Category Archives: Recreation

Kentwood will ask for permanent dedicated parks, trails and recreation millage on Aug. 2 ballot

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Election, Environment, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports, We The People, WKTV Projects,
  • Kentwood City Hall sign. (WKTV)
  • The City of Kentwood’s Glow in the Park event. (City of Kentwood)
  • Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator Katelyn Bush and one of her Adaptive Recreation participants at 2021 The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • Everybody bonds over food — at the Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • The finish line at the City of Kentwood’s Valentine’s Day Dash 5K in 2020. (City of Kentwood)
  • Dress up is encouraged at 2019’s Trunk or Treat in Kentwood. (Supplied)
  • Kentwood celebrates July 4. (Supplied/2019)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced Jan. 25 that it will ask residents in August to consider a permanent dedicated 1 mil millage that, if approved, would support the city’s parks, trails and recreational facilities and programming.

The millage would fund improvements to all trails and parks, as well as expand and enhance programming through increased capacity in space and staffing, according to the announcement. It also would fund the construction of a new multigenerational community recreation center and park amenities on the city campus, “transforming the area around City Hall into a community gathering space.

“Since celebrating Kentwood’s 50th anniversary in 2017, we’ve dedicated significant time and effort planning for the next 50 years of community growth through collaboration with our residents and other partners,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Available parks and recreation funding has not kept pace with increased residential demand, delaying repairs for the community today and significantly limiting future improvements.

“If approved, this millage would provide a permanent sustainable funding source to improve, operate and maintain parks, trails, and other amenities and services for generations to come.”

The proposed millage of 1 mill was recommended by parks advisory committees that included residents and other stakeholders, as well as extensive community engagement and an in-depth review of the city’s current parks, trails and programming, its projected growth and community needs.

The advisory committees also recommended the city contribute additional funds up to $22 million from other public and private sources to make the needed improvements.

The committees’ comprehensive plan was presented Dec. 7 to the City Commission, which unanimously approved the millage ballot proposal for the Aug. 2 voting day.

Kentwood has 15 parks that cover more than 400 acres and more than 13 miles of non-motorized trails that are used year-round by residents and visitors.

Numerous community events and more than 700 recreational programs are offered annually for people of all ages and abilities through the Parks and Recreation Department in the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, on the City Campus, and at other locations.  

Specific parks and recreation projects

According to the announcement, the proposed millage would support Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades and a variety of other improvements and developments, including (listed by location and projects planned):

Bowen Station Park — Restroom, playground equipment, signage, landscaping and other amenities.

Burgis Park — Trail and sidewalk improvements and a new drinking fountain.

City Campus — Splash pad, playground, plaza, shelters, stage, event lawn, parking, restrooms and other amenities.

Community recreation center — Approximately 50,000 square feet of year-round indoor and multigenerational programming and recreation space on the City Campus.

Covenant Park Phase 1 — Trails, sports fields, event lawn, lighting and infrastructure to support future phases.

East Paris Nature Park — Trail improvements, signage and other amenities.

Home Acres Park —Skate park improvements, shade shelters, lighting, signage, landscaping and other amenities.

Jaycee Park — New restroom/program building, additional parking, disc golf improvements and other amenities.

Kellogg Woods Park — Restrooms, softball/baseball field improvements, new sports fields, lighting and landscaping.

Northeast Park — Restrooms, playground, splash pad, landscaping and other amenities.

Old Farm Park — Parking improvements, playground, shelter and other amenities.

Paris Park — Trail improvements and signage.

Pinewood Park — Splash pad improvements, pickleball courts, a new restroom, shade shelters, landscaping and other amenities.

Rondo Street Station Park — Playground, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, landscaping and other amenities.

Stanaback Park —Playground, parking improvements, signage, pickleball courts, landscaping and other amenities.

Stauffer Station Park — Kiosk, bicycle rack and repair center, signage, lighting, landscaping and other amenities.

Summerwood Park — Playground and landscaping.

Trails — Repairs, replacement and new connections.

Veterans Memorial Park — Shelter, additional parking and other amenities.

“Our extensive community engagement and planning process has shown our community needs have grown beyond available funding,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “This has been reaffirmed by increased use of our parks, trails and recreational offerings throughout the past two years.

“The Parks and Recreation Department has exhausted current general funds, including a parks millage that expired in 2013. We have been able to make improvements only through grant opportunities, which are becoming more and more difficult to acquire. New funding is critical to support our growing community needs.”

Details of timeline, millage

If approved, the millage would be levied starting July 1, 2023, with all parks set to receive improvements to address the most immediate needs within the first five years, with all remaining improvements completed within 10 years, according to the announcement.

Trail improvements and construction planning would be prioritized in the first year, followed by ongoing trail repairs and expansion to enhance the trails for all users.

Construction of the City Campus park amenities and community recreation center would begin in the second year.

As detailed in the city’s announcement, a mill is 1/1000 of a dollar, or .001 cents. If a tax rate or millage rate is 1 mill, a resident is taxed .001 cents for every dollar, or $1 per $1,000 of the taxable value of the property. For example, for a residential home with a taxable value of $100,000, the cost of 1 mill would be $100 per year.

For more information on the proposed millage, visit kentwood.us/millage.

 

WKTV’s Feature Game crew at South Christian Tuesday, then Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights doubleheader on Friday

3-bottom, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
Tipoff of a 2019 game at Wyoming high. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball continues this week with one game Tuesday night, as the South Christian High boys host Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills, and a boys/girls doubleheader of action on Friday as Kelloggsville visits Godwin Heights.

The early week game Jan. 25 will find the Sailors (5-4 overall) looking to go over .500 in OK Conference Gold standings — both teams are 2-2 in early conference action, but the Bengals are 2-6-1 overall. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Friday night featured games are a backyard rivalry as Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights clash with the boys game set to start at 6 p.m. and the girls at 7:30 p.m.

In the boys game, the Rockets will enter the week with a 7-3 record, 4-1 in the OK Conference Silver, while the Wolverines enter 2-3, 1-2 in OK Silver (with the team having several canceled and postponed games shortening their schedule.)

On Tuesday, Godwin will be at Sparta (5-4, 2-3 OK), while Kelloggsville will be at home to face conference leader Grandville Calvin Christian (6-3, 5-0 OK).

In the girls game Friday, the host Wolverines begin the week at 4-5 and 1-4 OK, while the Rockets enter at 3-5 and 0-2 OK. On Tuesday, Godwin will be at home to face OK Silver leader Sparta (7-1, 3-0 OK), while Kelloggsville will be at Calvin Christian (3-6, 2-2).

A look around the Wyoming and Kentwood area courts

The East Kentwood girls team, after starting the season 0-6, have reeled off three straight wins including two last week, to push their OK Conference Red record to 3-1. After an early week game at home to Caledonia (5-6, 0-5) on Jan. 25, the Falcons will face state power Rockford (10-1, 4-1 OK) on Jan. 28.

The Wyoming boys team swept the OK Green Zeeland schools last week to push their record to 6-4, 3-2 in conference games. This week the Wolves will be at Grand Rapids Union (3-6-1 and 2-4 OK) on Jan 25 and then host Muskegon Mona Shores (5-6, 2-3 OK) on Jan. 28. Also, the Wyoming girls (4-7 overall) gained their first OK win last week, over Zeeland East.

The Grand Rapids South Christian girls won twice last week and enter the week 8-3 overall record and 4-1 in OK Gold games — with their only conference loss coming at league leader Grand Rapids Central Catholic (8-3, 5-0). The rematch with Central Catholic will be Feb. 9 on the Sailors’ home court.

The West Michigan Aviation Academy boys won twice last week to push their record 6-3 overall and 3-0 in Alliance League action. The Aviators have a huge league game this week for league leadership when Fruitport Calvary Christian (7-1, 1-0 Alliance) comes got the airport on Jan. 25.

WKTV coverage and schedule/scores 

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)

The tentative WKTV Feature Game schedule for February is as follows:

Wednesday, Feb. 2, boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 4, boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 8, boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming

Friday, Feb. 11, boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 18, boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)

Tuesday, Feb. 22, boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 25, boys and girls basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

Local student named runner-up in Governor Whitmer’s State of the State art contest

3-bottom, Education, Recreation, West Michigan, ,

By Cory Olsen
National Heritage Academy

Cross Creek eighth-grader Audrey Wieringa finished as a runner-up in the Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State art contest. (Photo Courtesy of National Heritage Academy)

Cross Creek eighth-grader Audrey Wieringa finished as a runner-up in Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State art contest with a painting of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula.

Artistic talent runs strong in the Wieringa family, so when approached about the opportunity to enter a state-wide contest, Audrey was up for the challenge.

“My mom heard of the contest on the news,” Audrey said. “She suggested I should enter. I thought it would be fun to try something different.”

Wieringa’s mother, Nicole, is the K-8 art teacher at Cross Creek, and her father, Eric, is a full-time artist. She draws inspiration from both.

“It’s pretty cool (to have mom as an art teacher) but she can’t take all the credit, my dad is a professional fine artist,” Audrey said. “He teaches me a lot of techniques and advice on how to get better.”

The art contest challenged K-12 students across Michigan to come up with a creative design for the 2022 State of the State program cover following the theme “Why do you believe in Michigan?” Students were encouraged to be as creative as possible and were welcome to use crayons, markers, paint, or any other materials.
 Gov. Whitmer announced the results of the contest by video Jan. 18.

“Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, but it’s also home to some incredibly talented students who turned those backdrops into amazing works of art,” Gov. Whitmer said. “I want to thank every student who took the time to create these masterpieces and submit their interpretation of why they believe in Michigan. It’s inspiring to see the passion and potential in all of the gifted and creative students in this state.”

As the governor sorted through the top five selections, she stopped to praise Audrey’s work.

“Oh my gosh, this is so beautiful, it’s got to be in the Upper Peninsula, it’s just gorgeous,” she said. “This is really spectacular.”

Audrey said Pictured Rocks holds a special place in her heart.

“My family visited there for the first time two summers ago,” she said. “I found the landscape to be a spiritual and peaceful experience. It has a lot of different elements in one site and brings together several elements that you can draw.”

Seventh-grader Grace Murtha of Hemlock Middle School was selected as winner by the governor for her piece depicting multiple postcard-like images on a tree trunk-like background. Nearly 800 students submitted their artwork for the contest. The winning art piece will be featured on the 2022 State of the State program cover.

About Cross Creek Charter Academy
Cross Creek Charter Academy, located in Byron Center, Mich., is part of National Heritage Academies (NHA), a charter school management company in Grand Rapids, Mich. with 98 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Love is in the air as Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents ‘Shakespeare in Love’

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

After having to delay its opening of its winter production, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will present “Shakespeare in Love” starting this Friday through Feb. 13.

 

Based on the Academy Award-wining movie that starred Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow, the play reimagines William Shakespeare’s creative process. The young Shakespeare has writer’s block. The deadline and the creditors for his new play are closing in, and he’s in desperate need of inspiration. Enter his muse, Viola, a young woman who will stop at nothing to appear in his next play. Despite Shakespeare’s ruthless adversaries and a dysfunctional theatrical company, he and Viola’s love blossoms and inspires his great masterpiece.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. There is no performance on Feb. 11. Single tickets are $18-$40. For more information, visit grct.org.

Also, new this year, the semi-finalists for the Ten For All playwriting festival will have their plays read live on stage. Youth categories is Jan. 31 and adult categories is Feb. 1. Tickets for the readings are free. The finalists will have their plays performed at the Ten For All Festival which is set for Mach 18 – 20. 

Readers download a record one million books from KDL in 2021

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , , ,

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

The ongoing COVID pandemic hasn’t stopped Kent County residents from reading library books, but it has influenced the way they get them.

Britt Bennett’s book was a popular digital download in 2021. (pubic domain)

The Kent District Library recently announced it reached a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2021. KDL was one of 121 library systems worldwide to reach that milestone.

Randall Goble, director of engagement for KDL, said the increase was definitely related to the pandemic. While digital downloads had been increasing even before the days of COVID, they trended sharply upward when buildings closed in the spring of 2020, then remained high even
after libraries reopened.

“Digital is still really strong,” he said.

Digital access is the fastest growing segment of public library resources, KDL officials said.

Even before the pandemic, circulation of physical materials was not increasing at nearly the same rate as digital materials, according to Goble.

“There has been an increase in the circulation of digital materials because they’re so much more convenient to access,” Goble said. “We’re constantly striving to provide what people can access most easily and have the most value, and digital materials fit the bill.”

Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library was a popular audiobook downloaded by KDL patrons. (free domain)

Readers in the Rockford area top Kent County in terms of digital downloads, he said.

“They absolutely are higher-than-average users,” he said.

According to figures provided by KDL, the following titles were the top five ebooks borrowed from their digital collection in 2021:

The 1 million figure includes mainly e-book downloads, but some audiobooks are also included, Goble said.

1.  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 
2.  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 
3.  The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah 
4.  The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate 
5.  People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

In terms of audiobooks borrowed in 2021, these five topped the list:


1.  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 
2.  Atomic Habits by James Clear 
3.  The Guest List by Lucy Foley 
4.  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 
5.  The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah

KDL residents with a valid library card can access digital books from KDL’s OverDrive-powered digital collection by visiting kdl.overdrive.com. KDL library card holders can also obtain books by downloading the Libby Library reading app.

The KDL is in the top 60 public library systems worldwide in total digital circulation, library officials said.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Basketball, Star Wars, and RVs

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Going Local, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Brrrrr. It’s cold.

Rather than fight it, let’s join it.

This is a perfect time to check out World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids. Plenty of activities are planned today through March 6.

But, if you want to escape winter, and you’re more focused on summer, it’s also a good weekend to go downtown Grand Rapids for the annual camper and RV show. It’s only a few months away from warmer days.

I also talk a little about basketball and “Star Wars,” two of my favorite passions.

It’s all in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

 

From a previous year’s City of Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance, which this year will be expanded to be an “all family” dance. (WKTV)

5. Daddy Daughter Dance 


Pre-registration is sold out for this event as kids bring their dads, moms, grandparents or other relatives as their “date” to a Winter Wonderland theme on Saturday (Jan. 22) at Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE. Organizers are accepting names over the phone for the waiting list and will notify if there are cancellations. Call 616-656-5270 to be added to the waitlist. More info at https://www.kentwood.us/events_detail_T53_R52.php.

4. Grand Rapids Gold ‘Star Wars’ Night

If you’re a “Star Wars” fan looking for an excuse to see a Grand Rapids Gold basketball game, then head out to “Star Wars” Night on Saturday (Jan. 22) at the DeltaPlex Arena. “Help the Gold channel the force and take down the Fort Wayne Mad Ants,” says the team. The first 500 fans in the door will receive a free lightsaber. And anyone who wears a Star Wars costume or merch gets a free ticket to the game. Doors open at 6 p.m. The game tips off at 7 p.m. Also, the Saturday $44 Four-Pack special is available. Fans get four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44.. More details at https://grandrapids.gleague.nba.com/star-wars-night/.

3. The Harlem Globetrotters

Speaking of basketball, one of my favorite memories as a dad and coach was taking my middle school basketball team to see the iconic Harlem Globetrotters in action. One year we even had a player come to practice to show off their skills. I promise you this is an experience the kids will never forget. The Globetrotters perform at 2 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 23) at Van Andel Arena. More information and ticket information at www.vanandelarena.com.

2. World of Winter Weekend

As part of the World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids, musical performances and other forms of entertainment will take place throughout downtown from 6-8 p.m. Friday (Jan. 21). You will find these performers throughout the neighborhoods, just in time to grab a drink or a bite at a restaurant or bar. Also this weekend, a pop-up circus performance, curated by GR Circus, takes place from 6-8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 22) at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum. You can enjoy live fire performers, hula hoopers, aerial acts, juggling, stilt walking, and more. On Sunday (Jan. 23) enjoy a walking art installation tour. More details on all events at  https://worldofwintergr.com/events. World of Winter continues through March 6.

  1. Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show

When you factor in a dozen West Michigan RV dealers representing more than 100 RV lines combined with 200,000-plus square feet, you get one of the biggest RV Shows in the state. The Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show also features a great selection of RV accessories, as well as campground and travel destinations. The show is today-Sunday (Jan. 23) at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-14. A Family Zone area for kids is available Saturday and Sunday. Join us Saturday morning at the show, from 9:30 – 11 a.m., for Also, a pancake breakfast to benefit the Cran-Hill Ranch Summer Camp Scholarship Fund is open from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $5 for adults or $3 for kids and includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange drink. For more details about the show go to https://showspan.com/GRV/.

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.

Young, very young, Aviators girls hoops program set to learn to fly with new coach at controls

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, , ,
West Michigan Aviation Academy 1st-year head coach Jasmine Hall coaches up her team during a timeout of a game Jan. 19. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The West Michigan Aviation Academy girls basketball team’s Jan. 19 home game against Holland Black River might be seen as a microcosm of the current struggles of a very young team with talent yet to take flight.

The Aviators, now 0-8 overall on the season (0-2 in Alliance League), played scrappy defense and were right in the game well into the second half before a few tough shots were made by the visiting Rats, a few easy shots were missed by the Aviators, and some missed opportunities from the foul line led to a 39-32 loss.

West Michigan Aviation Academy action during a game Jan. 19. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The good news is that 1st-year head coach Jasmine Hall has a plan for her young team — a combined JV/varsity team this season with only one senior (who was out ill against Black River), five juniors and eight underclassmen in uniform.

“This year we have eight freshman and sophomores, we are pretty young, and my idea here is to keep them together, to let them get the experience,” Hall said. “This way, next year, I hope to put my more developed players onto a varsity team and then get a JV team with a few returning players, more kids coming into the program and the freshmen coming up.”
 

And coach Hall has a reputation and avocation of “developing” young basketball talent.

After starting out on the basketball sidelines at Grand Rapids Central High School as a statistician, she has been an assistant coach at many levels. She coached youth and school teams, spent two years coaching at Davenport College (now University), and mot recently coached both basketball and track in Grand Rapids Public Schools.

She holds degrees from Davenport, including an MBA, and is currently head coach and owner of the West Michigan Elite Stars, a women’s development basketball team which will be playing under the WABA league.

West Michigan Aviation Academy 1st-year head coach Jasmine Hall, with Aviators freshman standout Sofia Vandenhoek (11) and junior leader Caden Schifini (10) during a timeout of a game Jan. 19. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

A few of Hall’s current Aviator players are already making their mark on the Hall’s team, and setting themselves up as players to build a program around.

“Over the next couple, three years, one of them is definitely going to be Sofia (Vandenhoek, a freshman), she’s an all-around athlete — she’s six feet tall, she can shoot the ball, she can play inside and outside,” Hall said. “I have high expectations for her.”

Another freshman coach Hall is looking forward to developing is Lucy Lawrence — “She is a great ball handler.” And coach sees the ability of one or more of her juniors to step up and be team leaders in their senior years; they include Alondra Herrera, Ava Bazuin, Audrey Mileski, Caden Schifini and Addison Turk.

The only senior in the program is Kendal Springborn. The other sophomores and freshmen are Alayna Atkinson, Presley David, Amber Hilbrands, Meredith Jarchow, Abbie Ruis and Abigail Toonder. Coach Hall is assisted by Marco Vogel.

‘Winslow Homer: Illustrating a Nation’ brings Civil War era illustrations to Muskegon Museum of Art

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, WKTV Projects, ,
Winslow Homer Civil War sketch, part Muskegon Museum of Art exhibition, “Winslow Homer: Illustrating a Nation”. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Highlighting lesser known works of Winslow Homer — one of the most significant American artists of the 19th Century — the Muskegon Museum of Art opened a new exhibition, “Winslow Homer: Illustrating a Nation”, last week and it will be on display through March 20.

Homer was famed for his dramatic depictions of people and nature, as well as his illustrations of day-to-day life, including the battles of the Civil War which were published in Harper’s Weekly, a New York City based illustrated magazine that extensively covered the American Civil War.

The exhibition features several of Homer’s best known images from the era, including “The Noon Recess”, “Snap the Whip”, “A Sharpshooter on Picket Duty”, and “The Dinner Horn” — a companion image to the MMA’s oil painting “Answering the Horn”. Other works in the exhibition depict illustrations of leisure, work, and the everyday lives of people, as well as dramatic scenes and circumstances.

In 1861, Harper’s Weekly assigned Homer to illustrate the events of the Civil War, which brought his work to the forefront of the nation. Homer captured the day-to-day events of the war, illustrating battles, soldiers in conflict and at rest, and the effects of the war on the families at home. Today, the Harper’s Weekly illustrations serve as a direct record of the events of the Civil War.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org.

GRPM hosts Saturday Investigation classes in March

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, ,

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) Saturday Investigation Classes will be offered to the public during the month of March.

The Saturday Investigation classes will be offered in March. (Supplied)

Visitors ages eight and older are encouraged to sign up for these small-group, hands-on educational classes to investigate science and history. Saturday Investigations transform the Museum into a learning lab, giving the public an exclusive experience through behind-the-scenes exhibit exploration, artifact investigation, engaging activities and more. This experience is great for children and parents or guardians to work together, or for older kids and adults to join.

Classes will take place on Saturdays from March 5 to March 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Museum. The cost of Saturday Investigations follow the cost of the Museum’s general admission, including free general admission for kids 17 and younger. Classes are limited to 20 registrants per session, registration is required. Once classes conclude, visitors are able to explore the Museum’s three floors of exhibits. For more information on Saturday Investigation Classes and to register today, visit grpm.org/EduClasses.

 

Class offerings include Fossil Hunters, Travel Back in Time to the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Sturgeon Excursion and What’s in Your River?  Registrants can dig into mysteries of the Earth, indulge in another exciting, augmented reality game that guides participants through the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit, play an exclusive augmented reality game that integrates with Museum exhibits and become environmental scientists while learning about the Grand River. 

Brahms, Mahler and Franck on program as St. Cecilia hosts chamber music Jan. 27  

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Chamber Music Society (CMS) of Lincoln Center musicians scheduled to perform include, clockwise from top left, co-Artistic Director and pianist Wu Han, violinist Aaron Boyd, violinist Danbi Um, violist Paul Neubauer, violist Timothy Riout and cellist Sihao He. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center is celebrating 10 seasons of partnership with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and local chamber music fans will likely be celebrating Jan. 27 as the series’ second concert of the 2021-22 season, “Romantic Perspectives” will feature music of Brahms, Mahler, Dvorak, and Franck.

The Chamber Music Society (CMS) of Lincoln Center musicians scheduled to perform include co-Artistic Director and pianist Wu Han, violinist Aaron Boyd, violinist Danbi Um, violist Paul Neubauer, violist Timothy Riout and cellist Sihao He.
  

Wu Han and other members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will be in concert at St. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied/Lisa-marie Mazzucco)

“To hear the exquisite blend of six outstanding Chamber Music musicians performing the works of Brahms, Mahler, Dvorak and Franck will be a captivating highlight of this monumental season,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) executive and artistic director, said in supplied material.
 

The final concert of the St. Cecilia chamber music series will be March 31 and will feature George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, as well as music by Maurice Ravel, Darius Milhaud, and Wynton Marsalis.

Tickets for CMS of Lincoln Center concerts can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.

‘Romantic Perspectives’ background and program

The Romantic movement in classical music blossomed across Europe during the 19th Century, as stated in supplied material, and was “fueled by the vision of Beethoven, the poetry of Schubert, and the hyper-emotionalism of Schumann, composers tapped their inner selves, often deeply inspired by their native cultures.”

Johannes Brahms, declared to be the heir to the mantle of Beethoven, adhered to the discipline of the classical age, yet, few have ever composed more romantically and with such passion. Gustav Mahler, whose symphonies expanded music’s horizon by leaps and bounds, penned his only work of chamber music, an achingly beautiful movement, as an idealistic student.

And César Franck, the lion of French romantic composers, brought all his sensuousness and seriousness to this epic quintet, one of the literature’s most cherished masterpieces.

The program includes:

Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897), Scherzo, WoO 2, from “F-A-E” Sonata for Violin and Piano (1853).

Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911), Quartet in A minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello (1876)

Antonin Dvorak (1841 – 1904), Quintet in A minor for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello, Op. 1 (1861)

Cesar Franck (1822 – 1890), Quintet in F minor for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello (1879)

SCMC special pandemic precautions

SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Home tests are not accepted. All patrons will be required to wear a mask while in the building for the duration of the concert.

All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.

Ford Museum to open in-person show ‘Women in Uniform’ with virtual opening lecture

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  • In World War I women were accepted into the Navy to serve in limited roles, such as the nurses depicted on this poster engaged in the rehabilitation of returnees.(Poster by unknown artist, circa 1925. Supplied)
  • The Naval Reserve Act of 1916 lead to formal permission to begin enlisting women in mid-March 1917, shortly before the United States entered the “Great War.” (Oil painting by Anne Fuller Abbott, 1925. Supplied)
  • One of the most prolific and well-recognized artists to contribute to the Navy’s recruitment campaign, especially the recruitment of WAVES, John Philip Falter created over 300 designs for Naval recruitment posters during WW II.(Oil painting for poster, by John Philip Falter, circa 1943. Supplied)
  • The single stripe on this WAVE’s shoulder signifies that she is an Ensign. To meet wartime needs, some members of the Hospital Corps in the enlisted ratings were appointed to the commissioned ranks of Ensign, Lieutenant (Junior grade), and Lieutenant for temporary service. (Oil painting for poster by John Philip Falter, circa 1944. Supplied)
  • This painting serves to depict the introduction of women to sea duty aboard ships in the US Navy.  Before this only nurses had served on ships at sea. The first women to come aboard USS Sanctuary (AH-17) where line officer Lt. (Junior grade) Ann E Kerr and the first enlisted PN3 Peggy Sue Griffith. (Oil painting by George Gibson, Jr., 1973. Supplied)
  • Upon returning from harrowing service in the Philippines at Bataan and an evacuation from Corregidor on USS Spearfish (SS-190), Lt. (Junior grade) Ann Bernatitus of the Nurse Corps, received a hero’s welcome from her hometown in Pennsylvania, complete with parade and dinner at the local high school. (Oil painting on Canvas by Albert K. Murray, 1942. Supplied)
  • Capt. Joan Bynum, the Navy’s first African-American female captain, achieved that rank in 1979 in the Nurse Corps. (Pencil drawing by (enlisted petty officer) DM1 Erick Marshall Murray, 1997. Supplied)
  • About 37,000 American women took part in the Persian Gulf War, the largest deployment of women in history. Ten percent of these women were Navy personnel. They served on support ships — ammunition, supply, tenders, and oilers — and in Military Sealift and Combat Logistics Force vessels. Others were in helicopter combat support squadrons, construction battalions, and in a cargo-handling and port unit at Bahrain. (Oil painting by John Charles Roach, 1991. Supplied)
  • Seabee Power. (Oil painting by Morgan Ian Wilbur, 2016. Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Women have served in a variety of roles, and worn a variety of uniforms, in the U.S. Navy — from sailors to admirals, from Yeomen to aviators; in peacetime and in harm’s way.

And they, too, deserve a salute of honor and gratitude. President Gerald Ford, a Navy man himself, knew that fact.

“For my part, I will do everything I can to see that our service men and women continue to receive the recognition and respect that is their due,” President Ford said in 1975. “They have earned it.”

Working with the Naval History and Heritage Command, and the Naval Art Gallery, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will open a new exhibit “Women in Uniform” Jan. 24, and public is able to visit the museum in-person with some pandemic protocols.

The exhibit, which will run through May 6, will open with a Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Zoom event featuring Rear Admiral (retired) Samuel J. Cox, Director of Naval History and Heritage Command, and his colleague, Gale Munro, Curator of the Naval Art Gallery. The two will present a program giving a brief history of the role women played in naval history and also give background on selected works from the exhibition.

(Public registration for the Zoom is available on the Ford Museum’s website  at fordlibrarymuseum.gov.)

In peace and in war

The “Women in Uniform” exhibition showcases rarely displayed art from the Naval History and Heritage Command’s collection.

Women have had a continuous, and growing presence, in uniform throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, as stated in exhibit material. Whenever international or domestic events dictated the need, the Navy expanded its opportunities for women to serve.

These artworks demonstrate the wide-ranging and varied occupations women have held as they continue to push the boundaries of prospects available to them.


From a Yeoman in World War I to an aviator, from a sailor to an admiral, this exhibition features works of art  that depict female Navy military personnel.

The first large-scale employment of women as Naval personnel took place to meet the severe clerical shortages of the World War I era. The Naval Reserve Act of 1916 had conspicuously omitted mention of gender as a condition for service, leading to formal permission to begin enlisting women in mid-March 1917, shortly before the United States entered the “Great War”.  Nearly 600 female Yeomen were on duty by the end of April 1917, a number that had grown to over 11,000 in December 1918, shortly after the Armistice.

In years of peace, and wars — including World War II — women continued to enlist and serve in the Navy, including up to the 2000s.

About 37,000 American women took part in the Persian Gulf War, the largest deployment of women in history. Ten percent of these women were Navy personnel. They served on support ships — ammunition, supply, tenders, and oilers — and in Military Sealift and Combat Logistics Force vessels. Others were in helicopter combat support squadrons, construction battalions, and in a cargo-handling and port unit at Bahrain.

While the exhibit is open to the public, in-person, tickets must be purchased in advance, online. The museum’s COVID pandemic health and safety protocols are listed on the museum’s website.

At the Wolves den: Wyoming boys basketball host OK foe Zeeland East in WKTV’s Feature Game Friday

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The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from a 2019/20 season game. (Curtis Holt)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball continues this week with a key OK Conference Green boys basketball game as Zeeland East visits Wyoming high Friday, Jan. 21, for a 7 p.m. contest.

The Wolves enter the week with a 4-4 overall record, 1-2 in OK action, after a road loss to traditional power Muskegon (6-0, 3-0 OK) on Jan. 14. Prior to that game, Wyoming had won four of five games including a conference road win at Holland and tight loss to Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (5-2, 2-1 OK).

Early this week, on Jan. 18, Wyoming will host Zeeland West (5-2, 2-1) as both teams try to stay near the top of the conference standings. Zeeland East enters the week with a 1-5, 0-3 OK record, and will play an early-week game hosting Grand Rapids Union (1-5-1, 1-3 OK).

A look around the Wyoming and Kentwood area courts

The Grand Rapids South Christian boys (5-3) enter the week in a three-way tie at the top of the OK Gold standings with a 2-1 record, with the other two teams being Forest Hills Eastern and Ottawa Hills. The Sailors will play both of the teams this week, including a home game against Ottawa Hills on Friday.

The South Christian girls enter the week with a 6-3 overall record and are also 2-1 in early season OK games.

The Kelloggsville boys (5-3 overall) enter the week in the middle of the OK Silver race with a 2-1 conference record including two road wins last week at Comstock Park and at Sparta.

The Godwin Heights girls enter the week at 4-3 overall, 1-2 in OK Silver standings, with road games this week against two teams behind them in the conference: Belding and Hopkins.

The West Michigan Aviation Academy boys enter the week 5-3 overall and 1-0 in Alliance League action, tied with the Wyoming Tri-unity Christian boys (4-2 overall) and also 1-0 in Alliance.

WKTV coverage and schedule/scores 

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)

The tentative WKTV Feature Game schedule for the remainder of January and February is as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 25, boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian

Friday, Jan. 28, boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights

Wednesday, Feb. 2, boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 4, boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 8, boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming

Friday, Feb. 11, boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 18, boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)

Tuesday, Feb. 22, boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 25, boys and girls basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

On Tap: Liquid updates from across West Michigan

Beer, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Restaurants, , , ,

By Amy Sherman
WKTV Contributing Writer

Perrin Brewing sold to Monster Energy

Recently announced was the purchase of the CANarchy Collective, which includes West Michigan based Perrin Brewing, by Monster Beverage Corporation. (Amy Sherman)

Another major Michigan brewery buyout/acquisition occurred this week, with Monster Beverage Corporation announcing that they would be purchasing the CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, which includes Comstock Park based Perrin Brewing Company. CANarchy was formed in 2015, as a group of like-minded breweries came together to share capital, distribution networks, beers and products to the market in a new, collaborative company. Members, in addition to Perrin, include ​​Oskar Blues Brewery, Cigar City Brewing, Squatters Craft Beers, Wasatch Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing Company,  and Revitalyte. The group is considered the sixth largest craft brewery in the country.

 

Monster is purchasing the group for $330 million, in an all cash deal. This will be the energy drink maker’s first foray into the alcoholic beverage market. What does this mean for West Michigan? While Perrin declined to comment at this time, we can say that the sale does not include their pub in Comstock Park, so you should be able to continue to enjoy a burger and beer there. In the future, it probably won’t change much of what is on the shelves here, but may help Perrin get out to a larger national audience.

Locally brewed gluten-free beer is finally here

Brewery Nyx, Michigan’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery is right here in Grand Rapids, and now has beers on the shelves of local retailers. Founded by business partners Jessica Stricklen and Sebastian Van Bommel, the brewery has a production facility in the southwestern part of the city, and can be found on the shelves at Bridge Street Market, and certain D&W’s, with more retail to follow as production ramps up.

Gluten-free Brewery Nyx is finally on the shelves in West Michigan, and it’s been worth the wait. (Photo courtesy of Brewery Nyx)

Stricklen, who has been gluten-free for 10 years, loves craft beer, but couldn’t find a Michigan one that was truly up to her standards. She and Van Bommel, who is the head brewer, decided from the beginning that their beers needed to be able to go head-to-head with regular brews. Instead of trying to strip the gluten from a beer made with barley, they are brewing their beers right from the start with gluten free grains like amaranth and quinoa. The resulting beers are every bit as full bodied as any regular beer, with incredible aroma, big mouthfeel, and great flavor. You would be hard pressed to tell these gluten-free brews from a regular one.

Right now Brewery Nyx is in limited distribution only. Although they have plans to open a tasting room in the future, the goal right now is to just get the product out on shelves. If you are lucking enough to find some, don’t get surprised at the price. Yes, these four packs are more than your typical local craft beer, but it is absolutely necessary. The ingredients they use to make this beer can costs up to four times more than traditional brewing ingredients. But if you are gluten-free, and have been missing that precious pint of local beer, Brewery Nyx is a gift from the celiac gods.

 

Larry Bell named Environmentalist of the Year

Don’t mess with Larry Bell might be the message here, and with very good reason. The Bell’s Brewery founder, who recently announced a sale of the family owned company to New Belgium Brewing, was named the Sierra Club of Michigan’s Environmentalist of the Year for 2021. Bell’s work to protect the Kalamazoo River, as well as his battle to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline, made him the first business owner chosen for the award in its thirty year history.

 

“Larry Bell’s fact-based, non-partisan and pragmatic advocacy has illuminated the dangers of the ticking time bomb that threatens the Great Lakes every day Line 5 is allowed to operate in the Straits of Mackinac,” said Gail Philbin, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter state director said via a press release. “He and other visionary leaders in the Great Lakes Business Network are indispensable voices for businesses who understand how vital it is that we protect our Great Lakes.”

 

Bell began his environmental work after the 2010 Enbridge oil spill in Kalamazoo threatened his Comstock production brewery. Enbridge decided to store toxic sledge in the area, without letting officials know, or pulling any of the necessary permits. Bell sued Enbridge, and then created the Great Lakes Business Network, to help shut down Enbridge’s Line 5, an oil pipeline that runs through the Straights of Mackinac.

 

“When the spill happened 30 miles away from us, the oil came down the Kalamazoo River and started impacting us,” recalled Bell, via the release. “Our eyes were opened. Then we found out there was this pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. It was unbelievable that this company owned those pipelines in the Straits. I said, ‘Hell, yes, I’m in.’”

Bell said he plans to increase his environmental work, now that he has sold his brewery. “I can be stronger now in my sentiments and work harder for the causes I care about,” said Bell.

Small Pours from West Michigan breweries:

Mitten Brewing Company on Leonard St in Grand Rapids has reopened and expanded their outdoor dining area known as Base Camp. (Courtesy photo provided by Mitten Brewing Company)

Founders Brewing is hosting their famous Cellar Raid, from Jan. 26 to 30, at both their taproom in Grand Rapids as well as Detroit. The event features taproom exclusive, small batch, barrel-aged, and even some never before seen beers. The brewery will release tap lists each day, and all the beer is available on a first come, first served basis. There will be special food pairings available as well. On Saturday, Jan. 29, there will be live music from Oracle.

 

Railtown Brewing in Dutton revealed a new winter food menu on Monday January 17. According to the brewery, “it’s chili season.”

Cedar Springs Brewing Company has its winter Biergarten open, and is offering live music most nights of the week. You can see the full listing of who’s playing weekly on the brewing company’s Facebook page.

 

Arvon Brewing in Grand Rapids just celebrated its second anniversary, and have several special brews on tap and available to-go to honor this special occasion. Stop by the brewery on Division to see what’s still pouring.

Broad Leaf Brewery is hosting a special “vegan weekend,” Jan. 21 – 23. The special food menu will feature “munchies” from Chef Gabe. Featured will be chicken fried seitan, Tot-chos, French bread pizza, a carrot corn dog, and a dirt cup dessert. There will also be a limited regular menu.

 

City Built Brewing continues to host their pop-up Li Grande Zombie, a special menu offered weekends at the brewery featuring Creole and Cajun cuisine. They announce the menu on Facebook each week. Look for things like crawfish étouffée with chicken fat biscuits, and a mean fried hot chicken sandwich. Each Monday, look for local favorite StreetChefShaw to be throwing down some of his famous tacos on site.

Creston Brewery recently opened for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu features classic breakfasts like pancakes and a breakfast burrito, as well as lunch offerings like oven baked mac and cheese, and a cheeseburger. There’s also a kids menu, which includes a pancake mountain, which sounds hard to beat.

Bier Distillery in Comstock Park has a new special, Thirsty Thursdays. All 8 of distillery’s burgers are $2 off, and draft pours are 50% off. They also have live Irish music each Thursday.

 

Wednesday Jan. 19, stop by 3 Gatos Brewery in Wyoming for a special trivia night featuring the television show “The Office.” Get there early as it starts at 7 p.m.

ELK Brewing announced the close of their Comstock Park brew pub this week. Their tasting room on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids will remain open.

KDL pauses indoor programs, libraries remain open

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Kent District Library announced today that due to increased COVID-19 rates, it would be pausing all in-person, indoor programs at all KDL locations. Local libraries will remain open for all other services and resources.

According to KDL officials, this step was taken to address the risk of having large groups in enclosed rooms during a time when COVID-19 rates are increasing.

“We’re hopeful that programs can resume soon and we will continue to evaluate as new data emerges,” said a statement released to all patrons.

The Teen Film Festival will shift to a virtual event as it was last year. Early Childhood Education programs will take place virtually when instructors are available for online sessions. Also, some of the book talks and book clues may be available as online sessions.

The Sled Dogs visits will continue as outdoor programs. The Sled Dogs are scheduled to come to the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Feb. 5 for a 10 a.m. program and to the KDL Grandville Branch on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.

 

For virtual, outdoor and off-site programs visit kdl.org/events. For on-demand, online programs, visit kdl.org/livestream.

For up-to-date information on KDL programs and other library information, visit kdl.org. 

Gonzo’s Top 5: Golf, Broadway, and helping each other

Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

 

Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

 

I think we’re all ready for Spring Break or even Mid-Winter Break.

At least we have MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 17), which is a Federal holiday, but more than just a day off.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’.s birthday, and ideals, it is meant to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

We all need that.

 

In the meantime, let’s look at things to do this weekend in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

5. Pop Up Disc Golf 


It might be 40 degrees. It might be below zero. Who knows this time of year? Well, if you’re a disc golf enthusiast, you don’t care too much. You love being outdoors. That’s why you might want to know about a Pop Up Disc Golf event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 29) at Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE, in Kentwood. This is a fun, nine-hole disc golf course. There is no cost to participate, but you must bring your own discs. Restrooms will be available in the clubhouse. This event was supposed to be this weekend, but was changed because of the frigid temperatures. Presented by City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. More info on the Facebook event page.

4. Maple Hill Golf – Huge Golf LIquidation Sale

Speaking of a different kind of golf, the one where I yell “Heads Up” all the time, golf lovers can head out this weekend to the DeltaPlex in Walker for this huge liquidation sale. Presented by Maple Hill Golf, more than $2 million worth of equipment will be for sale. This year’s event marks the 22nd year of the sale, and the first year at the DeltaPlex. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5. Ages 12 and younger free. More info at www.deltaplex.com.

3. Public Skate at Van Andel Arena

If you have missed free skating at Rosa Parks Circle this winter, it’s back this weekend. No, the construction project is still going on, but thanks to the city’s parks and recreation department, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and Van Andel Arena, free skating is available on Sunday (Jan. 16) at Van Andel Arena. You must reserve a skating time, but walk ups are an option. Each session is 90 minutes and open to 150 skaters. (100 skating spots are reservable, with the remaining 50 available for walk-up skating on a first-come first-served basis.)  Go online to reserve up to six skaters at a time, HERE. Group reservations should only be made with people in the same household as the registrant. Visitors may bring their own skates. Rentals are available. Hockey equipment, such as hockey sticks and pucks, are not allowed on the ice. Hours are 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., and 6-7:30 p.m.

By the way, the Grand Rapids Griffins are in town Friday and Saturday. Games are at 7 p.m. each night. More info at https://www.vanandelarena.com/events.

We are all jumping for joy that theater has returned. “Hairspray” comes to DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

2. “Hairspray”

Despite postponing opening night because of COVID concerns among the touring cast, the Broadway production of “Hairspray” opened Wednesday night to great reviews. Fans loved the show, as well as the return of major tours to Grand Rapids. It’s been nearly two years since Broadway Grand Rapids has been able to present a show. “Hairspray” continues through Monday, Jan. 17 at DeVos Performance Hall. (Monday’s show is the rescheduled date for the Jan. 11 postponement.) For ticket information and showtimes, go to devosperformancehall.com.

As part of its Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project, the city will be collecting donations for its Little Free Pantry locations. (Supplied)
  1. Unity Walk to Honor MLK

The City of Kentwood was supposed to host a unity walk in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. at 9 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 15), but it has been changed “due to the frigid temperatures forecasted for this weekend, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone Saturday’s Unity Walk. We will share information about the rescheduled event once details are finalized.”

Organizers had hoped to help Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry with collecting canned goods after the walk. In a Facebook post, they said: “We hope you’ll still help stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which began in 2017 as an MLK Day community service project. We’re accepting canned goods and other non-perishable items at the Kentwood Activities Center 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.”

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.

Meteorologist Terri DeBoer featured guest for program at Marge’s Donut Den

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Terri DeBoer’s new book.

According to the U.S. Census, there are about 22.5 million empty nest holes in the United States, however there is little material in helping parents weather the transition.

In November, Terri DeBoer released her book “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest.” The book provides personal insight mixed with humor on 50 strategies DeBoer has discovered for weathering that transition to an empty nest.

This Wednesday, DeBoer, who is a meteorologist for WOTV and a host of EightWest, will be the featured guest at Mr. Sid’s Video Series at Marge’s Donut Den. At the 2 p.m. program, DeBoer will discuss her new book and talk about some of her strategies.

 

Autographed books and the companion journals will be avail for sale.

Upcoming programs for the Mr. Sid’s Video Series are: Mike Martin’s presentation “Three Presidens and their Wives on Feb. 16; the Ireland video on March. 16 and WOTV Sports Director Jack Dole will be discussing his experiences of covering the Olympics on April 20. 

Broadway Grand Rapids 2021/2022 season opens this week with the touring production of ‘Hairspray’

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , ,
We are all jumping for joy that theater has returned. “Hairspray” comes to DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

UPDATE: The Tuesday show has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 17. Contact Broadway Grand Rapids for more information.

NOTE: We regret to report that the Tuesday, Jan. 11, performance of “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall is postponed due to positive COVID cases within the company. At this time, all other performances, Wednesday — Sunday, will play as scheduled. We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this scheduling change has caused Tuesday night ticket holders. Please hold onto your tickets while we work to rescheduled the show. Details will be sent to affected ticket holders by email as soon as they’re available.

It will take 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show to bring Broadway theater back to Grand Rapids.

“After two long years, we are excited to finally be back in the theater and have the inspiring support of so many in the community,” said Mike Lloyd, interim executive director at Broadway Grand Rapids.

“We expect 15,000 people to attend ‘Hairspray’ this week. What a perfect show to open the season, heartwarming and fun.”

“Hairspray” opens Tuesday (Jan. 11) at DeVos Performance Hall for eight performances over six days to kick off the 2021-2022 season at Broadway Grand Rapids.

In addition, Broadway Grand Rapids has announced $30 Student/Educator Rush tickets for all performances of “Hairspray.” A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per student/educator. 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 at 303 Monroe Ave NW.

Health and Safety protocols, including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test as well as mandatory masks, will be in effect.

For more details on health and safety, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com/health. For more information on all shows, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” centers on Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – who wants to change the world.

The reviews have been stellar. The New York Times said: “‘Hairspray’ is fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!”

The “Hairspray” cast is led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Toneisha Harris (from NBC’s “The Voice”) as Motormouth Maybelle and features the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” according to the company’s website.

This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

Niki Metcalf is Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and ‘Hairspray’ is meeting this challenge full-on with even more joy and purpose. Our fable of ‘The Little Dancing Engine That Could’ is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene,” said O’Brien in a release.

“With the renewed, refreshed energy of the unforgettable Nina West as Edna and a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the various roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score! Come feel great and grateful once more!” he added.

Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said: “‘Hairspray’ has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this new company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You really Can’t Stop the Beat!’”

Tiger at John Ball Zoo doing better, Artemis still on the loose

3-bottom, Environment, Health, Recreation, , , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Nika, the Amur tiger at John Ball Zoo, is reported doing much better after testing positive for COVID. (Supplied)

The John Ball Zoo had good news today in that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger, Nika, is doing well after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Nika continues to do well and has been symptom free since approximately five to seven days after her initial presentation,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian. “No other animals at John Ball Zoo have shown signs of or tested positive.”

In December, John Ball Zoo announced that the Amur tiger had COVID. It is believed that a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team exposure the tiger to COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been worldwide reports of animals being infected with COVID by humans. At this time, it is believed that the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.

People can spread COVID to companion animals such as dogs and cats. At zoos and sanctuaries, several types of big cats, otters, non-human primates, and hyenas have been reported being infected. Also white-tail deer in several U.S. States have been reported as being infected as well.

According to John Ball Zoo, Ryan and his teams have now successful administer vaccinations to many animals at the zoo who are considered high risk of COVID infection as well as continue to monitor Nika for viral shedding.

Still on the hunt

Blandford Nature Center continues to search for its missing Bobcat, Artemis.

Artemis, the female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Artemis escaped from the Department of Natural Resources’ approved enclosure on Dec. 31. Her brother, Apollo, had escaped earlier in December but was captured in a live trap by a neighbor and returned to Blandford on Dec. 20.

“We know our community’s been eager to hear good news about our missing bobcat, Artemis,” it states on the Blandford Nature Center Facebook page. “We want to thank everyone who has contracted us with sightings and leads on her location or reached out with kind words, we are so appreciative of the help we have received so far.

“We are sad to report there are no new developments at this time, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to find her and bring her home safely.

According to Blandford’s wildlife staff, Artemis has been on Blandford’s property in the past few days and has been spotted by Blandford trail cams. Blandford has received several reported sightings near or on its property which gives staff reason to believe she won’t be traveling far and are hoping to catch her in one of the many live traps that are being placed on Blandford’s property.

Blandford Nature Center got the sister and brother bobcats in the fall. The cubs were orphaned after their mother was killed by a car. Because they did not receive the survival training from their mother, it was determined by registered wildlife rehabiliators that the cubs would not be able to survive in the wild.

Apollo, the male bobcat, at Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

Blandford had an existing bobcat enclosure that was built for two but only housed its former bobcat, Bob, who died in 2020. The cubs were placed with Blandford.

Bobcats are solitary. Their prey is usually rabbits. rodents or similar in size small animals. According to Blandford, due to Artemis’s age and size, that of a large house cat, she is unlikely to be a threat to humans or most animals. The main concern is for her safety.

If a resident does spot Artemis, they should not approach her but should call the Grand Rapids Police Department’s non-emergency number, 616-456-3400. The GRPD will notify Blandford. The social media and phones at Blandford are not monitored 24/7 which is why residents should contact the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Apollo is currently being housed at the John Ball Zoo where he is doing fine. According to the Facebook announcement, Blandford’s bobcat enclosure is scheduled to have more reinforcements made next week.

Female space pioneer featured guest speaker at this year’s ‘Roger That!’ event

3-bottom, Education, Environment, Kids Activities, Recreation, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Col. Eileen Collins is the featured speaker at this year’s “Roger That!” two-day program. (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have announced the return of “Roger That!,” a multi-day event celebrating space exploration and the life of Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee.

In its sixth year, “Roger That!” will take place on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 with various components to the celebration, all themed around women in space — including remarks from pioneering pilot and astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to both pilot a spacecraft and command a space shuttle mission.

“After four in-person events and one virtual iteration of ‘Roger That!’ we’re excited to combine the best of both with a hybrid conference in 2022,” said Deana Weibel, event co-organizer and GVSU professor of anthropology.

The two-part event will feature speeches on both days by Eileen Collins, who made history in 1995 as the first woman to pilot a U.S. spacecraft with the Discovery shuttle flight. In 1999, she was the commander for Columbia, making her the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. She ultimately logged 872 hours in space.

GVSU will host a free academy conference on Feb. 18 that is open to educators and the general public. Speeches will be available in person and virtually, over Zoom.

2022 speakers include: Computational Chemist Michelle Franci; Space Historian Catherine Newell; Planetary Scientist Louise Prockter; Space Educator Crzarina Salido; Bioastronautics Researcher and Spacesuit Technician Yvette Gonzalez; Space Media Archivist Megal Prelinger; Electrical Engineer Heidi Jiao and Space Historian and Eileen Collins’ Biographer Jonathan Ward. 

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is named after the Grand Rapids native who perished in 1967 on test of the Apollo 1 mission to the moon. (Supplied)

To attend the “Roger That!” Academic Conference, register at gvsu.edu/RogerThat. The events being held at GVSU this year will be free, as will the virtual talks, but guests must register. A reception with light refreshments will be held ahead of Collins’ talk at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Loosemore Auditorium on GVSU’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The lecture is free through registration at gvsu.edu/RogerThat; it will also be livestreamed.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will have activities both days centered around local astronaut Roger B. Chaffee, who died in 1967 during a NASA test flight, and space exploration. Hands-on activites include build stations where attendees can design their own rockets and paper airplanes, astronaut challenges, artifact interactions including meteorite samples, and tektite and more.

Collins will speak at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at the GRPM. Tickets for this lecture will be available free of charge at grpm.org beginning Jan. 14.

In Love and Health: Keep your New Year’s Resolutions

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Recreation, ,

By Dr. Erik Johnson
Love & Health Chiropractic

Happy New Year! Did you make any New Year resolutions this year? Many of us did. And most of us have failed to keep them in years past. In one study, 77% of people kept their resolutions for 1 week but by the end of two years, only 19% were still going strong— and 53% reported slipping up at least once. Yes, it can be difficult to stick to your resolutions.

 

To keep yourself really focused on your goals, take time to quietly imagine how you will feel when you achieve them – and hold on to that feeling. If you Google, “keeping New Year’s resolutions,” you’ll find lots of good advice. For example, CNN Health shared these five tips for keeping your resolutions, based on the book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

  1. Make a cue-based plan. For example, instead of generalizing that you will exercise, plan a time each day when you will exercise and have your electronic calendar remind you to do it. Or, if you want to eat healthier, plan a weekly menu and make a shopping list to support it.
  2. Give yourself a fine. Make a deal with yourself, a friend, or a charity, that every time you slip up, you will pay them a designated amount of cash. Psychologically speaking, it seems penalties can be pretty motivating.
  3. Make it fun. Watch your favorite TV show only when you work out. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink when you buckle down and learn that new subject or listen to your favorite tunes organize the house. 
  4. Give yourself a few “Get out of Jail Free” passes. If you miss a day at the gym or gorge on chocolate cake one night,  give yourself a pass and get back on the wagon.
  5. Find an encouraging friend. Including a friend on your journey keeps you more accountable. Also, they might have some wisdom for you as you seek to achieve your goals, and vice versa.

     

Whatever your 2022 New Year resolutions are, another good way to achieve them is to choose health in every choice you make. Even if your resolutions have nothing to do with physical health, being active, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support you in every other area of your life. So does keeping your spine healthy. Regular chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain that can discourage you from meeting your goals but keeps your whole body humming in tune.

Dr. Erik Johnson DC is a chiropractor at Love and Health Chiropractic in Wyoming at 1586 44th Street SW.

St. Cecilia jazz series kicks off stellar early 2022 lineup with star power of Joshua Redman

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
Joshua Redman (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Joshua Redman has a long list of impressive credentials on his musician resume, including being nominated for eight GRAMMY awards. But before that he had an equally impressive educational resume, including being a 1991 graduate from Harvard College after which he was accepted to Yale Law School.

But anybody who has seen him on stage, blowing his saxophone and conversing with the crowd, over the years of his now 30+ year career of playing, recording and writing music, knows he is a jazz man thorough and through.

If you already know, or are yet to find out, local jazz fans will undoubtedly get proof positive Jan. 22 on St. Cecilia ’s Royce Auditorium Stage when Redman and his trio lead off St. Cecilia Music Center’s Jazz Series as the first of three concerts in January, March and April.

And, least we forget, St. Cecilia will also debut Winterfest, a three-day winter jazz festival featuring host Christian McBride “and Friends” Feb. 24-26.

Joshua Redman Quartet (Supplied)

“We are so excited to launch four months of great jazz performances this year beginning with Joshua Redman,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “Joshua is one of the most talented and sought-after jazz performers around. Along with a prolific body of celebrated recordings over 25 years, Redman has worked with countless jazz contemporaries as a follow performer and bandleader.”

With the concert set to start at 7:30 p.m., tickets for Redman and his band can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) at 616-459-2224.

In addition to Redman, the SCMC Jazz Series includes Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap on March 10, and Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra on April 14. The first-ever WinterFest jazz program – three consecutive nights of jazz — will be hosted by GRAMMY-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride and feature the Christian McBride Trio, singer Cyrille Aimee, fellow bassist Edgar Meyer, and McBride’s legendary quintet Inside Straight.

Redman and his musical journey

Jazz fans can be a little prickly when it comes to their definition of the musical genre, but a supplied quote from JamBase does have a point when they say “When the conversation ensues about who is carrying on the great tradition of jazz musicianship today … if Joshua Redman’s name does not come up, the conversation is not worth having.”

The innovative saxophonist has made believers of critics and fans alike with his live performances and acclaimed recordings. One of his many-faceted musical ventures, The Joshua Redman Quartet, released an album titled “Come What May” in 2019. But his list of jazz collaborations over the years include ones ranging from McCoy Tyner to Brad Mehldau.

Joshua Redman, from a 2019 concert. (Supplied/Lisa Siciliano)

And the members for the original Joshua Redman Quartet are like a who’s who of the genre — Redman saxophone), Brad Mehldau on piano), Christian McBride on bass, and Brian Blade on drums —a group reunited to release the Grammy-nominated album “RoundAgain” in July 2020.

The son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. Joshua Redman was exposed at an early age by his parents to many genres of music — the story goes — jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, Indonesian, Middle Eastern, and African. He was also introduced to a variety of instruments: recorder, piano, guitar, gatham and gamelan. (I had to look those last two up too … they are south Indian and Indonesian percussion instruments.)



After starting off playing clarinet at nine years old, Redman switched to what is his primary instrument, the tenor saxophone. So, of course, his stated early influences were John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley and his father. But, the story goes, academics were always his priority and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician until he graduated from Harvard and followed some musician friends to New York City in the 1990s.

Things just sort of rolled on from there.

He began jamming and gigging regularly with some of the leading jazz musicians of his generation — Roy Hargrove, to name just one — and five months after moving to New York, Redman was named the winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition.

And things just sort of rolled on from there. Lucky us.


In addition to his own projects, Redman has recorded and performed with musicians as diverse as such as Chick Corea and The Dave Matthews Band, Quincy Jones and The Rolling Stones. And along the way he wrote and performed the music for Louis Malle’s final film “Vanya on 42nd Street “ and is both seen and heard in the Robert Altman film “Kansas City”.

SCMC special pandemic precautions

SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Home tests are not accepted. All patrons will be required to wear a mask while in the building for the duration of the concert.
 

All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.

Potter’s House girls basketball host Ravenna in WKTV’s Feature Game Tuesday, then a doubleheader at Kelloggsville Friday

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, , ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, beginning with the Wyoming Potter’s House girls hosting Ravenna on Tuesday, Jan. 4, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Jan. 7, at Kelloggsville when NorthPointe Christian visits.

WKTV was originally scheduled to cover a game at East Kentwood, with the girls team hosting Muskegon, on Jan. 4. But the non-conference game has been cancelled due to a pandemic safety issue.

The Potter’s House Pumas girls enter the week 2-4 in early season play, including a 43-36 win at Cedar Springs on Dec. 21 in their last game, while Ravenna enters 2-3.

On Friday, and opening the team’s OK Conference Silver schedule, the Kelloggsville boys will begin the doubleheader with a 6 p.m. tip-off. Starting the week, the Rockets are 3-2 and the in early season action, with NorthPointe at 1-4.

The Kelloggsville girls will tip-off their OK Silver schedule at about 7:30 p.m., and enter the week with a 2-3 record before a scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 4 home game against Covenant Christian. The NorthPointe girls come to Kelloggsville with a 5-0 record.
 

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)

The tentative WKTV Feature Game schedule for the remainder of January and February is as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 11, girls basketball, Holland at Wyoming

Friday, Jan. 14, boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.

Friday, Jan. 21, boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming

Tuesday, Jan. 25, boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian

Friday, Jan. 28, boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights

Wednesday, Feb. 2, boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 4, boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 8, boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming

Friday, Feb. 11, boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 18, boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)

Tuesday, Feb. 22, boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 25, boys and girls basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

Local musicians get hometown streaming platform through Kent District library

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, , ,

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

Local musicians seeking an audience – and audiences seeking local music – have a new way to find each other.

KDL Vibes, a streaming service featuring music by more than 40 West Michigan artists, went live in early December.

David Specht, digital marketing strategist for KDL, said anyone can navigate to the site at vibes.kdl.org and start listening.

“As a library, it’s our responsibility to provide quality, worthwhile, important content to our patrons,” he said. “We saw this as an opportunity to do that.”

  

KDL Vibes brings local music to people who don’t have the means or the opportunity to go to live shows, and it also offers musicians a big new audience. The KDL serves hundreds of thousands of patrons, Specht said.

Mark Lavengood, a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, has an album called “We’ve Come Along” on KDL Vibes.

David Specht was on the team that brought the Vibes streaming music platform to the Kent District Library. (Photo courtesy of KDL)

“Once I started researching the mission I was just really impressed and grateful for the initiative to perpetuate the local music scene throughout the community,” he said. “Personally, I’m hopeful it might turn a few folks on to my catalog. For the community, I hope that they take to the new service and discover some of their new favorite artists, music venues, and songs.”

You don’t need to live in Kent County or have a KDL library card to use KDL Vibes. But some services are available only to those with a KDL card.

“The advantage to having a KDL library card is that you can sign in with that card and pin favorite single songs and also full albums, so it builds a playlist for you,” Specht said.

About 15 libraries in the U.S. are offering the service, which is built on software called MUSICat.

Specht said there are a lot of music-loving staff members at the Kent District Library, and when they heard about the streaming platform being used in cities like Seattle and Austin, they got a team together to bring it to Kent County.

In September, the KDL had a six-week open submission period when local musicians could send in a sample track and brief bio. They got 130 submissions.

A team of curators active in the local music scene narrowed them down to the 43 that are on the site now. In addition to Specht, the curators are Andrea “SuperDre” Wallace, Ted Smith, Hugo Claudin, Gabriella De La Vega, Eric Green, Linda “Lady Ace Boogie” Tellis, Laura Nowe, and Jake Wunderink.

Mark Lavengood’s album “We’ve Come Along” is one of the 43 albums on the site. (Photo by John Hanson)

“We wanted to make sure we had a collection that represents the West Michigan music scene, doing our best to include music from all the different genres that the musicians here have to offer,” Specht said. That meant they had to bypass some great music if they already had enough in that genre, but the musicians who didn’t get in the first time will have another shot.

Open submission periods for musicians will be held twice a year in the spring and the fall, so the collection will keep growing. The next open submission will likely be in the late winter or early spring, Specht said.

Both the musicians and the curators are paid a $250 honorarium for their contributions to the site.

Specht said they will keep adding new music indefinitely, and they will have a rotating panel of curators so people with a variety of tastes get a chance to choose the music.

“It won’t be the same folks from one year to the next. That’s intentional, so we can give other people an opportunity to work on it,” he said. “I feel like the project will never grow stale.”

Want music for New Year’s Eve in-home party? WKTV has an evening of concerts for you

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Soul Syndicate. (Supplied by the band)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Staying in this New Year’s Eve — for whatever reason you care to choose — and not into college football bowl games? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2021 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.

Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast five concerts leading off with Bootstrap Boys and running through the stroke of the New Year with The Soul Syndicate.

The schedule is: 

5 p.m. — Bootstrap Boys

6:30 p.m. — Benzing Graves

8 p.m. — Dalmatian Stone

9:30 p.m. — David Gerald Band

11 p.m. — The Soul Syndicate

Don’t know some of the bands? WKTV produced previews of each (follow the links to the stories).

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

Wyoming residents rally around ‘Knight of 44th Street’ to keep him in the community

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wkrtv.org

When Wyoming resident Matthew Gould posted his neighbor’s 10-foot suit of armor statue for sale, he wasn’t expecting the type of community outpouring that would cause his phone to ding constantly throughout the day.

“I don’t think after I posted the listing that I was even able to close my phone before it started dinging,” he said.

The ‘”Knight of 44th Street” is a familiar symbol to many residents traveling along 44th Street. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Gould)

Few who have driven 44th Street heading east from U.S. 131 have missed the 10-foot statue sitting on the lawn of the Zoet home. According to Mabel Zoet, her husband Nelson, who was an auctioneer, often traveled to Laredo, Texas, where he would purchase the suits of armor statues, which were made in Mexico. He then would sell the seven-foot statues, she said.

“One day a friend said to him ‘Why don’t you put up a 10-foot one up?’” Zoet said. “So he put one up next to the flagpole.”

That was about 30 years ago, Zoet said. Now after 58 years in their home, Zoet is looking to downsize. So she decided to put the “tin man” up for sale, never realizing how much of a symbol it had become to the community and her neighbors.

“[I] used to live down the block from ‘my knight in shining armor,’” wrote Ruth Ann S. on the Grand Rapids Online Garage Sale Facebook page.

Fida K. wrote “I used to see this as my parents drove by that house as a young child!! I love/still love him!! Such an icon! Please keep him!”

“Oh I’m so sad to see this for sale,” wrote Amber M. “I remember walking past that thing when I was a little girl on the way to school and imagining the things we could do if we were inside it.”

“It’s like the only cool thing on 44th Street,” wrote John F.

In fact, so many people thought the statue was too “cool” to be moved that they encouraged a GoFundMe campaign to purchase the statue to keep it in the community. In less than 24 hours, the $500 was raised to purchase it.

For more than 30 years, the suit of armor statue has been on the Zoet property located along 44th Street just east of US-131. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Gould)

Gould said the task now will be to find a new home for the statue.

 

“I feel like this needs to be put up in a park nearby or even downtown with a little plaque ‘The Knight of 44th St.’” wrote DK. “Crazy how this was something of significance to a lot of us growing up!”

Alex C. agreed. “This is a landmark icon, we need to preserve this art. Make it known, put the man’s name on a plaque at least.”

For now, Zoet said the statue can stay in her yard. Gould, who lives next door to Zoet, said his yard is also available until a permanent home can be found. Gould said he plans to reach out to city officials in 2022 as he works to secure the statue’s new home.

“…He was a childhood icon for me when my parents would take me to C’s Dairy and Dogs for the car shows,” wrote Josh W. “I’m forever thankful for this guy no matter where he goes.”

Proposed eastern sandhill cranes hunt in breeding states stirs controversy

3-bottom, Environment, Great Lakes, Recreation, ,
A pair of eastern sandhill cranes keep a lookout for predators. These birds normally stay together unless one dies, in which case they’ve been known to start other family groups. Credit: Department of Natural Resources

By Nicholas Simon
Capital News Service

LANSING — Efforts by politicians to create a hunting season for eastern sandhill cranes in both Michigan and Wisconsin are stirring debates among hunters, farmers and birders.

A Michigan legislative resolution to encourage the Natural Resources Commission to explore the possibilities of issuing tags for cranes was introduced but not adopted. Wisconsin has gone further, with lawmakers introducing a bill in October to require the state Department of Natural Resources to issue permits to eligible hunters for the birds.

If either of these measures passes, it would be the first time the bird has been hunted legally in its breeding grounds since the species was nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1900s.

Advocates of a hunt in both states cited the agricultural damage caused by rising numbers of the birds, as well as increased opportunities for hunters as reasons to add the sandhill crane to their lists of state game birds.

However, hunting them is controversial for both birding groups and ornithological associations. They argue that the cranes’ unique ecology has historically made them vulnerable to overhunting.

“This bird wows and delights people,” said Heather Good, the executive director of Michigan Audubon, the state’s oldest conservation organization.

“It’s widely depicted in art, and it’s the oldest living species at more than 2.5 million years old. True conservationists do not take that history for granted,” Good said.

Sandhill cranes have the lowest juvenile survival rate of any game bird in North America, with only one in 10 nests producing a chick that survives to adulthood, according to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. One reason is the time it takes for the birds to reach maturity, with pairs being an average of 4 years old before they can reproduce, it said.

Eastern Sand Hill Cranes have a low juvenile survival rate. (Wikipedia/http://www.birdphotos.com)

Their low birth rate, paired with increased habitat loss and overhunting during the early 1900s, led to its eradication from a number of Great Lakes states, including Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. By the 1930s, there were only 25 breeding pairs in Wisconsin, according to population counts at the time.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, like Mark Berres, claim that near-extinction means that the eastern sandhill crane still has problems with genetic diversity, which makes it more susceptible to overhunting.

In an interview with the University of Wisconsin News, Berres said: “We have a pretty good understanding of why the birds are doing so well, but we’re really just starting to figure out the population’s breeding structure. To me it screams ‘don’t touch them.’”

Michigan DNR officials claim that the bird’s destructive behavior towards crops is a sign of resilience and adaptability.

 

The cranes tend to travel into cornfields from adjacent wetlands and eat the new shoots as they sprout out of the ground in the springtime. Farmers say they can leave large sections of their field bare.

 

“They’re an adaptable species and they’ve been able to take advantage of available habitats like wetlands and emerging wetlands,” said Barbara Avers, the waterfowl and wetland specialist at the Michigan DNR. “But they are now using agricultural products as an abundant food source, and we are really seeing their numbers take off.”

Despite the rising rates of agricultural destruction, ornithological groups say that’s not an issue because of existing solutions such as repellents that make new plants taste bitter so cranes stay away.

However, the cost of repellent ranges from $6 to $10 per acre, and some farmers are unwilling to take on the added cost and time to treat their crops. The federal government offers a permit to such farmers to kill cranes that are damaging their crops.

Federal regulations make it illegal for those hunters to consume meat from the cranes they kill. Instead, carcasses are left in the field to discourage other groups of cranes from coming to that farm.

 

Hunting groups in both states call that a waste of natural resources and argue that a hunting season would both reduce population numbers for farmers and provide an economic opportunity for the state DNRs.

 

At an appearance with Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin, Michigan musician and pro-hunting activist Ted Nugent called sandhill cranes “ribeyes in the sky,” referring to his desire to eat them.

In a presentation to the Natural Resources Commission, Nick Green, the public information officer for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, said hunters both understand population management strategies and provide funding for habitat restoration.

Green said, “Numerous game and no-game species have all flourished thanks to funding generated almost exclusively from hunting license sales and the tax on firearms and ammunition.”

At a commission meeting this fall, officials from Michigan Audubon and the Michigan Humane Society said DNR has focused too much on hunters in the past.

Good said, “Conservation is not a sport, it’s actually a science.”

Molly Tamulevich, the Michigan director for the Humane Society of the United States, said, “In conversations with commissioners, it’s clear that some of you believe that the primary role of the Natural Resources Commission is to serve the fewer than 7% of Michiganders who hold a hunting license.

“In fact, the lens through which the commission’s decisions are made frames Michigan’s wildlife entirely as a resource to be managed by being killed by game license holders,” she said.

Tamulevich said she was frustrated with the lack of representation for Michigan’s growing eco-friendly and non-hunting residents, saying that ignores economic benefits produced by birders and native Anishinaabe communities that consider the bird sacred.

“It’s time the decision-making bodies start to pay attention to the voices of Michigan citizens who are heavily invested in their outdoors land and wild areas but chose not to hunt, trap or kill for trophies, cash prizes and bragging rights,” Tamulevich said.

Retiring Huntington president jumps into volunteering, hopes others will follow

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Volunteers, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

John Irwin helps a student at the Y’s Safety Around Water program. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Upon retiring as the West Michigan region president for Huntington Bank, John Irwin traded in his business suit for a different kind of suit, swimming trunks. His boardroom is now a swimming pool and instead of talking about financial security, he is now discussing water safety.

“I knew with retirement that I wanted to give back to my community,” said Irwin, who is a triathlete having completed more than 80 events in the past 20-plus years. “I knew I wanted to do something more on a one-to-one basis versus being on a board.”

Being a member at the David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids, Irwin was aware of the many programs being offered at the Y, such as the water safety program.

“I basically sent an email and said ‘I don’t want to run the program. I don’t want to get paid.’ I just wanted to volunteer,” Irwin said. “I think Becky was like ‘You’re my type of person.’ That is how easy it was.”

Becky Haveman, the YMCA association aquatics and safety director, gives out a little laugh.

“John sent me an email with his story and I said we should talk,” Haveman said, adding that the Y has had volunteers in the past help with the water safety instruction. “It is not unusual for us to have 14- and 15-year-olds looking to eventually teach.”

Irwin went through training with the Y staff, watched classes and in September was set up with his own class of about a dozen six-year-olds who have never been near the water.

John Irwin. a retiring Huntington Bank executive, with his first Safety Around Water class. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Jumping in

“You see them now and you think I am their best friend,” Irwin said after just completing a short class demonstration. “It didn’t start off that way. Many of them would not even get in the water, much less near it.”

In Michigan, on average, a person is only about six miles away from natural water, Haveman said. Because of that, the YMCA offers a number of water safety and swimming classes. In fact, these classes are one of the most popular programs at the Y, with the organization teaching more than a million such classes nationwide.

“The water safety class is designed to teach the students that if they fall in the water or see someone fall in, they know what to do,” Haveman said.

There is the “jump, turn, grab” technique where students are guided on learning how to turn and grab onto the side or something if they fall into the water, Haveman said. There is also the “swim, float, swim” technique that if a student is swimming and gets tired, they roll over on their back and float for a while to rest and then resume swimming, she said.

After demonstrating a technique, Irwin asked “OK, who’s going into the water?” A few hands shot up right away and Irwin takes each child, one at a time, until he gets to a little red-headed boy who with a pouty face, shakes his head no.

“You don’t want to do it today?” Irwin asks with a smile. The boy again shakes his head no. “That’s OK. I know. You don’t like to jump in the water.”

Volunteering for the swimming program seemed like a natural fit for Irwin because of his triathlon experience. Irwin also got his level one swim coach certification.

John Irwin with the Y’s aquatics and safety director, Becky Haveman (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“I am hoping that now I am retired, they plan on using me a little more,” Irwin said. Havman gives a quick head shake yes.

Irwin also is sharing his story in hopes of encouraging others to follow in his path.

“When people look at the Y, they see the buildings but they don’t think about all the great programs that they offer that are inside the buildings,” Irwin said. “I would encourage people to reach out to the Y, or any organization they want, and take what they love and see how they can use that talent to give back.”

Who knows, you might end up trading your suit for a pair of gloves and a garden or maybe some shorts and a gym, or, perhaps like Irwin,  a pair of swim trunks and a pool.

Like to join the fun? The Y will be hosting training classes for would-be lifeguards. The four-day trainings are Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Lifeguards must be at least 16, and while most are high school and college students, the ranks are made up of professionals, retirees, and stay-at-home moms. For more information, visit grymca.org/events/lifeguard-training-class. For the Safety Around Water program, visit grymca.org/news/water-safety-y.

Snowflake Break returns to Public Museum, other holiday break activities

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Holiday break for many schools starts at about 3:30 p.m. Friday with most students being out for around two weeks.

Students have the opportunity to explore the Museum during the Snowflake Break camps. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Holiday activities take up some of the time during the two-week break but whether it is waiting for or after all the presents are unwrapped, there is time when everybody is looking for something to do. 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced that it will bring back its Snowflake Break, which will run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. Snowflake Break features special exhibits and activities and includes the traveling exhibits “POPnology,” and “Bats: Masters of the Night,” along with educational Snowflake Break Camp opportunities for area children. 

“Snowflake Break at the Museum is the perfect experience for families seeking fun activities to do during the holiday break,” said Kate Kocienski, the Museum’s VP of Marketing & Public Relations. “We’re pleased to offer reduced admission for Kent County residents everyday, including free admission for kids 17 and under. Snowflake Break is an ideal time for local families to take advantage of these benefits to explore, learn and create lifelong holiday memories.”

The three floors at the Museum have holiday-themed decorations and activities. Festival favorites returning include the historic Grand Rapids LEGO® Bricks display, oversized games in the Galleria, and the popular Santa and Elf Hunt that encourages visitors to explore the Museum to find 12 elves hidden in peculiar sports, while also learning about 15 Santas from around the world.

Through Jan. 2, the Chaffee Planetarium will feature “Let It Snow!” with classic holiday music paired a visual show.

A current exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is “Bats: Masters o the Night.” (Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Snowflake Break Camps are also available for kids in first through sixth grade, with pre-registration required. For two weeks campers will use the Museum as a learning lab – experimenting, learning and growing – all while exploring the permanent and traveling exhibits at the Museum.  Camps will be limited to 16 registrants per session, and are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. Campers will be provided with supplies for each activity. Various safety measures will be in place to ensure a low-risk environment for learners and educators. To learn more or to register for Snowflake Break Camps, visit grpm.org/educlasses. 

Organist Dave Wickerham will present a night of holiday music on the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater organ on Dec. 17 and 18 with tickets available at grpm.org. 

Holiday displays are included with general admission to the Museum. Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under! Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County seniors are $3. Advance ticket reservation is recommended, for a seamless, contactless entry. Visit grpm.org to reserve today. Kent County residents also receive free parking in the Museum’s ramp for their visit. The Museum encourages all visitors to wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status, to help curb the spread of Covid 19 in our community.

Other activities:

The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the exhibits “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018,” which surveys six decades of output from one of America’s greatest living artists, and “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” showcases a centuries-old Anishinaabe tradition. 

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is featuring the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express, formerly the Breton Village Miniature Train Display, which includes replicas of South High School, Bill’s Place diner and other significant structures in the president’s Grand Rapids life.

Also the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park will have the University of Michigan Health – West Christmas and Traditions Around the World through Jan. 2.

John Ball Zoo tiger tests positives for COVID

3-bottom, Community Health, Environment, Pets/Animals, Recreation

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Nika, a 16-year-old tiger at John Ball Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. (Supplied)

John Ball Zoo announces that its 16-year-old female Amur tiger has tested positive for SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) and is recovering.

The Amur tiger named Nika recently became ill. At that time, she was immobilized in order to perform diagnostics that included COVID testing, which came back as positive for SARS CoV- 2 (COVID-19).

As seen among other zoos, John Ball Zoo suspects that Nika’s exposure likely came from a pre-symptomatic, positive member of the animal care team. “Even with increased safety protocols in place for the care of the Zoo’s animals, we know that just as with humans, the spreading of COVID can occur even among those who are vaccinated and practicing safe habits and protocols,” said John Ball Zoo Chief Executive Officer Peter D’Arienzo.

“We continue to take the health and well-being of our team, guests and animals seriously as we have before and during this COVID pandemic,” added D’Arienzo. “As with all of the Zoo’s animals, Nika continues to receive exceptional care from her keeper and veterinary teams and they are cautiously optimistic on her complete recovery.”

The Zoo notes that while increased health and safety protocols are in place that there is no guarantee against transmission. “The animal care and veterinary teams have been diligent with our use of PPE and other safety protocols in all animal spaces in particular our felid, primate, and small carnivore spaces, but we also know that no system is perfect in preventing a highly contagious virus,” said Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s veterinarian.

In addition to the John Ball Zoo’s tigers, the chimpanzees, lions, snow leopards, and small carnivores are completely vaccinated or are scheduled to receive their second vaccination against SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19).

“Many of our animals are now completely vaccinated against COVID-19 and that partially included Nika as she was due for her second dose on the day that she became sick,” added Colburn.

Dr. Colburn also noted that Nika is doing well and her health is continuing to improve. There have been no clinical signs from any of the other Zoo cats or their other animals of having COVID. However, out of an abundance of caution, John Ball Zoo will run additional testing of the other two Amur Tigers to determine if they are shedding the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of animals spreading COVID to humans is low.

Recently, John Ball Zoo received AZA-accreditation. This is the 38th consecutive year that JBZ has held the accreditation. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums requires zoos and aquariums to complete a rigorous accreditation process and inspection by top zoo experts every five years to remain accredited. The inspection team visited John Ball Zoo in July and observed all aspects of the Zoo’s operations and focused on areas such as veterinary care; physical facilities; safety; security; finance; staff; governing authority; involvement in education, conservation, and research; and adherence to AZA policies.

More Michiganders live alone

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Recreation, , ,

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service

LANSING – Living alone is increasingly common throughout Michigan and the rest of the world, a trend worrisome for  older folks,  particularly during the pandemic.

More than 2.4 million of Michigan’s population is 60 and up, and 41% of them live alone, according to a state plan on aging. (pxhere.com)

To reduce such concerns, Michigan has bolstered programs to help older people living solo to connect socially.

 

More than 2.4 million of Michigan’s population is 60 and up, and 41% of them live alone, according to a state plan on aging.

  

“Historically, social isolation has been a concern for our older population,” said Scott Wamsley, the deputy director for the Aging and Adult Services Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

COVID-19 is making the problem more profound, he said.

 

Already, Michigan offers programs to help older adults live alone safely and socially. With promised investment in broadband, the programs should become even more accessible, especially for those living in rural areas like the Upper Peninsula, Wamsley said.

 

For more opportunity, adult children and grandchildren may have to move from rural areas, he said.

  

“We’ve heard about that in the Upper Peninsula where some of the younger adults need to move away for employment purposes, and therefore that family network is now distanced,” Wamsley said.

 

The agency usually offers programs to adults 60 and older, but some programs are available to those over 55.

 

It recently developed an interactive program called GetSetUp, which acts as a virtual education and socialization platform, helping older folks learn to use things like video conferencing and telemedicine as more activities and services go online, he said.

To cater to the rapidly aging U.S. population, Ashton Verdery, an associate professor of sociology and demography at Penn State University, predicts demand for places that can foster community among older adults will rise.

“We’ll go from condos with pools and bars to condos with bridge clubs and things like that,” Verdery said.

 

To cater to the rapidly aging U.S. population, Ashton Verdery, an associate professor of sociology and demography at Penn State University, predicts demand for places that can foster community among older adults will rise. (pxhere.com)

Older adults, however, aren’t the only ones living solo.

 

Roughly one-tenth of Michigan residents live alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

Nationwide, the number of those living alone has nearly doubled over the past 50 years, according to the bureau’s Current Population Survey.

In comparison to the post-World War II era, where nuclear families and suburbs were all the rage, younger folks are pursuing a different lifestyle, said Tyler Augst, a government and community vitality educator with Michigan State University.

“What we’re seeing now is some of those family dynamics are changing,” Augst said. “People aren’t having as many kids, they’re waiting longer in life to get married, they’re just not wanting that lifestyle anymore.”

 

Additionally, they prefer different living quarters.

 

Walkable neighborhoods in urban settings are particularly attractive, offering a chance for both environmental and monetary savings, especially important in today’s market where housing is a considerable expense, Augst said.

 

“Thinking about ways to become more environmentally friendly and efficient is also a way to reduce housing costs,” he said.

 

Contributing factors fueling rising solo living include economic stability, an emphasis on individualism and a substantial decrease in multi-generational households, Verdery said.

“I think, in a lot of ways, the increase in living alone is very good for society,” Verdery said. “People are able to achieve the living arrangements that they want.” 

Wyoming girls hosting South Christian is WKTV’s Feature Game Tuesday, then a doubleheader on Sailors home court Friday

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
WKTV’s video coverage off last week’s Wyoming Godwin Heights at Wyoming Lee girls basketball game is available on-demand at wktvlive.com. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, with Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.

The South Christian girls enter the week with a 2-1 early-season record, all non-conference, including a 37-34 home win over Holland Christian Dec. 10. The Wolves girls will enter with an identical 2-1 non-conference record, including a 45-43 win over Northview, also on Dec. 10.

After this week’s games, the WKTV crew will then take the holiday season off, as do most local teams, but return in full force in January 2022.

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)

The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.

Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming

Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian

Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights

Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House

Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming

Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)

Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood

Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

Two new wildlife ambassadors, bobcats in need of names, join Blandford Nature Center

3-bottom, Environment, Pets/Animals, Recreation, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

First there is an ear. It twitches. Then there is the outline of a face. Will it come out from its hiding place? But the whispers of the school children nearby causes it to vanish.

Finally, the children are gone and it is quiet. It makes its way slowly, out of the hollow log. It looks toward the pathway and sees two strangers watching it. Carefully, slowly, it moves, picking something up off the ground and slinking back into the log.

One of the favorite hiding places of the male bobcat is the logs. The brother and sister bobcats recently came to Blandford Nature Center. (Supplied)

The encounter is brief, but you can’t help but feel the excitement of having seen a Michigan bobcat.

The five-month-old male bobcat, along with his sister, is the newest addition to the Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW. 

“We believe they were born sometime in the spring,” said Sidney Baxter, marketing specialist for Blandford Nature Center. “Sometime shortly after they were born, their mother was hit by a car and died.”

The cubs, not knowing what to do, stayed with the mother. Concerned residents in the Hart area where the accident happened, contacted the animal rescue center Kelly’s Westshore Animal Friends, who took the orphans in.

“Because they were so young and had not received any of the needed life survival skills from their mother, a wildlife rehabilitator decided that the cubs would not be able to return to the wild,” Baxter said, adding that Kelly’s Westshore Animal Friends began looking for a permanent home for the cubs.

Bob the Bobcat

Blandford Nature Center cares for a host of animals, about 40, that are native to Michigan. The animals in the Center’s care would not survive in the wild and through the center help to serve as wildlife ambassadors, giving residents and children the opportunity to view the animals up close and learn more about Michigan’s wildlife.

One of the most recognizable of the Blandford animals was Bob the bobcat, who had lived to the age of 15, dying in 2020.

“The average lifespan of a bobcat in the wild is about seven years, but it is often much shorter, usually four,” Baxter said. “Bob lived to 15, which is pretty rare for a bobcat.”

Actually, according to a report from John Hopkins University, most bobcats don’t live past 10 years and the oldest recorded bobcat in the wild was 16. The oldest living capitative bobcat lived to 32.

It is estimated that between 1,000 to 1,500 bobcats live in the Upper Peninsua, but they are not only up north. Bobcats may live on the outskirts of cities such as Detroit. Because bobcats live mostly solo, only pairing up for mating season and to care for their young, and they are nocturnal, most people have never seen a bobcat.

“This makes it important for people to be able to see them so they have a greater understanding about the creatures,” Baxter said.

While the animals are often mistaken for other large cats such as cougars or lynx, bobcats are distinct. They are about twice the size of a domestic cat and get their names from their tales, which appear to be “bobbed” or cut short. Chances are if you saw a large cat in Michigan, it was a bobcat as the Canadian lynx is endangered and is rarely found in Michigan.

With an empty enclosure built for two, Blandford connected with Hart’s wildlife center about the two orphan bobcats. After passing a habitat inspection by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, the cubs were transported in November making Blandford Nature Center their new home.

The female bobcat demonstrates her love for climbing, something the former residence never did. (Supplied)

Balls of mischief who need a name

“It is interesting that Bob was declawed, so he never climbed the fence [around the habitat],” Baxter said, noting that Bob had been someone’s pet before coming to Blandford. The owner had had the animal declawed leaving Bob defenseless if put back in the wild. “Every once in a while, you’ll come out and these two are climbing the fence.”

For now the brother and sister pair are just getting used to their new home. Baxter said the male prefers the logs in the center of the enclosure while the female prefers to sit under the wooden structure.

“Both love to climb the rafters of the structure and sleep in the roof area,” she said with a laugh.

To help introduce the new ambassadors, Blandford is currently hosting a naming campaign and fundraiser. For a minimum $5 donation, participants can vote on four name choices: Lil and Phil, Leia and Luke, Artemis and Apollo, and Lilo and Stitch. Residents have until 6 p.m Dec. 14 to vote with the winning name being announced on Dec. 15.

No matter what name is chosen, many – including those children on the trailway path trying to capture a peek – are excited to have bobcats back at Blandford Nature Center.

“It’s been a little bit over a year since our bobcat, Bob, passed away and walking by his empty enclosure always made me miss having a bobcat wildlife ambassador,” said Blandford Wildlife Manager Lori Lomoro. “I am excited to have these two using that enclosure now, and I can’t wait to hear about the experiences students and guests will enjoy while visiting and learning about these two beautiful animals.”

As Baxter and I walk away from the enclosure back to the main building, we turn for a look back. Watching us, in full view, and then, he is gone.

Community members can visit the bobcats on the Wildlife Trail during Blandford’s open hours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more about Blandford Nature Center or to vote on a name, visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org.

Gonzo’s Top 5: WWE, Santa parade, holiday music, and James Taylor

Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

What do you have planned?

Me? Well, I’m still wrapping my head around the fact Christmas is about two weeks away. Yes, I said TWO  WEEKS! Thankfully I have the lovely Pam, my wife, who handles all the stress of shopping, cooking and wrapping to make it a perfect holiday. But there is just so much going on.

Well, I say don’t forget to take a break to try something new or maybe create new traditions.

Here are a few things to consider in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

5.WWE Supershow Holiday Tour

Are you a fan of Raw or SmackDown? Well, you probably already know your favorite stars will be in Grand Rapids this weekend for a show at 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 12). Scheduled to appear: Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Big E, RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre and many more. Ticket information and more details at vanandelarena.com.

The Horrocks Holiday Jamboree will including kids bands. (Supplied)

4.Horrocks Holiday Jamboree

Live music. Santra’s reindeer. Hot chocolate. And a mac and cheese bar! Sign me up. The annual Horrocks Holiday Jamboree returns from 4-8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) at Horrocks, 4455 Breton Road SE, in Kentwood. There is a winter petting zoo for kids, as well as holiday caroling and a lineup of children’s bands. Kids can also drop off a letter to Santa in the Elf Express Delivery mailbox. For a list of music acts and more details, check out the event’s Facebook page.

3.The Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

You know it’s the holidays when the famous “Nutcracker” presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company returns. Performances are Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW. I’m not sure if I need to explain why it’s such a classic meant for every child, at least, once in their lifetime. (One of these days I’ll tell the story of how I took three little boys to the show, only to have them begging me to take them home at “halftime.” It’s a great memory in the Gonzalez household.)  For performance times, ticket information and more details, go to devosperformancehall.com or grballet.com.

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade returns this Saturday. (WKTV)

2.Wyoming and Kentwood Area Santa Parade

Presented by the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) and features more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — well, you know — Santa. The parade travels on South Division between 34th and Murray Streets. More info at http://southkent.org. If you miss the parade, your friends at WKTV will re-broadcast on cable television at 7 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday. WKTV’s coverage of the parade also will be available on-demand later.

RELATED: Santa Parade returns to Division Avenue

1.James Taylor & Jackson Browne at Van Andel Arena

Concerts are back in a big way, and you get two big names in one show when James Taylor and Jackson Browne perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Van Andel Arena. Performing with his All-Star Band, James Taylor has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. He’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has sold more than 100 million albums. Fans have loved him for years. And Jackson Browne, who is known for big hits such as “The Pretender” and “Running on Empty,” is always a pro. Check on ticket availability and more details at vanandelarena.com.

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’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. 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.

Santa appearances in Grand Rapids area

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Santa is making his rounds in Grand Rapids and West Michigan with a number of appearances for this holiday season.

He will be at this year’s Santa Parade which is set for 10 a.m. Saturday along Division Avenue. Santa also has regular scheduled visits at Woodland Mall.

Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)

Here are a few more places Santa plans to be this weekend:

BattleGR is putting on its “Cookies with Clause” Sunday, Dec. 12, from noon to 1 p.m and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This event includes one game of laser tag, a picture with Santa, cookie decorating, and crafts. Visit BattleGR’s website to sign up.

Reds at Thousand Oaks, FireRock Grille, and RedRock Grill will be hosting brunches with Santa. At each of the locations, there will be a family-friendly brunch with Kris Kringle himself. Enjoy a buffet, cookie decorating, and a hot chocolate bar. And of course, Santa will be available for photos. Reds at Thousand Oaks, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. NE, hosts its Santa Brunch Sunday, Dec. 12. FireRock Grille, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, and RedRock Grille, 4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd., will have Santa Brunches on Dec. 19.

The Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Santa Train will be taking to the rails again this month. This family-friendly event has become an annual tradition for many in West Michigan, and includes a 90-minute trip on the vintage train from Coopersville to Marne and back. During the trip, a storytelling Princess will read the “Polar Express” and kids will be able to look for special Christmas symbols located along the route. Each child also will have an opportunity to talk directly to Santa Claus using a special direct video connection. Each child also will receive a toy. For dates and times visit the Coopersville & Marne Railway website.

If you are heading north this weekend, Ludington Bay Brewing Company will be hosting a Santa visit from Sunday, Dec. 12. Santa will be stoping by between 1 and 4 p.m. to say hello to families.




Wyoming-Kentwood chamber’s Santa Parade reruns to Division Avenue, and WKTV, Saturday, Dec. 11

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
A marching band at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Santa Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., with the parade route running down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to just before 44th Street.

Expected to be in the parade are more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — of course — Santa.

Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)

WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities, with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for the night of the parade, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 p.m. WKTV’s coverage of the parade will also be available on-demand later.

Sponsors of the parade include Consumers Energy, Wyoming Moose Lodge, Car City, City of Wyoming, Diversified Protection and Investigations, The Chiropractic Doctor, Godwin Plumbing, Hobart Sales, HOM Flats, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, The Rapid and VanDyk Mortgage.
 

WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.