it feels relieving to me to create art that feels true and relevant to the times.”

“Whole Again” is about “the pain of women’s history,” she said in supplied material. “It’s about the fact that we have continued to repair and make whole what has been broken so many times, all while continuing to suffer abuses and silencing, without truly equal rights in our own country.”

That, as they say, is a punch to the heart of the matter.

The song was first written by Erlewine as a poem while watching the widely televised testimony of Christine Blasey Ford during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings. Erlewine brought the poem to musical co-conspiratorTyler Duncan and together they crafted the song.

Undoubtedly, if you heard Erlewine in concert in Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids last weekend, or plan to catch her at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake on Sunday, Oct. 13, your witness to her new songs and the stories of how they came about.

From the opening track on Second Sight, the instrumental “New Morning”, with Erlewine plays piano on what seems almost like a prelude to a larger work — a play or an opera — to the final song, “Afraid”, which feels a lot like a requiem, the collection seems thematic.

Cover art May Erlewine Second Sight

“The album is a journey through what feels like a time of great regression in our leadership,” she said. “This country was founded in pain and injustice, and a lot of that pain has been passed down through the generations. We are living in a time where we are inundated with media, consumerism and distractions from being connected to our deeper visions.

“The songs are a journey to reconnecting with our home, ourselves and each other while grieving the incredible trauma of our history.”

Another punch where it hurts.

While Second Sight, taken in its entirety, has an almost all-encompassing level of quality, in its music and its messages, to me, the heart of the recording is the trio of songs “Eyes on the Road”, “How Can I Return” and “Together in My Mind”.

Sticking in my mind’s eye after first listen, “Eyes on the Road”, for many reasons, seems to me to be saying there are good things coming down the road if you just stay true to the journey.

“This song is about holding our vision for the future and not being distracted by the insanity that is surrounding us right now,” Erlewine said. “It is when things are not right that we must hold on to our dreams. Our vision is needed when the way is unclear.”

And while “How Can I Return” … which includes the lyric “all the bridges have been burned” … seems talks about the destructive path our country is on, “Together in My Mind” … “Even when the sky is falling, there is stardust to find” … finds Erlewine remaining optimistic about the future. Maybe.

“How Can I Return” is “about colonialism and the pain of how we got to where we are as a country,” she said. “When we look at the injustice of our history and all of the people our victories have wounded, it feels very hard to connect to this country, this flag. The question is, ‘How could I return after understanding what the foundation of our country is built upon?

“… ‘Together In My Mind’ is about overcoming isolation and remembering that we are all connected to each other and all living things. This song is leading into ‘Afraid’ (the final track) which asks us to dig deep into courage and love as we move forward into uncharted territory.”

Clearly, Erlewine is not afraid to look at the American landscape, the mirror of our times, and see the good and the bad. And we, her listeners and admirers, should do so as well.

“I believe in our ability to make change happen,” she said. “I believe in the power of our hearts. I believe that we have a choice, to wake up and dig in, or remain in this nightmare. I believe in the work ahead and I am committed to it.”

For more information on May Erlewine, her music and the current tour, visit mayerlewine.com .

Cat of the week: Uncle Daddy

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
Uncle Daddy

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Uncle Daddy is doing amazingly well, and we are all so very proud of him! Since being dumped on our doorstep back in March—along with nine other furry family members—this guy has graciously allowed us to pick him up, and he actually enjoys it, but as soon as there are too many people around, he gets scared, hisses and runs off. He and Dr. Jen are best buddies, always hanging around together and posing for photo ops; he can be quite comical—and unabashedly shameless. He’s definitely still the leader of the pack; his furry family members look up to him and sincerely derive pleasure from his company.


Now, why did Dr. Jen name the family the way she did? When Dr. Jen discovered that they were all somehow related, she started calling the one whom she assumed was the founding father ‘Uncle Daddy’. Then while attempting to retrieve one of the girls safely from a travel carrier, the good doc was rewarded with a nasty slash across the hand with talon-like claws. So, she put two-and-two together and decided to name the bunch after characters from a quirky TV show aptly called Claws.


The Shy Seven consisted of Uncle Daddy, Roller, Dean, Desna, Jenn, Polly and Quiet Ann, and with the addition of Brice, Dr. Ken and Virginnia, the cast of cats was complete; it all made purr-fect sense to Dr. Jen—and there is always a method to her madness.


At our free-roaming facility, cats like these have all of the time in the world to acclimate and adjust at their own rate, a snail’s pace if that is what is necessary. We have no cages, no time limits, no rules or regulations: each individual cat gets to stretch his legs at his own pace, each kitty gets to spread her furry little wings and fly when she is ready to leave the nest.


We offer a peaceful, secure environment to each and every cat in our care as long as they need it—and us. Slow and steady wins the race, and we firmly believe that with love, all things are possible; we surely can see endless possibilities and bright futures full of promise for this family of ours.


One final thing to note, since we have gotten to know each and every one of the 10 intimately: none of them should go to homes with children, and all require a quiet, mellow space. All except Jenn absolutely need to be placed with another cat they can snuggle up with, but not necessarily with one of the Timid 10.

The boy is shameless

Potential adopters should be aware that it will more than likely be a tough transition for any of them, but once they settle in, get themselves familiarized with their new surroundings and develop a new routine, they are going to be amazing cats. They are 100% worth the effort but they will require more patience, time and energy than your average shelter cat.


Honestly though, we feel each and everyone one of our cats is above average, especially this family, who have come so far since they day they were dumped on our doorstep. Their transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.


If you are interested in meeting one or more of the family members, we’ll set up a special ‘quiet time’ to come visit them. They really thrive in calm surroundings so we want to showcase them at their best!

More about Uncle Daddy:

  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Black
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Prefers a home without children

Want to adopt Uncle Daddy? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.



Kentwood Police Chief Hillen announces retirement, Deputy Chief to be appointed

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, Local Faces,
Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen, from a city event this summer. (Photo credit: WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

After a distinguished law enforcement career spanning more than four decades, Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen announced his retirement, effective Nov. 1.

Hillen began his 10-plus years of service to the City of Kentwood in 2009 after serving 32 years with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure with the Kentwood Police Department, Hillen has led a team of nearly 95 personnel, including 70 sworn police officers, to serve and protect the community with excellence, focusing on reducing serious crime and increasing traffic safety.

“Chief Hillen has been an invaluable asset to our community for more than a decade,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “His effective leadership and dedication to the City have been demonstrated by the department’s accomplishments. Today, Kentwood’s violent crime and property crime is at a five-year low under his leadership. For that and so much more, we are truly grateful for his service.

“While we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best as he moves into retirement and thank him for his service throughout the years.”

During his tenure in Kentwood, Hillen instituted innovative programs to address key issues in the community, such as the department’s Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety, or DDACTS, program, Operation PRICE to reduce retail theft, leadership development for supervisory staff and school resource officers for area middle schools.

He also placed an officer on the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force and appointed the first female captain in the department’s history.

“I have been fortunate to have had two great law enforcement careers, both at the Sheriff’s Office and here at the City,” Hillen said. “It has been a pure joy to spend these past 10 years with the Kentwood Police Department and I will greatly miss the family atmosphere.

“I’m humbled by the department’s achievements and feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work here and serve alongside the team. The officers care for the community, and the community cares for the officers. That is what makes it special to be an officer in the City of Kentwood; it’s just different here.

“Our success is attributed to our combined efforts, and I can proudly say this has been the perfect capstone experience of a profession I have loved.”

In addition to his work with the department, Hillen has served in numerous leadership roles for the profession. He has served as president of the Kent County Chiefs of Police, chairman of Kent County’s Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Team and has been on the advisory boards for the police academies at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Kent Career Technical Center.

He is also a member of the Law Enforcement Action Forum, also known as LEAF, assisting with the development of law enforcement model policies and related materials. Over the years, LEAF has grown to be a valuable resource for the Michigan Municipal League and other agencies in the state when addressing law enforcement public policy issues.

Hillen was KCSO’s chief deputy before coming to Kentwood to serve as captain of the Patrol Division. Hillen stepped into the role of police chief from deputy chief in November 2012 following the retirement of former Police Chief Richard Mattice.

“Chief Hillen worked hard every day for the community. He constantly ensured his whole team fought around a problem and worked to innovate and get the best out of the resources available,” said Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, who worked with Hillen for more than 20 years. “He was a mentor for me and helped me be better at my job in the jobs I would hold in the future. I wish him the best of times in his well-earned retirement.”

Mayor Kepley intends to appoint Deputy Chief Richard Roberts to fill the police chief position. City Commission will be asked to confirm the appointment.

Roberts first joined the Kentwood Police Department in 1987, initially as a police paramedic. During his more than 30 years with the City of Kentwood, including 24 years of supervisory and management experience, Roberts has served in many different roles, giving him a diverse knowledge of police operations.

In addition to his paramedic experience, he also served as a detective, field training officer, field training officer supervisor, road patrol supervisor, Staff Services Bureau supervisor and Detective Bureau supervisor. He also served on the crisis negotiating team. Roberts was promoted to captain of the Patrol Division in December 2012, where he implemented the DDACTS program, and was appointed deputy police chief in August 2017.

Roberts recently attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, an executive school for law enforcement, which has some of the best training a law enforcement executive can obtain. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territory and from international partner nations.

“We have made it a priority to focus on internal leadership development, and Deputy Chief Roberts has been an integral part of our leadership team since I became police chief,” Hillen said. “With his three decades of service to the City of Kentwood, there is no doubt in my mind he is dedicated to this profession, the City and our department.

“He knows our culture and has a passion for overcoming our challenges. His service to the community has been unquestionable and I have the utmost faith he will continue to provide exemplary leadership as police chief.”

Hillen and his wife, Sueann, plan to spend the winter in Florida and see where life takes them next.

Wyoming sculptor, photographer opens expressive exhibition at GRCC’s Collins Art Gallery

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events,
Artist Jon Lopez’ creatures come to life in his studio. (Photo Credit: WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming resident Jon Lopez’ early day job is managing a Bagel Beanery on Clyde Park Avenue SW, where he is often present at the crack of dawn getting ready for the morning rush of caffeine seekers and bagel lovers.

Ernie and Ziggy (bakers bear and rabit) with bagels Jonathan Lopez 2019 (Courtesy of the artist)

But in the afternoons or early evenings, in his basement sculpture studio, he sort of transports himself to another world — a world of clay-full characters including thoughtful monkeys, mice on a mission and a green octopus that he is almost on talking terms with.

“I always have a tremendous amount of self-doubt when I’m starting a sculpture, but then suddenly the character is looking back at me and I say ‘Oh, shoot’, this is the character, its spirit,” Lopez, a 2015 graduate of Grand Rapids Community College, said to WKTV. “An animal will just set on the desk until that breath of life is put into them. … If I don’t get that feeling, it does not get put out.”

And one of the self-titled Clay Alchemist’s favorite characters-come-to-life is a green octopus called Charlie, who will be present at the current exhibition “GRCC Alumnus: Jonathan Lopez”, at GRCC’s Collins Art Gallery. The exhibition held a soft opening Sept. 30, plans a opening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 3-7 p.m., and will run through Oct. 25.

Charlie the Octopus Charlie the Octopus Jon Lopez 2019. (Courtesy of the artist)

“The simplicity of Charlie is one of my favorites,” Lopez said. “And I’ve come back to him a couple times. I just like messing with octopuses. They are really fun … they have really comical faces.”

Lopez has a long history with clay sculptural work, which has undergone a environmental transformation to plasticine, and over the years developed an artistic preference for the end result being high-tech photos of his sculptures in unusual settings and then the recycling of the original works of art.

“I like the idea (of using plasticine), that I can reuse it over and over again. … I just like the concept of nothing is permanent,” he said. “There is something nice and refreshing that when something is done, it is out of my hands. I might keep it for a short time, so some people can see it in person. But when it is done — once the (photograph) illustration is done, I like to take them apart and that same clay goes into the next illustration. … In a way it is environmentally friendly.”

And as far as the choice of photographs being the final product?

Jon Lopez in his studio. (Photo Credit: WKTV)

“I have always been really reserved with letting people see the finished product, in person, the actual sculpture in person,” he said. “Allowing me to do the photograph, rather than you see it in person, I have more control of the lighting and where it is at. I almost feel that, as an artist, you lose a lot control and emotion when you hand it off to someone else. And the photography just enables you that control when you hand off the finished piece.”

He uses Fuji metallic paper in printing, which “brings a really dimensional esthetic to the picture,” he said. “When you have just a standard glossy, or luster, there is a lack of depth to there photograph. The metallic just picks up the highlights in a certain way where I’ve had so many people come up to a print and say ‘It looks lifelike. It looks 3-dimensional.”

While most of the sculptural and photographic work occurs in his basement studio, sometimes his creatures travel.

“My friend and I went to Colorado as well as Louisiana with some characters … There has been a few spring breaks where I have taken them along,” he said. “I took a turtle down to Louisiana and I took his photograph in New Orleans and in the swamps.”

The exhibition is really the evolution of his work, starting with his first publicly shown work, when he was just out of college, “which was an online dating parody,” then there is a series which has not been on exhibit called “Curious Cuisine, which is sort of a humorous approach to looking at the lives of food.”

Some of his work — maybe as he matures — is becoming more serious, maybe even described as “dark”. One series of works is called “No Dignity” which includes the photograph “Untermench”.

Untermench Jonathan Lopez 2019. (Courtesy of the artist)

“Untermench literally means sub-human, and it’s just an analogy of the way that people treat, that people in general, demonize a group of people. The photograph is of a cat exterminating mice and cockroaches, and over the years, since Hitler, really, people have been called cockroaches or vermin, and exterminated,” Lopez said. “This is an examination of social issues, really. … It is important to have these conversations about how we treat each other.”

But, Lopez says, when he gets too dark, there is always Charlie and other fun and funny creations waiting to come to life.

“As an artist, when you have a point in life, when you’re getting a more low-key part in your life, or you are just going thorough some inner turmoil, it is nice to have an outlet,” he said. “But at the same time, when I do a couple of darker pieces, then I would have to do a curious cuisine illustration … The truth is that I cannot stay in that (serious) vein for too long.”

The GRCC Collins Art Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, formerly Main Building, 143 Bostwick Ave NE. Grand Rapids. Gallery hour at Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit GRCC.edu/visualarts .

For more information on the artist, visit clayalchemist.com .

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: WKTV VOICES visits the Heartside District

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Voices, , ,
The VOICES Airstream trailer parked at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Heartside

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV VOICES


victoria@wktv.org


Heartside Neighborhood in downtown Grand Rapids has a rich, colorful history. In the 1850s, it was a shanty town, home to immigrants who were new to America. The area grew quickly—at first small houses dotted the landscape, then commercial and industrial businesses, hotels, a railroad depot, stores and apartment buildings. Today, it’s a historic district containing many original buildings, 55 of which are historically significant.


The area’s renaissance is mirrored in modern apartment buildings with both market-rate and income-based units; high-end condos; parking structures; offices; a feast of food establishments; a cat café; art studios; and recently built Studio Park, which adds movie theaters, more restaurants, more offices, more apartments, and a music venue to the mix. Heartside is becoming denser by the day.

Photo by Victoria Mullen, WKTV

There’s a palpable tension in the air as newcomers and longtime residents alike struggle to co-exist with a younger, more affluent crowd and the age-old problem of gentrification. The place is dynamic and vibrant but also plagued by criminal activity—vandalism, drug activity, trespassing, prostitution and the like—and an ever-growing transient population.


As services and resources increase in number, organizations like Dwelling Place, Heartside Ministries, Mel Trotter Ministries, Guiding Light, Dégagé, and others have been inundated. Grand Rapids is known as a “destination city” for homelessness as West Michigan police departments and judges send parolees here, and Mel Trotter routinely receives folks who have been given a one-way bus ticket to downtown Grand Rapids by missions, churches, and families in other cities across the Midwest.


VOICES has hosted several people who live and work in ever-evolving Heartside. Lisa Blackburn, Victoria Kool, Tommie Wallace, Larry Dean White, and Dr. Mark Vander Meer are just a few of the folks who shared their stories recently.


Listen to their voices—and others—on the VOICES Facebook page.


* * *

Photo by Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Dwelling Place connects people to programs and resources that can help folks become self-sufficient and find affordable housing. The nonprofit advocates for the neighborhood to make it safer—like street lights so people feel comfortable when they’re out at night and accessible sidewalks so children can easily walk to school. The nonprofit also unites neighbors and strives to bring in businesses that enrich the community.


Lisa Blackburn, Resident Services Coordinator at Dwelling Place, has fond memories of the Heartside District; it was her old stomping grounds when she was a kid growing up in the 1970s.


“Back then, it wasn’t called Heartside,” said Blackburn. “There were a lot of old, abandoned buildings. I remember playing around the train tracks—I may or may not have thrown a rock through a window. It feels good now as an employee in this area to see how it has grown.”


* * *


Artist Victoria Kool lives in Heartside. Her story, while unique, shares commonalities with others who live in the neighborhood: She was abused as a child, and she struggles with mental illness and addiction. She first attempted suicide at the tender age of 8.

Lisa Blackburn

“My parents had threatened to kill me if I told anyone about the abuse,” Kool said. “I had given up on life. My mom was an alcoholic. From a very young age, I took care of my siblings. I’ve had adult responsibilities since I was 5.”


Kool began having flashbacks in her 40s and 50s. She remembers standing in a closet, counting the stripes on the carpet to pass the time. 


“It was either the closet or the attic or the basement; I spent a lot of my childhood in my own little world,” she said. “Until the age of 18, I felt invisible because of the trauma.”


No one believed her, not even the police. As a kindergartener, Kool knew that ‘Policeman Ralph’ wouldn’t help. 


“I was a cynical kid,” Kool said.


A high-school acquaintance thought Kool had an ideal, well-adjusted family. But it was all a facade.

Victoria Kool

Kool had planned to attend college and then start a career in social work. Those hopes were dashed when family members told her she was expected to marry. She had children and for many years played the role of little homemaker. She struggled to cope with the flashbacks.


“I had no memory of the abuse and ended up with multiple personalities to compartmentalize the trauma,” said Kool. “My family didn’t want me to talk about it and threatened to silence me. I fled my marriage.”


She sought refuge with a friend, but Kool’s ex-husband threatened the woman, and Kool was asked to leave.


At one point, Kool drove to Florida, where her 4-year-old car’s engine blew. She lived in a homeless shelter for a week, until a church bought her a plane ticket to fly back to Grand Rapids.

Photo by Victoria Mullen, WKTV

“I ended up in a recovery house with women who had just gotten out of prison,” Kool explained. “I had a mental breakdown and got kicked out after a month. Then I called Mel Trotter and started in their emergency shelter—up at 6am, out at 8am, can’t get back in until 6pm. I dragged my suitcase around all day. It really opened my eyes to the reality of homelessness—a lot of mental illness, addiction, lack of a support network.”


Mel Trotter Ministries has served the greater Grand Rapids area since 1900. Founded by Melvin Ernest Trotter, a former alcoholic, the organization was first located at 955 Canal Street. Offering substance abuse counseling and other services, the mission moved to its present location at 225 Commerce Ave. SW in 1968.


The reasons for homelessness are many—domestic violence that forces someone to flee; an illness or injury that causes loss of employment and income (eviction is often close behind); addiction; mental illness; rising rents and lack of affordable housing; the list goes on. 


“Homelessness is exhausting,” Kool said. “Living in a neighborhood with so many homeless people around me—I had to be prepared. I had grown up judgmental, with an air of superiority, and I had to deal with that so I could adjust and coexist with folks who were different from me. The diversity was new to me.”

Photo by Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Kool sees many people going through the same struggles as they try to somehow make a better life for themselves.


“Living in Heartside, I am attuned to those who have suffered abuse,” she said. “I have a sense of who has been through a bad situation; I have compassion and empathy now versus being judgmental. Most people who have addictions have been abused. A lot of the people here in Heartside are mentally ill, too.”


* * *


Muralist Tommie Wallace (aka Town Hall Auk Med) lives in an income-based apartment made possible by Dwelling Place. Originally from Kalamazoo, he came to Grand Rapids after seeing a commercial for ITT Technical Institute (now defunct).


“I stayed with a cousin until his wife felt I needed to move on, and that’s how I ended up in Heartside,” Wallace said. “I liked the area, had a lot of fun. I stayed here because it’s near a bus line, the library, the store.”

Photo by Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Wallace created his first mural at the site of Goodrich and Commerce. 


“People would stop and talk to me as I worked,” he said. “I met such interesting people; some bought me lunch; one lady came by and brought me an umbrella as I worked in the rain.”


Wallace lived in Washington DC for a time.


“DC is different from the Midwest,” he said. “The difference is friendliness—you don’t see it much in DC, people keep to themselves, don’t want to get into conversations; I had to adapt because I was used to saying, ‘Good morning.’ People shun you there for that.”


After graduating from ITT Tech, Wallace got a job working for an airline company. As his income increased, he moved from an income-based apartment at The Weston to a market-rate residence at Goodrich Apartments. He lived there until being laid off after 9/11. 

Tommie Wallace

“I came back to The Weston and I have been there over 20 years now. Heartside is my home. I know people here, they know me. I get a good feeling when people recognize me as an artist.”


A recovering addict, Wallace attends meetings at Heartside Ministry every Friday. Heartside Ministry serves people who live in the margins of Grand Rapids. It strives to provide basic needs; in addition, it offers a GED program, art gallery, yoga class and chapel for people to practice their faith. 


Wallace meets a lot of people who are older, ill or injured.


“They’re newcomers to these issues and don’t know what to do,” Wallace said.

Larry Dean White

Wallace has served on the board of directors for Dwelling Place since 2005. He likes seeing the various development projects in downtown Grand Rapids.


“So many different people are coming down, young people, rich people. Residents were afraid that they would be pushed out.”

* * *


“I got the ministry in prison,” said Arkansas native Larry Dean White. The self-described ‘redneck Christian minister’, shares his love of God with the folks who people Heartside.


“I studied for six years; my textbooks are the old and new testaments,” he said.


White sat down to share his story with Dr. Mark Vander Meer, a pastor and founder of Community Recovery International, a nonprofit organization that helps address family, individual, addictive, marital, and mental health issues of all types locally and overseas.

Dr. Mark Vander Meer

White thinks there is too much judgment on the outside.


“Instead of putting people down, help them up, like Jesus did,” he said. “People should be treated with respect.”


Vander Meer agreed.


“There needs to be more ‘heart’ in ‘Heartside’,” he said.


* * *

VOICES is available to partner with nonprofit organizations. To learn more, and to schedule an event, go here. Be sure to visit and listen to the conversations on our Facebook page here and our YouTube channel here.


Cat of the week: T’Challa

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
T’Challa rocks the black panther pose

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Dr. Jen is a firm believer that things happen for a reason and that often you end up at the right place at exactly the right time. Such is the case with T’Challa.


Dr. Jen and her fiancé were heading home from Detroit on Aug. 11, 2019, when she checked her emails on her phone. Garden City resident, Jessy Kellerman, had contacted the good doc for possible help with an FIV+ stray that she had found in her neighborhood and had been caring for since she picked him up on the 5th. Ill with an upper respiratory infection and fully intact—his mere presence was causing a small ruckus in her home—this four-year-old fella (born in the summer of 2015) was in need of placement, with the ultimate goal of adoption into a home better suited to him.


As luck would have it, the lovebirds were only about 20 minutes away from the cat in needs’ location, so they grabbed lunch and headed on over to meet and pick up their furry passenger for the two-hour ride home.


Although the strikingly handsome, petite black panther had been quite vocal at Jessy’s place, he didn’t make a single peep on the way home (ok, once—when Dr. Jen was singing along to a song that he obviously didn’t care for), sitting contentedly in his carrier on her lap. Dr. Jen set him up in her home office for the night and let him settle in a bit, although he would have much preferred to make his rounds about her house, but with two Bassets and 10 cats in residence, it wasn’t advisable.


Although grumbly when seeing the other cats through the door to Dr. Jen’s enclosed ‘catio’, T’Challa seemed more interested in exploring than anything. But since feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through bite wounds, and given the fact his whole world had been turned upside-down yet again, Dr. Jen confined him—and heard ALL about it the entire evening. Jessy was right when she said he had a lot to say!

The boy enjoys the ‘catio’

As expected, T’Challa had a hard time adjusting to the shelter and is just starting to settle in at the writing of his bio a month after his arrival. He seems to get along great with some of the cats, even snuggling up next to them sometimes. However, some of our more ‘manly’ cats pick on him and he just can’t understand why—but we have an idea: it’s that constant chattering, meowing and talking to everyone and everything (while in perpetual motion) that ruffles their feathers.


We want more than anything for this sweet boy to quickly find a nice, quiet home. The other cats really do overwhelm him. He’s never been aggressive but the others obviously see his “noises” as a threat. He prefers to be curled up out of the spotlight, enjoys his wet food, and loves all of us doting over him. He has quickly become a volunteer favorite and loves nothing more than to just sit on a lap. He absolutely needs a less active home with no dogs, no small kids, but possibly an older, quiet cat.


T’Challa will make someone a wonderful companion, and we have no doubt he will quiet right down once he feels at ease.

More about T’Challa:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Black
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Large
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Prefers a home without dogs or children

Want to adopt T’Challa? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.





Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Faces, Voices, Woodland Mall

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“A drowning man will clutch at a straw.”      


Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)

Elements of survival

The VOICES Airstream parked at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Heartside

WKTV VOICES visited the Heartside district, and one of the many things we learned is that being homeless is exhausting. Go here to read and listen to what some Heartside residents and workers have to say about their experiences.

Time’s running out
to share your vision

City leaders are looking for community input on the future of the City of Wyoming, and will be hosting another Wyoming [Re]Imagined meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6-8pm at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming. More details here.

Well, isn’t that grand?

Woodland Mall sketch new entrance Von Maur wing 2019 (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

This fall, shoppers will enjoy the long-anticipated grand opening of first-to-portfolio department store Von Maur and the expansion of what will be known as the Von Maur wing at Woodland Mall, along with The Cheesecake Factory as a new dining anchor. Read all about it here.

Fun fact:

232 years

He was a very good boy

The number of years by which Adwaita outlived Lord Clive.


Adwaita was an ancient Aldabra giant tortoise, who was ostensibly gifted to Robert Clive of the East India Company by British seafarers who captured it from Aldabra, an atoll in the Seychelles. 


Lord Clive later became an opium addict and committed suicide in 1774 at the age of 49.


Adwaita’s shell cracked in 2005, and he died from infection and liver failure in 2006. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between 150-255 years old.


If the topmost number is to be believed, then Adwaita outlived Clive by 232 years.


Past and present of ‘War on Poverty’, county Community Action on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Local Faces, WKTV Journal In Focus, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we continue a series looking at the depth and breath of poverty throughout Kent County and specifically in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

To introduce us to some of the issues, we talk with Susan Cervantes, the Director of the Kent County Community Action program which, according to its 2018 annual report, served more than 7,000 individuals including more than 3,800 families, and also handled more than 42,000 information and referral calls.

The Community Action program came into existence 55 years ago when President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation to establish a War on Poverty.

The local group, according to its website “works to eliminate the causes and circumstances of poverty by investing in individuals and families with low incomes. Through dedicated staff and community partnerships we provide services, resources, education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for all residents of Kent County.”

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.

Cat of the week: Margaery

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , ,
Margaery prefers to be queen of the castle

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Magnificent Margaery, a regal and royal specimen of all things fine and feline, came to us in late August of 2019. As the story goes, she had been wandering around a Wyoming neighborhood, searching for a place to claim as her own, for almost an entire year before one of our former adopters took matters into his own hands and enlisted the aid of his sister, who welcomed her into her humble home.


The lovely lady (born in early 2015) took up temporary residence there until she was brought in to the clinic for a work-up; when she tested positive initially for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), Dr. Jen offered to take her into our program. We were all very upset by this news, but more so because a microchip revealed that she once had an owner who had either abandoned her or released her out into the world to fend for herself; since the virus is transmitted by bite wounds, it was obvious Margaery wasn’t used to fighting off feline foes.


However, as luck would have it, when retested at her one-month follow-up, our gorgeous gray girl sported negative results, meaning that her immune systems was strong and valiant enough to recognize the virus was present and posing a threat, but yet conquer and defeat it before it laid claim.


We have gotten to know Margaery quite intimately over the past few months, and we are all in agreement that she needs to be the ruler of her own domain:

She may look down upon her subjects, but she’s a lovely, lovely girl

“Margaery is not too crazy about the other cats but for the most part doesn’t really stir up any trouble. She will hiss if someone gets too close to her, but a lot of it is talk. She had no trouble moving over to Crash’s side—the fewer cats for her, the better. She doesn’t care to be picked up, but does enjoy human attention, especially loves back scratches. She’s slowly learning that being brushed isn’t so bad but will still swat and let you know when she’s had enough. I think it would be best if she’s an only cat, no small kids, or dogs. She loves bird-watching, so give her a perch with a window view, and I guarantee you she will be the best girl ever.”


“Margaery is yet another pretty girl who thinks she’s a queen. She spends most of her time hanging out on top of a cage, looking over her peasants below. She also enjoys watching birds at the feeders. She needs a home where she is treated like the royalty she thinks she is, so no other cats and probably no children.”


We just know there is a place for her to call her own out there, and after so much time on the streets she certainly does deserve to reign supreme. She has so much love to give—so much potential laying in wait in that pretty little package—that we are most eager to give this to her.

More about Margaery:

  • Domestic Long Hair
  • Gray/Blue/Silver
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Prefers to be an only cat; no dogs or children

Want to adopt Margaery? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.



WKTV coverage of Kentwood commission candidates includes We The People, forum videos

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Local Faces, Politics, WKTV Projects, ,

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The two candidates for the City of Kentwood’s Ward 2 Commissioner seat currently held by Michael Brown, which will be decided on the Nov. 5 ballot, participated in WKTV Journal’s “We the People” public service videos, which allow the candidates to communicate their qualifications and goals directly to the public.

The two candidates for the Ward 2 seat are Bill Benoit and Ron Draayer. Also on the ballot in November but running unopposed for other Kentwood Commission seats are incumbent Commissioner at Large Maurice H. Groce and incumbent Ward 1 Commissioner Robert D. Coughlin.

Benoit, Draayer and Commissioner Coughlin each produced “We The People” videos, which are available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel at WKTVvideos. Commissioner Grace was invited to produce a video.

WKTV’s “We The People” candidate introduction videos series are produced prior to each election voted on by Wyoming and Kentwood residents. Each video is five minutes or less, with content decided upon by the candidates, and produced without content edit by WKTV staff.

Bill Benoit’s video is here. Ron Draayer’s video is here. Commissioner Coughlin’s video is here.

The two Ward 2 candidates also recently answers questions from a moderator at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Candidate Forum, which took place Sept. 11, at the Kentwood Branch of the Kent District Library, with WKTV Community Media cameras recording the event.

Benoit, according to the candidate, is a Kentwood resident who works for the Charter Township of Cascade as a building inspector and plan reviewer, and is currently on the City of Kentwood Planning Commission.

Draayer, according to the candidate, is a Kentwood resident who was a classroom teacher at Davenport University for 40 years and taught classes in the field of technology and cyber security.

WKTV Community Media was at the forum and will both broadcast it on WKTV Government Channel 26 as well as making it available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel at WKTVvideos. The forum will be broadcast Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon; as well as several but as-yet unscheduled times in October. See the WKTV on-air schedule for dates and times.

Visions of better tomorrows

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Senior Living, ,
Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

By Zinta Aistars, Spectrum Health Beat

Photos by Chris Clark


It happened the day after Christmas 2018.


Not a creature was stirring—except for Myra Moritz, 61, a Hudsonville, Michigan, business supervisor who had no plans of missing work.


But something felt a little odd that day. A sluggish left arm. And a heavy hip.


“It got worse over the day,” Moritz remembers. “I told my husband the next morning that I was having a stroke.”


Her husband, Dennis Moritz, took her to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where doctors soon confirmed what she suspected: She had suffered a stroke.

Lifestyle change

Not all strokes move quickly.


While minutes and seconds certainly matter when treating the victims, the type that hit Moritz had been slow-moving.


“I was too late for that magic pill that turns a stroke around,” she said. “But the staff immediately started tests and treatment and they found I had 95 percent blockage in my right artery and 75 percent in my left.”


In the years leading up to the stroke, Moritz underwent treatment for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She also had five successful bypasses eight years prior, with surgery performed at Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

She knew enough about stroke to recognize her condition, even though she didn’t experience the more classic FAST symptoms associated with stroke:

  • F—Facial drooping
  • A—Arm weakness
  • S—Speech difficulties
  • T—Time to call emergency services

“I did not have any facial drooping or slurred speech,” Moritz said. “But as the day went on, I felt more weakness in my arm. And my brain was getting foggy. I was having trouble comprehending.”


Justin Singer, MD, Spectrum Health Medical Group neurosurgeon, served on the stroke team that treated Moritz.


“Myra had severe bilateral carotid stenosis, or carotid artery disease,” Dr. Singer said. “Lifestyle habits that contribute to this are high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, but also genetics. She had these high risk factors.”


To reduce Moritz’s chances of having another stroke, Dr. Singer performed carotid endarterectomy on her right artery. This surgical procedure removes blockages in the carotid arteries of the neck.


Carotid endarterectomy is not a cure, Dr. Singer said. Arteries can become blocked again if conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol are not controlled. This causes new plaque buildup.


“So I quit smoking,” Moritz said. “That was the last day I smoked.”

Hallucinations

On Dec. 30, 2018, doctors sent Moritz to stroke rehabilitation at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. She worked with Christa Rector, MD, a Spectrum Health physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.


Moritz immediately began to exhibit mild seizures during rehab.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

“That’s not uncommon after a stroke,” Dr. Rector said.


But the seizures were enough to set Moritz back in her recovery.


“After the seizures, my memory seemed to be more affected,” Moritz said. “I was very tired. And about six days later I started to have hallucinations—probably a side effect from some of the meds I was taking to control the seizures.”


Moritz remembers seeing pirate ships sailing across the lake outside her window at Blodgett Hospital. Dogs she had owned in the past, now dead, suddenly trotted into the room to greet her. When she reached out to pet them, there was nothing there.


“I learned to check with my husband before trusting anything I was seeing,” she said. “And then I also realized that if I blinked, if it was a vision, it would go away.”


The good news: Moritz wasn’t bedridden during recovery.


Under Dr. Rector’s guidance, the rehab team gave her a proper workout to strengthen her left leg and left arm.


She practiced ascending and descending the stairs. She’d get in and out of a pretend car, use the bathroom independently and improve her balance with a walker.


“All the things I needed to be able to do when I go home,” Moritz said.

A return to normal

Before the stroke, Moritz would swim 60 laps twice a week at an indoor pool.


It may be a while before she achieves that level again, but her prognosis is excellent.

Photo by Chris Clark, Spectrum Health Beat

On leaving the hospital a little more than a month after her stroke, she felt optimistic and strong.


“A physical therapist comes out to the house three times a week to work with me,” she said. “That will go down to twice a week soon. My brain doesn’t feel foggy anymore and my appetite is better.


“Although, maybe that’s not so great,” she laughed.


Her doctors have recommended a Mediterranean diet, heavy on fruits and vegetables. She expects to drive again in about six months, when the risk of seizure has passed.


“Myra has made a remarkable recovery,” Dr. Rector said. “By the time she was discharged, we scored her 4 out of 5. We expect her to eventually return to normal or near normal.”


The directive from her doctors: control blood pressure, screen for hypothyroidism, stay active, maintain a healthy diet and keep watch on any reoccurring stroke symptoms.


And don’t smoke.


“An amazing group of doctors and nurses and rehab people have worked with me,” Moritz said. “Everyone has been so kind and supportive throughout every step of my recovery. My rehab people always ask me during my exercises: ‘Can you do one more?’”


Moritz nods. She can always do one more.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.


WKTV to broadcast, make available on YouTube, Chamber’s Kentwood commission candidate forum

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Hard News, Local Faces, Politics, WKTV Projects,

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The two candidates for the City of Kentwood’s Ward 2 Commissioner seat currently held by Michael Brown, which will be decided on the Nov. 5 ballot, recently answers questions from a moderator at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Candidate Forum.

The Chamber’s Candidate Forum took place Sept. 11, at the Kentwood Branch of the Kent District Library, with WKTV Community Media cameras recording the event. The event was hosted by Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan and moderated by Kathey Batey.

The two candidates for the Ward 2 seat are Bill Benoit and Ron Draayer. Also on the ballot in November but not at the forum as they are running unopposed for other Kentwood Commission seats are incumbent Commissioner at Large Maurice H. Groce and incumbent Ward 1 Commissioner Robert D. Coughlin.

Draayer, according to the candidate, is a Kentwood resident who was a classroom teacher at Davenport University for 40 years and taught classes in the field of technology and cyber security.


Benoit, according to the candidate, is a Kentwood resident who works for the Charter Township of Cascade as a building inspector and plan reviewer, and is currently on the City of Kentwood Planning Commission.


WKTV Community Media was at the forum and will both broadcast it on WKTV Government Channel 26 as well as making it available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel. The forum will be broadcast today, Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, at noon; as well as several but as-yet unscheduled times in October. See the WKTV on-air schedule for dates and times.

WKTV also recorded candidates Benoit, Draayer and Coughlin as part of “We The People” candidate introduction videos series which are produced prior to each election voted on by Wyoming and Kentwood residents. Those videos will be made public the week of Sept. 23.

Home and away: WKTV featured game is Wyoming, South Christian in early-OK Gold clash

Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming High School’s football team will be at home this week when the visiting South Christian comes to Davies Memorial Field at Wyoming Junior High for a key game in both teams’ season goal to be a factor in the OK Conference Gold title race.

But will it matter that this week’s WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week is on home turf for the Wolves with the Sailors facing a mostly opposing crowd?

Wyoming is 1-2 (0-1 in OK Gold in early-season action) while South Christian is 2-1 (1-0), with the Wolves only win coming at home, and the Sailors only loss on the road.

For all WKTV’s local high schools — including East Kentwood, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Wyoming Lee and Tri-unity Christian — the football teams are 6-1 at home and 3-10 on the road.

WKTV talked to both head coaches — South Christian’s Danny Brown and Wyoming high’s Irvin Sigler — and while both agree that “they don’t call it home field advantage for nothing”, what happens on the field usually means more.

The coaches also talked about what their team has done well so far this year, and their respect for the opposing head coach and the opposing programs.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

With memories and, hopefully, tradition carried over, Wyoming high to honor Coach VerDuin with field ceremonies

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Wyoming High School’s football team practicing at their soon-to-be ex-home field this week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When Wyoming High School’s football team plays its last game at Davies Memorial Field this week, at the current middle school but at what was once Wyoming Park high, those in attendance will have many memories of games and players on the field.

Jack VerDuin, in a historic photo from Wyoming High School Athletic Department Facebook page.

And the Friday, Sept. 20, game pitting the Wolves against the visiting South Christian Sailors will also be filled with memories of the late Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers into Wyoming high in 2012.

The Friday game will be the first part of a two-part, two-home game special event for Wyoming high as the Wolves will honor VerDuin during their last varsity football game at Davies field before moving to the new football stadium for a Oct. 11 home game.

One person who will have special memories, especially at this week’s game, will be Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director, who remembers VerDuin as an opposing coach, mentor and friend.

Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director. (WKTV)

“I can remember, as a high school student, playing against Jack VerDuin’s teams and how good they were,” Hollern said this week to WKTV. “They were well coached. What a machine they had operating.

“And then (later) … I was at Wyoming Rogers, when he was at Park … to be able to rub shoulders with him. At the time, I was a young football coach … you know, I could pick up on some of his ideas. I was the head football coach at Rogers and he was still coaching here. We shared a lot of time together.”

There will also be many memories by VerDuin’s family and many friends who will be in attendance at the game, set to start at 7 p.m. The Jack VerDuin family will be there as they will be announced as our Honorary Captains for the game.

VerDuin, who died in 2007, coached the Vikings for 38 seasons beginning in 1962. During the years, Wyoming Park won 19 conference championships and the Class B state championship in 1984, a 33-20 victory over Monroe Catholic Central. The Vikings were state runner-up in 1985, falling to Dearborn Divine Child 21-0.

VerDuin is a member of the Wyoming Hall of Fame, Grand Rapids Hall of Fame, Michigan High School Hall of Fame and the Michigan Football Hall of Fame.

Clearly Coach VerDuin and his “Mighty Vikings” built a tradition of excellence — a tradition which Hollern hopes can carry over from the “the house that Jack built” at Davies field to the new football stadium.

“I think of all the players and coaches who have played here, at what was Wyoming Park. How many championships they won. The tradition they had,” Hollern said. “I just think it will be great to remember some of their past, and some of their accomplishments, and then hope that tradition, those accomplishments, kind of springboard into the new place.”

For a story on the new football stadium, and how students and staff at Wyoming high are anticipating its opening, see a School News Network story here.

The South Christian vs. Wyoming Community Night Football Game at Wyoming Junior High will be the WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week, with on-demand video replay available at WKTVLive.org.

(For a WKTV video preview of the game, visit here.)

The game will have a 7 p.m. kick-off, but, among many special events, will have a Jack VerDuin Family Night pregame with a hospitality tent opening at 5:15 p.m. in the north end zone, with all family and friends welcome.

Cat of the week: Davina

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
Davina

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


On Jan. 31, 2019, Dr. Jen received an email from Julie S. who befriended a cat that folks up the block from her dumped—and just as one of our nasty winter storms was blowing in. She was half-starved, shuddering and shivering and sporting a healing bite wound. Julie was kind enough to bring the kitty in out of the cold, but she wasn’t in a position to keep her, so she reached out to us. We were completely full and starting an intake waiting list, so Julie offered to house the kitty and get her the appropriate medical care in the meantime.


It took 2-1/2 months until we were able to open our doors, but by the time this 2-1/2 year old arrived (born in the fall of 2016), her caretaker was able to offer excellent insight on her personality, likes and dislikes:


“I have temporarily nicknamed her ‘Lady LongSpine’ because she stretches out soooo long when I hold her; I’m sure she will accept a name change easily. She likes being inside of a house, not outside. She prefers to explore space slowly and carefully, traveling around the edges of a room, pausing to check out the area; she tends to hide out under furniture until she feels safe enough to explore more openly. She likes to be where people are and once she has made their acquaintance, she enjoys the attention—in particular, she is fond of being stroked and cuddled like a baby. She’s a vocal girl, purring and talking to you quite a bit, letting you know if she is thirsty or hungry (again, like a baby). If she is in the mood for your attention or thinks it is time you tidied up her litter box, you will know it. She really likes to play with ‘da bird’ toy that is a bunch of feathers attached to a stick—I could swing that around for hours; she may be partial to stalking toys and chasing them around given her enthusiasm for this type of activity.


“Go easy on the nip, as she can get quite wild! She will be OK with a gentle dog that is slowly and properly introduced, and also has places to go to that a pup can’t reach. She’d also be alright with kids if they too are gentle, understand that she is timid at first and has had some hard times, and let her approach them until she gets to know them better. She may get along with other cats, but they would need a ‘getting to know you’ period of gradual adjustment. She will try to be the top cat in a home, so placement in a house of her own would suit her best; when she was on the streets she literally had to fight with other cats for food, and I believe she has a long memory of pain endured and a fear of dealing with felines she saw only as foes. Overall, she is very sweet and extremely cute—I wish I could keep her myself.”


Armed with this very detailed, helpful information, we set out to make Davina’s transition as smooth as possible, but first she needed Dr. Jen’s pre-program work-up to insure she was healthy; it was at that time Dr. Jen discovered that the bite wound Davina had suffered transmitted the feline leukemia virus. Sadly, this meant that she would not be going to Crash’s as planned, but thankfully she was going to become a resident of Big Sid’s, our sanctuary for virally infected kitties.

Easy on the ‘nip there, kitty. Wait! This is the resident imposter, Donut. See what happens when you succumb to the ‘nip?

After a few days of loving her up at the clinic, we sent her down to settle in. At the writing of her bio a month after her arrival, here are the insights the cat care team has about our lovely little gray-and-white girl:


“Davina—she was very shy when she first arrived but is slowly starting to be a little more social. She loves being up high on a tall cabinet until she sees people enter the room, then she’s right there asking for her well-deserved attention. She LOVES her wet food, treats, and back scratches.  She’s still a bit wiggly when picked up, but will sit in your lap once you sit down. She does have a feisty side to her towards the other cats, though she’s not mean or aggressive—just a girl who needs her space. She has gotten a little more brave and has been spending a lot more of her time on the windowsill watching the birds and squirrels. She would do best with only one other cat, or as the only cat. Dogs are probably too much for her.”


We couldn’t agree more with their assessment of this darling little lady, and since the virus is transmissible AND she really would like to be the queen of her very own castle, it will be our goal to secure for her the type of home life she has long been dreaming—and deserving— of.

More about Davina:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Gray & White
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Prefers to be an only cat

Want to adopt Davina Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.



Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Local Food, Senior Living

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Never miss a party… good for the nerves — like celery. “

F. Scott Fitzgerald

¿But will there be a piñata?

La Fiesta Mexicana will run Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, at the Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave. NW. The three-day event is packed with music with two mariachi bands scheduled to perform on Saturday. Don’t miss it! Info here.

Food & music to ease
into the end of summer

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

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks invites foodies and families to explore cuisine from nearly 30 vendors during the fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. The free-to-attend community event will run from 11am to 8pm in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. In addition to a cornucopia of food trucks, the event will also feature live music and a beer tent. More here.

Fountain Street Church’s
birthday bash is Sept. 15 —
and we’re all invited!

Cool old postcard

Fountain Street Church honors its past during its 150th anniversary year, a multi-event celebration reaching its peak Sunday, Sept. 15, with its Grand Celebration Street Party. The public is invited. Get the scoop here.

Fun fact:

A real party pooper

He’s not trying that hard.

The mantis shrimp attacks its prey by punching them really, really hard and really, really, really fast with fist-like appendages that can boil the water around them and split your finger to the bone. Not someone you’d invite to a party — especially on Friday the 13th.




East Kentwood, lessons learned, returns home for key OK Red game against Caledonia

City of Kentwood, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
East Kentwood High School’s football team at practice this week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

There was no shame in East Kentwood High School’s season opening game loss at Muskegon Mona Shores — a team that went 12-2 last year, losing only to state power Muskegon high during the regular season and then in the Division 2 state playoff finals.

There were some lessons to be learned in the loss, however. And those lessons were evident last week when the Falcons rolled to a 39-6 road win at Grand Ledge Sept. 6.

East Kentwood football coach Anthony Kimbrough working with the team at practice. (WKTV)

“I always say you learn more from a loss than you do from a win. We did some things uncharacteristic of ourselves (against Mona Shores), but we got back to basics and tightened up some things, and it showed against Grand Ledge,” Falcon head coach Anthony Kimbrough said to WKTV. “We had a better overall execution on offense and defense. Just doing the little things.”

But coach also knows his team will face another challenge this week against OK Red Conference foe Caledonia — the Fighting Scots.

“It is right in their name, the Fighting Scots,” Kimbrough said. “They fight you, man. They play hard, they play physical, they run around. They do some good things and they are well coached. … We really have got to come to play.”

For the complete interview with Coach Kimbrough, see the video here.

East Kentwood football team at practice. (WKTV)

In last week’s win, the Falcons (1-1) jumped out to a 25-0 first half lead on a 40-yard run by Josh Ledesma and a 13-yard pass from Christian Tanner to Colton Emeott in the first quarter, and then a 39-yard run by Willie Berris and a 22-yard run by Tanner. They did not let up much in the second as they ran the score to 39-0, on an 82-yard touchdown pass from Tanner to Jamoni Jones, and a short run by Carter Selby.

The Fighting Scots (1-1), last week, also had an impressive win, defeating Cedar Springs (10-2 last year) at Caledonia by the score of 19-12, after falling on opening night at Holt, 35-17. Caledonia was 2-7 last year, 1-5 in conference play.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

This weekend’s Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival popular with residents, food truck community

Beer, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Scene from 2018’s City of Kentwood End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood, always looking for unique ways to get its community together for a little fun, has had a busy summer with playground improvements, road runs and community sand volleyball tournaments.

But the summer is not quite over yet and Kentwood will host its fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The event, with music, family activities, a beer tent and — for course — eats and sweets from nearly 30 vendors, will be both an opportunity for city to offer residents and guests a fun community activity as well as an opportunity for food truck vendors to network and maybe show off a little.

“The food truck rally has been really well received by the public. This is an open even so anybody can come and you can spend the entire day here,” Lori Gresnick, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “This is our fourth year. So we’ve grown from just a couple food trucks to now we have over 30 food trucks — not only food trucks but that includes desert trucks.”

For more discussion from Gresnick and well as the operator of a Kentwood-based food truck, Rock Dandeneau, of Taste Buds Kitchen Concepts and the Pressed in Time food truck, see a video here.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Bootstrap Boys, followed by DJ Snax, Molly and Last Gasp Collective. A beer tent featuring craft beer and cider will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor. For more information visit kentwood.us/foodtruckfestival .

Cat of the week: Podrick

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, ,
Sir Podrick awaits his next abode

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


On July 1st, 2019, south-side stray savior, Sandi D. came across this friendly fella hanging around one of her feral colonies on Putnam SW. She didn’t have room to take him in but couldn’t let her chance slip away, so she plopped him in to a travel carrier and took him back to her crowded but cozy home. He proceeded to vomit all morning, so she brought him to see Dr. Jen’s colleague for an anti-nausea injection and oral meds for very soft, stinky stool.


A few days later she took him in to C-SNIP for his neutering, where they discovered an old tail injury that caused his appendage to have a permanent bump distally, close to the tip. When Dr. Jen finally saw him on the 8th for his official work-up, he tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus); no big surprise, considering he was intact for the first 3 years of his life (born in the summer of 2016).


Other than minor stud tail and moderate gingivitis, he appeared quite healthy overall, but over the course of the next several weeks at our sanctuary, he developed a painful, bilateral case of conjunctivitis that wasn’t responding to a slew of different topical medications. After examining him again a month after his arrival, it was clear he needed steroids systemically in hopes of counteracting the inflammation that was causing him significant pain. More than likely it is viral in nature, too; it’s not caused by FIV but feline herpes, which is ubiquitous in stray cat populations, most often stemming from infection during kittenhood.


Moving forward, he may need some sort of long-term medication—either topically, orally or by injection—to manage this condition, but he takes his meds like a champ, so there shouldn’t be an issue on the receiving end.


A few weeks into his stay with us at Big Sid’s, our cat care manager noted the following:


“Podrick has really settled well despite his eye problems, intermittent fevers and just feeling terrible. He’s learning that human affection isn’t so bad after all, after being quite tense both at the clinic and upon arrival. He lets out the occasional grumble or hiss when being picked up but will come looking for human attention on his own. He prefers to be tucked away, sleeping in a cubby to being out in the open, but I blame that on just not feeling well lately. He’s an adorable guy, who I feel in time will become playful and start hanging out with the other cats. He would do best in a home with older kids that can provide him with lots of attention and playtime, while also being respectful to his space. I certainly wouldn’t call him aggressive but he does have his reservations on being held. Dogs are a possibility as he’s not real timid.”


As we expected, his (and our) primary concern was to get him feeling better, and as he did so, he became more comfortable in his surroundings—maybe TOO comfy.


Since Pod isn’t a biter, there is minimal risk of transmitting FIV to another kitty, unless tempers flare and fighting ensues. He is so handsome, especially now that he can see all that is going on around him clearly AND understands that indoor life has benefits he wasn’t previously aware of. His life has been rough thus far, and now that he has turned a corner and is fitting in beautifully, we are going to do our darndest to find him the type of home he may have only dreamed was possible.

More about Podrick:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Tabby (Tiger Striped)
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Large
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Good in a home with other cats

Want to adopt Podrick? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.




Fridah Kanini: Community leader and entrepreneur

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, ,


By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong


Fridah Kanini talks about the journey that led her to Michigan from her native Kenya: hardships, tenacity, and the drive to create community. An entrepreneur at heart, she talks about founding the first-ever African Festival coming to Grand Rapids on Aug. 10.




Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Faces, Pets/Animals, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Mark Twain

A kaleidoscope of cultures

Immigrants in 1892

For many of our immigrant ancestors, the process of coming to this country was relatively simple. It is much more complicated today. Understanding your own family history and immigration story can help put the current discussion about immigration in context. Go here for more info.

A timely topic, discussed

From right to left: Emily Bridson, Skot Welch, Patti Caudill, and Ken Norris. (WKTV)

The latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts focuses on the anti-discrimination public policies — a timely topic as the City of Grand Rapids City Commission just this last passed a Human Rights Ordnance which will be the basis of the formation of future public policies. Go here.

Make one wish — or a hundred

Magic is everywhere!

Egads! It’s that time of year again — when insects seek a nice, cozy place to spend the winter. Meet your new neighbors here.

Fun fact:

Something in common

See? They even walk like us.

The beaks of octopuses and squids (yes, they have beaks) are made of keratin, the same material that a bird’s beak — and our fingernails — are made of. Say hello to your newfound relatives.

At 150, Fountain Street Church looks back, forward as it invites public to birthday bash

3-bottom, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Local History, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

[huge_it_slider id=”87″]


By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Fountain Street Church, housed in maybe the most historic house of prayer in downtown Grand Rapids but with members Kent County wide and beyond, prides itself on many things — not the least of which is often being seen as the most liberal church in the region.

So while the church has been honoring its past during its 150th anniversary year, a multi-event celebration reaching its peak Sunday, Sept. 15, with its Grand Celebration Street Party, it is also looking forward to what’s next for the church.

Part of the reason for the street party, however, is to invite the greater Grand Rapids community to learn more about Fountain Street and, maybe, become part of its future.

Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson with the church in background. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“In order to look into the future, you have to be willing to look into the past. And that is what we are doing,” Todd Johnson, co-chair of the chruch’s 150th Celebration committee, said to WKTV. “We are saying ‘Look at all we have done in the last 150 years, let celebrate that. And then let’s say ‘What is the future for Fountain Street Church?’ … We are celebrating the past as a step into the future.”

(For a unique look at the history of Fountain Street Church, WKTV asked Senior Minister W. Frederick Wooden for his pivotal persons in the life of the church. Read the story here.)

Judy Botts, a coordinator of the street party, detailed the many facets of the free-to-the public Sept. 15 event, which will run from 12-4 p.m. and will take place in a closed-to-traffic block between the Grand Rapids Public Library and Fountain Street Church. The party will include face painting and a Henna tattoo artist on site, individual and family photographs, a bounce house and corn hole tournament, cotton candy and snow cones, live music from the B-Side Growlers, a mime artist, food, and a welcoming address from former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, who will deliver a speech titled: “Why Grand Rapids Needs Fountain Street Church.”

WKTV Community Media’s Voices project is also partnering with Fountain Street Church on a special oral history project, with a WKTV representative present to talk about the project. Voices is the personal and family oral history project with the mission “to collect, share and preserve the narratives of people in our community … (stories) of our lives; of people from all walks of life.” (For more information on Voices, visit wktvvoices.org .)

Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“What we want to happen is, yes, many Fountain Streeters to come — past and present people who attend this church,” Botts said. But it is not just for those who know Fountain Street and its many facets. “This is a diverse group of people that seek answers to questions that they have regarding religion. It is a very open community. We welcome all people and their thoughts. We will share the different groups we have here that they (the public) might be interested in joining.”

The 150th celebration events so far have certainly showed that diversity.

After starting with a kickoff party in December of last year, in March there were special programs on the History of Women at Fountain Street Church, in April many members of the church went to Brewery Vivant for a celebration of a special brew release — the “Fountain Streeter” — and they liked it so much then did it again in August. There was also a Spirit of the Arts show, a sort of talent show for Fountain Streeters, and a special Memorial Concert “The Spirit Sings!” featuring the church’s Oratorio Choir and the Aquinas College Chorus highlighted by the world premiere of “Tell All the Truth” by Nicholas Palmer.

Maybe the most well attended, both by church members as well as the community in general, was the first and now annual Pride Service, at the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.

The church’s more recent moves to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the local minority, refugee and homeless communities, was part of a discussion WKTV had with Rev. Wooden, as well as Johnson and Botts, when we asked about their most treasured memories of the church. (Read that story here.)

For more information about the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party, visit here.

Fountain Street Church’s 150-year history has known heroes, unsung heroines

Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History

[huge_it_slider id=”86″]



By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

W. Frederick Wooden, who has been Senior Minister at Fountain Street Church since 2005 but will be leaving the calling in 2020, is two things without a doubt: he is a very knowledgable historian of the Grand Rapids church and he is passionate about all aspects of social justice.

And, maybe one more thing, he is rarely at a loss for words.

So he had plenty to say when asked to name a few “pivotal” moments or personalties in the history of Fountain Street Church — which was founded in 1869 as Fountain Street Baptist Church but transformed to embrace more liberal ideals first in 1886 and then again in 1962, when “Baptist” was dropped from its name.

W. Frederick Wooden, Senior Minister at Fountain Street Church. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Along the way, the church which holds dear its “Liberal Legacy” — the name of the two-volume history of the church — took up its current downtown location in 1877, which nearly burned to the ground in 1917, and has been the center of the local religious and social debate throughout the 150 years it is currently celebrating.

And there have been many pivotal personalities, arguably the most well know and revered being Dr. Duncan E. Littlefair (1912-2004), who led Fountain Street Church from 1945 to 1979. But Wooden, with all due respect, chose others to highlight.

“The temptation is to pick out all the heroic things, which are great. But there are other things,” Wooden said to WKTV. “Something I did not know until recently is that Samuel T. Graves, who was minister here for five or six years, back in the late 1800s. He went from here to serve at Atlanta Baptist Seminary. You know what that place is called now? Moorehouse College.

“There is a hall, a dormitory, named after him, Graves Hall, where Spike Lee and Martin Luther King (Jr.) and other young men lived as students. So the legacy of Fountain Street, as a Baptist Church, is one we should be more eager to claim because even before we became notable as liberal religionists, there was strain in this church that was trying to— quote, unquote — live your faith in a way that impacted the world for the better. I think that is something that we (at Fountain Street) have not acknowledged as consistently over the years.”

Alfred Wesley Wishart. (Fountain Street Church portrait)

While Fountain Street has its roots in the Baptist faith and Baptist activism in Grand Rapids, its path to become its current “non-creedal, non-denominational, liberal church,” as its website states, started with a succession of clergy coming to the church from 1896 to 1944, including John Herman Randall, Alfred Wesley Wishart and Milton McGorrill before Littlefair.

During those years, all of its leaders were Baptist in name and training but “moved the church toward the conclusion that no profession of denominational faith was needed to be a person of faith. One could worship here as a Christian, an agnostic, or an atheist, because the task of organized religion is not to secure unity of belief, but to demand integrity of mind and spirit,” again, according to its website.

One of those leaders, John Herman Randle, was the next “pivotal” person Wooden wanted to talk about. But the story starts a little before Randle.

“John L. Jackson (who led the church in the 1890s) was the first guy who said ‘You know, maybe Darwin wasn’t evil.’ It was like opening the door, a little crack,” Wooden said. “And when he left, John Erin Randle came. A young buck out of Chicago. He didn’t know nothing, but he had that cocky quality only a 26-year-old can have. And he was really great.

John Herman Randall. (From Fountain Street Church book of sermons)

“If I had to pick someone who really changed the church into what it is, it would be him. Because he is the one that made it possible for us to think that we could be Christian and modern. That we did not have to choose one or the other. And it is that path that we have been on ever since.”

Randle left Fountain Street around 1906 to lead Mount Morris Baptist Church of New York City. But there continued a streak of liberal leaning leaders through the five decades of the 20th Century, climaxed by the beginning of Littlefair’s tenure.

Duncan Littlefair. (Fountain Street Church portrait)

Under Littlefair’s four decades leadership, the church dropped the name “Baptist” and, according to its website, for a time considered affiliating with the Unitarian Universalists because of similar liberal views — Littlefair had Unitarian Universalist ties. But the church opted, instead, to maintain its independence. Littlefair is credited, among other accomplishments, with cementing Fountain Street Church’s reputation as being the most liberal Christian institution in the the city, advocacy for women’s rights including reproductive rights, free-thinking religiousness, and community and social activism.

Letter to Littlefair

In Wooden’s opinion, however, Littlefair’s tenure might never have happened had it not been for a woman, Dorothy Stansbury Leonard Judd, a member of the church at the time, and letter she wrote to Littlefair soon after he gained his Doctorate from University of Chicago.

“There was a woman, Dorothy Judd, who finagled Duncan Littlefair to come here,” Wooden said. “He did not want to come. He thought this was a backwater church with nothing to offer. But she said ‘Consider the possibilities.’ I’m paraphrasing obviously. But she said “Man, you have room here to do something no other church would give you.’

“In the history of the church, and it is recorded, he came here and said the worst day of his life was the day he started here. He was in a backwater town that was completely enthralled with Evangelicalism but, as he put it, ‘I’m just going to do whatever I wanted.’ … He just showed up and messed with everybody’s head at exactly the right moment.

“And it was Dorothy Judd, a woman of privilege by the way … her family was Leonard, as in Leonard Street, she was at the top of the Grand Rapids social ladder. But this guy (Littlefair) came along because she wrote him a letter.”

The final of Wooden’s “pivotal” persons was not a religious leader but a woman who had as much a passion for social justice as any pastor who ever took the pulpit at Fountain Street.

An angel in time of strife

“Another person that needs to be lifted up is Viva Flaherty. She was the staffer that worked with the guy in the painting during the furniture strike,” Wooden said, waving his hand in the direction of painting of Alfred Wesley Wishart, who succeeded Randle as leader of Fountain Street and was present during the 1911 Furniture Workers Strike which divided the city and the church. “Flaherty was what we called the social secretary, basically the (church’s) social worker, she sided with the unions. The reality was that the two key staffers at this church were on opposite sides of the furniture strike.”

Wishart and many of the church leaders sided with the business leaders — “the people who wrote the checks to the church,” Wooden said. “But Flaherty spent her time with the emigrants and she saw their point of view. We have a portrait of him, but we don’t even have a picture of her. I want to say, Viva Flaherty was on the side of the angels. … She was a woman who dared to stand up to the powerful, to stand with the workers.”

Wooden clearly has an affinity for social activism, as shown by Flaherty in the early 1900s and by Littlefair in the 1960s through the 1980s. And the soon-to-depart leader of Fountain Street may well be known in the future for his own social activism.

Just don’t expect him to say the job is complete with the work he has done.

Despite his fervent support of women’s and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ recognition and support, as well as outreach to and support of minority and homeless populations who do not even attend Fountain Street, Wooden says he leaves the job unfinished.

“The great agenda for us, for every church, for every house of worship, is that we haven’t yet stepped up to the question of racial justice,” Wooden said about his tenure. “That doesn’t mean we don’t care. It doesn’t mean we are not involved. It means that organizationally we have not seen that as key function of our community. It has been a key part of my ministry but that is my choice.”

Wooden currently works with groups such as the Urban League, the NAACP, with the Grand Rapids Pastors Association (sometimes inexactly referred to as the “Black Pastors Association) “because that is important to me. And I am hoping the church will see, as part of its future, to advocate for genuine racial and social justice.”

He also hopes the church, as it moves into its second 150 years, will continue his advocacy for the poor in our community.

“We have to have a relationship with the people who are struggling in our community,” he said. “Our name, as an institution, should be present in a wider range in this community. … We are a community institution, for the community as well as for ourselves.”

For Fountain Streeters, church means more than simply Sunday morning sermons

Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
Fountain Street Church, with public art across the street. (William Thompson)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Fountain Street Church community has been honoring its past and looking to its future during its 150th anniversary year, and its collective memory is deep with history and tradition.

But if you ask individual members — those who attend Sunday for its more traditional Sanctuary Service in the awesome and history sanctuary, or its it very non-traditional Chapel Service in its humble but equally historic chapel, or those who are at Fountain Street for the multitude of activities and groups throughout the rest of the week — it is the individual memories that often stand out.

WKTV asked three Fountain Streeters what their most cherished memories were, and the answers ranged from a special prom for youth who do not fit into the “straight” prom scene, to a woman’s group focused on community outreach, to the smiles on the faces of children reenacting the Christmas Story.

If that does not tell the story of the spectrum of people at Fountain Street, nothing will.

Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The thing I remember, that means the most to me, is when we instituted the Family Christmas Pageant, on Christmas Eve,” said Todd Johnson, co-chair of the church’s 150th Celebration committee. “We’d been holding an 8 o’clock and and 11 o’clock service, but for many of us with children that was too late for them. They’d fall asleep. So we started a 5 o’clock service and it was just great.

“For the kids, we basically reenact the Christmas story. We have Mary and Joseph, and someone reads the story, and the innkeeper and the kings and the angels and the shepherds. The kids would participate in this wonderful service. It would culminate with each kid taking a little candle, a 4-inch candle, they’d light it and they’d put it in the front of the chancel.

“It was just beautiful,” he said, fighting back tears of beautiful memories. “They’d turn the lights out and we’d all sing ‘Silent Night’. It is just a beautiful service.”

Memories, and lifelong friends, are also made outside the church.

One of the many community outreach activities of the church, which has members and attendees all across West Michigan, are having Districts, geographical divisions with district leaders who work with fellow Fountain Streeters on activities, gatherings and projects — and, sometimes, personal needs.

Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I’ve been a District leader for like 14, 15 years,” said Judy Botts, a coordinator of the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party. “It started off being a group of 14 or 15 of us, and over the years we are down to about five people. But we come together once a month and our purpose is to help people within our geographic district that we’ve been assigned to, in terms of any care services they have, to involve people in social action kinds of things, and just plan fun things within our districts so that people can get to know each other better, to make stronger connections.

“That is what makes the church, the connections that you have,” she said. “There is long term friendships that have been established here. … That is part of what a church is about.”

Minister’s has many special memories, but …

Even the senior minister of Fountain Street, W. Frederick Wooden, a man whose efforts and accomplishments are too long to list, will — if pressed — pick one memory that stands out.

“There are too many wonderful moments. That is what keeps a clergy person going,” Wooden said. “It is the moments of real meaning and power, and they do come.

“But the one I’ll pick, because it is different from the others, is the Fountain Club meetings of our high school (age) youth. Seven years ago, maybe upwards of 10, we had the idea that there were kids their age in high schools around the area that could not go to their prom because they did not identify as ‘straight’. And if they went as themselves, they would be ridiculed, bullied or harassed.

Fountain Street Church front with Gay Pride flag. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“And they (the club), they came up with the idea that we should host a prom for all those who did not feel welcomed at their prom. … Every year since, we have had a dance for LGBTQ kids — and their friends, it is not just for LGBTQ kids but everybody else. … They come in all shapes and sizes and colors … and they are just having the best of time in the world.

“There is nothing that makes you feel more hopeful about the future,” he said. “If this is what America is going to look like, I am all for it.”

WKTV in Focus podcast discusses anti-discrimination public policies, business advantages

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, WKTV Journal In Focus
WKTV Journal In Focus’s podcast on the anti-discrimination public policies featured Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson, at right, along with Patti Caudill, manager of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the City of Grand Rapids, and Skot Welch of Global Bridgebuilders. The program is hosted by WKTV’s Ken Norris, left. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we discuss the anti-discrimination public policies — a timely topic as the City of Grand Rapids City Commission just this last passed a Human Rights Ordnance which will be the basis of the formation of future public policies.

Visiting our studios, each with unique perspectives on the subject, are Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson; Patti Caudill, manager of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the City of Grand Rapids; and Skot Welch of Global Bridgebuilders which, according to its website, has the “core belief that inclusion is a business discipline.”

For a link to the ‘Anti-discrimination Policies” audio podcast, click here; for a link to the episode’s interview video, click here and scan down the list to the Sept. 5 In Focus podcast. (If you’d like to give us some feedback on our special In Focus podcasts, please contact Ken Norris at ken@wktv.org.)

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).

After impressive opener, Wyoming high Coach Sigler likes progress of team, program culture

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Wyoming High School football practice. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

As his team “went to work” at practice this week in preparation for a high school football Week 2 game at Northview High School, Wyoming high head football coach Irv Sigler Jr. sounded like an X’s and O’s football coach as he talked to WKTV.

He praised his offensive line play in the team’s dominating 59-25 win over Holland opening week. He praised his opponent this week and said his team would need to be better to beat the Wildcats on their home field — a game which WKTV’s Featured Game sports coverage crew will be covering. UPDATE: Due to technical issues, WKTV was unable to video record the game.

But Coach Sigler also went a bit beyond the X’s and O’s by talking about the “culture” of his program, which has a modest 5-13 record in his first two years but may be about to turn the competitive corner.

Coach Sigler. (WKTV)

“We’ve grown a great deal in our ability to practice with purpose, with having a sense of urgency about getting better every day when we come out … the little things are the difference between being good and great,” Coach Sigler said in a WKTV interview. (See the entire interview on YouTube here.) “I describe our kids as lunchbox kids. They come here every day. They got a lunch box and they go to work.”

In their opening night games, Northview defeated Comstock Park 28-7 while Wyoming defeated Holland 59-25 in a game which was began on Thursday night but finished on Friday night due to storms moving through the area.

Wyoming High School football practice. (WKTV)

For the Wolves, junior running back (and linebacker) Cameron (Cam) Simon rushed for just shy of 200 yards and scored four touchdowns, while junior quarterback Matthew Berg passed for three TDs.

Northview, out of OK White, had 10 new starters on defense against Comstock Park but still held the Panthers to a single touchdown. Running back Jakaurie Kirkland had 220 yards on 23 carries. Senior quarterback Dan Frey went 7-of-11 for 72 yards, with two touchdown passes to sophomore Kyler VanderJact.

Northview, last season, was 7-3 including an opening round playoff loss to Grand Rapids Christian, which ended a six-game winning streak. They were 5-1 in OK White and finished second to Cedar Springs, their only conference loss.

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

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

WKTV VOICES guests share diverse global perspectives and memories, enrich the community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, Voices, , , , , , ,

Pamela Benjamin

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

Pamela Benjamin came to the U.S. from Australia on a spousal visa only to discover she couldn’t even check out a library book.
Angelique Mugabekazi fled the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide when she was five years old, then struggled to survive daily life in a lawless refugee camp.
Grand Rapids native Donna Troost remembers a rubber shortage during World War II and the time her dad had to get permission from the government so that she could ride her bicycle to school.

Angelique Mugabekazi

Three women with very different backgrounds—and one thing in common: Each shared her unique journey with WKTV’s VOICES, a personal and family oral history project. The project’s mission is “to collect, share and preserve the narratives of people in our community”—of our lives; of people from all walks of life.

Oral history—the collection and study of individual histories, experiences of disasters, important events or everyday life—is a tradition as old as civilization itself. Using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews, oral history strives to obtain information from different perspectives, most of which cannot be found in written sources. Some academics consider oral history akin to journalism as both are committed to uncovering truths and compiling narratives about people, places, and events.

Since its launch in September 2017 at ArtPrize Nine, VOICES has collected the conversations of people from a myriad of places, such as Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, Australia, Spain, as well as the U.S. (California and Michigan (including Wyoming, Grand Rapids, and Lansing).

VOICES’s vintage 1958 Airstream® trailer has been made into a mobile studio

A free public service, VOICES travels throughout the West Michigan region to encourage neighbors, friends and family to tell their stories—the narratives that make us human—of our lives, experiences, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies. We all benefit from knowing each other’s background; the shared bond that helps us build community.

VOICES offers a comfortable, mobile video recording studio with a relaxed atmosphere, and utilizes high-tech video and audio equipment to capture the narratives for posterity. Conversations usually take place between two people who know and care about each other. These can be friends, family, or mere acquaintances. Any topic may be explored, whether a specific event in a person’s life, a childhood memory, a family tragedy—no subject is off limits.

Jimmy King

Those who step inside VOICES’s 1958 Airstream trailer—outfitted as a mobile studio— are welcomed into an inviting atmosphere to sit back, relax, and have a conversation. All VOICES conversations are audio- and video-recorded to provide participants with a link to each conversation and for possible airing on Channel 25 in Wyoming, Kentwood and Gaines Township (U-Verse Channel 99).

VOICES participants find the experience valuable and gratifying.
“I hope that people will listen to my story and learn what it’s like to come from a different country—what we had to do to come to America,” said Lana Lie, who emigrated to the U.S. from Indonesia.

Lana Lie

Jimmy King, who shared his experiences as a young man with autism, said, “The experience was absolutely incredible. They really listened to me and had a genuine interest in my voice.”

Every second Saturday, VOICES is at Marge’s Donut Den at 1751 28th St, SW for ‘Second Saturday at Marge’s’. The next date is April 14. It’s free, just go here to reserve a time.

Cat of the week: Clawdette

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals,
She’s large, in charge — and the consummate companion

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


We were contacted in early July by this gorgeous girl’s owners (who had adopted her back in April of 2013) whose complaint was that she had been leaving pee spots all around their house since they brought her home, that they had tried everything to curb this activity, and that they simply couldn’t deal with it anymore. It should be stated that there was another cat in the household who could have been the culprit.


At Crash’s Landing, we strive to match adopters with a cat who will be a life-long family member. We realize that sometimes things just do not work out as anticipated, and our policy is to gladly take any Crash cat back, any time.


Such was the case with Clawdette. Dr. Jen responded to the owners asking that all previous medical records be forwarded in advance of Clawdette’s return. Unfortunately, the owners had never taken Clawdette to be seen for her presumed urinary issues and, indeed, had taken her only once to be seen by a vet, back in 2014.


When Clawdette arrived at the clinic, Dr. Jen discovered that the poor girl was crawling with fleas, which had prompted her to over-groom to try to control the flea problem. This in turn caused a secondary skin infection. In addition, Clawdette was in dire need of dental work and extractions; her lab work reflected all that was wrong with her, and quite a few drugs and treatments were needed to correct the problems that neglect had caused.


Thankfully Clawdette, our pudgy princess who was born in the fall of 2011, bounced back as if nothing had ever happened, and even though she had been gone for over 6 years, she was as welcoming and accepting of us as if she had never left.


However, she isn’t used to being surrounded by so many other cats, and consequently she isn’t afraid to vocalize her opinions about her new roomies. Because she is a bit of a darling little diva (well, ok big diva, as she weighs in at almost 12#), we would like to find her an indoor home of her very own. She spends most of her days lounging around, laying belly up and patiently waiting for a tummy rub. She has shown us her playful side as well, but attention is what she craves most, and we are more than happy to give it to her.


We have had absolutely no issues with any sort of aberrant litter box habits; if a cat is going to act up and piddle outside of the box, a shelter/multiple cat situation is where this type of behavior would likely surface. Clawdette had been set up by her former housemate.


Clawdette has been nothing short of perfect since she returned. We can’t help but think that if she were the problem in her former home, circumstances surrounding her were causative, but in all reality, none of us who have spent time with her believe that she was naughty by nature. She is such a lovely cat—everyone who meets her is simply smitten with her—that there is no doubt that she is going to make the consummate companion for someone.

More about Clawdette:

  • Tabby & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • White, Tabby (Tiger Striped)
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Extra Large
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Spayed
  • Prefers a home without other cats

Want to adopt Clawdette? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.

New South Christian head football coach on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, ,
South Christian head football coach Danny Brown, at left, at a practice last week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, one of the interviews is a special high school sports segment with South Christian High School’s new head football coach Danny Brown, of whom it would not be an understatement to say he bleeds Sailor Blue.

Coach Brown is no stranger to the Sailors’ program having served as an assistant coach since 2011 and as defensive coordinator for the past five seasons under Mark Tamminga, who retired after last season. Being a Sailor runs deep for Brown, having played varsity football at South Christian in the early 2000s. Brown attended Hope College and now is a small business owner in Byron Center.

For a YouTube video of the interview visit here.

During the discussion, Coach Brown talks about working with Coach Tamminga, playing for the late Bob Blacquiere, who was head coach when Brown played for the Sailors and was a big influence on his becoming a coach, and Brown’s transition from running the South Christian defense to being the man in charge of the entire 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.

Where to tempt your taste buds in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation,
Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


There is no shortage of tasty things to tempt your taste buds in West Michigan. From farm-fresh produce, homemade goodies, and dockside dining to locally crafted brews, wines, and desserts, here are some mouthwatering options for you to try.


Find more foodie tips in our Carefree Travel Guide.

Southwest Michigan

Greater Lansing sets the table with diverse restaurants with locally sourced menu items that will tantalize your taste buds and take you for a trip around the globe. Whether you’re looking for some comfort food and enjoy Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives recommendations or enjoy a great food truck or a terrific farm-to-table experience, Greater Lansing is the perfect destination for your inner foodie. 


Head to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings for BBQ, Music, and Family Game Night Sunday, Aug. 11th. Dinner is at 5pm, music and games 6-7:30pm. Come enjoy the last days of summer vacation with good food, great music provided by the Hastings Community Music School, lawn games, family-friendly relay races and more. Member adults $16, children $8; Non-member adults $19, children $10.


Home to many locally owned and operated diners, restaurants, and pubs, Coldwater Country is the place to grab a delicious quick breakfast, find a destination restaurant, or a gourmet dinner. 


Crane’s Pie Pantry bakery and restaurant offer farm-fresh products that will make you think it came right from grandma’s kitchen. Specializing in Michigan fruit pies and desserts, Crane’s bakery also includes bread, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, apple cider donuts, and much more to make your mouth water. They offer a complete menu of handcrafted meals including soups, salads, and American mains, served in a historical surrounding of local memorabilia and antiques. Stop in to the Saugatuck Tasting Bar or Fennville Restaurant & Winery to grab a taste. 


Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Central West Michigan

If you’re in Mecosta County to tempt your taste buds, then you have come to the right place. With great food, good times, and phenomenal service, the restaurants throughout Mecosta County need to be scheduled into your next visit. For more places that will “Tempt Your Taste Buds”, check out the Mecosta County Restaurant Guide.


Bring the kids to Kitchen 242 at The Muskegon Farmers Market for a “Princess Party” with Chef Char Saturday, Aug. 10th from 10:30–11:30am. Bake cookies with Chef Char and Princess Tiana and Princess Elsa. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos with the princesses. Each little princess will roll, decorate, and bake a dozen princess-themed cookies to take home. This is for ages 5 and up. The cost is $45 and tickets are available through Eventbrite. 


Ludington dining options include ’50s diners, Italian restaurants, breweries, barbeque, and the best ice cream in the Midwest.


Herman’s Boy is a great Rockford stop for a made-to-order deli sandwich. Everything is done in-house, a 100-year-old farmhouse to be exact, from fresh baked bagels to smoked meat & cheeses. Herman’s Boy is also “Home of the Bagel Dog” — a German-style wiener wrapped in bagel dough and topped with the fixings of your choosing. Herman’s Boy is a local roastery, bakery, confectionary, deli, smokehouse, kitchen, grilling gadget shop. Be sure to check out these and other treats, snacks, and coffees all done in house.


Throughout the Holland area, you will find an array of dining options that are sure to satisfy any craving. Grab a slice of pie made with fresh Michigan fruits or enjoy a lake perch dinner. This year welcomed a few new restaurants to downtown, which include HopCat, and Sperry’s Moviehouse Restaurant. Click through for more information on Holland’s local dining options.


HopCat restaurants in West Michigan have launched new brunch and lunch menus for guests in need of either a quick weekday meal or a well-earned weekend fun day. The restaurant family’s 9 Under $9 lunch menu is a selection of quick-service items created for guests who have places to be and budgets to watch. It includes exciting new choices like the California Club Sandwich, Pork Tostadas, and the Dbl Smash Burger alongside updated HopCat favorites like the Madtown Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Better Living Through Tacos entrée, available from 11am to 2pm Monday-Friday, alongside HopCat’s regular menu. The restaurants have also unveiled new brunch menus with mouthwatering options. The updated selections are available at HopCat’s locations in Kalamazoo, Holland, and Grand Rapids, where the original downtown restaurant now serves brunch from its recently renovated kitchen.


Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Northwest Michigan

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Aerie Restaurant & Lounge is proud to announce its third consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence win. Wine Spectator magazine bestows the Award of Excellence to restaurants with wine lists featuring at least 90 selections that include a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.


From family friendly and casual to fine dining, Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire has what you crave. With stunning sunsets, award-winning steaks, pasta, and homemade desserts, The Lakeview Restaurant offers simple, local, social dining. Enjoy the Macadamia Crusted Whitefish, Twisted Pasta with shrimp and lobster, or a traditional steak. The River Bistro at Shanty Creek Resort offers a more casual atmosphere to enjoy burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and classic dinner entrees including fish & chips, salmon, stir-fry, and more. Enjoy a fresh-squeezed cocktail or one of more than 45 regional or international beers while playing pub games including foosball, darts, pool, and more. Both restaurants are also open for breakfast and lunch.


From daily Summer Nights on the Patio to al fresco dining in the estate vineyard, Black Star Farms near Suttons Bay has something for every palate.


Crystal Mountain’s Farm-to-Table dining series brings the fresh flavors of northern Michigan to the Thistle Pub & Grille at the resort in Thompsonville the third weekend of each month, May through September. Their chefs work with local farms, making personal visits to many of them, to build a custom three-course menu.


Come to Traverse City and enjoy the ultimate Bonobo Winery experience. Join Cornel, Bonobo’s winemaker, on the patio for a three-course lunch. Learn more about the wines paired with each course by the winemaker himself while taking in views of the rolling vineyard with Grand Traverse Bay in the distance. Picnic lunches in the vineyard are available at 12pm and 1:30pm Monday through Friday. Just reserve a table for $50 (seats up to six people), buy your lunch from the picnic menu, and select your favorite bottle of Bonobo wine. They’ll drive you out to your special place among the vines. Reservations recommended.


Click through for more mouth-watering places to try around West Michigan.




Spanish language game announcing available of Lee high boys win over Godwin Heights

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, WKTV Projects,
Late game action from the Lee at Godwin Heights boys soccer game Aug. 29. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Lee High School boys soccer broke open a tight, defensive struggle with two goals near the end of the first half, and then ran their early-season record to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in OK Conference Silver with a 5-1 win over cross-town rival Godwin Heights on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Jesus “Chucho” Cruz.

The game was televised by WKTV Community Media’s high school sports coverage team with special Spanish-language announcing by local soccer instructor and radio host Jesus “Chucho” Cruz. The Spanish language audio game telecast will be replayed Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m., and then again Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on WKTV cable channels. It will also be available both with Spanish and English announcers on-demand at WKTVlive.org. (See note below for details.)

Cruz is a goalie trainer for GRAS Academy of Grand Rapids and hosts the local La Mejor GR radio program.

In the actual game between Lee and Godwin Heights, Legends junior Gerardo Montañez broke the scoreless tie with about 4 minutes remaining in the first half, then about two minutes later sophomore Edgar Vasquez scored to push the score to 2-0. Lee and Vasquez wasted little time getting on the board in the second as he scored again with only about seven minutes played in the second half.

Lee pushed the score to 5-0 with goals by junior Willi Diaz and senior Michael Esqueda before Godwin sophomore Mario Aguilar tallied late for the final 5-1 score. Senior Godwin goalkeeper senior Eric Truong had several good saves despite the one-sided score. Lee sophomore Jacob Flores faced relatively few threats on goal as the Legends defense played very well.

With the loss, Godwin Heights’ record is now 1-1-1 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play.

In the lead-up to the contest, WKTV interviewed Lee coach Jamie Ramirez on the state of this current team and the school’s soccer program. For a story visit here. For a video, visit here.

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; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and 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.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

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

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Lee high boys soccer ready to make run for conference title, deeper playoff run

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
The Lee High School boys soccer team is off to a 6-0 start this season, and coach Jaime Ramirez has plenty of reasons to smile about their goals of a conference title. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Lee High School boys soccer coach Jaime Ramirez likes the state of his program, top to bottom, from the nearly 40 kids in the middle school program to the deep, talented varsity roster that has posted a 6-0 early-season record heading into a cross-town rivalry with Godwin Heights on Thursday, Aug. 29.

But Ramirez and his newly-named Legends expect more after last season’s 18-7 record including two playoff wins with an 8-3 record in OK Conference Silver standings, and this season’s fast start including a 2-1 comeback road win over Grandville Calvin Christian in conference play.

“The kids are working really hard. They have ambitions to make history on their own this year. The last conference championship we had was in 2010,” Rameriez said to WKTV early this week. “They are anxious to put another conference championship on their shoulders.”

The Lee boys soccer game at Godwin Heights will be this week’s WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week.

Lee lost only two players from last year’s squad and feature not only five seniors and five juniors on the varsity roster, but also several young players who are too good to keep off the varsity roster.

“That is what is making the team pretty strong,” Ramirez said. “This is my dream team. I can substitute like four of them and not notice a big difference on the team, which is what I believe all the coaches dream for.”

Coach (reluctantly) pointed out several players who are the “players to watch” on the offensive side of the squad, starting with senior Raul Antonio Montañez — “He is one ofr the best leaders I have. He works hard every single game and, right now, he is the number one we are looking for. … but like I said, we have a lot of good players coming back.”

Among those “good players coming back” is senior goalkeeper Jorge Andres Montes — “He is another straight-up leader.” As is junior Gerardo Montañez and senior Tristan Perez.

“I’ve got quite a few of them,” Ramirez said. “On defense I’ve got (sophomore) Alexander Ruiz, he is really good. And I’ve got a couple others coming back … (but) my midfielders are new this year. Wili Diaz has been playing really good. And Leonardo Maldonado, I put him up (on varsity), he was playing JV last year. … We have a lot of good players, it is hard for me to name just a few.”

The depth, on the varsity team and in the program, is not something the Legends have had in past years.

The Lee High School varsity team before a recent game. (WKTV)

“We have, if I’m not mistaken, something like 38 kids in the middle school program, and we are shooting to have two teams,” Ramirez said. “Back in 2007, when I started as a coach, I had 13 players on varsity. That’s it. That says something right there.

“The program is getting better and better. We’ve got more kids joining and we got a girls (program building the numbers) too. … The kids they really want to do things.”

And what the varsity “kids” want to do is win a conference title for a school which has struggled in many varsity sports in recent years.

“I talked to the guys and I keep telling them ‘We’ve got a lot of chances, a lot of potential to become OK champs this year.’ I’m not going to say we will, because I don’t like to say that. I’m going to say we’re going to try really hard.”

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

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Cat of the week: Lyanna

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,
The perfect mix of sweet and sassy — that’s Lyanna

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Gratiot Area Animals in Need (G.A.I.N.) contacted us in early July of 2019 in hopes of us being able to accommodate a FIV+ girl they had in their foster program. Although she had been with them since April, she wasn’t tested until her spay appointment in June, and when her viral status was discovered, they were in need of locating a shelter, such as ours, that caters to their special status. The only way the virus can be transmitted is through bite wounds, so at some point she was injured by another cat.


Lyanna hasn’t a mean bone in her lovely three-year-old body (born in the summer of 2016); in fact, she has proven to be one of our most outgoing, gregarious girls. In the words of our volunteers:


“Lyanna definitely goes against the “torti rules” by being the sweetest little thing. She enjoys gazing through the French doors to the lobby just waiting for one of the volunteers to pop in, scoop her up, and give her the attention she adores so much. She loves to follow us around and watch everything that is going on. I’ve seen her sass a few of the bigger boys and stand her ground when challenged, but she is not at all physically aggressive. She’d make the perfect companion for a home with kids, maybe a smaller dog, (she was fostered with dogs) and access to plenty of playtime. I’d worry a little about her trying to get outside because she does try her darnedest to sneak in to the lobby on occasion, so that should be taken into consideration.”

That. Face.

“Lyanna is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy. She loves people, but doesn’t have a ton of time to be held or sit in laps, as there is just too much to do! She is very playful and loves to chase bell toys around. She will sometimes play with other cats, but other times she wants nothing to do with them. She has one of the biggest appetites of all our residents—probably to fuel her high level of energy!”


We firmly believe that being FIV+ is not going to hinder her from finding a home as her charming personality, pawsitively stunning looks, and non-torti temperament (they are typically quite opinionated and, shall we say, less than agreeable) make her an awesome candidate for companionship. A word of friendly advice: don’t miss out on the chance to make lovely Lyanna yours!

More about Lyanna:

  • Tortoiseshell & Domestic Short Hair Mix
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • FIV+
  • Spayed
  • Good in a home with other cats, dogs, children

Want to adopt Lyanna? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.

Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.