10 years ago this month, Gina Marvin founded Focus On Ferals (FOF). 1 year ago this month, FOF moved into their new, and larger, Byron Center facility.
Two wonderful events to celebrate!
Starting out in 2005, Marvin provided Trap-Neuter-Return services (TNR consists of the humane trapping, sterilization, and return of feral cats to their familiar habitat) and cared for a handful of stray and sick cats in her garage. Since then, Marvin now has a crew of dedicated volunteers that help her organize and run the current multi-location program.
The TNR is done out of Lowell, the current adoption center is in Byron Center, there are foster families throughout West Michigan, and PetSmart in Grandville is currently featuring FOF cats!
Marvin routinely pulls cats from some of the “high-kill” shelters around West Michigan and places them into the program. These cats are listed as Shelter Pull Kitties on their adoption listing. When a Shelter Pull Kitty is adopted, Marvin is able to rescue another cat from one of those facilities. Cats in FOF’s program stay in residence for as long as it takes to get adopted –some just a few months, others for several years.
Running the program takes dedication, time, medicine, patience and of course, money. Come out on Sunday, August 23 and meet Marvin, her volunteers, see the facilities and meet all the kittens and cats that are waiting for their “forever families” to bring them to their “forever homes!”
Come, Celebrate 10 Years of Focus On Ferals No-Kill Cat Rescue and Adoption Center.
Sunday August 23, 2015 from 11:00am – 5:00pm
Focus on Ferals – 7962 Clyde Park SW Byron Center MI 49315 (76th/Clyde Park, south of Spartan Warehouse Facility)
Raffle Baskets, Tour our Facility, Volunteer Opportunities, Refreshments and $50 Adoption Fee on any cat/kitten! ***Please bring a gift for our shelter kitties***
*You may remember the article Trash Bag Tabby. FOF is the shelter that took him in. He was adopted less than one month later.
If there is only one event you can attend to help our Veterans who have served so courageously, this would be it. Every dollar raised stays local.
The West Michigan Freedom Cruise and its partner charity, Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund, is already having a major impact on West Michigan Veterans and we are excited to announce the details of the 2015 event schedule.
In part to proceeds from last year, we are nearly finished with the new G.R. Veterans Home Ampitheater Project which will be an incredible asset to all West Michigan residents including those residing at this facility. Help us rebuild this iconic home one project at a time–Finish The Mission!
2015 Freedom Cruise Event Schedule:
Wednesday, June 24th (5:00-8:00p.m.) WLAV/Freedom Cruise Summertime Blues&Cruise
This was formerly called “Blues on the Mall,” and now features classic cars, bikes, music, food and beverages–outside at the Delta Plex. Listen to great blues bands while enjoying beer and food at this historic event. Contact Marcus Bradman at Cumulus Broadcasting at (616)617-7061 for more details.
Thursday, June 25th The David Warsen Honor Ride
Starting points will be the Davenport University (south) and Driftwood Inn (north) with kickstands up at 5:30p.m. (please arrive at least 1/2 hour early.) Cars and motorcycles will then travel in a procession and converge in Downtown, Sparta, MI. for live music, food and beverages along with a special flag presentation to the family of the late David Warsen. Contact Elizabeth Morse at 616-887-2454 or 218-0488 for vendor information or event details.
Friday, June 26th (9:00a.m. Shotgun Start) The 2nd Annual Freedom Cruise Golf Classic
Four man scramble at Thornapple Point Golf Course. Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, all proceeds will go to the Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund. Contact Josh Buckenroth at Fifth Third Bank to sign your group up, or for sponsoring opportunities. Josh can be reached at (616) 654-2566.
Friday Night Cruise (4:00p.m. until dark)
The Freedom Cruise is going “retro” as we welcome everyone to join us for a classic car and bike cruise up and down Plainfield Ave on Friday afternoon and evening featuring Perrin VPA (Veterans Pale Ale) which will be served up and down the avenue generating revenue for West Michigan veterans. Perrin VPA will also be poured at the Garage Bar & Grill Biker Block Party on Ottawa Avenue. Great food, beer and live music will be featured on Ottawa Ave.
Saturday, June 27th (8:00a.m.-4:00p.m)
Plainfield Motor Mile Power Cruise featuring plenty of muscle cars, classics, bikes, vendors and fun–sponsored by the West Michigan Mustang Club and Plainfield Motor Mile & Village Motor Sports. This is going to be an incredible day with all of the Plainfield automobile dealerships rolling out the red carpet for a great day of classic cars, cruising the strip and awards sponsored by the West Michigan Mustang Club. All makes and models are welcome to attend and bike enthusiasts are welcome to visit the Village Motor sports open house.
Freedom Rocks Grand Rapids Concert (5:00p.m.)
This will be an event that will rock your summer as we escort the American Fallen Soldier Project and portrait of fallen West Michigan Navy Seal, David Warsen to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Amphitheatre. This event will honor the family of David Warsen, followed by a free concert featuring national recording artist Madison Rising.
Sunday, June 28th (1:00p.m.) Blessing of the Rides
Classic cars, muscle cars and motorcycles are welcome at the Veterans Home for our closing ceremonies and blessings over all those who participate by the Christian Motorcycle Association. Contact Ted Vonk for more information at (616)-874-2604 or (616)-822-0367.
We are fortunate to have a non-profit like Feeding America West Michigan in our community. Recently, they held their summer fundraising luncheon honoring those individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to assist those in need of food assistance throughout West Michigan, as well as the Upper Peninsula. Ken Estelle, CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, shared that distribution was up 10% over last year, totaling 26.5 million pounds of food provided through associated pantries, mobile food trucks, and other hunger-relief agencies. Though the economy may be slowing improving, “a lot of people are still struggling,” stated Estelle. He emphasized that solving hunger here in our community requires “many hands” and the importance of organizations, corporations, churches, and individuals working together.
Feeding America Artwork by Local Artist Reb Roberts.
Honored this year was Food Donor, Kellogg Company, having donated over 740,000 pounds of food, as well as contributing an endless supply of volunteers and funding. The Nelis family were awarded the Excellence in Advocacy award for their tireless efforts in raising awareness. The Outstanding Partner Agency was awarded to Love INC Newaygo who serve over 900 families a month, running 15 mobile pantries. Since 2006 Love INC has distributed 3.8 million pounds of food. The Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank has over 3,00 volunteers, and Carole Griffeth was honored with the Exceptional Volunteer award, putting in 2400 hours of service since 2009.
While Feeding America and their many volunteer groups are known for distributing needed food assistance, perhaps the most engaging testimony of the day was given to a women who has been on the receiving end of assistance, Michele Childs. She is currently a client of Streams of Hope, an affiliate of FAWM, located in the Townline community of Kentwood. Just 3 years ago, Childs shared, she was told she was super morbidly obese. Super morbid obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 50+–normal being 19-24.
“At 40 years old I could not tie my shoes, get in or out of a bathtub, or fit in a restaurant booth,” she explained.
“I guess it’s true you are what you eat because I ate comfort foods, high in calories, carbs, sodium, and saturated fats.”
Childs and a dear friend, Charnette Perry, who was suffering from obesity, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, made a promise to each other to get healthy. After Charnette passed, at the age of 44, Childs felt the need to fulfill that promise. A struggling single mother of 2, having survived an abusive relationship, Childs was in a dark place and found herself at nearly 400 pounds. She admits that she was “clueless how to purchase and cook food” to improve her health. She needed help.
From Left to Right: Regina Thomas, Michelle Childs, and Barbara Nauta. Photo by Kathryn Gray
Knowing that she would do “whatever it took,” Childs underwent bariatric surgery in October 2011. Dealing with diabetes that was out of control, Childs’ dietician introduced her to the Spectrum Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) program at Streams of Hope. She shared that the first time she visited the food pantry she felt humiliated. Fortunately, Childs found that the staff and volunteers passed no judgment but were instead eager to help her with more than just food assistance. The staff provided not only calorie information but the right kinds of food, combined with exercise and education for making lifestyle changes.
Barbara Nauta, organizational leader for Streams of Hope, explains that beyond providing food assistance, SOH provides educational and emotional support, building relationships, mentoring, and meeting family needs, all leading to healthier communities. Streams of Hope currently serves 5800 families, providing 336,000 pounds of food, while providing exercise classes, student tutoring, and a community garden. As healthy lifestyle choices are not just for adults, SOH is gearing up for the 2nd annual World Cup Readers Soccer Camp, engaging kids in reading activities combined with games and sports, including a nightly cook-out.
Michele Childs is surrounded by friends and supporters. Photo by Kathryn Gray
“Surgery is just a tool,” explains Childs. “The programs and classes at Streams of Hope helped me before and after.” Childs has a brighter outlook today. Currently she has lost 180 pounds. She was not flown to a glorious ranch, did not have a personal trainer at her beck and call for months, or compete for a $250,000 grand prize. Michele Childs made a promise and with the help of Streams of Hope, is a beautiful example of the Biggest Loser in Kentwood. She shines as she proclaims, “I eat right for my life!”
Feeding America West Michigan and Streams of Hope are always in need of help: be it volunteers, food donations, or monetary contributions. As Ken Estelle shared, there are still a lot of people struggling, wondering where their next meal will come from. One in four children in West Michigan are still considered “food insecure.” We all have a role to play in ensuring that those in need find the food resources available in our community. To volunteer, or to make food or monetary donations go to Feedingamericawestmichigan.org.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35
Team Yellow wins the gold, Team Orange takes the silver and Team Purple claims the bronze – all for a good cause!
by Mike Endres
Neighborhood Spring Olympics put the “fun” in fundraising.Participants play for big bucks!
For the seventh year in a row, a group of local residents held their Spring Olympic games to raise money for charity. These ‘backyard’ Olympics consist of eight teams of two players each. Each team represents a charity that they are passionate about and pay a buy-in to compete in the games. The team that wins the Olympics has the total purse donated to their favorite charity.
Prior to the big day, the teams vote on which games will be played. This year the players chose bowling, ladder ball, washers, hockey, miniature golf, Nerf archery, pool, corn hole and ping pong. Although it rained the day of the event, participants couldn’t help but have an amazing time!
All participants are entitled to a cookout following the games.
By the end of the competition, the Yellow Team (Jason and Ashley Martin) won it all for their charity, Family Life Today. And just like in the traditional Olympics, the top three teams win gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
In addition to overall winners, some individual events featured prizes thanks to generous local sponsors including Marge’s Donut Den, Park Center Lanes, Debbie’s Twist & Shake, Waste Management, blueVortex.net, and EP Adventures.
The coolest thing about this effort is that YOU too could plan a similar event as a means to have fun with friends and make a contribution to a good cause. For information on how, contact event organizer Mike Endres at mike@blueVortex.net
Mother’s Day has always been a time of celebration and joy, but not for everyone. It may be a time of hardship if a Mom is going through troubles– spending time in a shelter due to domestic violence.
Movers for Moms has been there to make life a little bit easier for many abused women in the West Michigan community. Two Men And A Truck has teamed up with local churches, schools and child care centers to collect donations for women who have dealt with domestic abuse. They provide items for mothers and children such as clothes, toys, and other necessary belongings on Mothers Day to give them hope in the face of a crisis. It’s a program that is worked on year long and this is the 8th year.
One of the daycare facilities that helped out this year was Rainbow Child Care Center in Byron Center. Stacy Shotko is their Regional Manager, and she is very excited about the Movers for Moms project.
“What a better place to do this project than at a child care center where we are seeing Moms and working with them every single day,” she explained.
Each year, Movers for Moms donates to a different local shelter and this year it’s Safe Haven Ministries. This non-profit helps women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.
Ana Doonan, Development and Communications Director of Safe Haven is appreciative of all of the efforts of this highly successful campaign.
“The donations really takes the children’s minds away from abuse. When you see them playing and reading books or watching movies, it is great,” she said.
Last year was a record-breaking year with more than 220,000 items being collected and donated to shelters across the country. To find out how you can help, please visit: twomenandatruck.com
Trillions of airline miles go unused each year. Instead of letting them expire or using them for magazine subscriptions, those miles can easily be donated to change the lives of sick kids battling life-threatening illnesses right here in Michigan. This month, Make-A-Wish Michigan launched a month-long campaign – Give Wishes Wings – focusing on the unique and critical need Make-A-Wish has for airline miles. The campaign encourages travelers who have unused airline miles to consider donating them to help grant the 81 percent of Michigan wishes that are expected to require travel this fiscal year.
The process to donate miles is as simple as visiting givewisheswings.org, choosing from a number of airlines – including Alaska, American, Delta, Jet Blue and United – and entering a few pieces of information. The number of miles an individual can donate ranges from a few hundred miles* to millions. Donated miles never expire and are never used for anything other than wish travel for wish kids and their families.
Most people have seen or heard of a wish come true – whether it’s a 10-year-old boy visiting Hawaii to see flowing lava, a three-year-old girl meeting the host of a children’s television show, or a teenager being whisked away to a Hollywood movie premiere – miles away from the thought of treatment and the pain of hospital visits. However, few people recognize the resources Make-A-Wish Michigan requires to make wishes possible.
“Travel is a costly expense for our chapter,” said Karen Davis, Make-A-Wish Michigan president & CEO. “Donating airline miles is a little-known way for supporters to help us grant more life-changing wishes to bring hope, strength and joy to our wish kids.”
Supporters who do not have miles to donate, can also visit givewisheswings.org to make a monetary contribution.
Some estimates show there are more than 16 trillion frequent flier miles that go unused each year and some 25 percent of people let their miles expire or at the last minute use miles for magazine subscriptions or a one-time upgrade. In contrast, the impact of a wish can last a lifetime. In fact, medical professionals say wish experiences can improve children’s state of mind, make them more willing to comply with treatment requirements, and even influence their physical health. Former wish kids tell us their wish experience improved their health and strength; gave them more confidence and the will to pursue more challenging life goals; made them more philanthropic and compassionate; and even helped save their life.
Give Wishes Wings is the most ambitious airline miles initiative in Make-A-Wish history. Make-A-Wish Michigan will join Make-A-Wish chapters throughout the country in its activation of the April campaign, which includes brand new broadcast, print and online PSA and advertising features; a mobile optimized micro-site with real-time donation tracking; and a peer-to-peer challenge component that enlists social media to generate campaign support.
For most people, St. Patrick’s Day typically includes spending time with friends and family having a few beers.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a national non-profit organization that raises money for childhood cancer research.
But for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Paddy’s day is spent a little differently. The foundation celebrates the holiday through a head-shaving fundraiser to raise money for children’s cancer research.
St. Baldrick’s raises money all over the country for cancer research, and for a second year, the event took place in West Michigan. This year’s host was the 84th Street Pub and Grille in Byron Center. This year the event raised over $45,ooo!
Pat Schrager of Byron Center is St. Baldrick’s local event coordinator. “This is the seventh year I’ve done it. We were doing it in Indiana where we lived. When we came to Grand Rapids, we were surprised it wasn’t here.”
While shaving your head can certainly be difficult for anyone to face, when it comes to a good cause, most people are up for the challenge.
Volunteers step up to have their heads shaved to raise money.
Bobbi Halas is one of those people. She faced the fear of shaving her head to give to the fundraiser.
“It was the weirdest feeling I’ve ever had and I was scared spitless,” Halas said. “But it’s such a great cause.”
Bobbi, along with many others, came out to show their support for children’s cancer research. Cancer survivor Allison Slagter was impressed.
“It’s really fun watching everyone so eager to shave their heads, because that’s kind of scary if they don’t want to,” Slagter said. “Everyone’s just really eager to donate”.
Money for cancer research doesn’t grow on trees. But hair does grow on heads
Schrager explains that the St. Baldrick’s donations are also helping West Michigan local hospitals fund cancer research including the Children’s Oncology Fund, their largest benefactor. “And Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital participates in that,” adds Schrager.
Although the event is only in its second year in West Michigan, Schrager says the number of eager donors is growing.
“As you get people involved and start talking about it, they realize it’s only hair, it grows back,” Schrager said.
Teresa Thome, former director of Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, takes the stage at LaughFest.
Sure LaughFest brings in the big names of comedy to perform in Grand Rapids but it also gives local performers the chance to shine.
Grand Rapids native Teresa Thome is a writer, performer, comic and television producer with strong ties to the community, LaughFest and WKTV. On Sunday, March 8 she’ll be performing her one woman show called “Warm Cheese” at Dog Story Theater at 7 p.m.
Perhaps one of the most interesting show titles, “Warm Cheese” is Thome’s inspirational work in-progress account of her grief journey for her late mother. A journey that has had its struggles and its laughs. With humor and poignancy, Thome shares her revelation of waking up one morning and deciding she no longer wanted to hate her late mother. The performance is a part of LaughFest’s LaughterRx, a series of programming that highlights the health benefits of laughter and its importance in emotional health.
“I was writing about my mom long before she died,” Thome admits. “I was going to write a book about her because she was neurotic and crazy and a fascinating control freak. I could see writing a funny book called, ‘My Crazy Mom.'”
Instead, Thome was encouraged to take her experiences on stage after sharing her stories at the Aquinas Women’s Writers Series. “I would read these stories in class and people would laugh,” says Thome adding, “I realized I was giving people permission to not grieve.
“Sometimes other people want you to be sadder than you actually are when someone dies. This is a story for all those people experiencing that.”
Thome is no stranger to LaughFest. Her involvement began the first year of the festival when she and her business partner, Patrick Ziegler, were asked to help produce the Signature Events. It’s been a most rewarding and challenging offer ever since.
“It gave me the opportunity to work with Betty White, Martin Short and to meet Alan Zweibel who helped Gilda develop all of her characters,” Thome says.
“He is a prolific writer who has offered to mentor me through my one woman show process. I reach out to him for an assist every once in a while and he gives me these little tools of insight. How can I be so lucky? I have to do this show!”
Can you blame her?
Although this is the third time Warm Cheese has been performed in Grand Rapids, Thome says it’s the first time it’s a full-length show. She’s looking forward to getting feedback from the audience to help her craft her story more to perfection. And when the time is right, Thome says she hopes to take it on the road.
“I’m grateful for so much of what I get to do when I get to do it,” says Thome. “My challenge personally is, I always want to do more.”
Thome has dual residences in Grand Rapids and Los Angeles to accommodate her career as a producer and writer. When she is in town and working on a television project, she comes to WKTV.
“We use WKTV because the spirit of the people here is so helpful and supportive. It’s such an amazing gift to the community.”
Thome and Patrick Ziegler are partners of Fubble Entertainment. Together they produced an Emmy Award winning web series (www.backstagedrama.com) through WKTV. They also produced the television show, Holiday Special, last year at the station.
“I’m glad more people are learning about what you have to offer here,” Thome says.
“But I want to say, ‘No this is my station,” she adds laughing.
Most of us have no idea how our computer works or what tool you would need to fix one – and worse, no way to explain the mystery of modern technology to our kids. A group called GR Young Makers is out to change that. Recently about 150 6th graders from Godwin Heights were invited to find some answers to how things tick by taking things apart. A number of teachers volunteered to assist the students at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in an event called “Take It Apart Day.”
“Take it Apart Day” helps kids see how things work.
Robyn Bowles, Director of GR Young Makers, says the mission is to provide hands-on project-based learning opportunities for students and educators. The group has already visited classrooms in Jenison and Godwin Heights to introduce students and teachers to ways that science, math, and social studies can come together to help kids learn.
Lori Barr, 6th Grade Teacher at Pinewood Elementary in the Jenison Public Schools District says her students take things apart that would have ended up in a landfill and in the process learn about ecology and, “the mechanics involved…how electrons are involved in magnetics. So many things we’re learning about in the 6th grade are applied right before their very eyes.”
Tools are donated to help students explore the inner workings of machines.
Director Bowles says the group is an extension of GR Makers, a company that operates like a community tool shop and design studio to encourage people to try out ideas that may require expensive or hard-to-find tools and explore entrepreneurship. The GR Young Makers focus, however, is on students, educators and other community members.
One of the founders of GR Makers, Casey Du Bois, says, “This ‘take-it-apart’ thing has really taken off. We’ve got lots of free stuff so we’re hoping to be able to encourage other schools to do this.” The GR Makers have received hundreds of free tools from sponsors that make the GR Young Makers program possible as well.
So if you would like to fix a mechanical problem that can’t be solved by switching batteries, check out the GR Makers and think about inviting the GR Young Makers to visit your school. For more information contact https://www.grmakers.com/
I have a life-long passion for Creation Care and Earth-keeping. Recently, I have discovered the online site called Green America and its wealth of resources on how to live in harmony with our Earth, including on how to advocate divesting.
Basically, divesting means refusing to invest in or use companies, products and processes that damage people and pollute our planet, or if you already own products or stock in those companies, it means shifting your dollars and purchasing power to protest their continuing actions that abuse our planet and ultimately us, the people who live here.
Green America has a long history of exposing harmful fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas carbon) extraction as well as consumption. For me, Creation Care includes divesting from fossil fuel companies and reducing consumptive lifestyles and use of their products and processes. This also includes divesting from big banks, multinational corporations and associated credit cards intertwined with fossil fuels that pollute and exploit the disenfranchised, the marginalized and the planet.
It further involves reinvesting into clean renewable energy (NOT nuclear) and into life and community-building alternatives.
Green advocacy groups, such as Green America and others, have long been concerned over the devastation and pollution from fossil fuels, including their extraction, consumptive use and end-products. At the present rate of escalating use, fossil fuel emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere are causing catastrophic and irreversible man-made global warming and climate change. The results are grave effects on our planet’s health (human and animal) and human rights.
I agree with Bill McKibben of 350.org that in order to preserve our planet, carbon dioxide formed by extraction and consumption of fossil fuels, MUST be reduced from current levels in the atmosphere to below 350 parts per million. Advocates, including Green America, urge this reduction, and for us to make clean-energy economy a reality by refusing to invest in companies that are destroying our planet. They further urge the shifting of investment and purchase dollars into alternative, clean, renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro. These sources prove to be more life and community enhancing. This can also be achieved by supporting public policies and lifestyles that move us away from fossil fuels.
To me, divesting and reinvesting are crucial for the common good! My identity is in life-long, deep soul-searching passion for Biblical Christian faith and discipleship to Jesus Christ. My passion flows with the mission of Creation Care: stewardship, equality, solution-focused global and local justice for people and the planet; in other words, living simply so that others may simply live.
Note: Martie Jager recently presented at the series Our Changing Climate & Positive Earthkeeping Responses presented by Hope Reformed Church at Burton St. and 2210 Kalamazoo Ave in Grand Rapids. The sessions run 11:15 a.m. until noon every Sunday through May 3 (except Easter). The schedule for the remaining sessions is below:
Part II: The Church
Sunday, March 8 Caretakers of the Earth – Steve Bouma-Prediger
Sunday, March 15 What’s Happened at Hope Church, Holland? Peter Boogaart
Part III: Local/Regional Issues & Efforts
Sunday, March 22 Grand Rapids and its Environment – GR Mayor George Heartwell
As Gilda Radner would say, “It’s always something!” In this case, that “something” is the weather. As a result, the LaughFest Community Kickoff presented by Feyen Zylstra will be relocated from Rosa Parks Circle to the Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. NE).
Fountain Street Church is not a stranger to LaughFest, as it will also be hosting a number of events throughout the 10-day festival, including Lavell Crawford on March 11, Jim Jefferies on March 12 and Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood on March 15.
“We are more than happy to host the Community Kickoff event,” said Senior Minister Fred Wooden. “We have plenty of space, and hope everyone will still plan to come out and help LaughFest break a world record, despite the weather.”
The nation’s first ever community-wide festival of laughter will still carry on as planned, with intentions to set a Guinness World Record for the most people wearing paper crowns. Baudville Inc. will provide all participants with a paper crown as well as an exclusive LaughFest button to the first 1,500 people. An official, limited edition LaughFest World Record t-shirt will be available for purchase.
The world record attempt will be followed with opening night events at downtown restaurants, Clean Comedy Showcases, and a free comedy preview show, at the Pyramid Scheme (68 Commerce Ave.) at 10 p.m. This show will include a sneak peak of local, regional and national comedians who will be featured during the 10-day festival. A suggested $5 donation to Gilda’s Club will be collected at the door. Fast passes are available for these shows at LaughFest Central (located in the GRAM, 101 Monroe Center St. NW), which will guarantee the holder a seat at the show as long as they are seated 15 minutes prior to start time.
When: March 5 – LaughFest Kickoff
· 5:30 p.m. – opening to the church, pre activities start
· 6:00 p.m. – witnesses, time keepers and presenters arrive
· 6:30 p.m. – program starts
· 6:45 p.m. – official attempt to break the existing record
Where: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Since inception, LaughFest has averaged 55,000 attendees per year. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit www.laughfestgr.org, or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.
If your school media room needs a makeover, the Grand Rapids Griffins and Farm Bureau Insurance Company want to hear from you. Your elementary or middle school in Kent County or the Thornapple-Kellogg district could be a big winner. Simply answer the question “Why does your school need a media room makeover?” Provide an optional photo of your existing media room, computer lab or library. Applications may be submitted by anyone interested, including school principals, administrators or teachers. Applications are due online between now and April 1, 2015 at griffinshockey.com/mediaroommakeover
The media room makeover could consist of a variety of new resources such as computer hardware, software, books, furniture, paint, carpet and light construction, with a value ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to as much as $10,000-$15,000.
Following the application deadline on April 1, all entries will be reviewed by the Griffins and Farm Bureau Insurance and narrowed to a pool of three finalist schools, each of which will receive a site visit as part of the final selection. The Griffins and Farm Bureau will choose the winning school by April 30, assist school officials in the makeover of the school’s media room this summer, then host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the start of the new school year in August or September.
Several partners have signed on to provide assistance with the makeover as needed, including Comprenew and Mike Case of Case Construction. In addition, the Kent Intermediate School District and the Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of Catholic Schools are supporting the contest by communicating the opportunity to every elementary and middle school principal in Kent County, as well as the Thornapple-Kellogg district in Barry County (which is served by KISD). All eligible schools with a need are encouraged to apply.
Official rules and regulations of the contest are available here .
The list of ways hunger can affect a child’s health is a long one. Chronic health issues like asthma, behavioral issues like anxiety and social issues like bullying are just a part of that list.
Nan Evans has seen children sneak food in their pockets and fight over a piece of breakfast food.
“When they’re hungry, they’re fidgety,” said Evans, principal of Kent Hills Elementary School in Grand Rapids. “They can’t focus. Getting mad and making trouble from being hungry can be how they express anger in inappropriate ways.”
Kent Hills is far from alone in dealing with the problem of hungry and undernourished children. According to Kids Food Basket, an agency that provides students with meals, more than 30,000 area children — that’s about 20 percent of the children in West Michigan — are at risk of hunger.
Studies have shown hungry children living in poverty are at high risk for chronic health conditions such as asthma and frequent oral health problems; more likely to require hospitalization than children who eat regular meals; and more prone to behavioral issues and social difficulties such as aggression, hyperactivity and irritability. They are six times more likely “to be in less than optimal health, experiencing a wide variety of illnesses and injuries” compared with children from higher income families, according to the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice.
When it comes to schooling, hunger and malnutrition can hurt students’ achievement in a number of ways, educators and health officials say.
“It is important that they ingest important nutrients for optimal functioning in school,” said Stephanie Painter, director of Spectrum Health’s School Health Advocacy Program.
“We know nutrition is important because research has demonstrated that if children lack food, they are more likely to be in special education, have behavior or conduct disorders, be obese because of food insecurity, be at risk for psychiatric problems, be unable to focus or pay attention, and also are at risk for disease because they are anemic.”
A Pantry at School
Principal Nan Evans at Kent Hills Elementary’s monthly mobile food pantry.
Kent Hills is one of several area schools taking a direct approach to student hunger. It works with Feeding America West Michigan to hold a mobile pantry the third Wednesday of every month.
A semitrailer full of donated food backed up to one of the school’s double doors on a pantry day earlier this year. Volunteers unloaded the food onto rectangular tables filling the hallway. Soon, the tables were packed with potatoes, apples, bread, crackers, desserts, yogurt and sausage to be distributed to the 90-plus people in line.
One of the people in line was Rhonda Hawkins. Her grandson attends the school, and she lives with him, her dad and daughter. The food she picks up at the mobile pantry will help them a lot, she said.
“We can go a few weeks with potatoes and stuff,” Hawkins said. What they can’t do is go to the cupboard and wolf down as many Pop Tarts as they want. The food they get is managed carefully to go as far as it can.
Hawkins’ daughter, Keli, was standing in line with her. The food they pick up at the mobile pantry is used “pretty much with every meal or snack,” Keli said. “If we have extra potatoes, we give it to the elderly couple across the street.”
Cassandra Butler was in line with two teenagers who didn’t want to be named. “This is good when people are low-income and trying to make ends meet,” Butler said. “I got cut off my food stamps after Christmas. You do what you have to do when it comes down to eating.”
Feeding America West Michigan is working on expanding mobile pantries like these, which have also visited Dickinson Elementary, three Grand Rapids high schools and North and West Godwin elementaries this year. The agency supplies nearly 1,200 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters in 40 counties in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
How Food Can Change Things
Kids Food Basket is another local organization seeking to help with children’s hunger. It sends sack suppers home with more than 6,000 children in the greater Grand Rapids and Muskegon area.
When children do get enough food, the results can be wonderful. Julie VanGessel, program manager for the Kids Food Basket Kids Helping Kids program in Grand Rapids, has seen it happen.
She remembers watching a class once and complimenting the teacher on what a great group of students she had. The teacher told her the class used to be difficult before they realized the students were hungry from lack of nutritious food. When a way was found to provide them with more food, their behavior, attendance and test scores all improved.
“It’s because they’re not hungry,” VanGessel said.
Rhonda Hawkins and her daughter, Keli, in line for donated food.
Families faced with hunger often skip meals and buy cheaper, less nourishing food because that’s all they can afford, said Emma Garcia, hunger response director for Access of West Michigan, a network of food pantries and anti-poverty programs.
Eating the empty calories of cheap foods like macaroni and cheese can lead to health problems including obesity and diabetes, Garcia said. That’s why organizations like hers work to make sure the food they give out is nutritious and includes the five food groups. Providing families with food that is “just calories doesn’t do them justice,” she said.
VanGessel agreed, saying, “It robs kids of their energy and their health.”
Inside the sack supper Kids Food Basket sends home with students is a meat or cheese sandwich or a tortilla roll-up for protein; one serving each of a fresh fruit and vegetable; a fruit juice box; and two healthy snacks like a granola bar or string cheese. Providing such balanced meals “helps kids stay focused, get their homework done, and stay on track with other children,” asserts the agency’s website.
Too Long Between Meals
Another issue agencies are trying to solve is the time gap some children face between meals. VanGessel tells of a mother working two part-time jobs, raising two daughters on a fixed income and going to college. When the mother noticed her kindergartner was coming home daily with headaches and struggling with homework, she thought it was a medical problem. Her child’s health issues actually stemmed from the many hours without food between getting her free lunch at school and eating dinner at home.
“They get breakfast and lunch at school, but if mom works until 7 p.m. and the meal comes at 8 p.m, and the last food they had was lunch at 10:30 a.m., it’s a huge gap of time,” VanGessel said.
“Sack suppers became a saving grace for this family,” she added. “Not only did the young student’s hunger headaches disappear, but she was back to her playful self, with energy to complete her homework assignments.”
Being diagnosed with cancer is daunting enough for a person to deal with but many cancer patients face an additional hardship: transportation to and from medical treatments. They either have no transportation or do not feel well enough to drive.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the need for transportation is second only to direct financial assistance. That’s why the ACS began the Road to Recovery program, connecting patients with specially trained volunteer drivers who donate their time and personal vehicle to transport them. The service is free and thanks to the generosity of the drivers, it’s a lifesaver for the cancer patients to get the treatment they need.
“It’s just one less thing they have to worry about,” says Mindy Klein, West Michigan’s ACS program manager.
Unfortunately right now, Klein says the need for more volunteer drivers in Kent County is critical.
“We’re actually getting more requests than we have drivers to accommodate,” Klein states. “We have to turn them away or find another resource for them and we don’t want to have to do that.”
Currently, the active number of volunteer drivers is between 15 and 20 people she says. “We need many more drivers to accommodate the number cancer patients who need this service. Any amount of time a volunteer can give to transporting a patient is greatly appreciated – not only by the American Cancer Society but by the patients themselves.”
Klein goes on to explain that the ACS considers the volunteer’s availability and weekly schedule before matching them with a patient. It goes without saying that treatment appointments are usually Monday through Friday during working hours. Some cancer patients need treatment daily while others may need treatment every other week. “It varies according the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan,” says Klein.
To be eligible for the Road to Recovery services, Klein says all one needs is a cancer diagnosis and a phone call to the local American Cancer Society. To be a volunteer driver, participants are required to complete a short online training program, a background check and a motor vehicle check. It’s an easy and flexible way to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
“Many of our current volunteers have developed close relationships with their patients and often tell us that while the patient is extremely grateful, they too are greatly rewarded,” Klein says.
To find out how you can volunteer to be a Road to Recovery driver or to find out more information about this program or many other Soceity programs, contact the local office of the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
West Michigan honors the contributions of African Americans to the rich tapestry of our nation’s history. Organizations including local universities, social clubs, and institutions such as public libraries will feature special displays, exhibits, and events dedicated to recognizing the unique stories and achievements of Black Americans.
GVSU Office of Multicultural Affairs Events
GVSU will host several events to honor Black History Month. For dates and locations, click on the link for details.
Taste of Soul Sunday at Grand Rapids Public Library
Join the GRPL as they celebrate African American history and
Imani Singers of Grand Rapids
culture at the tenth annual FREE Taste of Soul Sunday. Parking is always free on Sunday in the library lot. The parking ramp at GRCC (north of our building) and metered spots on the street are free on Sunday as well.
Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, 655 Seward, Grand Rapids, MI, (4th Tuesday of every Month). FREE and open to the community with free parking in the lot and on the side streets. Build relationships, your knowledge of racial equity, and learn about advocacy to create ideas for action, recruit the help of others, and implement work that can help eliminate racialized outcomes in our community. Email Colin Smith with questions.
Saturday, February 28 –5:00 – 11:00 pm
Celebration of Soul
For 14 years, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony with Soul concert has moved diverse audiences with jazz, opera, gospel and R&B. On February 28th, Vanessa Williams will perform her greatest pop hits alongside the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra. The Grand Rapids Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Community Inclusion Group to bring the NAACP Image Award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist to DeVos Performance Hall.
The concert is part of the evening’s Celebration of Soul gala, which is celebrating its 10th year. DeVos Place, Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Last week 27 people from the Kent County area bundled up on one of the coldest nights of the year to check under bridges, overpasses, and parks. They were looking for their fellow citizens, people technically classified as “homeless.” Jim Talen, coordinator for Kent County’s 2015 Point in Time Count of homeless residents, says total numbers of homeless in Kent County are expected to range somewhere between 650 to 800. “Last year we counted a little over 790 and we expect to be close to that this year,” says Talen. Numbers are not broken out by community.
Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Wyoming, says that communities in Kent County work together to care for the homeless, so services are centralized. “We want everyone to know that calling 2-1-1 is the way to access services for people who fear they will become homeless or those who already are.” The City of Wyoming publishes a pamphlet on homeless issues available at this link: Community_Outreach_Trifold.pdf
It’s the start of February in Michigan which means endless days of cloudy gray skies, brisk biting winds and a case of the winter blahs. For me it’s all that and more as I enter into the second phase of my breast cancer treatment, radiation.
Grateful to be done with the chemo, I am left tired, pale and hairless in the dead of winter. “From here on out, it’s growing season!” I tell myself even though looking my best and feeling better about myself is a daily challenge. From deciding what to wear on my head (for warmth and comfort rather than sex appeal), to avoiding clown makeup, getting ready to go out for the day has been less than inspiring for my social confidence and kicking cancer’s butt!
So it was indeed a godsend when I discovered a brochure for the Look Good Feel Better program at the Resource Library in Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion. Thanks to the Personal Care Products Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Professional Beauty Association, I, or anyone with cancer, could attend a FREE two-hour makeover workshop to guide me in dealing with appearance changes during my cancer treatment. Wow! And when I signed up and was told I would also be getting a FREE makeup kit filled with quality products to take home – it was like a little ray of sunshine broke through my gloom to give me hope! Ahhh!
Cosmetology professional, Ronna Kilts has been driving from Newaygo every week for over a year to volunteer her time and talents to helping women like me feel empowered and beautiful in the face of cancer treatment. Kilts says her inspiration to do this came from her aunt, also a cancer survivor, who went through the program herself.
“The day I graduated from cosmetology school I signed up to do this,” Kilts says. “It was something I knew I had to be involved in. It’s a great program, it’s fun and it’s super rewarding!”
The Look Good Feel Better program is a step by step guide to teach women about makeup, skin, nail care, wigs and other head coverings used during cancer treatment. It is a free, non-medical workshop and does not promote any one brand. Products in the kits have been generously donated for the cause and come in light, medium, dark, and extra dark to match your skin tone.
We started our session with brief introductions before turning our attention to the contents of the Look Good Feel Better makeup kits. You’d think it was Christmas morning for the three of us who participated as we examined each item individually, impressed by the brand names at our disposal. Although no two kits are alike, they all contain the essentials such as concealer, foundation, powder, blush, etc. With ooohs and aaahs and giggles of delight, (because we were all anxious to look good and feel better!) we were eager to get underway. Kilts took us step by step through the how-to booklet provided to graciously and patiently transform our appearance and our spirits.
“It’s amazing how a few subtle make-up tips can work miracles!” one women remarked, adding, “I wish I did this at the start of my chemo. I would have saved myself a lot of frustration!”
And that’s the whole initiative behind the Look Good Feel Better program – to give women, and men too, the opportunity to look in the mirror and see themselves again! Since 1989 the program has helped well over a million patients worldwide. To find a session near you go to http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/ and search your zip code. While you’re there, spend some time browsing their helpful website. It’s bound to inspire, inform and lift spirits during the cancer journey. It certainly did mine!
For more in-depth information about cancer programs, resources and questions go to cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions, provide information, or offer referrals to programs.
Sinbad will be one of the headliners for LaughFest 2015
by Tyler Lecceadone
Gilda’s LaughFest today announced that this years Signature Event will celebrate the festivals fifth year, and five years of smiles in West Michigan, with a lineup of returning LaughFest comedians coming together for the first time ever. Additionally, LaughFest has announced the remaining acts for the 2015 Festival, which runs from March 5 to 15.
The Signature Event will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at DeVos place and will be hosted by Michael Kosta, the winner of LaughFest’s 2011 stand-up competition. The event will feature headlining acts from LaughFest’s past years including Jim Breuer, Kathleen Madigan, Sinbad and Justin Willman. Additional LaughFest acts announced today include Cristela Alonzo, Orny Adams, Hen Sapp, Improv Cinema and Dont We Boys with Dubalicous.
“This is our fifth festival and Signature Event, so to celebrate those five years of smiles and Gilda Radner’s legacy of laughter, along with the fifteen year anniversary of Gildas Club Grand Rapids, were bringing back some of LaughFests most talked about acts to our Signature Event,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest.
”These performers will come together for an amazing evening of laughter and entertainment while supporting the mission of Gildas Club.”
Breuer was named one of Comedy Centrals 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time, and is known for his charismatic stage antics, dead-on impressions, and family-friendly stand-up. Following three years on Saturday Night Live, Breuer also appeared in several television shows and movies, including Zookeeper, Late Night with Conan OBrien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He currently hosts, Friends with Breuer, a weekly Sirius/XM Radio show.
”I’ve always been aware of the way that Gilda paved the way for female comics”, said Breuer. ”She left such a lasting impression on the comedy industry and SNL fans. While she left us way too soon, her legacy lives on through the incredible work of Gildas Club. I had a great time at LaughFest in 2013 and cant wait to get back to Grand Rapids to be a part of this amazing event.”
Winner of the American Comedy and Phyllis Diller awards for Best Female Comedian, Madigan has a successful comedy career that spans 25 years. She has appeared with late night performers Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan OBrien and Craig Ferguson. Her third hour-long special, Madigan Again, was named one of the best comedy albums of 2013 by iTunes.
“I was really happy to hear that I was invited back to Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids,” said Madigan. “I did it in 2011 and was blown away with this relatively small city that just blew the doors off of how to do a festival. I’ve been correctly quoted that’s it’s the best festival in the country right now. No politics, just all funny people. I was a big Gilda Radner fan and paying tribute to her with a great festival is perfect. And, from performing in Michigan for 25 years, it’s hard to find better crowds. I’m coming early to watch other comics. Can’t wait!”
A two-time LaughFest veteran and Michigan native, Sinbad is also internationally known for his movie roles including Planes, Jingle All the Way, Houseguest and Necessary Roughness. He also appeared in five of his own HBO comedy specials, his annual HBO music concert series, and has found great success with his two Comedy Central specials, 2010s Where U Been and 2014s Make Me Wanna Holla.
Willman is a magician, comedian and TV personality. He is a frequent guest on the Tonight Show, Ellen and Chelsea Lately. He also hosts hits shows Cupcake Wars, and Win, Lose or Draw. The Los Angeles Times dubbed him, a new breed of magician whos making magic cool again for grown-ups. Time Out says his live show has to be seen to be disbelieved.
Kosta, a Michigan native, is currently the resident clown on Fox Sports 1s flagship series Crowd Goes Wild. There, Kosta and Regis Philbin lead a panel of sports experts in a lighthearted look at the world of sports. He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Chelsea Lately and Conan. He also starred in his own special on Comedy Central, and can currently be seen as a correspondent for E!s The Soup Investigates.
”What Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids has done is truly amazing,” said Kosta. “To have a festival of this caliber in my home state makes me so proud, and I was honored to be the winner of the inaugural year’s stand-up comedy competition.
“When I was here for LaughFest, I had the opportunity to tour Gilda’s Club and learn more about the important work they are doing for people living with cancer and grief, and I’m so proud to be associated with it. I’ve been trying to get back to the festival for years. I’m glad they finally invited me back to be part of such a special event!”
Signature Event tickets are currently available for purchase. Table sponsorships are available for $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 for tables of 10. Individual tickets are available for $250. $100 of the individual ticket cost is tax deductible.
In addition to the Signature Event performers, LaughFest also announced the final five shows for the 2015 festival. Tickets for these shows are on sale now.
Cristela Alonzo will perform on March 7 at Wealthy Theater. She has topped several comedy lists in the past year, including Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, Top 10 Comedy Acts to Watch in 2014 by L.A. Weekly, Cosmo Latinas 8 Women You Should be Following on Twitter, Time Out’s Comics to Watch, Cosmos 13 Female Comedians to Watch For in 2014, and One of the 50 Comedians You Should and WILL Know by Vulture.com
On March 11, Orny Adams will perform at GVSUs Kirkhof Center in conjunction with Spotlight Productions. Adams rose to prominence after co-starring in Jerry Seinfelds documentary Comedian. Named by The Hollywood Reporter as a favorite comedian to watch, he has made several appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman.
On March 13, Grand Rapids native and comedian Hen Sapp will host A Night of Skittles at Kentwood Community Church. This event will feature Sapp and his special guests, Vyck Cooley, Gilbert Esquivel, Tyreece Guyton and Lisa Mills, for a night of comedy, music, and more!
On March 13, Compass College will host Improv at the Movies with special guests Lethal Action Force. Improv at the Movies features a team of comedic artists, from West Michigan, updating a famously bad film in the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Comics will improvise new dialog and sound effects as films are projected live on the screen, playing off the sometimes bad plot lines and poor acting. Following the movie, improv group Lethal Action Force will perform an improv show influenced by action movies from the 1980s and 1990s.
Dont We Boys with Dubalicous will perform on March 14 at Compass College. Dont We Boys is a fast-paced sketch comedy show that has received positive reviews at comedy festivals across the country. This show is similar in tone to Comedy Centrals Key & Peele. Dubalicous combines the thrill of long form improv with hilarity of dubbing. Troupe members Lauren Bickers and Cara Trautman met during their first term at Second City Detroit many, many years ago.
Entertainers previously announced for LaughFest 2015 include: George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Patton Oswalt, Bo Burnham, Pete Holmes, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Lavell Crawford, Jerrod Carmichael, Brian Posehn, Costaki Economopoulos, Big Jay Oakerson with Ben Roy, Jim Jefferies, Ryan Hamilton, and Nick Thune and Brody Stevens.
LaughFest 2015 will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland during the 10 days of the festival.
Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $70, excluding the Signature Event. All shows are on-sale now, and tickets can be purchased at the Van Andel Arena Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets, or LaughFest Central, when it opens in mid-February, through the closing day of LaughFest.
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gildas Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Since inception, LaughFest has averaged 55,000 attendees per year. 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.
We’ve all seen plastic garbage bags on the shoulder of the road and in ditches. We ignore them because we assume they contain someone’s garbage, right?
Not always.
A Gruesome Discovery
The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Pat*, a longtime Cedar Springs resident, walked out to her mailbox as she does each day. But this day was different. She noticed a garbage bag in the ditch by the edge of the road. Initially irritated that someone had treated her property as their personal garbage dump, she walked over to the bag. But there was something odd about this particular bag. Pat saw that while the top was securely tied, the bottom of the bag was shredded and partially open. When she took an even closer look, she was sickened to see that inside the garbage bag was the body of a brown tabby cat. It must have shredded the bottom of the bag trying to escape its plastic prison. Pat reached down toward the cat and made a truly gruesome discovery: the cat was still alive.
Once left for dead in a plastic bag in a ditch, Mister (kitty) is healthy and needing a home.
Somebody had literally thrown away a live animal!
At this point, there was no telling how much damage the cat had sustained after being tossed into a ditch and then left to freeze in the unseasonably cold weather. From its condition, Pat assumed the cat was dying. It was not moving, showed no sign of having any energy and when it looked at her to meow, scarcely a sound came out.
Worried for its health, she scooped up the cat, bag and all, and brought both into her house. Pat wrapped the cat in a blanket and held it, consoling the tabby while it was shivering with cold and fear. She then set up a pet carrier with blankets, leaving the door open. Next to that, she set out food and water. After several hours, the cat was able to walk over and drink the water. “He was surprisingly thirsty,” Pat says.
She left him alone for a while to eat and rest, checking on him periodically. The victimized animal sprang back quickly. Pat guessed that the cat could not have been in the bag in the ditch longer than 24 hours. “I know that bag wasn’t there when I got the mail on Friday but it was there on Saturday.” Luckily for the brown tabby, Pat did not ignore someone else’s “trash.”
Two days after finding it, Pat, spent money out of her own pocket and took the cat to the Sparta Animal Hospital for a checkup, “…because you gotta do the right thing,” she explained. She was surprised that even after his ordeal, he went into the carrier easily. She was more relieved when the vet reported that the tabby was a neutered male, only around a year old and was in good condition. Fortunately, Mister (as Pat later named him) there were no broken bones or other injuries.
“Who does that?” Pat’s brow furrows in anger now. “Who raises an animal, spends the time and money to neuter it and then does something awful like this?”
After spending a few more days together following the vet visit, Pat says Mister allowed her to get close and pet him, adding, “Once he knew I wasn’t going to hurt him.”
Over the holidays, Pat had many visitors which included her grandchildren. Mister welcomed them, neither fearful nor annoyed. Being such a friendly and gentle cat, Pat is still puzzled why someone wouldn’t want him – to the point they would go to such ghastly lengths to get rid of him.
Sadly for Mister, Pat’s four dogs refuse to accept him into the family. Mister tries to play with the canine crew, but they don’t want to play with Mister.
Mister is a nuetered male tabby about a year old.
Thus, Pat began her search for someone that could take him. Two of Pat’s friends had recently adopted their cats from Focus on Ferals Cat Shelter and Adoption Center in Byron Center MI. Founder Gina Marvin immediately agreed to take Mister into the adoption program, where he currently resides.
Says Marvin, “Tragically for animals, we still live in a society where people think it is a good idea to literally toss them out like trash. Only God knows how many are never found. The lucky ones get rescued by some kind-hearted person who just happens upon them. It goes without saying that the discarded animals deserve to be rescued. But also, those everyday people like Pat, who do not have resources to place an animal, and who still go out of their way to save an animal, deserve to get help.”
Like Marvin, Pat is no stranger to rescuing animals. Back in 1979, she recalls stopping a man in a pickup truck from deliberately driving over a snapping turtle. And she has been protecting animals ever since. From “traveling cats” who stop by her property from time to time, to litters of unwanted kittens that get dropped off in her barn, she spends money out of her own pocket to ensure that they have veterinary care, are fixed and stay safe.
“Because you gotta do the right thing.”
If you are interested in Mister, or any of the other cats in the Focus on Ferals adoption program, or would like to make a donation on behalf of one of the cats, visit www.focusonferals.org.
*Pat wants to share her story for the sake of all victimized animals, but prefers to remain an anonymous hero.
Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, announced additional performances and shows for the 2015 Festival, which takes place March 5 to 15, 2015. Individual tickets for all events will be available for purchase on Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m.
Jim Jefferies is added to the Laughfest lineup.
New performances and shows added include Nick Thune and Brody Stevens, Costaki Economopoulos, Blackout Diaries, Big Jay Oakerson with Ben Roy, Jim Jefferies, the Homegrown Show, and Ryan Hamilton. Additionally, following the sell out of her two previously announced shows, Iliza Shlesinger has added new shows on March 7 to her LaughFest appearance.
On March 6 and 7, Thune and Stevens will perform at the Pyramid Scheme. Thune has appeared on the Tonight Show eight times, as well as Conan, The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, and he has his own Comedy Central Show. Stevens is the executive producer and star of Comedy Central’s Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!, and the host of two popular podcasts, The Steven Brody Stevens Festival of Friendship and Brode and Esther.
Economopoulos has been a stand-up comedian for 20 years, and has written for the likes of Bette Midler, Jay Leno, MTV and BET. He is best known for his regular appearances on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show, and his weekly Quick Snaps radio segment parodying the National Football League. Economopoulos will perform on March 7 at Grand Volute in Lowell, Mich.
Blackout Diaries is an interactive show featuring standup comedians and regular people telling true drinking stories, while the audience asks questions. Described as being a “bit like adding tequila to the Socratic Method,” this show was created by its host Sean Flannery (Comedy Central, NPR and more) and routinely sells out in the home city of Chicago. Blackout Diaries takes place on March 8 at Perrin Brewing Company.
Oakerson and Roy will perform a free, ticketed show on March 12 at the Orbit Room as part of the Blue & Late Night Series presented by Bud Light. Oakerson performs a story-based style of stand-up comedy, and has appeared on Comedy Underground with Dave Attell, FX’s Louie, Inside Amy Schumer and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Roy is a fast rising star in the comedy world, with a set showing on HBO Canada and his own one-hour show at the New York Comedy Festival.
Also, on March 12, Jefferies will perform at Fountain Street Church. An Australian stand-up comedian, Jefferies first established himself as one of the outstanding comedians of his generation in Europe, and has since found success in the U.S. following his HBO special I Swear to God.
The Homegrown Show will be hosted by local West Michigan comedian Matt Lauria. Taking place on March 12 at the BOB, this show will feature professional touring comedians that reside in the Grand Rapids area. These comics have credits that include Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Bob & Tom Show, and comedy festivals from San Francisco to Atlanta.
Named one of Rolling Stone’s five comics to watch, Ryan Hamilton is known for performing to a variety of audiences while making each show an individual experience. He has performed on Conan, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and Showtime, and has won The Great American Comedy Festival and Sierra Mist’s America’s Next Great Comic Search. His performance will take place on March 14 at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland, Mich.
Entertainers previously announced for LaughFest 2015 include: George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Patton Oswalt, Bo Burnham, Pete Holmes, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Lavell Crawford, Jerrod Carmichael and Brian Posehn.
LaughFest 2015 will include more than 200 free and ticketed shows featuring over 100 artists at more than 40 venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland during the 10 days of the festival.
Individual tickets are priced from $7 to $70, excluding the Signature Event. These will be available beginning Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 at the Van Andel Arena Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets, or LaughFest Central, when it opens in mid-February, through the closing day of the festival.
Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Since inception, LaughFest has averaged over 50,000 attendees per year. Proceeds from the festival 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.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. The comprehensive program, delivered by licensed healthcare professionals includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. 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 in five community centers. For more information, visit www.gildasclubgr.org.
Hurry – Now is the time to clean out your closets! Broadway Grand Rapids is partnering with Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids to offer discounted tickets to Annie atDeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday, January 13.
Make a donation of gently used clothing or household items to any Goodwill retail location and in return receive a coupon for $20 off tickets to select seats during the performance of Annie at DeVos Peformance Hall on opening night, Tuesday, January 13, 2015. There will also an opportunity to donate gently used coats at DeVos Hall on opening night.
Annie runs January 13 through the 18th for 8 performances. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this Annie is a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago at an orphanage run by the embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other orphans, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of New York. In a series of adventures, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Featuring book and score by Tony Award® winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, and the eternal anthem of optimism, Tomorrow.
This is the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the world’s best-loved musical while doing good for the community. Since 1966, the non-profit Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids has been dedicated to changing lives through the power of work by offering a wide range of employment and training programs to assist those with disabilities and other barriers to employment by developing marketable skills. In addition to monetary donations, revenues from nineteen retail stores in an eight-county area support the organization’s efforts.
For more information, visit www.goodwillgr.org. Follow on Twitter: @goodwillgr or on Facebook: Facebook.com/goodwillgr
Broadway Grand Rapids is also a non-profit bringing the highest quality touring Broadway productions to West Michigan, enriching the diversity and artistic integrity of our community through professional performing arts.
LANSING, Mich. ‒ Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and State Treasurer Kevin Clinton today announced that select motorists are being sent letters this month stating they are eligible to perform community service in place of paying certain Driver Responsibility fees.
About 168,000 residents meet the criteria for the Driver Responsibility Fee Community Service program. The new law, which was passed in 2014, requires individuals to complete 10 hours of community service for each qualifying Driver Responsibility assessment.
“This new law allows eligible residents to perform a service for their community while easing the burden of paying the Driver Responsibility fee,” Johnson said. “It provides a benefit to the individual and the community.”
“The elimination of fees for lesser driving violations removes some unintended consequences of the original law,” Treasurer Clinton said. “Additionally, allowing qualifying individuals to perform community service is a win for everyone involved.”
It will take a couple of weeks to complete the mailing to the 168,000 recipients. Motorists with questions are asked to refrain from calling Treasury until after the information arrives and they have had a chance to read it.
Under the program, community service is defined as engaging in a useful and productive activity for someone other than a family member without receiving any compensation (money or gifts). Volunteer work at local nonprofits (organizations classified as a 501c(3)), churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of worship, schools, or city and state agencies can count.
The Driver Responsibility fees that can be erased by community service are for no proof of insurance, no insurance, driving without proper license/endorsement/vehicle group designator, driving while license is expired and driving while unlicensed or with an invalid license.
The Grand City All-Stars after winning The Battle of Spartan Nation
A weekend filled with the thwack of shoulder pads and the smack of helmets culminated towards this, the end. The time when one team would rise from the gridiron as champions while the other stayed on the floor with the taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths.
The Grand City All-Stars rose to the challenge.
On this day, 35 young men from Grand Rapids stood united at the Battle of Spartan Nation. 35 young men who worked hard throughout the Rocket Football season and chose to come back for more. 35 young men who wanted to play more football and ended up playing their way into the National Tournament.
The Grand City All-Stars came together under the direction of Head Coach Uriel Tyler. It was an idea that’s been kicked around in his head for over 2 years.
“The season is so short for these guys with only 6 weeks of games. Practice starts just a couple weeks before games begin,” states Coach Tyler, “With these boys playing a High School season next year, I wanted to give them an opportunity to play a longer season. One that started after Rocket Football ended.”
The Grand City All-Stars play in the 14u bracket of the Football Championship Series, a club league that extends beyond the normal season for youth players. They only planned on playing in one tournament – The Battle of Spartan Nation – but after winning the championship, the Grand City All-Stars qualified for the national tournament on December 27-30 in Dallas, Texas!
“This is a special group of kids. They play so hard! We didn’t give up one point the entire tournament,” describes Coach Tyler with emotion swelling in his voice, “That shows how hard these kids play. They don’t give up!”
While winning is nice, the team has been a great way to bring kids together within the City League.
There is a lot of animosity between players and parents of different city league teams. When those teams play each other during the season, emotions run high. Players can build up ill-will towards players of other teams who will end up being their teammates at the high school level. Those issues have dissolved by playing together with the Grand City All-Stars.
“I coached at a High School where guys came together from different city league teams and still had hatred because of the city youth league,” explained Coach Tyler, “This All-Star team has been a great way for these kids to get to know each other and build friendships.”
Coach Tyler isn’t alone, offensive line coach Anthony McNeal also mentioned the positives the team has had off the gridiron, “These boys are spending time together, hanging out and posting pictures on Facebook with each other. They’re from all different backgrounds and coming together playing football and fundraising. It’s a great story!”
In order to play in the National Tournament, the team needs to raise $20,000 by December 21. They’ve been selling cookies and popcorn, running pop can drives, and holding bowling and skating parties to raise the money! Right now they’re halfway there.
They have a bowling party this Saturday and would love for you to stop by! Bowling is at East Brook Lanes from 7-9pm and the cost is only $12 for unlimited bowling! The proceeds go towards the Grand City All-Stars trip to Dallas.
There are many ways to donate to the Grand City All-Stars. You can donate online at www.grandcitysports.com (just click the donate button!) or by going to their Facebook page, just type in “Grand City All-Stars” into the Facebook search bar.
If going on-line doesn’t work for you, send donations to P.O Box 68316 Grand Rapids, MI 49516.
Going to Dallas would be a dream come true for the players and their coaches. The Grand City All-Stars have yet to give give up a point, let’s see that streak continue down in Texas!
On February 24th, Mel Trotter started Mel Trotter Ministries on Canal Street in Grand Rapids after a decade of struggling with gambling and alcohol himself. After over a century of service, Mel Trotter Ministries is committed to helping those in need with wide ranging services available to the community. The main goal of the ministry is to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to the hungry, homeless, and hurting.
Mel Trotter provides nourishing evening meals every night. They have separate dining halls for men and women. The men eat every night from 4:30-5:45 while the women and children eat in their own dining hall starting at 5pm. Over 129,000 hot meals have been served in 2014.
Mel Trotter food pantry
Not only does Mel Trotter provide nightly meals, but they have their own food pantry where needy families can “shop” at twice per month. The food pantry is stocked with healthy food options and is a very helpful resource!
Food isn’t where the mission starts and ends. No, Mel Trotter is a haven for those in need. There are shelter centers for the men and the women and children. These shelters provide a night in a warm bed, showers, clothes, and toiletries. There have been over 71,000 bed nights for men, women, and children this year alone!
Mel Trotter also offers a place where public inebriates can be brought for safe shelter and medical support. Since public intoxication is no longer a crime, if a police officer finds a public inebriate they have a couple choices they can make. The officer can leave them where they found them, bring the inebriated individual to the ER, or bring them to Mel Trotter. The cost of paying for an individual in the Public Inebriation Shelter at Mel Trotter costs $146 instead of the $700+ it would cost at the ER.
Mel Trotter dining room. Over 129,000 hot meals served in 2014!
While Mel Trotter offers safe food and shelter for the homeless, it also sets people up for success and getting their life on track. In 2014, Mel Trotter has assisted with 162 families finding permanent housing, 99 individuals securing jobs, and provided low-cost transportation for 286 people through their vehicle donation and resale program.
The hungry, hurting, and homeless are all thankful for what Mel Trotter offers, but without volunteers and donations, Mel Trotter would struggle to offer its services. This Christmas season, give back to those who are less fortunate. Volunteer your time or see what donations you can make to help! Visit http://www.meltrotter.org to find more information!
There’s a non-profit in Wayland, Michigan that makes a difference in the lives of so many people through four-legged friends.
Paws With A Cause enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.
They increases awareness of the rights and roles of Assistance Dog Teams through education and advocacy.
PAWS provides services in 30 states and has placed more than 2,500 Assistance Dogs throughout the country. There are more than 180 volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers and hundreds of people volunteering for PAWS as either breeding host families, community presenters or volunteers at special events.
PAWS trains several types of Assistance Dogs:
•Service Dogs for people with physical disabilities
•Hearing Dogs for people who are Hearing Impaired/Deaf
•Seizure Response Dogs for people with seizure disorders
•Service Dogs for Children with Autism
RAISE A PUPPY CHANGE A LIFE
A Foster Puppy Raiser helps a person living with a disability by raising a dog that will enhance their independence and quality of life. Foster Puppy Raisers volunteer to raise a PAWS Puppy for 14-18 months, until it’s old enough to begin formal Assistance Dog training. During that time, the puppy lives in a raiser’s home while they teach basic obedience and expose the dog to public environments it may experience with a client. Here’s a few things a prospective raiser should know:
•We do not require dog training experience, just a willingness to learn
•You must be committed to teaching basic obedience and attending obedience classes
•You’ll need to expose Foster Puppy to public environments at least three times a week
•We’ll provide you with a team of support to raise the best dog possible for a client
•Must live in the areas of: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Southwest or Southeast Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; or Tallahassee, FL.
If you are interested in helping out this non-profit–please contact:
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL OFFICE
Email: paws@pawswithacause.org
Address: 1328 Wheaton, Troy, MI 48083
Phone: 248-619-9201 Fax: 248-619-9204
Hours: By appointment
Two of WKTV’s six editing bays available for community use.
After 40 years of serving as Wyoming and Kentwood’s community TV station, WKTV is finally over-the-hill. While some may see a 40th birthday as getting old, the technology available here at WKTV says otherwise. It’s what keeps the stations young, fresh, fast and…well… new!
The mission at WKTV is to connect the community through media and create media literacy. That’s a fancy way of saying “You have a story to tell that we want to hear, and we have equipment that you can use to tell that story… for free!”
A look inside WKTV’s Cinema Suite
WKTV boasts six Cannon field cameras that are available for checkout. Each camera has its own tripod and set of microphones – with or without cords – for anyone to use for an event or a project.
After you’re done capturing your footage, stay a little while at the station and finish off your work in one of WKTV’s six editing bays fully equipped with Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premier Pro. Each editing bay is its own room with two large monitors to work on and sound units available for voiceovers.
Maybe you’re looking to film your own movie and want something with better resolution that what the Cannon cameras can offer. Well, WKTV recently purchased a state-of-the-art BlackMagic Camera that films at double the resolution of HD! Pair that with the station’s digital cinema program – an editing bay with three full monitors and audio tuning – and WKTV has everything a storyteller needs to bring that story to life.
Studio A and its control room.
If checking out cameras isn’t your thing, and you’d rather run your own show in a TV Studio, WKTV has a full studio open to the community. Cameras, teleprompters, lights, and a control room are all available to make your show run smoothly, and look good too.
There is no fee to rent out any of the equipment either. The only stipulation is that you must create a project WKTV can air on one of its three channels.
The inside of WKTV’s Mobile Unit
On top of all that, WKTV is able to offer the community a chance to participate in the production of a live sports broadcast. The station is home to a 35-foot mobile unit that is one of the largest in Michigan. The truck is used to broadcast high school sports in full HD multiple nights a week. Volunteers are used for the entire production from filming and announcing in the stadium to directing and cutting replays from inside the truck during the game.
There’s something at WKTV for everyone. If you have a story, we want to hear it. Over 400 volunteers come through the station every year, so the question is, why not you?
For every plate bought, $25 goes to Ducks Unlimited
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging motorists to purchase the new Ducks Unlimited fundraising plate, adding that the revenue generated from the sales will profit more than just ducks.
“The new Ducks Unlimited license plate supports conservation and outreach activities that highlight the importance of wetlands,” Johnson said. “Wetlands are essential not only to waterfowl but to the millions of Michigan residents who depend on them for clean drinking water, recreation and more.”
Motorists purchasing a Ducks Unlimited plate will pay $35 in addition to any regular registration fees that are due; $25 of the $35 will go to Ducks Unlimited. When the plate is renewed, an additional $10 is collected and sent to the cause. The Ducks Unlimited plates may also be personalized for a fee, giving motorists another opportunity to showcase their support.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson promotes new Ducks Unlimited plate as beneficial to entire state
“We’re really pleased to see the license plates available for sale,” said Pete Albrecht, state chair of Michigan Ducks Unlimited. “Michiganders have real pride in their waterfowl heritage and the habitat in which waterfowl flourish. This is another way to express that pride and put money back into Michigan wetland habitat conservation at the same time.”
The Ducks Unlimited plates went on sale last month. Plates may be purchased at any Secretary of State office, or by mail using the online fillable form on the Secretary of State website.
Michigan’s marshes and wetlands provide food and shelter to hundreds of species of ducks, geese and swans. Wetlands play an important role for waterfowl, but they also are beneficial to humans by reducing floods, filtering pollutants out of the water, recharging underground water supplies, and providing great commercial and recreational value to the economy.
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Visit its website at www.ducks.org for more information.
Ethnic clashes. The Black Panthers. Urban renewal. The Daley Machine. Chicago, Illinois was a turbulent town in the 1960s and 70s. Join us as we talk to Puerto Rican-born civil rights activist José “Cha-Cha” Jimenez. He shares with Alan his personal experience with drugs, street gangs, and the social and political forces that shaped a major U.S. city.
Feel Like You Belong air on WKTV. You can find their webpage here.
Kent District Library, Schuler Books & Music, and Herrick District Library announce the third annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, the competition that drew nearly 900 Michigan writers in its second year.
Stories can be submitted at www.writemichigan.org through November 30. Writers of all ages can enter, with separate categories for Youth (11 and under), Teens (12-17) and Adults (18 and up). Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online. Winners are chosen by public vote for the Readers’ Choice award and by a panel of judges for the Judges’ Choice award. Voters and judges choose winners from the top ten semi-finalists.
The top honor in each category receives a $250 cash prize. Winning entries will also be published by Chapbook Press. “Write Michigan is a wonderful opportunity for authors of all ages to get published,” said Heidi Nagel, Communications Manager at Kent District Library. “The young winners are especially excited to see their stories in print.” Winners will be honored during an Awards Ceremony taking place on Saturday, March 21 at Schuler Books & Music. Susan Dennard, author of the young adult Something Strange and Deadly series, will present the keynote. The ceremony is sponsored by Meijer. Participating libraries are offering writing workshops for adults, teens and children.
Kent District Library is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.
Find out how you can help save the 1834 property for future generations!
“If the planning commission refuses our request to be sanctioned a community center, we are done,” says Simon-Tibbe. “All the hard work of volunteers, board members and our benefactor will be a missed opportunity to preserve a piece of Wyoming’s history. We could lose it forever.”
by Dorothy Simon-Tibbe and Janice Limbaugh
The original log house from 1834 remains a part of the house after several renovations and additions through the years.
It is perhaps the oldest secret in the city of Wyoming. Hidden in the woods near busy Byron Center Avenue, a gem of local history sits quietly in the shadows of aging hardwoods. The two-story home on three acres along Buck Creek goes back to the 1830’s, when it was the site of a sawmill that provided lumber used to build the village at Grandville, the area’s first homes, and the city of Chicago. The Dewey-Wedgwood Home at Beckmaze holds over 180 years of forgotten stories and undiscovered treasures that one local woman is bound and determined to bring to light.
“I was born to do this,” says Kelly Hogan, a life-time Wyoming resident. “There’s more than what is in plain view around you. There’s rich history here that you wouldn’t see if you didn’t know what to look for.”
Between the house and Buck Creek is a clearing where deer like to visit on a regular basis.
Ever since Hogan stumbled across the property, she’s grown more and more passionate about preserving it and establishing the house as a local landmark and educational center. It is not an easy task. Working alongside her is Wyoming historian Dorothy Simon-Tibbe who wrote the following narrative describing the uniqueness and importance of this endeavor:
Adjacent to the house is Buck Creek where remnants of a bridge are still visible. The road over the stone bridge was the original Byron Center Avenue.
Imagine standing in a dense forest of virgin white pine towering over the clear flowing waters of Buck Creek in 1832! You have followed a survey just completed by Lucius Lyon and Sylvester Sibley in 1831, and will claim this land in the Michigan Territory by registering with the U.S. government to gain patent at White Pigeon.
In 2014, the Dewey-Wedgewood Home at Beckmaze (2551 Oaklane S.W. in Wyoming) stands proud on this very spot 180 years later. Beckmaze Historical Society has been given this beautiful historic home on three acres of land contiguous to Buck Creek. The original log cabin, built in 1834, is within the walls of the existing building, albeit many additions have been made.
Beckmaze Historical Society was established purposely to preserve what remains of a historic estate that once contained over 1100 acres of land and played a significant role in local history from the very beginning of settlement in the Grand River Valley. The Society claims that this is the oldest surviving residence on an original foundation, and no other is as important to preserve as this one.
A side view of the home in 1970.A side view of the home today.
The effort to preserve the property began in 2008 when Hogan and Simon-Tibbe first inspected the property and since then the two have been joined by several others. Now that the home has been secured, the community has the opportunity of a lifetime!
The Beckmaze Historical Society is a 501-c-3 designated non-profit and needs volunteers and donations to sustain the restoration. The first order of business is to restore the home to its former glory so that it will survive into the future. The plan is to use it to educate the public about Wyoming’s true place in history and to one day host classes for crafts that hearken back to the age before electronics. The Society is at a crucial point right now. The full support of the surrounding community is essential to the success of the cause.
Here are a few of the key points regarding the property’s history:
1834: One of the first 3 sawmills was built on the site, as well as the Jenison cabin and several other buildings
1835: From this mill, the first ever load of white pine lumber was shipped to Chicago that April
1840-1865: Known as “Dewey’s Station”, it is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad
The foundation of the original sawmill is still visible today.
1855: The original mill was replaced by a steam saw mill capable of cutting 2-million board feet of lumber each year. The foundation of this mill and the dam is still visible today. Also visible is the original stone base for the bridge that was once a part of the original route of Byron Center Avenue.
1869: Dewey negotiated with The Lake Shore and Southern Michigan Railroad to have that line directed across the original estate in exchange for a station being built nearby, which was especially significant at the turn of the century.
The front porch in 1906.
1890: The home was discovered by an artist named George H. Ford, who soon turned it into a showcase and then used it as the main “lodge” of his artist colony. The famed Grand Rapids artist Mathias Alten frequented the colony while others such as photographer Fedora E.D. Brown and English artist Octar Copson commissioned homes of Ford’s design to be built adjacent to the property. He donned the colony with the name “Beckmaze” which meaning is interpreted to be “sweeter than the sweetest thing”. Current plans are to restore the home to its appearance under Ford’s ownership when it represented the best that Grand Rapids had to offer in the way of design and decoration.
Ford added architectural renovations that were state-of-the-art for the day.
1925: Dr. Llewelyn Wedgwood purchased the property and maintained its beauty until his death in 1949. After several years, it passed into the hands of the Braun family who spent three years restoring the property again.
The home in the winter of 1940.
1959: Wedgwood Christian Acres Home for Boys was organized by members of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Over the next 49 years the home underwent many necessary changes as the organization strove to continue its function as a residence for trouble youth.
2008: The property was sold into private ownership and suffered severely due to lack of maintenance. In the meantime, efforts had begun to bring attention to its historic value resulting in the formation of the Beckmaze Historical Society in 2010.
2011: The home was purchased by the society’s main benefactor andheld in trust until it was able to receive it as a donation.
Thankfully now in 2014, the title has been transferred to the Society but still it faces uncertainty as it must appeal to the Wyoming Planning Commission for special use of the property as a community center in order to move forward. This meeting is set to take place October 21st at 7 p.m. at Wyoming’s City Hall.
“If the planning commission refuses our request to be sanctioned a community center, we are done,” says Simon-Tibbe. “All the hard work of volunteers, board members and our benefactor will be a missed opportunity to preserve a piece of Wyoming’s history. We could lose it forever.”
This approval and the funds to carry out the preservation effort are sorely needed. The Society is hoping that the entire community will recognize the importance of this site and lend whatever support they can to the cause. To make a tax deductible contribution or to find out how you can help, contact the Beckmaze Historical Society at 616-258-8617 or find us on Facebook. Donations and inquiries can also be made by addressing correspondence to Beckmaze Historical Society at 2551 Oaklane S.W., Wyoming, Michigan, 49519.
The Gilmore Car Museum will once again make history as it celebrates the Grand Opening of the new Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum and Research Center on Sunday, September 28, 2014.
Located on the grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum, this 10,000 square-foot building is dedicated to maintaining and exhibiting collectible Cadillacs and LaSalles, with the focus of the new museum and research center being to protect, promote and share the exciting history of these premier automobiles as well as their impact in the United States and worldwide over the past 100-plus years.
Throughout history, Cadillac has set the standard for automotive excellence since 1902, when Henry Leland persuaded the owners of a failing Detroit car company to reorganize and build cars using his precision-designed and manufactured engine.
In the beginning, Henry Leland had worked as a precision machinist for Colt firearms in Connecticut before moving to Detroit and starting his own machine shop. His precision and demand for accuracy led Cadillac to become one of the most prestigious American autos and is referred to as “The Standard of the World.”
LaSalle was introduced in 1927 to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac, and was produced through 1940. The marque is credited with moving General Motors’ styling away from engineering and creating its own department: the “Art and Colour Design Studio” headed by Harley Earl.
The Cadillac & LaSalle Club was established in 1958 to encourage the preservation of early Cadillacs and LaSalles. Then in 1995, determined to preserve the Cadillac legacy, several members of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club founded the Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum and Research Center (CLCMRC) and the process of site selection, building designs, and fundraising began.
“After an exhaustive survey of potential museum partners across the Country, we are pleased to be joining the Gilmore Car Museum,” said Paul Ayres, President of the CLCMRC. “The Gilmore is rapidly becoming the nation’s premier auto museum,” he said.
The all-new 10,000 square foot museum structure is modeled after a 1948 dealership design from the pages of General Motors book “Planning Automobile Dealer Properties” of that year.
The grand opening of the Cadillac-LaSalle Museum will contain the excitement and anticipation reminiscent of how the new model year cars were unveiled each September at local dealerships. Prior to the opening, the showroom windows will be completely covered with a banner announcing “See the New Standard of the World – Cadillac for 1948.”
On Sunday September 28th, starting at 2:00pm as part of the Museum’s Dedication Ceremony, the covering will be removed to unveil the new Museum and welcome the public inside for the first time.
Michael Spezia, Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum, expressed, “With the addition of the Cadillac-LaSalle Museum to the Gilmore campus we now become one of the more unique historic destinations, not just within the car collecting hobby but with the general public as well.”
Within the new Museum, guests will find nearly two-dozen automobiles within, including a very rare 1903 example from of Cadillac’s first year of production; a 1937 LaSalle Convertible Sedan, 1957 Cadillac Brougham used in the film “Driving Miss Daisy,” as well as a 1992 Indy 500 Pace car and the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen show car.
Prominent in the showroom on opening day and paying homage to the vintage dealership’s facade will be two 1948 Cadillacs – a 60 Special Sedan and a 75 Series Limousine.
Besides the fantastic automobiles displayed within the new museum structure visitors will also find an array of artifacts, memorabilia and educational exhibits that tell the entire story of Cadillac and LaSalle. There will be tributes to Cadillac’s founder Henry Leland, to the firm’s production history, its support of the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II and its history of providing Presidential limousines.
Hundreds of Cadillac & LaSalle automobiles, owners, enthusiasts and Club members are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public. Special guests will include Dave Leone, Cadillac Brand Lead Executive Chief Engineer, Margaret Dunning, who at 104 is a renowned philanthropist and auto enthusiast, as well as many other Cadillac design and engineering retirees. Cadillac & LaSalle owners who are members of the national Cadillac-LaSalle Club can also take part in the weekend-long Cadillac Fall Festival.
The Gilmore Car Museum, located in Hickory Corners, near Kalamazoo in Michigan, is renowned for its collection of over 375 extraordinary vehicles, as well as its 90-acre park-like campus made up of historic buildings. A small town train depot, 1930s gas station, 1941 diner, and a re-created auto dealerships including 1918 Franklin, 1928 Ford Model A, 1930s Lincoln are just a few of the buildings currently on the ever-expanding grounds.
The Gilmore Car Museum also serves as home to the Classic Car Club of America Museum, the Pierce-Arrow Museum, the H.H. Franklin Club Museum, the Model A Ford Foundation Museum and Lincoln Motorcar Foundation Museum, which also opened on the Gilmore campus earlier this year.
To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum and the Cadillac & LaSalle Club please visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org and cadillaclasalleclub.org.
For 1 in 6 Americans, hunger is a very real struggle. These are often hard-working adults, children and senior citizens who simply cannot always make ends meet and may be forced to go without food. Feeding America is at the heart of efforts to fight hunger and promote health… …and you can help! Please help us collect nutritious food,
personal care and baby items for
Feeding America Food Bank of West Michigan.
Most needed items include:
Canned fruit or vegetables
Canned tuna, chicken, fish or meat
Beans & grains (all types)
Baby products
Diapers
Wipes
Personal care items
Shampoo
Soap
Toothpaste/brush
Donations can be dropped off at:
Family Fare Supermarket Metro Health Village
2275 Health Drive SW
Wyoming, MI
Metro Health
Hospital Metro Café
5900 Byron Center Avenue SW
Wyoming, MI
An aerial view of St. Mary Magdalen after the fire. Photo courtesy of Hovercams.
Landmarks are local symbols, points of reference, or monuments that are assumed to be unchanging, long-term structures. On July 1, 2012, a Kentwood landmark, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, was destroyed by fire. The grief and heartbreak experienced by the parish was felt in a ripple effect throughout the neighborhood , including the generations of family members who had participated in the Kentwood Baseball League (KBL), located behind the church.
Rededicated on June 8, 2014, the new church signifies new beginnings.
On June 8, 2014, after a two-year journey of rebuilding, St. Mary Magdalen, Shrine of the Penitent, was dedicated by The Most Reverend David Wolkowiak with the pastor, Fr. Godfrey Onyewere. A new Kentwood landmark has been established.
Once the shock and grief dissipated, the parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen’s banded together to launch a capital campaign, “Ashes to Living Stones,” to begin the process of raising the $1.7 million not covered by insurance.
As of the date of the dedication, $1,594,504 has been raised toward this goal.
I had the privilege of attending an open house and tour on July 20. Renewed and grateful church members served as docents for the many significant features of the new church building. Major points of interest include:
Carved wooden doors depicting the life of Mary Magdalen lead into the worship space.
The light and airy Gathering Area upon entering the church. From the ceiling hang three banners that represent church time. Wooden doors beautifully carved and accentuated by gold paint show images of St. Mary Magdalen’s life and words from the four Gospel writers. These great doors lead into the worship space with seating for approximately 600 people. Ornate stained glass designed by resident artist, Maria Orr, is positioned above the doors. The glass art depicts the waters of baptism flowing from heaven to the church’s baptismal font.
Inside the sanctuary hosts an altar of solid marble acquired from a church which had closed in Euclid, Ohio. The large marble altar was cut into 3 pieces; one piece is used as part of the ambo where cantors sing psalms of praise and lead parishioners in song, another marble piece is part of the tabernacle base, and the largest marble piece is the mensa or altar itself.
Although the original altar was lost in the fire, miraculously the relics of two martyred saints that were encased in the altar were not harmed. These relics now reside in the floor near the foot of the altar, visible through a glass tile on the floor as a reminder to future generations of the destructive fire of 2012.
The stained glass work throughout the church is by Maria Orr, a local artist and parishioner. The massive pipe organ is comprised of repurposed organ pieces.
The church’s organ with its magnificent flue pipes is an ecumenical creation in itself. Parts for the organ were gathered from churches of various denominations including Lutheran, Methodist, Reform, and Church of Christ.
The baptismal area is a stone pool recessed into the floor with water flowing in from either end signifying Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. A smaller baptismal font for infants is secured above the stone pool.
The Candle Wall is both solemn and inviting for devotions. This prayer site features statues from different countries of the Blessed Mother Mary representing India, Mexico, Poland, Vietnam and the United States. The collection signifies the diversity of the parish as well as the universal Catholic Church.
The Resurrection Chapel displays another work of stained glass by Maria Orr. This window depicts the moment Mary Magdalene recognizes the gardener at the tomb to be the resurrected Christ. Also hung in the chapel is one of the only recovered items from the fire: the processional crucifix. It was carried out of the destroyed building the morning after the fire, cradled in the arms of Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere, St. Mary Magdalen’s pastor. The partially charred cross remains a symbol of hope and rebirth.
This is the “baldachino” or a permanent ornamental canopy set above the tabernacle. It depicts the night sky and constellations from the night of June 7, 2014, the eve of the dedication.
The tabernacle is perhaps the most striking area of the new church. Brilliant gold, it is housed in a gilded cage-like lattice that, when back-lit, projects onto the surrounding walls the crown of thorns worn by Jesus in his last hours. Elizabeth Richer, an Aquinas student and the docent assigned to this area of the church, explained the design of the“baldachino” or a permanent ornamental canopy set above the tabernacle. It depicts the night sky and constellations from the night of June 7, 2014, the eve of the dedication. It is inscribed with a Bible verse from Daniel 3:36:
…to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea.
“I had the privilege of unknowingly attending the last mass held before the fire,” Richer shared, explaining that for some reason, she attended that Saturday evening mass instead of going on Sunday morning as is her custom.
The loss of the original St. Mary Magdalene’s structure was heartbreaking and disorienting. Indeed several families did not find solace worshipping at the local high school or the Kentwood Village Mall during the rebuilding process and have moved on to other parishes. For the most part, however, the St. Mary Magdalen family has remained strong and grown closer on this journey.
“I have learned more about my faith and the church history because of the fire,” explains Leslie Jeruzal. Prior to the fire she had been unaware of the relics of saints housed in the church.
Reflecting on the journey, parish secretary Nancy Baum states, “It takes a lot of prayer…a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.
“I think some see how different it looks on the outside, then they come in and are really blown away.”
In speaking with Fr. Godfrey he reinforced the capriciousness of nature and of putting your faith in a building. Late Sunday, July 6, several tornadoes touched down in Kentwood, one of which was only a block from the church property. “It was too close for comfort!” affirms Fr. Godfrey.
Churches burn down, tornadoes destroy homes and businesses, unexpected tragedies occur. Today a beautiful new landmark sits at 1213 52nd Street in Kentwood. Perhaps the lesson learned is that it is not the landmarks or physical structures of a community that define it. It is the concept of family. It is the sense of belonging to a community of people who have overcome adversity and emerged stronger than before.
In the words of songwriter Matt Maher,
You are not alone if you are lonely When you’re feeling frail, you’re not the only We are all the same in need of mercy To be forgiven and be free It’s all you got to lean on But thank God it’s all you need
Day 4: Roads are clear of trees and debris and residents are focusing on repairing their homes.
Volunteer on-call firefighters went door-to-door Wednesday evening to distribute informational flyers to Ideal Park residents inviting them to attend a meeting Thursday night for recovery assistance.
City officials were expecting about 15 residents to attend the meeting held in the Community Building at Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church but were pleasantly surprised when the room filled up with over 60 people.
“First I have to say I am so impressed with all of you,” began Chief Carmody, Wyoming’s director of police and fire safety. “Your hard work and tireless efforts to recover from this disaster is to be commended.”
The chief went on to encourage residents to call the city with any concerns, complaints or questions in the weeks to come. “We’re going to stand shoulder to shoulder with you – that is our promise to you,” he said.
Jenny Miller, a resident on Haughey attended the meeting. “I think the city is doing an incredible job clearing the trees and getting power back on by Tuesday! That was amazing.”
The meeting brought together representatives from the City of Wyoming, Wyoming Public Safety, Public Works and Community Service administrators to talk to the Wyoming residents hardest hit by Sunday’s tornado. The city brought in representatives from a number of trusted volunteer organizations that will provide residents assistance with removal of debris, home repairs and other challenges.
On Friday, July 11 from 2 p.m.until 6 p.m. Ideal Park residents are invited to meet individually with these representatives back in the Community Building to present their needs for assistance. The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Team Rubicon and the National Relief Network are just a few of the organizations that will be on hand to answer questions and offer assistance.
Should residents need assistance at any time over the next several weeks, they are encouraged to call 762-333-1534. A relief service volunteer will direct them to the proper organization for help.
Officials stressed that these services are free to the residents of Ideal Park. If, in the weeks to come, someone comes to their door to collect payment for any service, residents are to call the police department. “We call these people predators,” Chief Carmody said. “Call us. We’ll take care of them.”
Storm-weary residents from Ideal Park get the latest news on clean-up efforts and what to expect next.
Other topics on the meeting’s agenda included public safety in and around Ideal Park. According to Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, a damage survey of the park showed many of the trees still standing are damaged in the treetops posing risk of falling limbs.
“Do not go walking through the woods. Don’t let your children walk or play in the woods. Trees are still coming down, even today,” stressed Rynbrandt. “Please stay out of the park until we can get the proper machinery back there to clear the downed trees and trim the broken limbs.”
Residents were relieved to learn that the city is providing brush removal assistance to Crippen Avenue, Averill Avenue, Haughey Avenue, Buchanan Avenue south of 54th Street and 56th Street west of Division Avenue to Crippen Avenue.
“Removal of debris is of no cost to you,” Mayor Jack Poll told the crowd. “We have it in our budget for emergency situations like this.”
In addition, building permit fees for storm damaged homes will be waived for one month. Residents will still need to have all appropriate inspections and any subsequent repairs will have to be up to current code.
Starting this weekend, city building inspectors will be going through the neighborhood to identify problem structures. They can be identified by wearing white hard hats and driving city vehicles.
Lisa McNeilley, Ph.D, owner of Writer’s Alley, has come up with a ‘novel’ idea – Publish an anthology of short stories and poems written by kids, then donate the proceeds of the book sales to the Kids’ Food Basket. Kids helping kids!
And where will McNeilley get the stories for the anthology? She has a plan for that too! Writer’s Alley is offering the “Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop for Kids’ Food Basket,” a program for kids ages 12 and up.
The goal of the workshop is:
• expose the students to various aspects of the writing and publishing process
• enhance their skills
• and the students will receive and provide feedback on their writing
• students will develop a story and a poem to be included in the anthology
The culmination of the course is where the rubber meets the road, or rather where the ink meets the page. The stories and poems will be compiled into an anthology. From there, the students will learn about the publication process firsthand, including book design, editing, publishing and promoting the book that carries their very own written work.
Another bonus to seeing their name in print is knowing that the proceeds from the book sales will go directly to help the Kids’ Food Basket. Students who participate will get a fun and creative learning experience, as well as learn about the importance of giving back to the community.
Workshop Information:
• Will run July and August
• Available to students 12 and older who are interested in writing and publishing careers.
• Class size is between 20 – 30 participants
• Includes 20 hours of workshop time.
• Varied schedule to accommodate vacations and summer jobs of the participants.
• Tuition is $200, which breaks down to only $10 an hour. Tuition applies in order to cover teachers, software and other expenses.
• Writer’s Alley will provide payment options, reduced or waived tuition for those who desire but cannot afford to participate.
“The main goal here is to reach those students who aspire to be part of the writing and publishing industries,” says McNeilly. “We don’t want lack of funds to prevent a child from experiencing this program if they are truly interested.”
This is not the first time McNeilley has taken on such an aggressive project. In 2013, the Cascade Writers’ Group (which was founded and is led by McNeilley), held a national writing competition. The winners of the competition were then published in Imagine This! An Artprize Anthology. McNeilley was the editor of the book, which was sold during Artprize last October. The success of that project spawned her idea for the Kids’ Food Basket workshop.
Dr. Lisa McNeilly
Time is Running Out
The deadline to join the Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop for Kids’ Food Basket program is June 30! It is an incredible opportunity for the budding authors and future publishers in our community to learn writing skills and see the entire publishing process from creating a story to developing and printing a book.
McNeilley earned her degree in English from Wayne State University, has a business degree (BBA Marketing) from the University of Michigan and has taught college courses from basic writing to business and technical writing for over 15 years. She is the owner of Writer’s Alley, which offers tutorials and workshops for writers.
10 years ago this month, Gina Marvin founded Focus On Ferals (FOF). 1 year ago this month, FOF moved into their new, and larger, Byron Center facility.
rganize and run the current multi-location program.
Running the program takes dedication, time, medicine, patience and of course, money. Come out on Sunday, August 23 and meet Marvin, her volunteers, see the facilities and meet all the kittens and cats that are waiting for their “forever families” to bring them to their “forever homes!”
For more information:
