Majorie Steele, member of the local Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, shows off vintage Red Cross uniforms and supplies used during World War II, the era in which “South Pacific” takes place.
Set sail for the South Pacific with the Grand Rapids Civic Theater from February 27 through March 22. An amazing cast will take you to the other side of the world and back in time to World War II. This iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells two honest love stories from a different era where prejudice often complicated romance.
The first of these romances is Nellie’s, a lively nurse from Arkansas. Upon arriving in the South Pacific, she is quickly swept up in a romance with Emile who is a local plantation owner. When Nellie learns of his romantic past with another local, she refuses his proposal.
Lieutenant Joe Cable’s story is the second. His love affair with Liat, the young daughter of Bloody Mary who is a local grass skirt peddler, leaves him struggling with his prejudices and fears of social consequences.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s play, South Pacific was based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Tales of the South Pacific. They believed that their musical adaptation could be financially successful and would also send a strong, open-minded message on the prejudices that were prevalent in the 1940’s.
In addition to the social message of South Pacific, there are the wonderful songs that are still sung today. “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening” are two of the musical’s hits that have been sung for generations.
Civic Theater has partnered with the Red Cross for this production of South Pacific. The Red Cross had a strong presence in World War II when volunteers soared from 17,000 to 7.5 million. Volunteers supported service men and women by donating blood and also serving alongside the military in the South Pacific. The Red Cross has organized a letter writing campaign that will take place during the performance. Audience members can write a note of thanks to veterans who are returning home.
Come escape this Michigan winter and see South Pacific at Grand Rapids Civic Theater. Show times are 7:30 PM Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 PM matinee performance on Sunday.
Growing up on a farm helps one have an appreciation of nature. We never had a lot but we had an abundance of healthy, home grown vegetables, butchered our meat, and raised our own eggs and poultry, cut our own firewood to heat our home. Mom canned and later froze our produce. We had a fruit cellar for the potatoes. Carrots we dug out of the snow covered ground. We would purchase apples by the bushel and make jars and jars of apple sauce. We did not know much about environmental issues and never heard about climate change.
We were ignorant. The icicles hanging from our kitchen roof I thought were beautiful and never considered adding to the four inches of insulation in the attic. We hauled our few throw-away aluminum cans to a dry creek bed in the back forty. Our drain field, it turned out to my surprise, was the country drainage ditch from which our cows drank. We swam in the larger creek a half mile from our home. We were poor and had no money for herbicides. What pollution we caused was easily covered by the hospitality of nature.
College came and went. I became aware of the word ecology. After living in Africa for 16 years we returned to Michigan where I had found a job selling and later installing Blackberry Solar Systems for heat. It made economic sense…barely…because of the Michigan solar tax credit in the early 1980s. Gas became expensive.
Living in Africa and working in agriculture community development I had learned what it means to live simply, living in balance with nature, and being abundantly careful with the limited resources poor people have. It became a motivating factor of my life.
I purchased a large solar water heating system for a multiple rental unit we owned. Every home we lived in I established a flourishing garden. We recycled everything. We sought ways to be energy efficient. In 2013 Jan and I visited an organization called New Vision Renewable Energy in West Virginia. I saw how one could build a hydroponic garden raising vegetables where recycled water from a small fish pond became the nutrient basis for the vegetables. It was powered by solar. We sell hundreds of small solar telephone chargers and light all over the world through our small international business (www.businessconnectworld.com).
I had to take the next step, a big one, and expensive. I calculated what it would cost to provide 100% of our power off solar. The system would cost me over $40,000.00.
Learn what steps Lou took when he learned what installing a solar system would cost him – and whether this challenge altered his commitment to Creation Care. Watch for part two of the story Friday and accompanying video.
I had just finished cleaning at my Lafayette apartment and answered a phone invite to Paulo’s for live rock and 10 cent beer and wine. I told her yes…but that I’d come just as I was — wearing old holey jeans, my well-worn CMU sweatshirt and Docksider shoes…popular in the late 80’s. The girlfriend did plead a good case of why I should join her, so I did. No extra shower. No extra make up and certainly, not one bit ready to meet “him.”
The club was busy, there was a long line out the side door to get in. The band really jamming with couples crowded on the dance floor and I had a pocketful of dimes. My pretty friend sat at the end of a long table with co-workers. She looked fabulous! Her long brown curls coifed just so. Dramatic eye makeup and shiny lips, she was a knock out! Her Calvin Klein jeans had perfectly pressed creases down the front by the drycleaner.
And me, I looked down at the end of the string in my hoodie which had disappeared into the neck seam, oh well! I took a seat at the other end of the table, stacked my dimes and put my sockless leather shoes up on a nearby chair.
There he was. “Him.” He said hello to all his buddies who flanked my girlfriend, she smiled and appeared to know this man who made his way directly to me and said, “looks like I belong here.” I’ll tell you now…he did. No socks, old tennis shoes, a hole in the material of his pants and a t-shirt. For the sake of time I’ll flash the story forward a bit, we danced a lot – my dimes disappeared and “he was hanging invisible mistletoe over my head by midnight”. It worked!
The next morning he remembered where I worked and called to ask me to lunch. There was a problem though, when his call was connected to a woman who had my same name! She declined his invitation to lunch telling him she was a married woman. His reply was, “you weren’t married when we were dancing last night!” She transferred the call downstairs to me, thank God! All the married women upstairs swarmed to ask what he looked like, where he worked and – and – and! I just knew his name, and that he was really fun and made me smile!
The women peeked through the blinds when he drove in the parking lot; now that I’m older I see how exciting that must have been for all of them. For the record, he drove a blue metallic convertible sports car and you should have seen the office ladies faces when they saw his smile, dark curls and sunglasses. “Bye girls!”
At lunch we discovered we both were left handed. That’s a great coincidence! We talked about our birthdays, I had just turned 21…we found we had the same birthday! After more talk we also discovered our favorite piece of chicken was the wing, which “back in the day” restaurants didn’t have on the menu. When he dropped me back off to work, I was in a wonderful daze the rest of the afternoon and not much was accomplished.
That night “he” asked me to go dancing…what a thrill! When he would arrive at my apartment he would have a clean shirt in his hand and ask to use my iron. My iron! I thought to myself? “Sure! Come on in” I couldn’t believe he would show up to the door and want to use my iron?
We’d go out, dance, laugh and get to know each other a little more each evening and when he would bring me home and walk me to the door he’d ask, “May I sleep on your chair?” “No!” I replied to him laughing a little as he walked away. Sheesh, I thought to myself, he wants to sleep on my couch…yea right!
Each night of the week patterned the same, shirt in hand to iron, great date with lots of fun and at the end of our time together he would ask to sleep on the couch, then the chair and everywhere but the bedroom! Each night when I refused, he happily kissed me good night and walked to his car. I had several conversations with my roommate about the oddity of the iron and how forward he was asking to sleep in our apartment the first week we met! And then, it was Friday.
Friday was very much like each night we went out. He asked for the iron at the beginning of the evening and pressed his dress shirt to take me out. We now had danced for five evenings straight and were up for even more. But this evening when he dropped me off he did not ask the “sleep over” question, but told me that he would be going to Cleveland and would call me when he returned.
This was great news to my tired dancing feet as Cleveland was 4 ½ hours from Grand Rapids! I slept for most of the day and accomplished some chores around the apartment. I was dumping trash in the parking lot when his metallic blue convertible zipped into the parking lot! It was “him!” Had he had driven to Cleveland and back so fast? There he was sitting in the driveway at 5:30pm with a TV bungee strapped to the back of the car! What was this all about?
I was twenty-one then, and didn’t really understand everything that was taking place through this initial week. I only found out later that the evening I met my husband to be, he was at Paulo’s to say good-bye to all his friends. Rich had quit his job of 10 years to take a new one in Cleveland and be closer to his girlfriend, anxious to have him move closer. He had sold his house and had one rented in Cleveland. He had moved his TV and furniture there. All those evenings that began with him at my door, wrinkled shirt in hand, and ended with him requesting to sleep over at the end of the date…he was living in that blue metallic convertible sports car – right there in my parking lot!
We married two years from that first date. It was “him and still is.” All along this was the man of my dreams and will celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary in August. This is our true-life love story!
Rich and Sue Lamos 30 years later, still a perfect Valentine story!
So it’s fitting that the Kelloggsville High School senior is one of 100 high-school students selected nationwide to attend the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort March 5-8.
Hasani will join other aspiring students at the conference, offered in partnership with comic Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. The weekend includes educational sessions, guest speakers, and hands-on learning opportunities, with the focus on teaching high school students how to dream big and discover possibilities.
Hasani said he looks forward to getting involved with students from across the country to learn more about effective dreaming and achieving these dreams.
“I want to be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to and I hope the Disney Dreamer Academy can help with that,” he said.
He also has a personal reason for wanting to go to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
“My mother has always wanted to take me to Disney World. The opportunity never presented itself until now,” he said. “I can now take her expense free.”
On his application essay, Hasani described how he hopes to become an entrepreneur by starting his own consulting firm or private bank. He also wants to start a mentoring program for underprivileged youth in the Grand Rapids area.
Hasani was recently accepted into Harvard University, and is in the process of choosing between Harvard or Morehouse College, where he has been offered full-ride scholarship. He is also a finalist for Morehouse College’s Stamps Leadership Scholarship. He plans to study a combination of finance, economics, political science or education.
Hasani is extremely involved at Kelloggsville High School and in the Wyoming community.
He is vice president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Kent Career Technical Center National Technical Honor Society and is a member of the Principal Leadership Team at KCTC. He is president of the City of Wyoming Teen Council, a model and contributor for the peer-to-peer education program Pure Passion for Fashion, a mentor for D.A. Blodgett’s Big Brother Big Sister program and Hasani is vice president of the National Honor Society. He also serves as president of the Kent Career Technical Center National Technical Honor Society and is a member of the Principal Leadership Team at KCTC. He is president of the City of Wyoming Teen Council, a model and contributor for the peer-to-peer education program Pure Passion for Fashion, a mentor for D.A. Blodgett’s Big Brother Big Sister program and Co-Program Director of the Youth Leadership Academy at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center. Hasani also executive produced the fundraiser “Hasani Helping Haiti” and last summer attended American Legion Boys Nation.
Last week 27 people from the Kent County area bundled up on one of the coldest nights of the year to check under bridges, overpasses, and parks. They were looking for their fellow citizens, people technically classified as “homeless.” Jim Talen, coordinator for Kent County’s 2015 Point in Time Count of homeless residents, says total numbers of homeless in Kent County are expected to range somewhere between 650 to 800. “Last year we counted a little over 790 and we expect to be close to that this year,” says Talen. Numbers are not broken out by community.
Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Wyoming, says that communities in Kent County work together to care for the homeless, so services are centralized. “We want everyone to know that calling 2-1-1 is the way to access services for people who fear they will become homeless or those who already are.” The City of Wyoming publishes a pamphlet on homeless issues available at this link: Community_Outreach_Trifold.pdf
The 17-year-old Wyoming High School girl seriously injured when struck by a Chevrolet Impala is recovering and even tries to joke a bit, says Principal Nate Robrahn, who visited her recently. “She comes from an incredible family, she’s a strong young lady,” he added. The student’s name will not be released.
Robrahn noted that when he visited the hospital, the WHS student was sitting up in a wheel chair despite suffering several broken bones. “But,” says Robrahn, “I don’t expect her back at school right away.” Arrangements will be made with her family to ensure she doesn’t fall too far behind in her school work during her recovery. Efforts to support her, like the principal’s visit, are just part of Wyoming High School’s commitment to each student’s success, or as Robrahn puts it, “She’s part of the Wolf family!”
Love stories come in all different forms. They can be romantic, funny, spontaneous, and a little bit quirky!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, WKTV is looking for love stories of all kinds from our readers in Wyoming and Kentwood. Do you have a great Valentine’s Day story to share? We would love to hear it!
The 4 top stories will receive a $25 dollar gift card from Eastern Floral!
We are looking for any story with you and your loved one to celebrate on February 14, something memorable. Were you married on Valentine’s Day? Were you proposed to in a unique setting? Did your car break down on the way to pick up your date? Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day and have to scramble last minute to throw something together?
Every love story is special and WKTV wants to hear the all, so don’t hold back!
Want to share your story with WKTV? Email mike.dewitt@wktv.org or mail a letter to 5261 Clyde Park Avenue Southwest, Wyoming, MI 49509. Deadline for getting your story into WKTV is Monday, February 9.
YOU and other WKTV readers will vote on the best stories.
We look forward to hearing your love stories! All you need (to enter) is LOVE!
WKTV is pleased to announce the newest program to the station’s line-up, “The Quilt Show” premieres tonight, January 20, at 6:30pm. Tutorials for the program were recorded in 2014 at the Quilts on the Grand Show. When last we left the intrepid WKTV crew on location at the DeltaPlex, they were videotaping demonstrations for “The Quilt Show.” Routines had settled down a bit, everyone was working together beautifully, inevitably this was the perfect time for the equipment to go haywire. So now the scene is set for the second day of taping on location, as told by producer Thomas Hegewald. Enjoy.
Making of “The Quilt Show,” Part 2
Quilts at the DeltaPlex Arena before the crowd shows up
The second day of recording we were more relaxed. Since the site was secured over night, we had left everything but the cameras in place. However, something unexpected happened that second day just as we powered up to get everything ready. Communication from the truck to the cameras didn’t work. In short, the camera operators couldn’t hear me direct them as to which shots to focus on or when their shots were were “on”, or being recorded.
Setting up for the next tutorial at the DeltaPlex
Added to that, the main, centrally located camera on the talent, or demonstrator, lost power shortly before we started recording. This was also the one back-up camera we were using to record the entire show in case something went wrong with the other cameras. This left us with only three cameras – one shooting an overview of the table and one camera on each side of the table for cross shooting projects and products on the table.
Tutorials were recorded in front of a live audienctable.
Because of the 40” monitors on the sides of the table, the camera operators could see which camera I was currently using for the program and knew when to hold their shot. In today’s tech savvy world, my audio operator sent texts to one of the camera operators, who happened to be her husband, relaying my directions to him for when and how to change shots. Midway through that first show, the fourth camera came back on-line, but we never did get the communications systems to work again.
We recorded six shows the first day and three the second. In between shows we transferred the footage to an external hard drive that the Guild had purchased. Once all of the shows were done, we spent over an hour packing everything up and loading it back into the truck.
The Super Suite editing station at WKTV
I began the process of editing the next day. While we had provided a Q&A portion at the end of each show, I decided to cut it out. We couldn’t get a microphone to participants quickly enough to hear the question and the audience wasn’t lit for recording, both of which created moments of silence for the demonstrator while listening. We could put two short shows together to broadcast in a half hour time slot for television broadcast. The shows would also be an easier to transfer to the internet if they were shorter.
I finished editing the shows mid-December and met with some of the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild members to review them. For the next two weeks I made a few changes based on the feedback and exported them in formats compatible for broadcast and internet posting.
We all learned a lot going through this process. It was bigger and broader than some expected and full of details and technical issues that weren’t always predictable.
Producer / Director Thomas Hegewald directing “The Quilt Show”
We’re already discussing how we would do it differently for the next show in 2016, including rehearsals for the demonstrators and crew. Using equipment from WKTV allowed us to try it out, make the mistakes and learn from them. In this way we produced something bigger than we could have done on our own, for very little cost, while at the same time we produced something worthwhile for the Guild and the community.
Editor’s note: If you would more information about training at WKTV so that you can produce your own shows, please call 616-261-5700. You also can produce a show for yourself and the community!
The world’s longest running play, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” is now showing on Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s stage. This same play has been running continuously in London’s West End for sixty-three years. Christie adapted the play from a radio show called “Three Blind Mice.”
The curtains open to a very impressive set. Two open arches, two arched doorways, thick wooden trim, period furniture and snow falling outside the window take the audience to an English inn so many decades ago. All of these details bring the viewers into the scene and make the characters even more believable.
Nervous house guests try to survive a vacation that’s become murder.
A radio broadcast sets the stage with a startling bit of information that a murderer is close by. A pledge is exacted from the audience to keep the ending a secret, then the play jumps right into the first murder scene. The audience is left with an eerie whistling of “Three Blind Mice” and the guessing begins.
We are introduced to each of the inn’s guests one at a time. Wren, an odd, child-like architect, is the first guest to arrive. He brings comic relief to every scene, but also great suspicion because of his attachment to nursery rhymes, like “Three Blind Mice.”
Mrs. Boyle and Major Metcalf are next to arrive, followed by Miss Casewell and then Mr. Paravicini. Some of the guests have reservations and a few do not. As each guest arrives, many suspicious hints are given. And each is dressed exactly as the murderer is described on the radio report. No one is quite who they appear to be. Everyone has secrets.
Like other Christie tales, everyone is trapped in the same house with no way to call for help. Yet it’s frighteningly clear the murderer is among them. And then what happens…?
Come enjoy the suspense that has made “The Mousetrap” London’s longest running play. The play runs January 16 – February 1. Show times are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM; Sundays matinee at 2 PM.
From left to right: Eric Van Duren (son), Barbara Van Duren, Elliott Van Duren (Grandson, 3), Kevin Van Duren (son)
Most of us respond to stories about our government with a cynical eye roll. We don’t expect much from our leadership these days outside of gridlock and frustration. Barbara Van Duren, 58, Wyoming Deputy City Manager for the last 14 years and 7 months, makes you feel differently. Ironically, this story is about her retirement from government service, recently celebrated at the Wyoming Public Library to make room for the crowd of family, friends, and fellow employees who attended.
Barbara is leaving to spend time with her husband, John Crofoot, 8 years older than she, who called in a promise she made several years ago. “I told him I would retire when I turned 55, but I stretched that to age 58,” she admitted. She was having too good a time on the job to leave.
One project close to her heart is 28 West, the re-development of 28th street to compete with shopping opportunities at Woodland and Rivertown malls. “28th street needs a facelift,” she said. For the last 4 years, Barbara has worked on an upgrade to the Wyoming Village Mall at 28th and Michael, slated for a grand re-opening Christmas 2015. The addition of Crescent Street will add a more shopper-friendly environment with easy parking and walkable access to shopping and dining on both sides of the tree-lined street, a prospect Barbara finds, “very exciting!”
Barbara agrees her enthusiasm for government service may be quite different from the average citizen’s. “When people hear about government, it’s generally the state or federal government. They rarely hear about local, but that’s where we put boots on the ground – we get the snow plowed, we work closely with the public so our community remains vibrant.”
Local government also faces dramatic challenges more threatening to the future than a heavy snowfall. Such was the case after the GM plant closed. Rather than being paralyzed by the prospect of job loss, a situation that affected much of the east side of the state, the Wyoming team swung into action immediately. “We took control of the property right away. We were the first to have the plant demolished and ready for someone new to come in. It’s ready now for redevelopment. ” Even a challenge this size did not diminish Barbara’s enthusiasm. “I loved my work. It was always diverse with something new to do.”
In fact, Barbara’s job has been such a fulfilling experience she feels a certain anxiety leaving it. “What I’ll miss most will be the people who work here. It sounds like a cliché but it’s true – they’re like family to me.” Based on the retirement ceremony her colleagues planned for her, they feel the same way.
Barbara Van Duren accepts special gift of flags from Mayor Jack Poll.
Attended by community leaders including Mayor Jack Poll, police and fire officials, as well as people who worked every day with her, Barbara was celebrated with speeches, a retirement clock, and a special surprise: The U.S. flag and the Wyoming flag that had flown over the city that day were passed around the room so all attendees could put their hands and their hearts into the memories they shared with Barbara of serving the city together. “I had tears in my eyes,” she said, “and I still can’t sleep at night thinking of the wonderful things they said about me.”
Barbara will have plenty to think about in the future. She and her husband plan to vacation in the west for 2 weeks, then travel to Alaska later this year. “We want to go while we’re still healthy and able to enjoy time with each other,” she said. The City of Wyoming is equally healthy, and for that, Barbara has earned our thanks as well as a rewarding retirement.
For almost 40 years Marge’s Donut Den has been a popular fixture in West Michigan. Donuts, cookies, cakes, and community involvement at its finest can always be found upon opening the doors. This week, Marge received a stop work notice for her plans on expansion by a Wyoming building inspector. She was going to take over two empty businesses which have been vacant for years right next door. Now, plans are on hold.
75-year-old Marge Wilson said she is very discouraged and disappointed about the delay stating that there is so much bureaucracy and she can’t seem to get anything done. She thought the addition would be done by Christmas.
“I am older and don’t understand anything about all the codes involved, she said. “It just seems like this will hurt the city more than me. I had many community events scheduled that require larger spaces.”
Rebeccan Rynbrandt, Wyoming’s Director of Community Services, said that the city cannot waive any of the state laws, or building codes.
“We have a critical need for public safety on building codes on every single project,” she explained.
Fire systems and traffic management issues have to be addressed as well.
For now, plans have halted on the expansion but Marge’s Donut Den is still open for business as usual.
Most parents set out to instill good traits into their kids, Michigan natives Greg and Lisa Flower are no different. Their two daughters – Dallie and Bailey – have benefited immeasurably from the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit instilled into them by their parents. When combined with the passion for animals and agriculture the family shares, these are the traits that have helped to shape their lives.
It’s certainly no coincidence that the girls share their parents’ interest in farming. Greg and Lisa made the choice to raise them in a way that would encourage it. After all, agriculture had been a part of their lives from the very beginning. Having met when they were just kids themselves, both members of 4-H, by the time they were in their early twenties they were husband and wife, living out in the country and spending most of their Friday nights attending local team penning events.
Back then, Greg was just in the beginning of his career as an Eaton County Sherriff’s Deputy and Lisa was a nurse. Were they happy? Happy – yes, but driven for more. The couple’s Friday night routine eventually got them thinking about how they wanted to raise their kids. The resulting idea would not only provide a solid foundation for their children’s upbringing, but also give them that something extra they’d been craving in their lives.
They began slowly expanding their place; buying the land around them from their neighbors as soon as it became available. In time, they turned their 40 acres into 240 and have made good use of the space.
It’s the home to Slippery F Arena; an indoor and outdoor venue where the family holds team penning events. It’s most definitely a family affair, daughters Dallie and Bailey are the co-owner operators of the arena with their parents.
Much of the their sprawl is devoted to the 400 head of cattle that call it home during the summer, then down to about 100 in the winter. The property’s former set up as a dairy farm works well for the family’s needs. Greg’s been able to utilize different sectioned off areas to receive new cattle, administer vaccines and ensure that they’re eating well before being turned out to pasture.
Another section of the old farm provides shelter to the horses. These five high caliber animals are shared among Lisa, Dallie and Bailey. They’re used to compete not only in events hosted at Slippery F, but also at other locations, when the girls pack them up and head to the next event. Recently, Bailey and Lisa went to Texas, taking three horses for team penning, while Dallie traveled to Ohio for a sorting event.
The girls run 10-11 shows each year, hosting riders indoors or out, depending on the season. They say most of the riders who attend are local, but they do get the occasional visitor from places like New York and Texas; mostly those are riders who stop in on their way through, as they travel the circuit. So far the girls have been able to use the money they’ve earned to help pay for their college educations. Dallie says she would like to continue exactly what she’s doing. She teases that her boyfriend – whose Ag interests are geared more towards crops – needs to learn to do what her dad does because while she can run the arena, she can’t handle the cattle too.
The girls didn’t get all their entrepreneurial spirit from their dad – Mom Lisa has turned her passion into a thriving organization as well. As a nurse, she was happy with her career, but found she had a special affinity for working with the elderly. It was during negotiations for the purchase of the property across the road from the Flowers’ home that Lisa decided to open an assisted living facility, providing twenty-four hour care for the elderly. The couple from whom Greg and Lisa bought the property were the first residents in Lisa’s new care center. What started as a single wide trailer was built into a custom home, aptly called the Flower House. The family affair extends to Lisa’s business as well; oldest daughter Bailey is one of the caregivers for the home’s fifteen residents.
In the family’s quest to raise healthy animals, Greg says having Michigan Veterinary Supply, a division of ANIMART, Inc. right in his backyard has been a huge help. The family agrees that the customer service is excellent, it’s easy and convenient and they appreciate that the drivers are knowledgeable. The fact that Greg and MVS Warehouse Manager, Dave Nickel, grew up together in Vermontville makes it an even easier pairing. When it comes to getting what he needs, Greg says “I don’t need any other source, I’ve got Dave.”
So what’s next? Greg says one thing he’s certain of is that in three years he’ll be hanging up his badge. He’s seen a lot of interesting things in the 22 years he’s already put in to the Sherriff’s department (most he’d rather not comment on). Once retired, he hopes to continue to foster Dallie and Bailey’s passion for agriculture, as well as his own. Currently he’s giving thought to expanding his custom backgrounding operation or says maybe something completely new will catch his attention. Whatever steps he takes, his family will no doubt be right alongside, sharing the passion that he’s worked so hard to inspire.
To hear the girls tell it, they can’t imagine life any other way.
Freshman year is the year of ultimate change. The thing about change is that you can either let it break you, or you can let it make you. As he entered freshman year he wasn’t aware of the huge changes that were going to occur in his life. Most times we are never aware of these things, we simply have to go with the flow of life.
He wasn’t the type of adolescent that complained, he rarely even talked. His motto was “If it’s not worth wasting my breath for, then why say it?” At age 14 his life would become a roller-coaster that no one could predict.
After making the move into his fathers house in a “white picket fence suburb” he felt unstoppable. He had a big house, lots of new clothes, a new dog, and most importantly he was actually “cool!” Nothing could stop him on his way to the top.
The months rolled by with not a care in the world, until the news came. His father’s partner in their company had been embezzling money for years, and it had finally caught up to him–this meaning, their family would have to move. Being the role model older brother he didn’t have a choice but to accept the fate, and to keep going. He had to set an example for his younger siblings, they were bound to react the way he did. As much as it hurt that he was leaving this new life behind, he forced a smile upon his grief stricken face and pushed forwards.
As they moved into their new home things seemed as if they were getting better. He was still excelling in school, his friends hadn’t left his side and he still had his family to fall back on. Everything looked OK on the outside, but on the inside rage was boiling.
This rage continued to grow when more horrendous news was delivered. Their uncle that had been living with them for some time had been shot and killed. A devastation that would affect a family forever. The young boy was filled with remorse and sorrow, how could someone he looked up to so much be here one second and gone the next? The family had decided once again that they were going to move.
Not only is moving a hard thing to do, but during the most important part of your life, is something no child should have to go through. Through the next 5 years of his life, the boy would move 6 times altogether, never once complaining or arguing about it, but maintaining an ever present smile.
That is why my brother “Buddha” is my hero. He taught me that life can either be great or it can be terrible; depending on your own attitude about situations – Things can only affect you if you let them affect you. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my big brother by my side, pushing me to be a better person everyday of my life.
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation
A weekend filled with the thwack of shoulder pads and the smack of helmets culminated towards this, the end. The time when one team would rise from the gridiron as champions while the other stayed on the floor with the taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths.
The Grand City All-Stars rose to the challenge.
On this day, 35 young men from Grand Rapids stood united at the Battle of Spartan Nation. 35 young men who worked hard throughout the Rocket Football season and chose to come back for more. 35 young men who wanted to play more football and ended up playing their way into the National Tournament.
The Grand City All-Stars came together under the direction of Head Coach Uriel Tyler. It was an idea that’s been kicked around in his head for over 2 years.
“The season is so short for these guys with only 6 weeks of games. Practice starts just a couple weeks before games begin,” states Coach Tyler, “With these boys playing a High School season next year, I wanted to give them an opportunity to play a longer season. One that started after Rocket Football ended.”
The Grand City All-Stars play in the 14u bracket of the Football Championship Series, a club league that extends beyond the normal season for youth players. They only planned on playing in one tournament – The Battle of Spartan Nation – but after winning the championship, the Grand City All-Stars qualified for the national tournament on December 27-30 in Dallas, Texas!
“This is a special group of kids. They play so hard! We didn’t give up one point the entire tournament,” describes Coach Tyler with emotion swelling in his voice, “That shows how hard these kids play. They don’t give up!”
While winning is nice, the team has been a great way to bring kids together within the City League.
There is a lot of animosity between players and parents of different city league teams. When those teams play each other during the season, emotions run high. Players can build up ill-will towards players of other teams who will end up being their teammates at the high school level. Those issues have dissolved by playing together with the Grand City All-Stars.
“I coached at a High School where guys came together from different city league teams and still had hatred because of the city youth league,” explained Coach Tyler, “This All-Star team has been a great way for these kids to get to know each other and build friendships.”
Coach Tyler isn’t alone, offensive line coach Anthony McNeal also mentioned the positives the team has had off the gridiron, “These boys are spending time together, hanging out and posting pictures on Facebook with each other. They’re from all different backgrounds and coming together playing football and fundraising. It’s a great story!”
In order to play in the National Tournament, the team needs to raise $20,000 by December 21. They’ve been selling cookies and popcorn, running pop can drives, and holding bowling and skating parties to raise the money! Right now they’re halfway there.
They have a bowling party this Saturday and would love for you to stop by! Bowling is at East Brook Lanes from 7-9pm and the cost is only $12 for unlimited bowling! The proceeds go towards the Grand City All-Stars trip to Dallas.
There are many ways to donate to the Grand City All-Stars. You can donate online at www.grandcitysports.com (just click the donate button!) or by going to their Facebook page, just type in “Grand City All-Stars” into the Facebook search bar.
If going on-line doesn’t work for you, send donations to P.O Box 68316 Grand Rapids, MI 49516.
Going to Dallas would be a dream come true for the players and their coaches. The Grand City All-Stars have yet to give give up a point, let’s see that streak continue down in Texas!
For the first time in a decade, the East Kentwood High School football program ignited fans and made the community stand up and take notice. The Falcon squad went 8-1 in the regular season, losing only to West Ottawa. After grabbing a share of the OK Red Conference title, EK then sailed through 3 playoff games only to be stopped short of a trip to Ford Field by Clarkston in the state semifinals.
What was the key factor in the Falcon winning season? Although he would wave it off, new head coach Tony Kimbrough was the right man, at the right time, for Kentwood.
Growing up in Detroit, Kimbrough was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He first attended Winston-Salem State University before making the decision to join the Marines. Once back in Michigan, Kimbrough returned to the gridiron at Grand Rapids Junior College. After a quick stint with GRJC, Kimbrough went to Western Michigan University where he led the Broncos to the 1988 MAC Championship while being named the Mid-American Conference Most Valuable Player.
His professional playing career included time in the Canadian Football League as well as the Arena Football league. Kimbrough worked as the offensive coordinator for the Utah Blaze in 2008. He has also had stops as the offensive line/quarterbacks coach at both Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College. Even with his accomplishments, Kimbrough remains humble and seems to brag about everyone else’s accomplishments by his own.
Kimbrough, who works as a behavioral specialist for East Kentwood High School, has a long association with the Falcons as an assistant coach. He actually interviewed to be the head coach of East Kentwood in 2007. John Keenoy, East Kentwood principal and a huge supporter of Kimbrough, convinced him he was ready. “When I didn’t get it I was really, truly disappointed,” said Kimbrough.
East Kentwood takes the field early in 2014
Still, Kimbrough remained tight with the Falcons. Although skilled as an offensive line and quarterbacks coach, Kimbrough wanted a challenge and served as the defensive coordinator for EK in 2013.
The call to lead the East Kentwood football team came in May 2014 as the Falcons had gone through 3 head coaches in as many seasons. What the Falcons needed more than anything was stability in its coaching staff and commitment from its players. Tony Kimbrough was their man. “All these kids wanted was someone who cared,” said Kimbrough. Although the coaching staff was a revolving door, many of the players had been playing together for years; first in Rocket football, then through the 56er and 78er programs.
Kimbrough knew the players, had experience coaching both sides of the ball, and brought the confidence the team required.
From the start, Kimbrough challenged the seniors on the team. “This is not my team,” he told them, “This is your team. I am just the conductor.” Senior player such as Kyle Friberg, Adam Racette, Michael Ivy, and John Keenoy, Jr. eagerly responded to the call.
“The summer was key.” emphasized Kimbrough. Not only did the players have to agree to 100% commitment to the program, they would be responsible for an attitude adjustment that would be the basis for their confidence later in the season. They had to commit to pooling their individual talents and learn the concept of family.
“FAMILY is an acronym,” explained Kimbrough, “It stands for Forget About Me I Love You.” This discipline came naturally to Kimbrough, both through military and gridiron training, who had learned that you need to depend on and love the man on your left and the man on your right.
In addition to the grueling summertime on-field practices, the two-a-days, and the weight room regimen, Kimbrough had a marine run several boot camp-type conditioning programs with the team. The concepts of brotherhood, interdependence, and trust became core values for the team, bonding the young men together. Their physical and mental toughness would serve them well during the season.
Although the East Kentwood Falcons were a game short of reaching their Ford Field appearance, the future remains bright for the team. Tony Kimbrough seems to have brought all the right ingredients for a long-term successful career in Kentwood. He brings his life experience, discipline, and excellent coaching skills on both sides of the ball. Kimbrough wants a stable program, from the Rocket players through the Seniors. He is proud that his players are already talking about next year. He laughs as he explains, “Jamari Booker (Junior) is so excited, he is already pulling guys in to the weight room.”
Perhaps the greatest values Kimbrough brings are confidence and humility, “It’s about the kids. It’s not about me.”
When asked about being named the MLive Grand Rapids Press Coach of the Year Kimbrough shakes his head, stating, “I only wish it was engraved ‘Coaches of the Year’,” giving credit to the many assistant coaches who work alongside him.
The future looks bright indeed for the East Kentwood Falcons. When asked if it going to be hard losing more than 25 seniors, Kimbrough thinks a moment, then smiles broadly, using the old cliché, “We don’t need to rebuild…we just need to reload!”
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
Everybody has heard of the drunk driving stories, but this one really hits home for me. I asked my grandma a memory that explains who you are and this is what she said:
“One memory that explains who I am is my back injury. I was in the front seat of my friend’s car. This is back when seat-belts weren’t required. We were coming home from our other friend’s house and we got hit by a drunk driver. I flew through the windshield and hit a telephone pole. I woke up in the hospital not knowing anything besides my life is going to change. I was in the hospital for 3 months. I ended up breaking my back which resulted in a back brace for two and a half years. I also had the most severe concussion and am lucky to have not been cognitively impaired. I thank God everyday.”
She is one of the strongest people I know. Her life has been a constant battle. From being a child of an abusive parent, to the back injury, to going through a tough marriage and divorce, she wears the sweetest smile every single day.
My grandma is 83 years old and still walking, still active, I look up to her so much. I asked her what she is most grateful for and she responded, “I’m grateful for my life. I never understood how precious life is until I almost lost it. But I am MOST grateful for my grandchildren. They bring me so much joy and I love watching them grow up and I’m blessed to be here and see all of their accomplishments.”
That explains my grandma so perfectly. She has the biggest heart and she is my #1 fan for everything. After all of my golf tournaments she makes sure to call to tell me she was praying for me, and that she is proud of me no matter how I place.
I wanted to interview my grandma because I aspire to be like her. I could recap endless stories and memories about her. I hope to make an impact on other people like she did for me.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.” This quote by Bob Riley means that your inner hero is not based on the situations themselves but about the qualities that are presented when in these situations, leadership is a prime quality that is revealed. My mom is the main person I know that portrays leadership in her everyday life.
Examples of how my mom portrays the quality of being a hero varies from day to day. Having to be the mother of four kids is a big way of showing leadership. My mom has to run us to appointments and pay bills. When I tore my ACL, I thought my life was over and thought I could never play soccer again. My mom, on the other hand, took things in a whole different direction. instead of looking at the negatives and thinking about how I wasn’t going to get scholarships for college and all, she had the mentality of a leader and said that everything was going to be okay.
My mom took control of the situation and made into an adventure. From the painful leg exercises I had to do to the dreadful showers I had to take, my mom was right there cheering me and supporting me. She made me do each set of exercises no matter how tired I was. During this whole ordeal I saw leadership skills come out in my mom.
My mom is a leader because she takes control of situations and calms them down. She knows what the best thing to do in each situation she comes across. Many people get put in scenarios that they don’t want to be in and end up blocking it out or trying to run from it, but not my mom.
I look up to her and one day I hope to possess the leadership qualities she has. It has made her a very independent and mindful women. Not many people want or can show these qualities but my mom embraces it, needless to say, that is why I picked my mom as the one person in my life that is a true leader and will always be a leader.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
About 15 years ago she found herself in a successful career, and within a beautiful family, but yet still something was missing. “I spent many years not feeling so positive… My idea of success was being the best student.” In the end she realized that everything she had accomplished was in an effort to prove to the world she was worth it and could accomplish her goals. Her name is Marie Edlund, my grandmother.
She is my hero not because she has saved the world but because she has impacted my world for the better and has certainly seemed to find the secret to a life of bliss. I admire her for her optimism and ability to cherish every moment, no matter the circumstance. But behind every life is a story and series of accommodated lessons.
“I realized that I was surrounded by happiness but I wasn’t connecting to it,” she says, describing herself over a decade ago. After this realization she decided to redefine her life. Her definition of success had changed from a superior level in everything she did to an ability to “respect and appreciate” herself.
“Success is being able to be present in the moment,” she says. She later describes that every moment is special and has a purpose whether you’re getting dressed or on the way to work. She stopped keeping her head and goals in the future with ego driven ideals and declared this moment, every moment, a success. “This is success, a connection of our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical bodies.”
“I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization,” a quote from Roger Ebert, a well respected film critic. When I asked my grandmother what it took to be a leader she had a similar answer, “A leader needs to be able to observe and feel what others are feeling.” Empathy.
When asked, she considers herself a leader. In her career she was because she was willing, and has the ability, to be organized, recognize the mission, work with the group, and accomplish the task(s) at hand. Considering her work in the district of Grand Rapids Public Schools, and other districts across the state as well, this is an important task. Being able to coordinate so many educators definitely requires a leader, a respected one at that. When people she has worked with speak of her they admire her ability to listen and include every voice in a decision.
Throughout her education and career she has met and worked with many leaders. One she looks back on with great admiration is a civics teacher she had in 9th grade, Patrick Reagan. As a leader of the class he seemed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each student. He offered a variety of ways for each student to excel and prove their knowledge in the class. “I outdid myself [in class] because he was so inspiring.” She continued to work with him throughout high school and he became more than just a teacher. He became a friend that she felt encouraged and respected by.
When I think of my grandmother, or “Grammy”, I think of my future self and who I want to be. My main goal in life is to live joyfully. This includes my career, family, spirit, relationships, and all forms of health. This is my definition of success. I have been inspired by so many people. But my grandmother, I think she’s really got it figured out. Therefore she has been one of my greatest inspirations in the mastery of the perfect attitude for a successful life.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com. Look for their stories in the weeks to come!
A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares. (-Debi Mazar)
This quote reminds me of my dad, he is all of that. He demonstrates generosity and gives to others as much as he can. He also demonstrates friendship, hard work, and love. Those are three important traits for a leader to have.
My dad, Benjamin Escalante, is a detective sergeant for the state police. That’s where I see a lot of his hard work come from. He gives his all in everything he does for his job. He even brings work home.
I asked him if he considers himself successful and he said, “Yes, because I enjoy what I do for a living, and that’s success because you spend most of your life doing that. If you can find enjoyment in what you do for a living then thats success.” Then I asked him how he finds himself successful other than his job, “Being happy with my personal life and family. That’s a success as well.” Society is led to believe that being successful means having a lot of money. I don’t find that to be true. Success simply means being happy with what you do and who you are.
I am very thankful to be able to have a friendship with my dad. He is always there for me no matter what. I can talk to him pretty much about anything, he always listens. Love is something my dad shows everyday, not just with me, but with other family members, friends, and with what he does.
While interviewing my dad, I found something very interesting: he doesn’t consider himself a hero. When I asked him why he thinks he is the person he is today, he told me, “I always try to do what is right and I never went away from that.” We definitely need more people like that in this world.
Everyone starts somewhere, I was interested in hearing about that. “Who influenced you the most in life?” I asked him. He replied, “Not one person in particular. From my family members, teacher, siblings, parents, coworkers, classmates and friends. They all influenced me in some way, not just one person.”
I also asked him if there was a specific event that made him the person he is today. He told me, “No, many things happened to make me the person I am today. I always concern myself with things I can control and don’t concern with things I can’t control.” He then mentioned that if he knew something was out of his hands, he couldn’t do anything about it. This is a very important point. No one can handle everything that is thrown at them.
Even the strongest people have to say no sometimes or take things slow. Now let’s not get it twisted, no one is perfect and everyone has something they can do better at in life. I asked my dad how he thinks he can grow as a person and he said, “Become a better listener, more open minded, and more accepting of others.” I love that someone I call a hero still has things they think they can grow at, because it shows a lot. Before this experience, I did not know my dad thought that way, and he did not know he is my hero. We both learned something new.
Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership class on Spirit Day at East Kentwood
This post is publishing much later than I had planned. But as planning goes, you can always count on it changing. And often the change in plans is not what you necessary would have wanted. Case in point: me.
I found out in mid- July that I have breast cancer. It was an Oh-no-this-can’t-be-possible-moment: ‘Not fair! My husband died from cancer; my sons already went through this hell! I’m in a new relationship! I’ve got plans! I’m going on vacation! Noooooo!’
It’s true what you hear people say about the moment they learn they have cancer. Your mind freezes. Your body goes numb. The intensity of the words shock your entire being. And then you ask quietly to yourself, “Why me?”
After a moment of silence I answered, “Why not?”
At my age I’ve learned one thing for sure: Life does not go according to plan and life is not always fair.
On how to deal with these ‘Givens of Life’ and others, I recommend reading David Richo’s “The Five Things We Cannot Change…and the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them.”
Round four out of six chemo treatments. Every treatment has different affects on my body. I’m told that’s ‘normal’.
Since mid-July more than ever in my lifetime, I’ve discovered there is happiness and blessings to be found when the routine world takes a nose dive. You and I just have to be open to receiving these gifts. What may stop us, and has stopped me many times before, is fear and panic and the sense of losing control of daily living. It can be crippling, unproductive, and well, unhealthy!
Remember the saying Let go and let God? Taking on unwanted challenges is a lot like that: freefalling on faith. It may not be easy at first because we are so hard wired to react with panic and fear when our plans get tossed. We are, after all, control freaks and when stuff like this happens it’s a slap in the face.
When it does don’t forget to breathe. Next take as much time as necessary to process the new challenge. Then prepare a willing heart and mind. For me, focusing on accepting the grace of God was just the attitude adjustment I needed.
In October, I was returning a book I borrowed from the Lemen-Holton Resource Center when the receptionist asked me if I had breast cancer. I answered correctly because she said, “Wait right here I have something for you!”
The puzzled look on my face prompted her to continue, “It’s a gift from Amber and her sister. They did this for all women affected by breast cancer.”
“Who’s Amber?” I asked.
“A former patient of ours,” she replied as she poked around behind a partition looking for my special gift. I wondered ‘What could it be? A hat most likely…’
As if the receptionist, Nina, was reading my mind, she suddenly appeared from around the partition with a huge plastic bag. Whatever was inside, was bigger than a hat!
“What is this?” I gasped.
A basket filled with loving-kindness and best wishes.
“I told you – a special gift from Amber and her sister. Wait to get home to open it,” she advised. “There’s a lot in there and you’ll be amazed!”
I was stunned. When I urged Nina to give me Amber’s contact information so I could thank her, Nina paused and her face softened. “She died last month. This was a project she started to support other women going through breast cancer. Just consider yourself blessed!”
I got goosebumps but not because it was scary or creepy but because I felt like I was being given a huge heavenly hug from Amber herself.
Colorful laminated Bible verses for those moments when I need them most.
Nina and I hugged and cried. She told me Amber’s organization is called Crowns of Blessings and they have a Facebook page. I would definitely friend them, message them, and find out what I could about this amazing woman.
The personalized envelope contained a handmade card.
For the rest of that day and the days following, my journey is changed. It’s not any easier but it is special in almost a sacred way. Amber touched my life when I needed it most. ‘I can do that for someone too,’ I thought.
Handmade with care and prayers!
Meanwhile at home, I opened my gift and just about everything in it was handmade. It contained a quilted throw, laminated prayer cards, a precious prayer rock (with a poem attached), a beautifully homemade card that begins,”Dear Friend…,” (this made me cry), and several little person items that a woman going through breast cancer would appreciate.
Powerful words.
Thank you Amber (and your sister!) for your kind and generous thoughts and actions. You chose to take positive action at a time when your life plans didn’t go your way. Perhaps that’s the result of freefalling on faith. Whatever the reason, you are the inspiration for my cancer journey now!
Amber and her sister know what it means to Pay It Forward.
Share your story
I invite readers to share stories you may have of surprise blessings during scary times. Together we can help each other even as strangers to overcome the unwanted challenges we face in life. Email me at: janice@wktv.org
In the meantime, I will post helpful links to resources that I’ve discovered on my journey that may help you or someone you know. After all, we’re all in this together!
If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with cancer of any type, may I recommend checking out Kris Carr’s book, “Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips” or “Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor”. Her humor, wit and sass will tell you, you are a Survivor from Day One! Learn more about her story at: http://bit.ly/1q9voFQ
More than 2,000 gymnasts from around the Midwest and thousands of spectators are expected to take part in the fifth annual Gymnastics on the Grand Invitational at the DeVos Place Convention Center this December.
The competition, sanctioned by USA Gymnastics, will kick off early Friday morning on December 5th and run through Sunday night.
“My gymnasts love this meet, not only because of its top-notch facility, but because they can show their hometown what they’ve been working so hard to accomplish,” said Shane Uson, owner and head coach of Grand Rapids Gymnastics. “We are excited once again to be bringing the sport of gymnastics into the spotlight in downtown Grand Rapids.”
This also makes the fifth year the even will partner with the Special Olympics of West Michigan. The Special Olympians will show off their gymnastic skills in an exhibition performance on Sunday, December 7th.
Following the exhibition, the invitational continues for the most advanced gymnasts – those with the highest scores the previous day – in event finals.
“Special Olympics Michigan is thrilled to be a part of this great event for another year,” said marketing and development director Ashley Diersch. “Being a part of the invitational has provided our gymnasts opportunities and experiences that they will never forget! It has been a great partnership between the two organizations and the support and inclusion has been special to all involved.”
Making a special appearance again this year will be 2004 Olympic All-Around Champion, and member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Carly Patterson! Carly will be at the competition to meet fans and sign autographs throughout the weekend. Media interviews may be requested in advance. Visit www.GymnasticsOnTheGrand.com for the entire schedule.
A tasty meal from San Chez Bistro, one of the amazing restaurants West Michigan has to offer
What is it that makes dining not just something you have to do, but also a rich, fulfilling experience? Think of the meals that stand out in your memory. The ones that were made with the freshest ingredients, the ones that pushed boundaries exploring new flavor ideas, the ones enjoyed with families and friends, and the ones that were prepared with love and attention. West Michigan has an abundance of restaurants, farm-to-table offerings, and culinary tours which are sure to get your taste buds watering for your next visit to West Michigan.
South
A Hungry Village Tour is the perfect way to enhance your Saugatuck/Douglas vacation. Small groups maximize the tour experience. Hungry Village Tours offers an exceptional “behind the scenes” glimpse of local culture, food, wine, customs, and fun! Let them create a special tour for your group, or join a scheduled departure. Hungry Village Tours begins each tour at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, acknowledging its weekly Greenmarket, culinary arts connection, and the Center’s history as a pie factory. There are two tours available from all year long: One is a 3 hour “Culinary Walk”, exploring Saugatuck’s and Douglas’ culinary secrets behind their storefronts with demonstrations and tastings. The second option is a 6 hour “Delicious Drive,” featuring a tour of the lakeshore’s producers including farms, orchards, blueberry patches, vintners, brewers, creameries and other artisans. Contact Hungry Village Tours leader, David Geen, at 269-857-1700 or info@hungryvillagetours.com.
There is the age-old adage that you are what you eat. If those words hold even a little truth, then Food Dance in Kalamazoo thinks it’s time to take a closer look at what we’re putting on our plates. This is more than their work – it’s a bit of an obsession. Food Dance is fixated on finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory. All this brought together to build a menu of thoughtfully constructed great tasting American food.To you it may be a unique and natural alternative to today’s chain invasion – to Food Dance it’s like changing the world – one meal at a time.
Journeyman Distillery
It isn’t just food that can boast local farm-to-table offerings, but also local beverages! At Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, they are committed to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They use midwestern grains in all of their spirits, and local ingredients are a large part of their food and cocktail menus. You can get a look into their process for yourself on one of their distillery tours, offered weekdays at 12:15pm and Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 5:00pm.
At Goldberry Woods: Bed & Breakfast, Microfarm, & Cottages, they know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and they aspire to inspire you with every bite. They make everything from scratch and strive to use the freshest ingredients possible, many grown right on the premises. Even their breakfast sausages and bacon are produced locally. The animals are raised organically and humanely in Harbor Country. They are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs and will do so as creatively as possible. The breakfast menu at Goldberry Woods in Union Pier changes with the seasons but always includes a fresh fruit starter and a full, hot, made-from-scratch breakfast.
Take a foodie tour of the Fenville area, and we guarantee you’ll leave full and happy. Start with lunch or dinner at Salt of the Earth, located in the heart of southwest Michigan farm and orchard country. They cook from scratch to create their entrees, sandwiches, wood oven fired pizzas, creative soups, fresh salads, desserts, and artisan breads. Their ‘Specialty Sips’ menu includes a scratch margarita, fresh mojitos, and other seasonal cocktails made with Michigan craft beers, hard ciders, spirits, and wines. Salt of the Earth is also an entertainment destination presenting the finest roots musicians on the scene at weekly house concerts. When you’re done with your meal, head down the road to Crane’s Pie Pantry, where you’ll have your choice of over a dozen different styles of pie! Grab a slice to eat now, a whole pie to take home, or a frozen pie that you can bake right in your own oven. Your final stop is Fenn Valley Winery, who’s tasting room is open year-round for free samples of their award-winning wines and champagnes. Hop on one of their public winery tours, and get a behind-the-scenes look at making world-class wines, with plenty of tasting opportunities along the way!
Bistro on the Boulevard
Discover the Bistro on the Boulevard, an extraordinary dining experience in downtown St. Joseph, MI. Their seasonally changing menus feature one-of-a kind appetizers, entrees, and desserts made with locally sourced ingredients. The Bistro was named “Region’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant” by Shore Magazine and is one of only two Southwest Michigan restaurants to boast Wine Spectators award of excellence for “one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world.” The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. When dining at the Bistro on the Boulevard you will enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients. Several farmers from Southwest Michigan deliver their meat and produce to the restaurant every week!
Arcadia Brewing Company was established in 1996 as a microbrewery specializing in handcrafted British-style ales. As well as craft beers, they also offer locally-sourced dishes at their two pub locations. In addition to harvesting from their own garden, they source from many local farms and bakeries to provide visitors with the freshest, high quality ingredients. They offer house-smoked BBQ and their own burgers, made with a custom blend of chuck and brisket ground fresh daily.
Central
A Celebration of Culinary Crafts! The Midwest’s largest wine festival comes together November 20-22 with over 1,400 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants at the International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The event attracts thousands of food and wine enthusiasts and offers a vast array of extraordinary tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine and beer seminars, gourmet foods, specialty items and accessories. For more information, visit GRWineFestival.com. Keep an eye out for local chocolatiers from Grand Haven, Chocolates by Grimaldi, who will be on site offering their gourmet chocolates, including creamy truffles, buttery caramels, and their signature potato chips in chocolate.
Earth to Table Dining: Artfully Crafted Cuisine. Grove restaurant, located in Grand Rapids, is a tribute to the bounty of the earth’s harvest and how Grove brings that to the table with impeccable service, natural ingredients and innovative cuisine. Their seasonal, frequently changing selections hint at the classics with natural sauces and a slant toward sustainable seafood. They responsibly source as many ingredients as possible from local, family and sustainable farms and prepare each dish to demonstrate their respect for how these farmers raise or grow their products. Grove carefully pairs their daily, innovative menus with the best modern wines. Their beverage menu also includes eclectic and top-shelf liquors, their own housemade infused spirits, craft beers, pour-over coffee and espresso. They’re located in the heart of East Hills at 919 Cherry Street. Visit them online at grovegr.com or make a reservation by calling 616.454.1000.
Inspired, handcrafted foods that nurture both body and community. At Terra in Grand Rapids, they follow their passions – and the seasons – for only the freshest, health-filled ingredients from the region’s most dedicated growers. They pride themselves on distinctive fare, expertly crafted with passion, intellect and culinary skill. You’ll enjoy handcrafted meals that honor the purest ingredients from the finest regional farms and fields. Terra’s focus on seasonal offerings means they only use fresh, honest ingredients bursting with the flavors of each season. Not only will you find delicious dining at Terra, but also a community dedicated to the promotion and rewards of a health-conscious lifestyle.
Twisted Rooster
Satisfyingly savory and always fresh, using Michigan made products with a twist—that’s what you can expect when dining at the Twisted Rooster in Grand Rapids. Twisted Rooster’s Executive Chef Dave Ogren and his culinary team work with local vendors and suppliers to provide guests with a decidedly tasty twist on classic American fare. Twisted Rooster’s mantra is to provide each guest with “Simply Impeccable Food & Drinks with Uncommon Hospitality.” Their locally sourced, scratch made menu is full of local flavor and includes vendors such as Byron Center Meats, R.W. Bakers, Faygo and Founders Brewing Company. Ogren said their menu is meant to emphasize their twisted “Commit to the Mitt” motto.
Fish Tacos are a must have at the Twisted Rooster. This house favorite #1 seller, consists of Founders Pale Ale battered flash-fried tasty Grouper, fresh pico de gallo, shredded white cheddar, housemade crispy noodle slaw, cilantro sour cream and tortilla chips. The Twisted House salad isn’t your typical house salad: it is made up of mixed greens; Traverse City dried cherries, Michigan grown apples, Roquefort bleu cheese, strawberries, cinnamon raisin bread croutons and toasted pecans tossed in a homemade cherry maple-vinaigrette dressing. The famous Twisted Mac & Cheese is a favorite for locavores everywhere. Twisted cavatappi noodles are blended with a bold white 5 cheese sauce, house smoked chicken, sweet peas, asparagus, cherry tomatoes with baked cheddar bread crumbs and fried parmesan. Needless to say, Twisted Rooster is a necessary stop on your next west Michigan road trip. Get more information at www.twisted-rooster.com.
Honest Fayre. Local Flair. At The Green Well they serve honest fayre with local flair in a neighborhood setting that keeps customers coming back. Their innovative gastro pub is green beyond its name: Their LEED® certified building is environmentally safe, ultra efficient and leaves behind the smallest possible carbon footprint. “Gastro pub” is British for a public house that specializes in high-quality food served in a relaxed atmosphere. The Green Well’s creative menu features a global range of eclectic flavors prepared with ingredients from local farmers. Over 20 rotating taps focus on Michigan brews, as well as a vast selection of bottles, ranging from local and American craft to traditional European styles. The wine list features creative flights that encourage multiple wine flavors paired with food. Classic cocktails are also available. Their greenness also spills over to their guests who benefit from affordable prices and outstanding service by a fun, welcoming staff. Located at 924 Cherry Street in East Hills.
Bistro Bella Vita
Fresh. Natural. Local. Mediterranean Countryside Cuisine. At Bistro Bella Vita, they go above and beyond to deliver the ultimate dining experience with top-notch, personable service, whether it’s a simple pizza and beer with friends, or an elegant chef’s table meal perfectly paired with appropriate wines. Their vision is to be West Michigan’s most respected restaurant destination. Guests enjoy Bistro Bella Vita’s unique downtown atmosphere and their creative cuisine made exclusively from fresh, natural, ingredients purchased daily from local farmers in season. The culinary team creates authentic, scratch-made recipes that blend the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean countryside with a perfectly paired beverage offering served by a devoted staff whose passion is to ensure your complete satisfaction. They’re located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, just west of the Van Andel Arena on Grandville and Weston. Make your reservation online or call them at 616. 222. 4600.
Stop by San Chez Bistro for the most unique dining and entertainment venue in Grand Rapids. San Chez Bistro offers a blend of authentic European and Mediterranean cuisine in a fun, laid-back, and artful atmosphere. Take a break from fast food with breakfast and lunch by San Chez Café, made with the finest local ingredients, and prepared to order fresh seven days a week. Enjoy omelets, scrambles, pastries, bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, or the best sandwiches and soups in town. Appreciate gourmet fair-trade coffee and whole leaf organic tea while you linger with free Wi-Fi, or hold a breakfast meeting in our comfy café.
CityVū Bistro is Holland’s hotspot for all things fresh. Fryers and frozen foods are out. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, creative menu concepts, and healthy yet delicious dishes are in. Their 100% whole grain, hearth-baked flatbread, topped with unique combinations of savory ingredients, is the ultimate edible plate. Now you can have your plate and eat it too! If flatbreads aren’t your forté, choose from a diverse array of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts. Regular menu revisions by their chef, including a monthly “Taste Of” feature highlighting the culinary nuances of international locales, will satisfy even the most discerning of palettes.
The JW Marriott signature restaurant, six.one.six, and destination lounge, mixology, offer the breathtaking blend of sophisticated urban ambience, palate-pleasing cuisine, as well as the finest wines and perfectly poured cocktails. But more than just a “pretty face,” six.one.six. takes its cuisine seriously. Dedicated to the concept of buying local, the chef’s pantry is bursting with locally grown ingredients, some of which are picked just a few feet away at the JW Chef’s Garden. The six.one.six. kitchen also participates in Sort, a recycling and composting program coordinated with Zeeland-headquartered Spurt Industries, which helps turn food scraps into top-quality soil for area parks. You’ll find dishes sourced from New Holland Brewery, Black Star Farms, Founder’s Brewery, and many more when you dine at six.one.six.
Downtown Market Grand Rapids
Downtown Market Grand Rapids offers farm to table dining, and everything in between. Visit in the spring and summer for their outdoor farmers market, where the best of everything fresh and local will be on display for purchase. The indoor Market Hall is open year-round, and offers everything from local produce, fish, meats, and cheese to restaurants serving tacos & thai food sourced from local ingredients. Downtown Market offers regular cooking classes & demonstrations to help you bring that fresh and local taste right into your own kitchen.
Not only can you tour a working dairy farm when you visit Country Dairy in New Era, you can taste the fruits of their labors in their Farm Store. Pick up your favorite cheeses, try one of their unique ice cream flavors, or visit the Fresh Meat Market for cuts of beef which are corn-fed and hormone free from Country Dairy’s own steer herd. They have a restaurant on site as well, so order a burger, wrap, or sandwich, and don’t forget about the bottomless cup of milk to go along with your meal!
Doug receiving his All-State VFW CMDR white hat and certificate. A very prestigious honor indeed.Doug is a Volunteer Enforcement Officer and makes our community a safer place.
This man is on the go. He’s always busy, doing what he loves best–Volunteering. Doug Broek makes our community a better place through his tireless efforts in helping others. He is the winner of this month’s Volunteer of the Month recognition.
“I feel like I should give back to the community what I received,” he said during an interview with WKTV Community Media. ” I don’t want to become a couch potato. Your mind starts to wander. You lose everything you’ve lived for.” And what he lives for is to help people in need.
Doug volunteers extensively for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 702, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program–just to name a few. He helps Veterans through his volunteer efforts at their clothing room, bait shop, special events, Bingo and taking lock down vets for long walks. Doug raises funds by selling flags on Memorial Day and the 4th of July.
Through his work with RSVP he keeps the city of Wyoming safer. He and his partner patrol the city for handicap and fire lane violations. He does fingerprinting of kindergarten students at Wyoming Schools and house checks for vacationing residents. Does he ever get to see his lovely wife Joan? Let’s go straight to the source herself…
“He is way busier now then when he was working,” she explained with a chuckle. Why should people volunteer? Our superstar Volunteer of the month explains: “You are always kept busy. It helps expand your circle of friends and one develops such a sense of camaraderie. Everyone should do it,” he concluded emphatically.
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a monthly feature that WKTV Community Media has established to recognize volunteers in our area. If you would like to nominate a volunteer who has made a difference give us a call at 261-5700 and ask for the Citizen Journalism Dept.
When someone asks what team or individual accomplishment in high school sports is the most impressive, many people respond with something pertaining to football or basketball. Those are the most publicized sports, as well as, events that attract hundreds or even thousands of people to them on a regular basis.
Over the course of covering local high school sports, I came across what I consider one of the most impressive accomplishments in Michigan high school sports history. An accomplishment in our own backyard that you’ve probably never heard of.
For 16 years this team hasn’t had the benefit of the crowd cheering them on. That has more to do with the sport they play where being a spectator requires you to be still and silent.
The sport is golf. In this instance girls golf, and the South Christian Sailors deserve your respect.
This last week a streak was able to continue under very difficult circumstances after long time girls golf coach and teacher Rod VanDyke, more commonly known as Dyke, was struck and killed while riding a bike on Tuesday morning, October 7. After an all school assembly to inform everyone about what had happened, students were allowed to go home for the day or to remain at school to grieve with friends and their school family.
During that time, the team and Athletic Director Curt Copeland had a decision to make. The State Regional tournament was the next day, the qualifier for the Division 3 State Championship, but how could they compete after such a devastating loss? Copeland and the team came to the conclusion that Coach Dyke would want them to play.
The following day they not only played, but played extremely well! South Christian took 1st place to move on to the State Finals for the 16th consecutive time! They shot a team score of 357 which bested the runner up by 18 strokes.
The team consists of Juniors Nicole Hoekwater and Hannah DeVries along with Seniors Rachel Theule, Nicole VanderYacht, Marissa Smits, and Lauren Hofman. The Sailors next challenge is the Division 3 State Championship. The Championship will be held at Forest Akers East course in East Lansing this weekend (October 17-18).
In their 15 previous trips, the Sailors have won the championship twice, have been runner up five times, and have never finished lower than eighth.
What if, for just that one weekend in East Lansing, there were indeed hundreds of fans that gathered to support this group of girls? To show them just how impressive the streak on the playing field is, but also how much their efforts, talents, and dedication is appreciated and supported by the community.
But remember, quiet during play please.
Congratulations Sailors and Coach Dyke, you will be missed – job well done!
It was a dark and scary night… oh wait, that’s not how this story goes!
The sky was a bountiful blue and the sun wasn’t shy about showing its presence as hundreds gathered in Lamar Park for the annual Pumpkin Path.
Events like this are enhanced when the weather is cooperating, but it’s the people in attendance creating the feel of community and camaraderie. The flashing of white teeth and inviting smiles at every turn draw you in and create an environment of comfort usually reserved for mom’s home cooking. The City of Wyoming is ours, we share it, and the Pumpkin Path is a way for the Wyoming family to get together.
He’s GRRRRRRRRREAT!
There were 70 organizations and businesses to sponsor the fun filled night, with pumpkin carving, face painting, and tattoos for the kids to enjoy.
Parents sat back and soaked it all in, watching over their children taking in the fresh air and getting exercise without even knowing it. The kids would sleep well tonight!
Children aren’t the only ones able to let go, enjoy the moment, and enjoy being young. A father noticed Tony the Tiger and exclaimed to his son, “He’s GRRRREAT!” only to see his child start back at him with eyes of astonishment and wonder.
In a world wrapped up in electronics and the future, the Pumpkin Path is a way to go backwards. This isn’t an online community of people you’ll never meet. It’s your neighbors and friends, local store owners and new faces. It’s a community, it’s your community.
Downtown Market Grand Rapids hosts activities throughout the month of October
The Downtown Market Grand Rapids is bursting with all sorts of fall activities for kids, adults and families! We’re halfway through October, but there are still lots of fun classes and opportunities available!
Below is a list of the activities for the rest of October. Registration for all October classes on the Downtown Market site at http://www.downtownmarketgr.com/classes.
DANCE PARTY (Ages 21+)
Guests 21+: Dia de los Muertos Dance Party Fri, Oct 31, 8p-Midnight Cost: Free
Join us for a Halloween dance party to remember. The Downtown Market is hosting a free admission “Dia de los Muertos Dance Party” with music brought to you by DJ Adrian Butler. The party features a cash bar and costume contest among other spooky happenings. Come dance your mask off at the Downtown Market!
FAMILY CLASSES (All ages, includes one adult and one child.)
Family: Spooky Sweets and Halloween Treats* Sat, Oct 25, 10a-12p Cost: $45
Celebrate Halloween with spooky cupcakes, scary cake pops, and creepy crispy treats, made by the whole family! Join Chef Jacob’s ghostly kitchen experience chock full of tasty spiders, eyeballs, witches, and black cats. Families will have fun turning everyday treats into creepy confections that are great for the lunch box or just to enjoy at home!
SOCIAL CULINARY CLASSES (Ages 21+)
Couples: Celebrate the Michigan Harvest Fri, Oct 17, 6p-8:30p Cost: $125
Ask any Michigan chef, and they’ll tell you that autumn’s bountiful harvest creates the best time of year in Michigan! With crisp apples and creamy squash, sweet corn and scrumptious pork, you’ll taste just how good October in Michigan can be. Join this hands-on culinary experience with Chef Jacob and create the perfect porchetta with apples, complete with amazing fall sides such as sweet corn fritters, delectable butternut squash soup, and savory apple tarte tatin.
KIDS & TEENS
Kids: Crazy for Cake Pops! Tues, Oct 21, 5:30p-7:30p Cost: $35
One of the hottest baking trends around…cake pops! They’re fun, their tasty, and iconic for Halloween! As they learn to mix, shape, mold, and decorate, kids will have fun turning these treats into jack o’lanterns, mummies, monsters, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. All to take home and enjoy!
TECHNIQUE AND NUTRITION (Ages 16+)
Autumn Inspired Thai Tues, Oct 14, 6-8:30p Cost: $45
Join Chef Yang Hang in an exploration of the world of Thai cuisine using fresh local herbs and seasonal ingredients. This class is all about the discovery and creation of new autumn-inspired dishes based on traditional and authentic Thai recipes.
CAN you Gift It? Wed, Oct 22, 6p-8:30p Cost: $45
Preserve specialty foods just in time for holiday hostess or teacher gifts! Our resident canning guru Jolon Hull will help you through this fun, hands-on canning experience including: bourbon brown sugar mustard, pickled red onion, and vanilla extract. Beautiful mason jars with decorative embellishments make thoughtful foodie gifts!
Introduction to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Sat, Oct 25, 2p-4p Cost: $35
This class is perfect for anyone who would like to know more about aromatherapy. You will learn what essential oils are and the benefits of including aromatherapy in your life. Once you have learned about the essential oils, you will have the opportunity to create a personal blend to take home and enjoy.
**This is not a Young Living or dōTerra product sales presentation**
Class is offered by Linda Bayer, RA. Linda has been studying and practicing aromatherapy for over 15 years and is the owner of Bayer Essence Aromatherapy.
Meat with Montello’s: BRATober Wed, Oct 29, 6-8:30p Cost: $45
October is Brat Month at Montello Meat Market! Join owners Tony, Tina, and Hayley Larson for an evening of fun and meat education. Learn what goes into making Montello’s world-famous brats and sausages. Chef Jacob will show you how to prepare simple peppers and onions, we well as teach the history behind sauerkraut and how to make it! We will be sampling all of the food, then we will head down to Montello’s and stuff brats for you to take home!
GREENHOUSE CLASSES (Ages 16+)
Root Cellars – Preserving Root Vegetables for the Winter Sat, Oct 18, 11a-12:30p Cost: $15
Join us as we preserve the flavors of the fall! Our focus will be on experimentation with DIY root cellars for the winter storage of carrots, beets, onions, and other root veggies, as well as bringing herbs inside. All easy to do at home!
Terrarium Making Workshop Thurs, Oct 23, 5:30p-6:30p Cost: $25 6:30p-7:30p Cost $25
Join Downtown Market Greenhouse staff for a session of tricks and tips on miniscaping your own little green world. We’ll provide the ingredients to build your own, including a selection of succulents, and care instructions for your nifty new terrarium.
MOMMY & ME (Ages 0-5, includes one adult and one child.)
Music & Movement Fri, Oct 17, 10a-11a Cost: $5
Listen to songs, dance, and make your own music as we play together.
Sensory Fun Fri, Oct 24, 10a-11a Cost: $5
Explore sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell through fun sensory stories and activities.
Little Pumpkins Fri, Oct 31, 10a-11a Cost: $5
Join us for some Halloween fun as we sing and dance with our friends in costumes! Decorate a spooky treat.
LUNCH AND LEARN
Preserving Herbs for Winter Wed, Oct 15, 12p-1p Cost: $10
Visit the greenhouse and taste herbs that will put you in a fall mood! We will discuss herb drying and preserving methods, as well as how to bring herbs indoors to sustain the winter.
YOGA (Ages 16+)
October 1–30
Every Monday & Wednesday • 6p-7:15p Every Saturday • 9a-10:15a
Every Wednesday & Friday • 7a-8:15a
Pre-Registration Rate • $10 Drop in Rate • $12 Purchase a 10-pack punch card for $90 and drop into any 10 regularly scheduled yoga classes. Don’t have a mat? Rent one from us for $1.
About the Grand Rapids Downtown Market
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is the region’s new choice for fresh, delicious foods and amazing public market merchants. The Market is a LEED Gold certified, $30 million, self-sustaining, mixed-use facility that brings together production, distribution, marketing and education about local foods and growing. It incorporates entrepreneur and experimentation space for both emerging and experienced food artisans and merchants including a 24-vendor Market Hall, large outdoor farmer’s market and two full-service restaurants coming soon, one of which will be a micro-brewery. More at www.downtownmarketgr.com.
ArtPrize, a social experiment started in 2009 by Rick DeVos, has successfully turned Grand Rapids into an autumn destination for thousands of art enthusiasts. Visitors have seen Nessie in the Grand River, a T-Rex at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and push pins assembled to form portraits.
Last week I had the pleasure of learning more about first time ArtPrize artist, Justin David Gustafson of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Justin’s entry, If You Lived Here, You’d be Home Now is a two dimensional, highly textured oil painting created by layering each paint color with a palette knife.
The charm conveyed in the painting stayed with me, and as a lover of all things romantic and idyllic, the image captured in the painting satisfied both. Although much of the foreground is painted in darker hues, the mood of the picture is light and happy. This is more than just a house; it is a home, a neighborhood and a community.
First time ArtPrize contestant Justin David Gustafson and his entry.
The palette knife technique is a painting method that Gustafson began using about thirteen years ago. Influenced by impressionist painters such as Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh and Camille Pissarro, his paintings have a unique identity in that they are heavily layered, but still have a soft essence. He explained to me that they have a “soft essence without being literal”, which describes his work and impressionism in general, perfectly.
Gustafson’s art has taken him from Michigan to California and back. This Ludington native earned a scholarship to Kendall College of Art and Design where he graduated with honors. From there he moved between Illinois, Minnesota, California and Michigan before finding his place among artists in the Park Trades Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Park Trades Center is a 140,000 square foot building, housing over 150 businesses and 95 artists’ studios. One of those businesses is Homestead Cabinetmakers where Gustafson spends his days creating custom cabinetry. By night he retires to his studio, also located in the Park Trades Center, to create his layered works of art. Having a studio separate from his home has greatly increased his living space where, in the past, he would be actively working on fifteen to twenty pieces at once.
When I asked Gustafson for words of wisdom for ArtPrize first-timers, he gave me an answer that applies to more than ArtPrize, it applies to life. He told me that accomplishment takes discipline. Take care of yourself. It’s not just the goal – it’s the steps.
If You Lived Here, You’d be Home Now is on display at 50 Monroe Avenue NW.
To learn more about Justin David Gustafson and his art, please visit his website, http://www.jdgus.com/my-emergence-from-the-void/ or friend him on Facebook, “Justin David Gustafson”.
Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha The only art piece to appear in both the people and the jurors top-20.
After 11 days of voting, the public has selected from 1,536 entries in four categories the 20 finalists that will continue on with the possibility of winning a $20,000 category award and ultimately the $200,000 Public Vote Grand Prize.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. October 5, 2014 — ArtPrize, the radically open international art competition today revealed the public’s top picks, 20 works from among 1,536 entries that are now one step closer to winning the world’s largest art prize. Thousands of visitors filled Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids this afternoon to hear ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos and executive director Christian Gaines announce the Public Vote Final 20.
“Throngs of curious visitors encounter and consider work of contemporary art during ArtPrize,” commented Christian Gaines, ArtPrize executive director. “It’s a phenomenon that happens no where else on the planet. The public vote at ArtPrize is the ultimate catalyst for visitor involvement, inspiring countless conversations around what art is and why it matters.”
Over the course of 11 days, 37,283 individuals cast 352,732 votes, selecting five, entries from within each of four entry categories to move onto the second round. These 20 works have captured the public’s eye and will move to the second round of voting, where they will vie for the chance to take home $260,000 in prizes.
Tumbleweed by Nathan Lareau
The new awards structure has allowed us to see for the first time direct points of comparison between what captivated the public and what the jurors found most interesting,” said Kevin Buist, ArtPrize director of exhibitions. “One entry made it onto both the public vote and juried award finalist lists, [Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha], so the tension between the results of these two ways of assessing art is exactly what makes it so fascinating and valuable.”
The ArtPrize 2014 Public Vote Final 20 are as follows, in no particular order:
Two-Dimensional
Frits Hoendervanger | Autumn’s Passage | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Detroit, MI
Armin Mersmann | Gabriella | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Midland, MI
ArtPrize visitors have one more opportunity to voice their opinion and decide the winners of $260,000 in prizes. Round 2 Voting kicks off at 3:00 p.m. EDT today, October 5 and will continue through October 9 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Each registered voter may cast up to 20 votes, one for each of the Final 20 entries during this second round. The winners of both the public vote and the juried awards will be announced at the ArtPrize Awards on October 10.
The conversation will continue next week at the two-part series “Why These Finalists?”. On both October 6and 7, a panel of three art experts will discuss half of the public and juried finalists in a lively, humorous, and irreverent debate — further exploring the tension between public and expert approaches to assessing art. Free and open to the public, “Why These Finalists?” will take place in the ArtPrize HUB Soundstage in front of a live studio audience, and will be broadcast live on WOOD TV-8.
ABOUT ARTPRIZE
ArtPrize is an international art competition, open to any artist and decided by public vote. It invites artists to try out new ideas on a large and diverse population of people. It seeks to broaden the critical dialogue around contemporary art by awarding the world’s largest art prize, at $560,000. Registered artists and venues connect online at artprize.org and agree to present the artwork for public display during the 19-day event. The public votes using mobile devices and the web to distribute $260,000, while an additional $300,000 in juried awards are decided by a group of international art experts. ArtPrize 2014 will include 1,536 entries representing 51 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories. ArtPrize 2013 attracted more than 400,000 active participants. Since its inception, individuals of all backgrounds have cast more than 1.7 million votes for public art.
A quiet, humble man sits in a borrowed chair in the lobby of Fifth Third Bank Building at 111 Lyon. He wears a beige baseball cap, button down green shirt and khakis. His hands are dirty from the bailing wire he turns around and around.
This man is Mason Taylor, originally from New Mexico, now residing in East Lansing. In his southwestern accent, he replies to questions with a soft “yes, ma’am,” or “no, ma’am.” After growing up on a ranch in New Mexico, he dedicated his life to being a firefighter. Unfortunately, he damaged his shoulder and had to take a hiatus from his live-saving work.
Moving to Lubbock TX, he recuperated his shoulder and also met and married his wife. Taylor picked up his career again as a firefighter in Vincent, IN for several years, before moving to East Lansing to be closer to his wife’s family.
It was in East Lansing that Taylor was chosen as one of seven ‘emerging artists’ at the East Lansing Festival this year. A friend remarked that he should also enter ArtPrize this year. Taylor said he would be glad to, “but first I needed to know what ArtPrize was!” Taylor laughs.
The wire horse stands 10 feet high and weighs only 25 pounds!
Taylor’s entry is a horse crafted entirely from baling wire. Having grown up on a ranch, he’s been bending wire since he was a kid. “Baling wire would fall out of the truck,” he says, “we’d pick it up, so animals didn’t get tangled in it.” Making small animals out the wire quickly became a hobby. When asked where those earlier sculptures are now, he grins, “Aw, my mom probably has them in a shoebox somewhere.”
Taylor’s ArtPrize entry certainly won’t fit in a shoebox. The quarter horse, in a rearing up position, stands 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide – but weighs only 25 pounds! The sculpture took six-and-a-half months to complete and is stored in a garage when not being showcased in competitions.
So, when you are out and about during ArtPrize, stop by the Fifth Third Bank Building and say ‘howdy’ to Mason Taylor.
You can view and vote for Mason’s piece here – http://www.artprize.org/mason-taylor/2014/a-baling-wire-horse
The head of Mason’s horse, made entirely from wire.
Have you ever been downtown Grand Rapids and had the feeling of traveling back in time? Or maybe you felt like a Mountie took a wrong turn and ended up here in Michigan instead of in Canada, eh? Turns out, it’s still 2014 and you’re still in Grand Rapids. You just happened to come across the Kent County Mounted Police Unit, and they’re not as old as you might think.
In 2003, the first section of Millennium Park along the Grand River opened up to the public. The natural trails, lakes, and streams inside the park made vehicular law enforcement difficult, and in some cases, impossible.
The Kent Country Traffic Squad had a tough assignment on their hands. How would they navigate the park without vehicles? The answer to that question required going back to the future, back to the days when horseback was the quickest way around. It required a mounted unit and a large fundraising effort of $1.5 million!
Flash forward nine years later and the Mounted Unit has a beautiful new home in Rockford. Over 30 acres of land east of Rockford High School was donated for the cause. On that land sits a state-of-the-art $725,000 barn where the horses live and train.
The Stalls in the Main Barn
The entire complex features 15 acres for the horses to roam, a 150 by 300 foot outdoor training area, 11 stalls, along with an 80 by 200 foot indoor training area in the main barn and another barn on the property with five more stalls.
Currently, the barn houses eight horses with the goal of bringing in two more at some point.
The Mounted Division isn’t just used for navigating parks, but is an extremely effective method of crowd control. “One mounted officer is worth 12 to 14 on the ground,” according to Traffic Squad Captain Donley De Groot.
All of the horses are gelding Quarter Horses with a height of at least 16 hands (a hand is equal to four inches). Training can take up to six-months with the goal to be “bulletproof”, with no possible “spooks”.
Horses Scout and Dewey with Captain De Groot
Officers aren’t chosen to ride the horses, but instead volunteer for the Mounted Unit, and that officer must be a member of the Traffic Squad. Training can take up to a year before the Officer is ready to ride in a live situation.
While the horses are a great way to keep a keen eye and manage large crowds such as New Years Eve and ArtPrize, they are downtown for more than just big events.
The horses are also special with regards to citizen engagement with the police, “You never have anyone come up asking to pet a cruiser,” said De Groot.
Video Courtesy of Nate Diedrich WTKV Community Media
Saturday, September 20, was a sunny, muggy, pre-fall day for Kentwood families to explore the Fall Flea Market, Craft Sale, and Bake Sale at the Kentwood Activities Center. The center, located on 48th Street between Eastern and Division Avenues, was a hive of activity. Lorraine Beloncis, the Senior Enrichment Coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, was pleased, “We are completely full—41 booths were rented!”
Lorraine Beloncis with senior volunteers at the Bake Sale.
Always a popular event, the fall market has been occurring for 15 years while the spring flea market is in its 26th year.
“They provide funding for the Senior Enrichment Programs including travel, card days, exercise classes, and special luncheons,” explained Beloncis.
The smell of homemade sloppy joes filled the vendor area, while senior volunteers manned the well-stocked bake sale tables, including home-canned jellies and jams made from fresh local rhubarb, strawberries and Michigan cherries.
The Flea Market, Craft Sale, and Bake sale is indeed billed as a “Trifecta of Treasures.” A one-stop shopping opportunity for back-to-school bargain hunters, connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship, and lovers of sweets. Booths included treasures from jewelry to wood working, collectibles to homemade soaps and lotions. There was even a booth for a free computerized neck and spine evaluation courtesy of Dr. Mark Wolfmann of the MaximizedLiving Center!
Esther Middlewood, Chairperson of the Kentwood Historical Preservation Commission
The Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission was represented by 15-year Chairperson Esther Middlewood, and Commissioner, Jackie Moore. Their welcoming table offered beautiful bound copies of The Story of Kentwood including stories of longtime residents, as well as historical facts about the city.
Ms. Middlewood was also there to let the community know that there are currently 2 vacant Commission seats available. If you are interested in preserving and disseminating knowledge of Kentwood, you are encouraged to contact the Historic Preservation Commission at (616) 554-0709.
Judging by the number of cars and shoppers, the Fall Flea Market was a great success. If you missed it, you can wait until spring, but in the meantime there are other Kentwood events coming up:
September 27, 2014 Free Quilt Show “Every Quilt Has a Story” featuring Bette Jones Boulding at the Kentwood Branch Library. Door prizes include a beautiful quilt donated by Charles Osborn , designed by Grandma Annie.
October 16, 2014 Huddle Up Health Fair and Flu Shots at the Kentwood Activities Center—355 48th Street. Information available from health organizations, and local businesses including beauty, health, home care, housing, education, employment, finances, legal aide, medications, mobility aids, nutrition and much , much more.
The City of Wyoming has announced Robert C. Luders has accepted the position of finance director and will begin his service to the City on Oct. 13.
In his new role with the City, Luders will be responsible for directing the planning, organization and maintenance of finance services which include the City budget, audit, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, revenue administration, investment programs and fixed assets. He will assess and manage finance department operations, staffing levels, equipment and software to achieve the strategic goals of the department and the City as a whole.
Luders will assist the City’s leadership team and its individual departments to set and achieve financial goals. He will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining policies, procedures, internal controls, capital improvement plans, grant reporting and fee and rate setting for the City and its departments.
Luders will also work with the City’s human resources department, insurance consultants, third-party administrators and sponsors to administer the City’s insurance and pension programs, coordinate and provide oversight to the City’s retirement system, review investment activities and manage the City’s general liability insurance and process, applications, claims and renewals.
“We are very pleased Bob has decided to serve as finance director for Wyoming,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “His expertise will be a key component in our strategic plan and help Wyoming continue on its course of streamlined, economically responsible growth.”
Luders brings more than 30 years of experience in directing the functions of municipal and private operations, most recently as director of finance and purchasing for Portage, Mich.
Luders holds a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. A native of Chatham, N.J., he currently resides in Caledonia with his wife, Cathy.
WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of High School Football, starting with the season opener at East Kentwood on Thursday, August 28th, 2014. Then we will
bring you the game of the week every Friday night onLive Wire Comcast Channel 24 Metro-Wide @ 10:30pm and repeat Saturday on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 in
Wyoming & Kentwood @ 11:00am. Support your team in every way by going to their games and cheering them on,then watch the featured game of the week on WKTV !
1928 Roadster pays tribute to old cars and cartoons!
The Car-Toon Truck has a personality all it’s own and yes, it is fully operational.
It isn’t your typical old classic car in the street-sassy sense, but when the Car-Toon Truck drives up and makes a stop, heads do turn and eyeballs pop wide open for a closer look. That’s because this 1928 Ford Model AR Roadster pickup truck has been transformed into a historical documentary on comics dating back to 1896 and into the present!
Robert Luczun and his Car-Toon Truck were sponsored by Marge’s Donut Den. Even the engine is airbrushed.
Robert Luczun from Clifton, New Jersey has spent over 3,000 hours of brush/airbrush art on the ’28 Roadster. It all started in 2004 when he bought the car and entirely rebuilt it. But Luczun took the project one step further. “Being an airbrush artist, I can paint anything – anything at all. I happen to love cartoons. I have them painted on my fence posts all around my house. I did it for my kids, they loved it. Now my grandkids love it. So I thought ‘Hey! Everybody love cartoons – I’m going to paint them on this car,’ and I did!” Luczun explains enthusiastically.
“I started out with the very first cartoon from 1896 (The Yellow Kid) and that’s painted on the backside of the rear view mirror. Then I kept going through present day. It’s gets harder and harder to fit them in as they come out, but I do,” he laughs.
The first time Luczun (a car lover as well as a cartoon lover and retired fine arts professor), took the car to Hershey, PA and the largest antique car show in the world, he admits he was worried about the reaction he’d get.
“This was a show filled with hard-core Model-A guys. I thought they might hang me!” he laughs. “But I kept everything else about the car authentic except the paint. They loved it!”
Luczun says his next big challenge was introducing the car to artists at Comic-Con in New York City. “Some of these guys were the original artists and they said they wished they thought of it!”
Some of these same artists wanted to be a part of Luczun’s cartoon truck so they gave him original art plates to put in the truck bed.
“As you can see, this car draws people in like a magnet,” he added as a young family swarmed around the car for a better look. “And I wanted the car to do more than attract attention, so I decided to use it to collect money for the Wounded Warrior Project.”
With his son in the Air Force and having been stationed in Afghanistan, Luczun knows of the hardships veterans face. So on the side of the truck, Luczun created a donation box for the cause. He says the Car-Toon Truck helps him collect up to $5000 a year for the Wounded Warrior project and other veteran causes. The popularity of the Car-Toon Truck has car shows paying Luczon for an appearance. “And that money they pay me, gets donated as well.”
While Robert Luczun’s passions are comics and old cars, his heart is into donating time, talent and money to good causes, like helping the troops.
This was his first visit to Michigan with the Car-Toon Truck in what we hope won’t be his last.
Another successful AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids has come and gone. More than 10 thousand people attended the expo recently which had approximately 150 vendors on site and over 400 remarkable quilts on display.
The event involved four days of classes taught by internationally praised instructors, contests with total cash prizes of $50,750, sales of sewing and long-arm quilting machines, quilting kits, appraisals, fabric bolts and jelly rolls of the newest and most exciting patterns of the season.
For a beginning quilter like me, it was a lot to take in at one time: Every corner of DeVos Place Convention Center was packed with crisp fabrics stacked high – brick reds, deep blues, autumn oranges and sparkling yellows filled my vision. Women were everywhere, talking with excitement, planning new projects, watching demonstrations of the latest techniques and recording it all on camera phones.
Yes, women were everywhere. Only a few men were brave enough to dip their toes into this fabric frenzy! The ratio of women to men was approximately 100/1.
My first stop was the exhibit by the international non-profit organization Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) Masters II. Included in their collection were quilts from the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa and many other countries.
These were nothing like my grandmother’s quilts!
Where I was expecting blocks and triangles, I found fluid shapes and graceful contours. I presumed neon-bright colors would assault my eyes from every direction, and that dots and swirled patterns would plague the majority of designs. I learned quickly that it wasn’t the craft of quilting that was stuck in the dark ages – it was me!
Each quilt seemed to have been created using an artist’s brush, not fabric, needles and machines. The works were not bedspreads or blankets. They were extensions of their creator, the physical result born from a wisp of imagination.
Two in particular forever changed the way I think of quilting. The first, titled Woman with 2 Gents, by Leslie Gabriëlse– Rotterdam, Netherlands, at initial glance looked like a painting. I did a double-take. Dark blue and black plaid fabrics made up her long hair. Small scraps of textiles embroidered on her face became delicate shading details of her feminine features.
The second, titled Theatre, by Izabella Baykova – Saint Petersburg, Russia, also caught me off-guard. The work depicts 19 private boxes at a theatre, each containing different characters such as Dracula, 5 nuns, a mafia family and a bride. The intricate detail, impressive enough in a painting, is made all the more extraordinary knowing it is fabric and thread.
Another collection on display was a mix of heart and art. The traveling exhibit, “Quilted In Honor”, is a dedication to our servicemen and servicewomen. The pieces were created by celebrities in the quilting world to support Operation Homefront and The Wounded Warrier Project. The majority of the colors that were used were red, white and blue fabric. When the quilts finish their “tour of duty” in the spring of 2015, they will be auctioned off; the proceeds being donated to these two charities.
The pièce de résistance was the internationally known 120-foot long Quilt of Belonging. The project began in the fall of 1998 by Canadian artist Esther Bryan. Each of the 263 blocks is 11”. The purpose of “Canada’s most comprehensive textile art project” is to celebrate that every culture is unique and beautiful in its own way. Materials from the specific area were used in the designs for each regions’ blocks, from cotton to seal skin, the gossamer wings of butterflies to silk. Finished in 2005 by Ms. Bryan and a team of dedicated volunteers, this remarkable cultural statement began its global tour, starting in the Arctic! For more information, visit their website.
Intricate to festive, subtle shifts of color to explosions in every block, winning quilts were on display at every turn. Some depicted sites, such as Arch Rock on Mackinaw Island (by Dorothy Janose & Karen McClurkin of Hastings, MI), and some celebrated the tradition of hand-sewn creations, such as 1st place winner for Hand Quilting, My Version of a Persian, by Christine Wickert, Penfield NY).
“I’m on sensory overload,” said Mary King, first time Quilt Week attendee. “I couldn’t even do one square! It’s not just the design but all the work. It’s the execution, choosing the just the right fabrics and threads, and all the time it takes to put it together.”
I entered the convention center assuming quilts belonged on beds. I left the convention center knowing that quilts belonged in art museums.
