Category Archives: Our Cities

An ancient building material could be the wave of the future

3-bottom, architecture, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Great Lakes, Local Business, Our Cities, Recycling, ,

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

Michigan’s first mass timber building at Michigan State University, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, stores nearly 2,000 metric tons of carbon in its timbers, the equivalent of not burning more than 2 million pounds of coal. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

LANSING – Michigan businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint are looking to build with large wooden panels instead of steel or concrete.

  

Nationwide, demand for what is called mass timber tripled between 2018 and 2021.

There are different kinds of mass timber, but the term refers to multiple wood panels either nailed or glued together and that are strong enough to replace concrete and steel, which contribute 8% to greenhouse gas emissions, according to Canadian architect Michael Green.

Mass timber is more sustainable, Green said.

 

Nearly half of America’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the building industry.

Why mass timber is a good option

Since a little more than a cubic yard of wood can store 1 ton – about the weight of the Liberty Bell– of carbon dioxide, mass timber is a great way to reduce our footprint, said Sandra Lupien, the director of MassTimber@MSU, a research and education group promoting mass timber in the Great Lakes region.

 

Half of the weight of a tree is from stored carbon in its wood, and the rest is water, oxygen, hydrogen and a mix of other elements. In other words, wood is a carbon sink.

Building with it can prevent or delay carbon from being released into the atmosphere when a tree dies or burns, Lupien said.

 

Last year, Michigan State University opened one of the first mass timber buildings in the state, the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Already there are two more mass timber projects underway in the state, one at a K-12 school in Kalamazoo and another at the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville.

 

Another 27 projects in Michigan on the drawing board plan to incorporate mass timber. One of those was in Muskegon where Grand Rapids-based Leestma Management was scheduled to constructe a mass timber building at Adelaide Point this summer.

The biggest hurdle: Getting it

At minimum, the building in Cedarville will have a roof made of mass timber, though those involved with its construction are hoping to build the whole building out of it, said Nikki Storey, the president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School.

The only thing stopping them is funding.

 

“That’s part of the problem with mass timber: I don’t know that the economy of scales exists yet to be able to get good pricing on it,” Storey said.

Since mass timber comes in sheets that are easy to put together – Lupien equates it to building with Lincoln Logs – there’s a major time savings with using it. But since there are no mass timber manufacturers in Michigan – the closest is outside of Chicago – it’s not always easy to get it.

 

Typically, mass timber products are made from softwood trees – think coniferous, like evergreens – which make up 30% of Michigan’s forests. The remaining majority of the state’s trees are hardwood, meaning they’re deciduous and lose their leaves, Lupien said.

Using Michigan’s resources

Researchers at Michigan Tech University are experimenting with making mass timber out of hardwood instead, a niche that might provide economic opportunity.

Mass timber advocates hope that Michigan State’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility will be a place where contractors can learn to build with the more sustainable alternative. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

It is an untapped opportunity.

“Michigan is a forestry state,” said Conan Smith, the president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “If we can advance the construction materials that are rooted in wood, it’s to our economic benefit.

“It’s not just a great environmental opportunity, it’s a great economic opportunity for the state of Michigan.”

Each year, the state removes 30% to 40% of the forest’s growth, said Brenda Haskill, a forest marketing and outreach specialist at theDepartment of Natural Resources. That still provides enough capacity to harvest for mass timber and manage forests sustainably.

“We’re at a really interesting place in terms of moving the forest industry forward,” Haskill said.

Meeting the demands

Talks of attracting a mass timber manufacturer to the state are underway. However, an aging workforce and the rising cost of diesel fuel mean a decline in logging firms, Haskill said.

Making sure we have loggers to harvest trees and get them to the mill is really the biggest concern, Haskill said.

“I’m hopeful, but there’s a lot of pieces that need to be addressed,” Haskill said.

Michigan is in the same boat as the other Midwestern states. There’s more mass timber manufacturing and interest out west, Haskill said.

Looking at the building codes

Another challenge is the states outdated building codes, said Brian Craig, the board chair at the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute.

 

Michigan State University revamped a power plant and added two mass timber wings to create a hybrid structure in the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. (Capital News Service/Cameryn Cass)

The most recent version of the International Building Code is from 2021 and offers more flexibility and clarity for how high you can build and how much wood can be exposed with mass timber, Craig said.

Right now, Michigan follows 2015 codes, making it two cycles behind the current thinking on mass timber and fire safety, Craig said.

 

But mass timber doesn’t behave like a 2 x 4.

Instead, it behaves like a tree.

 

Think of an unsplit log in a fire pit, and how it chars on the outside: That’s what mass timber would do in a fire, Lupien said.

Craig said that timber can be even safer than steel when it burns.

 

“Think about what happens when steel gets hot. It sort of turns into spaghetti, whereas mass timber’s surface chars and then protects the rest of the timber,” Craig said.

 

Lupien said that even with the outdated building codes, builders in Michigan are still able to use mass timber, and they should.

Bringing the beauty indoors

People using the buildings – at least the one on MSU’s campus– express the aesthetic benefits of bringing nature indoors, Lupien said.

“There’s actually a word for that. It’s called biophilia,” Lupien said.

That’s a Greek word that translates to “love of life. ” It taps into our inborn desires of being close to nature. Biophilic design – like incorporating wood into buildings – has even been found to promote human wellness and productivity, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Putting the more sustainable, attractive alternative into Michigan buildings is a question of price and supply.

 

“It’s been used in Europe for better than a decade now,” Smith said. “It’s a product that’s far better for the planet than concrete.

 

“Why we’re not using it more, I don’t know.”

Tuition help offered to aspiring teachers

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Our Cities, West Michigan,

By Janelle James
Capital News Service

LANSING – Michigan will offer a $10,000 annual fellowship to 2,500 students as an incentive to teach in the state.

Michigan will offer a $10,000 annual fellowship to 2,500 students as an incentive to teach in the state. (pxhere.com)

The awards, included in the state’s budget that began Oct. 1, are for college students on track to become educators and will be given to students once they are admitted into the college of education at their university. 

 

Some universities have a two-year program, while other programs run three years, beyond prerequisites. Students who participate are required to teach in the state for two years for every year that they receive the fellowship. They cannot receive more than $30,000 in total.

Another incentive to address the state’s teacher shortfall in the 2023 budget is a $9,600 stipend for every semester a student teaches. Previously, student teachers were unpaid, although they are required to carry out some of the same classroom responsibilities as teachers.

Student teachers can apply for this stipend each semester that they teach. At Michigan State University, students are required to student teach for one year, but at other institutions students are only required for one semester, said Gail Richmond, the director of the teacher preparation program at MSU.

 

Nearly three-quarters of the state’s schools are short of teachers, according to a survey by the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the largest union representing teachers and other school staff.

Among the reasons for the shortage is that the joy of education has been taken away, said Paula Herbart, the president of the union. But the pay is a big reason.

 

Nearly three-quarters of the state’s schools are short of teachers, according to a survey by the Michigan Education Association (MEA). (pxhere.com)

“The lack of financial stability as an educator has caused the educator shortage,” Herbart said. “Three out of four educators will tell their children not to go into teaching, and that’s a real problem. We’re telling kids not to go into education because they can’t make a living at it, and because of the things that impact your ability to provide for your family.”

 

For minority students, it can be even harder, said Doug Pratt, the MEA’s director of public affairs.

“We know from student loan data entry, as well as practice, that there’s this double jeopardy of having to pay to be a student teacher and not getting paid which is especially hard for minority aspiring educators,” he said.

 

All student teachers should be compensated just like in any other apprenticeship program, but people might see it take away the barrier that exists, especially for minority students, he said.

 

The Michigan Department of Education reports that in 2017, Black teachers made up 5.9% of the state’s teachers. Hispanic or Latino teachers accounted for 1.2 and Asian-Americans made up only 0.2%.  About 91% of teachers were white.

“I know most of my (classmates) that are doing the teacher preparation program have dropped out of it,” said Trinity Belcher, a fifth-year student in the MSU College of Education . “They don’t want to do their 5th year because the cost of it.”

Students in the college of education at MSU are required to pay for their internship as a student teacher, which can be a financial burden, Belcher said.

 

Belcher will finish the program and become a teacher because she says it would be better to have the experience of  teaching for a year with a mentor before she starts teaching by herself.

 

Another incentive is the $175 million Grow-Your-Own program which assists school employees who already work with children, like bus drivers, crossing guards and lunch aides to get their degree to become educators.

 

Richmond said, “Teachers often feel isolated and unsupported, so I think the things that have to be combined with some kind of financial system is support from the time they step into the classroom, across their entire careers.”

Janelle James is a senior at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. Janelle aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent or politician.

It’s a wrap for ArtPrize, a new initiative is planned

3-bottom, Hard News, Kent County, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

“Elephant Chunko” by Kristina Libby from ArtPrize 2022 (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

ArtPrize will make a catalytic gift of its creative, technological and communications platforms to a new partnership for a new experiment that will build upon the legacy of the international art competition, effectively “ArtPrize 2.0.” Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), the City of Grand Rapids and KCAD will collectively lead this new initiative.

In a statement today, the ArtPrize board of directors expressed deep appreciation to the entire community for 13 years of partnership and support as it winds down its operations.


 
“What started as an experiment in 2009 quickly became something more, and we have an entire community to thank for embracing the ArtPrize idea and taking it to amazing heights,” said ArtPrize Founder and Chairman Rick DeVos said in a press release. “Together, we were able to stimulate thought and creativity by celebrating art, supporting artists, exploring familiar and not-so-familiar venues, and starting entirely new conversations.


 
“While there are certainly mixed emotions, we know the time is right to conclude the original ArtPrize experiment and open up space for new energy and creativity. We are thrilled that the partnership of DGRI, KCAD, and the City of Grand Rapids is stepping forward to continue to produce an incredible fall event.”


 
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss echoed those sentiments.

From ArtPrize 2014. (WKTV)

“Every destination community has a destination event that captures the spirit and aspirations of that community. For us, ArtPrize has been a manifestation of the independent creative spirit that defines Grand Rapids, and has captured the imagination of people from around the world,” she said. “Rick DeVos and the ArtPrize Board have laid out a roadmap and a foundation that we’re grateful for and excited to build upon.”


 
ArtPrize has held 13 events since 2009 and awarded more than $6 million through a combination of public votes, juried awards and grants. Millions of people across the globe have participated in ArtPrize in some fashion – displaying their work, performing, opening their spaces, volunteering, or visiting and enjoying Grand Rapids each fall.

 
For 18 days each year, art was exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize annually awarded $450,000 directly to artists.


 
Ran Ortner, with his “Open Water no.24,” was the original ArtPrize grand prize winner in 2009, as determined by public vote. He netted $250,000 for the honor, the largest monetary art prize at the time. In 2010, four juried awards were added to the competition and ArtPrize continued to evolve over the years to keep the experience fresh and surprising. A list of all ArtPrize winners can be found here.

For more information, visit ArtPrize.org/future.

Chamber launches new initiative for BIPOC businesses

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Our Cities, ,
Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood (far right) talks to members of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

One of the key missions of any business chamber is to serve as a connector and the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce did at a recent meeting designed to help launch a new initiative to serve minority business owners.

More than 20 members of the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Business Leader Advisory Council discussed the needs of businesses and how those needs can be obstacles for BiPOC businesses owners. The discussion came to zoning ordinances and how difficult they can be to maneuver.

The discussion prompted Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood to tell the group about the city’s need to fill several positions on its Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.

“I would love to see those boards more diversified.” Vanderwood said and two of the members indicated they were interested in exploring those opportunities. Due to the response, Vanderwood said he would send an email with links to the the Chamber that could be forwarded to everyone.

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (second from the left) was part of the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council launch. (WKTV)

Known for being “open for business,” Mayor Stephen Kepley recognized that zoning ordinances can be difficult for anyone to understand and that the city works with people to help them navigate the ordinances including have access to a translator service to help English-as-a-second language speakers.

 

In fact, the biggest takeaway WKCC President and CEO Keith Morgan said he got from the meeting was that the Chamber has to continue to be that connector.

Focusing on the needs of business

 “I am pleasantly surprised at the level of influence and interest in a subject matter that can be easily overlooked in a large community,” Morgan said of the interest in developing the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council.

Morgan said his intention was to pull together a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and businesses within in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood for the Council. His original idea was to have a small group meet at the chamber offices however the overwhelming response from invitees had him move the event to the WKTV Community Media Center, 5261 Clyde Park SW.

A partner with the chamber, WKTV General Manager Tom Norton stated the station was thrilled to share its space with the Chamber for the launch of this initiative.

The initial event focused on how the Chamber could better serve the BIPOC business community. Morgan called it the start of the conversation with advisory members helping to establish goals.

Discussions centered around what some of the needs the businesses hand which included such topics as the need for interpreters, workforce development, labor shortage, and the ability to take a business to the next level.

At the meeting, the BIPAC Business Leader Advisory Council identified six key goals:

Establishing a mentor program

Creating and distributing a vendor list

Providing best practices especially related to procurement 

Establishment of an advisory council 

Building connections

Providing educational information and resources

Morgan said the Council will continue to meet to work on goals that can be completed in the short term as well as in the future.

Wyoming looks for assault suspect, Kentwood makes theft arrest

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking help to identify a person of interest in an assault case that took place at 800 Burton St. SW.

On Oct. 9, 2022, at 4:20 a.m. officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a report of an assault that occurred at the Citgo Station located at 800 Burton St. SW.

A female store employee was allegedly assaulted by a male customers in the store. The male arrived with numerous individuals in black “party” bus. The male customer engaged in argument with employees and began throwing items in the store and at employees. The female employee was attempting to get the male to leave when she was stuck in the head causing her to fall. The male suspect returned to the bus which then left the scene.

The female store employee had significant but non-life threatening injuries from being struck and falling to the floor.

The male involved in this incident is described a a black male, 20-30 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a skinny build and short hair. He was seen wearing a dark-colored North Face hoodie sweatshirt with dark-colored jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Kentwood Police

Last week, the Kentwood Police Department was able to identify a 16-year-old male believed to have been involved in the theft of a vehicle in which a 2-year-old was inside. A juvenile petition was forward to the Kent County prosecutor’s office and the following charges were issued: child abandonment, unlawful driving away of an automobile, lying/obstructing police and malicious destruction of property under $1,000.

Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department

“I would like to commend our Kentwood Police officers and the officers from our neighboring communities on their tireless work to identify and locate this individual,” Kentwood Police Chief Byron Litwin said. “I would also like to thank the bus drivers form Kelloggsvillee Public Schools for their quick actions in locating the missing child and returning him to his parents.”

On Oct. 4 at around 8:10 a.m., the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to a stolen vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside. The vehicle was stolen form the area of 48th Street and Marlette Avenue in Kentwood.

According to media reports, the parents were able to flag down a Kelloggsville bus driver. The driver alerted 911 and then got on the bus frequency radio and alerted the other drivers in the area. Another Kelloggsville bus driver realized she had just seen a 2-year-old child wrapped in a blanket. The driver went back, picked up the child and returned the baby to its mother.

The stolen vehicles was found in the city of Grand Rapids shortly after it was stolen. Multiple agencies assisted the Kentwood Police Department including the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Two girls remove a robot from the field during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition

For local robotics event, its about showing girls they ‘can do it’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recreation, Tech Trends, , , ,
Wyoming’s Demon Robotics and East Kentwood’s Storm Red battle during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition on Oct. 8. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributor

It was an intense battle for bragging rights for two local all-girls high school robotics teams that took part in a competition that focused on their abilities in a very male-dominated field.

The 2022 Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition was held at Wyoming High School over the weekend. Most high school robotics teams are co-ed but for this unique annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) event, only the girls were allowed to compete. GRGRC event coordinator Mallorie Edwards said the event was founded in 2016, by Wyoming High School teacher Richard Budden. Budden taught STEM and noticed female students were not as interested in it.

Edwards, who has been with the organization since 2017, said she’s passionate about the organization’s mission and was excited GRGRC could bring the competition back this year. This is the first time they’ve been able to hold the all-day event since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Turnout was lower this year than in the past with only 14 teams. The event is capped at 24 teams.

“I am hoping to grow the numbers that participate in the competition next year,” Edwards said. “A challenge I heard from many coaches that I reached out to was that they didn’t have enough girls on the team to compete. That is the exact reason why we are doing this event. To show girls that they can do these roles, be successful, and have fun.”

The key to success: the willingness to learn

The event drew robotics teams from high schools all over the state with two local teams, Red Storm (Team 3875) from East Kentwood High School and Demon Robotics (Team 858) from Wyoming High School.

Abby Strait stands next to her team's robot at the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Team Captain Abby Strait from Wyoming High School’s The Demons, stands next to the team’s robot. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Through out the competition, teams form alliances with other teams to battled in complex two-minute games against other alliances. This all done with robots that the students have built and program. Wyoming’s The Demons and East Kentwood’s Red Storm ended up being on the same alliance and were fierce competitors, losing by just two points.

“You can do it! You don’t have to be super smart to be in robotics, you just have to be willing to learn,” said Abby Strait, a Wyoming High School senior and team captain. “Your team will teach you all that you need to know.”

Strait, who has been on robotics teams since 8th grade, was excited that her school was hosting an event that promotes girls to pursue science and math fields. She said she felt that far too often girls shy away from robotics thinking it will be too hard, but she hopes events like this will draw more female interest. 

“I’m hoping to go to college for some sort of engineering, something really hands on, as opposed to just math behind the desk,” Strait said as she reflected on what career she might want to pursue in the future. “But this has definitely made me more interested in the STEM career field.”

Taking STEM by storm

Red Storm team captain Sarah Shapin, a senior at East Kentwood High School, is in her seventh year participating in the robotics program. Shapin said she started in middle school and plans to continue her interest in the STEM field in the future.

Sarah Chapin shows off the shirt she designed for the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Team Captain Sarah Chapin from East Kentwood’s Red Storm stands by her team’s robot and displays the logo she designed for this year’s event. Casa Calvo Marketing designed the t-shirt. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Shapin she too believes that women are under-represented in this area but said events like this can help bridge that gap.

“A lot of times women are on it,” Shapin said as she relayed an analogy told to her by her mentor. “And then a guy kind of takes a screwdriver out of her hands and doesn’t give it back. So, it’s not necessarily that women are blocked from it. However, it’s very male-dominated and so therefore, giving this opportunity like this competition allows for women to really get in there, get involved and push through.”

Shapin said she hopes to attend Michigan State University, double majoring in computer science and music. Her goal is to be a software engineer and continue playing the clarinet.

Breaking the stereotypes

According to Edwards, all that hard work pays off on competition day after seeing the students’ reactions and from the correspondence she receives after the event is over.

“The Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition is important to me, because of the letters I receive after the competition; expressing how happy they were to be able to participate in a role that usually a male teammate would be in,“ Edwards said. “And also, during the competition, I get to see the excitement exude from these kids. They love what they’re doing! They love STEM!”

The competition also featured a panel of guest speakers, “Ladies in Tech,” made up of women successful in the STEM fields. 

To learn more about the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics Competition go to it’s official website, www.girlsrobotics.org or by e-mail GrandRapidsGirlsRobotics@gmail.com.  They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GRGRComp/.

Girls move robot off field during Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
Wyoming Team Captain Abby Strait gets help moving the Demons’ robot off the field. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
Students gather together during the Grand Rapids Girls Robotics competition
The alliance of the Wyoming, East Kentwood, and Marysville teams gathers before the final competition. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

Three candidates vie for two spots on Wyoming City Council

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, gov-order, Hard News, Our Cities, We The People, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

This fall, the residents of the City of Wyoming will decide who will fill two open spots on the Wyoming City Council.

Current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt announced he would not seek re-election to his at-large council seat. Current Council Member-at-Large Kent Vanderwood was elected mayor during the August primaries as he received more than 50 percent of the overall vote.

Three candidates, Robert Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo, are seeking to fill those seats. Also, Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for his First Ward seat.

Robert Arnoys

Occupation: A life-long resident of the City of Wyoming, Arnoys is the vice president of treasury management for Lake Michigan Credit Union. Along with having more than 30 years of banking experience, Arnoys has served on a number of community boards and is currently on the City of Wyoming Planning Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: If elected, Arnoys will focus on public safety, working with officers in providing them the resources needed to keep Wyoming safe. Because of his background in finances, Arnoys plans to help keep Wyoming fiscally responsible. He also will focus on planned development, ensuring the city has a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right places as well as supporting an environment for small businesses to prosper.

Website: https://www.electrobarnoys.com


Renee Hill

Occupation: Hill has lived in the City of Wyoming for more than 27 years. She is a doctor of physical therapy. She does home care. She also served on the city’s Enrichment Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Hill’s main concern is the wise use of citizen’s tax money and is dedicated to making sure every dollar honors the trust of the citizens. She also supports prudent property management and keeping Wyoming residents safe.

Website: There is no website for this candidate.


Robert Kilgo

Occupation: Kilgo moved to the City of Wyoming when he decided to attend Grace Christian University. He now is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University. He also has served as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Kilgo believes that the city is in a good position financially and he wants to continue that for the future. He also recognizes the need for a well-funded public safety initiative and safe neighborhoods and is looking to help add to the public safety department and reduce the city’s dependence on its neighbors especially for fire services. He also wants to work on addressing the housing shortage, expand access to city services and focus on maintaining the city’s parks.

Website: https://www.robkilgo.com

Kentwood’s Lacks to host career fair Oct. 18 and 19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Business, Our Cities, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The loading dock at one of Lacks Enterprises manufacturing facilities. (WKTV)

Lacks Enterprises Inc. is hosting a Career Fair where the automotive supplier and one of West Michigan’s largest family-owned employers plans to interview candidates to fill a variety of open positions.

Lacks’ Career Fair is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center, 4949 Broadmoor Ave. SE in Kentwood.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Lacks Enterprises provides interior and exterior plastic trim components and innovative wheel trim systems to the top global automotive manufacturers.

At its Career Fair, Lacks will conduct on-site interviews to fill a variety of general manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and skilled trades positions in its Grand Rapids and Kentwood facilities.

  

Applications will be available at the Career Fair, but attendees can expedite the process by submitting an application in advance at https://lacksenterprises.applicantpro.com/jobs/1850681.html.

Attendees are encouraged to bring documentation to complete an I-9 form should they be offered a position. I-9 Forms provide documentation to the employer to confirm their identity and authorization to work. The list of documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Employment is subject to the successful completion of Lacks Enterprises’ pre-screening activities, which includes drug testing, a background check and a physical. Lacks Enterprises will coordinate the physical.

For more information, contact the Lacks Enterprises Employment Center at (616) 554-7812 or visit Workatlacks.com.

Lacks Enterprises is the fourth largest privately held employer in West Michigan and has more than 2,500 people at facilities in Kentwood and Novi, as well as Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. Lacks business units—Lacks Trim Systems, Lacks Wheel Trim Systems and Plastic Plate, LLC—specialize in applying Lacks’ innovative décor finishes, production experience and testing capacity to the unique needs of its customers.

Rayton Reilly in Tootsie

Broadway Grand Rapids kicks off season with ‘Tootsie’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributor

A new season for Broadway Grand Rapids kicks off Tuesday (Oct. 11) with a laugh-out-loud, hilarious musical sure to set the tone for another smashing season for Broadway lovers across West Michigan.

Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester in the National Tour of TOOTSIE. Reilly is from Michigan and a graduate of Western Michigan University. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

“‘Tootsie’ is a modern comedy classic,” said Jennifer Pascua, BGR’s new marketing director, who took over for Meghan Distel. Distel was named president & CEO when Mike Lloyd retired earlier this year.

Pascua said the musical production is the same “Tootsie” you love and remember from the movies, but updated.

“People can expect catchy songs with humor and heart. It’s funny, but sincere,” she added.

The week-long run continues through Sunday, Oct. 16, with eight performances at DeVos Performance Hall.

The cast of the National Tour of TOOTSIE. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

In case you don’t recall the 1982 film with Dustin Hoffman, Sydney Pollack and Jessica Lange, “Tootsie” tells the story of a talented but volatile actor (Hoffman) whose reputation as a perfectionist makes him difficult. He adopts a new identity as a woman in order to land a job, and, well, that’s when things get pretty funny. The original movie revolved around a daytime soap opera, while the musical involves a Broadway musical.

Tickets are available for all shows, and “rush tickets” were just announced for students, educators and veterans, Pascua said.

Rush tickets are available for all performances. A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per person. All tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office, 303 Monroe Ave NW.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The final show is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Accessible performances: American Sign Language Interpreted at 2 p.m. Saturday. Open Captioning and Audio Description at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Matthew Rella

“Tootsie” has received a lot of praise. The Hollywood Reporter called it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” Rolling Stone said “in these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll….musical comedy heaven.”

Pascua said the Broadway tour coming to Grand Rapids features two cast members from Michigan:

Payton Reilly a native of Howell who plays friend Sandy Lester, and Matt Kurzyniec from Livonia who is an ensemble member. Both are graduates of Western Michigan University. They are engaged.

The rest of Broadway Grand Rapids 2022-2023 Season includes:

SIX January 10 – 15, 2023

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power.

MY FAIR LADY April 11 – 16, 2023

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady boasts such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live.” It tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?

HADESTOWN May 9 – 14, 2023

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

DISNEY’S FROZEN July 11 – 23, 2023

Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

From the producer of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” the Tony-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT-winner Robert Lopez. 

Learn more at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s new. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also has a YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Tribute to K9 officer part of this year’s ArtPrize

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, West Michigan, , ,

By Jodi Miesen
WKTV Contributing Writer

Artist Kathie Van Hekken and Kent County Sheriff Officer Krystal Stuart shown with the portrait of Axel created by Van Hekken. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

When Rockford resident Kathie Van Hekken learned about the death of Kent County Sheriff K9 officer Axel, it spurred her into action.

“I saw it on TV the day he died,” said the 76-year-old artist of Axel, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition while tracking a suspect in August of 2021. “And I love dogs. I love pets. I know I have the skill to draw them…And I thought you know what? I could take something so sad and I can do some good with this.”

Her something good was the creation of a 44- by 44-inch color pencil portrait of Axel that is currently part of the 2022 ArtPrize exhibit. The piece hangs at the First (Park) Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE.

A late bloomer in art

Van Hekken discovered her passion for art later in life, after stumbling upon it about seven years ago. Her mother was an artist who dabbled in oil paintings. Van Hekken had inherited her mother’s art supplies when she passed away in 2005, but it wasn’t until years into her retirement that Van Hekken finally got them out.

Artist Kathie Van Hekken admits her passion for art started several years after she retired as an engineer. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I went to one of those wine and women kind of things,” she said. “I took my paintings and I showed them to the teacher, and I asked if he could teach me what I was missing. And that’s when I started learning.”

She shared her desire to be “good enough” someday to be an ArtPrize artist and with encouragement from that teacher it happened in 2015 when Van Hekken entered her hand drawn, nine feet tall sunflowers.

Making a connection

Through a mutual acquaintance, Van Hekken reached out to Axel’s handler, Kent County Sheriff Officer Krystal Stuart about getting permission to create the piece.

“She told me how big it was going to be and I was like, ‘What?’” Stuart said. “Like, I didn’t even know that was possible, especially for like color pencil, like a drawing, you know. I was like, ‘How is this even going to be a thing?’”

Van Hekken admitted once she got Stuart’s permission, the project was a little nerve wracking as she wanted to do “a really good job.” Stuart was with her every step of the way, coming over regularly to see the piece as it progressed in its various stages and to let Van Hekken know she was heading in the right direction.

 

“The first conversation we had, we talked,” Van Hekken said. “She told me stories. I’ve learned that I have to know what I’m drawing. If I have an emotional attachment, it will come out. You know, when people say that I captured Axel, that’s because she made sure I knew Axel, even though I had never met him.

‘Hi, Axel’

Through this process and utilizing one of Stuart’s favorite pictures of Axel, slowly he emerged through the drawing.

The portrait of Axel that artist Katie Van Hekken used for her piece. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)

“I think I had his ears and a little bit of his face,” she said. “And I had sketched in his mouth and I could see him for the first time for me, other than a photograph. And it was like, ‘Hi Axel.’ And I cried for him. It was just really emotional. It still is.”

It took Van Hekken about seven months to complete the massive art piece and as soon as it was, the first person she had to see it was Stuart.

 

“She was quiet,” Van Hekken said. “She just stood quietly and looked at it. It was very, very touching.”

And for Van Hekken, Stuart’s reaction was payment enough.

“She did a phenomenal job capturing his essence,” Stuart said. “He had that, like I say, twinkle in his eye, which sounds so cliché, but he really did when he was not in work mode. He had this goofy, like ‘I’m a big doofus look in his eye.’ And then when he was working, it just went black.”

Celebrating Kent County Sheriff’s K9 unit

Van Hekken said she chose Axel not only to honor him, but to raise awareness and money for the donation-based K9 Unit. Currently, there are 10 Kent County Sheriff K9s covering most of the county. The animals are trained to detect explosives, track suspects, secure buildings, or may be used as a compliance tool. Axel was the department’s first explosive detection dog.

Van Hekken said she had cards made with Axel’s portrait on them that she handed out when people visit her exhibit. The cards include a QR code to make a donation directly to the Kent County K9 Unit.

“She wanted to tell Axel’s story,” Stuart said. “She wanted to explain what the process was of getting Axel, what happened to Axel, the work that we put in and how much these K-9s actually do for our community.

“Because it’s not just having them and showing off and whatnot. I mean, they find missing children, they find vulnerable adults, suspects in places that we won’t. They protect our officers in different everyday situations.”

Sharing with the community who loved him

After ArtPrize, VanHekken will give the piece to Stuart, who hopes to donate it to the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. Stuart said she wants to share Axel with the community since he was “everybody’s dog.” Stuart is hoping to get approval to have it installed in the new North substation, which is scheduled to open in 2023 in Cedar Springs. Stuart said the location is fitting since northern Kent County was their home base “and those are the residents that had seen him the most.”

Van Hekken said she’s proud to be a part of the project. For her, it was a labor of love.

 

“I never entered ArtPrize thinking I would win, she said. “I just wanted to do something good. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to call attention to the K9 Unit and Axel.”

And with a satisfied smile adding. “I’m already the winner.”

Live discussion designed to raise awareness on local issues

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, ,
The Diatribe hosted a live Facebook stream on issues facing the 49507 zip code. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Community Contributor

If the community poured as much money into the public health crisis of racism as it poured into the public health crisis of COVID-19, what might the result be?

That question and many more were discussed in a Facebook Live event recently hosted by Marcel ‘Fable’ Price and G. Foster II from The Diatribe, an organization that uses performing arts to raise awareness of social issues.

Fable and Foster posed questions about health care, community and life in South Grand Rapids neighborhoods to a panel that included social workers, health care workers, and community organizers.

Racism has been declared a public health crisis in Grand Rapids, Fable said, but since the city government made that declaration nearly a year ago, what has been done about it?

“We responded to COVID in many ways. Money, pop-up clinics, stimuluses, billboards, millions of dollars in marketing campaigns,” he said. “What would a response to racism as a public health crisis look like if we took it as seriously as COVID?”

“It would mean people are reacting to racism like their lives depend on it,” said Aarie Wade, director of education at Baxter Community Center.

“Like if they don’t attack this, they will die. And their families will die. And generations will die.”

Listening to the community

In addition to Wade, participants on the panel included Chinyere Aririguzo, LMSW, client services supervisor at Health Net of West Michigan; Ashlie Jones, senior program coordinator for the Grand Rapids African American Health Initiative; Nirali Bora, MD, medical director of the Kent County Health Department; Kelsey Perdue,  a project director with the Michigan League for Public Policy, and Lee Moyer, director of community programs at Spectrum Health Healthier Communities.

Questions posed in the forum were based on listening sessions hosted by The Diatribe as part of its 49507 Project, an anti-racist project by and for people of color that involves the creation of public murals, writing, and community listening sessions.

Fable said during listening sessions, they were able to listen to more than 400 individuals from the 49507 neighborhood.

“Many residents didn’t feel like our downtown belongs to them, which makes it even more important that we pour into our communities, our neighborhoods,” he said.

Creating more home ownership opportunities

Obstacles to home ownership in the 49507 zip code are a big problem, many of the panelists said, as well as the difficulty of people being able to afford housing in general.

Fable noted that nonprofit organizations own hundreds of homes in the 49507 zip code. He questioned why those couldn’t be given to families, bringing home ownership and stability to those neighborhoods.

Investors and developers buying up properties bring another obstacle, according to Fable.

“How do community members obtain equity if developers are constantly taking control of neighborhoods, and our politicians and community leaders continue to align with them?” he said.

Aririguzo said the requirements for subsidized housing are keeping a lot of people from even being able to live in the neighborhood, such as rules requiring people to be able to come up with three times the amount of the rent to be eligible for assistance.

“If I could make three times the rent, I wouldn’t be looking for subsidized housing, right?” she said. “I would like to see changing the requirements that are supposed to be helping us stay in our neighborhoods.”

 

Using your vote to get local leaders to listen

The difficulty getting city leaders to listen to the concerns of Black and Brown residents was another topic of discussion. Panel members said that when conversations with city or county leaders did happen, they felt as if leaders were just waiting for them to finish talking so they could give their prepared rebuttals.

Panelists agreed that it’s important to get informed on local candidates running for office in the city of Grand Rapids and Kent County.

“Do your research on candidates, not only when it comes to their political stance but what they’ve done in the past. What does your track record say you’ve done for the city to improve it?” Moyer said. “That will speak volumes.”

“We get wrapped up with the news about Trump vs. Biden, but it’s wildly important to care about these smaller elections,” Fable said.

Real Talk: The Diatribe Livestream can be viewed on the organization’s Facebook page.

Wyoming creates new, colorful crosswalks for public safety

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Education, Kids Activities, Our Cities, , ,
  • Crosswalk at 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue in the Godwin Public Schools district. (Supplied)
  • Crosswalk at Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district. (Supplied)
  • Crosswalk at Mangolia Avenue and Farnham Street in Kelloggsville Public Schools district. (Supplied)
  • Crosswalk located near the Wyoming High School. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Last week the City of Wyoming wrapped up a project designed to help improve public safety while promoting local school pride.

On Jun 7, 2022 the Wyoming City Council awarded a contract to Gallagher Asphalt Corporation for $100,500 to install four art-based crosswalks that were placed in the Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming Public School districts. The total project was $110,550 which included a 10 percent construction contingency of $10,050.

The project was funded by $90,000 in grants from the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a $10,000 grant from the General Motors Corporation.

Creating a safer community

“Using art to transform our city into a safer, more desirable community is part of what we do here in Wyoming,” said Major Jack Poll. “We hope this project will be another opportunity to enhance recognition that residents are part of one community, one City of Wyoming, regardless of where they live and which school district they attend.”

In her recommendation of the project, city’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt said “innovative painting of crosswalks is shown to be effective in increasing public awareness of the crosswalk for drivers and encourages increased use by pedestrians with an impact of reducing car and pedestrian accidents.

 

“This project is designed to increase community awareness of the number of school districts located in the city, increase school district pride, and to enhance resident recognition of being a part of one community, one Wyoming.”

Identifying the locations

The city has seven school districts within its city boundaries. Originally, five school districts, the four mentioned plus Grandville, where selected.

The COVID pandemic delayed the project and then it was delayed again when new estimate exceeded $100,000 and additional funding had to be secured. Grandville was removed from the list as funding came through the CDBG program, which restricts investment to low and moderate income areas of the city.

 

Wyoming’s Community Services Department staff worked with Public Safety to discuss emergency response needs and identify a location within each school district that would benefit from a new crosswalk. Information also was gathered from the city’s traffic engineers.

The designs were created by staff in consultation with each school district. The design features a white and turquoise stripped pattern with the school’s logo.

 

The final locations of the sidewalks are:

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools: Lee Street and Cleveland Avenue

Wyoming Public Schools: Near the Wyoming High School on Prairie Parkway between Michael and Burlingame avenues

Godwin Heights Public Schools: 34th Street and Buchanan Avenue

Kelloggsville Public School: Magnolia Avenue and Farnham Street

The Grandville Public Schools location, which is to be 52nd and Wilson Avenue, is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 when additional funds become available. The Grandville school district services most of the city’s panhandle population.

Kent County seeking residents for committee vacancies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Our Cities, Politics, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Do you have an interest in helping seniors or a passion for preserving farms?

The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions and committees.

Interested residents may view all current vacancies and apply online for appointment by Sept. 30/ Applicants should include a cover letter and professional resume in a pdf format. For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ office at 616-632-7580.

The following boards and committees are accepting applications, click to learn more about each group is responsible for:

Knowing when to call hospice can be a game-changer

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, ,
Knowing when to call for hospice care can be a difficult decision, but many families say they wish they would have called sooner. Hospice care is available to anyone who’s received a physician’s diagnosis of six or fewer months to live.

By Emmanuel Hospice

It’s sometimes easier to define what hospice is not rather than trying to absorb all the things it is – especially in assessing when one should reach out.

“A common misconception is that we’re available only at the eleventh hour, or just days or weeks before someone passes,” says Dana Shelton-Clark, an admissions social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. “But hospice care is really holistic support for anyone who’s been given a physician’s prognosis of six or fewer months to live. And that’s only a requirement for admission.

“There’s no ticking clock, no time limit for the amount of time the hospice benefit can be used as long as someone remains eligible.”

What Shelton-Clark and her colleagues too often hear from patients and their caregivers is this: We wish we would have called sooner.

Dealing with an approaching death can be understandably trying, to say the least. At Emmanuel Hospice, says Shelton-Clark, a team approach is instituted to rally around the loved one and care for them in mind, body and spirit. And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, either. Instead, care and options are customized to consider each individual’s wants and needs.

“We often get comments such as ‘I didn’t know this is what hospice is’ and ‘I didn’t know hospice could provide this,’” she explains. “All it really takes is a phone call to set up a meeting that will provide a clear and accurate window into all the services hospice offers.”

Shelton-Clark notes some people put off calling hospice because they’re being counseled by medical personnel still fighting for a cure.

“We understand that,” she says, “because most doctors are trained in an approach to do all they can to ‘fix’ the problem. But cures are not always possible, and hospice is a treatment option that should be offered and considered.

“Our focus is to instead provide interventions that relieve symptoms and allow patients to focus on how they really want to live, so that they have as many good days and months as possible.”

Shelton-Clark emphasizes hospice will come to wherever it is the loved one calls home – their own house, or a relative’s, or an assisted living facility or memory care unit. During a first discussion, there’s never any obligation to sign on or take next steps. That’s up to the individual and their caregivers. But sometimes, just that initial meeting is enough to help people understand their options going forward.

Some people actually improve during hospice care, in some cases enough to no longer require services. But they’re free to return if they decline to a point where they again meet eligibility standards; there are never any deadlines imposed.

Shelton-Clark acknowledges that the role of Emmanuel Hospice is as much to provide education as it is to provide care – doing all it can to acquaint people with what hospice is and why it’s better to reach out earlier than later.

“There are so many ways for us to assist,” she says, “especially for that person who’s been in and out of the hospital and is ready for that revolving door to finally stop. That’s the time to give us a call and learn more.

“Our compassionate and experienced team is ready to answer any questions you may have.”

For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919.

Wyoming elects Vanderwood as its next mayor

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Election, Hard News, Our Cities, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood was elected the city’s next mayor during the Aug. 2 primary election. Vanderwood received 56 percent of the casted votes. (Supplied)

At this week’s primary election, Wyoming voters determined the city’s next mayor, Kent Vanderwood.

“Normally in a primary, there is usually a narrowing of the number down for candidates but in our city charter there is a little asterisk to this in that if a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, they automatically win the seat,” said Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg.

Vanderwood took 56 percent of the casted votes in Aug. 2 primary, receiving 5,635 votes. Current mayor pro tem and candidate Sam Bolt received 3,033 votes and newcomer Cliff Tompkins had 1,144 votes.

Vanderwood, who current serves as a council member, said he was pleased with the results of the primary and sees this as an opportunity to prepare for the role of mayor.

“This gives me a lot of time to prepare as I will be able to meet with the current mayor, city staff, the city manager,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to get oriented to the mayor duties.”

VandenBerg said turnout for the primary was about 22 percent of the city’s registered voters which was what her office was expecting.

“What was a surprise is that in the past we have seen more absentee ballots in an election and this year it was much more balanced,” she said.

For the Nov. 8 general election, Wyoming residents will be deciding between three candidates to fill two council member at-large seats, which are four-year terms. Those candidates are Rob Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo. Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for the first ward council seat. 

VandenBerg said the elected officials, including mayor elect Vandenwood, would take office in the beginning of December.

Meijer loses to Gibbs

In the 3rd District U.S. House of Representatives, current Congressman Peter Meijer lost his bid for the Republican nomination which went to newcomer John Gibbs. Gibbs had 36,527 votes to Meijer’s 35,395 votes. Gibbs will face Democratic nominee Hillary Scholten in the Nov. 8 general election for the seat.

State House races

For the 80th District State House of Representatives, Democratic Phil Skaggs edged out Lily Chong-Schulting, 5,202 to 4,626 for the Democratic nomination. Skaggs will face Republican nominee Jeffrey Johnson in November.

For the 82nd District State House of Representatives, candidate Kristian Grant had the most votes, 3,884, in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination. Also seeking the nominations were Robert Womack, who received 3,821, and Salim Mohammed Al-Shatel, who received 1,301.

 

The Republican nomination for the 82nd District was between two candidates, Ryan Malinoski and William Alexander. Malinowski beat out Alexander, 2,640 to 1,527.

Malinowski and Grant will now face each other for the 82nd District House seat in the Nov. 8 general election.

In the 83rd District State House of Representatives, current Wyoming Councilmember John Fitzgerald won the Democratic nomination with 2,567 to Jose Flores’ 2,037 votes. Fitzgerald will now face Republican candidate Lisa DeKryger for the season in the November election.

Kent County Commission races

Current 10th District Kent County Commissioner Emily Post Brieve won the Republican nomination with 2,615 votes over her challenger Bill Hirsch, who received 2,127 votes. Brieve will face Democratic challenger Julie Humphrey in November.

In the 12th District Kent County Commission seat, Lee White won the Republican nomination with 1,135 votes over candidate Adam R. Palaces, who had 959 votes. Lee faces current commissioner and Democratic candidate Monica Sparks in November.

Tom McKelvy took the Republican nomination for the 13th District Kent County Commission seat. McKelvy has 1,591 votes to candidate Nick Prill’s 1,169. McKelvy will face Democratic candidate and current commissioner Michelle McCloud in the Nov. 8 general election.

For complete primary election results for the entire county, visit the Kent County Clerk’s office’s election results page.

How do you feel about Wyoming? City leaders want to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Pinery Park will be the place to be this Saturday as there will be several activities including the city’s second summer market, the Chalk the Park event, and an opportunity to engage in the city’s branding project.

The city’s second summer market is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW.

“The first event went really well,” said Brianna Peña, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming. “At this event we will be having yard games, live music, engagement opportunities with our branding team and then the Chalk the Park will be going on as well.

“It will be just a great time for family and community to come out.”

The City of Wyoming is planning four summer markets this year, one in each month from June through September. At each of the markets there will be food trucks and artisan vendors offering an array of items such as handmade clothing, jewelry, keychains, and art.

This Saturday’s event will feature several food trucks Irish Rover, Mapocho LLC, Street Frites, Curry In a Hurry, Tastefull Vegan, Equinox, and Runyon House Roasts.

READ: New vegan shop means all can enjoy sweet tweets

Creating a brand for the city

The Saturday’s market has been coupled with an opportunity to meet with the city’s branding team, CivicBrand. For the past couple of months, CivicBrand has been meeting with residents, business leaders, and city officials to develop a community-wide brand that supports and elevates all city organizations, entities, businesses and residents.

 “This is an opportunity for residents to share what they like to see in the city, what their thoughts are about the city, and how they see the city in the future,” Peña said.

While first there is a visual component, the branding project goes beyond just a logo design. Equally important is brand messaging, economic development strategies, how residents experience the brand in the environment and more. The goal is to capture the true identity that exists in the City of Wyoming and develop a brand platform and tools to help tell that story.

As a result, the key component in this process is engagement. The CivicBrand team has spent this week meeting with area residents and is cultivating its activities at the Summer Market to connect with residents, visitors and others to discuss such questions as:

What does Wyoming have to offer visitors?

What are the issues facing Wyoming in the next few years?

How do residents feel about living there?

What three words would you use to describe Wyoming?

Residents also can engage in the branding process at wearewyomingmi.com. At the site, community members may share thoughts through an online survey and/or recording a video responding to three questions.

Chalk the Walk

In addition to the market, from Friday through Sunday will be the Chalk the Park event at Pinery Park. Families and individuals are encouraged to come out and create masterpieces one the park walkways.

For those who sign up, supplies will be provided. To sign up, click here.

Future events

Additionally, the city will be hosting two more Summer Markets. Those markets are:

Aug 19, 3-7 p.m., 28 West Parking lot, 1345 28 West Place, (near the former Lindo restaurant)

Sept. 16, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW

See West Michigan through an exchange students’ eyes

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Great Lakes, Our Cities, Recreation, , ,

By Nathan Slauer
WKTV Community Contributor

The Boucher family welcomes Janne from Germany to West Michigan. (Supplied/iE-USA)

Leaving home for an extended period of time is never easy. Yet a growing number of students from around the world are making West Michigan their home away from home.

More than 100 families across the Greater Grand Rapids area have welcomed an exchange student through International Experience (ie-USA), an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural interactions.

From iE-USA coordinator Sarah Boucher’s perspective, the chance to introduce someone from another country to their home can be an eye-opening opportunity. It often nudges people outside of their comfort zone and encourages them to check out their own backyard with a renewed sense of appreciation.

“Seeing the world through another lens and being a ‘hometown tourist’ can be amazing,” Boucher says.

A little bit about the process

Participants, who range between 14 to 18 years of age, take an English proficiency exam before entering the iE-USA program. Once accepted, they travel to the U.S. for five or 10 months.

Although participants undergo the same rigorous application process, they come from highly diverse cultural backgrounds. Countries of origin span Asia, Europe, and South America.

What participants share is a distinct sense of curiosity, adventure, and a desire to try something new. Visiting the U.S. brings the chance to learn about a different way of doing homelife, school, and community.

A year of “firsts”

“What’s amazing is experiencing so many ‘firsts’ with exchange students,” Boucher says. “It’s the first time having a bonfire, eating s’mores, owning clothing that has the logo of the school on it, attending a formal dance at school, going fishing, and so many more!”

Many events create fun selfie opportunities. (Supplied/iE-USA)

Exchange students are not the only ones to encounter “firsts.” Hosts often experience wanderlust and end up traveling themselves.

The Boucher family was no exception. After hosting a student named Arturo in 2017, they visited Arturo’s family in Spain the following year.

Many hosts establish ties with students and their families that last long after the end of formal requirements. During the summer of 2022, the Bouchers invited their former exchange students Janne and Johanna from Germany back for a visit. Their house is now filled with gifts from former students, a favorite being a handcrafted and painted clay globe.

The learning curve

The adjustment for both exchange students and host families involves a learning curve. In many cases, the first night after the student’s arrival at the airport can be filled with nervous energy, according to longtime host Chris Ford.

“Usually, there’s culture shock involved and a lot of jet lag,” Ford says. “Students are so excited to come that they stay up all night.”

Seeing this transition still delights Ford, who has been a host for the last eight years. Her fourteen students traveled from locations ranging from Finland to South Korea.

Mundane aspects of American life can become fodder for selfies and videos on homemade YouTube channels. Streets filled with yellow school buses, trucks, and motorcycles burst with thunderous noise, and local grocery stores look massive.

“Many students shop at markets everyday, and they are floored by the size of Meijer,” Ford says. “There’s a whole aisle dedicated to cereal. That is shocking.”

Experiencing American schools

Participating in school activities is a big part of the exchange year experience. (Supplied/iE-USA)

The educational aspect of the exchange visit brings its own surprises. Completing homework assignments and attending five or six classes instead of a single subject in a school day challenges some European students.

“Our education system is definitely different than the traditional European system,” Ford says. “Americans want to see students succeed. In the European system, there is a lot more pressure on the students, and European kids are expected to be smart, dedicated, and focused.”

Many students use the trip to practice their English skills, often with humorous results. One of Ford’s students mixed up the word “vibe” with “wipes.”

Exploring the Great Lakes state

One of Ford’s favorite parts of being a host comes from visiting the Great Lakes with her students. Beyond the fun evenings spent playing board games and cooking delicious meals, Ford loves sharing a natural beauty that will become a lifelong memory.

 

“I always take them to see Lake Michigan,” Ford says. “It’s like a large ocean. They see it in geography, but it’s a whole different thing for them to see it and put their feet in it. It’s so fun to  see them check out a lighthouse and climb up a dune.”

The process to host an exchange student begins with filling out an online form, completing a background check, and waiting to be matched up. The application process is simple and straightforward, and Ford’s advice to new hosts is to simply dive in and not be afraid to help learn along the way.

“How could you not want them to be here?” Ford says. “It’s life changing.”

About 100 students are currently available through iE-USA. More information can be found at ie-usa.org. 

Wyoming approves rezoning on 52nd and Byron Center

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Development, Hard News, Our Cities

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Looking to provide housing for young professionals, the Wyoming City Council, in a split vote of 4-3, approved the rezoning of the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue to allow for multi-family housing.

American Kendall Properties is looking to put a mixed use of commercial and multi-family housing on 11.79 acres located near the corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

American Kendall Properties asked for the properties at 5160 and 5190 Byron Center Ave. SW to be rezoned from B-1 Local, which allowed commercial use, to B-2 General, which would allow for commercial use with multi-family housing. Mixed use is only allowed in the city’s B-2 zoning and through a planned unit development (PUD).

The project, called The Retreat, would be on 11.79 acres. Developers have proposed 6,000 square feet of commercial retail space with 178 dwelling units. The units would be housed in 15 buildings which includes two floors of apartments above the commercial space. The site also would include a pool for its residents, an expansive green space, and 372 parking spaces. The development would need a special use permit for the multi-family units and the entire project will need to have a site review and approval.

City Council decision

“It is consistent with the Wyoming [re] imagine master plan, the land use plan, the housing needs assessment,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “We are in the  midst of a housing shortage in Wyoming, as well as across the country. Studies have shown the city has additional needs for thousands of rental units at various price points.”

Poll said this included the need for high-end apartments in the panhandle as proposed for the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center and felt this was an opportunity for the city to provide that.

Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, and councilmembers John Fitzgerald and Marissa Postler joined Poll in approving the rezoning, citing they felt that it met the land use and adapted [re] imagine master plan criteria.

Council members Kent Vanderwood, Sheldon DeKryger and Robert Postema were opposed to the rezoning, stating they did not believe it fit the adapted master plan, especially the definition of a neighborhood commercial center as stated in the plan.

“The master plan calls for this to be neighborhood commercial with surrounding multi-family so we are not getting what the master plan called for,” Postema said. “It does not call for multi-family on the corner with a little sliver of commercial inside one of the buildings.”

Neighbors not in favor

Several residents with homes close to the project attended the July 5 council meeting as well as two Planning Commission meetings to voice their objection. Their concerns were increased traffic, increased crime, the upcoming possible development of the Pines Golf Course (located next to the property), the density, and that the proposed zoning did not fit the city’s current [re] imagine master plan.

The proposed project will include commercial and 178
The corner of Byron Center and 52nd was rezoned to B-1 Local in 2002 and has sat vacant since. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

At its April meeting, the Wyoming Planning Commission voted, 5-4, to recommend denying the rezoning because of density concerns, not fitting the land use or master plan, the B-2 zoning was not a good fit for the area, and concerns over the type of businesses allowed under the B-2 zoning.

“I believe the planning commission got this right,” Vanderwood said. “I believe there is no overwhelming or compelling reason to rezone the property from B-1 to B-2.”

Factors for rezoning

However, staff recommended approval of the rezoning. Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development, said when reviewing a rezoning request, staff considers several factors. Those factors include consistency with the current adopted master plan, compatibility with existing and future land uses, capability of property to be served by public utilities, ability of property to be used as currently zoned, and appropriateness of all uses allowed within the proposed district at the property.

Hofert said the adopted 2021 Wyoming [re] Imagined plan identifies the parcels as future neighborhood commercial with the proposed use consistent with the future envisioned use.

Conditions on the property

Hofert said the property has stood vacant since 2002 when it was rezoned to B-1 which indicates the zoning could be impeding the potential development. Also, B-2 fits the overall area with the developer agreeing to conditions that would restrict what would be allowed on the site.

American Kendall Properties’ conditions for  rezoning would restrict such businesses as automobile gasoline and service stations, adult businesses, new or used mobile home sales or service, excavation, equipment sales or service, machinery or farm implant sales and automobile, truck, motorcycle, trailer, recreation vehicle or boat showrooms.

The need for diverse housing

Through the master plan process, one of the stated goals was to provide equitable, diverse, and geographically dispersed housing.

The proposed site plan for the northeast corner of 52nd Street and Byron Center Avenue. (Supplied)

“That included not only the distribution of single family homes throughout our community but also including multi-family that we also refer to as missing middle housing, the duplexes, the triplexes, the quad-plexes,” Hofert said.

According to the Impediments to Fair House Choice and Housing Needs Assessment, there is a demand for 2,010 units among high income renters earning 80 percent of area median income, which would be more than $50,000. The master plan also states that this is a shift in development pattern that may require increased density and a more varied housing stock on existing vacant sites than what has been historically accommodated in the city. The site’s density would be 15 homes per acre with medium density at 13-15, Hofert said.

“We have often heard, and we have had The Right Place come here and talk about not only the need for more housing units in our community but that we need housing units that attract young and talented workers,” Hofert said. “This is in order to bring, for example technical workers, high skill workers, etc. These are types of individuals who may not be ready to buy a home yet but need somewhere to live.

“Oftentimes what we see is that when a person is moving out of an apartment they are moving into the larger community when it feels really welcoming to them.”

Lifestyle change among young professionals

Representatives from The Right Place also have discussed with the Planning Commission how employers are looking for communities offering a variety of available housing for their employees. Currently the City of Wyoming has a ratio of 39.3 percent of single family detached homes, 4.3 percent of multi-family homes, and 1.6 single-attached homes.

“You can’t attract the people that you want to your community and the businesses you want to your community if there is no place for them to [live],” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development for The Right Place.

Mroz said the desire to have a single-family home also has decreased significantly over the past several years. In fact, according to a rent.com survey, 85 percent of millennials, 18- to 34-year-olds, are renting for several reasons including being more mobile, changing jobs, and settling down later in life.

“I will admit that there is enough gray in my hair and my beard that I am still part of the single-family home generation and from what I have seen in terms of housing demand and what I have seen in terms of community, I am going the way of the dodo bird,” he said.

“My younger colleagues don’t want a lawn, they don’t want an acre and a half. They want that closer sense of community where their families can grow up together.”

Addressing the concerns

Other concerns raised were traffic, which Hofert said through engineering studies it has been determined that Byron Center Avenue could sustain the additional traffic. If a grocery store, similar to the Family Fare on Burlingame Avenue, was constructed on the site, which is allowed under the current zoning, it could have up to an additional 370 vehicles per peak time. A residential development would have about 64.

“Commercial developments generate higher traffic volumes than residential developments,” she said.

Several residents raised concerns about increasing student numbers for the school. Mayor Jack Poll said he learned that at The Haven, another American Kendall Properties located at 52nd and Wilson, there were only six additional students added to the Grandville Public Schools.

Grandville Public Schools Superintendent Roger Bearup sent a letter in support of the development stating “This project is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2022. This timeline fits well with the construction and reconfiguration within Grandville Public Schools as our new middle school will open in the Fall of 2023, our old middle school will be renovated for our fifth and sixth graders and open in 2024, which will create space within the district buildings to address any potential growth from this project. We should have plenty of space to welcome new families to our excellent schools.”

Concerns were raised about crime, which Hofert said statistically, where there is more people, there is more crime and it is not related to the type of housing in the area.

The site still needs to go through review for the special permit and site plans. If the project is not under construction by Dec. 31, 2023, the properties will revert back to the B-1 zoning.

Wyoming police, fire honored during annual ceremony

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, Local Faces, Our Cities, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Using GPS tracking on phones to recover stolen merchandise and vehicles. Pulling trace evidence from the inside of a driver door’s handle to identify a suspect. Risking their lives by entering into the flood waters of Buck Creek to save a civilian. Making sure a vulnerable resident has a safe place to stay at a local hotel.

These were the stories – the ones often not told – that were shared at the annual Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony last week as the department recognized about 80 officers and civilians for their actions in crime prevention, recovery, and rescue.

Office Brady Heckman was named the 2021 Office of the Year. (WKTV)

“In light of all the events that have taken place over the past few years that have impacted not only our profession but our personal lives, I think it is more important than ever that we celebrate each other,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster. “It is imperative that we acknowledge all of the accomplishments of our fellow police officers and firefighters. We can not let the stories of our compassionate service and heroic actions go untold. The work we do matters and it does make a difference.”

An officer whose work certainly has made a difference is that of Officer Brady Heckman. A five-year veteran on the force, Heckman received a number of accolades, including a certificate of merit and individual commendation for his work in locating illegally possessed firearms, taking violent criminals off the streets, and his care for victims. For his dedication, Heckman, who is a field training officer, a tackle bike team member, and operator on the tack team, was named the 2021 Officer of the Year, which is chosen by a panel of sworn officers.

“Heckman has earned a reputation as an outstanding police professional with a keen ability for catching criminals and a heart for serving this community,” said Capt. Timothy Pols who with Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Vantassell served as master of ceremonies. “He is valued by co-workers and supervisors alike as a consistent teamplayer. He is an outstanding representative of the law enforcement profession in general and the Wyoming Police Department in particular.”

From his peers, it was noted that Heckman “makes being proactive a priority and sets an example for young officers to do the same,” as well as for his work in locating stolen vehicles, seeking out criminals and making arrests, and volunteering to help new recruits.

Celia Rhodes was named the 2021 Civilian of the Year. (WKTV)

The department’s civilian employees also form a panel to select a civilian of the year, which for 2021 is Celia Rhodes. Rhodes, who has served as a forensic science technician with the department for four and half years, has become an expert in evidence storage and operating the BEAST (Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking) evidence management system.

“Celia is well known and respected for her upbeat attitude and true passion for helping others in need,” Pols said. “No matter what she is working on, Celia never turns away from aiding someone else, whether it be explaining policy or procedure to a fellow employee or talking to a citizen about their case. She always does so with a smile and genuine care for whomever she is working with.”

Another officer recognized for his investigation work on child sexual abuse was Det. Dan Vlietstra, who received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. For the past two years, Viletstra has been the department’s liaison with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where he works with a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the investigation of abuse allegations.

“Through his work, Dan has been able to stop the abuse, identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and support the victim and their family on a path of recovery and healing,” Koster said.

Also receiving the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence were Fire Inspector Brad Dornbos, Lt. Chris Velzen, Equipment Operator (EO) Brandon Travis, and firefighter (FF) Matt Frazee, for their work in recruiting, interviewing and training new firefighters.

Also honored was Mayor Jack Poll, who received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his dedication to the Public Safety Department during the past 13 years he has served as the city’s mayor. Poll will retire from public service at the end of this year.

“I have lived in Wyoming now for 67 years and I can tell you that I have never gone to bed at night that I was concerned about my safety because we have such stellar leaders in our community,” Poll said.

Police officers receiving the individual commendation award. (WKTV)

Koster said what was presented at the recognition ceremony is only the tip of the iceberg as to what officers and firefighters have done.

“There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me a story about a way a police officer or a firefighter has served them in a capacity that amazed them,” Koster said. “There are a lot of stories that officers don’t tell about what police officers do and firefighters who go above and beyond.”


Award Recipients

Life Saving Award

Ofc. Tony Jacob

Ofc. Russ Kamstra

Lt. Chris Velzen

EO Bradley Bennett

EO Brian Ilbrink

EO Tom Marsman

FF Ken Eppink

FF Matt Frazee

FF Jason Hanlon

FF Andrew Johnson

FF Michele Kelly

FF Jesse May

FF Alex Parsons

FF Dan Rettig

FF Jason Richardson

FF Dan Royce

Police officers and community members being recognized during the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony. (WKTV)

Certificate of Merit

Sgt. Julie Haverkamp

Sgt. Corey Walendzik

Det. Aaron Gray

Ofc. Jake Bylsma

Ofc. Jason Caster

Ofc. Marc Donker

Ofc. Aaron Freeman

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Ofc. Rus Kamstra

Ofc. Ryan Patterson

Ofc. Daniel Sanderson

Ofc. Blair Shellenbarger

Ofc. Adam Sherman

Ofc. John Westra

Ofc. Logan Wieber

Ofc. Tyler Zbikowski

EO Tom Marsman

FF Zach Johns

FF Matt Young

United Commendation
Accident Investigation Team

Lt. Mark Easterly

Sgt. Aaron Brooks

Det. Rachel Clore

Det. Dan Vlietstra

Ofc. Jen Eby

Ofc. Pam Keen

Ofc. Erich Staman

Field Training Officer

Ofc. Marc Donker

Ofc. Kelsey Eisen

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Civilian Commendations

Ian Carmichael

Richard Hungerford

Tom Norton (WKTV)

Individual Commendation

Cpt. Eric Wiler

Lt. Brian Look

Sgt. Aaron Brooks

Sgt. Andrew Koeller

Sgt. Michael Nachtegall

Ofc. Christian Bomer

Ofc. Anthonee Carringer

Ofc. Jason Caster

Ofc. Kelsey Eisen

Ofc. Gavin Filkins

Ofc. Eric Grunewald

Ofc. Brady Heckman

Ofc. Ben Hecksel

Ofc. Zachary Jackson

Ofc. Brandon Knowling

Ofc. Chad Lynn

Ofc. Kesha McConaha-Schultz

Ofc. Shad McGinnis

Ofc. Ryan Patterson

Ofc. Scott Rittenger

Ofc. Dan Sanderson

Ofc. Adam Sherman

Ofc. Jack Tromp

Ofc. Logan Wieber

Julie Coon

Kasey Kaufmann

Todd Masula

Monzerrat Perez

Marcy Schaller

Outstanding Police Administrative Service Award

Kate Gardner

Top Shot Award

Ross Eagan

Miss Metro Cruise is about celebrating all people

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin was out encouraging people to participate in the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition during May’s Metro Cruise Dust-Off. (WKTV)

Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown) admits when she is dressed up in her retro ’50s attire of a white dress accented with large pink flowers, attendees often are surprised to learn she is an actual doctor.

When that happens, the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise cheerfully explains how it is possible to do both — be a scientist and a pinup.

“I have always been underestimated when I look pretty but that is unfortunately something that happens,” she said. “So, the nice thing about the pharmaceutical industry is that it is less judgmental in that way. People can be a little quirky and flashy and still be taken seriously. Ultimately, as a scientist we are judged on our body of work that we accomplish and so it is a little different in pinup, because people judge you on what you look like.”

This weekend, Kelvin will be doing the judging as she helps find her replacement at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest, which will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. The preliminary contest, hosted by Kentwood’s JA PR Group, will feature classic cars with the contest narrowing the contestants down to the final 10 who will compete at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Metro Cruise, set for Aug. 26 and 27.

“I love to plan an outfit and go through all the effort of getting everything just right in my appearance,” Kelvin said of participating in pinup contests like Miss Metro Cruise. “What I love most is sharing the experience with other pinups that I meet.

“I think it is a really accepting and inclusive group in a way that other things based on appearance are not.”

Participating in pinup contests was not even on Kelvin’s radar until a couple of years ago. She was working on doctorate in neuroscience at Michigan State University.

“To be totally honest I was sort of a late bloomer academically,” Kelvin said. “I had tried every different major you could think of except for science. I think I let it intimidate me when I was younger. It always seems scary and overwhelming like ‘That is a lot of math.’

Dr. Joules Kelvin, from Lansing, at the 2021 Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest. She was named 2021 Miss Metro Cruise at last year’s event. (WKTV)

“As I had my daughter, it was time to be somebody’s role model so I decided to rip the bandage off and go back to school and take a chemistry class and it turned out I was really good at it.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Saginaw Valley State University because she wanted to go into the medical field. While attending grad school at Michigan State University, she met people in the pharmacology school and found they were “my people.” She earned a doctorate in neuroscience where most of her research has focused.

She also met some other people who connected to another side of her personality.

“I tend to be the more quirky one among the scientists,” she said. “I tend to be a little bit more fashionable then a lot of my colleagues. I like being flashy on the weekends and I have always enjoyed being kind of girlie.

 

“I think people think you can’t be both, which is just not true.”

It all clicked and after the workshop, Kelvin began to look for photo opportunities working with photographers and attending car shows.

“I have to say the people I meet during pinup are the most diverse, motivated and powerful group of women I’ve encountered,” she said, adding that the group represents different ages, body types, sizes, and aesthetics.  

“I always say that my favorite part of the pinup is the sisterhood,” she said.

But the pageants were intimidating because, as Kelvin put it, “not only do you have to put it all together but you have to get up in front of people and be clever.”

In fact, Miss Metro Cruise is the second pageant title she has won in the couple of years of participating. She admitted that the event seemed overwhelming since it was in two parts and featured several well-established pinup artists.

“When I got there everyone was so kind and it was just really welcoming and nice,” she said. “Actually, I think it was lower pressure than other pageants because they do their best to make sure that everyone feels like they are included and they encourage new people to come and do it.”

The win encouraged her to participate in Detroit’s Autorama competition last February, where she again surprised herself by taking home the title.

 

Kelvin has her sights on a couple of competitions in March of 2023, but for now she is enjoying a break from competing.

There will be plenty of classic cars at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest this Saturday. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I just like going, being positive, and supporting other people who are competing, especially people who are newer,” she said. “And it is nice going and not competing sometimes because I am dealing with a little bit less pressure.”

Along with supporting those competition, she also hopes to have the chance to break the stereotype that scientists are not that interesting by talking to children and young adults about her career path.

“I would like to tell people that they shouldn’t let science intimidate you,” she said. “Scientists are in general very excited about science. If you are curious, come chat us up because we will tell you anything you want to know and some things you don’t.

“I love talking about what I do and how I got there but also the same goes for pinup. Pinup can seem intimidating and overwhelming from a distance, but if you just go talk to a pinup they will tell you their experience of getting there and how it scared them a little bit at first and if you are curious about it you should absolutely try it. We all support each other.”

Sounds of Summer is set to return with a packed line-up

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , , ,
  • Schlitz Creek performs July 7
  • That Beatle Thing is July 14
  • Frantic Kingdom is July 21
  • Brena performs July 28

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

With everything from bluegrass to music of the Beatles, this year’s Sounds of Summer concert series at Cutler Park in Cutlerville will feature “a little something for everyone,” according to organizers.

“Not everybody likes the same kind of music,” said organizer Patty Williams. “We try to hit every genre we can in the four-week period. We try to do something for everyone.”

This year’s series includes:

Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Cutler Park is located just east of U.S. 131 off 68th Street.

Patty Williams with her son Lare Williams (left) and a guest. (Supplied)

“The best part about all of these shows is the price tag,” said Lare Williams, Patty’s son whose company LW Studios helps produce the shows each summer. “They are all absolutely free thanks to our friends at Byron Township.”

It’s a great family event, he added.

“Bring your lawn chairs, bring you blankets, bring the whole family,” Williams said. “Kids are welcome. There’s a big playground there, and they can run around and play ’til their heart’s content.”

“The series has brought fun and livelihood to Cutler Park,” he added.

The Sounds of Summer concert series started in 2008 at Bicentennial Park in downtown Byron Center by Patty Williams, who is a WKTV producer and volunteer and runs her independent P. Williams Productions.

They migrated to Cutler Park in 2015, Lare Williams said.

Lare Williams handles the sound board during one of the Sounds of Summer concerts. (Supplied)

The shows have gathered a following, he added.

“The picnic setting has brought up to 500 guests from the neighborhood and other states to the concerts,” he said.

What’s the reason for its success?

Patty Williams said it’s because they know a little bit about the entertainment business being part of The Williams Family, a local group popular in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s known for its bluegrass music.

She said Lare, for example, is a well-seasoned musician who has recorded CDs of his own. and has been on stage since he was 2-years-old.

It’s the reason why locals love Sounds of Summer, she said, because they always add “a personal touch to each week’s concert.”

“You are entertained from the moment you set up your lawn chair,” she said. “There’s not a dull moment. There is always something going on.”

They might play Sounds of Summer trivia, give away CDs and interact with the audience.

“People love that. It really puts a personal touch on it where they actually feel like they own this concert series. When people come here they say, ‘This is ours.’”

Participants often bring a picnic meal to the popular Sounds of Summer which is at Cutler Park in Cutlerville. (Supplied)

Other highlights: Ken’s food cart will be vending beverages and hotdogs this summer, and “we have the local ice cream truck make an appearance,” Lare Williams said.

Already looking ahead to next year, Patty Williams said they hope to expand the series and include the month of August, possibly back at Bicentennial Park. The concerts in Cutler Park would remain in July.

Regardless, she’s proud of what she started 14 years ago. She remembers the idea came to her when she was touring with The Williams Family band.

“We used to perform at these little town festivals, and I would say ‘Why doesn’t Byron Center have anything like this? We’re a wonderful community. We have beautiful parks.’” 

It’s been good for the community, she said.

“It brings a lot of people out, and families, too,” she said. “People love it!”

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Meijer Gardens’ Holocaust memorial designed as a place to remember, reflect

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, West Michigan, , , ,

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer

Alissa VanderKooi said that her grandfather, Henry Pestka, would not often speak of his past life as a Jew in Nazi-occupied Germany.

 

“On that rare occasion that he would speak of this dark period of his life, his focus was never on the darkness but always on the light. His ability to see the light through the darkness is something that we pass on from generation to generation,” VanderKooi said. 

“Ways to Say Goodbye”by Ariel Schlesinger. (Photo by D.A. Reed)

One such story Henry chose to tell his granddaughter was of a paint store worker who would offer him a piece of bread when he was brought in by Nazi soldiers to buy paint. Even after a soldier threatened to kill her, the worker worked out a signal with Henry so she would know if, depending on who his guard was that day, it was safe to give him the bread.

“This memory that my grandfather chose to share with me was one of the kindness of a stranger during the darkest of times,” said VanderKooi.

In honor of Pestka and the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park through a partnership with The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids recently dedicated the Holocaust memorial Ways to Say Goodbye. The piece, which was made possible through a donation from Pestka family, was created by artist Ariel Schlesinger in 2019 and was originally on display in the United Kingdom.

“As time goes on and memories of the Holocaust fade, it is important to remember the barbarity human beings are capable of,” said Steve Pestka, son of Henry Pestka. “It is equally important to contemplate the strength of the survivors and their ability to continue and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this work of art will promote an appreciation of our shared humanity and a reminder that hatred and intolerance continue to this day and the consequences of the ultimate dehumanization of human beings.”

Henry’s Story

During World War II, the Pestka family were prisoners of Auschwitz, a concentration camp in Poland. Both of Henry’s parents and all of his siblings perished during the Holocaust. Henry was the sole survivor of his family and attributed his survival to being given a job as a painter.

Henry Pestka’s son, Steve, speaks to the crowd during the June 30 dedication. (Photo by D.A. Reed)

After surviving the Holocaust, Henry lived for a short time in Paris before joining his only living relatives, an aunt and uncle who had moved to New York City before the war. He was not a fan of the big city and remembered one of his father’s friends, Sam Weissman, who had moved to America from Poland before the war and came to live in Grand Rapids. Henry wrote a letter to Weissman and asked if there would be any work for him in Grand Rapids. Weissman assured Henry he would be able to make a living in West Michigan.

It was in Grand Rapids that Henry found the family and community he previously lost.

“He felt embraced by the people here and the sense of community he so desired,” VanderKooi said. “He never spoke of the hardship of learning a new language or being an outsider. Instead, he always spoke of the warm embrace he received from his community and the opportunities made available to him.”

Henry married Weissman’s niece Beatrice Bergman and began a family. He built a very successful real estate development business becoming known as a pillar of the community. Henry passed away in 2013 at the age of 93, and the sense of belonging he found in Grand Rapids is what prompted the Pestka family to choose West Michigan as the place to honor his memory and those of the six million Jews lost in the Holocaust.

“We are deeply grateful for this gift adding such an important work of art to our permanent collection,” said David Hooker, President & CEO of Meijer Gardens in supplied material. “Our community will forever benefit from this extraordinary gift which serves to educate and promote peace.”

Saying Goodbye

Artist Ariel Schlesinger speaks to a guest after the June 30 dedication. (Photo by D.A. Reed)

Ways to Say Goodbye, a 20-foot-tall aluminum cast of a fig tree with shards of glass inserted among the branches, can be found in the Garden’s outdoor Sculpture Park and is considered an exceptional work of contemporary sculpture dealing with themes of profound loss and grief. Modeled after a living fig tree in northern Italy, Schlesinger chose this metaphor of the Jewish people and their history because of its symbolism of the Jewish struggle for survival both during and after the Holocaust. While appearing fragile and clinging to life, the fig tree is also representative of great endurance.

The shards of glass in the tree represent Kristallnack, or Night of Broken Glass, which took place on Nov. 9-10, 1938. On those nights, the Nazi regime encouraged Germans to riot against Jews and nearly 100 Jewish people died.

During the ceremony, Schlesinger, who is most known for his public sculpture outside the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt, posed the question: “How is it possible to relate to complete horror through artistic representation?” The artist admitted the weight of his task, “which is (to) acknowledge traumas, grief, and losses in the form of public remembrance.”

“While this is not an act of representation, but rather recognition…of an important aspect of our beings,” Schlesinger continued. “To celebrate humans’ resilience even after catastrophe. Here, people will come, look, and survey this dream. The images reflected in the viewer’s eyes will also include sky, clouds, the trees around. Everyone sees what their heart and soul see. With our past, imagining a better future for all.”

A place to remember, reflect

Frederik Meijer Gardens CEO David Hooker with Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Executive Director Nicole Katzman (Photo by D.A. Reed)

Meijer Gardens and the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids see Ways to Say Goodbye as a gathering place for the Jewish community of Grand Rapids, offering a place to reflect, pray, and remember, while also being a teaching tool for educators both locally and nationally to address the Holocaust and its legacy.

“For our generation, (the Holocaust) is unfathomable,” said Pestka family friend, Shannon Gales. “So it’s wonderful that they are doing this and honoring the memory to continue to remember.”

David Alfonso, MD and JFGR Board Chair said, “It is incumbent upon us, as well as the generations that will follow us, to tell their stories so that we may embody the saying, ‘Never Again.’ We hope that this sculpture will serve as a beacon of light, a means of inspiration and education, for future generations that will view it and carry on its message of hope and remembrance.”

VanderKooi agreed: “History, the good and the bad, has a way of repeating itself and it is our responsibility, not just as Jews, but as a society, to educate ourselves about the bad in order to prevent it from being repeated or denied.”

Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz ended the ceremony with these inspirational words: “Let the pain of our memories and the love of those lost spur us to educate and inspire, to mourn and to hope, and to do all that we can to ensure the voracity of our words when we say, ‘Never Again.’”

To learn the stories of Henry Pestka and other West Michigan Holocaust survivors, visit West Michigan Holocaust Memorial, a Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids website made possible by the Finkelstein Brothers Endowment.

KDL designs award to find local literacy champions

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

KDL is looking for local champions in literacy for its KDL Literacy Champion award.

Jeopardy! champion James Holzhauer openly admits that it was the children’s nonfiction section of his library that helped him bring home big winnings and, as a thank you, he donated some of those winnings to local libraries in his area.

Country singer and musician Dolly Parton has always believed that not being able to read was what kept her own father from accomplishing his goals in life and for that reason she started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in East Tennessee.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s work as an educator carried over into her public life as she became an advocate for literacy which lead to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Holzhauer, Parton, and Bush have been recognized as literacy champions, a person who has gone above and beyond to improve literacy within their own community.

The Kent District Library hopes to recognize and an individual and organization who have gone above and behind to improve literacy in the Kent County area through its newly created KDL Literacy Champion Award.

“Literacy is the foundation of all learning for our children and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “There are many people and organizations who have exceptional passion for literacy, creating a profound impact on life in our community. The KDL Literacy Champion Award shines a light on and celebrates them.”

The award will be given to one individual and one organization who does or has done something exceptional to promote literacy. To find those individuals and groups, KDL has opened public nominations through July 31. Nominations may be submitted online at kdl.org/literacychampion.

Nominees should have demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievement in advancing reading. Individuals can be teachers, tutors, school librarians, authors, and others. Organizations can be schools, non-profit services, for-profit businesses, and government entities.

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel from KDL and its Board of Trustees. Winners will be publicly announced and celebrated on Sept. 15 at the eighth annual Literary Libations Gala. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, a crystal trophy and two tickets to the KDL’s Literary Librations Gala.

For complete details about the KDL Literacy Champion Award, visit kdl.org/literacychampion. 

‘American Idol’ contestant headlines Wyoming’s next Concert in the Park

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

If you’re a fan of soul singers such as Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers and Al Green, you’re going to love Nathan Walton & The Remedy.

Nathan Walton looks for to an evening of soul music at Wyoming’s Lamar Park. (Supplied)

“We play a lot of soul music, and soul covers. We got a pretty good size band….we’re just out to put on a good show for the community,” Walton said in an interview with WKTV Journal.

Walton and his rock ‘n’ roll soul band The Remedy will perform those songs – and may other covers – as part of Wyoming’s weekly concert series at 7 p.m. June 21 at Lamar Park. Admission is free.

The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. See the list of shows below. All will be recorded and aired on WKTV.

If Walton’s name sounds familiar, maybe it’s because he was featured on TV’s “American Idol.”

The singer appeared on Season 3 of the ABC show, where he received a Golden Ticket and competed in Hollywood with talented vocalists from all over the country. Judge Lionel Richie called his voice “a cannon.”

Walton said his experience on “American Idol” in 2020 was “life changing.”

“It was incredible…for sure,” said Walton, who graduated in 2011 from Byron Center High School.  “A friend of mine encouraged me to audition, and I’m glad I did. The next I knew I was in L.A. and hanging out with Lionel Richie. I became a Top 60 singer in America, which was pretty awesome.”

Since then Walton has gained a local following.

He was the “Staff Pick” for Best Solo Musician in Revue Magazine’s “2021 Best of the West” issue.

According to Revue contributing editor, Eric Mitts:

Nathan Walton will perform with his group The Remedy on Tuesday. (Supplied)

“Walton has shone bright. Sure, his powerful, soulful vocals draw most of the attention, but it’s his prolifically diverse songwriting and passion behind the scenes that make him an increasingly major part of the music scene, and an artist everyone should know.”

He’s also proud of his band The Remedy, which put out an album last spring. The seven-piece band also includes a jazz vocalist.

In addition, he is known for assembling a “supergroup” of well-known local multi-instrumentalists called King Possum. And he regularly lends his powerful voice to bands like Stone Soup and the Broken Teeth, and with special guests at his Greyline Brewing residency.

He also serves as music director for Elevator a GoGo, a West Michigan-based platform to discover music, the spoken word, and performance artists from America and around the world.

As for his upcoming gig, he’s just hoping for good weather. His band is ready to go!

“We’re just thankful we could be playing for the community,” he said, “that’s really what we’re happy about. We’ll get out to see some friends and hopefully put on a good show.”

Learn more about Nathan Walton on his website nathanwaltonlive.com/.

Listen to tracks of his latest album at nathanwalton.hearnow.com.

Wyoming Concerts in Park 2022 are all at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park. Admission is free. More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.

Upcoming Concerts:

June 28 – Jordan Hamilton – Cellist 

July 12 – Randy McAllister – Blues and Soul 

July 19 – Monty Pride – Folk 

July 26 – Bernadette Kathryn – Country 

August 2 – Grupo Latin – Latin Soul (13 piece band)

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Fulton Street Market to host solstice event on Tuesday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Fulton Street Farmers Market will host a Summer Solstice Celebration! on Tuesday. (Supplied)

The Fulton Street Farmers Market will be hosting its Summer Solstice Celebration! Tuesday, June 21, from 4-8 p.m.

We welcome everyone to come celebrate 100 years of food, farming, art, and community. This event is a non-market event, meaning there are no vendors besides concessions as this is a celebration we want our farmers, food producers, and artisans to attend and enjoy themselves while mingling with each other and the community.

This is a family-friendly event for all ages, featuring a kid’s craft activity hosted by The Monstorium, an artisan market vendor. There will be live music by four musicians throughout the evening who are regular performers at the Saturday markets. Fae Floral are making a flower archway for participants to pose for selfies and group shots to capture the fun of the evening.  There will be beer, seltzer, and cider available for purchase as well as the release of the market’s signature centennial beer the Solstice Sambucus created in collaboration with two market vendors and crafted by Speciation Artisan Ales. The Solstice Sambucus is an elderberry basil Saison.

 

The following concessions will be available during the event: Street Chef Shaw, Los Jalapenos, Agua Fresca, Momma D’s Kitchen, Around Baking Company, Ollie’s Donuts, Any Colour You Like Popsicles, and Tor’s Tonics.

There is no charge to attend the event, and everyone is welcome.  The market is located at 1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids. For more information check out the Fulton Street Farmers Market website at: www.fultonstreetmarket.org. 

The history of 28th Street celebrated in Wyoming book

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

From being a dirt road to being a major thoroughfare, 28th Street is a roadway of history in the Greater Grand Rapids, especially for the City of Wyoming.

So much so, that the Wyoming Historical Commission has spent the last year compiling a new book “From Beals Road to 28th Street, a History of The Miracle Mile.” The book is being released this Saturday with copies available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wyoming Historical Room, located inside the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

“We like to think of ‘The Miracle Mile’ as a scrapbook that not only outlines the commercial history from South Division Avenue to Byron Center Avenue but will likely jog many found memories for our readers,” said David Britten, who headed up the project. “It should be a valuable addition to anyone’s local history collection.”

The project is the result of conversations held during Metro Cruise last August as visitors stoped at the Historical Commission’s booth in the Rogers Plaza area, Britten said.

Studio 28 was the first megaplex and one of the largest movie theaters in the world. It was located along 28th Street.

The result is 122-page, 8-1/2by-11 inch book containing more than 200 photos and dozens of advertisements and articles from the earliest years.

In “The Miracle Mile” book, there are three sections detailing the growth of the commercial corridor from 1946 through 1973. A section titled “The Early Years” outlines the changes over time in the road, itself, the Rogers School, and the first few businesses in what was then a rural, farming section of Wyoming Township.

During that time period, 28th Street has been called many names, Beals Road, the Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids and of course, The Miracle Mile.

For around 90 years, 28th Street has served as the southern gateway helping residents and travelers move east and west, serving as the southern border of the Beltline, a bypass route around the city. At one time it was the second busiest highway in the State of Michigan and home to so many hamburger joints, it was said you could have a different one every day and not eat at the same place for three months.

In 1957, US-131 was completed with direct access on and off of 28th Street. It immediately caused change along the roadway. 

In the fifties, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in the West Michigan area along the stretch of 28th Street in Wyoming. Rogers Plaza would open in 1961 followed by Southland (now 28th West Plaza). Rogers Plaza was the first major modern shopping center in Kent County and caused a tremendous change in metropolitan area shopping.

And just what Rogers Plaza did for shopping, Studio 28 did for movie attendance as Studio 28 was the first megaplex and one of the largest movie theaters in the world.

It was in the Rogers Plaza parking lot during the 2021 Metro Cruise that the idea for “The Miracle Mile” book came about. Rogers Plaza was the first shopping center in Kent County and it is located on 28th Street. (WKACC)

More stores sprouted up on 28th Street, which was widened to five lanes, and that was about the time the nickname “The Miracle Mile” was attached to the street. According to “A City of Wyoming – A History,” also produced by the Wyoming Historical Commission, Fred Eardley’s Trading Post at Burlingame Avenue anchored The Miracle Mile on the west, and Ben Duthler built a supermarket at Clyde Park at the east end anchor. Other new stores were Stone’s Shoes, Rogers Department Store (which would become the largest department store in the county), Feighner Drugs, TerMeer Hardware, Suburban 5 and 10 Store, Meijer, Eberhards food stores, Holiday Lanes, and several gasoline stations.

The book also includes a short biography of Abram J. Longstreet, a forgotten pioneer of Rogers Heights community. In fact, Fruit Basket/Flowerland is located on the original Longstreet farm and Clyde Park is actually named after the Clydesdales that were once located on the farm. The Wyoming High School football field is named after Longstreet.

Books are $20 and beside Saturday, will be available during Metro Cruise, Aug. 26 and 27, and during the History Room’s normal hours which are 9:30 a.m. – noon Tuesdays and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month. For more information, visit the Wyoming Michigan History Room’s Facebook page. 

First Wyoming Summer Market to open on Saturday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The first of four Summer Markets will be taking place this Saturday at HŌM Flats at 28 West, 1401 Prairie Parkway SW. The event is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

At last year’s event, a customer looks over a flower arrangement from Wyoming-based Periwinkle Flor Co. (WKTV)

“We are excited to bring this opportunity back to the city,” said Brianna Peña, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming.

Last year, HŌM Flats had approached the city about hosting a public market, which city officials were also considering. The two groups decided to partner hosting two fall events which met with success.

Building off of that, it was decided to host four markets, all through the same partnership of the City of Wyoming and HŌM Flats.

“It is in preparation for the community to host and establish a consistency for these local markets in Wyoming,” Peña said for the reason of expanding the number of markets to four this year.

One of the goals of city officials is to establish a public market within the city limits. Some discussion has centered on using the northern portion of the Site 36, which the city retained after the sale of the property to Franklin Partners.

At each the markets there will be food trucks and artisan vendors offering an array of items such as handmade clothing, jewelry, keychains, and art.

At this Saturday’s event, the food trucks are Curry in a Hurry, which will be offering food selections form India such as Butter Chicken and Traditional Curry with Rice, and Simply Sweet Confections, which will be featuring a selection of its popular macarons.

Also on Saturday, there will be free ice cream to the first 200 attendees and face painting.

The remaining Summer Markets are set for:

July 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.,. Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW

Aug 19, 3-7 p.m., 28 West Parking lot, 1345 28 West Place, (near the former Lindo restaurant)

Sept. 16, 3-7 p.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW

Heritage Hill to host colorful garden tour this Saturday

3-bottom, architecture, Citizen Journalism, design, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Heritage Hill Garden Tour will feature 10 private gardens and two organization gardens in this year’s event. (Supplied)

Ten private gardens and two organizational gardens will be part of the 2022 Heritage Hill Garden Tour, which is set for Saturday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Each garden is a unique reflection of the creative, nature-loving gardeners who tend them. From showy displays in front gardens bursting with color to hidden gems waiting behind a home to warmly welcome guests, the possibilities of what a garden can be will inspire.

 

Some of the gardens included on this self-guided tour are:

  1. President Gerald Ford’s boyhood back yard now filled with statuary and rare plantings.
  2. Wonderland over 40 years in the making that surrounds an enchanting home. 
  3. A serene and elegant backyard setting that includes a complete outdoor kitchen.
  4. A stately brick home perfectly surrounded by beautiful plantings.  
  5. A small but artfully designed garden that makes wise use of every space.
  6. A front yard garden that catches the eye of everyone who passes by.
  7. Free-flowing flower garden on Prospect Ave. that wears new colors for every season.
  8. Formal fountains galore surrounding a home on College.
  9. Peaceful natural water feature that accents a shade garden. 
  10. A sweet little garden on Paris Ave.
  11.  Vibrant annuals and perennials at the Voigt House tended by volunteers.
  12.  Formal gardens at the Meyer May House that are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture.

Individual tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on the day of the tour. Group tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 each for 20 or more tickets, $5 each for 50 or more tickets. Group pricing is not available on the day of the tour.

Tickets are available for pre-sale through midnight on June 17 via our website, www.heritagehillweb.org or contact the office during operating hours at 616-459-8950.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth at the Child Discovery Center, 409 Lafayette Ave. SE. on the day of tour. Pre-sold tickets may be picked up at will call on the day of the tour.

The tour occurs rain or shine. Refunds are not available. Masks are welcomed for the safety of garden hosts and visitors.

Parking will be available at:

  • Child Discovery Center at 409 Lafayette Ave. SE
  • Elders Helpers at 500 Cherry St. S.E.
  • On-street parking is often available. Please adhere to posted parking restrictions.

Holland to offer high-speed internet if Aug. 2 proposal passes

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Our Cities, Tech Trends, West Michigan, , ,

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

On Aug. 2, the City of Holland could join a short list of cities that has broadband as a city utility. (pxhere.com)

When Holland voters go to the polls on Aug. 2, they will decide on a milage proposal that would give residents a benefit that’s relatively rare in the United States: a publicly funded, city-wide broadband internet network available to anyone living within the city limits.

 

The Holland City Council voted in April to take the measure to the voters. Now, the city is immersed in a campaign to educate voters about the benefits of the proposal.

If the ballot measure passes, Holland would join cities like Chattanooga, Tennessee; Sandy, Oregon; Cedar Falls, Iowa, and several others spread around the country that have a broadband network run by the municipality.

“Covid made it very clear that home internet is not a luxury,” said Daniel Morrison, a local broadband advocate who runs Hollandfiber.org, a civic group that has long championed the idea. “I’ve been banging this drum for years – that it’s not just people’s Netflix. It’s a utility. Covid changed the perception of that. It’s how you work. It’s how you go to school, it’s how you do everything, It’s not just entertainment. But even entertainment is important too.”

If the ballot measure passes, the funds raised by the millage will extend a fiber network that already exists in the downtown area to the rest of the city. The network will be owned and maintained by the Holland Board of Public Works and operated in the same way as other utilities, such as water or electricity.

“For the average family, we expect this would give them better choice in internet providers and lower – possibly significantly lower – prices,” Morrison said. “Better service at a lower price is what we’re seeing.” 

Downtown business in Holland already have been enjoying the faster upload speeds offered by the city’s fiber connections. (pxhere.com)

Residents would be able to choose between several different Internet service providers that offer service packages using the new fiber network, bringing a more competitive environment. 

Residents would pay to hook up to the service – $820  per address – but would be allowed to pay that off at a cost of $7 per month for 10 years, according to hollandcityfiber.org, the city website explaining the proposal. A sample internet service bill provided by the city shows an estimated monthly cost of $42 for internet service – $7 for the monthly installment payment for connection,  $7 for internet access and $28 for maintenance of the network.

The millage would levy up to 1.5 mills in its first year, and about 1.12 each year after that for the life of the 25-year bond, according to hollandcityfiber.org. The millage would cost about $12.50 per month for the owner of a $200,000 home with a taxable value of $100,000. If approved, the project to run the fiber throughout the city would start in 2023 and be finished two years later.

Morrison said that for businesses in Holland, the service would let them take advantage of high-speed uploads they may not have had before. Businesses in the existing downtown service area are already reaping the benefits, he said.

“There are some companies in town that do video work and they’re able to upload finished projects crazy fast over our current downtown service area,” Morrison said. “It’s unlocking so much potential of high-speed, high-availability options for businesses outside the downtown area.”

Pete Hofswell, Holland’s broadband services superintendent, said Holland first developed a fiberoptic system in the early 1990s  to connect, monitor and control the city’s public utilities.

That system has been growing slowly ever since, but expanding broadband access to the rest of the city has been a priority for many years, with ongoing discussions between the city council and the board of public works, Hofswell said.

“City Hall would get back to us and challenge us, saying ‘How can you get this service into more people’s hands?’ They see the value of it. They want to connect everybody in our town.”

A survey of residents taken in 2021 showed that 65% believed community investment was needed to ensure sufficient broadband access for all, and more than 72% agreed that community based broadband would benefit the community, according to hollandcityfiber.org.

Because Holland has had its fiber optic network for decades, the city is in a unique position to expand its network without being hampered by regulations that might affect other communities attempting to put a publicly funded fiber network in place.

The services are governed by the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act, Public Act 48 of 2002, and Michigan Telecommunications Act, Public Act 179 of 1991. In Michigan, public entities by law can provide telecommunications services only if they have first requested bids for the services and received fewer than three qualified bids. And they have to abide by same terms and conditions as those specified in their request for proposals.

But Ted Siler, utility services director for the city, said that because Holland has been providing broadband service for more than 30 years and its service predates the Metro Act, “we’re exempt and grandfathered in.”

Morrison said he’s not worried about regulation popping up to derail Holland’s plans. But other communities might not be so lucky.

“The telecom companies have had their hands in legislation for decades to try to prevent cities from doing what we’re doing. We’re lucky that we been doing this for 30 years in Holland so we’re unaffected by that legislation now,” he said. “But I feel bad for other communities that won’t  have the same luxury we do. It’s going to be harder for them.”

‘Star Wars’ author, Grand Rapids native set to release memoir trilogy

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributing Writer

Having sold two million Star Wars books for kids (Darth Vader and Son and Jedi Academy) and considered a pioneer of 21st-century graphic memoir, award-winning author and Grand Rapids native Jeffrey Brown is inviting readers to explore the intimate and timeless tales that first launched his career.

Arthur Jeffery Brown (Supplied)

Loved And Lost: A Relationship Trilogy, produced by Top Shelf Productions, is set to debut Tuesday, June 14. These three honest and adult-oriented memoirs, written 20 years ago and now compiled into one work, capture timeless insights into love, intimacy, and vulnerability that make them authentic and relatable to readers.

“(I wanted) to make work that expressed whatI was feeling,” Jeffrey Brown told WKTV in a recent interview. Creating works that related to everyday life was important to Brown. “I thought to myself: The complete opposite of something super-conceptual would be to write something about real life and be as brutally honest as I could possibly write.”

While attending the School of the Art Institute, Brown began doodling comics in his sketchbooks about everyday awkward moments. “There was something about making those that felt very full-filling,” Brown said. The author went on to say that those comics, when he showed them to friends and family, were what seemed to connect with people.

Brown began recording his memories of a recent long-distant relationship in a sketchbook, revealing the emotional frailty of young lovers in writing and art. That first book, Clumsy, struck a chord with readers and prompted Brown to create his second and third graphic memoirs, titled Unlikely and Any Easy Intimacy.

The response to his work, Brown revealed, was unexpected. “These things I was writing about were more universal than I realized,” said Brown. “It’s comforting to know that other people can read something and tell you, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve been there,’ and appreciate that you’ve been there too. It’s a two-way street of connecting with readers.”

Putting himself in a vulnerable position by divulging aspects of his personal life didn’t come easily but was worth it to Brown. “As an artist, I’m trusting people with myself, with my stories,” Brown said. “By and large, that trust is rewarded. I find that when someone opens up and is vulnerable, people’s instinct…is to be empathetic and return that vulnerability with their own vulnerability.”

Collected into one volume for the first time, Love And Lost: A Relationship Trilogy reminds readers of real life joy, heartbreak, and humor that marks every life.

Brown revealed that he is curious to see what readers think of the memoirs 20 years after they were written. “It’s interesting to look back. Obviously,the world is very different,” Brown said, “but hopefully there’s still something in there for people to find value in.”

Over the last 20 years, the author and artist has released numerous titles and won several awards, including the Ignatz Awardin 2003 in the category of Outstanding Mini-Comic for I Am Going To Be Small, and back-to-back Eisner Awardsin the category of Best Humor Publication for Darth Vader And Son (2013) and Vader’s Little Princess (2014).

When asked what is next for the author, Brown said that he does have a few projects in the works, but that he has also begun an epic fantasy adventure book, something he has always wanted do. “I try not to overthink how I’m approaching things and just follow what I feel like I what I want to make next,” said Brown. 

To find out more about author and artist Jeffrey Brown, click here: Jeffrey Brown Comics. To order a copy of Loved And Lost: A Relationship Trilogy, click here: Top Shelf Productions.

Blind Boys of Alabama opens Gardens concerts on Sunday

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Eric “Ricky” McKinnie was only four years old when he met The Blind Boys of Alabama. His mother was in a gospel group, and he had a chance to meet the legendary Clarence Fountain and other original members on the road.

The Blind Boys of Alabama perform with Marc Cohn on Sunday, June 12. (Supplied)

“I never knew that one day I would be part of The Blind Boys,” said the soft spoken singer, who joined the group as a drummer and road manager 34 years ago.

Today his band backs up The Blind Boys of Alabama, a Grammy award-winning and pioneering gospel group that began in 1939 that is revered in the industry. Over the decades it has appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Marc Cohn and others.

They help kick off another magical season of concerts on Sunday (June 12) at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The band opens for good friend Marc Cohn, who recorded an album with the Blind Boys in 2019.

McKinnie said they will play about a 75-minute of Gospel standards and some of their best-known songs, before giving way to Cohn. They might even join him on a song or two.

“We had the opportunity to meet Marc a few years ago; we got together, we did some recordings, we did some tours…it’s good to be back again,” said McKinnie in a phone call with WKTV Journal. “It’s just like family.”

The collaborative album with Cohn, titled “Work to Do,” features new and older material, including Cohn’s best known hit “Walking in Memphis,” as well the Blind Boys’ version of “Amazing Grace.”

McKinnie said it’s a special relationship with Cohn. They love him because he’s “an exceptional singer and keyboard player,” but more so because he’s a good person.

“He’s genuine,” McKinnie said. “What you see is what it is. He doesn’t change. We like his style. He’s just a good guy.”

Cohn said of the venerated gospel group:

“My collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama has been a thrilling chapter in my musical life,” he said in a release. “We’ve performed dozens of shows together and I was honored to co-write three songs for their previous album. Now, with the release of our new album, my early love and feeling for gospel music has come full circle. It was wonderful to both write new songs with their heavenly voices in mind, and to capture the joy that they bring to some of my older songs in a live setting.”

The Blind Boys have had a changing roster of musicians over its history, but got their name because a majority of the singers were vision impaired. McKinnie lost his eyesight to glaucoma in 1975.

Marc Cohn along with the Blind Boys of Alabama will kick off the Meijer Gardens concert series on Sunday. (Supplied)

The collaborations and accolades grew over the years and led to some prestigious awards, including five Grammy awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The group also was invited to the White House during the Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations.

McKinnie said “it’s always a privilege” to play for dignitaries and collaborate with other artists because “it’s good to know that someone likes your music and that someone cares.”

Performing songs “that reach the heart” has been a big part of their success, as well as their mission, he said.

“Throughout the years the Blind Boys have always tried to let people know that they are important,” he said.

“They show people that a disability doesn’t have to be a handicap because we learn that it’s not about what you can’t do that’s important, it’s about what you do. A handicap is a limitation, and we all have limitations.”

Most of all, the Atlanta native said, fans can expect to have a good time at Meijer Gardens when he takes the stage to perform with founding member Jimmy Carter, as well as Joey Williams, Ben Moore and Paul Beasley.

“We’re going to sing some songs that will make you feel good, if you feel bad, and we’re going to have you clap your hands and do a little dance. We’re going to have a great ol’ time when we get there,” McKinnie said.

Tickets are still available for the Marc Cohn + Blind Boys of Alabama, which are $52/public and $50 member. Many of the Meijer Garden shows are sold out. Shows with tickets available are:

June 24 – Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown featuring Tank and the Tan Bangas, Big Freedia, Cyril Nevil: The Uptown Ruler, George Porter Jr. and Dumpstaphunk (performing the music of The Meters and the The Soul Rebels, $93/member, $95/public

June 27 – Bluegrass Happening featuring Bela Fleck & My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush & The Jerry Douglas Band, $65/member, $67/public

July 6 – Corinne Bailey Rae with The War & Treaty, $53/member, $55/public

July 15 – Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, $68/member, $70/public

July 20 – Rick Springfield with the Grand Rapids Symphony, $75/member, $77/public

July 21 – Buddy Guy + John Hiatt, $80/member, $82/public

July 28 – Arturo Sandoval with the Grand Rapids Symphony, $53/member, $55/public

Aug. 4 – Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Nicole Atkins, $102/member, $104/public

Aug. 10 – The Dead South with Tejon Street Corner Thieves, $51/member, $53/public

Sept. 12 – Australian Pink Floyd, $61/member, $63/public

Sept. 16 – She & Him, $72/presale, $75/,member, $77/public

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Tickets still remain for 12 of this season’s 33 concerts, including opening night with Marc Cohn and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Learn more at https://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/summer-concerts-at-meijer-gardens/

Gonzo’s Top 5: Asian-Pacific Festival, Frozen Jr., Bridge Blast, and so much more

Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It’s another weekend, and another festival in downtown Grand Rapids.

Back is the Asian-Pacific Festival at Calder Plaza, which offers great food, entertainment and even educational workshops.

Obviously it will be in my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.

What else makes my list? Read on.

Gonzo’s Top 5

“Frozen Jr.” will be at Byron Center’s Van Singel Fine Arts this weekend. (Supplied)

5. “Frozen Jr.,” Byron Center

Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, “Frozen Jr.” brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life this weekend at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in Byron Center. The show features all of the classic and memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 10-11), with a special 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. More information at www.vsfac.com.

Fulton Street Artisans Market returns on Sunday and runs through September.

4. Fulton Street Artisans Market

For nearly two decades, the Fulton Street Artisans Market has been a great place for Michigan makers and artists to sell their goods and share their passions with the local community. Not only do you get an opportunity to buy handmade goods and artwork, but you also get to interact and learn about the creative processes. It kicks off this weekend, and continues Sundays through September at the Fulton Street Market in Grand Rapids. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information on the Facebook Event page. 

Traditional Irish music at The Stray on Saturday. (Supplied)

3. Grand Rapids Irish Traditional Session at The Stray

One of our favorite local hangouts, The Stray, is having an Irish Traditional Session at 7 p.m. Saturday where you can enjoy a pint while listening to a collective of local musicians play traditional Irish folk music. All ages are welcomed. Admission is free. Tips are ALWAYS encouraged. More information is available at https://www.thestraycafe.com/ or on the Facebook Event page. Other acts this weekend: Chris Bursley, Jordan Hamilton and Normal Mode (7:30 p.m. Friday); and Big Band Nouveau (5 p.m. Sunday). The Stray is located at 4253 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids.

2. Bridge Blast 2022

If you’re headed downtown for this weekend’s Asian-Pacific Festival, you might want to stop by City Built Brewing Co. for an outdoor festival with live music, food and great beer. Bridge Blast celebrates the five-year anniversary of one of the best breweries in West Michigan. Along with several City Built beers, the festival features 12 Michigan breweries right on the Sixth Street Bridge. Admission is free to the general public. Bridge Blast is from 3-11 p.m. Saturday (June 11). Learn more on the Facebook Event page.

Asian-Pacific Festival returns to downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. (Supplied)


1. Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 2022

I remember the very first Asian-Pacfic Festival in Grand Rapids, and thought: “This is so needed in our West Michigan community.” Now, six years later, it’s even more important than ever that we support each other as we learn about ALL the cultures that make us a special place to live, work and play. This weekend you can experience 40-plus diverse food and merchandise vendors, as well as entertainment and workshops. All are dedicated to immersive experiences to learn about the Pacific Island, South Asian and Hmong communities. Organizers said: “Start the day with morning yoga. Then visit our massive selection of diverse cuisine that will delight foodies…plus festival-only craft beers and cocktails.” The two day festival is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 10-11) at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids.  See you there! Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/grasianfoundation.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Navigating grief around Father’s Day with planning, support and connection

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Our Cities, Recreation
People Attending Self Emmanuel Hospice’s grief support services are open to anyone in the community. (Adobe Stock/Supplied)

By Emmanuel Hospice

In our commercial world, we’re subjected to displays of gifts, candy and cards for weeks ahead of a holiday. With technology today, there are even targeted ads on our phones and social media platforms that show us memories from past celebrations.

For someone struggling with grief, these aren’t always friendly cues to prepare for the holiday. They can be triggering reminders of how a loved one isn’t here anymore.

“We know significant dates like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be a challenge for those grieving the loss of an important person in their life,” says Merrin Bethel, a bereavement coordinator with Emmanuel Hospice. “Holidays like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can be especially difficult after the loss of a parent.”

Parents are often the first to love and care for all of us. It can be painful mourning that unique relationship with someone who has known you since you came into the world. Around days dedicated to honoring parents, there can be multiple, conflicting emotions.

“You may be angry at the world for celebrating a day that highlights just how much the person you love is missing from the picture, all while wanting to be a part of the laughter and joy around you,” Ashley Huisman, another Emmanuel Hospice bereavement coordinator, explains. “Remember it is OK to feel more than one thing at once and none of these feelings are wrong. Give yourself the space to ride the roller coaster of emotions the day may bring.”

Quite often the anticipation of the day can be worse than the day itself. To help prevent anxiety, Huisman recommends making a plan A, B and C – or as many as you need – to find a sense of peace that whatever happens, you’ll be ready.

“Take a good inventory of yourself, your emotions and what you need out of the day,” Huisman says. “Maybe plan A is to be with friends and family, sharing memories and participating in planned activities. Maybe plan B is leaving the gathering early or skipping a part of the day all together because being with others may be a bit overwhelming.”

Acknowledging the day with a remembrance activity is another healthy way to cope.

“It’s common for people to wonder if the holiday should even be celebrated or observed after the loss of a loved one and what that should look like,” Bethel adds. “We invite people to do whatever feels best for their family.

“It’s great if you want to get birthday cake on your dad’s birthday or go out to dad’s favorite restaurant on Father’s Day. It’s healthy to continue finding ways to stay connected with a person we’ve lost.”

After the loss of a loved one, it’s also important to find support in family, friends and sometimes even the help of a professional to navigate what you’re experiencing.

“If possible, find a friend or other supportive person you can talk to honestly about the day,” Huisman says. “Let them know when you are having a hard moment or when you want to share a memory. Remember, you are not alone.”

For more information on coping with grief, Emmanuel Hospice is hosting topical three-session workshops through end of August. Held at 401 Hall St. SW in Grand Rapids, the in-person grief support events are free and open to anyone in the community regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit or hospice care.

The organization also provides individual support to anyone who has suffered a loss. For more information or to RSVP for a workshop or group, email EHBereavement@EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616.719.0919.

Raise funds while shopping for dad at Woodland Mall

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


Woodland Mall is fundraising for Movember in honor of Men’s Health Month and, in celebration of Father’s Day, offering a giveaway and gift guide for shoppers.

Camping gear items available from REI. (Courtesy)

Through the end of June, community members are invited to join Woodland Mall in supporting Movember, a charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. The organization focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. As the leading charity for men’s health, Movember raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

This month, the mall is donating $500 to the organization and encouraging the community to support the cause as well. To give, individuals can scan the QR code throughout the mall or visit the Woodland Mall team page.

“We’re honored to help raise funds for Movember as a way to support all the incredible fathers and father figures out there,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall. “Movember is a fantastic charity that raises awareness for men’s health on a global scale. We look forward to partnering with the community to contribute to such an important cause.”

In celebration of Father’s Day, the mall is also offering a sweepstakes giveaway featuring a gift package for a father which includes gifts cards to REI and the Cheesecake Factory. The giveaway is  from Tuesday, June 14 through Thursday, June 16. To enter the contest, visit Woodland Mall’s website, Facebook or Instagram.

Mall hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Best ‘dog-gone’ party in town: BISSELL Blocktail Party returns

3-bottom, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Philip Janowski
WKTV Contributing Writer

BISSELL Pet Foundation founder Cathy Bissell (Supplied)

The BISSELL Blocktail Party, West Michigan’s premier animal welfare fundraiser, is returning Tuesday, June 7. The last event in 2019 resulted in more than 1,000 guests — both human and canine — coming together to support homeless pets. Pet lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to this party with a purpose.

This year the event, which is from 6-9 p.m. at the East Grand Rapids track, will include live grilling with Celebrity Chef Paul Wahlberg of Wahlbergers. There will be adoptable pets from local shelters, including Labradors, Doodles, assorted puppies, and more. The popular silent auction is also returning with unique art and pet-themed packages.

Other attractions include DJ AB providing music, ArtPrize winner Chris LaPorte creating caricatures of furry friends, and even a specially created Blocktail IPA (I Prefer Adoption) beer.

“This year’s BISSELL Blocktail Party is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation. “[The] Blocktail is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s primary fundraising event, providing critical support to give homeless pets a second chance. It wouldn’t be possible without the generous individuals who attend and sponsor the event.”

All of the proceeds will go directly to save homeless pets through grants from BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Besides a chance for fundraising, there’s good reason for celebration. In May, the BISSELL Pet Foundation announced a record number of adoptions for its National “Empty the Shelters” campaign. From May 2 to 15, more than 13,500 shelter pets in 45 states—approximately 6,035 cats and 7,469 dogs—were adopted through the event.

“Empty the Shelters” was created in 2016, and was originally hosted in just a few Michigan shelters. Since then, this event has grown to be BISSELL Pet Foundation’s most prominent program and the country’s largest funded adoption event. To date, “Empty the Shelters” has found homes for 96,068 pets and provided more than $7.6 million in direct funding to shelter partners.

“Right now, shelters are so full, and pets are experiencing longer stays,” Bissell said. “This is an expensive program for our small foundation, but it is a proven success. And we can’t turn our backs when we know we can save thousands of lives in one event.”

Tickets to the BISSELL Blocktail Party are available online for $100 per person and $50 for students with a valid student ID. Sponsors at $1,500 and above will receive tickets to the separate BISSELL Sponsor Party on June 6, which will have the talents of Lou Gramm and Asia featuring John Payne. Visit www.bissellblocktailparty.com for more details and to purchase tickets or be a sponsor for the event.