Bre McCarthy, Lakeshore Art Festival marketing/entertainment coordinator, is clearly head over heels in love with artist Kelsey Montague’a mural. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Muralist fans — actually art fans of any genre — have a new sight to see as the Lakeshore Art Festival, in conjunction with the JCI Greater Muskegon, held a public unveiling of a mural by internationally known “street artist” Kelsey Montague in downtown Muskegon.
The artist, known for her winged murals, has about 77 similar works on display around the world, including one piece commissioned by singer/songwriter Taylor Swift and two pieces located in Michigan, one in Ann Arbor and another Detroit.
The mural will be permanently displayed on the east side of the Frauenthal Center building. The Lakeshore Art Festival will take place July 5-6.
Artist Kelsey Montague, middle, with to the right is Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, on right, and Danielle Conley, Lakeshore Art Festival Children’s Lane coordinator. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
Montague’s “pieces are inspirational, inclusive and uplifting,” Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, said in supplied material. “It’s a great message and a perfect fit for the Lakeshore Art Festival and for the Muskegon Lakeshore area … The Frauenthal Center stands as a symbol of a community that is deeply dedicated to the arts.”
According to supplied material, the transformation of the Muskegon Lakeshore community served as inspiration for this project. The visual elements inside the butterfly wings, a blue heron, black-eyed susan, water, lighthouse, and music notes bring attention to aspects of the Muskegon lakeshore.
The new mural by Kelsey Montague on the outside wall of Muskegon’s Frauenthal Center. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
“We are inspired by this uplifting project and the community collaboration behind it,” Eric Messing, Frauenthal Center executive director, said in supplied material. “This piece highlights and celebrates the vibrant transformation happening in our area, and the Frauenthal Center is thrilled to serve as home to a work of art that will spark conversation for our community and visitors alike.”
The Lakeshore Art Festival is always the first Friday and Saturday in July, and this year will feature more than 350 fine art and craft exhibitors, street performers, specialty food booths, interactive art stations, children’s activities and so much more in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
VFW Post 702 distributed clothing at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Community Rebuilders was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Community Rebuilders was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
It was not all serious at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Scenes from the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
It was no coincidence that the Community Rebuilders veterans assistance group was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment suitable for urban camping, nor that the Wyoming-Grandville VFW Post 702 Auxiliary was distributing piles of clothing suitable for life on the street, at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Wyoming last week.
While not solely for homeless veterans, it was clear that many of about 200 veterans are currently or have been homeless as they lined up for services Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. The event brought together nearly 50 organizations in an event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Metro Health/University of Michigan Health.
The services offered ranged from basic food and shelter needs, to physical and mental health, to job and education services — all programs and community partners welcomed by Metro Health.
“This is our third or fourth year hosting it and we have just been honored by so many people in the community who are supporting the event for these veterans who have put their lives on the line many, many times over again for our freedom, and we are so honored to give back in a small way,” Michelle Rademacher, Metro Health community outreach specialist, said to WKTV. Metro Health/UM Health’s involvement “is important because these are members of our community and we are a community-based hospital and we want everyone to feel welcome here.”
Among the groups in attendance were the federal and Michigan based Veterans Affairs representatives as well as the Social Security Administration, the State of Michigan Veterans Employment Services and the Grand Valley State University Upward Bound veterans education assistance program, Trilogy Health Services and the Mental Health Advocacy Council, and veterans community organizations including American Legion posts and Team Red, White and Blue.
“A lot of these veterans don’t even know there is a VFW and that they can join,” Ron Oakes, commander of VFW Post 702, said to WKTV. “We do things like this for exposure, to let veterans know we are out there … (and) … that we are here to help the veterans.”
Coincidentally, Oakes’ VFW post itself is currently without a permanent home.
“We used to have a building, but not now,” Oakes said. “But we are still here and we are still looking for one.”
The veterans seeking goods and services had to produce proof of veterans status via a DD214, or valid state or military identification.
Veterans who were not able to be at the stand down can seek assistance by, among many sources, visiting the Kent County Veterans Services office at accesskent.com .
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On occasion we have to set up live traps behind our facility on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, as people do have a tendency to drop cats off after (and sometimes during) hours; also we are seated across the street from an apartment complex that has had its fair share of abandonments, so our parking lot is no stranger to strays in need of assistance.
This spring (2019) we noted a few cats hanging around who had proven to be quite elusive, so in early May we set up a live trap in hopes of snagging one or both of them; instead we caught this scraggly yet stunning senior citizen—whom we had never seen before. As it turned out, the eight-year-old (born in April of 2011) was actually microchipped to a person living only a few blocks away, but multiple attempts to contact the owner failed.
Dr. Jen reached out to an old neighbor of hers who still lived nearby, and he told her that the owner had passed away a year ago, and the remaining residents of the household left this poor to fend for herself. The neighbor had been watching out for her and providing food and shelter, but he hadn’t seen her for quite some time before we caught her. He was so relieved she was safe and sound, indoors and being cared for, as his two former Crash Cats screamed bloody murder whenever they caught sight of her traipsing around their yard.
Since this sweet, seasoned girl was getting a second chance at a bright future, Dr. Jen opted to rename her Lenka, which is Slavic in derivation and means ‘light’. Although Lenka was sturdy in frame, she was underweight and thin, eating to her heart’s content and purring up a storm when stroked and spoken to. One thing that was clearly evident was that Lenka was definitely used to being indoors and could not be happier to have that soothing environment envelop her again.
Very shortly after her arrival, however, she developed large ulcerations on her upper lips, so along with treatment for an ear infection, Dr. Jen started antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial invasion of the lesions known as ‘rodent ulcers, an inflammatory condition that can be brought on by stress. The good doctor held off on using steroids to treat this form of Eosinophilic Granulomas, as she was hesitant to use an immunosuppressive drug right off the bat; luckily Dr. Jen’s gamble paid off and within days, Lenka’s lips healed beautifully.
But her medical issues weren’t over yet: when it came time for her four-week recheck at the clinic, Dr. Jen noted an elevated heart rate—and the fact that even though this girl could eat her weight (8#) in canned food, she hadn’t put on more than a few ounces. As Dr. Jen suspected, lab work revealed that Lenka was hyperthyroid. Thankfully, this condition, which is common in geriatric cats and causes a hypermetabolic state, is very easy (and cost-effective) to medically manage; Lenka takes her twice-daily pills like a trouper.
Dr. Jen tells her clients that if their pet is going to have an endocrine disorder, thyroid disease is probably the one that requires the least effort to control, and bi-yearly follow-ups once levels normalize. So, that being said, we asked our cat care team to give a glimpse of Lenka’s personality traits as seen at the shelter:
“Lenka is so sweet but really should be an only cat. She loves one-on-one time with people and can’t get enough attention. She just prefers a little bit of space from the other cats. I have a feeling at one time he was the Queen Bee of a household. She’s not one to be physically aggressive but will let out a serious warning growl to the other residents if they get too close — especially when eating. Considering her almost immediate health issues/setbacks, and hearing a little of her background I really don’t blame her for being a little grumpy. She’s not crazy about being handled but enjoys chin scratches and belly rubs. I would love to see her as an only cat in a home with a retired couple ideally, but as long as she is showered with affection she will be thrilled!”
More about Lenka:
Domestic Short Hair
Tabby (tiger-striped)
Senior
Female
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed
Good in a home with children, no other cats
Want to adopt Lenka? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On March 2nd and again on March 17th, we had what we believe to be an entire family of terrified cats dumped off in carriers. ‘The Shy Seven’ were the first to arrive, and then three more joined us, rounding things out to ‘The Timid Ten’. Needless to say, it was a huge ordeal for all involved, from the stunned volunteers who kept pulling cat after cat out of cramped carriers, to the traumatized kitties who had no idea what was going on, and finally to Dr. Jen who spent the greater part of two weekends at the clinic getting them program-ready.
The latter was no small feat, as every single cat (yup, all ten of them) were intact, four of the five girls were pregnant, and all ten were clearly out of their element and having major trust issues. Adding various medical issues to the mix—like fleas and a variety of internal parasites, dental disease and chronic herpes virus—we ended up having a heaping handful of kitties who needed a great deal of help, not only physically, but probably more importantly, mentally.
It was clear from the onset that the family had been neglected and lacking human contact for quite some time, given their poor body condition, long nails and a shyness that went beyond anything we have seen before—and we have seen a lot. We have no idea where they came from or why someone thought it was a good idea to displace them as they did without regard for our space or financial capabilities, but our proposed scenario is this: a kindhearted, elderly person owned them and, for whatever reason, let them breed and multiply, running rampant in the house and growing wilder and warier as the days wore on. We suspect this person then passed (or moved away), and the cats were left to fend for themselves until a family member (or landlord) came in and booted the entire lot of them out—and onto our doorstep.
Regardless, we’d like to think they were loved by someone at some point, as this helps us believe in the goodness of people, enough so to offset the stupidity and callousness of others.
Let’s just say that for the most part, the journey we have all been on together is ever evolving—and it is going to be a long road full of bumps, setbacks and, yes, triumphs along the way. It is now over two months since their arrival, and we are just now able to share their stories, as it has taken a great deal of time (and patience) to get to this point.
We have had one shining star, jovial Jenn, who has been trying to pave the way for her siblings/uncles/cousins/aunts to follow, so really, we should have renamed the group as ‘The Timid Ten, Not Including Jenn’. She was the only girl who wasn’t or hadn’t been pregnant, as her reproductive tract was underdeveloped; just 15 months (born in later 2017, we think, along with Dean, Desna, Roller and Quiet Ann), she turned out to be quite the trailblazer, assuming the role of matriarch of her furry family.
Brice, Dr. Ken, Polly, Uncle Daddy and Virginnia—in some way or another—fathered and mothered this group, though we can’t verify their twisted family tree; we believe they were all born in late 2016. In any case, we have learned who is independent, who absolutely needs to be part of a duo (or trio) and who is going to be our most challenging, in need of the most convincing that we are good and will do them no harm.
Who could possibly resist that face?
Desna is part of a trio (the others are Polly and Quiet Ann). Although it is a lot to ask, we can’t imagine splitting the trio up. All three of them will cram themselves into a teepee bed and sleep there, piled on top of each other, for hours contentedly. They prefer to wait for people to approach them and give them attention but relish it when received. They are very bonded with one another; we feel that separating them would be devastating to all three.
At our free-roaming facility, cats like these have all of the time in the world to acclimate and adjust at their own rate—a snail’s pace if that is what is necessary. We have no cages, no time limits, no rules or regulations—each individual cat gets to stretch his legs at their own pace; each kitty gets to spread her furry little wings and fly when she is ready to leave the fold.
We offer a peaceful, secure environment to each and every cat in our care as long as they need it—and us. Slow and steady wins the race, and we firmly believe that with love, all things are possible; we surely can see endless possibilities and bright futures full of promise for this family of ours!
More about Desna:
Domestic Medium Hair
Tortoiseshell
Adult
Female
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed
Good in a home with other cats, no children
Want to adopt Desna? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
For those of you who know how much joy Dr. Jen takes from naming our kitties, you realize that she takes her time in getting to know each cat before making a final decision on what to call him or her, and oftentimes the good doctor will make a play on words in homage to a specific attribute (or lack there of). Nothing delights her more than having someone crack up when they discover why she gave a cat the title she has, as a LOT of thought went into it.
So in March of 2019, when spritely little Sandi D. first brought in this newly neutered, fabulously fat-headed, 3-1/2-year-old (born in the fall of 2015), Dr. Jen had to chuckle when this moniker appeared to fall down from the heavens and land solidly in her lap.
As the story goes, he had been hanging around the same southwest Grand Rapids neighborhood that brought us Churro and Burdock, so our red-headed rescue machine set out her live trap in hopes of getting him off the streets. After a successful venture, she carted him off to C-SNIP for long-overdue neutering and then took him back home to get him used to the idea of being an indoor cat.
It took this kitty a few weeks to be brave enough to come out of his wine box cubby, but once he did, he greeted her only with a few hisses that really were more for effect than anything. She coaxed him into her good graces with canned food, and slowly he began to open up to her, but suddenly he fell ill and stopped eating for three days, so he headed back to the clinic.
As it turns out, not only was he suffering from inflammation/infection of the bile ducts within his liver, but the poor guy tested positive for Feline Leukemia (he was negative the month prior). Treatment was undertaken and within a few days he had bounced back completely, ready to head on down to our sanctuary to join our residents.
It is a bit of an understatement to say that people were immediately drawn to his stunning, smashing good looks, but it has taken him quite a bit of time to warm up to the fact that people want to see him—and love on him. Slowly but surely, our volunteers have made excellent progress, to the point that they can now say this about Dunkin No-nuts:
“Dunkin is very quiet and shy, but also very sweet. He has a favorite spot in a cubby and doesn’t really move from that room. He does really like it when people come up to him and give him some love, and I think he would do great in a home where he is able to bond with his owner over time. He needs a quiet home with no kids or loud dogs. He doesn’t seem to really care about the other cats at all, so he could probably live with or without them.”
“Dunkin—in a perfect world, he would be best buddies with Ellston, since they resemble each other and make a handsome duo, but unfortunately, they don’t really care for each other. Dunkin is extremely shy and reserved and is usually found hunkered down low in a cubby just watching from the sidelines. He is super-sweet to us and actually likes to be held but will go right back to his hidey-hole when you put him down. To me, he’s one of those cats that is just too overwhelmed with all the other cats. He’s not aggressive in any way, just prefers to be left alone. He’d do well in a home with older kids, no dogs, and maybe one other cat.”
Since the virus is transmissible, ideally we would like to find him a home where he will be the only cat, and given his gentle personality, we feel this would be greatly beneficial and allow him the security and space he needs to blossom. He is such a LOVELY boy!
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has successfully completed the Phase One campaign for The Highlands. The future of the former golf course as a premier space for learning, recreation and conservation is now secure.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community and donors who have made Phase One of The Highlands project a success,” said Joe Engel, Executive Director at the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. “We are looking forward to a bright—and green—future for this vibrant natural space here in Grand Rapids.”
The Highlands is a partnership between the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and Blandford Nature Center. Both organizations share a passion for preservation, education and making natural spaces available to everyone in the Grand Rapids community. When the 121-acre Highlands Golf Club went up for sale, the two organizations saw it as an opportunity to join forces in a long-term collaboration to transform the land into an accessible urban refuge.
In January 2017, Blandford Nature Center acquired The Highlands with a loan from The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund is a national nonprofit organization that helps local communities achieve their conservation goals.
“Had Blandford Nature Center not been able to step in with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and acquire this property, it would be turning into a housing development right now,” said Jason Meyer, President/CEO of Blandford Nature Center. “We are grateful to the Land Conservancy for their hard work on the Phase One campaign to secure the future of The Highlands.”
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan spearheaded the campaign to raise over $5 million to cover the purchase of the property, a long-term restoration and management fund, miscellaneous campaign costs and the master plan for Phase Two.
“We asked the community to show their support for this project that will provide Grand Rapids families opportunities to engage in healthy outdoor activities and environmental education,” said campaign co-chair David Morgenstern. “They responded resoundingly.”
The completion of the campaign opens the doors for Phase Two, which will focus on implementing the master plan for the property—including installing trails, building a pavilion, adding wetlands and wildlife habitat and opening up a stream long-buried beneath the east end of the property.
“We’re excited that the foundation has now been laid for Phase Two, where the community’s collective vision for The Highlands will come to life,” said campaign co-chair Marti O’Brien.
The Highlands is the first and only neighborhood-based natural space in northwest Grand Rapids that is completely free and open to the public. Its main entrance on Leonard Street is right on The Rapid bus line. With restoration managed by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, The Highlands will once again become home to native plants and wildlife for all of Grand Rapids to discover.
“For years, expanding Blandford Nature Center to include the 121 acres that made up the former Highlands Golf Club was a pipe dream,” said Mary Jane Dockeray, founder of Blandford Nature Center and campaign co-chair. “To see it transform into a natural area to be appreciated and used by all Grand Rapids citizens is a gift.”
There will be a public celebration of the milestone achievement at The Highlands on the eve of the summer solstice. The event will feature guided hikes, music by AnDro, ice cream and more. It will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Highlands located at 2715 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Learn more about the event on the Land Conservancy’s website.
Phase One of The Highlands project was made possible with support from the Judy & Kenneth Betz Family, CDV5 Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation, Frey Foundation Fund of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, REI, The Conservation Fund, Third Coast Development, Wege Foundation, Wolverine Worldwide Foundation and many more.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Dr. Jen had waited an awfully long time to find the perfect cat to name Pepe LePew, so when Sandi D. (volunteer and friend to all ferals and homeless cats) brought this spectacular specimen to Dr. Jen in early March, 2019, she knew she had found the cat she had been patiently pining for!
Not only was this 3-year-old (born in March of 2016) a stunning tuxedo, but he was extremely stinky, since he was all boy. We didn’t have an opening yet at Crash’s, but Sandi is well prepared to accommodate the wayward souls she picks up off the streets, so she fostered him in her home until we were able to take him into our program on April 11th.
And there was no question on anyone’s mind as to exactly why Dr. Jen bestowed such a moniker on him, as he was still quite malodorous—though totally adorable—upon arrival into our program.
Once at Crash’s, Pepe made himself at home, quickly winning over the volunteers with his stunning looks and spunky attitude. Here is what two of our cat care team members had to say about our beautiful black-and-white, sharp-dressed man:
“ Pepe—he’s adorable and it’s always tempting to scoop him up but he’s a little on the sassy side, and will squirm/swat until he’s put down. He’s young, playful, and maybe a bit of a stinker, but I think as he gets older he would learn to settle down and actually enjoy human affection. He’s a very handsome guy, and I have a feeling he won’t be with us long. A home with older kids, and maybe a dog to buddy up with would be perfect.”
Courtesy Crash’s Landing
“Pepe is a very social guy. He always has to be the center of attention. He does tend to bite a little when he gets overstimulated or when you are doing something he doesn’t like, such as being combed, so it would be best if he goes to a home without young children—older children though would be great for him. He also probably needs a buddy to play with.”
We find it funny that he has been described as a stinker, inside and out, which makes him all the more endearing in our opinion. As you can clearly see, he can also be inquisitive, laid-back and super social, a fantastic combination of traits to possess!
More about Pepe:
Domestic Medium Hair
Black & White/Tuxedo
Adult
Male
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, older children
Want to adopt Pepe? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On Jan. 15, 2019, Dr. Jen received an email from a friend of a former volunteer asking for help for a bedraggled male cat who had been hanging around for about three years. The poor guy’s eyes needed attention, and he had a slight cough or hard time swallowing.
Over the years, the kitty had become friendlier to the point where he sat at the back door crying all night and trying to get in when the door opened. He had scratched and bitten the woman before in an attempt to get in, and then suddenly one day climbed into her lap and let her pet him. He then insisted on being in her lap every time she fed him, going so far as to nuzzle into her coat and let her wrap him up in a blanket to sleep.
It took a few days for us to be able to get this poor guy (born in the summer of 2014) off the streets so that Dr. Jen could see what she could do about those eyes. Considering how haggard and tattered-looking this guy was, it was obvious that he had been through some pretty rough spots in his life, including a fractured or dislocated right rear toe, bronzing of the fur on his forepaws from rubbing his eyes, fleas, a notched ear from fighting, a broken upper canine tooth, contracting a severe feline herpes virus infection that was causing his chronic conjunctivitis AND being infected by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
But, in spite of all of the above, Dr. Jen could clearly see that Chihuly was a diamond in the rough, a precious work of art that had yet to be appreciated.
At the writing of his biography about a month after his arrival, we are happy to report that charming Chihuly is really enjoying indoor life and takes his topical eyes meds like a trouper (he is also on an oral lysine supplement to help with the herpes). We have also learned from our cat care team the following about his likes, dislikes and kitty-quirks:
“Chihuly has a tendency to be a little bit of an attention hog, but once he’s had his fill, he’ll give you a quick swipe of the paw to warn you; I wouldn’t call him aggressive, he just has his personal limits. I’ve never seen him actually start any fights, or intentionally go after another cat, but he will join in on the growling if anything is going down between the others.”
“I have learned that the way to his heart is with endless bowls of canned food — he’s been known to eat four big plates and still follow you around for more. He would eat until he explodes if you let him.”
“He’d do best in a home with adults, and maybe one other cat, but dogs may a bit too much for him. Overall he is incredibly sweet and has gotten much better at not expressing himself by striking out; you can tell the time spent on the streets has made him a bit defensive, but he is learning rather quickly that soaking up the love and attention afforded him is the key to happiness.”
Chihuly will continue to evolve and make positive changes for weeks and months to come, but thus far, we are already impressed by his acclimation into our free-roaming, 50-cat population. He will require long-term medication to keep his eyes comfortable, but overall it is an affordable care plan that he doesn’t mind one bit. Simply stated, if you fill him up with yummy canned food and give him a lap to snooze on, he will be your best friend fur-ever!
More about Chihuly:
Domestic Short Hair
Black & White/Tuxedo
Adult
Male
Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, no children
Want to adopt Chihuly? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Every year millions of Americans are victims of scams or fraud. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the population experiences loss of money or personal property annually. While it can happen to a person at any age, older adults are often the most frequent targets for fraud. Older adults often have access to funds, excellent credit, and own their homes, making them attractive targets for criminals. In fact, older adults lose an estimated 2.9 billion dollars a year to fraud.
These are the current scams targeting older adults:
Grandchild Scam: A caller will sound distressed and claim to be a grandchild in trouble or in danger and beg to have money wired to them immediately. The best thing to do is to hang up and call family members to insure everyone is safe and sound.
IRS/Social Security Scam: A person could receive a call, an email or an official-looking letter, demanding immediate payment. They are told information will be forwarded to local law enforcement officials for arrest if they fail to pay. This is not the way any government agency collects debts. If you get this call, hang up immediately or delete the email without opening it.
Home Repairs: Beware of door-to-door home repair contractors. They intentionally seek out older adults, particularly those living alone. They may say they are ‘working down in your neighborhood’ and are offering discounted work while in the area. They claim you need an expensive repair you cannot do yourself, like a new roof, dangerous branches removed from a tree in your yard, or offer you an amazing deal on new windows. All they need is a deposit and they’ll get to work. The catch is, the deposit is usually a few thousand dollars and they never show up to do the work. The only contractor showing up to your door is the one you called yourself.
While it seems there are scams everywhere we turn, there are a few ‘rules of thumb’ we can use to protect ourselves from being fooled:
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Criminals feed on our desires by offering us goods or opportunities we wouldn’t, in reality, be able to attain: vacations, money, miracle cures, property, etc. You can be sure there is always a hidden cost and we end up losing much more than we would have ever gained.
Never send money to someone you do not know. Any business or government agency you owe money to will send you the request through the mail. If a paperless billing notice arrives in your email and you didn’t initiate it, call the company directly to confirm it is from them.
Do not give personal or financial information to someone who calls, emails or shows up at your door. Avoid giving out your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you are positive you know who is requesting the information. Businesses you have accounts with will ask you to verify some information to make sure it’s you, like the last four-digits of your social security number, but they are confirming your information — not receiving it for the first time.
If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, open any attachment or click on any link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information by email and you’re often opening a door to identity theft. You also risk downloading viruses or software that collects your personal information and/or disables your computer’s security
It’s important that we protect ourselves and share tips and information with family and friends who might also fall prey to these schemes.
If you’re ever unsure about whether you might be the victim of a scam there are several resources available to you. The Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition updates current scams frequently on their website here.
The Michigan Attorney General also has a consumer alert webpage here.
If you believe you may be a victim of a scam, you can call them at (877) 765-8388.
“The Sixties are now considered a historical period, just like the Roman Empire.“
~Dave Barry
The Vibe keynote speaker Josh George, a six-time Paralympic world champion and world record holder. (Courtesy/Josh George’s website)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
Get your tickets TODAY if you plan to attend The Vibe, a gala benefiting Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s adaptive recreation programs, on Friday, May 17. The Vibe will highlight the City’s adaptive water sports programs, which include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, wake boarding and water skiing for all ages and abilities. Tickets for the semi-formal event are $100 per person and can be purchased online at kentwoodvibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270. More on the story here.
Tickets must be purchased in advance by Friday, May 10.
These boots are made for walkin’ (well…)
It’s not only elite athletes and experienced runners who are preparing for this weekend’s 42nd River Bank Run. For the ninth year, former and current residents of Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center will participate in the Amway River Bank 5k Walk. Dégagé’s walking group, the ‘Heartside All Stars for Health’, is a group of approximately 12 women who have overcome or are working to overcome things like poverty, addiction and homelessness. With the support of Dégagé’s staff and volunteers, the organization’s walking group totals nearly 30 people. For more information, go here.
Courtesy Air Zoo
Can’t get no satisfaction? Check out these six destinations
Bored? Don’t be. The Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Bird Sanctuary and Manor House are partnering for the sixth year of the Southwest Michigan Cultural Membership Exchange. Guests presenting a valid membership card and photo ID from any of these organizations can enjoy free admission at any of the six destinations May 1–31. More here.
Fun fact:
$4,743
That’s what the average salary was in the U.S. in the 1960s. But then, a loaf of bread was 45 cents, the average new car cost $2,752, and gas was about 31 cents a gallon. Ah, yes. The good, old days.
Fountain Street Church is launching a new series, the ‘Summer Screen Club’. One night each month this summer, the church will host a panel discussion featuring regional non-profit organizations, and film and television experts to dissect, analyze, and discuss some of today’s most thought-provoking TV shows.
Participants watch the shows at their own pace, on their own schedules. It’s like a book club that you can binge watch. The first event of the series will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019, from 6-8pm at Fountain Street Church, and will feature panelists Lydia VanHoven-Cook, of Better Body Image Conference, and Sarah Vesely, Executive Director of Wealthy Theater. All Summer Screen Club events are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged (not required) and can be done here.
The June 20, 2019, event will be discussing the Hulu series Shrill, based on the book Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West. The series stars and is co-written by Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live), with Executive Producers Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live), Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect), and Aidy Bryant. From the Shrill press site: “Annie [is] a fat young woman who wants to change her life — but not her body. Annie is trying to start her career while juggling bad boyfriends, a sick parent, and a perfectionist boss.”
It’s not only elite athletes and experienced runners who are preparing for this weekend’s 42nd River Bank Run. For the ninth year, former and current residents of Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center will participate in the Amway River Bank 5k Walk. Dégagé’s walking group, the ‘Heartside All Stars for Health’, is a group of approximately 12 women who have overcome or are working to overcome things like poverty, addiction and homelessness. With the support of Dégagé’s staff and volunteers, the organization’s walking group totals nearly 30 people.
The Heartside All Stars for Health participate in weekly training sessions lead by a volunteer community nurse at Dégagé. Of course, the walking provides physical benefits, but it also offers emotional, social and spiritual benefits, particularly for women who are facing so much difficulty in their lives and for whom exercise is not always a priority. Training for the walk gives the women an opportunity to support each other as they try to achieve big dreams, like securing safe and permanent housing. One of these women, Linda, says that participating with the walking group helps her “pick up her shoes instead of a bottle”.
On Wednesdays, it is a common sight to see the group gather outside Dégagé’s doors looking bundled up and eager to get moving. One of these eager walkers is Linda, who is a recovered alcoholic. She credits her involvement with Walking Club and Dégagé as one of the things that keeps her sober, motivated, and focused.
Linda’s journey to healing has been a long trek. For thirty years she struggled with addiction. Before finding Dégagé, Linda was homeless for four years, bouncing from shelter to shelter each night. But eight years ago, something changed. Linda made a commitment to get sober. She had heard about Dégagé through a friend and started coming for the services offered on the 1st and 2nd floor. She got an ID, earned vouchers for meals, and got help finding permanent housing.
Linda laces up to get moving with Dégagé’s Walking Club (courtesy Dégagé Ministries)
Along the way, Linda heard about Dégagé’s Walking Club. She began showing up on Wednesdays and soon found walking was one of her true passions. She discovered that lacing up her tennis shoes was a great way to keep her from being tempted to pick up the bottle. Linda loves the challenge and activity as well as the community and conversation. Finding Walking Club and Dégagé meant finally having a place to belong. It is her support and her community.
When Linda was asked what she hopes to achieve through her participation in Walking Club, she contemplated the answer for a moment before breaking into a smile, “Continue in my sobriety and helping others through their journey.”
And with that, she finished tying her shoe and raced off to walk with her friends.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In June of 2015, friend to ferals (and our volunteer) Sandi D. was helping a co-worker TNR (trap-neuter-return) some stray cats living in her southeast side neighborhood when she came across this smashing, dashing boy, whom she initially thought was a girl. CSNIP (Community Spay/Neuter Initiative Program) ‘snipped’ him and sent him back to Sandi with a recommendation to treat an eye infection he had.
Unable to turn him back outside with medical issues, and fully thinking he was a wild child, she asked Gina from Focus on Ferals to help. So Gina took him in and housed him, treating his eye and socializing him; a month later she tested him and he turned up FIV+. Sweet and social, there wasn’t a mean bone in this guy’s big body (over 14#); he was probably just overwhelmed and not feeling too well when he and Sandi first met.
Sandi is in contact with Gina often as they work closely together doing TNR, and when fall turned to winter and her boy was still waiting for a place to call his own, she asked if we would consider taking him into our program. We have a pretty good adoption rate at Big Sid’s, especially for super-handsome, stunners like Harold, and wanted to give Gina a bit more room at her place.
We took this fine fella (born in late 2010) into our sanctuary on Nov. 16, 2018, after a bit of dental work was done at the clinic. Initially Sandi had named her black beauty ‘Mario’, but since we already had a Sid’s Kid with that name and coloring, Dr. Jen asked if she could name him something else; they just happened to be at our annual Whiskers and Wine fundraiser when they chatted, and since Sandi was accompanied by her long-time beau Harold, it seemed like a no-brainer.
From the second Harold stepped foot on the premises, he was comfortable and at ease, eager to meet and greet all newcomers and current residents. Our cat care director immediately fell in love with his gentle ways, his calm demeanor and his mellow vibe. He loves just hanging out with the gang, patiently awaiting the arrival of the volunteers who shower him with love and attention, which he soaks up like a super-silky, raven-haired sponge.
Harold couldn’t be nicer or more well-adjusted, and we honestly couldn’t be happier that he is ours. We hope that Big Sid’s is simply a stepping stone for Harold, who will hop, skip and jump his way to bigger and better things (though our place is paw-some), as a cat this marvelous deserves to be doted upon in a home of his own.
More about Harold:
Domestic Short Hair
Adult
Male
Extra large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
FIV-positive
Neutered
Not declawed
Want to adopt Harold? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Older Michigangians Day, on May 15th, is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. Call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register at (616) 222-7042. Go here for more info.
So good, you can’t read just one
“You just really can’t replace putting a book in a kid’s hands,” said district Superintendent Kevin Polston at a recent celebration of literacy” at the Early Childhood Center in Wyoming. “There is something special about touching, feeling, seeing the pictures, and engaging with the book. We know there is value to that.” Read all about it here.
Life’s too short, so go on … have some fun
Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) invites locals to explore the Grand Rapids area during National Travel and Tourism Week through May 11th using EXGR resources such as Culture Pass GR and Vamonde. Check it out here.
Fun fact:
Details, details
There is actually a difference between coffins and caskets — coffins are typically tapered and six-sided, while caskets are rectangular.
An estimated 45,000 children in Kent County are below age 5. Too many of them and their parents need help so they can be healthy and prepared for kindergarten, according to early childhood advocates. (Supplied/First Steps Kent)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Kent County Board of Commissioners last week approved First Steps Kent’s proposal to administer the countywide Ready by Five millage and to push forward a plan distribute the funds intended “to help young children be ready for school success” by “support young children and their families across the community.”
The action took place at the April 25 Board of Commissioners meeting. In November 2018, county voters approved the millage, which will provide more than $5.5 million annually for enhanced early childhood services.
“We are excited to work with First Steps and the broader community to increase community based, early childhood services,” Wayman Britt, County Administrator/Controller, said in supplied information. “The Ready by Five funds will allow us to reach children and their families early in life when brain development and social/emotional bonding are critical. We have confidence that First Steps and the system that is being created will ensure that the resources are directed where it can have a significant impact.”
The millage will support programs that improve the healthy development and school readiness of children ages zero to five. The funding will be distributed to community-based organizations across the county that provide services such as in-home parenting support, developmental screenings, play and learn groups, and outreach to “ensure families know what is available and have access to the services that best meet their needs,” according to supplied material.
A review board comprised of parents, Kent County commissioners, a First Steps Kent board member, and a community member with early childhood expertise will review proposals from service providers and make recommendations about which programs and services should be funded. The first round of funding will be awarded this fall.
“We are fortunate in Kent County to have innovative and effective early childhood programs that are getting great results,” Annemarie Valdez, president and CEO of First Steps Kent, said in supplied material. “The Ready by Five Millage will allow many more children and families in our community to benefit from those services. We again want to thank the voters of Kent County, who recognize this is an investment that will pay off for our community.”
The statement from Kent County stated that research shows money invested in high quality early childhood programs saves money down the road with reduced costs for child welfare, education, health care, and criminal justice. All programs funded by the Ready by Five Millage will be evaluated to measure their impact. Those results will be shared with the public. Kent County is the first county in Michigan to have local tax dollars dedicated to early childhood.
First Steps Kent is an independent nonprofit leading a community-wide effort to build a comprehensive early childhood system in Kent County. A comprehensive system requires that programs, policies, and supports are in place to help all young children and their families thrive.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced the 6th annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. The Call for Makers is now open for makers to register their projects.
Maker Faire celebrates community members who are making or creating things by inviting them to share with the public what they have made! Everyone is a maker, and unfinished products are also encouraged.
Individuals and groups can now sign up at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com. This year’s Maker Faire will be held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology-based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com. The Call for Makers will close on July 31, 2019.
Spots are first-come, first-serve basis with openings inside the GRPM as well as outside on the GRPM’s lawn. Makers’ participation is free for those showcasing! Makers interested in selling products at their booth require a small commercial fee.
Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering that celebrates community members who are making things. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.
Featuring both established and emerging local “makers,” the Grand Rapids Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration featuring tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors.
The Faire will be open 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. Tickets will go on sale early summer.
The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by a collaborative committee that includes members from: DTE Energy, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Lakeshore Fab Lab at Muskegon Community College, Kent District Library, Kent Intermediate School District, WMCAT, Great Lakes Makers and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
The 6th annual Grand Rapids Maker Faire is sponsored by: Maker Media Inc., Gentex Corporation, Kent Intermediate School District and Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown.
Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963, a special exhibition opening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) on Saturday, May 25, examines the relationship between two great people’s movements, which both grew out of decades of bold actions, resistance, organization, and vision. One hundred years separate them, yet they are linked in a larger story of liberty and the American experience — one that has had a profound impact on the generations that followed.
Created by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History, the exhibit was toured nationwide by the American Library Association’s Public Program Office. The Changing America exhibit is now a possession of the GRPM. In presenting and hosting it, the GRPM will be enhancing it for West Michigan by including artifacts and stories from a local perspective. In addition to artifacts from the GRPM Collections, many artifacts on display will be on loan from the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. Local stories will be told through the eyes of our community and oral histories will be presented. The exhibition will also include a place for visitors to share their own stories. Shared stories will be added to the GRPM’s digital archive found at grpmcollections.org.
“The Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) is proud to combine with the Grand Rapids Public Museum to present Changing America,” said George Bayard III, Executive Director of GRAAMA. “We are happy to lend support and artifacts to this important exhibit chronicling a slice of African American history between the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington. We are eager to get our collection out where more people can view these authentic artifacts. Our loan of anti-slavery newspapers from the 1800s and buttons from the 1963 March on Washington will add detail to an already prestigious Smithsonian display.”
GRAAMA will launch a corresponding exhibit 1863-1963 American Freedom at its 87 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, location featuring local civil rights activists, quilts and interviews. For more information, visit graama.org.
Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum
Changing America at the Grand Rapids Public Museum will run from May 25 through October 2019, will be located in the LACKS changing gallery on the Museum’s third floor, and will be free with general admission. Kent County adult residents receive reduced general admission and Kent County resident children aged 17 and under receive free general admission to the GRPM thanks to the county-wide millage passed in 2016.
In addition to the exhibition, the GRPM is partnering with several community groups to offer community programming as part of the exhibition. Mosaic Film Experience will host a summer camp “Mosaic Mobile Filmmaking” as part of the GRPM’s Camp Curious offerings in conjunction with the exhibit for students in grades 7 to 9. This Mosaic Mobile program is working with the GRPM to expand this story locally by capturing the stories of area civil rights leaders and will give students the opportunity to learn valuable media skills while broadening their knowledge of Grand Rapids history. The camp will take place from June 17 through June 21 and is only $25 per student to participate.
“It is important to connect youth to the past so they can understand their present,” said Skot Welch, Founder of The Mosaic Film Experience. “The Mosaic Mobile Filmmaking program with the Public Museum is a multi-generational project, making history relevant to our young people in a place where they become the story makers. This is an opportunity for them to tell the stories of Civil Rights in our community while allowing us to see this critical time in history through their eyes.”
Westside Collaborative is also partnering as part of the exhibition, and is working on a series of “I am Westside” videos that will be on display as part of the exhibition once completed. To learn more, visit westsidecollaborative.org.
For a full list of related programming, please visit grpm.org.
Changing America at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is sponsored by the David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and Steelcase Inc.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
On Jan. 23, 2019, Dr. Jen’s co-worker, Allie got a text from a friend who had come across this bedraggled but beautiful intact boy near Burton and Division. She promptly got him out of harm’s way and dropped him off at Allie’s so she could bring him in to the clinic the next morning for evaluation.
The fabulous, yet filthy 4-1/2-year-old fella (born in the summer of 2014) was suffering from a nasty skin infection on his back, severe yellowing of his fur from being outside for so long, a puncture wound above his left eye that was causing it to swell, and a smaller one in the inner corner of his right eye. Antibiotics, multiple baths and, of course, long-overdue neutering got him on the right track, but if truth be told, he was still quite smelly (male hormones!), so he hung out at the clinic for a few days before Dr. Jen sent him down to our sanctuary. At that time, given his obvious history of tussling, it wasn’t a surprise that he tested FIV-positive
Over the course of the next four weeks, Hoobastank hunkered down and settled in seamlessly, abandoning whatever tomcat tendencies he may have had:
“This gorgeous guy is a super-friendly and sweet big pile of fluff. When he first came to us, he tended to get picked on a little, but the others seem to have been leaving him alone. He’s a bit docile when it comes to too much action around him, but over time he is getting better.
“He loves napping up by the kitchen window, which is ironic because he really doesn’t care for what we serve in the kitchen—he just prefers his dry kibble and Temptations. Due to his slight timidity, he may do best in a home with no other pets where he doesn’t feel threatened. Kids would be perfect for him, or retired couple or person who would have plenty of time to spend one-on-one with him.”
When Dr. Jen retested him at his one-month recheck at the clinic, he came back FIV-negative. It appears that the bite he received caused his body to produce antibodies to the virus as it was introduced into his bloodstream, but thankfully his immune system was strong enough to fight the infection off. This is fantastic news as adopting out a cat from Crash’s historically has been much easier than from Big Sid’s, though we pride ourselves on just how awesome our Sid’s Kids are and promote the heck out of them.
Regardless of his viral status, Hoobastank is a favorite of ours and we have no doubt that finding him his forever home will not be difficult. Just look at that fabulous face this super friendly guy has—and it can be all yours for loving and snuggling!
More about Hoobastank:
Domestic Short Hair / Black & White / Tuxedo
Adult
Male
Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Hoobastank? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
Welcome, Bienvenido, Murakaza neza, Karibu, أهلا بك
No matter how you say “welcome,” if you are a new American,
West Michigan Works! can provide opportunities to find a satisfying career in
the United States. Refugee and immigrant navigators can provide specialized
assistance to help you start your new life.
Here are a few ways that West Michigan Works! can help.
Specialized services for new Americans include access to appropriate resources such as open-entry ESL (English as a Second Language) class and employment services like building your resume, completing online job applications and connecting you to local employers with job opportunities.
Help meeting work requirements. Anyone authorized to work by the US Department of Homeland Security can receive free employment services. A refugee and immigrant navigator can assist you with paperwork and resources, like English language proficiency, high school diploma, GED or assessment tests, to qualify for certain training and education programs.
Referrals to MITS (Michigan International Talent Solutions). Highly qualified, skilled and educated immigrants and refugees can receive professional employment support from MITS.
Opportunities abound. New Americans do not need to settle on a low-paying job. There are opportunities to learn English and gain the education and training needed to pursue your dream job and earn a sustaining income for your family.
You can make your American dream happen. Many local employers appreciate the hard work and job performance of refugees and immigrants. With a steady income you can establish good credit and realize goals, such as buying a house, within two to five years of arriving in the US.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
Foot golf is one of the new sports at the Meijer State Games. (Supplied/CKGolf)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The Meijer State Games of Michigan 2019 Summer Games will include sport competition at various dates and locations this summer but is focused on the weekend of June 20-23 and the 2019 Opening Ceremony at Fifth Third Ballpark. Registration for most sports has opened.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is an Olympic-style, multi-sport event that welcomes athletes regardless of age or ability level. According to supplied information, “the games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship, and healthy living among the residents of Michigan.”
Since 2010, Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted more than 65,000 athletes and contributed over $25 million in estimated economic impact to cities throughout Michigan.
Registration rates vary between sports and can be found on each sports’ page. For more information about registration, please visit the following link .
Registered athletes for all sports will receive free admission to the Opening Ceremony and have the opportunity to walk in the athlete parade. Some sports may charge an entry fee for spectators.
Hockey tryouts are first up
Tryouts for the 2019 hockey tournament will take place in May and the tournament will take place June 20-23. This tournament will have six divisions: high school boys, high school girls, 14U boys, 14U girls, 12U, and 10U.
The fee for tryouts is $40. An additional fee of $160 will be charged to players who make the teams. This fee includes a team jersey, socks, a gift for the player and three games minimum, and admission to the Opening Ceremony.
“It’s cool – it’s an Olympic-style event, which is great,” David Moss, honorary chairman of the State Games hockey tournament, said in supplied material. “They do a lot of cool things for the kids, and the hockey side, we’re doing some neat things this year with ACHA coaches being involved and giving the kids the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of good coaches.”
For more information on this year’s hockey tournament details and registration, visit the following link .
45 sports in all will be offered
There will an estimated 8,000 plus athletes participating in more than 45 sporting events in this year’s Summer Games. The sports offered for the 2019 Summer Games include: a 5k fun, archery (3D and FITA), archery tag, badminton, baseball, basketball, BMX (freestyle and Olympic), bocce ball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, disc golf, field hockey, figure skating, foot golf, golf, hockey, judo, lacrosse (girls), mountain bike, ninja warrior competition, paintball, pickleball, pinball, rowing, rugby, shooting sports, skateboarding, softball, soccer, swimming, tae-kwon-do, tennis, track & field, volleyball, waterskiing, weightlifting, and wrestling.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the help of willing volunteers and trusted partnerships. There are also volunteer opportunities available for the Summer Games. For more information on volunteering, visit the following link .
For more information on sponsoring the Meijer State Games of Michigan, visit the following link .
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Wyoming resident Brenda R. is no stranger to the strays that populate her neighborhood; in fact over the years we have taken in quite a few wayward souls that thankfully fell under her care. She contacted Dr. Jen right after Valentine’s Day 2019 when an emaciated, darling but dirty intact male (born in late summer of 2017) crossed her path. The poor boy had obtained a bite wound to his tail when he tried to hang out with two feisty females that didn’t take kindly to his intrusion on their food bowls.
Part of the reason Crumbs was so skinny and felt as though he was starving was due to the fact he had internal tapeworms, so Dr. Jen treated him for the nasty little buggers, tended to his wound, got him neutered, tested, vaccinated and all spiffed up. A few days later Dr. Jen sent him on down to Crash’s, where he IMMEDIATELY became a volunteer favorite, so she enlisted the help of his new BFF’s to enlighten everyone on just how awesome he is:
“Crumbs is an adorable little guy that quickly became friends with everyone. He tends to hang back when there’s a lot of commotion but is right there underfoot when he knows there’s food involved. He doesn’t mind being picked up and held, he loves playing with laser toys, and enjoys his naps cuddled up next to his friends. He’d do great in any home, especially one with kids.
“Crumbs is a very happy and social boy. He loves being around people and gets along great with all of his buddies at the shelter. The only thing he likes more than being the center of attention is endless bowls of canned food. I can’t think of a home where he wouldn’t do well, he’s just that perfect.”
About three weeks into his stay with us, our beloved buff-and-white boy fell ill with symptoms of Calici virus, a highly contagious respiratory illness that unvaccinated cats are very susceptible to. He developed an acute fever and painful tongue ulcers that caused excessive drooling, but even in the thick of it all he surprised us all by pounding down bowl after bowl of delicious canned food.
Since he was hospitalized at the clinic again (for narcotics to control his discomfort and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection) Dr. Jen opted to retest him a week earlier than planned, and discovered that the bite wounds he had sustained prior to his arrival had transmitted the FIV virus to him. When it was time to send him back to our facility, he took up residence on the other side of our building, officially becoming a Sid’s Kid.
No worries though, as Crumbs once again made instant furry friends, and even when he was so sick with Calici, he wanted to be in the middle of everything. Although it bummed us all out to learn of his new viral status, we have no doubt that our charming, outgoing little fella is going to get himself adopted, as he hasn’t an ounce of mean coursing through his veins, and he absolutely loves everyone he comes into contact with.
It is no doubt crummy (we couldn’t resist) all that has befallen our buddy here, but in true form he takes whatever comes his way in stride and is absolutely thriving indoors, where he was always meant to be.
More about Crumbs:
Domestic Short Hair / Buff & White
Adult
Male
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
FIV-positive
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Crumbs? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we spend some time with the director of the City of Kentwood’s important and unique Adaptive Recreation Program. Then we have the video version of a podcast we produced bringing together three guests who are knowledgeable and passionate on the subject of sustainability … a word that means much more than simply recycling.
First up In Focus is the City of Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Program, a program with the stated goal “to help people with disabilities live meaningful, healthy and adventurous lives.” With us is the program director Katelyn Bush, who work with Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department organizing programs for seniors and adaptive populations.
WKTV Journal In Focus podcast on sustainability, with (from right) Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson, Janay Brower of Public Thread, Kari Bliss of Padnos Recycling and Scrap Management, and In Focus host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
Then In Focus is a special In Focus episode where three guests discuss the multifaceted topic of sustainability — from re-imagining manufacturing to reducing landfill waste to supporting a vibrant equitable workforce. Visiting our studios, each with unique perspectives on the subject, are Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson, Janay Brower of Public Thread and Kari Bliss of Padnos Recycling and Scrap Management.
For a link to the audio podcast, click here; for a link to the WKTV’s Facebook “The Whole Picture Podcasts” interview video, click here. (If you’d like to give us some feedback on our special In Focus podcast, please contact Ken Norris at ken@wktv.org.)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
Holy moly, did it take a long time (and a massive effort) to corral this badly injured boy and convince him (and others) that he needed to be taken in out of harm’s way.
About two years ago, this three-year-old, intact male (born in early 2016) took to wandering around a Wyoming apartment complex, befriending a few of the residents who let him in from time to time. Then in the summer of 2018, he was terribly traumatized, most likely the victim of a nasty cat fight that caused his initial neck wound.
It seems that some of the residents had taken a shine to our boy, but instead of seeking medical care for him, they let nature take its course and went so far as to insist that he needed to stay put as ‘their’ outdoor cat; they would miss him too much if he were gone. Finally, his skin had progressively been damaged over the harsh, horrible winter we had, and he was brought in for long overdue medical attention.
Dr. Jen has smelled a lot of foul things in her career as a veterinarian, but this matted, chronically abscessed and necrotic skin flap was a doozy! Once anesthetized and prepped for surgery, the good doctor gently cut away the nasty, useless chunk of skin that was overlaying a 4-5 cm open wound, with another full-thickness hole present beneath. After flushing and debriding the wound site, Dr. Jen started this kitty on broad-spectrum antibiotics and pain medication, then set about neutering, conducting internal and external parasite control, administering vaccines, bathing (repeatedly to remove layers of grime), and testing.
It was no surprise that Donut tested positive for FIV, a transmissible feline virus acquired from deep puncture/bite wounds, disheartening but not unexpected. By the time he was done being brushed and blow-dried, he looked like a million bucks, albeit one missing a huge section of flesh.
Although his recovery was routine, the next morning Dr. Jen was not greeted by the happy, hungry hunk she left the night before, but a depressed kitty with an elevated respiratory rate who was lying in his feces—and very subdued while she re-bathed him. Dr. Jen was concerned about a reaction to the drugs used to sedate him or, more importantly, an underlying cardiomyopathy, so she ran a specialized test that showed elevated levels of an enzyme we can see in cats with heart disease.
Thankfully, after a course of subcutaneous fluids and the passing of a very large bowel movement laden with roundworms, this guy immediately perked up, his breathing resumed normal, and he was back to filling his face. A few days later, Dr. Jen sent him off to Sid’s with a vial of topical Silvadene cream in tow to be applied to his skin defects twice daily. Although an instant fan of belly rubs, Donut was understandably weary of any sort of human contact involving his head, so there was a bit of a learning curve for everyone involved. However, over the course of the next four weeks, his healing plugged along at a good clip, and although he will sport one heck of a scar, overall he really is none the worse for wear.
The majority of the time Dr. Jen spent with Donut was at the clinic, so she wanted to get a more in depth summary of his personality and observations made by his caretakers for his biography:
“I can’t say enough good things about him,” said one volunteer. “He absolutely loves all the comforts of indoor life. He’s crazy about wet food, treats, and humans. While taking care of his neck wound, he’s been nothing short of a gentleman, just sits and waits patiently for the treats at the end. He really does love people, knows his name already, and is starting to follow us around. He was slow to venture out of his safe place/room, but he knows he’s safe now, and has been strutting around with confidence. He can be a little selfish and push his way through when I’m interacting with him and a few of the other cats, but he’s not aggressive about it; he’s just trying to make upon for lost time.
“Donut has come such a long way since he came in. He has turned into a very sweet boy who absolutely loves his new life of luxury. He can still be pretty reserved and prefers to snuggle up in a cubby, but if you sit and talk to him or offer him a few treats he will come right out for attention. He loves canned food more than anything else and probably will eat until he explodes if you let him! He doesn’t seem to care at all about the other cats, so he could probably live with or without them. He would do great in a quiet home without kids, one where he could be the center of quiet, gentle attention.”
Now that you have read all about this amazing creature, ‘do-nut ya wanna’ take him home and make him your very own?
More about Donut:
Domestic Short Hair / Gray & White
Adult
Male
Large
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
FIV-positive
Good in a home with other cats
Prefers a home without children
Want to adopt Donut? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
In conjunction with Limb Loss Awareness Month, the City of Kentwood is again partnering with Hanger Clinic — a local prosthetic and orthotic patient care provider — to offer the second annual Limb Loss Awareness 5K race on Saturday, April 27.
Open to people of all abilities, the family friendly event will continue to raise funds for Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, which exist to provide people of all abilities a chance to recreate in a positive and safe environment.
The race route will include sections of the East-West and Paul Henry-Thornapple Trails. Packet pick-up is at 9 a.m. followed by the start of the clock-timed race at 10 a.m.
Jessica Curtis, whose right leg was amputated below the knee five years ago, will share her story before the race kicks off. Curtis was born with one leg shorter than the other and went through numerous leg-lengthening procedures before electing to have her leg amputated. Now fitted with a custom-designed prosthetic leg, Jessica is able to be more active and will be walking the 5K with her family. As a certified peer visitor through Hanger Clinic’s nationwide AMPOWER program, Curtis is a supportive listening ear and confidant for others who are on an amputation journey.
“We are honored Jessica will share her story with the community at the Limb Loss Awareness 5K, and hope it inspires others to do the same,” said Katelyn Bush, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “The addition of a speaker is one of several new features planned this year to really set the tone for the event as inclusive, educational and fun for everyone involved.”
This year’s event will include a one-mile fun run just for kids beginning and ending at Bowen Station Park, 4499 Bowen Boulevard SE. Kids who participate will receive a t-shirt and ribbon. Top finishers will be awarded medals. The kids’ race will start at 11 a.m. and costs $5 per child. Also new this year will be a bounce house, face painting, games and food trucks.
At 9:45 a.m., individuals who have experienced limb loss will be encouraged to participate in taking photos for #ShowYourMettle, a social media campaign organized by the Amputee Coalition that will take place the same day of the race. The Amputee Coalition’s “Show Your Mettle Day” emboldens amputees to proudly wear and show their prosthetic and/or assistive devices.
Hanger Clinic Community Care Coordinator Nikki Stoner says the event is a great way for individuals who have experienced limb loss to connect with others in the amputee community.
As an amputee herself, Stoner knows just how important it is to have a strong support network when experiencing limb loss. Since having her leg amputated after experiencing a gunshot wound on the opening day of deer hunting season almost 25 years ago, limb loss awareness and support of fellow amputees has been a passion for Stoner.
“Whenever I meet a new amputee, I always say, ‘welcome to the family!’,” Stoner said. “Being able to truly empathize, to say I understand because I’ve been through it, makes a big difference in helping someone through their amputation journey. It is incredibly impactful when the limb loss community gathers together for an event like this.”
The day will feature several educational components. Signs with facts about limb loss and amputation will be placed throughout the race course. When participants are not racing, they can learn about amputation at community booths.
Hanger Clinic will have one of Winter the dolphin’s prosthetic tails for kids to look at and touch as an interactive learning experience. Winter is the dolphin that lost her tail after it became entangled in a crab trap in 2005. In 2006, Kevin Carroll, an expert prosthetist and vice president of prosthetics at Hanger Clinic heard her story and offered to fit her with a prosthetic tail that would allow Winter to swim again. Her movie debut in “Dolphin Tale” premiered on Sept. 23, 2011.
In addition, Hanger Clinic will have other prosthetics, as well as orthotics, on hand to show people how they are made and answer questions. Spectrum Health, Advanced Cardiac & Vascular Amputation Prevention Centers and College Park Industries will also have booths on-site.
Race results will be put on display at Bowen Station Park and posted online shortly after the race. Four first place awards will be given to the first adult men and women amputees and non-amputees who cross the finish line. The event is set to conclude at 1 p.m.
Registration for the 5K is $30 in advance at runsignup.com or $35 on race day. Registrants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag.
Race organizers are also seeking volunteers for the event. Those interested may sign up online.
Grand Valley State University professor of psychology Dr. Michael Wolfe will present a lecture “Are we aware of our belief changes, and does it matter?” at the Wealthy Theater Annex front studio on Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m., in an event hosted by the Center for Inquiry (CFI) Michigan.
This event is free and open to the public. Suggested donation of $5. The Wealthy Theatre Annex is located at 1110 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids. For more information, visit here, and to learn about CFI Michigan, visit cfimichigan.org.
According to supplied information, Dr. Wolfe will describe recent research on belief change and the extent to which we are aware of changes to our beliefs.
A belief is defined as a statement about the truth value of something. Participants rate their beliefs on a subject. Later they read a one-sided text that is either consistent with or inconsistent with those beliefs, then are asked to try and remember how they rated those beliefs earlier. Awareness of belief change is found if subjects change their beliefs as a result of reading, and then can accurately report that they believed something different before the experiment.
The researchers also examine individual variation in people’s awareness of their belief changes to see if it relates to performance on other tasks. In particular, is it the case that people who are more aware of changes to their own beliefs are also more willing to seek out new information about the topic, while people who are less aware of their belief changes are less willing to seek out new information?
Dr. Wolfe will describe new research on people’s awareness of changes to their health status. Patients who participated in a longitudinal study of bariatric (weight loss) surgery rated their health every year for several years. They also rated how they perceived their health to have changed over the past year. The combination of these ratings makes it possible to examine the accuracy of their perceived changes in their health.
Dr. Wolfe is professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University and incoming chair of the Psychology Department. Dr. Wolfe received his PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Much of his research involves studies on reading comprehension and memory. In recent years, he has studied how and when beliefs may change as a result of reading, and the extent to which people are aware of these changes.
According to supplied information, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) Michigan is an Educational 501(c)3 Nonprofit that promotes and defends reason, science and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor.
A Life of Leadership explores the extraordinary life of Grand Rapidian Ralph W. Hauenstein. COL Hauenstein was a leader in the West Michigan community, remembered for his role as a journalist, his military and intelligence service, his dedication to the Catholic faith, his entrepreneurship, and his philanthropy in Grand Rapids. Hauenstein left a lasting legacy in the United States and around the world.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1912, Hauenstein’s family moved to Grand Rapids when he was 12 years old and he graduated from Central High School in 1931. He was a public servant from his early years starting as a boy scout. Hauenstein was curious, inquisitive, and an exceptional storyteller, which led him to his first job as a police reporter for the Grand Rapids Press and later as a city editor with the Grand Rapids Herald.
Hauenstein joined the U.S. Army in 1935, serving first with the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1941 he began working as an intelligence officer in Iceland and rose to the rank of colonel. During World War II, he was promoted to Chief of Intelligence for the European Theater of Operations under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. An important part of his experience was the liberation of the German concentration camp at Dachau. His WWII experiences opened his eyes to the need for ethical, effective world leaders.
Hauenstein saw first-hand that many countries face food shortages. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids and became an entrepreneur in international trade and food equipment manufacturing, designing equipment to make Goldfish Crackers. His success in business allowed for substantial philanthropic contributions in Grand Rapids. He gave generously to many local causes and established the Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College, Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center and the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University.
The exhibition highlights Hauenstein’s extraordinary life, his contributions to our nation and community, and his legacy of leadership. Interactives allow visitors to test out writing a headline for the newspaper on an antique typewriter and try their hand at cracking a secret code. Photography from around the world brings visitors face-to-face with Hauenstein’s impact globally.
Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership is included with general admission to the Museum, and located on the Museum’s third floor.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of: The Hauenstein Family and The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Images and objects on loan courtesy of Brian Hauenstein unless otherwise stated. The images in this exhibition were first digitized for public display by the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Thank you also to the National Cryptologic Museum, NSA, Washington D.C. E
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
We are very fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with local shelters and rescues, as they will contact us if they come across a Feline Leukemia-positive stray in need of placement. We are also fortunate that we have the financial ways and means to test each and every cat that comes through our door upon arrival, versus having to wait to see if a cat’s status is negative after someone comes in and falls in love with a kitty.
Sadly, such was the case with Pudge, a FABULOUS five-year-old fella (born in November of 2013), who ended up at Harbor Humane Society back in November of 2018; none of his caretakers knew he was harboring the contagious retrovirus until someone had fallen head over heels for him. The potential adopters opted not to take a very disappointed Pudge home, probably because they had other cats that weren’t vaccinated against the disease, which is completely understandable, but sad nonetheless. And since he was now in another category, the shelter was unable to house him any longer and contacted us for help in a hurry.
So Pudge packed his little bags and made the trip from West Olive to Wyoming on Jan. 17, 2019, arriving with such an eager attitude and the brightest eyes that he was pawsitively intoxicating! He sported only two-thirds of his tail, which believe it or not made him even cuter.
However, his mouth was nothing but an inflamed, rotten mess (something that is very common in leukemia kitties), so Dr. Jen had to take him to surgery to remove every tooth present behind his canines. No worries though, as he rebounded without any issue whatsoever and has had no trouble consuming any and all types of food given to him.
The next day Dr. Jen happily sent him down to Big Sid’s, our sanctuary for FELV and FIV kitties—and what an impression he made instantaneously! We have two very important words for you: PUDGE HUGS!
“Pudge has become an instant volunteer favorite with his hugs—he will literally climb you like a tree and never let you go. The only way you can put him down is to hand him to another person. He is learning to play nice with the other cats and I actually caught him wrestling with Tinker and Stavros this week. He would do great with older kids and would probably like a buddy to play with.”
Hugs so awesome, they’re trademarked
“Pudge absolutely loves people, and his trademark hugs are the best. When trying to put him down he’s been known to be a little bossy and has grabbed at faces—I would recommend being with older kids that respect his occasional outbursts. He can’t help it, he’s just happiest when he’s being carried around by as many volunteers in one shift as possible! He does pick on the others on occasion, but once you correct him he’s fine. I call him the Eddie Haskell of cats (though many people won’t get the reference). He’d do great in a home with another cat, a dog, and older kids.”
So there ya have it in a nutshell, why we are all so smitten with this big kitten. It is a hoot to stop in and see him being carted around in the arms of visitors who cannot get over how affectionate and adorable he is. We don’t think he viral status is going to hinder him from getting a happy home of his own, as his personality is so big and he is simply too amazing to pass up!
More about Pudge:
Orange/red Tabby
Adult
Male
Medium
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Feline Leukemia-positive
Good in a home with other cats, children
Want to adopt Pudge? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
Alternatives in Motion’s Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser from a previous year. (Supplied/Alternatives in Motion)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose mission state is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment — invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 6, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.
All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.
For a late 2017 WKTV In Focus video interview with the group, see this YouTube link.
“Nothing is more powerful than the gift of independence and mobility, so come out to support a wonderful cause put on by students in the physical therapy program at GVSU,” states a supplied press release.
The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. Online registration ends April 5.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we catch up with the ambitious Grand River Restoration Project by talking with the project manager about the current status of the project, as well as the co-chair of the fundraising committee for the massive project. Then, continuing our relationship with Grand Valley State University, we talk with a professor of Middle Eastern politics about Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Muslims in America — and he talks not only the problems but the hopefulness for the future.
First up In Focus is Grand River Restoration Project, an ambitious project to restore the Grand River whitewater rapids in downtown Grand Rapids. The project would not only restore the rivers historic rapids flow but would lead to efforts to also to take advantage of the restoration with expanded community access and use, as well as economic development. With us is Matt Chapman, project manager for Grand Rapids Whitewater, the nonprofit spearheading the restoration project, as well as Megan Sall, who was co-chair of the Grand Rapids Whitewater fundraising campaign committee.
Then In Focus is Dr. Gamal Gasim, currently a professor of Middle Eastern Politics and Comparative Politics at Grand Valley State University. He has been at GVSU since 2009, after earning his PhD in political science from Texas Tech University. Gasim is a Yemeni national, born in Sudan in what he said is “a beautiful town called Essuki, alongside the Blue Nile river,” about which he is currently writing a book. He has been in the United States since 2002, when he began pursuit of a master’s degree at Kansas State University through the prestigious Fulbright Scholar program.
Late last year, he lectured at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan on the subject of the Arabian Peninsula country of Yemen, and he has written articles for the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera and the Arab Daily News. He has also extensively studied and written on the subject of Muslim American culture and politics.
Dr. Gamal Gasim, professor of Middle Eastern Politics and Comparative Politics at Grand Valley State University, on In Focus set. (WKTV)
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Sheesh. Was that a long winter or what? Time to get out and celebrate — and here are some fun ideas. The Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Enchanted Spring Party with Mermaids and Unicorns and family pet photos with the bunny are all in store at Woodland Mall — and the fun starts this weekend. Shoppers will also find the latest spring fashion trends to freshen their wardrobes. Read more here.
Expande tus horizontes
Mark your calendar for April 4-5 — and get down to Wealthy Theatre for Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival (GRLAFF). This year, GRLAFF will showcase eight feature-length films from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, plus Una mujer fantástica (A Fantastic Woman), a 2018 Oscar-winning film from Chile. More info here. En español aqui.
Give the kids a break
Rock climbing, art, bounce houses, swimming, and fitness are just a few of the family–friendly activity options available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2019. More here.
Fun fact:
1904
The first year scientific literature described fainting goats.
People with autism, dementia, PTSD and similar conditions often experience sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation. A big barrier for these folks is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise — the norm for environments at public spaces like the Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo.
What to do?
Well, thanks to passage of the Kent County millage in November 2016, funding was made available for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and John Ball Zoo to help highly sensitive individuals enjoy their experiences. The duo partnered with KultureCity — a nonprofit based in Birmingham, Alabama — to make their organizations, including all of the programs and events hosted, sensory-inclusive. The goal: to promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue.
To obtain sensory-inclusive certification, JBZ and GRPM employees underwent training by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to guests beginning in early April at the GRPM and in May at John Ball Zoo.
Families can prepare for visits to JBZ or the GRPM by downloading the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory inclusive features are available and where they can be accessed. Also on the app is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while visiting.
“Having the opportunity to collaborate with KultureCity and the Museum to offer sensory kits to our guests embodies the Zoo’s value of diversity within the culture, talents, and experiences of our communities,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo.
“We strive to be a place where all people feel welcome,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In late October 2018, Dr. Jen received a call from a couple up in Howard City who were desperate to help this poor kitty who had hobbled into their garage with a severely injured foot. Unable to find anyone to assist them over the weekend, they set up shelter for him and tried tending to his left rear foot—it was swollen to three times normal size.
Dr. Jen took the 18-month-old (born around May of 2017) into her care on the 30th with not a day to spare. It appears that something was tied or wrapped around his foot over bones of the tarsus (above the ankle) and since there is no fat to cushion anything that constricts, the binding ate through his flesh and tendons, exposing bone in its traumatic path.
Poor kitty!
By the time this beautiful boy arrived, Dr. Jen was concerned that his foot was damaged beyond repair and that amputation would be in his future. Luckily, when she debrided the wounds the tissue bled; that means a healthy blood flow would hopefully allow for adequate healing over time. Since the metatarsal bones were exposed in several places, Dr. Jen embarked on rounds of creative bandaging, heavy-duty antibiotics and, of course, narcotics and anti-inflammatories to control the swelling and pain.
Note regal bearing
If that weren’t enough, this big-footed fella tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). It took about a month for his injuries to heal, leaving only the slightest scar behind, which in itself is utterly amazing.
Yeti walks without a limp and appears to have no residual pain or numbness—he is actually quite athletic and graceful. He can best be described as one of our most chill and relaxed residents —we often find him snoozing all day long in one of our cozy cat cubbies. When people come to find him (as they often do), he gently rolls over and asks for belly rubs, which have become his meaning for existence.
This young man has slowly become what we call a ‘big fish in a small pond’, as he is likely to chase away other kitties when they attempt to steal the spotlight from him. Since he may have the propensity to nip to ward off furry space invaders, we feel it would be best if Yeti became the only cat in his household, but we think he wouldn’t mind a dog as long as the canine was a bit on the lazy side like Yeti.
Dr. Jen is quite enamored by this guy—heck we all are —and by spending time with him at the clinic during phases of his recovery, she can attest to the fact that whoever takes him home and makes him one of their own is going to have one of the most affectionate, adorable feline companions on their hands. He is certainly a people pleaser and would love to find himself in a home where he could be the center of attention.
More about Yeti:
Domestic Short Hair
Adult
Male
Medium
Black
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed
Prefers a home without other cats
Good in a home with children
Want to adopt Yeti? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
The Detroit Tigers regular season baseball schedule starts this week on the road at Toronto, and the West Michigan Whitecaps will throw out their home first pitch on April 6, but it will take a while for the local baseball frenzy to be in full swing — say about mid-May.
While the 2019 Tigers will likely still be in their rebuilding mode, West Michigan fans can relive a World Series winning season when Alan Trammell, Baseball Hall of Famer and 1984 World Series MVP, along with fellow series veteran Kirk Gibson, will be the featured guests at the 13th Annual West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon on Tuesday, May 21.
This season’s annual sports must-attend event will be held in downtown Gran Rapids, in the International Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis Campau Promenade NW, starting at noon.
While it has been 35 years since the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Championship season, and six seasons since Michigan’s home team last played in the World Series — alas, a 4-0 sweep by San Francisco Giants in 2012 — the WMSC luncheon will bring the two ’84 championship teammates and close friends back together to share their storied championship season with local fans.
Kirk Gibson (Supplied)
According to supplied information, Gibson has several stories from when he first met Trammel, from Gibson’s draft year in 1978, “through the early ‘80’s as beloved Tigers Coach Sparky Anderson recognized the nucleus of a work-hard, ‘play-hard’ group of all-stars.”
Gibson, who was the commission luncheon’s featured speaker at its 10th annual luncheon, will introduce this year’s featured speaker Trammel.
As with past years, this luncheon serves as a fundraiser as well as a progress report for the West Michigan Sports Commission non-profit organization, which promotes and hosts youth and amateur sporting events in the region “for economic enhancement, healthy living and creating a vibrant community through sport,” according to supplied material.
Reservations can be made by contacting Angie Cena at 616-608-1842 or acena@westmisports.com. A table of eight is $750, and single tickets are $100 per person. Luncheon information is also available online by visiting this link.
Asleep at the Wheel’s current line-up is a mix o f founding members and new faces. (Supplied)
By St. Cecilia Music Center
St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) has added another concert to their 2018-19 Acoustic Café Folk series. Asleep at the Wheel, 10 GRAMMY Award winners with more than 25 studio and live albums to their 48-year history, will perform on April 11, 2019. Don’t miss out — get your tickets today.
The band will return to St. Cecilia with a new recording in their playlist. New Routes marks both a new path forward and a nod to the freewheeling roots of one of Texas’ most beloved bands.
After a decade of collaborating on records with friends, including Willie Nelson on 2009’s Willie and the Wheel, and paying ongoing tribute to the groundbreaking music of Western Swing pioneer Bob Wills, the Wheel is marking 2018 with their first album of new material in a decade.
With a fresh lineup, a bracing blend of original songs and vibrant cover material and some unanticipated new musical tangents, Asleep at the Wheel demonstrates convincingly it’s more relevant, enjoyable and musically nimble than any time in its 45-year history.
“It took me 60 years, but I’m doing what I’m meant to do—singing and playing and writing better than I ever have. A bandleader is just someone who gathers people around them to play the best music they can play. The idea is to feature everyone in the band,” founder Ray Benson says.
SCMC Executive Director Cathy Holbrook added, “We are so happy to bring Asleep at the Wheel back to Grand Rapids. They have a great loyal following and their new music will be highly anticipated by an eager crowd.”
Concert tickets for Asleep at the Wheel are $43 and $38. All concert tickets can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online here.
A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party, with complimentary wine and beer from the folk series sponsor Greyline Brewing, will be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to meet the artists and to obtain signed CDs of their releases.
Coming up: Guitarist Leo Kottke will return to SCMC on April 18, 2019. Over his many years of writing and performing, Kottke has composed scores for film soundtracks, children’s shows, and a symphony, as well as, released many albums. Focusing primarily on instrumental composition and playing, Kottke also sings sporadically, in an unconventional yet expressive baritone. In concert, Kottke intersperses humorous and monologues with vocal and instrumental selections played solo on his 6- and 12-string guitars.
Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).
In mid-December 2018, a ‘rescue regular’ came across this stunning black-smoke-and-winter-white tom cat hanging out near one of her feral feeding stations in downtown Grand Rapids. Never one to leave an unneutered male behind, she promptly got him corralled and into CSNIP, then took him home in the hopes of helping him acclimate to indoor living by setting him up in one of her many kitty condos.
Try as she might, the fearful 5-year-old (born in early 2014) just wouldn’t adjust to her gentle touch and soothing voice, and returning him to the not-so-great outdoors was out of the question.
So when she brought him in two months after his rescue for Dr. Jen to evaluate, she agreed to letting us give it a shot at Crash’s, since we have droves of doting volunteers who are pros at working diligently with the most timid of kitties. Maybe with the collective efforts of so many, Burdock would emerge from his cocoon, start to relax and enjoy life a little bit.
A month into his stay with us at Crash’s, he is still a work in progress, just as we expected him to be. Burdock is ever-so-painstakingly slowly starting to feel comfortable at the shelter, but he still terrified and very wary of people. He gets quite nervous when you climb up to the cat walk where he is hiding out, but he will let you pet him if you approach him calmly and quietly. We have caught him out walking around a few times in the middle of the day, but as soon as he sees anyone he is right back up to the cat walk; to try to socialize him we have been carrying him around the shelter with him in our arms.
His metamorphosis is going to require a great deal of patience, but we believe that he does have it in him to come out of the safety of his shell of self-preservation, overcome his fear and evolve into a confident cat. He’s not aggressive in any way, just intimidated by the other cats and his new surroundings, so we will give him all the time in the world and let him set a pace he is comfortable with. We can’t begin to imagine what on earth happened to him before he was rescued, but we have years worth of neglect to make up for, and a slow and steady approach is going to be paramount with Burdock.
We are all going to be by his side, coaxing him every step of the way until one fine day, he realizes the potential he has harbored within himself all along; what a grand day that will be for all of us!
More about Burdock:
Domestic Medium Hair
Adult
Male
Large
Black & White / Tuxedo
House-trained
Vaccinations up to date
Neutered
Good in a home with other cats
Prefers a home without dogs, children
Want to adopt Burdock? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.
Can’t adopt, but still want to help? Find out how you can sponsor a cat!
Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary have a common mission: To
take at-risk stray cats off the streets of the Greater Grand Rapids
area, provide them with veterinary care and house them in free-roaming,
no-kill facilities until dedicated, loving, permanent homes can be
found.
