Blue Spoon will again be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood will host the third annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival, with nearly 30 food trucks scheduled to be on hand, on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event is in partnership with GR Loves Food Trucks.
The free-to-attend event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch. Throughout the day, there will be live music, a beer tent and a variety of local eats.
“We think there’s something for everyone at the End of Summer Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “It’s meant to be an event you can spend the whole day at enjoying food, drinks and live music and meeting your neighbors.”
Food trucks attending the event include: Blue Spoon Catering and Event Planning (kabob, Tex-mex); Maui Wowi (Hawaiian smoothies and frozen coffees); Ice Box (gourmet ice cream bars); Ananda Ice (rolled ice cream, shaved ice); Doughrunts (miniature topped doughnuts); Patty Matters (gourmet burgers and fries); Silver Star Café LLC (sandwiches, wraps); Moochies (popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy); Fire and Rice (vegan and gluten-free paella); Pig Out on the Fly (pulled pork topped fries); Tamale Rose (tamales, burritos); Coffee Rescue (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Kona Ice (shaved ice); Porters BBQ (barbecue); Rise and Grind (coffee drinks, frozen lemonade); Crepes by the Lake (sweet and savory crepes); PorkFat Slim’s (barbecue); Saladino Smoke (barbecue); Do Your Wurst (brats, hot dogs); Underground Cookie Club (gourmet ice cream sandwiches); Lazy Man BBQ (barbecue); Daddy Dough (cookies, with gluten-free and vegan options); D&D Gluten Free (topped fries, rice bowls, chicken tenders, all gluten-free); Summer Pops (gourmet ice pops); Babatuck (gyros, kabobs); D&W Eatery (smoked tacos, smoked vegan options); Detroit’s Original Coney Island (hot dogs, chili dogs); Yochef (gyros, tacos).
“Food trucks offer foodies a delightful mix of talented chefs and fast-food time frames,” said Alan Stone, president of GR Loves Food Trucks. “When we have an event like this where so many food trucks come together, you can really feel a bustling community atmosphere.”
Local live music will be featured on stage starting at 1 p.m. with bands such as Allie Garland, Erika Scherry, Kari Lynch and Orquesta Ritmo.
A beer tent will be open from noon to 10 p.m. and feature craft beer and cider.
Teams of two will be able to compete in a corn-hole tournament during the event. Anyone can register by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5317.
While the festival includes free-entry, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
Celebrating its 50th year, the annual Fallasburg Arts Festival is presented by LowellArts and will be held on Sept. 15 and 16. The two-day festival includes 100 fine art and fine crafts booths, timeless craft demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, and food booths.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Admission is free.
Location: Fallasburg Park, 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI, 49331.
Artist booths are juried and a broad range of different mediums are represented including jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber, mixed media, wood, painting, drawing, photography, floral, basketry, print-making, and more. Demonstrators of traditional crafts are located in the pavilion. Visitors of all ages are invited to watch the artisans at work. Demonstrations include iron forging, mosaic, fly tying, leather craft, origami, quilting, wood carving, weaving, and more.
Musical entertainment is held on an outdoor stage both days of the event, featuring a variety of music styles.
Saturday music line-up:
10:15am The Bruce Matthews Band
11:30am Paddy’s Cure
1pm Fauxgrass
2:30pm Hawks and Owls
4pm Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers
Photo courtesy LowellArts
Sunday music line-up:
10:15am Lighting Matches
11:30am Steam Powered Bluegrass
1pm The Cheater B’s
2:30pm The Adams Family
An enclosed Children’s Area provides children the opportunity to decorate and take home a pumpkin. Food booths offer an array of fall-inspired and festival foods, offered by local community organizations. Visitors are invited to purchase raffle tickets to win one of over 90 artist-made items donated by festival artists or the grand prize quilt created for the event. Annual attendance estimates are 25,000. This year’s event sponsors are Fifth Third Bank, Meijer, All-Weather Seal, and Local Spins.
Fallasburg Park is located off Lincoln Lake Road north of downtown Lowell at 1124 Fallasburg Park Drive, Lowell, MI. Lowell is located 14 miles east of Grand Rapids and 1-hour from Lake Michigan and Lansing. For more information, contact LowellArts at (616) 897-8545, e-mail info@lowellartsmi.org or visit lowellartsmi.org.
What kicks off with a Labor Day Bridge Walk at 10am and goes all day long? Why, the West Michigan Labor Fest at Ah-Nah-Awen Park, from 11am-5pm Monday, Sept. 3rd.
Enjoy free admission all day to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum; free, live entertainment by Rochelle & the Spoilers, Mustang Band, Evidence, Krystal Klear, and Mark Swanson.
Fun things for the kids include a penny throwing contest, free rides on the kiddie Ferris wheel, jump for free in the Bouncy House, free rides on the Berry-Go-Round. Your little ones can also create sidewalk chalk art, enjoy free Country Fresh ice cream, and face painting.
Don’t forget the food: Patty Matters Food Truck, Coney Girl, Saladino Smoke, D&D Gluten-free Food Truck, Kona Ice, and more to be announced later. Dad (and mom) can check out the beer tent.
Local arts and crafters will be selling jewelry, candles, wood, clothes, crocheted items, fused glass art and more.
‘American Made’ car and motorcycle show and shine, with dash plaques to the first 50 cars in the show!
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
WKTV offers marathon of local concerts on cable
Delilah DeWylde’s shows are always a blast, as her visit to Wyoming this summer proved. (Supplied)
WKTV community media will once again host its Wyoming Concerts in the Park Marathon this Labor Day, Sept. 3. The program will air on WKTV Comcast Channel 26 and AT&T Channel 99, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending after midnight. For more information, click here.
Labor Day weekend music at Founders
Looking for a little live music, and maybe a brew or two? Jam out at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend with live performances on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, click here.
Last Meijer Gardens summer concert is Monday, Labor Day
+Live+ is alive and kicking out the jams. (Supplied)
The Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series finishes its season Monday, Sept. 3, and the +Live+ concert still has tickets available. The multi-platinum band from Pennsylvania have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut. For more information, click here.
And today’s fun fact:
14,320,000
Rounded to 14.32 million, the number of vinyl albums sold in 2017, a Nielson Music-era high, up 9 percent from the previous one-year high — 13.1 million in 2016.
The easiest way to get started is with walking because it’s low-impact and low-risk, and all you need is a pair of supportive walking or running shoes. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Len Canter, HealthDay
Though you may face challenges if you’re carrying excess weight or haven’t been active in a long time, you can still get fit and gain all the benefits that exercise has to offer.
The easiest way to get started is with walking because it’s low-impact and low-risk, and all you need is a pair of supportive walking or running shoes.
Begin by scheduling one dedicated walk each day, and then find opportunities to take additional steps, like going window-shopping at lunch or walking in place instead of sitting while watching TV. You might like the impetus of a home treadmill, which you can set at a slow speed to start.
Our Take
The most important thing is to set up “accountability measures” like telling loved ones of your goals and scheduling exercise time into your calendar each day, said Phillip Adler, a certified athletic trainer with the Spectrum Health Medical Group Sports Medicine Program.
“We all have cell phones: Write it into your schedule and set reminders. That’s the first step,” Adler said.
In addition, telling people of your goals creates “that second layer of accountability” because now there are people who expect you to workout and will encourage you to stay on your plan.
Another simple way to exercise at home is to get more dynamic with everyday activities. For example, pick up the pace as you do household chores, and work in sessions that are at least 10 minutes long.
You can also dive into exercise by working out in water, whether you swim or take a water fitness class. Water makes you feel lighter and more agile, so many people find it easier to move in a pool than on dry land.
Riding a stationary bike is also less strenuous on your body than weight-bearing exercises, even walking. Try a recumbent bike; its seat is lower to the ground and your legs will be extended, which may feel more comfortable to you.
Just don’t let enthusiasm put you at risk of burnout by doing too much too soon. Increase the length and the intensity of your workouts at a slow, steady pace as you progress.
First United States Labor Day Parade, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
Today’s fun fact(s):
12, six and 1882
The average number of hours a day worked (12) and days a week worked (6) before the Adamson Act was passed in the United States in 1916, which established the modern 8-hour work day. That action came 30 years after the first Labor Day march for workers rights was held in New York City, on Sept. 5, 1882.
Labor Day parades? We’ve got two for you
Looking for a Labor Day parade? Celebrations in Holland at the Annual Labor Day Boardwalk and Pancake Breakfast, Monday, Sept. 3, focused in and around the beautiful Windmill Island Gardens, will include the annual Truck Parade downtown. The big rigs that carry locally-made products rumble through downtown Holland and Zeeland, complete their route by parking at the Holland Civic Center. Also on Monday, in Muskegon, the city will host its annual Labor Day parade. To get the details, click here.
The few; the proud; the very, very full
After 10 hearty seasons, 12,000 brave challengers and nearly 58 million gut-busting calories, the Fifth Third Burger is calling it a career. The Whitecaps will officially retire the Fifth Third Burger’s jersey on Saturday, Sept. 1, during their season-ending home stand against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. For more information on the burger’s last days, click here.
Need a good news story today? We have one
After a less than stellar history as a student, in high school and in college, Justin Mathes began working in education by tutoring youth at various schools, now he is a middle school principal. This is a story for people who need to find what they really, really want to do. For more on Principal Mathes, click here.
Before lacing up, make sure you know the dos and don’ts of nutrition when it comes to exercise. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Christine Khamis, PA-C, Spectrum Health Beat
What to eat before and after a workout is one of the most common questions I’m asked.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your exercise journey, there are some general guidelines.
If you’re looking for advice on meal planning and customization, you can follow up with your health care provider or dietitian.
Pre-workout nutrition
It’s best not to eat immediately before a workout.
Eat larger meals at least 3-4 hours before exercising. Ideally, you should fuel your body about 1 to 3 hours before working out with a small meal or snack.
Carbohydrates are the main fuel for your muscles. The harder your engine is working, the more carbs you need for optimal performance. In addition to carbs, your pre-workout meal or snack should also include some protein. While carbs are the fuel, protein is what rebuilds and repairs your muscles.
Here are some suggestions for pre-workout fuel:
A banana with peanut butter
Plain Greek yogurt with berries
Oatmeal with low-fat milk and blueberries
Apple and peanut or almond butter
During workout
The need to fuel during exercise depends on exercise time and type:
If your workout is less than 45 minutes, focus on water for hydration.
For sustained high-energy exercises that last 45-75 minutes, you need small amounts of carbs throughout the activity to optimally fuel your muscles and performance. Hydrate with sports drinks or a small serving of applesauce every 20-30 minutes.
For endurance exercise lasting 75 minutes or longer, you need 30-60 grams of carbs an hour, such as a handful of raisins or 1 medium banana.
Post-workout nutrition
Getting protein and carbs into your system is even more vital post-workout.
Your body uses stored fuel in your muscles and liver, in the form of glycogen, to fuel your workout.
Ideally, you should get carbs and protein into your body within the first two hours after exercising—the sooner the better.
This gives your muscles the ability to replenish the glycogen you just used and allows for protein and amino acids to repair your muscles.
Here are some ideas for post-workout nutrition:
Recovery smoothie
Turkey on a whole-grain wrap with veggies
Yogurt with berries
When it comes to exercise and nutrition, everyone is different—consider keeping a journal to monitor how your body reacts to meals and pay close attention to how you feel and perform during your workout.
Let your experience guide you through which eating habits work best for you.
Every year, the first Monday of September is designated as Labor Day: a celebration of the achievements of our nation’s workforce. Falling on Sept. 3rd this year, it’s also considered the unofficial end of summer. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with family as they head back to school, or grab some friends and enjoy a nice, long weekend seeing what’s going on in the area. Many West Michigan locations are hosting fun events throughout the weekend, meaning you won’t need to go far to find something fun each day of the three-day weekend.
Labor Day Events
Kick off your Labor Day in Holland at the Annual Labor Day Boardwalk and Pancake Breakfast on Monday, Sept. 3rd. The patriotic four-mile walk winds through Kollen Park and ends at beautiful Windmill Island Gardens where a delicious and scenic pancake breakfast will be held. Afterward, bring the family to the annual Truck Parade downtown! Big rigs that carry locally-made products rumble through downtown Holland and Zeeland, complete their route by parking at the Holland Civic Center, where free food and prizes are all part of the end-of-parade celebration.
The city of Muskegon has some great events planned around Labor Day that you should not miss. On Monday, Sept. 3rd, the city kicks off the holiday with their annual Labor Day parade, followed by a celebration filled with food vendors, bounce houses, prizes, and more. The 12th Annual Labor Day Community Walk in nearby Whitehall lets your family explore the White River Bridge and scenic nearby trails.
Labor Day weekend is a great time to make a getaway to the Greater Lansing area. Whether you’re a fan of BBQ or buffalo, you won’t want to miss the annual Chicken Wing Festival over Labor Day weekend. The event is filled with music, activities, and, of course, wings! That’s not all the capital city has to offer for the long weekend, so make your Labor Day plans today.
The Labor Day Bridge Walk in Cheboygan is Monday, Sept. 3rd. Participants will get to take in the complete beauty of the town while marching up and down the historic streets. The walk will be followed by a community picnic, the perfect place to socialize with friends and family.
Courtesy Kiwanis Club of Boyne City
There are tons of events happening in the Boyne City area over Labor Day weekend. Follow the sounds of oldies music to Veterans Park and the Boyne Kiwanis Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 1st. A visit to the area over Labor Day weekend can also include watching sailing races on Lake Charlevoix or drag races at the Boyne City Airport. To further help you plan your travels, the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has a special events calendar for Labor Day and beyond.
After your short Labor Day work week, stop by Marshall from Sept. 8th to 9th for the 55th Annual Historic Home Tour. This legendary event features eight historic homes, a Civil War Ball, Art Faire, Civil War Encampment, and so much more.
Labor Day specials and packages
With Labor Day coming up, the long weekend poses the perfect opportunity to squeeze in one last getaway to Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. With boating, biking, golf and more, Shanty Creek offers the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation.
Stop by Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont, where veterans golf for free this Labor Day weekend. This great deal includes a cart and your choice of 9 or 18 holes.
Spend Labor Day weekend at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Williamsburg! Featuring golf specials on all three championship courses, live music at the private Beach Club, and countless activities for kids, this is one deal that you do not want to miss. Check out the full calendar of events to plan your visit.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is packing so many great deals and activities into Labor Day weekend that it’s almost hard to believe! On Saturday, Sept. 1st, enjoy a “float-in” movie in the pool. Come back on Sunday, Sept. 2nd, for one last splash pool party to wrap up summer. On Monday, Sept. 3rd, celebrate the unofficial last day of summer with some fantastic two-for-one discounts on laser tag, climbing wall passes, adventure course tickets, and much more!
Courtesy Crystal Mountain
This Labor Day weekend take the opportunity to discover quaint communities during a getaway to Coldwater Country. Home to more than 100 lakes, it’s a haven for relaxation on the water. You can also stop by the area’s unique shops, which includes everything from antiques to magic. End the day with a performance at Tibbits Opera House or a movie at one of Michigan’s most iconic drive-in movie theatres, the Capri Drive-In Theatre.
Spend this Labor Day at TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids and enjoy 20% off your ticket price on Monday, Sept. 3rd.
Located at Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, Tommy’s is hosting a Labor Day sale on Sept. 1st and 2nd. Purchase everything you need to get out on the water, including boards and skis, life jackets, inflatables, and more. If you’re not in the market to purchase gear, you can rent everything you need from Tommy’s to enjoy the holiday weekend on Walloon Lake!
Eat and drink your way through the holiday
Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo knows that Labor Day weekend is a time for family fun. Don’t let the fun stop by visiting one of their on-site restaurants for a hand-crafted meal that your taste buds will thank you for.
Start off the long Labor Day weekend at Vineyard 2121 in Benton Harbor on Friday, Aug. 31st for fire-baked pizzas and live music. Wrap up the weekend at Sangria Sunday where you can sip on some tasty sangria and tap your feet to live music all night long!
Courtesy JW Marriott
Don’t feel like grilling out this Labor Day? No problem! Stop by Grand Rapids and indulge in a unique and delectable meal with friends and family at six.one.six, located inside the JW Marriott. If you’re looking for drinks, check out The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck’s affordable Happy Hour to go along with some mouthwatering eats.
Jam out at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids this Labor Day weekend with live performances on Saturday and Sunday. While you’re there, don’t forget to taste some of their legendary brews or pick up a six-pack in the gift shop to take a taste of Founders home with you.
MyNorth Tickets has beer-centric events that are perfect to add to your long holiday weekend. Head out to the picturesque slopes of Treetops Resort in Gaylord on Sunday, Sept. 2nd for Beer, Blues & BBQ. Your visit will include plenty of stellar blues rock, frosty beers, and great food! Visit MyNorth Tickets’ website for a full calendar of events in Northern Michigan.
After 10 hearty seasons, 12,000 brave challengers and nearly 58 million gut-busting calories, the Fifth Third Burger is officially retiring on Saturday, Sept. 1. Get ’em while they’re still hot.
In honor of the anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, WKTV 25 will be airing a special half hour memorial tribute “Princess Diana: A Tribute To England’s Rose.”
The show will air Monday, Aug. 27, at 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 31 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
The husband-and-wife team behind the New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels series will be visiting Schuler books & Music at the end of August. The couple is touring for the release of Magic Triumphs book 10 and the final book in the Kate Daniel series. They will be at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St., at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30.
Fun fact:
In 1518, a “dancing plague” took
over the town of Strasbourg, France.
One woman started it, and others joined her. Within a month, there were 400 people involved. Many died from pure exhaustion.
The 2018 Metro Cruise kicks off at 4pm Friday, Aug. 24. The alternative Latin rock group Cabildo will be on the main stage at 4:30pm, followed by local favorite, Delilah DeWylde at 7:30pm performing a range of hillbilly and blues. Friday closes at 10pm.
Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but Kent County is on the hunt for a new sheriff. If you have leadership skills and a background in law enforcement, you might want to consider applying for the position. With the announced retirement of Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma, the county has formed a Kent County Sheriff Appointment Committee and is looking for applicants for the position. The individual appointed by the committee will hold the position through Dec. 31, 2020.
Metro Health Village has a number of walking routes and even a bike trail — all perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids or a quick, weeknight workout. Download a Walking/Bike Route map here.
Need a little push to get started? Check out the Couch to 5K Training Program. Even if you’re not looking to set any world records, this program will have you up and active in no time!
No, not locusts, but we didn’t have a photo depicting the droves of voters who showed up for the primary election on Aug. 7. Take a good look at this photo — that’s the power inherent in sheer numbers, people. A pat on the back for all who voted.
The Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters committee analyzed the impressive voter turnout during their meeting on Aug. 13. The committee also discussed county staff additions. All in all, pretty important stuff.
Fun Fact:
In Switzerland, it is illegal
to own just one guinea pig.
This is because guinea pigs are social animals, and they are considered victims of abuse if they are alone. Source.
There are only seven concerts left of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park summer concert season, and only two with original-price tickets still available, the Thursday, Aug. 23, special fundraising concert with Alabama and the Monday, Sept. 3, season-ending visit by +Live+.
The remainder the season concerts are sell-outs, as was the majority of the Meijer Gardens season, but one sell-out concert was a surprise to no one.
For the 13th straight year, Lyle Lovett (with his small band or this year with his large band) will be a sell-out at the Meijer Gardens amphitheater on Monday, Aug. 27. And while a streak like Lovett’s is not unheard of — that many straight years at the same venue — the Garden’s concert promoter says the Texas twang singer and his loyal fanbase are unique.
Lyle Lovett in concert. (Supplied)
“It certainly does not happen every day, or very often,” Chris Mautz said to WKTV in an interview early in the concert season. “You know, Lyle Lovett (and his band) is absolutely a dynamic group of musicians. Unintentionally, it felt like something that was a perfect fit, a perfect match and a hard-to-pass-up piece of our summer” schedule.
“He is a world-class artist that delivers a dynamic show every time he hits the stage. … It was an unintended path, that has just sort of made sense every dang year. We do not go into it thinking we are going to have Lyle back, it just comes.”
While the Meijer Gardens concerts started in 2003, Lovett’s first sellout was in 2006 — the Gardens’ first confirmed sell-out — and he continued to sell-out even when the venue did not have many in the early years. (His 2009 concert was the only confirmed sell-out of 13 concerts that year.)
For those who know Lovett, no introduction is necessary. But for those who don’t, here is some provided info:
“A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.
“Whether touring as a ‘Duo’ or with his ‘Acoustic Group’ or his ‘Large Band’, Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music.
“Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and was named Texas State Musician.”
The only thing I could add is that his shows are always fun and his on-stage stories always funny, especially after a couple of beers.
For more information on the remaining concert season, visit meijergardens.com .
It’s important to take care of our planet, and luckily, many West Michigan businesses are helping, one step at a time. These organizations that are making sure they’re taking care of the environment, while still providing the best experience for travelers. Keep an eye out for some of the green practices that West Michigan businesses are adopting next time you stop by.
Environmentally friendly places to stay
Grand Rapids’s CityFlatsHotel is the first LEED Gold-certified hotel in the Midwest. In addition, AHC+Hospitality properties, located in downtown Grand Rapids, each participate in green initiatives. The Downtown Courtyard Marriott ships partially used soaps to Clean the World, where they are sanitized and sent to people in need. The nearby Amway Grand Plaza is going strawless across all of the hotel’s outlets, while the JW Marriott focuses on recycling throughout the hotel. These properties are all helping preserve the environment.
In Mecosta County, being eco-friendly is something that hospitality businesses have been doing for years. Most of the hotels have a detailed green program as part of hotel policy. The Holiday Inn and Conference Center is the best example of a company with an eco-friendly initiative, known as the “Green Engage” system.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is dedicated to sustainability throughout all of the resort’s offerings. For their Farm-to-Table series, the Crystal Mountain culinary team works with local farms, making personal visits to build a custom three-course menu. Their spa has also been named Sustainable Resort Spa Of The Year by Green Spa Network. Relax knowing that your stay at Crystal Mountain comes with an eye for sustainability.
Eat and drink with sustainable initiatives
Downtown Market (file photo)
The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids was the first market in the country to receive LEED Gold certification. Inside and outside, from the ground to the rooftop, Downtown Market has put thoughtful effort into making an environmentally friendly facility.
The Mitten Brewing Company in Grand Rapids has successfully launched its new Sustainability Program. With the craft beer industry a driving force in the Michigan economy, it is important that they implement a program for environmental responsibility. In the first few months, they replaced much of their disposable materials, such as napkins, straws, and trash bags with eco-friendly industrial compostable alternatives. They have begun to track data and progress toward a more water-efficient establishment, a task not easily undertaken in the brewing industry. Upcoming projects include partnerships with BarFly Ventures Sustainability Program as well as evaluating the energy efficiency of their buildings.
Brewery Vivant, also in Grand Rapids, is the epitome of an eco-friendly business here in Michigan. They’re the first LEED-certified microbrewery in the world, and they’re a certified B Corp, a Gold-level, bicycle-friendly business, and, in 2016, they installed 192 solar panels atop the brewery and pub, making them the 31st largest brewery solar array in the world. Their dedication to being eco-friendly continues with their use of local farms, meaning that the ingredients going into your beer or meal is being produced not too far away.
Being green and environmentally-friendly doesn’t tell the whole story at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo. They view sustainability as the capacity for their business to thrive in future generations, all while using practices that focus on good environmental stewardship. They want to act in ways that provide benefits now and for generations to come. Reducing impact, increasing energy efficiency, and recycling only scratch the surface. Bell’s invites you to join them for a free brewery tour in Comstock and Kalamazoo to learn more about how they approach sustainability. Reserve your tour on their website.
Be green the next time you decide to go out with your friends for a cold one. Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo has a pet-friendly beer garden with direct access to the Kalamazoo River and Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. This means that you can get to Arcadia by kayaking, canoeing, biking, and walking. Instead of driving, hop on one of these trails next time you make your way to Arcadia. They also installed 536 solar panels in 2016, generating equivalent to roughly 25% of the brewery and tavern’s total consumption.
Grand Rapids Brewing Company (courtesy Barfly Ventures)
Virtue Cider in Fennville minimizes environmental impact in many aspects of their business. They purchase fruit direct from local farms in southwest Michigan, which keeps the supply chain short and their carbon footprint small. Their cider houses use extremely minimal climate control, just as traditional European cider makers did and still do today. In fact, their fermentation cider house is underground, which maintains a more consistent temperature year-round without climate control. You can view these facilities during one of their regularly offered tours. Additionally, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program named Virtue Cider an Environmentally Verified Farm in December 2016, a distinction that they are very proud to have earned.
Barfly Ventures is working hard to be sustainable across all 14 of their locations. These include HopCat in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, and Stella’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, all of which participate in this program. Through their various sustainability efforts, Barfly Ventures has been able to divert waste, recycle, protect clean water, and be more energy efficient.
Visit the Holland Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and support local agriculture. By purchasing locally grown produce, you’re helping to cut back on packaging and emissions that would otherwise be used to transport goods to grocery stores from across the country.
Things to do while going green
When looking for eco-friendly practices and sustainability take notice of the historic architecture and charming small towns throughout West Michigan. They epitomize the green effort, and one of the shining examples of preservation in this part of the state is the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, built in 1882. According to the National Trust, “The greenest building is the one already built.” The organization affirms, “historic preservation is the very definition of sustainability: a smart, efficient way to reuse a community’s resources and keep its character at the same time.”
Saugatuck Antique Pavilion is not only reducing, reusing, and recycling, but they are also updating their lighting system throughout with LED lighting in an effort to cut down on energy use. Stop by the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion and save both money and the planet!
Courtesy Saugatuck Antique Market
Park the car and make your way around Muskegon on your bike. They have over 100 miles of trails for you to explore, including the paved Musketawa Trail from Muskegon to Marne through farmlands, wetlands, and villages. When you bike through West Michigan, you’re saving the Earth from your car’s emissions, so give it a shot. The environment will thank you.
The business of vacationing itself in South Haven makes it easy to go green. Downtown, the river, beaches, and attractions are all within walking distance. You can easily park your car for a week and never have the need to drive, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Enjoy the refreshingly clean breezes of South Haven.
Walking is as simple as it gets for a gentle, low-impact exercise that just about anyone can enjoy. In fact, walking can help prevent and improve many common health issues like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression, to name a few. All you need is a good, supportive pair of walking shoes and a safe place to walk, like Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Avenue in Wyoming.
Metro Health Village has a number of walking routes and even a bike trail — all perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids or a quick, weeknight workout. Download a Walking/Bike Route map here.
Need a little push to get started? Check out the Couch to 5K Training Program. Even if you’re not looking to set any world records, this program will have you up and active in no time!
Motivation is key when starting a new physical activity. Here are some ideas to help you stay focused and interested every day:
Wear a pedometer. Increase your steps a little every day until you reach the recommended 10,000 steps a day.
Get a walking partner – a friend, spouse, child, even the dog!
Super Future, aka Nick Rowland, who calls Grand Rapids his “musical home,” is at home in both the EDM club scene and the open-air festival scene — it is just that he can offer a little more of a “show” outside and on a big stage.
So expect him to break out his guitar this weekend as he takes the stage at Breakaway Music Festival, an electric dance music which will return to the heights of Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25. Super Future will do a 45-minute set from 3-3:45 p.m. on Friday.
“I actually do try to make my outdoor shows more of a show with a guitar and everything, if I can travel safely with it, and Breakaway will be one of those sets,” Rowland said to WKTV. “The sound can be different, but I try to give a little bit of effort toward the type of crowd coming to the show. … For Breakaway I’ll try to stay to my truest self with the guitar, future bass and whatever I feel is at my center.
“Grand Rapids knows me for being sort of an original with no catering to any type of sound. I’m excited to let my experimentation come out in my own city.”
Rowland’s style, according to his website, is “a diverse combination of hard-hitting bass lines, groovy upbeat melodies, and bright future-style synths, all complimented by elements of ethnic and experimental percussion.” You can even find him showing his live music prowess playing live guitar over his original music.
“I’m going to pack as much of my heart as I can into this 30-minute set, so despite the early time slot, fans should really try to make it for this one,” he said. “Live instruments and a ton of my new material will be debuted that day.”
Playing a set in his “musical home” also offers some artistic advantage, Rowland said.
“The traveling is starting to spread out wider and wider, which I’m still getting used to as I have a full-time job, but it’s really enriching to see all the music scenes of new cities in America,” he said. “Breakaway is definitely in a city I would call home, but technically it isn’t my home like in the sense of where I grew up. That’s in Rochester, closer to Detroit.
“However, I would call Grand Rapids my music home, since I came up in this amazing city, and it’s is where I made my first dedicated fanbase. It will undoubtedly feel special, so I’m giving this city a special performance in return. I’ve been holding out on playing a lot of my new album but here I want to debut a few things if I have them ready in time.”
Presented by MiEntertainment and Prime Social Group, Breakaway fest will run 2-11 p.m. each day and several tickets options are available. The 2017 festival was attended by more than 16,000 fans.
Parking and drop-off/pick-up at the festival will come with some options; according to the festival website:
“There are plenty of ways to get to Breakaway, from taking public transportation to rideshare companies, biking and walking from downtown. The only way to park on festival grounds is via a VIP Parking Pass. … (general admission) parking will be limited in the areas around Belknap Park. For that reason, we recommend getting dropped off or taking public transit.”
For more information about tickets, parking, schedules and everything Breakaway, visit breakawayfest.com and/or follow the event using #BreakawayFest or @BreakawayFest.
Downtown St. Joseph, Mich., is doing everything it can to keep the summer vacation spirit alive right up through Labor Day. The Lake Michigan resort community has planned a series of fun activities for all ages Aug. 31–Sept. 3.
It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph. Come back and visit for one more weekend of summer fun! Whether you enjoy the beaches, St. Joseph’s beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, local wineries, and breweries, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, or the downtown Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph Public Art exhibit, there is something for everyone.
The weekend’s activities kick off with a free, outdoor concert on Aug. 31, 7:30pm at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell overlooking the St. Joseph River. Concert sponsor The Boulevard Inn & Bistro will bring Summer Reunion to wow concertgoers with their classic rock.
On Saturday, visitors can get an up-close look at the sailboats that have raced from Chicago in the first leg of the annual Tri-State Regatta. They can then go to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park to bring home fresh-picked apples, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, cheeses, bottles of wine, late summer fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, made-from-scratch pies, fresh cut flowers and much more. The market is open from 9am to 2pm.
From 10am to 5pm along the bluff, regional artisans and crafters will share their talent at the Lake Bluff Artisan Faire. Visitors can also shop and dine in downtown St. Joseph or play on several family friendly beaches.
On Sunday, early risers can send off the sailboats as they race to Indiana. Then from 10am to 5pm, more than 50 vendors will showcase their treasures at Antiques on the Bluff. Music enthusiasts can also enjoy the season’s last Municipal Band concerts at 3:30 and 7:30pm on Sunday and Monday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. Free, horse-drawn trolley rides sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation will entertain all ages from 11am to 2pm (weather permitting).
The fun doesn’t stop after Labor Day weekend. Later in September, St. Joseph will host a Fall Festival weekend to celebrate autumn, which includes family fun activities in the daytime followed by a 21 and over event, Roots & Brews, in the evening. In addition to the many spring and summer events, fall and winter are also jammed packed with fun for all ages.
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center or call 269-985-1111.
Yassou! celebrates the culture and traditions of the Greek Orthodox people. There’s something for everyone — from a great, live band and dance demonstrations, to wine tastings and cooking classes. The food is to die for — appetizers, full meals, sandwiches and side items — and you won’t want to miss the baklava. Trinkets beckon from vendors’ stalls.
Be sure to join hands with members of the dancing circle and dance! Beginners are always welcome. Traditional Greek dancing brings the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, such as weddings.
Yassou! will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 330 Lakeside Dr. NE between Fulton and Michigan. Limited numbers of handicapped spots will be provided within steps of the main admission. Beyond that, nearly 1,000 parking spaces have been reserved within the immediate vicinity of the event. An air-conditioned shuttle is available to transport festival-goers to the event.
For bus riders, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is conveniently located within steps of a Grand Rapids ‘Rapid’ bus stop– bus Route 14 to be exact.
This year, Yassou! will be supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County (CAC) as its charity sponsor. The CAC is a nonprofit, community-based organization that is dedicated to the awareness and reduction of child sexual abuse. For more information, go here.
Tulip Time Festival and the Holland Area Arts Council have announced the 2019 Art in Bloom (AIB) Festival Artwork Competition. Each year, the Holland Area Arts Council invites a juror to select the Top 20 pieces for AIB. Kristin Jass Armstrong, Executive Director of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, will be the 2019 juror.
Until 2011, posters were commissioned work from selected artists. Since AIB transitioned into a Festival Artwork Competition, eight local artists have been awarded this honor:
2011 Beth Charles – “Drama Queens”
2012 Brittany Strabbing – “Beautiful Dream”
2013 Maggie Schultz – “Clothed in Splendor”
2014 Karin Nelson – “Resilience”
2015 Carolyn Stich – “Joy of Spring”
2016 Alla Dickson – “Spectacle”
2017 Michele Gort – “Playful Time”
2018 Cindy Awrey – “Together”
Artists in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo counties are invited to submit artwork. Submissions for the 2019 Festival Artwork Competition will be accepted from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. The artwork theme should represent Tulip Time’s mission to celebrate Holland’s tulips, Dutch heritage and community with special consideration to our 90th festival theme: ‘join the dance as we paint the town orange!’ The winner of the 2019 competition will be announced at First Bloom, a special unveiling reception held in February.
To view the submission forms and full entry requirements, please pick up a prospectus from the Tulip Time Festival Office or the Holland Area Arts Council. The prospectus can also be found online at www.tuliptime.com/artinbloom and www.hollandarts.org.
For additional details, artists are encouraged to contact Mary Sundstrom at (616) 396-3278 or mary@hollandarts.org.
The Tulip Time Festival Guide is now available offering complete details for the 2018 program. Festival Guides can be viewed online or you can request a copy at www.tuliptime.com/join.
Join the dance as we paint the town orange in celebration of Dutch Culture, Community and Tulips at the 90th Tulip Time Festival May 4–23, 2019.
“Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things.” — Kenneth Branagh, British actor
Celebrate Kentwood with all sorts of talent
Hannah Rose and the GravesTones. (Supplied)
Kentwood City Hall and the surrounding area will be buzzing with activity on Aug. 11 as the community’s Celebrate Kentwood event returns for a day of fun and celebration and music from both professionals and amateurs, as also returning to the annual festival will be Kentwood’s Got Talent. Modeled after the popular TV show, the talent competition will feature singers, dancers and other performers from the community. Show time is set for 7p.m. For more information, click here.
Tourist Association seeks help in photo contest judging
The West Michigan Tourist Association is inviting the public to vote on the Top 50 finalist photos in the West Michigan Photo Contest. The 2018 West Michigan Photo Contest received over 900 photo submissions showcasing West Michigan during the month of July, and WMTA has narrowed the entries down to the top 50 photos, which the public is invited to vote on to help select the winning photographs. To get the details, click here.
Go ahead; go all rubber ducky
The 31st Annual Rubber Ducky festival kicks off on Monday, Aug. 13 in Downtown Bellaire and runs through Sunday, Aug. 19. The festival features several week-long events, including Bay Area Big Band, Community Paddle Event, Commission on Aging Picnic and Car Show, Duck and Glow 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kiddie Dash, Corn Hole Tournament, Kids Activities, and Rubber Ducky Parade and Race. For more on the event, click here.
And today’s fun fact:
2,583
The total number of rubber ducks included in the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest collection of rubber ducks, as awarded to one Charlotte Lee in 2007 (according to a 2010 report). It is unclear if Ms. Lee was/is married.
The 31st Annual Rubber Ducky festival kicks off on Monday, Aug. 13 in Downtown Bellaire and runs through Sunday, Aug. 19. The festival features several week-long events, including Bay Area Big Band, Community Paddle Event, Commission on Aging Picnic and Car Show, Duck and Glow 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kiddie Dash, Corn Hole Tournament, Kids Activities, and Rubber Ducky Parade and Race. Finish the week with the return of the Short’s Glacial Hills Challenge XC on Sunday.
Rubber Ducky Festival’s biggest day is on Saturday, Aug. 18, with a quarter-mile race as 2000 yellow ducks are dumped into the Intermediate River, after Bellaire’s largest parade of the year, with the finish line at RIVERSIDE MARINA. Visitors can buy a $5 race ticket that corresponds to the number on a Rubber Duck. Ducks finishing the “Top 27” win a cash prize. Prizes: 1st – $500; 2nd – $300; 3rd – $100; 4th-7th place – $50; 8th-27th place – $10. Participants do not have to be present to win.
Saturday also features a Fine Arts & Craft Show at the Antrim County Courthouse, Kid’s “Ducking Park” including games for all ages, bounce houses & slides, face painting, and a FREE kid’s movie. Downtown Bellaire will be alive with sidewalk and library book sales. Bellaire’s biggest parade of the season kicks off at 3pm, followed by the dropping of 2,000 ducks at the North Bridge Street Bridge. End the night with the 2nd Annual Community BBQ, Music by Frank Sinatra (aka Billy McAllister) and Jukebox Saturday Night.
This year’s festival is part of Bellaire’s 12 Days of Summer Celebration, Aug. 8-19, kicking off with the 3-day Antrim County Fair, with a restaurant cook-off, dog show, family movie night and horse pulls Aug. 9-11.
For a full schedule of events or to be a vendor, visit the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce website at bellairechamber.org or call Bellaire Chamber of Commerce at 231-533-6023.
Tuesday was primary election day in Michigan. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
Quote of the (Primary Election) Day
“Trust is not something that’s given because you win an election; it is something you have to earn.” — Tom Perez
Dead people should not vote
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, left, with new voting equipment.(Supplied/SOS office)
The Michigan Department of State recently detailed that as part of the state’s election security readiness, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and the state’s Bureau of Elections have cleared the state’s voting registration rolls of about 1.2 million names since 2011, including more than 500,000 dead people. To get the details, click here.
Some got talent; some …
Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues. (Supplied)
Kentwood City Hall and the surrounding area will be buzzing with activity on Aug. 11 as the community’s Celebrate Kentwood event returns for a day of fun and celebration and music from both professionals and amateurs, as also returning to the annual festival will be Kentwood’s Got Talent. Modeled after the popular TV show, the talent competition will feature singers, dancers and other performers from the community. Show time is set for 7p.m. For more information, click here.
Give the gift of life, give blood
(U.S. Air National Guard photo)
Metro Health-University of Michigan Health will hold a blood drive Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Manistee Community Room of the Metro Health Professional Building at 2122 Health Dr., Wyoming. For more on the drive, click here.
And today’s fun fact(s):
38 and 10
Approximately 38 percent of the national population is eligible to donate, but annually less than 10 percent actually does. Each year, 4.5 million Americans would die without blood transfusions.
Once again the communities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be participating in National Night Out — this year on Tuesday, Aug. 7 — where residents are encouraged to turn their porch light on and come out and meet their neighbors. Go here for more info.
Wyoming hosts its last on-the-road meeting for the summer on Monday, Aug. 6.
“These are just great opportunities to get out in the community,” said Mayor Jack Poll during the meeting at Del-Mar. “We want our citizens to feel that we are very approachable and that they can come and talk with us.”
On Monday’s agenda are several items that will cover projects for the city’s parks and recreation and public works department along with several bid proposals and ordinance changes.
Michigan has an endless supply of grandchild-friendly activities, meaning long summer days filled with endless smiles and continuous laughter. These are the precious memories that last a lifetime.
The KDL Kelloggsville branch will host a Dot Mandala Painting Workshop Thursday, Aug 9. Go here for more details.
Fun fact:
Octopuses lay 56,000 eggs at a time.
The mother spends six months so devoted to protecting the eggs that she doesn’t eat. The babies are the size of a grain of rice when they’re born. (Source.) Then mom dies. And that's the thanks she gets.
Summer is in full swing here here in Michigan, and aside from the warm days and clear skies, summer means that the kids are out of school. Whether they’re around the corner or coming for a special visit, spending quality time with your grandkids is a great way to enjoy the season, and there are so many options for fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Having an itinerary for good weather and bad is essential for any grandparent, but which activities should be added to the list of must do’s? Here are 6 ideas for summer fun with the grandkids!
Rock Painting
Rock painting is a fun activity perfect for all ages. It’s also inexpensive, as most of us can find buckets of rocks in our backyard. Art projects are fun for everyone, but there’s more value in getting creative than just enjoyment: kids get to be expressive and work on problem-solving skills, and everyone gets a lasting keepsake from the visit.
There’s no right or wrong way to do rock painting. Just find any rocks, large or small, then wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand on the surface. Acrylic paints are easy to find, washable, and dry quickly–just be sure to seal it with a spray sealant to make sure that your craft stays vibrant.
Baking
We all know how Michigan weather can be. One minute it’s a bright sunny day, and the next it’s a gloomy downpour. Baking is the perfect activity to make the most of less-than-perfect weather.
The family recipes will forever hold a place in your grandkids hearts, and passing along recipes is a meaningful way to make memories. But you can also consider mixing it up a bit with a more unconventional recipe. For example, kids love the creativity and silliness involved in making kitchen sink cookies. They consist of whatever you have lying around: nuts, candies, spices–the options are limitless. This is a great way to get your grandkids engaged and thinking creatively. You might end up with peanut butter and mint cookies with Cheerios on top, but you’ll have a blast bonding with your grandkids. Just remember, it’s best to make small batches.
Picnics
Everyone loves a good picnic. Getting away and eating a meal outside is a break in most people’s usual day-to-day, and they’re so easy to organize. Try picking a spot that’s near a nature walk or in a park. After you are done eating you can play and explore until your heart’s content.
Visiting an animal shelter
Visiting an animal shelter is another excellent rainy day activity. Many shelters have rooms for kids, under supervision, to interact and play with cats or dogs. Some shelters will even let you walk the animals. This serves a dual purpose: animals are socialized and more likely to make good pets, and your grandkids will have a blast interacting with them. Visiting animal shelters is also a valuable educational experience. It’s a way to build empathy towards animals, and inspire kids to give back to their communities.
Science experiments
Doing science experiments with your grandkids is educational and fun. It’s important to always keep children engaged with learning, even over the summer, and easy science projects are a great way to get them interested. There is nothing more memorable than watching their faces as they light up with wonder and amazement from a toilet paper rocket blasting off.
There are many science kits you can buy online or at the store, but you don’t have to spend a lot to create exciting projects. There are countless DIY experiments you find online. For example, try putting an egg in vinegar and watch as it dissolves the shell. Learn more about how plants grow by putting celery stalks in colored water. Or, you can always do the classic Mentos in diet soda trick to make an explosion–just put safety first, and be ready for some sticky clean-up!
Making jam
Michigan is full of amazing orchards and farms with a ‘pick your own’ option available. The summer offers a variety of fruit to choose from. The most popular ones include strawberries, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and raspberries. Native Michigan fruits are a delicious treat when eaten fresh, but you can make them into another fun, educational activity by creating jams and preserves. Everything tastes better homemade, and jams are no exception. They’ll get to see the process from start to finish and bring home a sample of their work.
In the summer months, explore different ways you to connect with your grandkids. Michigan has an endless supply of grandchild-friendly activities, meaning long summer days filled with endless smiles and continuous laughter. These are the precious memories that last a lifetime.
As part of its Parks Master Planning events, the City of Kentwood has scheduled an ice cream social today, Aug. 1, at Northeast Park from 6 to 8 p.m.
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
As part of The City of Kentwood continuing effort to seek public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming through a series of Parks Master Planning events, the city has scheduled an ice cream social today, Aug. 1, at Northeast Park from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hosted by the city, the event will include complimentary ice cream for participants.
Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Kentwood’s parks by sharing their ideas which will be used as a basis for future parks and recreation development.
“We welcome all residents and park users to join us at these events to help plan our parks,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied information. “We want to know what improvements the community wants to see. These events offer the perfect platform to share stories and insights as we begin to transform our parks.”
Following the event at Northeast Park, other opportunities for input will be offered during other upcoming community events including the Celebrate Kentwood gathering on Aug. 11, and the End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Sept. 15.
Photo of Daniel Miraval by Abbey Miller, Michigan State University Extension
ByAbbey Miller, Michigan State University Extension
Twenty-seven years ago, the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Master Gardener Program changed Daniel Miraval’s life.
“I was an at-risk youth from the southwest side of Detroit and was given a scholarship to attend a Master Gardener Program, which I successfully completed,” Miraval said. “That program led me into an amazing 26-year-career in horticulture and arboriculture.”
“For me it was the first opportunity to actually engage in an advanced training related to my job which was in the green industry. I learned the basic building blocks and foundation of horticulture and arboriculture. Upon realizing that it was actually a learnable discipline, it was then I decided to stick with it as a career. It would be much later that I used that to make it a profession.”
The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program is an adult horticulture education and volunteer leader program committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan through horticulture-based volunteerism and beautifying communities throughout the state. The program provides instruction in basic, research-based horticulture science to motivated and active gardeners through an adult (18 years or older) educational program offered by MSU Extension. Once trained, Master Gardeners educate others in the community about environmentally and economically sound practices through horticulture-based volunteer activities.
In 1991 at 19 years old, Miraval did not have a clear picture of what he wanted to do. He struggled in school, eventually dropping out, and he had been in trouble with the law as a juvenile. Miraval needed a job and applied for a position at Marvin’s Gardens, a small landscape company, owned by Marvin Welch Jr.
“I’ve always said that the green industry saved my life,” Miraval said. “Had I not been given this opportunity, I may very well not have ended up as successful and accomplished as I have or be dead or in jail or prison.”
Shortly after starting at Marvin’s Gardens, Miraval realized that he had an affinity for and wanted to pursue a career in landscaping because as he says, “landscaping leaves a lasting mark.”
Welch showed an interest in Miraval’s progress and suggested Miraval take a Master Gardener class.
“He gave me a phone number for the Master Gardener Program,” Miraval said. “I called, they said the price and it was beyond my ability to pay.”
However, there was a hardship scholarship program. Welch advised Miraval to tell his story in a letter of application for the scholarship.
Miraval received the scholarship and attended the Master Gardener class. Looking back, Miraval recalls this class was one of the first major commitments he had ever made in his life.
“I was intimidated by Michigan State University in the title of the class,” Miraval said. “I didn’t graduate high school, but now was doing something with MSU.”
“The Master Gardener course provided me with the opportunity to explore the industry and guide me — it saved my life. I would not have put into practice follow-through and commitment. That was my first lesson. Taking the class opened doors for me. It also reaffirmed the fact that being broke is economic, but being poor is a debilitating state of mind. It taught me that when you do find success, you use it as a tool.
“I still refer to the Master Gardener curriculum from time to time,” he said. “The foundation of what I have learned as an arborist is in here [the Master Gardener curriculum] and whoever provided the funding that let me participate 27 years ago, when I had nothing, saved my life.”
Miraval credits the MSU Master Gardener program for helping people like him, who may not have succeeded in traditional education platforms, still attain levels of industry professionalism. He gives full recognition of his success today to where becoming a professional began for him in Welch’s class.
Following the class, Welch continued to serve as Miraval’s first mentor, but certainly was not his last mentor.
“Marvin said I should work for a nursery – a big one. Vidosh was one of those he suggested,” Miraval said.
During a job interview, Miraval recalled that Bruce White, Vidosh Landscape Center owner and operator and MSU horticulture graduate, asked what his 3- to 5-year plan was. Miraval told him he wanted to be like White. Miraval was offered the job where he continued to learn more about the green industry.
“Bruce was the one who recognized my passion for wanting to be a better person and to be part of a winning team,” Miraval said. “He was the one who taught me about hard work and following through with everything you set out to do. He really took me under his wing with the specific intention of recreating me. He became my mentor a month after I graduated from the Master Gardener class when I walked into his office, certificate and test score in hand, looking for more than a job but an opportunity. He served as a mentor for 19 years.”
Miraval then met White’s brother, Wayne White, owner of Emerald Tree Care LLC and MSU forestry graduate.
“Wayne has been a mentor of increasing involvement for the last 10 years, but his influence, commitment to my success and leaving a legacy has been an intense focus for the last 5 years. He is a true champion of mine and how my taking the steps and action to become a Master Gardener showed my passion for the green industry but more importantly it showed my determination to better myself by utilizing whatever means necessary and for me the first step was the Master Gardener Program.
“I think the bottom line is these mentors all taught me the basics of self-motivation, follow-through, work ethic and taking action,” Miraval said. “That seems to be what the Master Gardener Program scholarship contained. Being made available by some endowment I would imagine. I wish I could find out who those people were, and if they are still around, so I could personally thank each one of them. They believed in me without even knowing who I was. I want them to know that the program was a success for me and thank them. Every program needs metrics to prove its worth. I really don’t know what else to say other than thank you and the Master Gardener Program was like a magic carpet.”
Miraval continues to be surrounded by mentors that encourage his success and teach him lessons to live by. As he pursues Advanced Credentials in the Green Industry, he came in contact with Steve Martinko of Contenders Tree and Lawn, LLC from White Lake, Michigan. Steve has been a friend and mentor that has helped Miraval plan for the next ten years in his business.
Today, Miraval is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and a co-owner of Green Extraction Technologies LLC, based near Chicago. They specialize in root collar excavation, corrective pruning and provide contract digging services for nurseries and specialized plant health care for residents, homeowner associations, municipalities and other organized properties. Among Miraval’s clients are Virginia farms Ingleside Plantation Nurseries, located on over 2,500 acres with 1,000 acres of nursery production, and White House Natives, LLC, dedicated to growing and harvesting 96 different species of native plant materials on their 25 acre site.
In addition to being a professional ISA member, Miraval serves on the Chicago Region Trees Initiative Tree Risk Management work group and is an Openlands TreeKeeper. He is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association and the Illinois Arborist Association, of which he is a current board nominee. He is a certified tree safety person (CTSP), a certified Illinois pesticide applicator and an Illinois real estate agent.
“When I decided to become a an ISA–certified arborist, I reached back to the Master Gardener Program in respect to compartmentalizing how again this daunting advanced studying I wanted to do was similar to the Master Gardener Program. The information is there, it’s well presented and laid out, and all you have to do is apply yourself and inject your passion, and success is imminent.
“I hope my story inspires someone else or at least the people who make the policies that make these programs possible so they continue to fund them.
“The green industry is a very powerful industry in many ways. Trees are life. They saved mine and now I save theirs.”
West Michigan is rich in natural resources, and the best way to immerse yourself in this bounty is by exploring one of the area’s many trails. Whether you want to get lost in the woods, have a destination in mind, or simply want to wander in the outdoors, you’ll find a great way below to hit the trails. Whether you’re traveling by foot or by bike, once you’ve experienced West Michigan’s immersive trails you’ll have a hard time getting back in the car at the end of the day.
Trail Systems
Kal-Haven Trail
Bikes, kayaks, and canoes are all welcome in South Haven. The Kal-Haven and Van Buren trails each allow biking and hiking, while the Black River is open for all your kayaking needs. The Covert/South Haven KOA, Lake Bluff Inn & Suites, and Yelton Manor Bed & Breakfast are all located in South Haven along the Kal-Haven Trail. Spend your day exploring before returning to your accommodations for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Hart-Montague Trail
From snowmobiles and bikes to biking and hiking, you’ll find a trail for everything in the White Lake area. Their crown jewel is the Hart-Montague Trail, a 22-mile paved trail that takes you from Montague to the beautiful beaches and sand dunes of Hart. Even more trails await you the White Lake area! Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast in Montague is located near bike, horseback, and snowmobiling trails. Enjoy your stay at this intimate, cozy and simply grand retreat in a heritage farm-style setting. Buzz’s Lakeside Inn in Whitehall sits on 365 feet of shoreline on beautiful White Lake, where you can paddleboard and kayak. Nearby trails for hiking and biking will surely keep you active during your stay
Whitefish Point Trail
Located near the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, the new Whitefish Point Trail is a unique trek through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The boardwalk and wooded trail is over two miles, ending at Whitefish Point.
Lansing River Trail
Located in Lansing, the Lansing River Trail offers over 15 miles of biking, walking, and running trails along the banks of the Red Cedar and the Grand Rivers. The Lansing River Trail winds through Lansing’s 10 city and county parks, three museums, two rivers, one creek, and even past a zoo.
North Country Trail
Located near the North Country Trail, Fred Meijer Grand River Trail, and Flat River Trail, the Lowell area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Located on 327 acres outside of Cadillac, Evergreen Resort has access to the White Pine Trail for motorized and non-motorized trail activities. Their on-site Vita Trail offers hiking and cross-country skiing during the winter. With miles of trails for every outdoor excursion, there is always a reason to relish in the outdoors.
City Built Brewing Company in Grand Rapids is positioned along a trail that is a connector for both the Kent Trails and the White Pine trail system. Stop by for a beer or some of their non-traditional brewhouse fare.
Deerfield Nature Trail
The Deerfield Nature Trail in Mt. Pleasant offers eight miles of hiking and biking trails, leading to a covered bridge, campsites, and beautiful vistas near the Chippewa River.
Calhoun Country Trailway
Battle Creek is home to the Calhoun County Trailway and Linear Park. The trailway is 5.6 miles of paved trails, while the trail at Linear Park runs along the river through downtown Battle Creek.
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is the newest Kalamazoo County Park! The trail is free to use and has a paved-asphalt surface that is 10-feet wide. It’s a multi-purpose trail for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo has direct access to the Kalamazoo River for kayaks and canoes and over 20 miles of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail’s paved bike and pedestrian pathways. Have a brew or some food over a game of shuffleboard and cornhole before heading back out on the river and trails.
Lakeside Trail
The 15-mile Lakeside Trail runs right along the Grand Haven-Spring Lake Holiday Inn. They are also located on the banks of the Grand River, the gateway to Lake Michigan.
Betsie Valley Trail
Vacation Trailer Park is located in the heart of Benzie County. They suggest the Betsie Valley Trail for hiking and biking and the Betsie River for a scenic trip along the waterway.
Both the Harbor Lights Resort and Hotel Frankfort are also located near the Betsie Valley Trailway in Frankfort. If you’re looking to grab a drink or meal during your stay, Stormcloud Brewing Company is only half a block from the trail, making it a go-to watering hole after your day exploring the great outdoors.
Kentwood City Hall and the surrounding area will be buzzing with activity on Aug. 11 as the community’s Celebrate Kentwood event returns for a day of fun and celebration.
This year’s festival will be one jam-packed day of events at City Hall and the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch featuring family-friendly activities, local food vendors, community booths, a beer garden and live music.
Also returning to the annual festival will be the classic car show and Kentwood’s Got Talent. Modeled after the popular TV show, the talent competition will feature singers, dancers and other performers from the community.
“The 50th Anniversary Celebrate Kentwood festival was such a great event that the fun, food, and entertainment will return on Aug. 11,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All of West Michigan is welcome to join as we enjoy the diverse culture and talent that makes Kentwood a desired place to work and raise a family.”
The day will rev up at 9 a.m. with the classic car show, featuring dozens of antique, classic and one-of-a-kind cars. Also kicking off the day will be a myriad of local vendors at the Kentwood Farmers Market, offering fresh produce, popcorn, cheese, honey and more.
A variety of family-friendly attractions will be on-site from noon to 4 p.m. There will be inflatables for kids to climb, and carnival games to enjoy, among other kid-friendly activities.
A previous Kentwood’s Got talent contestant. (WKTV)
Featured talent from around West Michigan will take the stage at noon for Kentwood’s Got Talent. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize. Contestants will have up to five minutes to wow the judges with their talents. The show begins at noon and is free and open to the public.
Food trucks will gather behind City Hall at 11 a.m. to offer a variety of savory and sweet snacks and beverages. Community booths from all over West Michigan will also line the streets. A beer garden will be open to adults 21 and older from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Live music will be featured on the main stage throughout the evening. The lineup includes: 2:30-4 p.m., Allie Garland & Awesome Sauce; 4:30-5:30 p.m., Hannah Rose and the GravesTones; 6-7:30 p.m., Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues; and 8-10 p.m., Avalon Cutts-Jones Music.
Celebrate Kentwood’s presenting sponsor is DTE Energy Foundation. Platinum level sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Mobile Solutions. A full list of sponsors is available online.
The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for Celebrate Kentwood. There are also openings for the car show and for community booths. Sign-up information and a timeline of events can be found online here.
Take precautions before and after entering the pool to stay healthy. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
By Susan Hollman Krieger, Spectrum Health Beat
You know that sign at the entryway of your local pool that asks you to shower before entering the water? Do it.
And then make sure to shower again after you are done swimming for the day. You may be saving yourself and other swimmers a miserable summertime bout of diarrhea.
According to the CDC, although both E. coli and norovirus are eliminated by chlorine and other chemicals used in pools, cryptosporidium survives for up to 10 days. People who have or who recently had diarrhea can carry the parasite into the pool, exposing other swimmers. They, in turn, develop diarrhea a few days later.
So is the answer to stay out of swimming pools and head for one of Michigan’s beautiful lakes?
Not necessarily, said George Fogg, MD, PhD, an infectious disease specialist with Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
“This parasite has always been around in our pools. It only receives attention when there is an outbreak of cases in a water park or in a community, for example, when cryptosporidium got into the Milwaukee municipal water supply,” Dr. Fogg explained. “The two most common parasites that can cause diarrhea are giardia and cryptosporidium and they have been around for a long time. We are seeing more incidences lately because we are doing a better job of detecting and reporting the cause of these intestinal disorders.”
Dr. Fogg said that swimmers developing diarrhea after being in a pool is still “very uncommon. You have a greater risk of getting norovirus on a cruise ship than getting cryptosporidium in a swimming pool—it is very rare.”
He recommends that swimmers who do experience diarrhea inform their health provider, although they will likely see the condition “self-correct” within a few days.
While there isn’t currently a chemical that is both safe to use in a pool and that would kill the parasite, Dr. Fogg said that taking normal precautions will help swimmers stay healthy.
Avoid ingesting any pool water. “That is how it gets into your system.”
Shower before and after swimming. “Soap can remove the spores from your skin and prevent you from inadvertently ingesting them through touch.”
Stay out of the pool if you have a compromised immune system. “That is who we really worry about—people who have other health conditions who are particularly vulnerable to parasites.”
All in all, Dr. Fogg said not to let unnecessary worry about what’s in the water curtail your traditional summer activities.
The Crane Wives are set to take the stage on Kentwood City Hall’s lawn as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
Made up of band members Dan Rickabus, Emilee Petersmark, Ben Zito and Kate Pillsbury, The Crane Wives got their start while attending college at Grand Valley State University. Though the band has changed its sound over the years, listeners can expect to hear the mix of folk and indie pop in their music that gives them their unique sound.
“In Japanese folklore, the crane wife is a bird disguised as a woman who spins fine silks from her own feathers, until her identity is discovered,” according to the band’s website. “The Crane Wives spin fine songs from whole cloth, and you will never want the melodies to leave your head.”
After making recent tour stops throughout the country, the band will be returning home to play for the crowds that gave them their start.
“It’s special when we play back home,” Pillsbury told the WKTV Journal. “We’re incredibly thankful to the West Michigan community for being supportive of our art.”
Concert goers can expect to hear songs like “Here I Am”, which explores social injustices people face in urban communities. Listeners can also expect to hear songs from all four albums of the band’s seven-year career.
In addition to a variety of music, the Kentwood concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series offers free outdoor concerts until August. The final concert will provide music from Blue Soul Express on Aug. 2 at Kentwood City Hall located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
By Linda Cronk, Michigan State University Extension
Regular exercise and physical activity are vital at any age, including for older adults. The National Institute on Aging says that being active helps older adults:
Keep and improve strength to stay independent
Have more energy to do things
Improve balance
Prevent or delay some diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis
Perk up mood and reduce depression
According to Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, by Dr. Kate Lorig, to get the greatest benefit from physical activity, older adults need to try four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercise.
Endurance activity
Many older adults avoid endurance activity, also called aerobic exercise, because they are unsure about how much is safe for older adults. “The most important thing is that some activity is better than none,” Dr. Lorig said. “If you start off doing what is comfortable and increase your efforts gradually, it is likely that you will build a healthy, lifelong habit.” There are three building blocks for a safe, moderate-intensity goal for endurance activity:
Frequency means how often you exercise. The Center for Disease Control recommends aerobic physical activity in episode of at least 10 minutes and, if possible, spread it out through the week.
Intensity is how much effort you use or how hard you work. Endurance or aerobic exercise is safe at a moderate intensity. You will feel warmer, you breathe deeper and faster, your heart rate will rise moderately and you will still feel like you can continue a while longer.
Time is how long you exercise each time you are active. At least 10 minutes is a good starting place. If that is too challenging, start with a smaller amount of time. You can work up from there, with a moderate intensity goal of 150 minutes per week. You can try to attain your 150 minute goal by exercising 30 minutes five days per week.
Strength training
We need to exercise our muscles in order to maintain our physical strength as we get older. Otherwise, our muscles shrink from lack of use. According to the book Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, moderate-intensity muscle-strengthening exercise of all major muscle groups should be done at least two days per week.
Flexibility exercises
Being flexible means you can move comfortably in your daily life with a minimum of pain and stiffness. A series of gentle stretching exercises done at least three to four days per week can help you improve and maintain flexibility as you get older.
Balance exercises
Falling is one of the most challenging events for older adults. Injury from falls, such as broken bones, is a common experience for those with balance issues. Strong and coordinated muscles in your core and legs are key for good balance. Certain exercises, including qi gong, tai chi, yoga and others are good for improving and maintaining balance.
You can find a free user-friendly exercise book and DVD through the National Institute on Aging website called Go4Life.
According to Michigan State University Extension, once you start exercising and become more physically active, you will begin to see results quickly. In a few short weeks, you will feel stronger and more energetic, and you will be able to do things easier, faster or longer than before. Your body will get used to a higher level of activity and you can continue to build on those benefits by doing more. Be sure to check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program.
Photo courtesy of Michigan State University Extension
By Bonnie Lehman, Michigan State University Extension
Spring and summer in Michigan are great times for parents to garden outside with their children. Gardening together can be beneficial for bonding with children, educational and fun if safety is the first consideration.
Protecting children from exposure to toxic outdoor plants is crucial for keeping children safe. Ingesting plants and planting materials is a common hazard for children. Parents know how fast their small children can pick up anything and everything to put it in their mouth!
When purchasing outdoor plants, consider using safe, non-toxic plants. Plant buyers that want to protect children might not know which plants are non-toxic and will need a reliable, educational source. One source that is available free of charge is the National Capital Poison Center. This site offers a list of plants of poisonous and non-poisonous plants. The common name and botanical name are both listed. The list can be copied and taken with you when purchasing plants.
Know all of the plant names that are in your yard. The National Capital Poison Center and your regional poison center say it is important to know all the names of plants in your yard or home. The Poison Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 on a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week basis. They will need the common name or botanical name of a plant, otherwise they cannot positively identify plants over the phone. Keeping a written list of the plant names and location in your yard can assist child caregivers if they need to call the poison center. Be sure to store bulbs and seeds out of children’s reach.
The parent is the first teacher in a child’s life. Teach your children not to put plants, berries, soil, leaves, bark, seeds and any plant material in their mouth. Young children need patience and repeated messages to learn this skill. Even when a parent thinks the child has outgrown the stage of putting something in their mouth, they could still do it.
Be safety–minded. When gardening together with your child, remember that accidents can happen at unexpected times. They also can happen fast. Keep a watchful eye out for young children exploring the outdoors and think safety first.
Kentwood: City continues extensive effort to gain public input on parks
The City of Kentwood continues to seek public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming as part of a series of Parks Master Planning events. The next in the series will take place Thursday, July 19, at the City of Kentwood Summer Concert series concert, but there are several other opportunities as well.
Wyoming and Kentwood: Calvin College works in Plaster Creek watershed
Calvin Students at Plaster Creek (Photo by Amanda Impens)
The environmental project is in collaboration with the Plaster Creek Stewards, with a group of Calvin faculty, staff, and students have been working over a decade on the restoration of the Plaster Creek watershed, which includes both cities.
WKTV on YouTube: Wyoming Public Safety millage informational discussion
The City of Wyoming’s request to renew its existing public safety millage on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. Millage renewal approval would provide a permanent annual collection of 1.25 mills for the operation, maintenance and administration of city police and fire services. Discussion the request is City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Chief Kim Koster, Wyoming Public Safety Director.
Kent County and Airbnb announced on July 18 a tax agreement authorizing the company to collect hotel taxes on behalf of its Kent County hosts and remit the revenue directly to the county.
With the tax agreement in place, Kent County will fully benefit from people visiting the region and staying longer through home sharing. Effective Aug. 1, Airbnb will automatically collect and remit the Kent County Lodging Excise tax (also known as the hotel/motel tax) for taxable bookings, making the process seamless and efficient for local Airbnb hosts and the county.
“As a global platform, helping hosts meet their income tax obligations is just one of the steps we have taken to contribute to the communities our hosts and guests call home,” Airbnb states on their website. “Over the last four years, we’ve also partnered with hundreds of governments around the globe to make it easier for our hosts and guests to pay their fair share of hotel and tourist taxes. By April 15, 2018, we will have entered into tax agreements with over 370 jurisdictions globally, and collected and remitted more than $592 million in hotel and tourist taxes throughout the world.”
Kent County is the latest of those tax agreements.
“We appreciate the cooperation of Airbnb in helping us achieve this agreement,” Ken Parrish, Kent County Treasurer, said in supplied material. “The Voluntary Collection Agreement allows Airbnb hosts to operate without having to try to calculate occupancy taxes. It also simplifies collection and audit processes; we have one solo, corporate taxpayer rather than many individual business operators. This agreement provides transparency and fairness for all of our lodging partners as well.”
The county’s top administrator also praised the agreement.
“I’m pleased to see this cooperative arrangement come together, thanks to the efforts of Airbnb staff and our teams in the Treasurer’s Office, the Administrator’s Office and Corporate Counsel,” Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller, said in supplied material. “Our hotel/lodging industry should be treated fair and equitably. The arrangement with Airbnb helps in covering the expense for increased tourism and promotes economic well-being for our region.”
Collecting and remitting hotel taxes can be incredibly complicated. The rules were designed for traditional hospitality providers and large hotel corporations with teams of lawyers and accountants.
This marks Airbnb’s third tax agreement in Michigan.
The company previously collaborated last year with the Michigan Treasury Department on a historic tax partnership to collect and remit the Michigan use tax on all taxable bookings throughout the state. More recently, Airbnb and Genesee County announced an agreement allowing Airbnb to collect their local occupancy tax.
About 22,000 Airbnb guests experienced Kent County in 2017, which reflected 76 percent year-over-year growth.
For more information on Airbnb, visit airbnb.com .
The City of Kentwood continues to seek public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming as part of a series of Parks Master Planning events. The next in the series will take place Thursday, July 19, at the City of Kentwood Summer Concert series concert featuring The Moxie Strings at Kentwood City Hall.
Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Kentwood’s parks by sharing their ideas which will be used as a basis for future parks and recreation development.
“We are eager to engage the community to help guide the future of our parks and recreation for the next 50 years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied information.
Other upcoming community events include an ice cream social at Northeast Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 1, the Celebrate Kentwood gathering on Aug. 11, and the End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Sept. 15.
“We welcome all residents and park users to join us at these events to help plan our parks,” Romeo said. “We want to know what improvements the community wants to see. These events offer the perfect platform to share stories and insights as we begin to transform our parks.”
E. Coli, a largely harmless but occasionally dangerous bacteria present in animal and human feces, is found throughout the Plaster Creek watershed. The E. Coli strains present in the watershed from animal waste are likely the product of agricultural runoff. However, when it comes to the E. Coli from human waste, according to professor Kelly DuBois, “it’s really not known where that’s coming from.”
So, does DuBois, a professor of biology, intend to track down the source? “Based on how often they’re finding [E. Coli]—all over the place—it can’t be one source, so we have a really small chance of pinpointing all the sources and shutting them all down,” said DuBois.
Instead, she is working with a group of student researchers to assess if green infrastructure installations could be an environmentally safe solution. In particular, they are looking at the impact of Kreiser pond, a retention basin installed in a residential area of Grand Rapids four or five years ago, “which is essentially a U-shaped little pond,” built to slow rainwater runoff. “We know it slows the flow down, it absolutely works for that,” said DuBois, “but my question was: what is it doing with the microbes in the water?”
A collaborative legacy
While according to DuBois, “it’s been shown in some instances that green infrastructure can be really efficient at removing bacterial contamination,” she hopes to prove that it’s effective in Plaster Creek’s case so that future green infrastructure projects in the watershed can be designed with microbial reduction in mind.
The project is in collaboration with the Plaster Creek Stewards, a group of Calvin faculty, staff, and students who have been working over a decade on the restoration of the Plaster Creek watershed. “It’s a fun group to be a part of,” said DuBois, “because there’s so much collaboration, and everyone comes at it from a little different perspective.”
DuBois was inspired to work with Plaster Creek Stewards after doing research through Calvin’s Clean Water Institute last year. “I was really excited to be a part of [the Clean Water Institute], and that has kind of led to [working with Plaster Creek],” she said, “because I developed that skill set last summer with my student, it was like ‘hey, we can apply these [tools] to Plaster Creek too!”
Pursuing proper stewardship
“As biologists, obviously, creation care is something that’s very important to us,” DuBois said, “I honestly love bench science, but it’s nice to have a project [where] it’s easier for students to see the direct connection with taking care of creation.” She added, “we can see, when we measure stuff in that water, that humans have had a negative impact on this little part of creation, and so it’s very practical to say we want to turn that around now.”
One of the student researchers, Kate DeHeer, a junior majoring in biology and biochemistry, has observed firsthand the positive community impacts of the Steward’s work: “we’ve only been out to the pond twice, but have met around five neighbors interested in our work.” She added, “they all seem to be fond of Kreiser and were happy to have it in their neighborhood.”
According to Tobe Ndika, a junior biology major with a pre-med concentration, “[this research] has made me aware of the need for stewardship towards God’s creation.” He added “I feel called to make the world a better place.”
Construction is expected to begin on the new Ottawa Beach Marina in mid-October, with plans to open spring 2019, but preparations have already begun for next season’s marina customers.
The Ottawa Beach Marina will have 15 seasonal slips, four moorings, and 26 transient slips. As stipulated by a 2005 court agreement, members of the West Michigan Park Association were given the first opportunity to reserve seasonal slips at market rate. At this time, up to seven seasonal slips and two moorings are still available for rent for the 2019 season. Due to the anticipated interest in slips, they will be available via a lottery.
The 26 transient slips will be managed by Ottawa County Parks and fees are recommended to follow the State Fee Schedule C for transient slips in Michigan.
Transient slips will be a great opportunity for visitors in the area to enjoy Holland from the water, especially if they are staying in campgrounds near the Holland State Park or renting cottages near the beach. Residents who may not be interested in paying for a seasonal slip may enjoy having the option to keep their boat in the water during a long weekend or stay-cation. There is not a boat launch on-site; trailer storage will likely be available. More information coming soon.
We intend to start construction immediately after October 15 and have the marina operational by Memorial Day of 2019. If the season is shorter due to construction delays, we will adjust marina rent in weekly increments based on a season running from May 20 through September 17.
We will do all we can to be open by Memorial Day and we will keep in touch with our slip renters as to how the project is proceeding.
Marina details
Docks will be fixed, not floating. Please note that the location of the seasonal slips is east of the private residence (see layout). Seasonal marina patrons will park in the lot and walk via the public walkway to the marina. There is no access along waterfront in front of the private residence.
Slip rates are $100 per foot with an overall rate based on the size of the boat or slip, whichever is larger.
Boats (including platforms and sprits, etc) may extend up to 10% beyond the dock length on the 40’ slips. Smaller boats are welcome in the 40′ slip, but the minimum rate is $4,000 a season.
Moorings are priced at $40/foot; dinghy storage is included.
One parking space per slip will be provided in a dedicated parking lot. The first five spaces in the lot will be public parking for a public kayak launch located on the transient dock. No marina patrons will be allowed to park in public spaces.
A new building will include a small marina office, plus private restrooms and showers for marina patrons. Separate public restrooms will also be available in the building. A “for fee” washer and dryer will be provided, plus vending machines and ice.
Electrical service will be provided on a charge-back basis. Water service will be provided at no additional cost, as will wireless internet. A pump out station will be provided.
Available slip sizes
30’ slip – 0 available (Please note slips were first made available to WMPA as stipulated by a 2005 court agreement; currently 8 of the 15 are reserved at market rate by WMPA. More info can be found below).
40’ slip – 6 available
75’ slip – 1 available
Mooring – 2 available
To enter into the 2019 Marina Slip Lottery, complete the online application by August 2 at 11:59 pm. Drawings will be made on August 3.
