Category Archives: Recreation

Going Batty: John Ball Zoo official offers insight into often misunderstood creature

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Environment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Bats: Masters of the Night” features hands-on exhibits. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

From carrying diseases to being the source of COVID,  bats have gotten a bad rap.

“I think it is just popular opinion because of all the advertising around bats being spooky thieves.” said Jamie Racalla, an animal care supervisor with John Ball Zoo. “When in truth, half of them are pollinators, take care of those pesky bugs like mosquitoes, and don’t really carry all those diseases.”

Jaime Racalla is an animal care specialist at John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

It is why such exhibits as the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s current “Bats: Masters of the Night” are so important, Racalla said, because it helps to dispel some of the myths around these very difficult to study and often misunderstood creatures.

“We really don’t know that much about bats,” said Racalla, who recently participated in a study on bats in Michigan hosted by the Detroit Zoo. “Think about when they are out, at night, which makes them difficult to study because it has to be dark.”

For a while, researchers would study bats during the day while they slept in bat houses or when they hibernated during the winter. Unfortunately, White-Nose Syndrome developed among North American bats, which is a fungus call Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that invades and ingests the skin of hibernating bats, causing them to wake up more frequently in the winter and use up their limited fat reserves. First found in North America in 2006, it is estimated that by 2012 more than 6.7 million bats in North America have died from the disease.

To help reduce the spread of the fungus, researchers have discontinued visiting bats in their homes, but instead are using sonar to help track the bat population in the United States, This past summer, Racalla drove around parts of Greater Grand Rapids using equipment to hear bat calls which helped determine what type of bats could be in the area.

Through her research, Racalla said she found several bat types such as the little brown bat, eastern red bat, big brown bat, and the silver-haired bat, all of which eat insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, flies, ants, and spiders.

   

Through the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s exhibit, residents can make their own discoveries about the creatures of the night. While there are blood-sucking bats — vampire bats live in Central and South America — a majority of the bats are gentle and much like the bats found in Michigan, beneficial to the ecosystem.

Bats are important to the environment in that they help to pollinate plants and eat pesky bugs such as mosquitoes. (Supplied)

Visitors can learn more about diet and flight of various bats around the world (The only place without bats are Arctic, Antarctic and a few isolated Oceanic islands). The exhibit includes lifelike models, multi-sensory interactive displays and environmentally lifelike settings. There also is a hands-on display showcasing the evening activities of bats, such as echolocation (sonar ability). In a demonstration of echolocation, visitors can use a joystick to maneuver a bat model in search of food using a laser to simulate sonar. In a visit to a bat nursery, visitors learn how caring bat mothers are by using sound to help the mother bat find her baby.

“I personally can’t wait to see the exhibit,” Racalla said. “I hope people go and it helps them have a greater understanding of just how misunderstood and unique they are.”

Also the importance of preservation of the bat community. Because of the White-Nosed Syndrome, most Michigan bat species are considered threatened or endangered. Because of state and federal productions, it is illegal to kill certain species of bats, according to the USDA Forest Service.

“Bats: Masters of the Night” will be up through January 2022 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “The Bats: Masters of the Night” is included in the museum’s general admission. General admission for Kent County residents is $5/adults, $3/seniors, and free/children 17 & under. For more information

Rodney Crowell, a founding father of Americana, comes to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
Rodney Crowell’s “Triage” album cover. (Supplied)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

If you know Rodney Crowell, who will be coming to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium Nov. 12, you know how great a singer/songwriter he is. If you don’t, you have undoubtedly heard people that you do recognize sing his songs.

Crowell has won numerous awards, including two GRAMMYs and six Americana Music Association Awards as well as their Lifetime Achievement for Songwriter award. This last accolade resonates deeply with a man who has stacked up 15 number one hits including six of his own, and dozens of other chart-topping hits for an impressively diverse array of artists including Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban, Bob Seger, Etta James, and the Grateful Dead.

Some of Crowell’s written classics include “Bull Rider,” performed by Johnny Cash in 1979, and “She’s Crazy for Leavin’,” co-written with Guy Clark and performed by Guy Clark in 1981. More recently, Tim McGraw performed “Please Remember Me,” written by Crowell and Will Jennings.

Often described as Nashville royalty, Crowell will be of the St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Café Series with a live performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.

Crowell does not dwell in the past, however, and he has an impressive list of his own recordings.

With more than 40 years of American roots music under his belt, Crowell has 18 albums to his name, with his most recent album, Rodney Crowell: Triage, released in June of this year.

Rodney Crowell in concert. (Supplied)

“This new collection of songs was written during the great political, climate and economic upheaval that has marked recent years,” it states on Crowell’s website in reference to the new album. “The noise of that chaos encouraged the songwriter to go inside for solace and answers. The result is this series of songs that contend with these themes but approach them from a place of healing love and solution. That they are being released while we find ourselves walking through a global pandemic, is a gift of perfect timing.”

   

On song is particularly personal to Crowell, and yet “expansive enough for everyone to relate” — “Transient Global Amnesia Blues” — as he explains on his website.

“One morning after a long walk, I asked my wife, Claudia, the same question nine times before she loaded me into the car and sped off to the hospital. The next thing I remember is being shoved into an MRI machine. Transient Global Amnesia, a benign form of amnesia that in ninety-eight percent of cases never returns, was the diagnosis — an overnight stay in the hospital the prescribed treatment.

“The next morning my daughter texted a photograph of a sunflower growing on a piece of driftwood on the Thames River. I had most of the song written before leaving the hospital at noon. Four days later I had a finished recording.”

After the Rodney Crowell concert St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series continues through the fall, winter and into spring 2022. This fall, Leo Kottke is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19; the Milk Carton Kids on Thursday, Dec. 2; and Watkins Family Hour on Thursday, Dec. 16.

“It’s so exciting to have traveling artists and live audiences back in the building,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center executive & artistic director, said in supplied material.

Special pandemic policy

SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 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.
 

In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and to protect others. To that end, SCMC is requiring that all attendees wear a mask while in the building. They will continue to monitor the COVID environment and may change policies at any time if necessary.

If you 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 more information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit SCMC-online.org.

WKTV’s K.D. Norris contributed to this story.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Weekend on the run

Beer, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Food, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Well, we knew the warm weather wasn’t going to last.

Welcome to a chilly, Amway River Bank Run weekend, and another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list of the “coolest” things happening in West Michigan. It’s a list I have compiled for about two decades, and I hope you enjoy it.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

The first two people to email me will get a special “treat.” No tricks. I promise.

I’ll share the results next week.

Ready for the weekend?

Here we go.


5. Arvon/City Built/Speciation Tap Takeover

Have you ever wondered about the beers at Arvon Brewing Co., City Built Brewery and Speciation Artisan Ales, but never had a chance to experience them? Here’s a great opportunity as these three Grand Rapids breweries will offer five beers at Horrocks Market Tavern in Kentwood. The event is planned from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22). 

Here is a list of beers:

Speciation Artisan Ales – “Neontology” Barrel Aged Sour with Passionfruit, Lime, Matcha & Vanilla. “One of our more popular beers of 2021. It’s wild,” said owner Mitch Ermatinger.

Arvon Brewing – “Breakfast Bowl” Kettle Sour with Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Granola, Vanilla and Lactose.

Arvon Brewing – “Double Voyager” Double New England IPA, a “super hazy and super flavor forward” beer, according to co-owner Brett Bristol.

City Built Brewing – “Prague Underground” Czech Pilsner.

City Built Brewing – “TBD IPA” West Coast-ish IPA.

All beers will be available by the glass and to-go in howlers, growlers and crowlers. Click here for my WKTV Journal story about the event.

4. 5th Annual Nightmare on 84th Street: The Haunted Trail

Remembrance Ranch, a program to help troubled teens, is offering its annual The Nightmare on 84th Street haunted trail experience. Dates are Oct. 23 and 30. All proceeds from the event will help at-risk families receive scholarship funds to attend Remembrance Ranch next year. Hours are 9-11 p.m. A tax-deductible donation for $20 per ticket to Remembrance Ranch will gain you access. A special “no scare” edition is planned from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30. It is free or by donation. Learn more about the trail on the Facebook event page. Learn more about Remembrance Ranch at Remembranceranch.org. It is located at 12307 84th Street, Allendale.

3. Chrysanthemums & More!

Can you say “Chrysanthemums” five times in a row? It’s not easy. What is easy — and exciting – is the return of Chrysanthemums & More at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. For the past 23 years it’s been a popular show and the largest of its kind in Michigan. Attendees can experience thousands of blossoms across 158 sprawling acres. “Each display is a visual spectacle of flowers and foliage, appearing to glow from within,” according to organizers. The exhibition is open through Oct. 31 at Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, MI 49525. Call 616-957-1580 for more info, including parking and admission fees, or go to meijergardens.org/calendar/chrysanthemums-and-more.

2. “Don Giovanni” at Opera GR

As part of Opera Week, Opera Grand Rapids returns for a new season with “Don Giovanni,” which follows the final day in the life of Don Juan, in an original production of Mozart’s Prague masterpiece. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22) and 2 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 24) at DeVos Performance Hall. Individual tickets start at $27. For more details, as well as details on COVID protocols (proof of vaccination is required or negative test), go to operagr.org/don-giovanni.

Writers Amy Sherman and John D. Gonzalez at the 40th anniversary of GR’s Amway River Bank Run, which was in 2017. (John D. Gonzalez)

1. River Bank Run

If you’re not running in downtown GR’s Amway River Bank Run, you probably think, “What’s the big deal? I’m avoiding downtown Grand Rapids. Thanks for the reminder.” The truth is, even if you’re not a runner, you probably know a participant or two. And if you’re like me, you need inspiration in life to keep you motivated on your personal goals. Trust me, you WILL be inspired attending the Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank with Spectrum Health. More than 10,000 people are expected to compete Saturday (Oct. 23) in the largest 25K road race in the country. Yes, world class athletes will be on hand, but the bulk are your neighbors, friends, and moms and dads, who have all been training for months. Add special divisions like a 25K Wheelchair race, a 25K Handcycle division and 5K Community Walk, and soon you learn it’s about setting goals and accomplishing them. Come out, cheer, and be inspired. A Finish Fest is planned from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Calder Plaza. The first race (5K) begins at 8 a.m. The big 25K race begins at 9:30 a.m. More info on parking, start times and more at amwayriverbankrun.com.


That’s it. Have a great, safe weekend.


Be sure to email me!

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.

New social district opens in Grand Haven

Beer, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Starting this Friday, Oct. 22, Grand Haven Main Street and the City of Grand Haven will open a brand new Social District to the public.

The district will span down Washington Avenue from Harbor Drive to Third Street and down the side streets of First and Second Street. Current plans for Grand Haven Main Street’s Social District covers these six blocks in beautiful downtown Grand Haven. While inside the district, visitors are able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage from approved vendors utilizing authorized cups with the business logo or name and the Grand Haven Main Street Social District.

Currently approved venues that are able to serve in the Social District include Odd Side Ales, Grand Armory Brewing, 12 Corners Tasting Room, and The Kirby House.

“We are looking very forward to opening the Social District in Grand Haven this Friday,” said Grand Haven Main Street Executive Director Jeremy Swiftney. “This has been a work in progress for many months, and we are very thankful for our volunteers, the City of Grand Haven, and its City Council for believing in the safety and feasibility of this planned district. Economic vitality and recovery from the pandemic are very important to our community and to Grand Haven Main Street. This is just one more example of our business community, advocates, local leaders, and local residents all working together to assist in achieving these results for our Main Street businesses.”

As more venues receive approval from the State of Michigan, we will continue to open the district up to their business as well. Currently approved by Grand Haven City Council, and awaiting state approval, are Long Road Distillery, Anna’s House, The Grand, The Eagles, Portobello Restaurant, Tip-A-Few, and Tip-Two. For more information about Grand Haven Main Street and the Social District, please contact us at 616-844-1188 or visit www.downtowngh.com for more information.

On Tap: Breakfast beers, sours and IPAs at Horrocks

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , ,
Want to learn more about the tap takeover at Horrocks Tavern? John D. Gonzalez’s catches up with those at City Built Brewery and Speciation Artisan Ales and Arvon Beer Co. (John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

KENTWOOD – Take three distinct breweries, a passion for quality beer and a mutual respect of each other’s craft, and you have a tap takeover among friends that feature some of Grand Rapids’ top breweries.

Arvon Beer Co., City Built Brewery and Speciation Artisan Ales will showcase several beers from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22) at Horrocks Farm Market in a special event curated by Horrocks Tavern manager Carley Morrison.

“It’s fun to be able to hang out with these guys,” said Edwin Collazo, owner of City Built Brewing Company in Grand Rapids. “These are brewers we look up to and are excited about when we’re drinking beer.”

Brett Bristol of Arvon said, “ironically enough,” City Built is the only beer in my home refrigerator and Speciation is the only beer in his “cellar right now.”

“We enjoy each other’s beer, and company, for sure,” said Bristol, whose brewery is known for its hazy IPAs and pushing the boundaries.

“What’s really cool about the Horrocks event,” he said, is that you “can experience three of the most exciting breweries in Grand Rapids” – all in one place – “and we’re all bringing something different to that event.”

One beer, an IPA, is so new it won’t even have a name.

Avron Beer Co. will be featuring Breakfast Bowl and Double Voyager. (John D. Gonzalez)

“It’s called TBD – To Be Determined because we couldn’t come up with a better name,” said Edwin Collazo, owner of City Built Brewing Company in Grand Rapids. It’s also “To Be Determined if we make it again.”

City Built also will serve Prague Underground, a Czech Pilsner that earned the brewery best label earlier this year by a national publication.

Speciation, which is known internationally for its wild ales, is bringing a sour beer to the party.

Their brewing approach is totally different from most breweries in the country, “if not the world,” said owner Mitch Ermatinger.

“We’re a little more rustic, a little more simple,” he said. “We don’t even have pumps or a brewhouse.”

In fact, most of the brewing takes place using equipment at City Built and Mitten Brewing Company.

“We specialize in mixed culture sour beer, which is traditionally long-aged sour beer.”

The average age of their beers is at least a year or more. “We ferment our fruit out, so all of our fruited beers are very dry. Almost everything is sour.”

But they are getting into lagers, pale ales, IPAs, seltzers and even stouts, which are available in their tap room only.

Taking over are (from left) Edwin Collazo, from City Built Brewing Company; Brett Bristol, from Arvon; and Mitch Ermatinger, from Speciation. (John D. Gonzalez)

Arvon, which is featuring a Candy Harvest of beers from Oct. 27-31 at the brewery, will bring a kettle sour called “Breakfast Bowl” to this weekend’s Horrocks event.

It’s an “intensely fruited sour,” with blueberries, strawberries and even granola, Bristol said.

Does that make it healthy for you?

“We’ll go with that,” Bristol said and laughed.

Here is a list of beers at the Horrocks event:

Speciation Artisan Ales – “Neontology” Barrel Aged Sour with Passionfruit, Lime, Matcha & Vanilla. “One of our more popular beers of 2021. It’s wild,” Ermatinger said.

Arvon Brewing – “Breakfast Bowl” Kettle Sour with Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Granola, Vanilla and Lactose.

Arvon Brewing – “Double Voyager” Double New England IPA, a “super hazy and super flavor forward” beer, according to Bristol.

City Built Brewing – “Prague Underground” Czech Pilsner.

City Built Brewing – “TBD IPA” West Coast-ish IPA.

All beers will be available by the glass and to-go in howlers, growlers and crowlers.

For more about the tap take over, visit the Horrocks Tavern, visit the Tavern’s Facebook page.

Arvon Brewing Co. is located at 1006 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. More info at https://www.facebook.com/arvonbrewingco

City Built Brewing Company is located at  820 Monroe Ave NW #155, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. More info at https://www.facebook.com/CityBuiltBrewing

Speciation Artisan Ales is located 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. More info at https://www.facebook.com/speciationartisanales


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.

Kentwood, Chamber set to host community and senior expo

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, ,
South Kent Community and Senior Expo is set for Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Community members of all ages are invited to the fifth annual South Kent Community & Senior Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

The free event, hosted by the City of Kentwood and Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, is set for 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. It will feature a variety of products and services from more than 35 local businesses, as well as health screenings, flu shots, door prizes and free food.

The free health screenings will include blood pressure, spine alignment and more. The flu shot clinic will be provided by Walgreens from 10 a.m.-noon. For individuals without qualifying insurance, the cost will be $35.99 for a regular-dose flu shot for ages 64 and younger, or $65.99 for a high-dose for ages 65 and older.

“The South Kent Community & Senior Expo provides community members with a great opportunity to connect with a broad range of businesses and organizations in southern Kent County,” said Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to this event each year and showcasing local products and services.”

The City of Kentwood is proud to partner with the Chamber on the expo, said Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz.

“There’s something for everyone at this fun community event,” Przybysz said. “We encourage residents, businesses and organizations to join us for a great lineup of activities.”

Touchdown sponsors of the football-themed expo are Consumers Energy, Estate Information Services, Inc., St. Ann’s Home and United Healthcare. Field goal sponsors are Baldwin House of Grand Rapids, HealthBridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation, Mission Point Healthcare Services, Priority Health and The Care Team.

Vendor space at the expo is available. Interested vendors are encouraged to complete an online vendor registration form. More information about the event is available at kentwood.us/SouthKentCommunityExpo.

On Tap: A round-up of fall beer activities

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, ,
Cedar Springs Brewing will open their new Grand Rapids brewery Kusterer Brauhaus sometime this winter. The renovated storefront lies on the busy Bridge Street corridor on the West Side of Grand Rapids. (Photo provided by Cedar Springs Brewing, used with permission)

By Amy Sherman
WKTV Contributing Writer

Originally slated to open in 2019, Cedar Springs Brewing Company’s new location on the West Side of Grand Rapids took delivery of its brewing equipment last week. The Küsterer Brauhaus will continue the brewery’s German theme, with a Bavarian style beer hall planned for a winter 2022 opening. The brewery, owned by David Ringler, will join the bustling West Side Bridge Street corridor, which is quickly turning into somewhat of a brewer’s row. The Brauhaus will join nearby Jolly Pumpkin, New Holland Brewing, and Harmony Hall, which resides directly across the street. To track the brewery’s progress, follow the Facebook page.

A long awaited reopening has finally happened last week. Creston Brewery reopened under new ownership on Oct. 14, with a grand opening planned for Tuesday, Oct. 19. Saugatuck Brewing Company will operate it under the Creston name, and the menu will feature both original Creston brews, and longtime Saugatuck favorites. The brewery anchors a prominent corner in the neighborhood, and is a true local gathering place. Saugatuck Brewery has retained most of the original staff, including head brewer Scott Schultz. This week, look for a limited menu being offered, while on Oct. 19, there will be special happy hour prices to take advantage of.

 

Bell’s Brewery harvests their own hops from the side yard at their Comstock production brewery. The resulting brew, known as Sideyard, is out on the market now. (Amy Sherman | For WKTV Journal, used with permission)

Bell’s Brewery released its seasonal offering Sideyard on Oct. 8, and the last of this three part series of beers featuring hops grown right at the Comstock brewery came out on Oct. 15. “Using fresh, locally grown hops has a long tradition here at the brewery,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s said in a press release. Bell’s harvests its hops, and has them added into the beer within 12 hours of picking. First up was Triumph Sideyard, a single hop varietal brew that was only available at the Bell’s General Store and Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. Sideyard will be bottled, and can be found throughout Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. Sideyard Crystal is up next, and can only be found in Kalamazoo. These beers using very specific, and very local hops are a source of pride for the brewers at Bell’s. “Being able to do fresh hop beers, it’s just great,” said John Mallett, vice president of operations at Bell’s. “We’re bringing hops from hanging on the wire, to putting them in the kettle in a matter of a couple of hours. You just can’t do that with hops from Germany or Washington.”

Osgood Brewing in Grandville released Breitenstein this week. It’s the brewery’s take on an Oktoberfest brew, and it comes in at 6.1% ABV, and is described by the brewery as slightly sweet, with a toasted malt flavor, with light hops. Try it paired with one of their handcrafted pizzas, they even offer a gluten-free crust made with cauliflower. Or, belly up to one of the arcade games they have here to play, maybe during happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.

No matter what the Lions record is, Coppercraft Distillery’s new canned cocktail can help you handle it. Honolulu Blue is made in partnership with the Lions, and features blue raspberry and lemonade with vodka. (Photo provided by Coppercraft Distillery, used with permission)

Arvon Brewing released a special, fruity brew on Oct. 14. Breakfast Bowl is a kettle sour made with a whole bunch of berries and a touch of lactose. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, granola, lactose and vanilla combine into a brightly hued little fruit bomb, balanced out by that nice bright sour punch. You can try it on tap at the bright little brewery located on Division in Grand Rapids, or stop by the brewery to grab a 4-pack of cans.

 

Coppercraft Distilling just released a special cocktail for all of us who suffer as perennial Detroit Lions fans. Honolulu Blue, a premium canned cocktail brewed up in partnership with our #OnePride friends, pays homage to our Michigan team in both name and color. This limited release is a blue raspberry lemonade cocktail made with Coppercraft’s vodka. You can try the drink at either of Coppercraft’s tasting rooms, in either Holland and Saugatuck. It’s also available in cans at select retailers around the state. Perfect for your next Sunday watch party, and especially great to help drown your sorrows after.

Kentwood artists take part in exhibit bringing healing to veterans

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, ,
George Doornbos created this piece of a soldier kneeling in front of a grave. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

George Doornbos and Dewey Heetderks, two veterans residing at Holland Home’s Breton Woods campus, both took up woodworking in their retirement years and found the art form greatly enriched their lives.

So when an opportunity arose to take part in a veterans-only exhibit designed to bring healing through art, they both signed on.

Doornbos and Heetderks each showed woodworking pieces in Has Heart, an ArtPrize venue at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtPrize 2021 ran Sept. 16 to Oct. 3. 

The 21 works in the Has Heart collection were all created by military veterans, many of whom struggle with homelessness, PTSD, military sexual trauma, and thoughts of suicide.

 

Doornbos said working with wood helps keep his mind off aging and other unpleasant things. He was eager to participate in the exhibit hoping other veterans might also find peace through making art.

Artist George Doornbos (Supplied)

“I am very glad I went through it,” Doornbos said. “We were hoping to inspire some veterans or older people like myself to see if we could interest them in art or some other hobby to keep their mind off their troubles.”

Doornbos was in the Army from 1953 to 1955, serving as a radio operator. He took up woodworking seven years ago, at the age of 80, in the Holland Home wood shop. He works in a process called intarsia, which involves coloring and combining pieces of wood to form an art piece.

 

Dewey Heetderks creates hand carved wooden bowls using the grains and natural defects found in the wood to create unique and expressive works. (Supplied)

He typically creates animals, scenery or lighthouses, he said, but for the ArtPrize exhibit he entered a piece depicting a soldier kneeling over the grave of a fallen comrade. It was an idea that came to him about a year and a half ago, after he took part in an Honor Flight.

Honor Flights, funded by a nonprofit organization, transport American veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials honoring those who have served and died for the country.

“We went to the cemetery and the various war monuments, and this impressed me – the number of people who have given their lives so we can live with the freedoms we have. I was moved by that whole experience that whole day,” Doornbos said.

Heetderks worked in the Army medical corps as a urologist from 1963 to 1965, after graduating from the University of Michigan. He began turning wood about 15 years ago, at the age of 75, while spending winters in Florida.

 

Heetderks hand carves wooden bowls, using the grains and natural defects found in wood to create unique and expressive works.

Artist Dewey Heetderks

“Wood is a beautiful product of our lord,” he said. “If it’s sanded and polished and given the opportunity with a beautiful finish, it’s lovely. I embellished every bowl I made. I made a special effort to create something unique, and that was a lot of fun.”

Neither of them had any plans to enter ArtPrize until a representative from the organization visited Holland Home to tell the residents about the veterans-only exhibit being created this year.

Both artists said the most important thing about the exhibit was giving veterans a creative outlet.

“For those that were involved, art for them was particularly important, particularly those that were suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome,” Heetderks said. “It was obviously a release for them. It’s wonderful.”

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend, friends

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

I’m back with another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list picks for the coolest things happening in West Michigan. I hope you find something interesting, enjoyable, fun and in some cases downright spooky.

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

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar

A caramel apple bar, Mexican food and cider! Why not? Our friends at Horrocks Farm Market in Kentwood have a Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 15). The event will take place in the Tavern, which is located on the the westside of the market, and features the Mexcellente Food Truck, caramel apples, as well as several ciders. On tap: Whippersnapper (Pear, Cinnamon, Ginger Hard Cider), Pommander (Orange Liquor Barrel Aged Clove Hard Cider), Harvest (naturally fermented Hard Cider with French Cider Apples) and Pumpkin Pie (spiced Hard Apple Cider. Horrocks Farm Market is located at 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. More info on the Tavern Facebook page or horrocksmarket.com.

Flannel Fest with the Muskegon Lumberjacks

Dig out the flannel for a street party as the Muskegon Lumberjacks celebrate the opening of a new season. Activities include axe throwing, games, live music and Lumberjacks hockey at Mercy Health Arena. Performing Friday night (Oct. 15) is the AC/DC tribute band “Let There be Rock.” On Saturday (Oct. 16), a cornhole tournament begins at 11 a.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Other activities include hayrides, live music from Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys (5 p.m.) and craft vendors. Games are at 7:10 p.m. each night. Mercy Health Arena is located at 470 W Western Ave Muskegon, MI 49440. More info at muskegonlumberjacks.com.

“Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together”

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together,” an historical journey through musical expression. Performances are at 7:30 p.m Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 15-17). According to the show’s producers, the “concert features Black artists from all over West Michigan in a celebration of African and Black music, dance, and spoken word in America.” The show includes songs by Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and more iconic Black artists throughout American history. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is located at 30 N. Division. More info at grct.org.

Zoo Goes Boo

A popular, longtime favorite West Michigan event – “Zoo Goes Boo” – returns to John Ball Zoo the next two weekends (Oct. 15-17 & Oct. 22-24). It’s a fun Halloween destination for the whole family with decorations, costumes, candy and Zoo animals. The kids can experience spooky treat stations located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment. Because it is a children’s event, organizers ask “that no masks cover faces and that adults in costume dress appropriately.” Oh, and bring a bag! Zoo Goes Boo presented by Meijer. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W. More info at jbzoo.org.

AlePrize, presented by Beer City Brewers Guild

You’ve heard of ArtPrize. But what about AlePrize? The city-wide competition pairs local artists with local breweries, who transform their spaces into galleries while patrons enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer. Winners receive $1,000 each for Public Choice Award and Juried Award categories. AlePrize runs from Oct. 15-Nov. 19 and features popular breweries such as Founders, City Built, Harmony, Elk, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, Speciation, Broad Leaf and many more. A full list including the artists can be found at aleprize.com.

That’s it for this weekend. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote down the road.

Be safe everyone. Have a great 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.

KDL Grandville branch expands, offering more to its city, the southwest region

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Griffin Walker, the first to donate to the library expansion fund, cut the ribbon at the KDL Grandville Branch dedication. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Armed with umbrellas in an effort to stay dry from the downpour of rain, about 50 people came out to the dedication and ribbon cutting for the expansion of the KDL Grandville Branch on Oct. 8.

The event, hosted by the City of Grandville and the Kent District Library, celebrated the addition of 6,665 square feet to the library, with the largest part of the addition being a divisible community room for hosting library programs and serving city and community events.

“At the Grandville Branch, we see a number of people from throughout the county,” said KDL Grandville Branch Manager Josh Bernstein, who is a regional manager serving both the Grandville and Byron Center branches. In fact, because the KDL library branches over the years have become more regional sources, KDL has created regional branch managers to work with communities.

“We have a lot of our neighbors from Byron Center and Georgetown, as we have a partnership with them, coming to the Grandville library for resources and meeting space,” he said.

  • A new feature is the fireplace that separates the community room from the library. (WKTV)
  • Visitors check out the new children’s play area. (WKTV)
  • The KDL Grandville branch has more than one million library items. (WKTV)

Space was the original reason that Grandville City Council decided to move the library from the city complex to its own space. The current library facility was built in 1991 and dedicated in 1992. The original library project costs was about $1.8 million.

Space again was the concern for city and community leaders to come together to raise funds for the expansion, according to Grandville Mayor Steve Maas who spoke during the dedication ceremony. Through the additional space, Maas said the library facility was able to expand from one study room to 10 new private study rooms. The expanded and updated Grandville facility also includes:

The new Nelson Foundation Disability Resource Room

More than a million library items

Hundreds of regularly scheduled in-person programs and activities for all ages

Separate and enclosed space for children’s programs and early literacy efforts

Drive-up book drop

Larger space for the Friends of the Grandville Library Book Nook

Fireplace area separating the library from the new community center

New, high-efficiency HVAC system

Additional  restrooms, including a family restroom

 

Area residents and leaders were willing to brave the heavy rains for the KDL Grandville Branch dedication on Oct. 8. (WKTV)

For the new addition, city and community leaders hosted a Building Beyond Books fundraising campaign with the goal of raising about a million dollars. At the time of the dedication, the effort had raised $870,000 with donations still being accepted. 

KDL oversees 20 branches that serve the communities around Grand Rapids. (The City of Grand Rapids is served by the Grand Rapids Library.) Locations on the southwest side of the county include, Wyoming, Kentwood, Gaines, Byron Center, Grandville, Caledonia, and Kelloggsville High School. KDL operates the Bookmobilie and the KDL Wyoming branch houses the KDL Talking Book and Braille Center. For more about KDL and its locations, visit kdl.org.

East Kentwood sophomore ready, physically and mentally, for run at state girls golf title this weekend

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East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell talks about preparing for a run at a state title. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Even people in the know about the state of the State of Michigan high school girls golf might have overlooked East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell last year — until she finished her freshman season a solid fourth in the Division 1 individual finals.

And following her consistent, quality play this season, and with her dominating the field at a very tough Division 1 Regional 1 last week — shooting a 73 at Thompsonville’s Betsie Valley course, six stokes ahead of the second place individual finisher — she may well be the golfer to beat this week at the 2-day state Division 1 finals at Grand Valley State University.

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell will be seeking a state title Oct. 15-16. (Supplied)

While the 15-year old speaks softly and humbly when asked about her approach to the state finals, to be held Oct. 15-16 at The Meadows, she sounds quietly confident in her game. And her Falcon coach, Mike Ketelaar, says the same thing, a little more loudly.

“Just trying to get ready, mentally, more than anything,” Fennell said to WKTV this week, as she prepared for a practice round at Stonewater Country Club in Caledonia. “Physically is not as important as your mental game. I’m just trying to prepare for what I am going to do. Course management decisions. Everything like that.”

Ketelaar, too, says his prize young player is “hungry” to prove herself to be among the best in the state while she is already establishing herself on the national stage in youth golf by playing in “a lot of serious tournaments in the summertime with some of the best players in the country.”

“Playing in the state finals last year … I got to watch every shot and she was very composed. She enjoyed herself,” Ketelaar said to WKTV.  “At the state tournament last year, there was a little bit of nerves but there was nothing she wasn’t used to. I think this year she is very excited for this state tournament coming up, because it is 36 holes, its at Grand Valley, where we’ve had a lot of events.

“I think she is hungry. Fourth place (last year) was really good for her but I think she has higher aspirations this year.”

Growing into her game, individual and team

Fennell has been playing since age six, and competing since she was about 10. And like a lot of young players, when she started there as a parent and a Tiger involved.

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell is all smiles … until there is a club in her hands. (Supplied)

“I was like six, and my dad and I would watch Tiger (Woods) on TV, all those guys on TV, and he introduced me to the game,” Fennell said. Her first lesson, however, was later — “I was nine and it was here, (at Stonewater) from Jimmy (Wisinski).”

It was right about that time that she knew she could — and should — compete with the best in her age group, and higher.

“When I was 10, I was winning a lot of stuff in my age group, just because it was small, there was not a lot of girls in my age group,” Fennell said. “My scores were similar to the older girls, so I started moving up. And every time I moved up, all my scores were right there with them. … When I was like 12, I ended up playing with high schoolers and I said ‘Okay, this is where I am meant to be.’”

And that is about the time Falcon coach Ketelaar started hearing about the talent that would he would have the “privilege” and “responsibility” to be working with.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with Elise for the last two years, as her coach at East Kentwood High School,” he said. “But, prior to that, I knew about her pedigree and her ability. … Hearing about her name around the country club here and seeing her scores in different newspapers and stuff, I knew I had a huge responsibility as a coach to make sure I took care of that talent and help develop it to the best of my abilities.”

And despite her growth, physically, it is her mental game where she and her coach continue working to improve.

Her game changed, physically, she said as she grew from 10 to her current 15 years old “because I kept growing, so I needed new clubs, and my yardages changed, and but the same mentality stayed where I just wanted to focus on each shot, stay in the moment and not get too far ahead of myself. Otherwise it would be downhill from there.”

She has also grown both in her individual game and her team game, her coach said.

“I’ve noticed a huge growth in (her), she wants to do well individually still, she’s very hungry and competitive. But I think she is seeing the larger picture of the importance of helping team members,” Ketelaar said. “She obviously has more golf experience than a lot of girls on the team. She has really taken it upon herself to pass on that knowledge and teach them about course management. How to remain calm. Just to enjoy the moment.

“I know she knows high school golf is four years. I think the first year she was really concerned about learning about it and having success herself. It is very apparent now that it is not so much about her as it is about the whole team.”

Falcon team making improvements

While the East Kentwood girls golf team did not advance past the regionals, Fennell’s coach said her impact on the team this year and in the future is certain. Not only on the courses but at practice.

East Kentwood High School head girls golf coach Mike Ketelaar. (WKTV)

“I text and call Elise a lot to get a vibe on what’s the team thinking,” Ketelaar said. “Obviously I’m not a high school girl and I try my best to figure out the climate of the team is. But a lot of time I bank on her relationships, her friendships, with them all to say ‘Hey, are they enjoying themselves? Is there a practice we are doing, is it worthwhile?’ She comes back with really good advice of how she thinks we can improve our program.”

Looking at this year’s team, outride of Fennell, coach starts with his senior leader, Chandler Baillie — “She was a really a consistent player for us,” and then goes from there.

“Morgan Lee is a sophomore, she played our Number 2 this year — I know she is really excited to work in the off season, to improve. So, I’m looking forward to seeing what Morgan can bring to the table next year.

“And Aish (Aishwarya Kasaju) is a junior this year, she had huge improvements, she’ll be a senior leader. And Cam (Camryn) Kolzow came out as a freshman and never played school golf before and now has a real itch. So I think we have a great squad coming in for next year.”

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell at practice. (Supplied)

Wolverines win rivalry game, Sailors on playoff hunt in WKTV’s Week 7 update of local teams’ prep football seasons

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Wyoming high will be at home this week for the WKTV Featured Game of the week, and a special stadium naming ceremony will precede the game. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

With only two more weeks of the regular season remaining in the 2021 high school football season, results of Week 7 involving local teams found Grand Rapids South Christian High School (5-2 overall) all but assured a state playoff berth at the end of the month, and Wyoming Godwin Heights (3-3) kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Kelloggsville.

The Sailors’ scored a 37-13 home win (at East Kentwood) over Ada Forest Hills Eastern. The Wolverines scored a 53-13 win in its annual rivalry game against the Rockets on a rainy night that was WKTV’s Featured Game of the week, with Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays available.

And talking about featured games, WKTV will be at Wyoming high this week as the Wolves host Grand Rapids Union and also a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

Then, in the final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will be at East Kentwood for South Christian’s season ending OK Conference Gold clash with current conference co-leader Cedar Springs.

Past WKTV Featured Games from this season available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood), and East Kentwood’s home win over West Otttawa on Sept. 24, South Christian’s win over Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1, and the annual Godwin vs. Kelloggsville rivalry game on Oct. 8.

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 football and other fall 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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons (1-6, 1-4 in OK Conference Red) lost 6-44 on the road at Grandville (4-3, 3-2) on Oct. 8. Remaining on the Falcon’s schedule are a home game against Grand Haven (3-4, 2-3) on Oct. 15, then closing out the regular season at Jension (currently 2-5, 1-4) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, Rockford (7-0) sits alone in OK Red standings at 5-0 after defeating Caledonia (6-1, 4-1) with Hudsonville (4-3) also at 4-1 in conference.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-7, 0-5 in OK Conference Green) were on the road again last week and lost 34-65 at Zeeland East (5-2, 4-1) on Oct. 8. This week’s game, on Oct. 15, is a home game against Grand Rapids Union (3-4, 1-4), and then the Wolves close out the season on the road at Mona Shores (currently 5-2, 4-1) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, Muskegon (6-1) is 5-0 and alone atop the OK Green after defeating Muskegon Mona Shores.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (5-2, 4-1 in OK Conference Gold) will be the road for Week 8 with an OK Gold game against Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-5, 1-4) on Oct. 15.

After last week’s action, Grand Rapids Central Catholic (7-0) and Cedar Springs (6-1) are both 5-0 in OK Gold action, with the Sailors one game behind. South Christian played and lost to Catholic Central on Sept. 17, but still have a home game against Cedar Springs to be played to close the regular season Oct. 22.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (3-3, 1-2 in OK Conference Silver action), after last week’s win over Kelloggsville (2-5, 1-3), could still make the playoffs by winning out in their road game at Belding (5-2, 2-2) on Oct. 15, and then winning at home to close out the season against Grandville Calvin Christian (currently 1-6, 0-4) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (7-0) undefeated in OK Silver action at 5-0, with Sparta (5-2) at 3-1 in conference.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (2-5, 1-3 in OK Conference Silver action) saw their 2-game winning streak come to an end on a rainy night at Godwin Heights last week, and now have two tough games to end the season: at OK Silver leader Comstock Park (7-0, 5-0) on Oct. 15, and then at home to face Sparta (5-2, 3-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Return to (spooky) normal, Kentwood will host annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 23

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event will return in full this month with all its family friendly fun. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After a modified Trunk or Treat last year, when pandemic precautions allowed only a drive-through event for the Kentwood community, the City of Kentwood is once again inviting trick-or-treaters to don their costumes and come to the city’s Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 23.

Dress up is encouraged at this year’s Trunk or Treat in Kentwood. (Supplied)

“Trunk or Treat gives families a fun alternative to door-to-door Halloween activities while connecting with community organizations in a more controlled environment,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “It also offers holiday-decor enthusiasts the opportunity to get creative with their trunks. Halloween is such a spirited holiday, and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the costumes and trunks that come out of this year’s event.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, where 20-plus city and community vehicles will be stationed with decorated trunks filled with candy.

In addition to collecting candy, participants will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and face coverings and bring their own bag for collecting candy.

Local businesses and community groups can participate in Trunk or Treat by registering for free online until 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15.

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will continue to monitor public health guidance and state orders, which may necessitate changes to the event.

More information is available at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat.

Parks and recreation commission to consider dog-free park at next meeting

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Our Cities, Recreation
One of the concerns raised in 1997 was pet owners and handlers not controlling their animals. That same concerned was raised in a survey conducted this year. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A recent survey on whether the City of Wyoming should have at least one city park be dog-free during the summer came in with very close results, 56 percent opposed and 44 percent in favor.

The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission is set to review the dog survey results at its meeting set for Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

The results, which can bee seen on the Parks and Recreation page of the City of Wyoming’s website. A total of 628 responses were collected of which 565 were Wyoming residents.

City of Wyoming Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt said during a recent Marquette Park master plan discussing that the results were close especially given the current climate of acceptance of people having pets at events, restaurants, and stores.

 

At Wednesday’s meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission will consider two questions: whether the city should keep one park dog free from May 1 to Oct. 1 and which city park that would be. Rynbrandt noted that the second question of which park will only be considered if the commission moves forward with maintaining one park as dog free.

From the survey results, Pinery Park was the first choice of both Wyoming and area residents to have the dog restriction. For the past 24 years, Pinery Park has been the designated dog-free park for the city. At the time the restriction was put in place, there were concerns over certain breeds being perceived as aggressive, allergies to dogs and dander, pet owners who allow dogs to run off leash and were not controlled by their handlers, and frustration with pet owners who did not pick up after their dogs.

From the survey, those same reasons were given as to why the city should maintain at least one dog free park during the summer months. Many picked Pinery Park for that designation because of its has had the restriction and also because of its one-mile trail and the number of student activities that take place at Pinery Park.

The city does have a designated dog park at Marquette Park. The dog park does have a membership requirement. Also in the master plan for Battjes Park, also located on the northland of the city at at 1655 Blandford SW, there are plans to include a dog park/area.

 

Engagement is a key component for the Parks and Recreation, Rynbrandt said, adding she encourages people to attend the park and recreation meeting to express their thoughts. The parks department also has had several surveys about program offerings and the future design of Marquette Park.

 

For more information about the Parks and Recreation programs and other acitivites, visit www.wyomingmi.gov, call 616-530-3164, or email parks _info@wyomingmi.gov. 

Modern music, live audience energizes dancers as Grand Rapid Ballet comes ‘Off the Canvas’

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Adam Hougland’s ballet, “Cold Virtues”, scored by Philip Glass, is loosely based on “Dangerous Liaisons”, and follows a story of a power couple, moved to manipulate society for their own entertainment. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet, after a year of beautiful but somewhat distant virtual performances last season as the troupe and everybody else battled COVID-19 shutdowns, will return to the live stage this week with the first weekend of its 2021-22 season of live-audience (and still virtual) performances.

GR Ballet artistic director James Sofranko and his 19 dancers’ return to the Peter Martin Wege Theatre stage — with a live audience watching, and listening to the exquisite marriage of dance and music — is an opportunity to return to a sense of normal as much as it is to a live stage.

The 2021-22 Season will feature classical ballet favorites, including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as showcasing contemporary works such as Off the Canvas and Jumpstart 2022.

The debut program, Off The Canvas, will offer three modern dances, choreographed by modern masters, set to modern music — including Philip Glass — or at least modern takes on classic music.

The program title is a reference to the brush strokes of a painting coming “off the canvas,” and does not have any relation to the common pugilist term “getting up off the canvas” after being knocked down — or does it?

Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. (Supplied(

“The title of this program Off The Canvas is taken from one of the ballets we are presenting from choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska, which is in fact called ‘Off the Canvas’,” Sofranko said to WKTV. “Her piece is inspired by the Baccus paintings of abstract artist Cy Twombly, so I believe that the title comes from the movement of the brush strokes coming ‘off the canvas’ and brought to life in the movements of the dancers.

“I had not heard of the boxing reference, but I do like the idea that we at Grand Rapids Ballet were dealt a very difficult situation with Covid, but we have rebounded with spirit and energy to return to live performing this season.”

Off the Canvas features three different world-class choreographers “exploring art in motion, taking inspiration from the world of visual arts” — Adam Hougland, resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and Katarzyna Skarpetowska.

“The three choreographers in the Off the Canvas have a knack for moving the dancers around the stage in bold strokes the same way an artist might paint on a large canvas,” Sofranko said in supplied material.

Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. Saunders’ ballet, “In-Frame”, features music by Max Richter and explores the creative process cycle that coincides with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Hougland’s ballet, “Cold Virtues”, is scored by Philip Glass, loosely based on “Dangerous Liaisons”, and follows a story of a power couple, moved to manipulate society for their own entertainment.

Music and dance, as always, blend on stage

Penny Saunders’ ballet, “In-Frame”, features music by Max Richter and explores the creative process cycle that coincides with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

When it comes to the marriage of music and dance, ballet — all dance classic and modern really — has always been closely tied to music in the minds of choreographers, dancers and Sofranko (who is both).

“Music is often the reason we dance, so selecting a piece of music to choreograph to is a big first step (usually) in the process of creating a new dance,” Sofranko said to WKTV. “When I choreograph, I like to listen to a piece of music over and over until I know every measure and nuance by heart, and I use that knowledge as a sort of road map to create the steps.

“Certainly, you can also create a dance in silence, and then put music on top of it, or leave it without music too, but most of my favorite dances marry the music and the movement.  A choreographer can come up with an idea for a dance and then find music to go with it, or they may be inspired by a piece of music first and let that lead them to develop ideas for the dance. There is no right or wrong.”

When, were and how to see (and hear) Off The Canvas

Off the Canvas will be presented Friday to Sunday, Oct. 15-17. Tickets are available, starting at $32, online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the ballet’s box office, at Grand Rapids Ballet’s home, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids. Season subscriptions are still available for the 2021-22 season, as are tickets for all its individual programs.

And having learned from its season of virtual performances, and community feedback, the Grand Rapids Ballet will also begin a “virtual season” subscription for those who wish to see the GR Ballet dancers “differently” or are unable to join in person.
 

Additional program details and performance dates and times can be found at grballet.com/2122season.

Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. (Supplied)

Comprehensive study to begin on possible sites for John Ball Zoo Aquarium

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Travel, ,
John Ball Zoo envisions a fresh and salt water aquarium with a million or more gallons that includes a large shark tank, a living coral reef, jellyfish, floor to ceiling viewing walls with walkthrough tunnels. (pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

John Ball Zoo is launching a comprehensive economic and feasibility study for a premier aquarium located in West Michigan.

The John Ball Zoo began discussions earlier this year about a detailed aquarium study with Kent County when Zoo officials were approached by the City of Muskegon requesting consideration as a potential aquarium site. As a result, a joint study is set to launch to explore which location (City of Muskegon or Kent County) drives the greatest community impact and is financially feasible for a large- scale aquarium.

“We’re humbled to work with two great community partners in exploring both amazing locations,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo.

“The City of Muskegon Economic Development Team takes a regional approach to growth for the community we serve. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be considered in this feasibility and economic impact analysis, and are confident Muskegon will shine as a desirable option to consider. We thank the board and administration at John Ball Zoo for the partnership in allowing our city to participate in this process,” said Jake Eckholm, Director of Development Services for the City of Muskegon.

Both Muskegon and Kent County officials are excited about a large-scale aquarium being built in the area. The Zoo, along with the City of Muskegon and Kent County understand a study of this size and breadth is important in selecting the best site and community where the aquarium can be successful and make the greatest impact.


John Ball Zoo envisions a fresh and salt water aquarium with a million or more gallons that includes a large shark tank, a living coral reef, jellyfish, floor to ceiling viewing walls with walkthrough tunnels. Exhibits will educate visitors on the wonders of salt water and fresh water ecosystems, including the Great Lakes.

“A world class aquarium would be another phenomenal attraction in the Grand Rapids area,” said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vandenberg. “When you consider the land and water trail network that will go from the beach in Grand Haven to eastern Kent County and the huge number of amenity linkages created by that system, the aquarium would be another anchor to ultimately bring millions of folks to our community and greater region.”

Zoo Advisors will conduct the comprehensive study, which is estimated to take up to 12 months. “The results of this comprehensive study will help define the most successful location to not only ensure success but to also drive the greatest community impact as a national tourist destination to our great state,” D’Arienzo said.

Snowmobile helmet exemption proposal proposed just in time for winter

3-bottom, Health, Recreation, ,
Through series of bills, those with off-road vehicles and snowmobiles would only need a doctor’s note to be released from wearing a helmet.

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service

LANSING — Off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders who are claustrophobic would not have to wear a helmet if a series of bills are passed by the Legislature.

A doctor’s note would give a get-out-of-jail-free card to Michigan outdoor enthusiasts who have certain medical conditions and use off-road vehicles (commonly known as ORVs) and snowmobiles for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.

An Upper Peninsula senator sponsored the bills after a constituent asked why he couldn’t get a doctor’s excuse to not wear a helmet when people could get them for not wearing seatbelts.

“He himself has a number of special needs, including body shape development of his head, that are not typical, and it makes it impossible or very painful for him to wear a helmet,” Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, said at a hearing that resulted in the bills being passed in the Senate this spring.

Doctor’s notes could also include nonphysical conditions.

“There’s also the reality that some of the individuals I’ve talked to, as I’ve worked on this piece of legislation, their medical condition that impairs their wearing a helmet is not necessarily physical,” McBroom said. “Claustrophobia is a particular ailment, and I talked to an individual who has panic attacks.”

Allowances may need to be made in these types of circumstances, said Karen Middendorf, the executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association.

“We all know helmets are worn for safety, and it is safest to have one on while riding. However, if you have an incapacitating condition that does not allow you to cover your head, this becomes a very personal decision. An exception may be needed,” she said.

McBroom said the bills are not linked to what others consider the main issue: that motorcyclists aren’t required by law to wear helmets, yet snowmobile and ORV riders are.

“In this bill package, we are not dealing with that larger issue of is mandating helmets for everybody right or wrong in the first place,” he said.

But some snowmobile and ORV riders say the larger issue is personal choice.

 

“The doctor’s note should not be part of anything like this — that is truly ridiculous,” said Chris Bovee, a longtime snowmobile rider and resident of Harbor Springs.

“While I would always ride a motorcycle or snowmobile on trail with a helmet, it being a law isn’t right,” Bovee wrote in an email. “At the very least, if I am on private property, piss off. The decision to wear a helmet or not is something I am very capable of making… Don’t need a law for it.”

Paul Anderson, the owner of Sled Solutions in Acme and a longtime snowmobile rider, agreed it should be the choice of the rider, not the government.

But the government is involved, and helmet-wearing exemptions are presenting as partisan issues. The bills passed the Senate mainly along party lines.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration are against it, McBroom said.

“Frequently the party that is the same as the administration decides to support the governor and departments and divisions, those kinds of things,” he said. The bill would have attracted more Senate Democrats, McBroom said, but the department and current administration opposed it.

John Pepin, the Department of Natural Resources deputy public information officer, said the agency had no comment.

McBroom said he hopes to gain support from both sides of the aisle before the bills come up for a vote in the House.

“I certainly have some good connections with Democrats and Republicans in the House that I hope I’ll be able to utilize to get bipartisan support,” he said.

Dr. Alistair Chapman, a Spectrum Health trauma surgeon and director of the Spectrum Health Trauma Research Institute in Grand Rapids, said the bill should neither be partisan nor an issue in the first place.

 

“I am disappointed that legislators are again exploring helmet exemptions. A helmet is a common-sense safety mechanism. Wearing one is smart and safe,” he said.
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Anderson said he plans to continue on as he has been: “I wear a helmet on my snowmobile not because I’m required to but because I want to.”

Getting rid of the ORV/snowmobile helmet law as a whole wouldn’t make that much of a difference in people’s behavior, he said.

“If you took a poll of how many people would opt out of wearing a helmet on a snowmobile if the law didn’t require it, you’d find most would still wear it,” Anderson wrote in an email.

 “Why? Because it’s cold without one!”

ABOUT BARBARA BELLINGER

Barbara Bellinger

Barbara Bellinger is a master’s student in journalism at Michigan State University. Her journalistic interests include undocumented immigration, international journalism and the criminal justice system. She hopes to become a reporter for CNN, NPR or a local Michigan news outlet.

Improving Godwin Heights ready for challenge, but confident, entering Kelloggsville rivalry game

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As the Wolverines prepare for the annual Kelloggsville rivalry game, 1st-year Godwin Heights football head coach Sydeon Harvey talks with WKTV about his young team’ s progress this year — what has worked (his senior captains) and what do they need to get better at (penalties, penalties, penalties). (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Godwin Heights High School’s 1st-year head football coach Sydeon Harvey is pretty sure his senior-led but still young team will continue to improve this week when the Wolverines host Kelloggsville. He is absolutely sure his team will be pumped-up for the cross-town rival Rockets.

While records don’t really matter in a game like this one — Godwin Heights is 2-3, 0-3 in OK Conference Silver action while Kelloggsville Rockets is 2-4 and 1-2 — bragging rights do, now and in the future.

Godwin Heights High School head football coach Sydeon Harvey. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The records mean nothing. That’s really true,” Harvey said to WKTV this week at a team practice. “This is my first here here but I’m not an idiot. When you have a rivalry, that’s what it is all about. That’s the one game that, when you look back 20 years, you’ll say ‘We won that game!’ A lot of these kids are just like a stone’s throw away” from Kelloggsville.

“This will be a big game this week. I expect both teams to play really hard, but I’m confident we’ll do well. … We are on the cusp. I feel really confident about this week against Kelloggsville. They are not going to lay down for us, but it’s homecoming, it’s a rivalry. I think our guys are going to be up for that.”

The “big game” between Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights — which is also the Wolverines’ Homecoming game — is this week’s WKTV Feature Game, on Friday, Oct. 8, with cable television and on-demand replays available.

Godwin Heights, after a week off from action, returned to the field and OK Conference Silver acton last week but lost a tight road game at Sparta (4-2, 2-1 in conference). Kelloggsville has seen their offense in high gear for three straight weeks, the last two being wins, as they followed up a win at Calvin Christian in conference action with a non-conference road win at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (6-0) as the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 4-0, with Hopkins (3-3) at 3-1 and Sparta (4-2) at 2-1 in conference. While a conference crown is not likely for either Godwin or Kelloggsville, either could finish with five wins and a possible playoff birth.

Young, improving team is senior led

“The thing we are doing really well is that the kids are getting better every week,” Harvey said, looking at his team’s up and down season so far. “We are getting better doing some of the little things — better with our discipline, penalties are going down. But we are not penalty free yet.

The Godwin Heights High School football team will be out to protect their house against Kelloggsville. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“You talk about stuff we can be better at, we have to be better at those little things. We can’t have penalties at critical times. But that is part of being a young team. We got 31, 32 guys on varsity and 10 of them are seniors. We are pretty much a young team. But I have been really pleased that we are getting better at all the little things, running the ball, throwing the ball, getting everybody involved.”

Another thing coach is pleased with is his senior captains.

“All our captains are playing really, really well,” he said. “Kaleil (Harris) is a two-way player, he plays rover (on defense) and plays wide out (on offense) — he’s made a lot of real good plays for us. Jeremiah (Drake), our starting quarterback — he was missing  for three games and that hurt us a little bit, it was just a change. He’s a great leader, and been doing really well for us.

“Javeon (Lyons), who is our defensive captain, has played really well for us. And then there is Jabari Crump(-Moore), he’s great leader for us and been playing extremely well for us. We have four captains and they have played great as captains, they’ve been great leaders and they’ve been great on the field.”

The Godwin Heights High School football team at practice this week preparing for a game against Kelloggsville. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Where and when to see WKTV game replays

WKTV featured games will be 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 football and other fall 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.

Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail takes places this Saturday

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Entrance and parking area for the upcoming Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

One of the most popular events in the City of Wyoming is taking place this weekend, the Trick of Treat Trail. The event is set for 4 – 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

About 2,500 children are expected to attend to the annual free event which has local businesses, such as Weller Self Serve, Bloom Credit Union, Godwin Plumbing and Hardware, and Hom Flats, handing out candy. WKTV also will be there filming fall greetings from area children on different seasonal backgrounds.

There is no pre-registration for the event, with families encouraged to come. With that in mind, we caught up with Wyoming’s Special Events and Marketing Programmer Corey Stamps to get the scoop on a few things you should know before you go.

The community comes together at Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

Entering and Parking: Participants should enter from the Byron Center East gate (see map above). This is also where they can park.

Costumes: Costumes are not required but encouraged to add a little more fun to the event. Parents can dress up as well.



Adult supervision: Children must have a supervising adult with them to participate.

Event time: The event will start right at 4 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. There is no additional time before or after the event.

The pathway: Once participants park they will be directed to the path. The actual path goes in a complete loop around the Lamar Park parking lot. Along the way participants will be greeted by our table host and be able to participate in different activities.

Kids Area: There will be a kids area with crafts, face painting and tattoos.

Social distancing and Mask wearing: Since there will being a large number of participants, we encourage everyone to try and keep a safe distance from one another. Masks are not required at this event but participants are more than welcome to wear one.

What if it rains?The event will take place rain or shine. Please pay attention to our Facebook page if there happens to be a weather concern.

For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or visiting www.wyomingmi.gov

Kelloggsville Rockets offense on full thrusters as traditional rivalry game at Godwin awaits

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Kelloggsville head football coach Brandon Branch talked to WKTV this week about his team’s impressive offensive production and what the keys have been … hint, hint … getting his two best athletes the ball. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Two things are just about locks when it comes to this week’s OK Conference Silver football contest when Kelloggsville High School visits Godwin Heights in their annual cross-town clash.

The first is the two team’s records don’t really matter in rivalries like this one, and the second is the Rockets’ dynamic duo of senior Jabari Campbell and junior Camron Townsend will get their touches.

Both teams come into the contest with up and down seasons: The Rockets are 2-4 overall and 1-2 in conference, the Wolverines are 2-3 and 0-3. But Kelloggsville has won two in a row after last week’s 34-24 non-conference road win at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, while Godwin has played tough teams really tough, including last week’s 29-14 loss at Sparta, in a game what was tight until the fourth quarter.

Both could also still could get to five wins and have a shot at the playoffs.

The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

So, of course, the Friday, Oct. 8, contest — which will also be Godwin’s Homecoming Game — will be this week’s WKTV Feature Game. With local cable television and later on-demand replays available.

“Records don’t matter,” Kelloggsville head football coach Brandon Branch said to WKTV at a practice this week. “It’s like playing your brother in pick-up basketball. You always want to win, regardless of the score, regardless of the age difference, regardless of everything that has happened before. This game is the most important one. It’s doesn’t matter what the records are coming into this one.”

For Branch, who has brought stability and now emerging success to the Rockets program in, this, his second season leading the program, the key factor this week as it has been all season — keeping his high-scoring offense in high gear to keep them in games.

Led by Campbell and Townsend, who each have 500+ yards and at least 8 touchdowns receiving, and junior quarterback Zachary Zerfas, who has thrown for 1,500+ yards, Kelloggsville’s offense has scored 26+ points in five of six games.

“Jabari and Cam are our best athletes, by far,” Branch said. “Those are the guys we are trying to get the ball to. We try to find as many unique ways to get the ball to them as we can. Zach does a great job finding them, but he’s not just staring those guys down. He’s spreading the ball round pretty good. … but I’d be lying if I said we were not trying to get Jabari and Cam the ball.”

And sometimes Townsend just takes the ball himself — he has three touchdowns on interceptions while playing defense this season.

A combined effort of players, coaches

There is a lot more happening on the Rockets offense than simply pitch-and-catch between the three leaders, however.

The scoring success is “really just taking advantages of the strengths that we have. We use our strengths to expose the other team’s weaknesses as well,” Branch said. “I’m the offensive coordinator, but really it is coaching by committee,” pointing out assistants James Gentile, quarterback coach, and Justice Wright, receivers coach. “They get those players in the right place to make plays.”

Assistant coach Will Gooch, center, works a drill with the Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And the offensive line coaches, including Rob Fron and Will Gooch, are seeing their work paying off as the season has progressed — “Our offensive line has really grown in the last couple weeks.”

Branch pointed out junior tailback Brendon Tuinstra and junior center William Howard II as also being key to the offense.

And other players are playing well but don’t have the stats to show it, Branch said, including sophomore Jeremie Tsoumou and junior DeMarreon Rodriguez.

“Those guys play positions on offense that because they are running their routes tough, the safeties have to make a decision. So if the safeties have to make a decision that makes it an easier decision for Zach,” Branch said. “Because those guys, the nine other guys besides Jabari and Cam, are working their butts off each week, those two have the opportunity to do what they do.”

  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Team is young but not too young

As the Rockets have started to see success, so has the entire program started to see success.

The current varsity has nine seniors, 13 juniors suited up, a sign that the program is growing but young players are not being rushed to play varsity too soon.

“I definitely think we are headed in the right direction,” Branch said. “ Our numbers are growing. We have the biggest JV team we’ve had in a long time this year. 26-27 kids coming out every week. And our kids are doing the job in the classroom, making sure they are staying eligible and able to play.
 

“Having those nine senior and 13 juniors just make it easier (for the coaches) because we can just pick the one or two sophomores that are ready. … We are able to let those (other underclassman) continue maturing.”

Can’t be there live? Catch it on WKTV

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 football and other fall 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.

A short day’s drive — Kent County showcases colors, natural beauty of the county with 2021 Color Tour

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One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the Fallasburg Covered Bridge which is celebrating its 150-year anniversary. (Kent County Road Commission)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Road Commission knows the county’s rural roads really, really well. So who better to give residents advice on where to venture to parts of the county they might not normally think to explore our local annual color tour?

The county recently unveiled the first two routes of its annual color tour, with additional routes to be announced soon.

The road commission began producing the color tour in the 1950s and continued for over 30 years before being discontinued. While the reason for the suspension is not clear, the color tour was revived again in 2016 with much excitement and success.

“The Color Tour has really taken off in popularity over the past couple of years, so we definitely look to add new stretches for our repeat travelers,” Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager for the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC), said to WKTV.

Lamoreaux said that, while KCRC does make adjustments from year-to-year, the routes remain similar. The road commission tries to avoid any late-season construction and keeps a close eye on the project schedule. Part of the reason the tour routes are revealed in stages is not only to maximize an area’s particular peak color, but to make sure the roads are free of construction when possible.

One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the history Ada Covered Bridge. (Kent County Road Commission)

The initial KCRC list has chosen to highlight the Eastern Kent County Route and the three historical covered bridges in that area during the 2021 Color Tour, with the Fallasburg Covered Bridge holding a special place of honor as it celebrates its 150-year anniversary.

Similar to the Fallasburg Bridge, the Ada Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge were also constructed using Brown truss design, with all three bridges being built within four years of each other. While Fallasburg Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge are open to vehicular traffic, Ada Covered Bridge welcomes only pedestrian traffic.

The Western Kent County Color Tour Route showcases apple orchards and the fall harvest over 35 miles of road. Drivers must exercise caution as they may encounter slow-moving farm equipment moving from field to field, so patience is requested as motorists enjoy an unhurried drive.

The White Pine Trail is also accessible from the western route with miles of scenic enjoyment for cyclists and those wishing to participate in a leisurely stroll or nature hike.

The 2012 Color Tour road ways are filled with rural roads soon to be bursting with color. (Kent County Road Commission)

All routes provided by the KCRC can be driven individually for shorter trips or connected if a longer outing is desired. As day trippers enjoy the beautiful vistas and diverse topography throughout Kent County, they can stop at nearby public parks for nature walks and picnics or partake in the many other local stops and activities.

This fun and inexpensive outing is one that residents can enjoy alone or with family and friends, according to the road commission. KCRC also urges motorists to utilize the color tour as a way to visit parts of the county they have not yet seen.

“Personally speaking,” Lamoreaux said, “I threw my dog in the car and drove the entire color tour last year. We walked the parks and stopped for cider and donuts. I was simply amazed at the beauty of the county and how much fun it was to experience all corners of it.”

Kent County Road Commission hopes the color tour routes will help infuse a sense of pride for the gorgeous county that residents call home, and also for the road network that leads them to their destinations.

For more information on Kent County’s 2021 Fall Color Tour and maps detailing the various routes, visit here.

Embracing art, horticulture and education, Meijer Gardens newly expanded Wege library readies big plans

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Jess Hart, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s director of education, discusses planned and possible educational programing available in the new Peter M. Wege Library and the unique public area outside its doors. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There is a work of art on the grounds of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Bill Woodrow’s “Listening to History”, that speaks to many people about the importance of knowledge as much as it does the imagination of the artist. And the importance of knowledge is not lost on the visionaries at “The Gardens” as well.

 

As Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park laid out its ambitious expansion plans in 2017 much of the talk was about the new education center and the rooftop garden, the upgraded outdoor amphitheater and the crown jewel of the new “Welcome Center” entrance. All rightly so.

Bill Woodrow’s “Listening to History”, on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied)

Tucked away in the design plans for the entrance, which opened early this year with a few pieces yet to be place — most notably the placement of Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s Utopia — was the relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library.

But then again, education in general and art history resources in specific was important to Fred Meijer and continues to be important to the mission of the sculpture park named for him.

Located on the lower “Courtyard” level of the Welcome Center, along with “Mimi’s Garden”, a unique garden area seemingly located inside a glass terrarium, the library is intended to not only be a “go to” educational resource center but also a focal point for the Meijer Garden’s community and educational programming.

A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

While the old library was nice — tucked into a corner just as you entered the old entrance building — both Jess Hart, director of education, and Shelly Kilroy, librarian and archivist, could barely contain their joy at the new space when WKTV visited recently.

“The thing I really enjoy most about it is that it is a space not only for information and learning but for curiosity,” Hart said to WKTV. “We have a really professional staff here at Meijer Gardens and wonderful volunteers, and guests are constantly asking those volunteers and staff questions about our collections and our gardens.

“But occasionally there is a question that a staff member or volunteer cannot answer. And in those instances we often encourage guests to come down to the library to find that information. It is wonderful to have that resource.”

And what a resource it is.

“We are used by the general public, researchers — particularly researchers of a particular artist — or someone who just wants to come in and browse,” Kilroy said to WKTV. “Also for our staff, for inspiration and research for their programs, especially the education staff and our sculpture staff. And, of course, volunteers as well, to learn more about all the Gardens has to offer.”

Library a key element in the expansion

Built using funds from the $115 million Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign, the 69,000 square-foot Welcome Center of which the library is only a small but important part, was designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects/Partners.

And the importance of the library and adjacent space to the overall mission of Meijer Gardens was not lost on the internationally known building designers — nor was it to David Hooker, president of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

“Fred Meijer grew to truly enjoy contemporary art through education and the understanding of the principles behind much of the artwork he gave to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park,” Hooker said to WKTV. “The Peter M. Wege Library is a fantastic resource for information about our artwork and gardens. Making use of the Wege Library promotes understanding and appreciation.”

And how extensive is that resource?

Shelly Kilroy, librarian and archivist at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in the Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The collection is approximately 4,500 books and magazines, Kilroy said. And they cover the spectrum of all of what makes Meijer Gardens famous in several ways.

“Some art history, primarily sculptures and sculptors, and then we also have a small poetry collection, actually. … But also plant and insect and bird identification books, and then plant care in general,” Kilroy said. “Also general (garden) design, if you want to design a Japanese garden or an English perennial garden, we have the books here.”

There are also books on using plants in cooking and crafts, she said, as well as a children’s collection — “so the kiddos can learn more.”

The focus, though, is the art and the artists, and the horticulture, represented at the gardens.

“Any of the artists, the sculptures we have here, there are resources in our collection about that artist and about the art we have here. If you want to learn more about sculpture, broadly, or about a specific sculpture we have here, you can come in and we are more than happy to help.”

  • An community area at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Present and (hopefully) future educational plans

Hart, the director of education, leads a department which oversees Meijer Gardens’ archives as well as library space. And she considers the library’s learning space to be both inside the Wege library and the community area adjacent.

Jess Hart, director of education at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, outside the Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“With that new space, we are able to support new programs as well,” she said. “We are really looking forward, in the future, to hosting our quarterly book groups here. Also some Sunday drop-in programs, and potentially our very popular Cozy Tales for Chilly Days for preschoolers and families. Which we can now hold in the library and in this beautiful seating area outside or the library as well.”

And while the current pandemic has led to some pauses in programming and restrictions on programming planned, Hard is hopeful.

“We are hoping to hold all our regular programing upcoming, but I think that remains to be seen with what happens with COVID this winter and any restrictions that may go into place,” she said. “A lot of our programs that are library centered are fairly small, so we do hope to be able to hold some of our story-time groups and some of our drop-in programming.”

For information on the Peter M. Wege Library visit here. For more information on Meijer Gardens educational programming visit here.

Used book sale this Saturday at KDL Wyoming branch

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Calling all book lovers, there will be a used book sale this Saturday at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

The sale will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the library. An array of titles will be available. The $3 a bag of books will start at 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Friends of the Wyoming Library.

Kentwood Glow in the Park returns with fun run, Glow Dance Party and other themed activities

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The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In 2019 the City of Kentwood hosted its initial Glow in the Park 5K and the community liked it so much the upcoming Glow in the Park event, set for Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more activities in addition to a fun run/walk, including games, crafts, music, food and dancing.

As always, however, community members are invited to “illuminate the night” — participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories — for the event, taking place 7-9 p.m., at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.

Among the glow-themed activities planned are light-up playground games and crafts, music, food — and, of course, the self-timed fun run/walk.
 

Proceeds will help keep Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs affordable for all children to participate, have fun and learn with their peers, according to a city announcement. Donations also will be accepted during the event.

The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

“Ever since the great turnout we had for our first after-dark running event in 2019, we have been looking forward to offering another Glow in the Park night in Kentwood,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “This time, we’re including a variety of additional activities to encourage all ages to dress up and join us outside with friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“In addition to being a fun way to soak up the fall weather before winter comes, our Glow in the Park event is also for a good cause — helping more families be able to participate in our youth programs.”

The “lighthearted” — pun intended — run/walk will start at 7:30 p.m., with on-site packet pickup beginning at 7 p.m. Participants can choose to do either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. Volunteers in glow wear will also help light the way. A water station will be provided at the course start/finish line.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after-party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event with a goody bag full of glow supplies, registration costs $5. For those who also want to take part in the fun run/walk, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag, T-shirt and race medal.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events.

For more information on City of Kentwood event’s visit kentwood.us.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Local History, Non-Profits, Recreation, Restaurants, , , , ,

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” 

Albert Einstein

Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)

Two words: Pulaski Days

After a year off due to COVID, Pulaski Days returns this weekend with three days packed full of fun. There are eating contests, a Saturday parade, a Sunday mass and of course plenty of food and drink. A total of 14 halls will be open offering an array of activities, food, and souvenirs. For more, check out John D. Gonzalez’s latest story.

Who could resist? (KC Animal Shelter)

Expand the Family

The Bissell Pet Foundation’s fall national “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, running Oct. 4-10, is a quarterly effort that has helped more than 61,787 pets in shelters find their “forever homes” by sponsoring reduced adoption fees for $25 or less. This fall’s event will be hosted in more than 180 shelters in 38 states, including about 11 in West Michigan such as the Kent County Animal Shelter and Crash’s Landing. So this weekend is a perfect time to start looking for that new family addition.

One Last Look

ArtPrize officially closes on Sunday, which means you have a few more days to check out the pieces, including the winners, which will be announced on Friday. There are items both inside and outside. A popular spot has been the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which features a number of outdoor pieces including the one pictured above, or just travel along Monroe Avenue and Monroe Center for some great “eye candy.”

Fun Fact: The Polish/American Hero

Kazimierz Michal Wladyslaw Wiktor Pulaski or Casimir Pulaski, was a Posh nobleman, solider and military commander. After being driven into exile for helping with an uprising in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Pulaski came to America at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin. He would help in the American Revolutionary War, first by saving the life of George Washington and second helping to create the American cavalry. Pulaski died in the Battle of Savannah in 1779. He is buried in Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia. Today, many events and places have been named after this war hero, including Grand Rapids’ Pulaski Days. 

Pulaski Days 2021: ‘Keep Calm and Polka On!’

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,
The theme of this year’s Pulaski Days. (Pulaski Days Facebook)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

After taking 2020 off because of Covid-19 restrictions, the annual Pulaski Days celebration on the west side of Grand Rapids returns this weekend, Oct. 1-3.

The theme of Pulaski Days 2021 sums it up best:

“Keep Calm and Polka On!”

“We have all experienced some sort of challenge over the past year and a half,” said longtime resident Eddie Sypniewski, a local event promoter and advocate for the west side.

Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)

“It’s time to step back, take a deep breath and ‘stay calm and polka on!’”

 

The return of the 49th annual event means a lot to the Polish community, and those who frequent the halls throughout the year. Pulaski Days is a great opportunity to spend the weekend in food, drink and entertainment when 14 halls are open to the public.

What does Sypniewski love most about Pulaski Days?

“I love it all!” he said. “Family, food, music, tradition. The parade and Polka Mass are there for all to participate.”

Events earlier this week such as the flag-raising ceremony, and the kielbasa and pierogi-eating contests, have brought out larger than expected crowds, Pulaski Days Queen Katie Egan said in a recent interview with WZZM-TV 13’s Brent Ashcroft.

“The turnout has been amazing, more than even in year’s past,” she said. “I feel like people are anxious to get back out and back into Pulaski Days. The buzz is good. We’re going to have a big turnout this weekend.

Pulaski Days on the west side of Grand Rapids dates back to 1973, and honors Revolutionary War Hero Gen. Casimir Pulaski. Fourteen private halls will be open to the public this weekend featuring Polish food, music, and dancing.

Each hall will have a variety of events. The parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday and runs down Michigan Street starting at College Avenue and ends at Diamond Avenue.

The polka Mass is at 10 a.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.

Polish Halls open to the public Oct. 1-3:

  • American Legion Post 459 (658 Michigan Ave NE)
  • Knights of Columbus (1104 Muskegon NW)
  • Polish Falcons (957 W Fulton) 
  • Polish National Aid Society – Jackson Street Hall (921 Jackson St NW)
  • Sacred Heart Benevolent Society Eastern Avenue Hall (506 Eastern Ave NE)
  • Sacred Heart Club – Kosciuszko Hall (935 Park St SW)
  • Saint Adalberts Aid Society – 5th Street Hall (701 5th Street NW)
  • Saint Casimir’s – 6th Street Hall (649 6th St NW)
  • Saint Isidores Aid Society – Diamond Hall, home of the Pulaski Days Monument and Pulaski Square (435 Diamond NE)
  • Saint Ladislaus Aid Society “Laddies Hall” (58 Lane Ave SW)
  • Saint Stanislaus – Little Hall (823 Michigan Ave NE)
  • Saints Peter & Paul Aid Society – Saint Georges (1513 Quarry NW)
  • Sons & Daughters Club (1057 Hamilton NW)
  • Vytautas Aid Society (1300 Hamilton Ave NW)

For more information, including a list of events, go to pulaskidays.org.


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.

Resident, stakeholders think big when it comes to the future of Marquette Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, , , ,
Residents go over an existing master plan for Marquette Park with designers from the architect and landscape company MCSA. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A pool. A splash pad. An ice rink. Heated shelters. Expand the community garden. Expand the dog park. Add more soccer fields.

These were just some of the ideas that area residents and community members offered when asked what they wanted to see at Marquette Park. The City of Wyoming hosted two meetings this week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the goal of getting input from residents and stakeholders for a new master plan for the park.

“This is the time to dream big,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt to those in attendance. “If the sky was limit, what would you want to see at Marquette Park?”

Rynbrandt said all of the suggestions from the meetings are added to the Marquette Park survey input with the ideas being mentioned the most considered for the park. Not every idea will be possible, she noted. For example, putting a pool at Marquette Park would be difficult as the park is in a flood zone, restricting what can be built. Also, the park has a former gypsum mine on it which does not provide the stability that a pool facility would require.

  • The keywords that came from the first meeting.
  • The keywords from the second meeting.
At the two meetings, attendees were asked to write down a word or two that best described what they wanted at Marquette Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

But the pool suggestion still has potential if residents really want it as the city owns 21 parks with one possibility being able to accommodate a pool or community center. In fact, Rynbrandt mentioned that at Lamar Park, land has been set aside for a possible community center.

The meetings were focused on the desires and wishes for Marquette Park, with those in attendance offering a number of suggestions.

At Tuesday’s meeting, there was some focus on the community garden at the park, which is a cooperative between the United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM), University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health) and the city. Established in 2014, the community garden serves several residents by allowing them to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. The garden also provides fresh produce to UCOM’s Health Choice Food Pantry, which provides food to those in need.

UCOM representative Trisha Belbot said she would like to see the garden expand and possibly have the garden boxes on a cement slab to help reduce weeding. Another resident also stated her support for the garden but asked if the city had ever considered winter activities such as an ice rink.

Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt talks to residents about ideas for Marquette Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Others at Tuesday’s meeting talked about a splash pad, a paved trail, benches near the playground, and more trees especially along the the north and west borders, where an industrial area is located.

Some mentioned activities such as soccer and pickle ball. Sporting activities were high on the list of the online survey, which is still open for those interested in adding their input. More than 100 survey responses have been collected so far with about half of those respondents living a mile or less from the park. The survey showed a strong interest in a variety of sporting activities such as baseball, basketball, football, pickle ball, and a skate park. The park current houses Kimball Field, a basketball court, and soccer fields.

There also was strong support for facilities that accommodate groups such as family reunions and neighborhood parties as well as festivals and cultural events.

 

The survey also indicated that respondents liked a mixture of natural spaces and developed recreation facilities, which those at the meetings also indicated they preferred.

At Wednesday’s meeting, there was a group representing the Wyoming Dog Park, which is housed at Marquette Park. For the dog park, the group suggested better lighting, a larger parking lot, heated sidewalks, heated bathroom, a shelter, a second entrance, and better access for those with disabilities. The group also said they would like to see the dog park expanded into the wooded area to allow patrons to let their dogs run off lease in the woods. The Wyoming Dog Park does require a membership to use it.

Another group was from the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club. The club predates the park and has a long-term lease with the city, according to Rynbrandt. Members said they would like to see better lighting and parking. Another group was in support for expanding the community garden and a fourth group, the Michigan Power Futbol Academy, said it would like to see revitalization of the soccer fields, perhaps with turf, and better lighting so the fields could be used at night.

Rynbrandt said the city will continue to collect input from residents. Once that process is complete, the master plan process will begin. Those plans will be provided for input from residents before going through the approval process. 

On Tap: Oktoberfest-style beers take center stage at Horrocks Market Tavern

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Horrocks Market Tavern offers a ranger of fall beers from local breweries and beyond. (John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It’s fall, which means colorful foliage, brisk mornings and homecoming football games.

But if you’re a craft beer fan, it also means fall beers, namely – Oktoberfest!

“I’m a huge Lager and Pilsner fan,” says Carley Morrison, manager at the Horrocks Market Tavern, “so I like that Oktoberfest has a little bit more than that.

“It’s such a good style, and a lot of people agree because we sell so many of them. It’s a huge hype.”

The change of seasons, especially for craft beer lovers, is a good opportunity to try new styles and break out of your comfort zone.

Horrocks Farm Market, 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, is the perfect place to do it with more than 50 taps of cider, seltzers and beer, of course. In addition, you can find aisles of packaged beers and singles, as well as wine from all over the world.

Morrison’s goal is to keep the taps rotating, “and always craft,” with a huge variety of Michigan beer. But she also works hard to get brands from popular breweries across the country, such as 3 Floyds Brewing Co., in Munster, Ind., which just began distribution in Michigan.

Horrocks is one of a few places in the Grand Rapids area to have 3 Floyds’ “Munsterfest” on tap.

And it’s tasty.

“It has a lot of bready notes to it,” Morrison said. “It’s super crisp and clean; a little bit of an Amber flavor. I think 3 Floyds really knocked it out with Munsterfest.”

Morrison was also able to snag some of Rake Beer Project’s “FESTIVōL,” an anticipated beer from the popular Muskegon brewery.

“It’s a little unique; a Farmhouse style,” Morrison said. “It’s not too funky, just a little different. It’s really good.”

Other popular Oktoberfest beers available this weekend:

On Tap:

3 Floyds “Munsterfest” Oktoberfest

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest”

In Bottles or Cans:

Fair State “Festbier” German Style Festbier 

Rake “FESTIVōL” Oktoberfest Style Farmhouse

Hacker Pschorr “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Brew Detroit “Corktoberfest” Marzen Style Lager

And there are always new beers coming in, so be sure to ask Morrison or anyone in the taproom about new releases.

If you’re not familiar with “Oktoberfest” (also known as a German Marzen-style), Morrison recommends you try some of the German beers – “at least a couple of them” – to better understand the style.

Fall offerings are available on tap and in bottles and cans. (John D. Gonzalez)

“It’s nice because at Horrock’s you can buy singles, so you don’t have to commit to a full pack of anything,” Morrison said.

You can’t go wrong with Oktoberfest beers from Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner and Hofbrau.

“All of those are going to be great,” she said.

Horrocks Market Tavern also offers samples at the bar, a beer garden, and a dining area to enjoy pizza, sushi, soups and salads, and beverages, too. It has a separate entrance on the west side of the parking lot off Breton Road SE.

Even if you’re not a craft beer fan, this is a perfect time to check out Horrocks Farm Market, Morrison said.

“In addition to all the great seasonal beers, we also have all the fun seasonal items like mums, caramel apples, and popcorn…you’re definitely going to find something you love.”



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

Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors

3-bottom, Environment, Great Lakes, Recreation, Travel, West Michigan,
A visitor uses a track chair to access the beach. Unimproved areas are otherwise inaccessible to those in wheelchairs
Michigan Department of Natural Resources: A visitor uses a track chair to access the beach. Unimproved areas are otherwise inaccessible to those in wheelchairs

By Nicholas Simon
Capital News Service

LANSING — Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The parks system has taken an interest in serving new parents, people with physical disabilities and people who live in urban areas of the state, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials said.

One reason is that the pandemic sparked an influx of new visitors, according to the agency. 

The system saw 35 million visitors in 2020, a 30% increase over the previous year, according to the department.

Pampers, a major diaper manufacturer, is partnering with the department as part of its #LoveTheChange campaign. Pampers says that nine out of 10 fathers have gone into a restroom without a changing station.

  

“Pampers reached out to us and asked if there was a need in the state parks,” said DNR Fund and Resource Development Coordinator Michelle O’Kelly. “They supplied us 186 units to be distributed over 52 locations.”

O’Kelly says that parks have been receiving these units over the summer and fall and that they should be installed for use by next season because the workload this year has been intense for DNR workers.

Park workers use a helicopter to install a new pedestrian bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesPark workers use a helicopter to install a new pedestrian bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. 

“The parks are at capacity,” O’Kelly said. “On weekends that we would normally never fill, we are filling all our parks”

O’Kelly said that she thinks that the large number of people working remotely has been pushing back traditional vacation seasons, so maintenance that would traditionally be done in fall had to be pushed back as well.

  

The department is also working to pave miles of trails across the state, a welcome relief for more than just parents, said Jon Spieles, the agency’s interpretative manager.

“One of the coolest things about our efforts to improve state parks accessibility is how those improvements work for parents with strollers and all kinds of wheeled equipment.” Spieles said. “The fact is we will all benefit from these great steps forward at one point or another.”

The DNR lists over 30 trails and recreation areas with paved or accessible trails and plans to increase that number. But for areas without paved access, the DNR has also started to provide tracked chairs, which look like wheelchairs equipped with tank treads.

Video of the device provided by the department shows the chairs going over sand, forest floors, tall grass and even deep snow. These chairs are available at nine parks, but officials hope that donations to the program will allow the DNR to provide these chairs to more sites across the state.

Urban residents are the least likely to visit the park system, according to a report by the Dow Sustainability Fellows of the University of Michigan. It cited lack of access to transportation as a major reason that urban Michigan residents don’t take advantage of the state natural areas.

 State officials announced this summer the creation of a state park in Flint.

The $26.2 million investment in a former industrial site was targeted to reach people disproportionately affected by COVID19.

Spieles, who primarily works with educators and children, says one of the best state parks for kids is in an old Detroit warehouse, not a location typically associated with the great outdoors.

“An opportunity for families and school or youth groups is at the Outdoor Adventure Center in William G. Milliken State Park in Detroit,” Spieles said. “The center provides a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators.”

The facility includes a multi-story waterfall, a re-creation of a Michigan oak tree and a fishing game, that allows urban park goers to learn about the outdoors and inspires future visits to the actual wilderness.

O’Kelly said that public-private partnerships like the Pampers deal are welcome additions, but most state park initiatives are funded locally.

“It’s all just based on need,” O’Kelly said. “Some of our parks have formal nonprofit ‘friends of the park’ groups. So if a park need a new playground, there is usually a strong (local) campaign to secure funding.”

Officials say that such bottom-up strategies will help the state park system meet the changing needs of visitors in both the short term and for projects in the future.

ABOUT NICHOLAS SIMON

Nicholas Simon is a multimedia reporter from South Haven, Michigan. His areas of interest include international relations, commercial spaceflight, ecology, and globalization. He has covered events for both print and broadcast outlets ranging from protests to presidential debates and currently covers the Grand Ledge community for the Spartan Newsroom.

Sailors roll; Falcons, Rockets break out in WKTV’s Week 5 update of local teams’ prep football seasons

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local History, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
From WKTV Featured Game action from Sept. 10, South Christian in a goal-line stand against Middleville T-K. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Last week, in Week 5 of the 2021 high school football season, East Kentwood High School broke into the win column in a big way with a 37-20 home win over Holland West Ottawa. And WKTV’s Feature Game coverage team was there, with Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays available.

In other local action, South Christian stayed in the OK Gold title hunt with a 62-20 conference win at Wayland, and Kelloggsville also broke in the win column with a 70-22 win at Granville Calvin Christian.

The Week 6 schedule of local teams will find WKTV at East Kentwood this week for a WKTV Featured Game, but this time for a “home” game for South Christian as they host Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1.

Jack VerDuin. (Supplied)

Upcoming games on the WKTV Featured Game schedule include the Friday, Oct. 8, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights traditional cross-town rivalry game; and the Friday, Oct. 15, Union at Wyoming high game — which is scheduled to be a special celebration as the high school’s new stadium is named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

The final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will select a game of more importance to local fans.

Other WKTV Featured Games available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, and the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood).

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 football and other fall 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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons —1-4, 1-2 in OK Conference Red action after the win over West Ottawa (0-5, 0-3) — will be on the road this week, playing at Hudsonville (2-3, 2-1).

After last week’s action, Caledonia (5-0 overall) and Rockford (5-0) are both 3-0 in OK Red standings, with Hudsonville and Grand Haven (3-2) at 2-1.

Remaining on the Eagle’s schedule after Hudsonville is Grandville (2-3, 1-2) away on Oct. 8, at home hosting Grand Haven on Oct. 15, then closing out the regular season at Jension (0-3, 1-4) on Oct. 22.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-5) last week hosted OK Conference Green co-leader, and always tough, Muskegon (4-1) and lost 0-62.

After last week’s action, Muskegon (4-1) and Muskegon Mona Shores (4-1) are each 3-0 in OK Green action. The Wolves are 0-3 in conference, with a road game this week at Zeeland West (2-2, 1-2) on Oct. 1.

After this week’s game, Wyoming will be on the road at Zeeland East (3-2, 2-1) on Oct. 8, at home for the final time this season facing Grand Rapids Union (3-2, 1-2) on Oct. 15, and then close out the season at Mona Shores on Oct. 22.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (3-2, 2-1 in OK Conference Gold) will be at home (at East Kentwood) in Week 6 hosting Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (2-3, 1-2) in OK Gold action.

After last week’s action, Grand Rapids Central Catholic (5-0) and Cedar Springs (4-1) are both 3-0 in OK Gold action, with the Sailors one game behind. South Christian played and lost to Catholic Central on Sept. 17, but still have a home game against Cedar Springs to be played.

After this week’s game against Kenowa Hills, South Christian will host Ada Forest Hills Eastern (2-3, 1-2) on Oct. 8, travel to Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-3, 1-2) on Oct. 15, then finish the regular season against Cedar Springs on Oct. 22.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (2-2) had a week off from action last week but will return to the field and OK Conference Silver acton this week with a road game at Sparta (3-2) on Oct. 1.

After last week’s action, Comstock Park (5-0) is the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 3-0, while Belding (4-1) and Hopkins (2-3) are each 2-1 in conference. Godwin remained at 0-2 in conference while Sparta is 1-1.

After this week’s game at Sparta, the Wolverines will host cross-town and conference rival Kelloggsville (1-4, 1-2) on Oct. 8, then travel to Belding on Oct.15, before finishing the season at home against Grandville Calvin Christian (1-4, 0-2) on Oct. 22.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (1-4) saw their offense in high gear two weeks in a row last week as they followed up a 38-point effort Sept. 17 in a 38-42 loss to Hopkins with the 70-22 road win at Calvin Christian in OK Conference Silver action.

After last week’s action, Comstock Park (5-0) is the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 3-0, while Belding (4-1) and Hopkins (2-3) are all 2-1 in conference. Kelloggsville is 1-2 in conference.

Kelloggsville will be at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (2-3, 2-0 in Catholic High School League Intersectional #1) in a non-conference game this week, Oct. 1, before finishing the season with conference games at Godwin Heights (2-2, 0-2) on Oct. 8, at Comstock Park on Oct. 15, and then at home to face Sparta (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Input meetings for Marquette Park are this week

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
The City of Wyoming is seeking input on a redesign of Marquette Park. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming’s efforts to collect as much input from residents about Marquette Park continues as the city hosts two public meetings this week.

The first meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Godfrey Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW, and the second one is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. 

“We need the facility of Marquette Park to align, not only with the community needs of today, but well into the future,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “We really look to our community and area residents to guide this process so Marquette Park can be exactly what is needed for the neighborhood and city overall.”

The 40-acre Marquette Park, which is located at 1414 Nagel Ave. SW, is one of the city’s oldest parks. The eastern section, which includes Kimble Field and the Dog Park area, was originally purchased in 1938 when the city, which was a township at the time, paid $2,800 for sewage disposal site from the estate of William F. Keeney. The western portion of the property, which currently features soccer fields, the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club, and a playground, was added to the park in 1946. Marquette Park was officially designated as a city park in 1971.

The park is surrounded by an ethnically diverse, dense residential neighborhood and adjacent to industrial properties. Plaster Creek flows through the northeast corner of the park and the park generally serves the city residents attending the Godfrey Lee Public School district.

“With a significant increase in Spanish speaking residents, the City has taken steps to move language barriers in this process,” Rynbrandt said. All public meetings will have simultaneous Spanish interpretation services in addition to English presentation.

The September meetings are the first round of community input the city will be having for Marquette Park. The city also is conducting a 15-question survey, which is in both English and Spanish. For the survey, click here.

Kentwood’s The Vibe offered inspiration, information about unique adaptive recreation

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, , ,
Kentwood resident Brad Dion talks to the crowd at the City of Kentwood’s The Vibe event recently. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood and West Michigan community, both those involved in and those who support the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, turned out as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department put on its “The Vibe” event recently.

The annual celebration and fundraiser, held Sept. 16 at the city’s Kent District Library branch, was a night of inspiration — especially the story of guest speaker Brad Dion — as well as a chance to mix with like-minded people supporting the goals and continuation of local adaptive recreation programs such as waterskiing and indoor rock climbing.

(WKTV informational videos on the various programs, produced with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for TheVibe event, are linked at the bottom of this story.)

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department team supporting the Adaptive Recreation at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Adaptive Recreation Program coordinator Ann Przybysz talked to WKTV at the event about the importance and uniqueness of the program — “The program serves those typically underserved in other recreation programs. We appreciate offering very inclusive programs.”

However, the highlight of the event, other than the money raised for a special need for the adaptive recreation water skiing program, was clearly Dion talking about his life, his efforts to overcome disability, and his passion for helping others to overcome — to thrive — however disabled.

“I like to call it a different ability,” Dion told the gathering from his wheelchair. “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I do know I will continue to be involved with these programs. Continue to teach wheelchair tennis to Kentwood parks and rec kids. To be involved.”

(See his complete talk, recorded by WKTV, above. And you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.)

 

Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, shared his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community.

As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. While he spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth- and sixth-grade general education as well as supporting special education. He has learned to use his life story, living with a “different ability,” to show others that “the sky’s truly the limit when it comes to what someone can do if they set their mind to it.”

Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward purchasing new jet skis for Kentwood’s adaptive water ski program — essential safety equipment as staff must be able to get to participants very quickly if necessary. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners.

Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator Katelyn Bush and one of her Adaptive Recreation participants at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming, according to supplied material, and does so in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers.

Adaptive programs available include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.

Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.

To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.

Videos of various programs

Adaptive Archery

Adaptive Kayaking

Adaptive Snow Skiing

Adaptive Rock Climbing

Adaptive Water Skiing

East Kentwood Falcons looking for week-to-week improvement after tough start to season

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East Kentwood High School head coach Anthony Kimbrough, shown at practice with his Falcons team, talks about the good and bad of a tough early-season schedule. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The 2021 high school football season did not start the way East Kentwood High School head coach Anthony Kimbrough and his Falcons team expected — going 0-4 as the team prepared this week to host Holland West Ottawa in a OK Conference Red game.

The Falcons did have a brutal early season schedule, by choice and by chance, with a home loss to state power Muskegon followed by road losses at another state power in Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and then at Rockford (4-0), before falling to Caledonia (4-0) on Sept. 17, the last two in OK Conference Red action.

Rockford is No. 1 in Division 1 the first AP state football rankings. Caledonia is #3 in Division 2, Brother Rice No. 1 in Division 3, and Muskegon (3-1) is— everyone knows — always ranked by year’s end.

“We are just trying to improve every day: basic fundamentals, little things,” Coach Kimbrough said to WKTV this week. “We went into the season knowing our first three opponents were big-time programs … but we are tying to stay positive … just getting the kids to believe in themselves. We are working hard and hopefully it will pay off this Friday.”

And about that brutal season-opening schedule?

East Kentwood football senior Jakeilon Heard (33) awaits his turn at a Falcons practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“It is a combination of some people just don’t want to play us, so you are stuck playing the Muskegons and the Brother Rices of the world,” Kimbrough said. “But I do want our kids to understand that if you are going to win a state championship, you are going to have to beat those types of programs.

“It was a challenge going in. … (But) I never imagined us going 0-4. It’s been tough. But I have to give credit to our players and our coaches, they’ve stayed positive. We have a long season ahead and we have five games to get better.”

This week’s game, starting at 7 p.m., is not only this week’s WKTV Featured Game of the Week, with cable television and on-demand replays available, but will also be East Kentwood’s Homecoming Game.

Leaning on senior leaders

Coach Kimbrough said despite the rough beginning to the season, parts of the Falcon machine and several players are performing well on the field.

East Kentwood head football coach Anthony Kimbrough likes the positive attitude of his seniors, despite an 0-4 start to the season, including senior Bobby Durr (68) pumping up teammates as they start a practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I got to start with (senior) Jeffery Perry, our running back. He probably had his best game of the year against Caledonia. He rushed for 93 yards. He ran hard,” Kimbrough said. “And we have offensive linemen that have really played well. Bobby Durr, he’s a senior. He’s stayed positive and he’s a captain on the team.”

“My quarterback (Casey Joppie). He’s a sophomore. He’s taken some licks and got back up. He’s very coachable … very proud of him. And there has been guys on the defensive side who have played well — I could name a bunch.”

And coach also credits many of his seniors, playing or not, as helping to keep the team focused on the past and future winning ways of East Kentwood.

“Jalon Fuller, one of our safeties, he’s played well. Brian Dinh, possibly an all-conference kid, cornerback. He’s played well,” he said. “Those guys just lead by example. Play hard in practice. Staying positive. … I think our underclassman are appreciative of what out seniors bring.”

Along the other seniors are Joe Stille, Reginald Brown, Carlo Russel-Dumani, Dakota Stephens, Felice Messina, Devontae Savage, Shawn White, Jakeilon Heard, Jack Izenbart, Mehki Baker, Anthony Nelson, Alonte’ Brandon, Shawn Dumani, Levi Robinson, Bryson Woods, Patrick MacDonald, Jake Tate and Zachary Vanoverloop. 

Where, when to catch WKTV’s feature games

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 football and other fall 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.

GR YMCA’s Veggie Vans bring fresh food, healthy ideas to Kentwood, West Michigan residents

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The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Veggie Vans offer up not only fresh farmers market food but also heathy advice and information. (YMCA GR)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Most people think of the YMCA as being focused on healthy bodies through exercise, programs and classes. Yes, but healthy eating is also a key part of promoting healthy bodies.

On Monday, Sept. 27, residents of Kentwood’s Tamarisk Apartments will gain the opportunity for both healthy food and healthy ideas when they get a visit from one of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Veggie Vans as part of its ongoing regional tour of Y’s new community program.

On board the van will not only be fresh, healthy food but also information on other YMCA efforts, and available social programs, designed to help underserved residents live a more health lifestyle.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)

“Eating healthy is a critical part to having a healthy body,” Belisa Melton, GR YMCA community collaborations director, said to WKTV. “That is why the Veggie Van also promotes the YMCA’s Healthy Corner Stores initiative, which connects small-scale growers and distributors with urban corner stores to increase the fresh fruits and vegetables to households across West Michigan.

“The goal is to bring healthier and more affordable food options to communities that often have limited fresh options by making local produce more readily available at neighborhood markets.”

And the is just part of the YMCA’s offerings.

“The Veggie Van also provides visitors with opportunities to learn about and engage with the YMCA’s free community fitness programs and nutrition education classes,” Melton said.

The Veggie Van will also serve up conversation and education about how to use the produce or benefits such as Double Up Food Bucks or SNAP.

“The knowledge of these programs and the opportunity to learn more from a trusted resource is important,” according to a recent YMCA announcement.

The Veggie Van’s September schedule for Kentwood-Wyoming includes a stop at Tamarisk Apartments, 4520 Bowen Blvd. SE, Kentwood, from 10-11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 27.

Goal: fresh veggies; fresh ideas

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, knowing farmers markets are a summer favorite for many West Michigan residents but not everyone has access to one, developed the Veggie Van as the region’s first mobile farmers market.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)

The YMCA Veggie Van delivers locally grown, top-quality fruits and vegetables at cost directly to apartment complexes, senior living facilities and other locations in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, according to the recent announcement. The Veggie Van’s two vehicles run year-round, making stops in neighborhoods to provide “vulnerable communities with access to locally sourced produce when in season or sourced from local grocers.”

 

On a weekly basis, the YMCA supplements local produce suppliers to stock the vans by growing its own produce in a greenhouse and in raised beds at the Mary Free Bed YMCA branch.

Access to healthy, fresh food continues to be a significant issue for community members across the region, according to the announcement. While the pandemic has heightened awareness for the food deserts in our communities, the critical need for food security existed prior and continues now. Access to quality food can lead to improved work and school performance, healthy bodies and minds and stronger communities all while preventing chronic disease.

“The Veggie Van is a physical representation of health, wellness and community building,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through the availability of nutritious food, our teams help create access and success for those seeking to improve healthy habits.
 

“We believe strongly in building positive experiences with fruits and vegetables that lead to the consistent consumption of healthy meals by individuals and families throughout all neighborhoods in West Michigan.”
 

The YMCA Veggie Van is sponsored by the David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, Spectrum Health, Nelson Neighborhood Association and The Mart Dock.

For more information on the YMCA’s Healthy Corner Stores program visit grymca.org/healthy-corner-stores.

For more information on the YMCA’s community fitness and nutrition education classes visit grymca.org/community-group-fitness and grymca.org/community-programs.

Running for a cause: Runway 5K returns to Ford airport Saturday, Sept. 25

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Making a return is the Runway 5K at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Ever wanted to se if you can outrun a jet airplane? Probably not. But you can run with the jets and support a local non-profit as, after a pandemic pause in 2020, the popular Runway 5K will return to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 25.

And the Ford airport’s two commercial aviation runways will still be operational during the race.

Register is still available to be one of the 1,200 walkers and runners given the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. For more information and to register, visit triviumracing.com/event/grr5k2021/.

The course will begin north of the economy parking lot, looping on taxiway Juliet and runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before ending back at the parking lot.

A runner during the 2019 Runway 5K. (Supplied)

Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. A one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males and females, as well as age groups, will be presented at 10:15 a.m.

The race is being hosted by Trivium Racing, with this year’s charity partner being the Family Hope Foundation — a Jenison nonprofit which provides resources, activities, support and funding for therapies to families of children with special needs in West Michigan.

“The true impact of 2020 is beginning to come to light,” Jane Eppard, executive director of the Family Hope Foundation, said in supplied material. “Many children with special needs lost ground due to disruptions in school and routine in the past year. This was clearly evident in the 25 percent increase in scholarship requests we received this spring.

“The opportunity to be the charity partner for this year’s Runway 5K and the support it will bring to families in our community is deeply appreciated and gives the organization hope.”
 

In 2019, the Runway 5K raised nearly $14,600 for charity.

“We are delighted to welcome West Michigan back to the Airport for this year’s Runway 5K,” Torrance A. Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in supplied material.

“We are also honored to support the good work of Family Hope Foundation, which provides therapy scholarships, family fun, advocacy, education and resources to families of children with special needs. We encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to come out and see the Airport from a perspective you will only get once a year.”

Registration includes a T-shirt, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and other giveaways.