By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
Love of an American made her move to the United States. Love of food from her Brazilian homeland made her enter local cooking contests. And an entrepreneurial spirit made her a baker of the tasty pão de queijo, a staple of her childhood and reason for her growing business. Love and a Brazilian oven in Kalamazoo, Michigan!
By K.D. Norris
People fall into collecting things in sometimes funny ways. Gene Isenga has a funny story of how he fell into collecting spark plugs — he works for a vintage automobile parts company and, well, that is where the story starts.
“Thirty years ago I had to organize the spark plugs,” Isenga said to WKTV. “My boss said that I could keep the onesies and twosies. So I gathered them all up and put them in a box and put them downstairs where they sat for a couple of years.”
He was given a few more, here and there, because people thought he collected them, but then he looked at what he had started and started looking for like minds.
“A customer told me about a place in Portland, Indiana,” he said. “ … A group of guys that collect spark plugs also. The name of the club is Spark Plug Collectors of America. So after work one Friday, me and another guy went down there and that’s when I got the bug.”
That “bug” now has him with hundreds of spark plugs, some dating back to the 1930s, most stored in wood cases. And has studied them so he can rattle off the make and year and interesting tidbits about almost every one. And he built a really cool machine that “sparks” the spark plugs.
Ya, he has the “bug”. Just like a lot of collectors at Metro Cruise.
When Isenga finds a spark plug that is rare, he grabs it and, if it is a little rusted, he tries to make it look like new again.
“I can sometimes blast it, sand it, wire-wheel it … then I have a way of making it dark again,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to take something as rusty as it was and make it look nice.”
Some are beyond making it nice, however. And those, he says, are “just not good enough” for his collection.
He also has a homemade crank box which can make them spark — now that is bringing them back to life.
Isenga, who lives in Jenison, is a member of the Spark Plug Collectors of America #721. For more information visit spcoa.net .
By West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC)
Marshall is a Managing Partner at Management Business Solutions (MBS). Marshall started her journey at MBS in February 2009. As of February 2014, she achieved her goal of officially becoming a part-owner of MBS.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
When do our cultural perceptions become deceptions? Whenever we let stereotypes and unfounded assumptions take over our thought processes. Interculturalist Joe Lurie talks about five decades of global learning––from observations as well as personal missteps. He shares some of the wisdom from his new book and offers tips for immigrants who want to succeed in the U.S. workplace.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
News that Kent County is planning to add about 32 more employees, many in the Sheriff’s Office’s juvenile detention area, was one discussion item of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Aug. 13, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. Another topic discussed was the State Secretary of State’s office report on the results of the Aug. 7 primary election — which saw a record percentage of primary voter turnout.
The meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvondemand.com). This month’s meeting is available here.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Sept. 10 will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
By Micah Cho, WKTV Intern
ken@wktv.org
Brandon Kimble’s approach to football is simple: “Defense wins championships, offense fills the stands”. Coach Kimble will be starting his first game as head coach of the Godwin Heights varsity football program this week, Thursday at 7 p.m., against Hamilton at Godwin Heights.
Coach Kimble sat down with WKTV’s Ken Norris earlier this summer to talk about what he hopes his team can accomplish this season.
“Defensively, I think they (the fans) can look forward to seeing a team that loves to play defense … They’re going to see athletes that enjoy playing the game and doing it the right way” Kimble said. “Offensively … We’re going to do some exciting things … our plan is to put them in space, put the ball in their hands and let them do some exciting things.”
Although Kimble’s plan for this year is to focus on the defensive side of the game, taking advantage of athletes from last year’s dominant basketball program will help build athleticism on the offensive side. SuSu Davenport, last year’s starting quarterback for the Wolverines and current Davenport University quarterback, helped the Wolverines to a 7-3 record in football and a 21-2 record in basketball, being a dominant force in both sports.
Connecting and recruiting basketball players before this summer was important for Kimble.
“It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I got into the building. ‘I got to get some of those basketball guys to come out…’ It show’s that we have the ability athletically to do some great things. It allows us to do the things we really want to do.” Kimble said. “Putting them in space, taking advantage of different defenses, playing fast, being able to do some creative things. When you have those athletes there’s a lot of things that you can do offensively and defensively.”
These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.
WKTV’s featured football games are rebroadcast on the night of the game (Thursday or Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports for complete schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
By K.D. Norris
Super Future, aka Nick Rowland, who calls Grand Rapids his “musical home,” is at home in both the EDM club scene and the open-air festival scene — it is just that he can offer a little more of a “show” outside and on a big stage.
So expect him to break out his guitar this weekend as he takes the stage at Breakaway Music Festival, an electric dance music which will return to the heights of Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25. Super Future will do a 45-minute set from 3-3:45 p.m. on Friday.
“I actually do try to make my outdoor shows more of a show with a guitar and everything, if I can travel safely with it, and Breakaway will be one of those sets,” Rowland said to WKTV. “The sound can be different, but I try to give a little bit of effort toward the type of crowd coming to the show. … For Breakaway I’ll try to stay to my truest self with the guitar, future bass and whatever I feel is at my center.
“Grand Rapids knows me for being sort of an original with no catering to any type of sound. I’m excited to let my experimentation come out in my own city.”
Rowland’s style, according to his website, is “a diverse combination of hard-hitting bass lines, groovy upbeat melodies, and bright future-style synths, all complimented by elements of ethnic and experimental percussion.” You can even find him showing his live music prowess playing live guitar over his original music.
“I’m going to pack as much of my heart as I can into this 30-minute set, so despite the early time slot, fans should really try to make it for this one,” he said. “Live instruments and a ton of my new material will be debuted that day.”
Playing a set in his “musical home” also offers some artistic advantage, Rowland said.
“The traveling is starting to spread out wider and wider, which I’m still getting used to as I have a full-time job, but it’s really enriching to see all the music scenes of new cities in America,” he said. “Breakaway is definitely in a city I would call home, but technically it isn’t my home like in the sense of where I grew up. That’s in Rochester, closer to Detroit.
“However, I would call Grand Rapids my music home, since I came up in this amazing city, and it’s is where I made my first dedicated fanbase. It will undoubtedly feel special, so I’m giving this city a special performance in return. I’ve been holding out on playing a lot of my new album but here I want to debut a few things if I have them ready in time.”
Presented by MiEntertainment and Prime Social Group, Breakaway fest will run 2-11 p.m. each day and several tickets options are available. The 2017 festival was attended by more than 16,000 fans.
Parking and drop-off/pick-up at the festival will come with some options; according to the festival website:
“There are plenty of ways to get to Breakaway, from taking public transportation to rideshare companies, biking and walking from downtown. The only way to park on festival grounds is via a VIP Parking Pass. … (general admission) parking will be limited in the areas around Belknap Park. For that reason, we recommend getting dropped off or taking public transit.”
For more information about tickets, parking, schedules and everything Breakaway, visit breakawayfest.com and/or follow the event using #BreakawayFest or @BreakawayFest.
For more information on Super Future, visit superfuturedj.co .
By Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Yassou! celebrates the culture and traditions of the Greek Orthodox people. There’s something for everyone — from a great, live band and dance demonstrations, to wine tastings and cooking classes. The food is to die for — appetizers, full meals, sandwiches and side items — and you won’t want to miss the baklava. Trinkets beckon from vendors’ stalls.
Be sure to join hands with members of the dancing circle and dance! Beginners are always welcome. Traditional Greek dancing brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.
Yassou! will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 330 Lakeside Dr. NE between Fulton and Michigan. Limited numbers of handicapped spots will be provided within steps of the main admission. Beyond that, nearly 1,000 parking spaces have been reserved within the immediate vicinity of the event. An air-conditioned shuttle is available to transport festival-goers to the event.
For bus riders, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is conveniently located within steps of a Grand Rapids ‘Rapid’ bus stop– bus Route 14 to be exact.
This year, Yassou! will be supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County (CAC) as its charity sponsor. The CAC is a nonprofit, community-based organization that is dedicated to the awareness and reduction of child sexual abuse. For more information, go here.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
From the mountains of Argentina to the lake shore of Michigan, Jorge Rodriguez knows one profound truth: your body is not fit unless your mind and spirit are also aligned. A lifelong practitioner of health and well-being, Dr. Jorge Rodriquez has trained celebrities like Brad Pitt and everyday citizens of his newfound hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this deeply touching interview, Jorge talks about his own challenges with health and the surprising generosity of others.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV talks with Dr. Erwin Haas, a Kentwood resident and retired local medical internist. Haas is the Libertarian Party candidate for the Michigan State Senate’s 26th District seat. This November, Haas will face off with Republican primary winner Aric Nesbitt and Democrat Garnet Lewis. Haas ran campaigns for U.S. Congress in 2016 and 2014, as well as for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.
We will talk with him about what the Libertarian party is all about and why he continues to seek elected office.
Also on the episode, In Focus is Thomas Sinas, a partner in West Michigan’s Sinas Dramis Law Firm and an advocate for the Kent County Legal Assistance Center. Sinas has tried both civil and criminal cases, and has also lectured and authored numerous articles on trial practice and substantive law. We talk with him about the Legal Assistance Center, and misconceptions about legal services available in civil and criminal cases.
The entire episode 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.
The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and aired again on Thursday, Aug. 7, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of Aug. 13. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
How do workers move themselves across borders and oceans? Simple, according to German expats Brigitte and Michael Merk. Stay curious. Don’t compare; accept the differences. Enjoy every moment. Accept that adjustment isn’t immediate. Be open. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone.
By WKTV Staff
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."
~ Aristotle
Once again the communities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be participating in National Night Out — this year on Tuesday, Aug. 7 — where residents are encouraged to turn their porch light on and come out and meet their neighbors. Go here for more info.
Wyoming hosts its last on-the-road meeting for the summer on Monday, Aug. 6.
“These are just great opportunities to get out in the community,” said Mayor Jack Poll during the meeting at Del-Mar. “We want our citizens to feel that we are very approachable and that they can come and talk with us.”
On Monday’s agenda are several items that will cover projects for the city’s parks and recreation and public works department along with several bid proposals and ordinance changes.
Michigan has an endless supply of grandchild-friendly activities, meaning long summer days filled with endless smiles and continuous laughter. These are the precious memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
The KDL Kelloggsville branch will host a Dot Mandala Painting Workshop Thursday, Aug 9. Go here for more details.
The mother spends six months so devoted to protecting the eggs that she doesn’t eat. The babies are the size of a grain of rice when they’re born. (Source.) Then mom dies. And that's the thanks she gets.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
Murari Suvedi came to the United States with little money but big dreams. Along with a wife and two small sons, he brought with him the core qualities of immigrants: a desire to learn and the ability to persevere. Fast forward several decades: has the “investment” in this Nepali family “paid off”? You be the judge. Join Alan as you listen to this father and son’s heart-warming story of hard work and success!
By Abbey Miller, Michigan State University Extension
Twenty-seven years ago, the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Master Gardener Program changed Daniel Miraval’s life.
“I was an at-risk youth from the southwest side of Detroit and was given a scholarship to attend a Master Gardener Program, which I successfully completed,” Miraval said. “That program led me into an amazing 26-year-career in horticulture and arboriculture.”
“For me it was the first opportunity to actually engage in an advanced training related to my job which was in the green industry. I learned the basic building blocks and foundation of horticulture and arboriculture. Upon realizing that it was actually a learnable discipline, it was then I decided to stick with it as a career. It would be much later that I used that to make it a profession.”
The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is an adult horticulture education and volunteer leader program committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan through horticulture-based volunteerism and beautifying communities throughout the state. The program provides instruction in basic, research-based horticulture science to motivated and active gardeners through an adult (18 years or older) educational program offered by MSU Extension. Once trained, Master Gardeners educate others in the community about environmentally and economically sound practices through horticulture-based volunteer activities.
In 1991 at 19 years old, Miraval did not have a clear picture of what he wanted to do. He struggled in school, eventually dropping out, and he had been in trouble with the law as a juvenile. Miraval needed a job and applied for a position at Marvin’s Gardens, a small landscape company, owned by Marvin Welch Jr.
“I’ve always said that the green industry saved my life,” Miraval said. “Had I not been given this opportunity, I may very well not have ended up as successful and accomplished as I have or be dead or in jail or prison.”
Shortly after starting at Marvin’s Gardens, Miraval realized that he had an affinity for and wanted to pursue a career in landscaping because as he says, “landscaping leaves a lasting mark.”
Welch showed an interest in Miraval’s progress and suggested Miraval take a Master Gardener class.
“He gave me a phone number for the Master Gardener Program,” Miraval said. “I called, they said the price and it was beyond my ability to pay.”
However, there was a hardship scholarship program. Welch advised Miraval to tell his story in a letter of application for the scholarship.
Miraval received the scholarship and attended the Master Gardener class. Looking back, Miraval recalls this class was one of the first major commitments he had ever made in his life.
“I was intimidated by Michigan State University in the title of the class,” Miraval said. “I didn’t graduate high school, but now was doing something with MSU.”
“The Master Gardener course provided me with the opportunity to explore the industry and guide me — it saved my life. I would not have put into practice follow-through and commitment. That was my first lesson. Taking the class opened doors for me. It also reaffirmed the fact that being broke is economic, but being poor is a debilitating state of mind. It taught me that when you do find success, you use it as a tool.
“I still refer to the Master Gardener curriculum from time to time,” he said. “The foundation of what I have learned as an arborist is in here [the Master Gardener curriculum] and whoever provided the funding that let me participate 27 years ago, when I had nothing, saved my life.”
Miraval credits the MSU Master Gardener program for helping people like him, who may not have succeeded in traditional education platforms, still attain levels of industry professionalism. He gives full recognition of his success today to where becoming a professional began for him in Welch’s class.
Following the class, Welch continued to serve as Miraval’s first mentor, but certainly was not his last mentor.
“Marvin said I should work for a nursery – a big one. Vidosh was one of those he suggested,” Miraval said.
During a job interview, Miraval recalled that Bruce White, Vidosh Landscape Center owner and operator and MSU horticulture graduate, asked what his 3- to 5-year plan was. Miraval told him he wanted to be like White. Miraval was offered the job where he continued to learn more about the green industry.
“Bruce was the one who recognized my passion for wanting to be a better person and to be part of a winning team,” Miraval said. “He was the one who taught me about hard work and following through with everything you set out to do. He really took me under his wing with the specific intention of recreating me. He became my mentor a month after I graduated from the Master Gardener class when I walked into his office, certificate and test score in hand, looking for more than a job but an opportunity. He served as a mentor for 19 years.”
Miraval then met White’s brother, Wayne White, owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC and MSU forestry graduate.
“Wayne has been a mentor of increasing involvement for the last 10 years, but his influence, commitment to my success and leaving a legacy has been an intense focus for the last 5 years. He is a true champion of mine and how my taking the steps and action to become a Master Gardener showed my passion for the green industry but more importantly it showed my determination to better myself by utilizing whatever means necessary and for me the first step was the Master Gardener Program.
“I think the bottom line is these mentors all taught me the basics of self-motivation, follow-through, work ethic and taking action,” Miraval said. “That seems to be what the Master Gardener Program scholarship contained. Being made available by some endowment I would imagine. I wish I could find out who those people were, and if they are still around, so I could personally thank each one of them. They believed in me without even knowing who I was. I want them to know that the program was a success for me and thank them. Every program needs metrics to prove its worth. I really don’t know what else to say other than thank you and the Master Gardener Program was like a magic carpet.”
Miraval continues to be surrounded by mentors that encourage his success and teach him lessons to live by. As he pursues Advanced Credentials in the Green Industry, he came in contact with Steve Martinko of Contenders Tree and Lawn, LLC from White Lake, Michigan. Steve has been a friend and mentor that has helped Miraval plan for the next ten years in his business.
Today, Miraval is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and a co-owner of Green Extraction Technologies LLC, based near Chicago. They specialize in root collar excavation, corrective pruning and provide contract digging services for nurseries and specialized plant health care for residents, homeowner associations, municipalities and other organized properties. Among Miraval’s clients are Virginia farms Ingleside Plantation Nurseries, located on over 2,500 acres with 1,000 acres of nursery production, and White House Natives, LLC, dedicated to growing and harvesting 96 different species of native plant materials on their 25 acre site.
In addition to being a professional ISA member, Miraval serves on the Chicago Region Trees Initiative Tree Risk Management work group and is an Openlands TreeKeeper. He is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association and the Illinois Arborist Association, of which he is a current board nominee. He is a certified tree safety person (CTSP), a certified Illinois pesticide applicator and an Illinois real estate agent.
“When I decided to become a an ISA–certified arborist, I reached back to the Master Gardener Program in respect to compartmentalizing how again this daunting advanced studying I wanted to do was similar to the Master Gardener Program. The information is there, it’s well presented and laid out, and all you have to do is apply yourself and inject your passion, and success is imminent.
“I hope my story inspires someone else or at least the people who make the policies that make these programs possible so they continue to fund them.
“The green industry is a very powerful industry in many ways. Trees are life. They saved mine and now I save theirs.”
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV brings you two topics on the Aug. 7 primary ballot — City of Wyoming funding for its police and fire departments through its public safety special millage, and the City of Kentwood’s Republican voters selecting a candidate to run for the Michigan State Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker.
The City of Wyoming is requesting to renew its existing public safety millage on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. Millage renewal approval would provide a permanent annual collection of 1.25 mills for the operation, maintenance and administration of city police and fire services. Discussing the details of the request is City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Chief Kim Koster, Wyoming Public Safety Director.
Also on the episode, In Focus is the only one of the three candidates in the Republican primary for 26th State Senate district, which includes the City of Kentwood, without history in state government. Don Wickstra is a Hamilton dentist and political novice, and while he is chairman of the Heath Township Planning Commission he admits to being,“ a name you probably haven’t read in news stories.”
In Focus host Ken Norris brings you Wickstra’s story, in his own words.
The entire episode 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.
The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, July 24, and will again air on Thursday, July 26, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 30. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
Which Michigan school is the first in the state to offer a college major in translation and interpretation? It’s not U of M. It’s not MSU. It’s plucky little Aquinas College! Prof. of French Michel Pichot tells how this is a huge employment opportunity for undergraduates in the liberal arts.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
After moving to the U.S. from Nigeria, Nkechy Ezeh battled the relentless snows of her adopted Michigan and the seeming coldness of the American don’t-just-drop-in culture. However, a far greater shock awaited her: learning that despite its wealth of knowledge about early childhood development, Americans weren’t applying it to educate the children of our most marginalized families. Listen as an award-winning educator talks about equity in education and her brainchild, the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative.
By Kent County
Chief Judge David M. Murkowski of Kent County Probate Court is highlighted in a recent report issued by the Michigan Supreme Court.
The report, “Success Stories: How Probate Courts Work to Protect the People of Michigan,” features Judge Murkowski and five other probate court judges from around the state, examining the problem of mental illness in the criminal justice system and a history of probate courts in Michigan.
Judge Murkowski shares a story of success involving a man severely injured in a car accident. The man had a history of suffering from mental illness, substance use, and was estranged from his family. Judge Murkowski assigned the man a public guardian from the Kent County Public Guardianship Program. In two years, the guardian helped the man secure medical and mental health treatment, turn his life around and find him housing.
When Judge Murkowski terminated the guardianship, the man had also reunited with his family and credited the public guardian and the court for his successes.
“We see individuals every day who are incapacitated, vulnerable, exploited, and mentally ill, or simply need some help,” Judge Murkowski said in the report. “To be able to provide a path to self-reliance, or safety, or stability is most rewarding to me.”
Judge Murkowski’s efforts gained notice.
“Within our judicial branch, it is imperative that we have in place an effective system for resolving a variety of deeply-sensitive legal matters, such as the probate of estates, the supervision of trusts, the administration of guardianships and conservatorships, and addressing the treatment of persons with mental illness,” Justice Kurtis T. Wilder stated at a news conference in Midland announcing the report. “Michigan’s probate courts have a lengthy and honored history of providing that very system and protecting vulnerable people all across Michigan.”
Judge Murkowski graduated from Marquette University and attended Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He was appointed to the probate court in 2006. The Michigan Supreme Court appointed Judge Murkowski to serve as the Chief Judge of the Kent County Probate Court in 2008.
In 2017, he was elected President of the Michigan Probate Judges Association (MPJA) and serves as a member of the Judicial Council of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He also serves on the Diversion Legislation Subcommittee of Governor Snyder’s Mental Health Diversion Task Force. He previously served six years as a council member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council.
In 2014, Judge Murkowski was the recipient of the Judicial Contributions in Law and Aging Award by Elder Law of Michigan and was elected as a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. In 2015, he was selected as a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
We Have Teeth and We Vote!Led by Oral Health America, Demand Medicare Dental is a national campaign to improve oral health (and overall health) for older adults by adding a dental care benefit to Medicare.
Online taxes, election security, county mental health on agenda at Chamber’s Government MattersThe Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
Pet-friendly vacations for all West Michigan dog-loversAny pet-lover knows it’s tough to walk out the door for vacation when you have to leave your furry friends behind. Luckily, there are plenty of places throughout West Michigan ready to welcome both you and your four-legged friends! We’ve gathered some of our favorite pet-friendly locations to help you plan your next trip for the entire family.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
A representative of U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-2nd District) and local State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) each played a key part in discussion of possible federal changes to the internet taxation rules as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, July 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. Other topics discussed were the State Secretary of State’s office gaining $11.2 million to beef up cybersecurity and other election security measures, as well as an update on the problems and possible solutions to the issues of how the Kent County’s mental health services are funded.
The meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvondemand.com). This month’s meeting is available here.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Aug.13 will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
By Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension
I recently attended a meeting in the greater Grand Rapids area where the discussion centered on how we can benefit Michigan and its communities. In typical brainstorm fashion, our large group was divided into smaller tables to discuss and generate ideas which would be reported out to the larger group.
After one group’s suggestion that we help communities recruit individuals, an audience member respectfully suggested, “Why grow?” When the response was “to keep our communities from stagnating,” the audience member persisted that growth is bad, causing unnecessary congestion and build out, and that we should learn to live with what we have. Polite as the discussion was, I resisted the urge to jump up and debate the topic that day.
So there is no misunderstanding, growth is a good thing, if done right. There are countless examples from the old days, and unfortunately present day too, of poorly managed growth in urban sprawl, over taxing of utilities, etc. That is bad growth.
Communities are just like people, they are either green and growing or ripe and rotting, nothing stays the same. Each of us tries to grow personally, professionally and keep in shape, as a result we are better than we were before. In fact, we can choose to continually grow and improve. Yes, we all know that one guy from high school that 20 years later is still sitting on the couch re-living the same game-winning-touchdown-pass he caught. That is an example of no growth. Communities are the same, they can’t sit around remembering the good ol’ days. Instead, they need to look forward and position themselves for a positive, productive future.
If you’ve been paying attention, Michigan has been hemorrhaging for 10 years when three major companies ended 400,000+ manufacturing jobs. This created a ripple effect and tailspin of people leaving our state, taking their skilled talents and families with them. Although Michigan has done many things right and we are gaining back ground, we still need talent. We need people to move back to Michigan bringing their skills and talents, but also their families, ideas and civic involvement. It is this growth that Michigan and our communities desperately need in order to be a vibrant state.
Here’s the fun part. Yes, we have to encourage and embrace growth in order to be better, but we must be smart about it. As communities and as a state we need to decide what type of growth works, where best to encourage it and what happens when it comes. In other words, we must do some advanced planning so that the growth we so desperately need is organized, positive and helps us get to where we want to go.
And here’s the really fun part, there are loads of people and resources out there that can help. From your local economic development organization, in our case the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, to the MSU Extension, regional planning agencies such as Networks Northwest or the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments to the Michigan Municipal League and others.
Michigan has a bright future, and I hope growth will be part of it!
Michigan State University Extension‘s partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) seeks to assist and create growing and thriving communities through collaboration with many entities to achieve their goals.
Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to statewide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
Being born in the former Soviet Union of Jewish ancestry did not make life easy for families like the Kabachenkos. Add to that the world’s largest nuclear meltdown, and the situation is ripe for an entire family to flee their native Ukraine to seek asylum in the United States. Growing up between two cultures, young Max wasn’t sure where he belonged. And then in 2001, the Twin Towers came down, and an immigrant teen was clear what he had to do: enlist in the U.S. Army and stand up for his adopted country. Max Kabachenko talks with Alan about culture, belonging, and the price of citizenship.
Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, Samantha Gonzales, Gina Mancha, Shanitra Reed and Melonie Rodriguez.
Week-by-week they learned the skills needed for a successful career in the health care industry. And, piece-by-piece they refined the art (and science) of cleaning, sterilizing and assembling surgical parts.
“I’ve always wanted to get back into health care, and this job was the perfect fit for me,” said Samantha Gonzales.
Gonzales was a housekeeper at Holland Hospital when she learned about the program. She applied, knowing the program could give her the ability to advance her career but little else about the job. After starting the apprenticeship, she realized quickly the job matches her skills and abilities well.
“I love interacting with co-workers throughout the hospital and working under pressure. I plan on building a career out of this job,” Gonzales said.
Gina Mancha was laid off from her career and was too young to retire. This program gave her a new set of skills to start a second career.
“We all took this class for the better, no matter what that is- better job, better schedule, better life,” Mancha said. “We were determined and ambitious.”
Students received instruction from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as hands-on experience at a local hospital: Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital or Mercy Health.
“You just changed the narrative of your life, your childrens’ lives and grandchildrens’ lives,” said Amy Mansfield, dean of GRCC.
Mancha left quickly after the ceremony ended. She had a job to start.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
On a special high school sports episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with Brandon Kimble, who in May took over as head football coach of the Godwin Heights High School Wolverines.
Kimble is no stranger to the Wolverine program as he served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2015. He played wide receiver and safety at East Kentwood High School before graduating in 2006, and went on to play wide receiver at Olivet College. He has also coached in the East Kentwood and Grand Rapids Union football programs.
At the time of his hire, Godwin athletic director Rob Hisey praise Kimble’s football knowledge but also praised his ability to build relationships with kids.
In Focus host and producer Ken Norris talks with Coach Kimble about football, off-seasons in the weight room and, maybe most importantly, leading young men to become better on and off the field.
All In Focus interviews are available on YouTube at WKTVvideos .
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
“Would you do it all over again if you could choose?” an adult son asks his dying father. Jake Beniflah talks of immigration, personal sacrifice, and the stress of acculturating to a place far from home.
By Abbey Sladick, Mel Trotter Ministries
After the success of creating a transitional house for youth in 2017, Mel Trotter Ministries recently opened a transitional house for women who are experiencing homelessness. The MTM “Melanie House” was established to provide additional housing opportunities for women who have gone through a program at the Mel Trotter Ministries downtown shelter but still face challenging barriers to having a home of their own.
This housing opportunity fosters a supportive community environment and does not exclude women based on physical or mental disabilities, prior criminal history, addiction, bad credit or other barriers.
“The home will offer the tenants stable, affordable housing which they have been unable to secure in our city’s tight rental market,” said Dennis Van Kampen, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “This experience will help these ladies build the foundation for independent living in the future and we believe this experience will help keep them from returning to homelessness.”
The Melanie House is located in an undisclosed location in Grand Rapids. It features two bathrooms, a community kitchen and dining area, and three private rooms for the three tenants who were formerly in an MTM program. One of the tenants serves as an on-site resident assistant and provides encouragement and guidance. Tenants pay $300-$400 a month for rent and also pay for their own utilities.
MTM will also offer aftercare services with a staff case manager who walks alongside the tenants as they connect with their new neighborhood, build credit history, navigate transportation, continue a savings plan and set goals for long-term housing.
Some items for furnishing the home are still needed by donors. To help, please go to www.meltrotter.org/needs to help out.
By K.D. Norris
Criminal justice in West Michigan was the stated topic of the American Civil Liberties Union Michigan’s “In/Justice” expert panel and community discussion at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre Wednesday, June 28.
“Questions about the relationship between police, prosecutors and citizens continue to dominate the American consciousness,” stated the flyer advertising the meeting, which was attended by more than 200 persons. “The forum brings together community groups and public officials to discuss the causes and solutions to problems with criminal justice in Grand Rapids.”
But Grand Rapids Police Department Chief David Rahinsky and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, two of the forum panelists, fielded most of the questions from moderator and local attorney Anthony Green, and often had to defend the organizations they lead.
Responding to a question about the high number of persons who committed non-violent crimes but end up in prison, Becker pointed out that 73 percent of Michigan Department of Corrections prisoners are violent offenders and that while the federal prison average is about 50 percent drug offenders, the percentage in Kent County is about 7 percent.
In addition to Rahinsky and Becker, other members of the panel included Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack (District 17; City of Grand Rapids) and ACLU Michigan Legislative Director Shelli Weisberg.
Weisberg set the tone of racial disparity in Michigan’s criminal justice system early on when she said: “We incarcerate to many people, but we incarcerate far too many black and brown people.”
Responding to another question from Green, this one on race relations between the police force and minority communities — “The perception is that nothing has changed,” Green said — Rahinsky agreed that a recent report on GRPD traffic stops does show a level of disparity and that his department is taking action to improve race relations and lessen racial disparity in criminal justice.
“We took that report to heart,” Rahinsky said. “We are in the midst of a battle … collectively, we are making progress.”
Womack, at one point, while agreeing that problems exist with the Grand Rapids police force’s criminal justice enforcement involving minority communities, did offer his support of the police chief.
“We are far from having the relationship we need to have,” Womack said. But “I believe we have the right police chief.”
Other topics discussed in the early part of the community meeting related to bail recommendations and the inability of some low-income persons to pay bail for non-violent offenses, the idea of prosecutors over-charging crimes to allow for easier plea bargains, and action by the ACLU to bring about a fairer criminal justice laws in Michigan.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV caught up with U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood in Washington, D.C.
Huizenga has been a strong supporter of the Republican-led federal tax cuts, which he said is good for West Michigan businesses large and small, and the state’s workers. He is also a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, but has disagreed with him on several issues, including trade tariffs. In the special “on the scene” interview, Rep. Huizenga addresses those issues as well as Michigan’s recreational marijuana ballot measure.
Also on the episode, In Focus is James R. Gill, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. Since coming to Grand Rapids, in January 2017, he has seen many changes, both large and small, in the airport. We talk about those, and what is coming in the future.
The entire episode 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.
The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, June 26, and will again air on Thursday, June 28, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of July 2. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
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).
Gorgeous Gus came to us under very sad, shocking circumstances in March of 2018 when his neighbor alerted us to his plight: his owner had passed away days before, leaving Gus and two other cats alone in the house without food or water; they were afraid and freaked out (as you can imagine).
The third cat in the house didn’t fare so well and passed on before we got approval from the police to remove the cats from the home. It appears that all three boys, along with their owner, were in need of medical care for quite some time and didn’t receive it. Thankfully for Gus (born in 10/2009), it wasn’t too late, but he was in dire need of both physical and emotional attention immediately after we retrieved him.
As you can see from the initial photos, poor Gus had a nasty, infected cystic mass on the top of his head that required topical ointment and injectable antibiotics to resolve. He also came in thin as a rail due to being undiagnosed as hyperthyroid, but we are able to manage this effectively and affordably with twice daily oral medication that he takes like a champ. Multiple teeth also had to be extracted after he had been with us for several weeks, allowing him to acclimate and get as comfy as possible in his new surroundings. As you can imagine that task was quite daunting and Gus has made it known that he would prefer to be back in a less crowded social situation, and believe it or not he has taken to bossing around most of the other residents, even though he is only about 9 lbs soaking wet.
Gus loves a good belly rub and is a very low-key, overall easy-going cat. I wouldn’t say he loves to be picked up, but he will crawl up on your lap and fall asleep. He loves to be up on the cat walk watching all the action. He’s a little quiet when it comes to seeking attention, but when he gets it, he loves it. A lot of the volunteers think he’s completely deaf, but I know he can hear a treat bag from the next room over.
He isn’t the playful, kitten-type cat, but the “I just want to lounge around like a lazy cat” kind. He loves bird watching on the window ledges and playing with feather toys on a stick. I think he’d be perfect matched up with an older couple. Gus is very social and is especially is known for following volunteers around demanding attention. Hee has been picking on other cats, so it may be best for him to be an only cat or at least be the dominant cat in the house.
So, there you have it! Come on down and meet this special boy.
Want to adopt Gus? 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.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming, no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be found.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
What is a Japanese couple to do if their young son urges them to allow him to move to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming an astronaut? If you’re the mom and dad of Yuki Takahashi, you say, “(Gulp)…yes!” Via Skype across the Pacific, the global astrophysicist discusses saving wildlife, living in Antarctica, and playing tennis on the moon.
WKTV Staff
If 56th Street is one of your favorite routes to take to the RiverTown Crossings or to Maple Hill Golf Course, be warned: starting July 9 you will need to find a different route. 56th Street will be closed between Ivanrest Avenue and 56th Street for reconstruction that includes the road being widen to three lines.
For the complete story, click here.
U.S. Sen. Gary Petters (D-Michigan) has announced that he will be traveling to four Michigan cities this summer for community meetings, and he will be in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 30, for a 10 a.m. meeting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW.
For the complete story, click here.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall. WKTV’s Ken Norris caught up with him.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
Graci Harkema is with us today because of what some people would call a miracle. Born sick and premature in rural Congo, she was left at an orphanage where she was expected to die. A visiting missionary saw the tiny baby in a back room and heard a voice telling her, “This is your daughter.” Join us to hear one young woman’s powerful story of survival, self-identity, and coming full circle.
By K.D. Norris
It is hard to find anything close to reliable numbers as to how many Grand Rapids area persons of the Muslim faith will be celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just after sunset on Thursday.
But after being invited into, and sitting quietly through, a mid-day Ramadan prayer and service June 8 at Kentwood’s At-Tawheed Islamic Center and masjid (mosque), with an estimated 500 male and 200 female worshipers of all ages, the community’s quiet local presence is undeniable.
Further consider that the Kentwood masjid also hosted evening daily Ramadan prayers with as many and often more worshipers, and consider At-Tawheed is only one of at least five Muslim religious centers in the Greater Grand Rapids area serving congregations representing dozens of national and ethnic backgrounds ranging from Egyptian to Kashmirian to Bosnian to Somalian.
All Muslims, however, recognize Ramadan; it is, after all, a commandment of God.
“During the days of Ramadan, from sunrise until sunset time, it is not allowed for them to eat or drink or have relations with their spouses,” Imam Morsy Salem, of the At-Tawheed Islamic Center, said to WKTV. “Our intention is to ask ourselves ‘Are we really willing to get closer to God?’ When we do fast, it is because it is good for our souls.”
Imam Morsy is of Egyptian origin but he proudly says his congregation has more the 35 national and ethnic backgrounds — not surprising give the fact that, according to a 2015 study, adherents of the religion of Islam are the world’s second largest religious group with about 1.8 billion followers, making up about 24 percent of the world’s population. And the followers spread around the world, with the largest Muslim country not being in the Middle East, as many think, but being Indonesia.
The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect religious background data, but looking at the numbers available, the latest Census estimates place the greater Grand Rapids total population at just under 1 million, while a recent study by a group called Muslims for American Progress estimates that 1 percent of the population of the United States is Muslim and about 2.75 percent of Michigan’s population is Muslim. Two other studies place the West Michigan Muslim population at about 1.5 percent, or about 8,000-to-9,000.
Whatever the actual local community numbers, a Ramadan prayer event planned at East Kentwood High School’s gym on Friday is expected to draw as many as 5,000 worshipers, according to event organizers.
Then, in the evening, local muslim communities will be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, which, depending on who you ask, translates from Arabic as “the breaking of the fast” or “the feast of the breaking of the fast.” The celebrations will be family and community gatherings, some modest and some more grand.
This year, Ramadan began on or around May 16, with its ending, Eid-ul-Fitr, falling on or around June 15. (The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar cycle, so dates are subject to the sighting of the moon and change slightly each year.)
The East Kentwood gathering, and other Muslim community events, will be part of a celebration as Ramadan draws to a close after a month of fasting during the long days, light meals after sunset, and daily religious personal introspection and formal Islamic instruction focused on readings from The Qur’an Islamic holy book as well as imam instruction.
Ramadan, in short, is a way for Muslims to become closer to God — which they call “Allah” but which is the same God as in Jewish and Christian beliefs. Muslims accept the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospels as the word of God, but believe that they are incomplete without The Qur’an. They also believe that Islamic prophet Mohammad is the final in a series of God’s prophets which include Adam, David and Jesus Christ — “Peace be upon them,” Muslims will often recite when mentioning their names.
And Ramadan is one of the most unique aspects of Islam.
“The purpose (of Ramadan) is because a person becomes more righteous, truthful and mindful of God,” Dr. Sahibzada, the director of the Islamic Center of West Michigan and Imam of the center’s masjid, said to WKTV. “When we are fasting, were are listening to the commandment of God — spiritually, materially, bodily, perception. Everything is attached to God. … We have to be close to God. We have to submit to the will of God.”
Dr. Sahibzada, who arrived in Grand Rapids in 2001 — just months before the September 2001 attacks on American — is of Kashmirian background (Kashmir being a region north of India divided and governed by India, Pakistan and China), but he points out that being the first Islamic center in West Michigan, dating from 1985, his congregation has varied over the years as new Muslim communities arrive and, sometimes, form their own masjids.
In addition to the Islamic Center of West Michigan on Burton Street and the At-Tawheed Islamic Center on East Paris Avenue, Dr. Sahibzada pointed out that there is also a Bosnian Cultural Center on Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids, another Bosnian Muslim community center in Kentwood, also on East Paris and not far from At-Tawheed, and a Somalian Muslim center on Eastern Avenue.
Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammad on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the “Five Pillars of Islam”.
While all devout adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan — which in Grand Rapids is almost 16 hours this year. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breast-feeding are not required to fast. Also, those who are “on journey” — on travel or at taxing daytime work — during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast until they have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
“Fasting is only for those who are healthy,” Dr. Sahibzada said. “Those who can afford it, those who can do it. Even if you are healthy, if you can do it, but you are on a journey, you are allowed to not fast. God is merciful.”
Fasting means more than simply food, beverage and smoking, Muslims also refrain from sexual relations as well as “sinful speech and behavior”.
During Ramadan, many Muslims pray every night, ofter reciting or being read different chapters each day until The The Qur’an is completed.
By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong
David Alicea knows firsthand the peaks and valleys of life. Homeless on the streets of New York at age 10, he bounced between several foster families before being taken in by a young couple who gave him his stability. They eventually took him back to their native Puerto Rico, where the hardscrabble kid learned discipline and the love of the church.
By WKTV Staff
City of Wyoming promotes Maguffee to police captainCapt. James Maguffee takes over the position that was vacated by Chief Kim Koster upon her recent promotion.
Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the opening of three businessesTwo new businesses open in Wyoming while a third opens its doors in Kentwood with the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce welcoming them all.
Wyoming’s ‘Chief’ Carmody, Republican house candidate on latest WKTV Journal: In FocusOn the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is the now retired Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief, as well as a candidate for a local state house seat.
