Category Archives: Non-Profits

WKTV Community Media Center, Wyoming MI

Our Most Read Stories From 2015

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WKTV Community Media Center, Wyoming MI
WKTV is home to Wyoming-Kentwood NOW. Sharing the stories in your community!

Every year stories are written and consumed by the masses, but here at Wyoming-Kentwood NOW we focus on the hyperlocal. More specifically, we focus on YOU and YOUR community.

As we say goodbye to 2015 and get ready to say hello to 2016, let’s take a quick look back at our ten most popular stories from the past year:

1. Local Soccer Stands Lands a ‘Homegrown’ Dream Tryout
2. Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League
3. Trash Bag Tabby
4. A Man’s Passion Becomes a World Famous Collection
5. Kidney Donation Saves Local Man’s Life: Rick and Marci’s Story
6. Socks That Really Sock it to You (In a Very Good Way)
7. Grand Rapids Comic-Con
8. From Rags to Riches: The Founders Brewing Co. Success Story
9. New Michigan Law Helps Ex-Cons Return to Work
10. It’s a Paczki Palooza at Marge’s Donut Den

Don’t forget to make now.wktv.org a part of your daily routine, and if your interested in writing about the stories that surround you, we know just the people to talk to! Email us at news@wktv.org.

Happy New Year!

Fire Station to Make Sure Your Car Seat is Safe and Effective

Area Education, Community Health, Education, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Car Seat InstallationIt’s hard to imagine driving your car with a flat tire or an airbag that doesn’t work, right? Having either of those problems would make your car significantly more dangerous to you and your passengers. Since both of those seem like a no-brainer, why is it so difficult to properly protect our most precious cargo, our children, in a properly secured child safety seat?

Car Seat InstallationAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, four out of five car seats are improperly installed. To add to the concern and need for a properly fitting car seat, government statistics show that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids aged 2-14.

So, it’s time to make sure your child’s car seat is properly fitted! As part of the Safe Kids of Greater Grand Rapids program, Fire Station No. 1 in Wyoming will be inspecting car seats on January 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. The fire station is located at 1500 Burton St. SW.

Car seat installation errors range anywhere from an incorrect recline angle (especially for young infants) to problems with the vehicle safely belt being too loose, not locked, or not correctly routed through the child seat.

Car Seat InstallationHere are some tests from Safe Kids to make sure your car seat is installed correctly:

•    Inch Test – Once your car seat is installed, give it a good tug at the base where the seat belt goes through it. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
•    Pinch Test – Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check your car seat manual). With the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.
•    For both rear and forward-facing child safety seats, use either the car’s seat belt or the lower attachments, and for forward-facing seats, use the top tether to lock the car seat in place. Don’t use both the lower attachments and seat belt at the same time. They are equally safe, so pick the one that gives you the best fit!

You can pre-register for a car seat inspection by calling Safe Kids of Greater Grand Rapids at 616-391-7233 ext. 2. It’s important that your kids are safe!

Listen to GRAAMA: Conversations with the Elders Bring to Life Experiences of a Bygone Era

Area Education, Education, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , ,

GRAAMABy Victoria Mullen

Long before the advent of written language, storytellers used the spoken word to preserve a record of past experiences from one generation to the next. Oral history was transmitted in song or speech and took on many forms: chants, folktales, ballads, sayings, or songs–knowledge shared without a writing system. This was especially key where people of a society were denied access to education or were afraid to leave a written GRAAMA 3record of their knowledge.

In America, slaveholders forbade slaves from learning to read or write to keep them in ignorance; the idea was to discourage escape or rebellion. In fact, the legislation that denied slaves formal education likely contributed to their maintaining a strong oral tradition, a common feature of indigenous African cultures.

African-based oral traditions preserved history, mores, and other cultural information among the people. This was consistent with the griot practices of oral history in many African and other cultures that did not rely on the written word. The folktales offered African Americans the opportunity to inspire and educate one another.

GRAAMA 2It is the rich, local history that Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) now seeks to preserve by interviewing the elders of a bygone era–the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. It doesn’t really seem that long ago, but once the keepers of the stories are gone, the histories will be lost forever.

The new organization has recently launched a multimedia project called ‘Grandma’s Voice.’ Made possible in part by a $25,000 grant from The Michigan Humanities Council through funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the acronym is a play on the word, ‘Grandma,’ which conveys the museum’s core mission: to document the oral history from some of the area’s oldest living people–particularly women–who can offer insight into their long-ago experiences. Some people are 80 to 100 years old, so time is of the essence.

GRAAMA has teamed up with the Grand Rapids Urban League and the KuGRAAMA 4tsche Office of Local History at Grand Valley State University. The organization is looking for elderly folks who can tell the story of early Grand Rapids or the surrounding area.

You don’t have to be a grandma to share your stories. GRAAMA encourages families and individuals to inspire others by sharing skills, experiences, and knowledge with other creative minds. Call the elders of your family, and then email george@graama.org. The organization says that those who are interviewed will receive a small stipend. The finished audio/video disk will be the main attraction at Museum once it opens in 2016.

For more info, go here.

Images courtesy of GRAAMA

Shop to Rescue, Shop to Save

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Crime Prevention, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , , ,

Women at Risk Internationalkathy_grayThe holidays are a time of shopping for family and friends, but have you ever thought of shopping for a cause?

The War Chest Boutique, located in the Women At Risk, International headquarters at 2790 44th Street in Wyoming, offers an opportunity to do just that. The elegant and spacious storefront displays items produced or supported by women who have escaped sexual slavery or other at-risk situations such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and exploitation. The products include spa items, scarves, cards, bags, and beautiful jewelry made from items unique to their country of origin such as pearls, gems, paper, and nuts.

From its humble beginnings in the kitchen of founder and president, Rebecca McDonald, Women at Risk, International, or WAR Int’L, now has safe houses in 40 countries. These safe houses and related programs work to rescue women and children from the ravages of human trafficking and bring them to a place where they can enjoy job training, education, counseling, therapy, and mentoring. Stephanie Cozzolino, Retail District Manager, shared that recently the organization achieved a grant allowing WAR Int’L to increase the size of their program. Cozzolino asserts their excitement that lives can be restored and dignity reclaimed.

Women at Risk InternationalYou may be thinking that WAR Int’L is a noble cause to help these women and children in foreign lands, but that human trafficking doesn’t have an effect on your life. Unfortunately, sexual exploitation not only exists overseas but indeed is thriving underground in small towns across America; Yes, even towns like Wyoming, Kentwood, and Grandville.

An estimated 2,400 children are living in slavery, exploited, or sold in West Michigan, according to the U. S. Department of State.

According to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Michigan ranks 13th in the country for the number of sex trafficking victims.

You may remember the recent news headlines when WCSG radio personality, John Balyo, was arrested and convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for arranging sexual encounters with minors. Internet child pornography is an ever-growing industry in our country. According to the FBI, “The new slavery…human trafficking, is the fastest growing segment of organized crime.”

“There is a misconception that all traffickers are men,” states Cozzolino. “It is surprising that women play a growing role in the trafficking and prostitution business.”

Large public events such as the Superbowl have become the largest incidents for human trafficking in the United States. Likewise, Cozzolino statesWomen at Risk International local Grand Rapids events such as Art Prize have drawn similar crime. Many from out-of-town use internet sources like Backpage to obtain children and women for illicit purposes. War Int’L closely monitors these events, participating with groups like the S.O.A.P. project to offer rescue and assistance to those in need.

The S.O.A.P. project works to place bars of soap in hotel bathrooms (many times the only time the victim is away from her captor) with the number for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center imprinted on the wrapper. Aside from large events, intervention and assistance is also offered at bars, strip clubs, and red light districts within the city.

Traffickers are very adept at luring vulnerable teens with flattery, gifts, or the promise of love or riches before drugging them and selling their bodies to the highest bidders. Those victims who are able to escape are left with nothing but scars, both emotional and physical. That is where WAR Int’L comes in. Rescued and at-risk women can come to the WAR Int’L headquarters for protection and assistance. Safe houses offer “safe places to turn crisis into hope, where women can be rescued, restored, and empowered to walk with dignity.”

Women at Risk InternationalHow can you help? Shop! That’s right, it’s as easy as visiting the War Chest Boutique in Wyoming (or its counterparts in Rockford, MI and Napierville, IL) and picking out an item, made with love by a woman who has overcome darkness and is on the path to independence. One hundred percent of the money from the product made by these women returns to them and their programs. Staff at WAR Int’L are compensated through donations.

Looking forward to the spring, Cozzolino explained that the current Winter Wonderland theme in the anteroom will be transformed into a café, staffed with baristas to make and serve fresh coffee and treats. Please take the time to stop in for a break and peruse the gorgeous products being sold in the name of love.

While donations are always appreciated, you can also host a War Chest party at your home, church, office, or at the War Chest Boutique. Please go to www.Warinternational.org for more information.

Kathy is a long-time employee with Spectrum Health. She has been married for 28 years to her wonderful husband, Duke. Together they have 2 children, Emily and Daniel. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with the Casting Bread Mobile Food Pantry at Kentwood Christian Church, making sandwiches at Kids Food Basket, and leading Ladies Bible Study on Thursday nights. Writing has been her passion since elementary school and she loves to write about how others enjoy what they are passionate about!

Santa Sends His ‘Elves and More’ to Donate 1,800 New Bikes to Kids

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , , ,

Elves and MoreOn Saturday, December 19, children near the Godfrey-Lee school district right here in Wyoming, MI received a surprise gift sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Thanks to the 11th annual Elves & More West Michigan project, 1,800 kids went home as brand-new bike owners.

Each year, organizers of Elves & More decide on an area of need in West Michigan, and bring Christmas joy to families by giving away bikes to kids age 3-16. The location is kept secret until the morning of the giveaway, and then the message is released in a hurry! Families in the Godfrey-Lee area were alerted by a last-minute text through the school district, and the Wyoming police and fire department rolled through neighborhoods announcing the giveaway from their loudspeakers.

Elves and MoreThis year, 300 volunteers unloaded a bevy of bikes from semi-trucks and set up at Lee Middle and High school off of Havana Avenue.

Elves & More is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing hope to children. They do this by raising funds to purchase, assemble and deliver high-quality bikes and treasure boxes to 1,000 children each holiday season.

In the past 11 years, Elves & More West Michigan has provided 11,800 new bikes and helmets to children in need around Grand Rapids.

Last year, 1,500 bikes were donated in Southeast Grand Rapids.

If you’re looking to get involved for next holiday season, visit Elves & More West Michigan! A donation of $65 buys one lucky child a bike and a helmet. This past year, 13 corporate donors helped provide the 1,800 bikes now tearing up the black top in Godfrey-Lee!

Call for Entries: 5th Annual Eclipse Awards For Regional Film, Video, and Television

Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,

2015 Eclipse AwardsCalling West Michigan’s best and brightest producers, directors, actors, writers, and film makers to submit their entries for the 2015 Eclipse Awards.

The Eclipse Awards honors content creators for Excellence in Craft in the disciplines of film, television, video, acting, sound, music and writing. Created by WKTV Community Television and Media as a means of empowering the West Michigan “voice” of content creators, the Eclipse Awards has become the big event for the creative community.

“There really are a large number of content creators here who are either fully established and enjoy the recognition, or who are just starting out and have that spark of genius with a great idea,” said Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV.

Last year marked a new record with 70 entries for the 4th installment of the awards. This year, the event is expecting around 100 entries

Eclipse Awards 2016With the West Michigan Film & Video Alliance as the judging sponsor, judges from London, England, Toronto, Canada, New York City and Los Angeles will pour over this year’s entries and select nominees in each category.

“We’re tremendously pleased to be working with the WMFVA,” said Norton. “They really believe in the importance of West Michigan having regional awards recognition to help foster the creative spirit. The democratization of media over the last few decades has really given voice to a much wider array of creativity and WKTV wants to see it grow and expand.”

Entries are being accepted now through March 11, 2016. More information can be found on the website at www.theeclipseaward.com or by calling 616-269.5700. Entries are $35/Adults and $15/High school students.

The nominees will be announces on March 28, 2016. The awards show will be televised live at the City Flats Hotel Ballroom on Thursday, April 28.

LaughFest Announces Headlining Artists; Tickets go on Sale Dec. 4

Community Health, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, ,

LAUGHFEST_final_2Oh, boy. Now they’ve done it. The cat’s out of the bag, and what a wild one it is.

Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, has announced its selection of artists performing at the 2016 10-day festival, which runs March 10-20.

The formal announcement for the sixth annual festival is happening this evening at 7:30 pm at the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Cook Auditorium and is free and open to the public. So, read about it here, and then hie thee down to GRAM and schmooze to your heart’s content.

So, what’s the big deal, you may ask? Well, for starters, last year, 45,000 people attended LaughFest. So, yeah, it’s a huge deal.

This time around, Seth Meyers, an Emmy Award-winning writer and former Saturday Night Live cast member, who currently hosts NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers headlines the Signature Event on MarcKathy Griffinh 12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

Two-time Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian, writer, producer and television personality, Kathy Griffin is also headlining the event. And then there’s Marlon Wayans, an actor, producer, comedian, writer, and film director–who will be starring in the upcoming comedy spoof Fifty Shades of Black.

Could these people be any more multi-talented? OK, stupid question.

Returning LaughFest veterans include Anjelah Johnson, who has guest starred on shows such as The Shield, Ugly Betty and Curb Your Enthusiasm; aMarlon Wayansnd Roy Wood Jr. from the hit show Sullivan & Son.

We could just list them all here, but where’s the fun in that when you can go directly to the website and see photos of the funny people. While they are all worth mentioning here, cash is king and anytime we see a cash prize listed, we write about it.

The Best of the Midwest Competition, underwritten by Wolverine Worldwide, will feature eight Midwestern comics battling for a $2,500 cash prize. Competitors are Sydney Adeniyi, Chris Bowers, Kate Brindle, Jim Flannigan, Rob Jenkins, Chris Knutson, Paul Strickland, and Russ Williamson.

New this year, LaughFest is collaborating with DisArt to bring in recent runner up on America’s Got Talent, Drew Lynch. DisArt, a nonprofit arts and culture organization based in Grand Rapids, works to promote community growth by leveraging the best examples of contemporary, Global Disability Arts. Their 2015 DisArt Festival was one of the largest festivals of its kind, bringing in talented visual artists and performers from several different countries.People and Pets

Additionally, ticket packages will include the LaughFest’s Best shows, which will feature comedians from across the festival, and shows from local comedy troupes Pop Scholars and River City Improv.

LaughFest 2016 will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Michigan during the 10 days of the festival. Ticket packages start at $32 and will be available to the public beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4 online or by phone at (616) 735-HAHA (4242).

Tickets for Meyers’ performance during the Signature Event are currently available for purchase.

Hey! Want a table sponsorship? Several are available for $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 for tables of 10. Individual tickets are available for $250 (and $100 of the individual ticket cost is tax deductible).

During LaughFest, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids will again raise funds to support its children’s programs through the “High Five” campaign. Money raised through this campaign will go towards children living with cancer or grief, and for in-school emotional health programs. Want to donate to the “High Five” campaign? Just purchase a button for a $5 donation at participatingLaughfest crown yucking it up restaurants and business in West Michigan, or through the LaughFest website.

Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $57.50, excluding the Signature Event. These will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at the Van Andel Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, LaughFest Central, when it opens in mid-February, through the closing day of LaughFest, and at ticketmaster.com.

Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it. Past LaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin NealonDont we boys, Wayne Brady, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan.

Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit laughfestgr.org, or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.

About Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a free emotional health support community of children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death due to any cause. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and community centers. For more information, visit their website.

City of Wyoming Offers Foreclosure Assistance Resources

Non-Profits, Our Cities, , , , , ,

foreclosure assistanceThe holidays are supposed to be joyous, but for those who are having trouble making ends meet, the season can be enormously stressful.

If you’re unsure you’ll be able to make your next house payment or if you think you’ll have trouble making future payments, know that you are not alone and that the City of Wyoming is here to help you.

Step one: Contact your lender immediately to see if you can work something out. You may be surprised. True story: During the height of the Great Recession, I was unemployed and having a very hard time with my budget. I asked my bank for help, and they refinanced my mortgage at a much lower interest rate and extended the loan to 40 years. While I can’t promise your lender will do the same, it’s worth looking into. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Step two: Contact the City of Wyoming here for a list of resources that can help.

Here are some of the resources that are available to you:

Home Repair Services offers foreclosure prevention help. They have well-trained foreclosure counselors who can give you valuable information concerning your situation. A foreclosure intake pack can be downloaded here.

Home Repair Services of Kent County
1100 South Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
616.241.2601

Foreclosure Response
This nonprofit group connects Kent County residents with various community resources to help with immediate foreclosure questions as well as information on foreclosure prevention. Their website has easy-to-understand information about foreclosure in Michigan.

Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF)Distressing news
The Inner City Christian Federation is a nonprofit corporation that believes decent housing is a basic human need and an important building block for families and communities. ICCF provides high-quality, affordable housing and services for those who would not otherwise have this opportunity. For information specific to foreclosure counseling, refer to Housing Resources/Programs.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) received money from the federal government in 2010 to develop programs to assist Michigan homeowners with preventing foreclosure. MSHDA developed a website where applications can be taken right online. MSHDA’s program, Step Forward, has three different ways it can assist:

Unemployment Subsidy
If you are receiving unemployment, then MSHDA may be able to pay half of your mortgage payment, up to $750, for one year.

Rescue Fund
If you are delinquent and just need your mortgage brought current so you can resume normal payments, then MSHDA may be able to assist with up to $10,000 towards the delinquency.

financial advisorPrincipal Curtailment
If your lender is willing to contribute money to pay down your principal balance so they can do a modification to lower your payment, then MSHDA may be able to match that amount dollar for dollar up to $10,000.

There are more rules and restrictions on these programs than stated above. To get more information, feel free to contact a counselor at Home Repair Services at 616.241.2601 to set up an appointment or go directly to the Step Forward Michigan website to apply.

The Federal Housing Administration also provides many ideas about how to avoid foreclosure, available FHA loans, alternate ways to dispose of your house and other housing issues.

 

LaughFest to Announce Headlining Artists on December 3

Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, ,

LAUGHFEST_final_2On Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 a.m. Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first ever community-wide festival of laughter, will announce a selection of artists performing at the 2016 10-day festival, which runs March 10 – 20. The announcement for the sixth annual festival will be held in the Cook Auditorium at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and is free and open to the public.

Ticket packages for LaughFest 2016 will go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Individual ticket sales will be available beginning Jan. 15.  Individuals who purchase a $100 LaughFest Friends membership before Dec. 3 can purchase ticket packages and individual tickets before the general public. All ticket packages and LaughFest Friends memberships can be purchased at laughfestgr.org, or by calling 616-735-HAHA (4242).

WHAT:       LaughFest 2016 Lineup Announcement
WHEN:       Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:     Grand Rapids Art Museum – Cook Auditorium, 101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, Mich.
COST:          Free and open to the public

Feeding West Michigan one Food Pantry at a Time

Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Volunteers, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

What comes to your mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Do you think of time spent with the family in front of the TV watching football? How about the food? Oh my goodness, yes, the food! Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and so much more. Thanksgiving is a time to carb-o-load and slip into a deep food coma.

For a holiday meant for giving thanks, it’s one that can easily be taken for granted.

Feeding America West MichiganOne in seven people in our region are affected by food insecurity, or an unreliable access to healthy food. Those who are considered food insecure regularly have to skip meals or buy cheaper, less nourishing food because of a lack of funds.

After 34 years and counting, Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank is looking to end that problem.

Feeding America West Michigan is a nonprofit organization that supplies food to more than 1,100 food pantries, youth programs, and other hunger-relief agencies in 40 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The food bank acts as the main supplier to the front lines of hunger all across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

When it comes to food, Feeding America West Michigan can pack a punch – and a lunch! Last year, in 2014, the organization distributed over 26.5 million pounds of food. That food serves around 492,100 people, with at least 119,400 of them being children.

The majority of food donated comes from corporations, manufacturers, grocery stores, distributors, and farmers. In all, over 220 companies donate to Feeding America West Michigan. A handful of those companies donate over a million pounds a year.

In order to run efficiently and make sure all that food is delivered on-time and in good shape, the Food Bank makes fine use of its volunteers. On average, 40-50 volunteers help at the Food Bank each day. Volunteering opportunities include processing donated food, filling orders, cleaning, and re-packaging the food that arrives. If you can’t donate your time, there are other ways as well, every dollar donated provides four meals.

Volunteers repackaging cereal
Volunteers repackaging cereal

“The need is not going away. We still see more people needing help,” explained Feeding America West Michigan CEO Ken Estelle on the need for a food bank and food donations. “It’s a lot of working families. We see folks that have jobs, that are working trying to make ends meet but they just get to the point where at the end of the month there’s just not enough to pay all the bills.”

Year to date, Feeding America West Michigan is on pace to distribute more food this year than ever before.

The inability to pay the bills and afford healthy, nutritious food is a struggle for a large majority of the family that utilize the food pantries that Feeding America West Michigan supplies. Over 30 percent of client households had at least one adult member working for pay within the past four weeks before visiting a food pantry.

Here are some other numbers to chew on:

•    72% of client households choose between paying for food and utilities
•    72% of households choose between paying for food and transportation
•    65% of households choose between paying for food and medical care
•    58% of households choose between paying for food and their rent or mortgage
•    23% of households choose between paying for food and education

This Thanksgiving season, remember to give thanks for what you have and to give back to the communities you live in!

For more information on volunteer at Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, click here.

Sundance Favorite “Best of Enemies” next up in SCA’s Real to Reel Series

Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

R2R Best of EnemiesFeatured at the Sundance Film Festival and slated as a contender for the 2015 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Best of Enemies is up next in the Real to Reel series at Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street) Thursday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.

The New York Post calls the film, “wickedly entertaining,” and Rolling Stone says, “modern television starts here.”

In the summer of 1968, television news changed forever. Dead last in the ratings, ABC hired two towering public intellectuals to debate each other during the Democratic and Republican national conventions. William F. Buckley, Jr. was a leading light of the new conservative movement. A Democrat and cousin to Jackie Onassis, Gore Vidal was a leftist novelist and polemicist.

Armed with deep-seated distrust and enmity, Vidal and Buckley believed each others political ideologies were dangerous for America. Like rounds in a heavyweight battle, they pummeled out policy and personal insult – cementing their opposing political positions. Their explosive exchanges devolved into vitriolic name-calling. It was unlike anything TV had ever broadcast, and all the more shocking because it was live and unscripted. Viewers were riveted. ABC News’ ratings skyrocketed. And a new era in public discourse was born – a highbrow blood sport that marked the dawn of pundit television as we know it today.

SCA-Logo-newClick here to see the official trailer.

General admission is $5/Members; $7/Future Members.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information visit www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and Museum

Area Education, Non-Profits, , ,

ShipWreckMuseumBy: Dianna Higgs Stampfler

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society was founded in 1978 by a group of divers, teachers and educators to commence exploration of historic shipwrecks in eastern Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula.

Today, this non-profit organization operates two museum sites on historic properties: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum & Whitefish Point Light Station, Whitefish Point; and the U.S. Weather Bureau Building, Soo Locks Park, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. The Society currently has 1,477 active members.

The Shipwreck Society is a diverse organization that regularly publishes a newsletter, video/DVDs, booklets, and commissioned works of maritime art. Using its 47-foot Research Vessel David Boyd, the Society actively searches and documents historic shipwrecks each year during the diving season. The Society engages a team of highly experienced volunteer technical divers.

The Shipwreck Museum is open to the public seasonally from May 1 to October 31. In 2012, museum visitation was nearly 63,000 people.

For a totally unique experience, consider an overnight stay in the restored 1923 Coast Guard Lifeboat Station Crew Quarters. With five themed guest rooms, you can take a step back in time and imagine the life along the shores of Lake Superior. As a guest, you also receive admission to the museum and light station, a discount in the museum store and a one year membership to the Great Lakes Historical Society, as well as continental breakfast in the morning. Stays are offered April through November (although in April and November, the museum itself isn’t open).

Edmund FitzgeraldThe Society is regarded as a leader in the field of underwater exploration and shipwreck documentation on the Upper Great Lakes. The most noted shipwreck in the Great Lakes history took place 17 miles northwest of Whitefish Point, 40 years ago this month.

The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was conceived as a business enterprise of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin—who contracted with Great Lakes Engineering Works of Ecorse, Michigan to construct a “maximum sized” Great Lakes bulk carrier. Her keel was laid on August 7, 1957 as Hull No. 301, according to The Society’s website.

Named after the President and Chairman of the Board of Northwestern Mutual, Fitzgerald was launched June 8, 1958 at River Rouge, Michigan. Northwestern Mutual placed her under permanent charter to the Columbia Transportation Division of Oglebay Norton Company, Cleveland, Ohio. At 729 feet and 13,632 gross tons she was the largest ship on the Great Lakes, for 13 years, until 1971.

GordonLightfootOn November 10, 1975, the gales of November kicked up in a furious way taking with it the mighty Edmund Fitzgerald and its entire crew of 29. The legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains the most mysterious and controversial of all shipwreck tales heard around the Great Lakes. Her story is surpassed in books, film and media only by that of the Titanic.

Over the years, three underwater expeditions to the wreck site have been conducted by The Society—in 1989, 1994 and 1995. During that last excursion, at the request of family members of her crew, Fitzgerald’s 200-pound bronze bell was recovered (on July 4). This expedition was conducted jointly with the National Geographic Society, Canadian Navy, Sony Corporation and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The bell is now on display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum as a memorial to her lost crew.

Canadian folksinger Gordon Lightfoot inspired popular interest in this vessel with his 1976 ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” In this song, he sings “In a rustic old hall in Detroit they prayed, In the Maritime Sailors’ Cathedral. The church bell chimed till it rang twenty-nine times, For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.” This church was founded by a woman, Julia Anderson, whose will established it in 1842. Her wishes were to have thiMarinersChurchs stone church built in downtown Detroit, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Each year, The Society hosts a memorial service on November 10 to honor those who lost their lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald four decades ago.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society & Museum
18335 N Whitefish Point Rd
Paradise, MI 49768
(906) 492-3747
www.ShipwreckMuseum.com

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!

Local Business Helps Feed the Hungry in West Michigan

Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Feeding_America_logo.svgjanice_limbaughBy: Janice Limbaugh

The owner of Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil and Lube, Paul Coffman is dedicated to this community; most especially to those families in West Michigan who are going hungry.

“Everyone should be able to have food on the table not just during the holidays, but all days of the year,” Coffman says.

EastbrookAuto2As a result, Eastbrook Auto Wash and Eastbrook Oil & Lube are holding a month-long food drive and fundraising event for Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. Now through November 30, these businesses will be collecting canned, boxed and bagged food staples, toiletry staples, pet food supplies and monetary donations to help offset the fight against hunger in West Michigan. And yes, there is hunger in West Michigan.

Each year it is estimated that over 492,000 people receive food from Feeding America West Michigan. Since 1981 this charity has served families in 40 counties by distributing 1,100 hunger-relief agencies.

“To be able to support this charity during a time when having food on the table has such a strong advertising message, yet others have nothing for their table, is not lost on us,” says Coffman.

EastbrookAutoTo support the cause, Coffman decided that customers who make monetary or supply donations to Feeding America West Michigan during business hours (Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will receive discounted car washes and oil changes. Every dollar donated to Feeding America West Michigan will be multiplied by the food bank by 10, turning the donation into four meals for someone in need.

The most needed items for the food drive include: jars of peanut butter, canned beef stew, tuna, chicken, fish and meat, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, beans of all kinds and toiletries.

For more information about the event, contact Jana Schrier at eastbrookautowash@gmail.com or visit www.eastbrookautowash.com.

Secrets in Healthy Soil Offer Hope for the Future

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Non-Profits, , , ,

CornfieldThe National Resources Conversation Service is putting together a PSA campaign to help with environmental solutions for healthy soil.

By: Ron Nichols

We’re looking at some pretty big challenges here on planet Earth.

World population is growing and will likely reach 9 billion by the year 2050. Every day, through development and degradation, we lose more of the farmland we need to grow our food. Across the globe, water and other resources are becoming increasingly scare. And extreme weather events like flooding and drought are adding to our food production challenges.

When it comes to growing low-cost, nutritious food, all Americans should understand that without healthy soil there are no farms, and without farms there is no food.

According to a new analysis by the American Farmland Trust, 41 million acres of rural land has been permanently lost in the last 25 years to highways, shopping malls, and urban sprawl. Of that amount, 23 million acres (an area the size of Indiana) was agricultural land.

The rate of recent farmland loss has been an astonishing one acre per minute.

CattleHealthy Farms, Healthy Food

Most Americans don’t think a lot about where their food comes from. They go to supermarkets, put items in their carts, take their groceries home and prepare their meals.

America’s cities sprang up on some of our most productive farmland. Today, the farms closest to our urban areas produce an astounding 91% of our fruit and 78% of our vegetables, but they remain the most threatened. One of the ways we can ensure the survival of these important farms is to improve the productivity and profitability of our farms – beginning with the soil.

Healthy Soil: The Foundation of Healthy Farms

In spite of increasing food production and environmental challenges, there’s a big solution that’s right under our feet – in healthy soil.

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working with America’s farmers and ranchers to improve the health and function of their soil through soil health management practices like no-till, cover crops, diverse cropping rotations and managed grazing. These techniques are helping make farms of all sizes more productive and profitable. Farmers with healthy soil not only grow healthier crops, they also harvest a wide range of environmental benefits off the farm.

soilRole of Public Education

The “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil” is a new campaign by USDA’s NRCS. Its purpose is to help farmers and ranchers build healthier, more productive and more resilient soils that are able to sequester more carbon and store more water – all while providing healthy food and keeping our environment clean.

The campaign offers a new hope in healthy soil –  for all of us.

Through a series of 30 and 15 – second public service messages, urban consumers will become more aware of the roll soil health plays in their food, in their lives, and in their future. In rural areas, these messages will connect with actual farmers, ranchers and landowners who can adopt soil health management systems – which is good for the farm, the farmer’s bottom line, and for our planet.

For more information about the hope in healthy soil, visit the NRCS website. To preview or download broadcast quality versions of the PSA’s, visit here.

Gilda’s ‘LaughFest’ Preparing for 2016 Festival

Community Health, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

LAUGHFEST_final_2Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter, announced that they are now accepting sign ups for its Community Showcases, 5k FUNderwear Run, and LaughFest Friends memberships.

Individuals of all ages, and groups of all sizes, are encouraged to apply for the Community Showcases. During LaughFest 2015, officials hosted more than 100 community showcases and other free events at various locations in downtown Grand Rapids, Lowell, and Holland. The categories for these showcases included stand-up comedy, music, short-film, sketch/improv, dance, and kids’ jokes. Applicants chosen for the 2016 festival will be notified in January.

Runners, joggers and walkers interested in participating in the third annual 5k FUNderwear Run can sign up for the FUNderwear Run now! This walk/run will be held on Sunday, March 13 in downtown Grand Rapids and racers are encouraged to wear their finest (and funniest!) underwear over their running clothes to create a hilarious and one-of-a-kind moment in support of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Registration is $30 prior to February 19, and $35  until the run on March 13. Registered participants will receive an official race t-shirt and finisher medal.

LaughFest FUNderwear runIn addition to these events, LaughFest organizers also announced that LaughFest Friends memberships are now available. LaughFest Friends memberships give fans of LaughFest opportunities to connect with the festival year round, and are available for purchase online, at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (1806 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) or at LaughFest Central when it opens mid-February.

There are three levels of memberships available, starting at $25. Level one includes an exclusive tee shirt designed by The Mitten State, High Five button and donation, exclusive content and experiences, and early access to Fast Passes for free events. Fast Passes guarantee holders a seat for free showings as long as they are seated 15 minutes prior to the event start time.

The second level costs $50 and includes everything in the $25 level, plus a Mitten State Smile Decal, a 20 percent discount for merchandise at LaughFest Central and online, and a $5 off coupon for LaughFest Central for anyone who signs up before Thanksgiving.

The third membership level is $100 and includes all the items at the $25 and $50 levels, plus pre-sale opportunities to purchase ticket packages in December 2015 and individual tickets in January 2016 before the general public, and two VIP passes to Headliner’s Club at the BOB during the festival.

Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFest features free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. Past LaughFest headliners include Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Bill Cosby, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Brian Regan and Anjelah Johnson. An announcement regarding the 2016 festival headliners is expected later this year.

The sixth year of the festival is scheduled for March 10 through March 20, 2016.

Top Ten Finalists Announced in Saugatuck Shorts Competition

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,

Saugatuck Center for the ArtsThe Saugatuck Center for the Arts announced the top ten final films for its 2015 Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition. A panel of judges from the entertainment industry scored all entries, whittling the field down to five films in the student category and five in the adult category.

The top ten short films will be screened at the award ceremony at the SCA on Saturday, November 7 at 6:30p.m.

This year’s top ten short films are a mix of cinematic drama, comedy, and lifestyle stories. The films are all under five minutes and each has a “Michigan-flavor” (filmed in Michigan, filmmaker hails from Michigan, story line about Michigan, etc.).  At the November 7th screening the winner of the juried student film will receive a $500 prize, the juried adult category winner will receive a $1,000 prize, and the audience will vote on its favorite film for an additional $1,000 prize.

Finalists in the student category include filmmaker Jared Friedrich from Aurora, Illinois. Friedrich’s film James Cagney Junior is a comedic look at the art of storytelling with subtle references to work by the late actor James Cagney.

From Holland, Michigan comes the film People Like Us by CultureWorks’ Legendary League of Leaders exploring the tremendous challenges of teen mental illness. Holland Christian student Ben Eizenga created the short film Ben there. Done that. highlighting the little moments that make up a day in his life.

Dario Lirio, of Hudsonville High School, submitted Grand Rapids Junior Rowing, showing the team’s hard work and spirit.  Mitchell Ross created We Are Hudsonville, Michigan, a short film highlighting the Hudsonville community, specifically referencing the Hudsonville Football program and their “Eagle Pride.”

Saugatuck ShortsThe winners in this year’s adult category are all West Michigan locals. Alex Bolen is a Grand Rapids native and the owner of Opensail Production Company who made the top ten with his film Sleeping Bear Dunes, a time-lapse of the dunes and surrounding area shot over the course of a week.

Zachary Clark of Clark|Camera|Cinema created the film Lay with Love, a dramatic interpretation of the song “Lay with Love” by fellow Kalamazoo-based band The Go Rounds.

From Grayling, Michigan comes filmmaker Nicholas Gascho with the film Locked. The short film was conceived and shot in 60 hours and tells the tale of a family social issue.

Ron Lechler’s (Fennville, Michigan) top ten film explores how people use comedy and humor to overcome the hurt in their lives in his short film The Best Medicine.

The Outdoor Discovery Center (Executive Director Travis Williams) of Holland, Michigan made the top ten with its film Little Hawks Discovery Preschool about the Hamilton Community Schools’ nature-based preschool.

“It’s always an exciting event, particularly since the winners go home with generous cash prizes” said Kristin Armstrong, SCA Executive Director. “Plus, this year’s media partnership with WKTV is really going to make people feel like stars.  The station’s mobile unit will be on site getting all the action – it’s really going to be an exciting evening of media magic.”

Tickets to Saugatuck Shorts are $20 for adults and $10 for students and include light appetizers and the chance to cast your vote for the “Audience Favorite” Award at the show. A cash bar is available from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. with the screenings begining at 7:15 p.m.  More information and tickets can be found at sc4a.org or at 269-857-2399.

Michigan Selected as Finalist for First-of-its-kind Mental Health Initiative

Community Health, Non-Profits, Politics, , ,

mental-healthU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today announced that Michigan will be awarded $982,373 to compete in a nation-wide program to improve and expand access to mental health care. This first-of-its-kind initiative is based on Senator Stabenow’s Excellence in Mental Health Act, which is one of the most significant steps forward in community mental health funding in decades.

Selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Michigan is one step closer to being chosen to be part of a new eight-state demonstration program to expand quality mental health care. This new program will offer patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling, and integrated treatments for mental illness. Senator Stabenow’s bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act was cosponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and signed into law by President Obama last year.

“Mental illness touches every family in some way,” Senator Stabenow said. “It is critically important that communities in Michigan have the resources they need to help everyone living with mental illness. We must continue to work together to make sure illnesses above the neck are treated the same as illnesses below the neck.”

Michigan is one of 24 states selected to work with interested community mental health centers, Federally-Qualified Health Centers, VA clinics, and other mental health organizations to design a state program that meets the new quality standards for Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. The eight states chosen to participate in the demonstration program will increase funding for community mental health services and improve the quality of those services. This is the first step toward funding quality behavioral health services in communities nation-wide.

Debbie Stabenow
Senator Stabenow

“We are excited to receive a planning grant for the State of Michigan to design and implement a structure that will further integrate and coordinate behavioral health and primary care, improve outreach to consumers in the greatest need and provide needed and effective coordination of care among providers in multiple settings throughout the state,” said Jeff Patton, CEO of Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Senator Stabenow has been a life-long advocate for quality mental health services. She authored the mental health parity provisions in the Affordable Care Act to stop discrimination in coverage between physical and behavioral health services. Senator Stabenow introduced the Excellence in Mental Health Act with Senator Blunt in 2013 to put mental health centers on a more equal footing with other health centers by improving quality standards and expanding access.

The law is supported by over 50 mental health organizations, veterans organizations and law enforcement organizations including: the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Give An Hour, among many others.

A full list of the 24 states awarded funding can be found here.

Runaways and Homeless Children Tell Their Stories

Area Education, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

homeless girlsBy: Deb Havens

West Michigan is known as a great place to raise kids, but every year an average of 2,000 young people run away from home. When you’re a homeless child, streets in West Michigan towns are as dirty and dangerous as any in a big city. As the weather gets colder, somewhere around 200 kids will be looking for food and a warm place to sleep every night. Chances are, wherever they land, safety may be a last consideration.

Fortunately, the non-profit organization Arbor Circle provides counseling and support for up to 21 days for young people ages 10 to 20 years old at the only emergency shelter in the community. Jenell Hill, Arbor Circle Community Engagement Coordinator says, “Many people don’t believe it.” So to spotlight these issues in honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Arbor Circle, located at 1115 Ball Ave NE in Grand Rapids, will host the Green Light Project in November:

The Green Light Project, Wednesday, November 4, 2015 – 5:30pm–8pm

Young people who have experienced living as a runaway and homeless who found shelter either at The Bridge or homeless kidsother service programs will host facility tours and share their stories. “Sometimes it’s not only therapeutic for young people but they are also a voice for their peers,” adds Hill. “Maybe other young people won’t have the same struggles.”

Without Arbor Circle, homeless, runaway, and street youth often become victims of abuse and neglect, sexual assault or trafficking, and get involved in substance abuse. They also tend to suffer from both physical and mental health issues, failure in school, and trouble with the law. These are the stories that Hill says are often overlooked when people think about the good life in West Michigan.

Hill stresses that all minor youth tour guides participate with permission of their parents, and those under 18 lead tours accompanied by Arbor Circle staff members. Hill says that budget cuts in Washington, D.C. have affected Arbor Circle resources. “We used to have a 15 seat bus to transport kids, but that broke down and we haven’t been able to replace it,” notes Hill. “We also rely on volunteers to help us cook meals.” Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information on services for homeless or runaway children, contact Arbor Circle / The Bridge.

Gilda’s Club to Host Night of Gratitude to Honor Supporters

Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities,

Gilda's ClubOn Nov. 12, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids will host its Night of Gratitude event to recognize the many supporters who help carry out the organization’s mission of providing emotional healthcare for those on a cancer or grief journey.

The 2015 honorees include:

•    Meijer – Corporate Engagement Award
This award is given to a corporate partner that demonstrates philanthropic support and encourages its employees, vendors, and community to engage with Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids through volunteerism, fundraising, leadership roles, and creating awareness of our mission and program.
•    GE Aviation – Service Award
This award is given to a group of any size that takes the word “service” to the next level through ongoing support of the Gilda’s Club mission, program, events, and most of all, our members.
•    Pink Arrow Project – Community Partner
This award is given to an organization or group that exemplifies what it means to support Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and the West Michigan community through innovative fundraising concepts, promoting the mission of Gilda’s Club in creative ways, and being genuine ambassadors of our organization.
•    Sister Sue Tracy, OP – Spirit of Gilda Award
This award is presented to an individual who has supported Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids through openly sharing our mission of cancer and grief support with his or her friends and colleagues, advocating for our organization with other leaders in the community, and doing so with the light-heartedness and laughter that embodied our namesake Gilda Radner.

“Gilda’s Club has so many wonderful supporters who help advance our cause. We hope that through the Night of Gratitude, we can show these organizations and individuals how thankful we are for their passion, innovation and vision,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

Gilda’s Night of Gratitude will be held at New Vintage Place (889 Broadway Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) and will begin at 5:30 p.m. An awards ceremony for honorees will take place at 6:30 p.m. and a performance by the Pop Scholars, a four man Grand Rapids-based improv team, will follow.

Tickets to the Night of Gratitude can be purchased for $50 by contacting Ashley Owen at aowen@gildasclubgr.org or 616-453-8300 or by going to www.gildasclubgr.org/gildasnightofgratitude.

Cuteness Overload! Need Acorns, ASAP

Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , , ,

squirrel_nursingBy: Victoria Mullen

The cuteness cannot be denied. But all that cuteness comes with a price: Acorns. Lots of acorns.

A Northern Michigan animal rescue needs donations of acorns after taking in 18 orphaned baby squirrels who are too young to make it through the winter in the wild.

The Association to Rescue Kritters (“A.R.K.”), a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Maple Valley, cares for a variety of injured and orphaned creatures throughout the year. Each year, well-meaning individuals or tree cutters bring several orphaned young squirrels to animal rescues.

Squirrels typically have two litters of two to four young each year; the first is in the spring, the second in late summer. The second litter spends the winter with the mother.

photoIt’s an unromantic life; the male leaves the female after mating and she is left alone to raise the babies. For the eastern gray squirrel, gestation is approximately 45 days. Born naked, toothless, and blind, the young are weaned at around seven to ten weeks of age and stay with the mother for several more weeks to learn the ways of the wild.

This year has seen a bumper crop. The new little arrivals–all 18 of them (so far)–are no more than a month old, far too young to survive in the wild. Volunteers are providing foster homes where the little guys receive bottle feedings and 24/7 care. Once they are more than a month old, they will be moved babyredsquirrelsto a larger indoor space at A.R.K. Next, they will transition to an enclosed outdoor area with nesting boxes to adapt to the cold. Shivering stimulates fur growth; the goal is to grow a nice, thick coat to keep warm.

Feasting on a diet of monkey biscuits (grape-sized grain pellets), sunflower seeds and acorns, 18 hungry, fast-growing little squirrels aren’t cheap to feed. Donations of acorns and sunflower seeds are desperately needed to get these guys through the winter.

Bring your donation to A.R.K. at 3878 S. Maple Valley Road in Saint Helen, Mich. 48656 and leave it by the door if no one is around at the time. Financial donations are welcome, too, and may be mailed to the same address.

The A.R.K. AsScreen Shot 2015-10-01 at 10.41.36 PMsociation to Rescue Kritters helps rehabilitate animals in Roscommon, Crawford, Ogemaw, Gladwin, Clare and Missaukee Counties.

 

Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition Announces Judges and Sponsors

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , , ,

Saugatuck Center for the ArtsThe Saugatuck Center for the Arts is shining a spotlight on Michigan film with the help of filmmakers and industry professionals who will be judging this year’s Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition. The 2015 panel of judges is made up of six individuals who will decide the winners of the $2,500 cash prize in the student and adult categories.

The Saugatuck Shorts competition is accepting admissions until Friday, October 16; the public screening will take place on November 7 at the SCA.

Judges for this year’s competition include a mix of independent filmmakers, a film professor, and an entertainment lawyer. The judges were chosen based on their familiarity with the entertainment industry and their ability to provide credible, constructive feedback.

Joel Paul Reisig
Joel Paul Reisig

The first filmmaker taking the judge’s seat is Joel Paul Reisig. Joel is the owner of Be Your Own Hollywood, a two-day film school that focuses on financing, distributing, and shooting films on a budget. Reisig has produced films such as American Scream King, Fraternity House, and Deadly Karma. With over two decades of producing and acting experience, Reisig has worked with stars Dean Cain, Dustin Diamond, Richard Karn, and more.

Co-founder of the Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival and owner of UnSAFE Film Office, Anthony Griffin, will be another judge for this year’s competition. UnSAFE Film Office has produced and shot multiple documentaries, short films, music videos, and commercials over the last decade and Griffin has served on the board for the West Michigan Video and Film Alliance and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

Compass College of Cinematic Arts alumni relations specialist and producer, Elizabeth Merriman, will also be serving as a judge on this year’s panel. Merriman is a graduate of Compass College of Cinematic Arts and also owns and operates her own production company, Happy Hats LLC.

Doug Remtema of Sonlight Films will also be serving as a judge at this year’s competition. Remtema started Sonlight Films in 2003 and works on producing films and television shows that revolve around positive and uplifting material.

Anthony Griffin
Anthony Griffin
Doug Remtema
Doug Remtema

Curt Anderson of Pine Creek Films. Pine Creek Films is a non-profit organization in Byron Center, Michigan that is dedicated to empowering amateur filmmakers by getting them involved in filmmaking.

The sixth and final judge for this year’s competition is Clark Hill attorney Joseph Voss. Voss leads the Entertainment Industry Team at Clark Hill where he represents the financing parties for film and television productions.

“We couldn’t ask for a greater group of people,” said SCA Marketing and Sales Director, Angela Peavey. ”Film is one of my passions, and to see these professionals willing to offer their time and talents is absolutely amazing. We’re very fortunate to have them.”

Peavey also announced sponsors for this year’s film competition. “We are thrilled to welcome the West Michigan Film and Media Office as a Gold Sponsor and the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance as a Bronze Sponsor. We’re also working with media sponsor WKTV.”

The Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition will take place on November 7, 2015 with a cash bar at 6:30 p.m. and the screening beginning at 7:15 p.m. More information and ticket purchases can be made at sc4a.org or by calling 269.857.2399.

Special Family Fun Fest at the DeltaPlex

Community Health, Education, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Senior Living, Volunteers, , , ,

special needs face painting2Children with special needs create special families. Five years ago, some of those family members got together to create the Family Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting not only their own children, but all special families. They’ve hit on a sure thing: the Special Families Fun Fest, returning for its 4th year at the DeltaPlex Arena on Saturday, October 17 from 10am-4pm. Lara Kitts is in charge of the event. “Some of us who have special needs family members know how hard it is to get the family out the door together. This is fun and there’s nothing else like it.”

Admission $5 per person, which includes 10 carnival game tickets (ages 2 and under free!). Tickets are available here. special needs animal fun

Kitts says the Fun Fest provides a wide variety of events set up to provide physically and emotionally safe environments without stress, including carnival games, crafts, a petting zoo and a number of other activities—all without waiting in line. Even better, no one has to stay behind to take care of the special needs family member. “We have amenities such as a sensory room to provide family support if a child is overstimulated,” says Kitts. “We have volunteers who cover every exit to make sure a child doesn’t dart away. We’ve pretty much thought of everything.”

special needs boyThose concerned that the Special Families Fun Fest may not have anticipated their particular need are invited to call in advance at 616-780-3839. Visit the Family Hope Foundation to learn more about this very special organization. For more information about Fun Fest activities, check out the event.  If you would like to volunteer, Kitts says she would be pleased to find you a special role to fill at the event, sure to fill a special place in your heart.

What Does It Mean to be a ‘Real Man’

Area Education, Community Health, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , ,

In our society the expectation for a boy to be a “real man” is centered on stifling emotion, physical strength, violence, sexual conquest, and economic success. The Mask You Live In is a film dedicated to spreading the word that being a “real man” is so much more.

In a screening hosted by the YWCA West Central Michigan, The Mask You Live In seeks to expand how we define American masculinity. The film lays out the devastation wrought on both boys and girls when the cultural definition shies away from authentically connecting young men to those around them; the very thing that makes us human.

Here are some facts:

•    Three or more boys commit suicide every day and suicide is the third leading cause of death for boys
•    Boys are two times more likely to flunk or drop out of school
•    Boys are two times more likely to receive special education
•    Boys are four times more likely to be expelled
•    93% of boys are exposed to internet porn before age 18
•    21% of young men use pornography every day

The Mask You Live InWhile the masculinity crisis hurts boys, it touches on girls as well. The well-being of girls and women is inextricably tied to the well-being of boys and men.

•    1 in 5 women are raped
•    1 in 4 women are abused by their intimate partner
•    1 in 6 women has had a stalker threaten her
•    64% of mass murder victims are women and children; 94% of their killers are male

Nationally recognized for its expertise and effectiveness, the YWCA West Central Michigan is our community’s most comprehensive provider of domestic and sexual violence services.

The Mask You Love In will be screened this Thursday, October 15 at Celebration Cinema South. Check in starts at 6:30 p.m. with the film starting at 7. A panel discussion with representatives from the YWCA, The Men’s Resource Center and Family Futures will immediately follow the film.

The event is free, but reservations are required! RSVP Here or contact lsikkema@ywcawcmi.org.

Feelin’ Groovy: ‘Give Peace a Chance’ Fundraiser is Oct. 15

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

give peace a chance John LennonIf you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you’ll be very familiar with the phrase, “Give Peace a Chance.” Even if you’re a tad younger, chances are you’ve heard the phrase or even the famous song written by John Lennon while he was still one of the Beatles. The words became an anthem for anti-Vietnam War protesters, but this year the phrase has been revived as the theme of the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan‘s (DRCWM) second annual fundraiser celebrating International Conflict Resolution Day.

 

The “Give Peace a Chance” event is slated for Thursday, October 15 from 7-9 pm at the B.O.B.-EVE, 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Rapids, MI 49503. Tickets are $35. The Main Street Dueling Pianos will provide a flashback to freer times with ’60s music, and you’ll want to dress to match the theme for extra fun. Two local peacemakers–Judge William Kelly and Peter Letzmann–will be honored at the event for their outstanding service to the community.

 

If you’re not involved in a lawsuit or major conflict at the moment, you may not see the relevance to your GPAC-Poster-791x1024life. However, perhaps it’s time to ponder another old saying, “Into each life a few (or many) raindrops fall,” which has nothing to do with the weather. Rather, the phrase is our cultural shorthand for a simple fact: No one escapes conflicts in life. The question we all ask ourselves at some point is, “How do I deal with it?”

 

Chris Gilman, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, says, “Conflict is unavoidable, but we can use it as an opportunity for growth.”

 

Every year about a thousand people experiencing conflict visit the DRCWM. They sit down with a trained mediator and talk about the problem(s) they face. They don’t just talk, they also listen. Then they create a solution that works for the parties involved, whether the conflicts involve marriage, divorce, employment, a neighbor, or just about anything else. The DRCWM reaches out to a seven-county area, providing low- or no-cost mediation services to people of modest means. Some cases are referred to the center by the court.

 

The process is cheaper than hiring an attorney, because you do the work yourself; but this is one DIY project where a trained coach is vital, and that takes money; the investment in creating peace is significant. So rummage around for your old fur vest, rose-tinted glasses, love beads, and maybe old army fatigues. Hang out at the B.O.B., practice your peace sign and “Give Peace a Chance.” It’s hip to feel groovy.

hippies

For more information, visit the DRCWM’s website or call 616.774.0121.

Looking for a new taste sensation?

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

Dim-Sum1-726x400How about Dim Sum? If you have no clue what it is or what it tastes like, and especially if you do, you’ll want to schedule lunch at Kentwood’s Wei Wei (pronounced “Way Way”) Palace, on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 4242 South Division.

Similar in concept to the tapas style of presenting a number of dishes to a group, Dim Sum is a shared meal of traditional Cantonese small plates. Attendants push carts from table to table to make your choice easy. The cuisine is placed in the table center on a revolving tray for diners to sample. Options feature steamed, baked, and fried variations of Dim Sum. “There’s a little bit of everything,” says Ashley Kassuba, Marketing Assistant for the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. “Shrimp, vegetables, and rice are often mixed together, but there are some meat dishes and some veggie dishes, too.”

The cost is $20 per person, and includes tea and a selection of Dim Sum options brought to your table.Dim-Sum2

Reservations must be paid in advance by credit card or check.  RSVP online or call the World Affairs Council office at 616-776-1721 by Tuesday, October 13.

The event is an adventurous concept in furthering cultural understanding, says Kassuba. Ping Liang, former Board President of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, will be on hand to explain the history of Dim Sum, along with chopstick etiquette and other fun facts.

Sponsored by GlobalConnections, the newest group for young professionals (and “the young at heart”) at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, the luncheon is the first of planned interactive events scheduled throughout the upcoming year.

More social networking is planned at the end of November through December 4 to encourage fair trade shopping. Global Gifts, a non-profit specialty-item store that sells Fair Trade products, will host at 2055 28th St. (Located in the Grand Central Plaza).

weiwei palaceBut for now, the focus is on food. We understand that “Wei Wei” is a fun way to claim “the best, the VERY best” taste awaits you. Check it out at the Wei Wei Palace!

Haunted West Michigan

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Forest of FearWatching a scary movie is one thing, but the real horror begins when you live it. To safely help you live the scary movie experience, the haunted houses of West Michigan have you covered! Enjoy terrifying scares as you cautiously check around every corner, making sure that there isn’t somebody – or something – following you.

Central

The Haunt

The Haunt has been generating screams for 15 years and they’re excited for another year! Their 20,000 square foot land is filled with all things scary! Expect even more Hollywood level sets, lighting, and special effects as you run from ghosts to clowns to everything in between. New features and side attractions help The Haunt continue to serve Michigan with their annual Halloween of scares!

Forest of Fear

The Forest of Fear is West Michigan’ premier outdoor haunted attraction which has been frightening and entertaining thrill-seekers of all ages for years! Located just south of Grand Rapids in Caledonia, the Forest of Fear is an interactive, self guided walk though tour through five chilling acres of haunted woods and swamps inhabited by ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying creatures. As you walk along the dimly lit and winding trails of the Forest of Fear you will face one spine-tingling jolt after another in an experience unlike any other haunted house!

South

Haunted Campus at Michigan Maritime Museum

The Haunted Campus event at the Michigan Maritime Museum takes place October 30 and October 31 from 8pm to 11pm. This event transforms the entire campus into a terrifying new locale and challenges visitors to navigate through the horror around them. This event is only for those ages 14 and up and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

If learning about ghostly spirits is more your speed, make sure to check out the Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons presentation at the Michigan Maritime Museum! Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted by their previous keepers. The stories of these lights will entertain all ages! Dianna Stampfler, who has contributed to a plethora of publications, will present with all the proceeds benefiting the Save the Light campaign.

The HauntHaunted Trail at Stokes Homestead Farm Market

Hop on a wagon at Stokes Homestead Farm Market and take a ride on the haunted trail highlighting the history of the “Shadow Hill Asylum.” The haunted forest and apple orchard are inhabited by the patients of Shadow Hollow so watch out! They may even climb onto the wagon and try to bring you back with them!

Haunted Forest and Temple Coldwater Country CVB

Take an adventure around the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater! Taking place October 26, 27, 29, and 30, kids will enjoy the less scary 6pm to 7pm activities while the real scary things come out from 7pm to 9pm!

The basement of the Masonic Temple gets real scary on October 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31! Filled with all the things that go bump in the night, don’t miss a chance to experience Halloween scares in this building that is over 140 years old.

Niles Scream Park

Offering five unique main attractions that are carefully and professionally designed, Niles Scream Park is here to scare the “yell” out of you! This years feature attraction is an homage to Steven King featuring a clown in your sewer, escaping the wrath of Johnny, and seeing first hand Carrie’s prom night! This is in addition to four other great haunted attractions that you don’t want to miss!

Haunted Adventures at Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly Haunted Adventures from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays! Activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. The theme for the Haunted Barn this year is “shadows” so watch out for what is lurking about!

Haunted Forest at Covert/South Haven KOA

Enjoy two weekends of Halloween fun with Covert/South Haven KOA! On the weekends of October 2 and 9, enjoy some great family activities including trick-or-treating, a haunted forest, games, pumpkin decorating, and more! With all these great things to do, you may want to come back for both weekends!

Haunted Forest at Crystal MountainHaunted Corn Maze & 3D Barn at Crane Orchards

Prepare yourself for Crane Orchards’ Haunted Corn Maze and 3-D Barn! The 20-acre corn maze features plenty of spooky interruptions and terrifying surprises as your navigate through it. New to this year’s fall preview is the 3-D Barn which begins at dusk to 10pm.

The Haunted Hallow at Olde World Village

The Old World Village’s largest annual event, The Haunted Hallow, is right around the corner! Supporting the regions charities, The Haunted Hallow features everything scary on a half mile trail going through the woods with over 25 scenes. All this and the Maze of Despair are set up to make sure that you are properly scared! Open every Friday and Saturday night during the month of October form 8pm to midnight. This is not recommended for those under 17.

North

Haunted Forest at Crystal Mountain

Are you brave enough to make it through Crystal Mountain’s Haunted Forest? Hang out by the fire where you’ll hear the screams surrounding the mountain. Carefully maneuver down the haunted trail and watch out for what lurks around every corner. Tickets available at the Park at Water’s Edge on October 17, 23, 24, and 30!

Haunted Trail at Grand Hotel

See the Grand Hotel as you’ve never seen it before! The weekend begins Friday, October 30 with a Welcome Reception, five-course dinner, and Haunted Trail! A scary movie will be presented Friday evening as well! Saturday includes a Bloody Mary bar, pumpkin carving contests, free admission to the Haunted Theatre downtown, and Haunted Afternoon Tea. Another five-course dinner will be served Saturday evening followed by the Grand Halloween Party! There will be live music and all beer, wine, and snacks are included at the party.

Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is going to be filled to the brim with great activities! Don’t miss the kids Trick or Treating downtown, Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour, and Halloween parties at the downtown pubs! This a great mix of family fun and grown up entertainment!

Pinery Park Little League on the Right Track

Hard News, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Sports, , ,

PineryParkBy: Mike DeWitt

Following weeks of speculation about whether the Pinery Park Little League (PPLL) would exist after 60 years of operation, the PPLL and the City of Wyoming agreed on a new contract to keep the league in charge of youth baseball.

Pinery Park Little League was in jeopardy of losing its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and the loss of nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

The League made tremendous progress ironing out those issues over the past two weeks.

“I guess it took some major deadlines in order to have this contract happen,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll at the October 5 City Council Meeting. “I think it’s a good agreement. It protects both the park and those involved with the PPLL.”

There is new leadership within the League as almost an entirely new board was voted in during the elections on September 30. Mayor Poll was in attendance and cast his vote for the League leaders.

It is clear the new board wants the new contract and agreement to work. The members are shouldering a large responsibility to meet the requirements of the contract. The new board will have to prepare and show financial statements to the fiduciary handling the league’s financials. The PPLL board will meet on a regular, scheduled basis to stay on top of happenings throughout the league.

One of the main hiccups was the loss of 501(c)(3) status for the League back in 2011. The IRS has received and is reviewing the PPLL’s application to reinstate that status. The League must now wait 60-120 days for an answer from the IRS.

“The Pinery Park Little League knows how to run a league, they’ve been doing it a long time,” said Mayor Poll.

Now the league, the City, the parents, and the players can focus on the most important aspect… PLAY BALL!

GWCRA Encourages ‘Letters of Approach’ from Wyoming Nonprofits

Education, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , ,

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 4.13.25 PMGreat news for Wyoming, Michigan-based nonprofits! The Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWCRA) now awards grants several times a year, up from just once annually. And, it is much easier to apply. Gone is the lengthy, very detailed application.

The new application process now requires an initial ‘letter of approach,’ which may be submitted at any time. The letter may not exceed two pages, must include a description of the project, affirm the purpose/need addressed, identify a target population, and indicate the anticipated amount of the request.

GRWCRA’s Board of Directors will review letters on a timely basis and invite those organizations it wishes to consider funding to complete a full application. Letters of approach are only accepted via email to the attention of Rebecca Rynbrandt, Board Secretary at rynbranb@wyomingmi.gov.

The Board reserves the right to seek applications specific to any area of interest and/or target funding to specific initiatives at any given time. Types of support include equipment, seed money/program development and operating support. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $3,000. Review the GWCRA’s grant history here.

If your organization is invited to submit a full application, it will be due two weeks from the date of invitation.

The GWCRA strives to support nonprofit organizations and grassroots charitable causes that improve the fabric of the community. Since 2011, the organization has awarded over $40,000 to area schools, nonprofits, neighborhood associations and grassroots organizations in support of educational programs, community projects, disaster response, scholarships and more. All of the donations received or fundraised by the GWCRA are awarded back into the community.

GWCRA is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the greater Wyoming community. The Alliance is established to provide a charitable outlet for citizens and businesses eager to make a sustainable and immediate impact to the very fabric of the community.

Artwork by Andy Warhol

WKTV partners with SCA for Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition

Education, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 1.05.24 PMCrave a sliver of the limelight? If you’re a Michigan filmmaker, here’s your chance to win big and have your film aired on Television.

Deadline to enter is October 16.

For the first time, Wyoming Kentwood Community Television and Media (WKTV) is teaming with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA), at this year’s Third Annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition. Professional and student filmmakers are invited to compete for $2,500 in cash prizes for their short films.

Films must be five minutes or less (including creditSCA-Logo-news and fade time) and each film must have a Michigan ‘flavor’ (made in Michigan, filmmaker from Michigan, Michigan mentioned in the script, etc.).

“This is an exciting new partnership for Saugatuck Shorts,” said Kristin Armstrong, Executive Director of the SCA. “WKTV’s mission is to educate the community about how to create video content; through Saugatuck Shorts we are providing the station with an exciting outlet to highlight Michigan video. We couldn’t be happier to work alongside WKTScreen Shot 2015-09-30 at 2.39.32 PMV’s talented professionals and volunteers.”

 

 

 

For individuals entering the competition, another benefit of the WKTV partnership is the chance to be featured on the station. WKTV will broadcast the top ten juried films after they’re announced in late October.

“We thought this would be a great way to celebrate making the top ten,” said WKTV Executive Director, Tom Norton. “We’re giving those ten people just another sliver of limelight to get them excited for the live audience screening on Saugatuck Shorts’ night.”

Arts_Partners_LogosIn addition, there will be a live broadcast of the November 7 event on WKTV. For those living in Wyoming, Kentwood, or Gaines Township, the station’s programming is on Channel 25.

Student submissions (high school students and younger) are free, and adults (college and up) are $15.00 per entry. Video projects by schools, clubs, and religious organizations are eligible to enter. Registration for Saugatuck Shorts has been extended to October 16 and can be completed online.

Registration information and questions regarding Saugatuck Shorts can be found here or by calling 269.857.2399.

WKTV, wWMFVA-Logo-5x5hich celebrated 40 years in 2014, is one of the oldest community television stations in the country still in operation. The station is located at 5261 Clyde Park Ave. in Wyoming, Mich.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit SCA’s website or call 269.857.2399.

Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League

Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

It’s every little leaguer’s dream, that perfect game-ending situation that runs through a ballplayer’s mind: At the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, the bases are loaded with your team down a score. Three balls and two strikes, a full count and it’s do or die.

There’s nowhere to hide. It’s just you at the plate. A chance to be the hero.

For Pinery Park Little League (PPLL), the game is winding down and it’s time for the league to step up to the plate so that its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park isn’t terminated.

After 60 years of organizing youth baseball here in Wyoming, the PPLL is in jeopardy of losing its home.

PineryParkThe problems started back in 2011 when the PPLL lost its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and financial information. Since the loss of 501(c)(3) status, the City of Wyoming has asked the PPLL to take the necessary steps to get the nonprofit title back with the IRS.

Four years later that still has not been accomplished. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for an organization that has proven to be run very inefficiently.

Electrical and maintenance bills haven’t been paid on time. Board meeting dates are flimsy with sometimes only a couple of days’ notice before a meeting. Board election positions are posted with the minimal amount of notice (two weeks) mandated by the league’s bylaws. Umpires are paid in cash out of the concession stand register with no paper trail to follow. And the League has been unable to present their financials at the request of the Wyoming City Council.

“This league is extremely, extremely unorganized,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll in a heat of passion and disappointment at the City Council Meeting on September 14. “And, if they can’t have the leadership to run this league on our fields with the requirements that we have, then it’s time to change direction.”

The Wyoming City Council had a very long discussion about what to do with the PPLL and whether or not the contract should be terminated. By the end of the meeting, they decided on a few next steps:

  • The PPLL must turn over all financials, bank statements and loose pieces of paper
  • The PPLL lawyer and the City lawyer will draw up a new contract that has some teeth
  • The new contract will designate the Community Resource Alliance as the fiduciary for the finances of the PPLL
  • The PPLL will form a separate committee to field complaints from league participants

The new contract must be submitted by September 30 so that it can be placed on the October 5 meeting’s agenda. If no agreement is reached, the contract will be terminated on October 5, and the Parks and Rec Department will charter youth baseball.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show

Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, , , ,

Blue AngelsBy: Katelyn Kohane

Thunder Over Michigan is an amazing experience. I went on Sunday, which happens to be the final day. The event took place at the Detroit Metro Willow Run Airport. There was an incredible line up of military air planes and helicopters.

Of course, they saved the best for last, the United States Navy Blue Angels.

The entire days was chalked full of events to keep you busy and occupied. The total number of aircrafts was jaw-dropping.

Thunder over MichgianTo mention a few of the planes: the Heavy Hitter Avro Lancaster, which made its debut in 1942 as the strategic bombing in Europe began during World War 2; The End All Be All Fifi B-29 Superfortress, this was one of the planes to drop nuclear bombs during World War 2 and was also used in active duty during the Korean War; Patrolling the skies Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, which was a patrol bomber for the United States Navy during World War 2 and the Korean War.

They had a number planes on the ground that you could take a tour through, but I wound up skipping out on the plane tours and took a slightly more adventurous experience. I ended up going for a ride in a UH-1 Huey Helicopter.

The tour in the Huey required a signed waiver and $75. It was worth every penny!

I sat in the gunUH-1 Hueyner seat on the outside of the Helicopter. The view, and the entire experience, was incredible. If you’ve never taken a ride in a helicopter, I would highly recommend it. The air show makes for an easy and comfortable environment to give it a try.

The helicopter ride took one thing off the Bucket List; what will I ride in next year!?

As I mentioned, the show was great and the ride was amazing but they saved the best for last; the United States Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squad.

The Blue Angles makes their home in Pensacola, Florida and they perform across the country throughout the year. They are on the road from the middle of March until late November putting on a showcase in aircraft handling. After November, the Blue Angels head back to Florida for the winter.

The US Navy Blue Angels began in 1946 as a desire to keep the public interested in Naval Aviation. The original Blue Angels team flew a Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft. The team now flies an F/A 18 Hornet.

Blue AngelsBlue AngelsMaintenance crews for the Blue Angels fly with them in the US Marine Corps C-130 also known as “Fat Albert.” This year the team is lead by their Flight Leader/ Commanding Officer Captain Tom Frosch, who is from Michigan. Another cool tidbit about the team this year, they now have their first female pilot. Her name is Katie (not me though! I wish!).

The team puts on a highly choreographed, high-octane performance with a lot of stunts. They have the four-plane Diamond Formation and also the six-jet Delta Formation where the planes fly as close together as 2 meters.

Performing with massive machinery with such as eloquent grace is a slight to behold. The Blue Angels keep getting better every time I see them. At the end of their show, the team came out the field where everyone was sitting and talked to the audience and signed autographs. It’s always fun to go and talk to the pilots. They really do put on a high-octane performance in the air and with the fans afterwards.

Enjoying my ride in the UH-1 Huey
Enjoying my ride in the UH-1 Huey

I have been fortunate enough to experience their demonstrations at the Air Base in Pensacola many times, and would highly recommend this. The Blue Angels are a true marvel in the sky.

Make sure to check out Thunder Over Michigan next year. You won’t be disappointed!

Katie works in the film industry as a camera operator and has worked on films like ‘All You Can Dream’, ‘Set Up’ and a TV show called ‘American Fallen Soldier.’ She loves helping WKTV with the Citizen Journalism team and working as a tech at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Katie loves working in the film industry and loves watching movies just as much!

Secretary of State Offices Join 25th Annual Harvest Gathering Food Drive

Community Health, Non-Profits, Politics, Upcoming Events, , ,

MHG_25Year_Logo_Badge (2)Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today encouraged people across the state to participate in the 25th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive.

Johnson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette joined the Food Bank Council of Michigan in promoting the campaign during an event at the Lansing City Market today. Schuette and his wife co-founded the annual effort in 1991.

“For 25 years, the Harvest Gathering campaign has seen the people of our great state stand together to not only feed the hungry but to bring them hope,” Johnson said. “Michigan families saw some dark days during those 25 years but Harvest Gathering has never let those families down. I want to thank everyone here today, from the people working the food banks to the truck drivers, sponsors and office workers, for keeping the momentum going.”

Johnson also praised Secretary of State staff for making the food drive so successful every year. Since 2011, Secretary of State offices have collected almost 30 tons of food donations. The Secretary of State portion of the Harvest Gathering campaign runs through Nov. 25 this year.

“Secretary of State offices throughout Michigan have provided vital outreach into local communities for this campaign,” said Phillip Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Michigan Harvest Gathering could not be celebrating this milestone year without the support of such dedicated partners in hunger relief.”

In Michigan, 16 percent of households struggle to put food on the table and 21 percent of children don’t know where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The organization coordinates the program, which supplies the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

In 2014, the entire Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign collected 386,922 pounds (193 tons) of food and more than $375,000. This year, the campaign’s goal is to collect enough food and funds for two million meals.

Nonperishable food items with a valid expiration date can be dropped off at any Secretary of State office.

Food items especially needed include: canned meats, dry beans, soups, beef stew, pasta products, peanut butter and tuna. Other items include baby food or formula, diapers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. The Food Bank requests donors avoid items in glass, as they often break in transit. Financial donations may be made online at www.feedmichigan.org.

20th Annual Bluegrass Camp and Jam

Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, , , ,

FALLFEST 2015 FLYERBluegrass music is American music, pure, honest and beautiful in its simplicity. It came out of the mountains of Appalachia from a rich musical heritage of Scotch/Irish immigrants and was passed down from generation to generation.

Come, celebrate and enjoy this most American music at Fallfest 2015.  Join us on September 18-19, 2015 at the Kent County Youth Fairgrounds in Lowell, Michigan for a music festival that the whole family can enjoy. We will have instrument workshops, food vendors and lots of campsite jammin’.

Actually, jammin’ will be the main focus for this entire festival. Bring your instrument and join in. There will be something for all levels of ability.

Also, there will be an open stage on Friday and Saturday for bands and/or individuals that want to perform before an audience. Be sure to bring lawn chairs for the great show inside our concert building. It’s Bluegrass music, come rain or shine.

The great news, admission for the festival is just your donation! Campsites are available for just $15 per night.

Just the Facts:

Fallfest Bluegrass Music Festival Camp & Jam Event
September 18-19, 2015
Kent County Youth Fairgrounds, Lowell MI
West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association
Dave Simmonds-Promotion and Publicity Chairman
Phone (616) 897-6220

Fallfest 2015 is sponsored/produced by the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association. For more information or interview, call WMBMA President Lee Strassburger at (616) 891-8825 or visit our website at www.wmbma.org

YMCA and LIVESTRONG Restore Cancer Survivor Health

Community Health, Non-Profits, Recreation, , ,

LIVESTRONG 2 women jog (2)Adult cancer survivors have a new program available to them through local YMCA centers and the LIVESTRONG program to help reclaim health and fitness. The LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA is offered for free to help turn around the effects of the disease, which take a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected.

According to the National Cancer Institute, chances are that someone you know, maybe even you, will be diagnosed with cancer during a lifetime. The numbers may seem shocking – one out of two men and one out of three women.

The good news is that figures show the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024. Coping with cancer, and the return to normal life, is more manageable with a network of support. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA supports cancer survivors, while emphasizing a survivor’s health, rather than the disease.

SONY DSC
SONY DSC

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12 week program with free membership at the YMCA, reintroduces participants to a variety of physical activities in a safe and supportive environment. Activities include: weight training, cardiovascular exercise, water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. YMCA LIVESTRONG instructors are trained to meet the needs of cancer survivors with exercises and supportive care, and work with participants to develop a program that meets their specific needs.

Research shows that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity reduces fatigue, boosts self-esteem, improves muscle strength, and increases physical endurance in individuals after cancer treatment.

Cancer survivors are encouraged contact one of the YMCAs offering the LIVESTRONG program.  Check below for locations, next session schedules, and possible late sign ups.

Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA

616.363.3000 6555 Jupiter Ave Ne, Belmont, MI 49306

September 13 – December 1, 4:30 – 5:45pm

September 13 – December 1, 11:00am – 12:15pm

 Lowell YMCA (616) 897-8445

35 YMCA Drive Lowell, MA 01852

January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm

January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 10:45am – 12:00pm

September 12 – November 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm

 Spartan Stores YMCA

 616.885.5500   5722 Metro Way SW Wyoming, MI 49519

September 27 – December 15, 3:00 – 4:15pm